are contending here, whether it be a proper thing to convert the Hindoos, they will go on extending the bounds of their churches, keeping their Jubilees, and enjoying the blessings of the Gospel. While we are disputing here, whether the faith of Christ can save the heathens, the Gospel hath gone forth "for the healing of the nations." A congregation of Hindoos will assemble on the morning of the Sabbath, under the shade of a Banian tree, not one of whom, perhaps, ever heard of Great Britain, even by name. There the Holy Bible is opened; the word of Christ is preached with eloquence and zeal; the affections are excited; the voice of prayer and praise is lifted up; and He who hath promised his presence," when two or "three are gathered together in his name, is "there in the midst of them to bless them," according to his word. These scenes I myself have witnessed; and it is in reference to them in particular I can say, "We have

Q

seen his Star in the East, and are come to

worship him."

Thus far we have spoken of the success of the Gospel in Asia, by means of European preachers. But we shall now exhibit to you evidence from another source, from a new and unexpected quarter. We are now to declare what has been done, independently of our exertions, and in regions where we have no labourers, and no access. And this I do to show you, that whether we assist in the work or not, it is God's will that it should begin. You have hitherto been contemplating the Light in India. We are now to announce to you, that a Light hath appeared in Arabia, and dawned, as it were, on the Temple of Mecca itself.

Two Mahometans of Arabia, persons of distinction in their own country, have been lately converted to the Christian faith.

One of them has already suffered martyrdom. The other is now engaged in translating the Scriptures, and in concerting plans for the conversion of his countrymen. The name of the martyr is Abdallah ;* and the name of the other, who is now translating the Scriptures, is Sabat; or, as he is called since his Christian baptism, Nathanael Sabat. Sabat resided in my house some time before I left India, and I had from his own mouth the chief part of the account which I shall now give to you. Some particulars I had from others. His conversion took place after the martyrdom of Abdallah," to whose death he was consenting;" and he related the circumstances to me with many tears.

Abdallah and Sabat were intimate friends, and being young men of family in Arabia, they agreed to travel together, and

* The word Abdallah is the same as Abdiel; and signifies the "Servant of God."

They were both

to visit foreign countries. zealous Mahometans. Sabat is son of Ibrahim Sabat, a noble family of the line of Beni-Sabat, who trace their pedigree to Mahomet. The two friends left Arabia, after paying their adorations at the tomb of their prophet, and travelled through Persia, and thence to Cabul. Abdallah was appointed to an office of state under Zemaun Shah, King of Cabul; and Sabat left him there, and proceeded on a tour through Tartary.

While Abdallah remained at Cabul, he was converted to the Christian faith by the perusal of a Bible (as is supposed) belonging to a Christian from Armenia, then residing at Cabul.* In the Mahometan states, it is death for a man of rank to become a Christian. Abdallah endeavoured for a time to conceal his conversion; but finding it no

* The Armenian Christians in Persia have among them a few copies of the Arabic Bible.

longer possible, he determined to flee to some of the Christian churches near the Caspian Sea. He accordingly left Cabul in disguise, and had gained the great city of Bochara, in Tartary, when he was met in the streets of that city by his friend Sabat, who immediately recognised him. Sabat had heard of his conversion and flight, and was filled with indignation at his conduct. Abdallah knew his danger, and threw himself at the feet of Sabat. He confessed that he was a Christian, and implored him, by the sacred tie of their former friendship, to let him escape with his life. "But, Sir," said Sabat, when relating the story himself, "I had no pity, I caused my servants "to seize him, and I delivered him up to "Morad Shah, King of Bochara. He was "sentenced to die, and a herald went

through the city of Bochara, announcing "the time of his execution. An immense "multitude attended, and the chief men of