General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1

IN ASIATIC TURKEY

(Outline of Discourse by Elder H. P. Holser, in College Chapel, Sabbath, March 2.) GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.2

DURING the past year Elder Holser has traveled over much of the territory which formed the scene of Paul’s labors. Starting from Constantinople, the trip around the coast of Asia Minor was described. From Troas, where Paul saw the vision, and heard the call, “Come over into Macedonia, and help,” it was observed that Macedonia could be seen across the water. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.3

The island of Patmos was passed. It is a barren, rocky island. The prophet could see from that lone isle a large part of the coast of the country where the churches of Asia were located. The island now has a population of about 4000. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.4

The island of Cyprus was visited. It once had a population of nearly two million. The butchery of the Turks almost depopulated it when it was under their dominion. It is now in possession of the British. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.5

From Cyprus, Cilicia was visited. Landing was made at Celunia. There is no harbor. The little boats came out in great numbers to get the passengers, who were met on the pier by officers. One word expresses the condition of that people — “rags.” There was one quite well-dressed passenger - an Armenian - who was subjected to an exceedingly thorough search. Brother Baharian was with Elder Holser, and the officers took their Bibles, and kept them, in spite of protests. Then they took their papers. Brother Holser tried very hard also to save his Bible. All scraps of paper were taken. Even the pockets were searched. It did little good to protest. The secret of it was, they wanted money. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.6

Before leaving, they decided to go and see the chief officer. On the way an American asked if Brother Holser was an American. When he found where they were going, he went with them. The officer treated them very kindly, and promised that their Bibles should be returned when examined. They were compelled to leave without them, however, and Brother Holser could obtain none in which to read, so his Bible work there had to be done from memory. He was forcibly reminded of the time when our Bibles will be taken from us, which time cannot be very far away. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.7

The home of Brother Baharian, in Cilicia, was visited. He had not been there for years. Group after group of people came to visit him, being his old friends and neighbors, and were very glad to see him. It was noted that instead of taking the time to talk over “old times,” as one might expect, Brother Baharian began to teach them the precious message which is so dear to him. The people kept coming, and throughout almost the whole day they were being told the glad message of salvation. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.8

Tarsus, the city of Paul’s birth, was visited. There is here a school established by an Armenian who has visited America. At present the school is open to all denominations. Brother Baharian was acquainted with some of the students, and stayed at the place some time, and held quite a number of Bible readings with some of the pupils. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.9

At Adana is a bridge that, it is alleged, dates from the time of Alexander. The Presbyterians have a mission established near here for a certain class of heathen that pass for Mohammedans, but are not. They claim to be the people driven out of Canaan by the Israelites. A settlement of these people was visited. Tent-making is an industry of the place. The tents are made of goats’ hair. It is woven of the hair, which is dark gray. The same material is used for carpets and for sackcloth. The people who use it can well understand the expression that the sun became “black as sackcloth of hair.” GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.10

Brother Holser taught the people here. He sat upon a settee, the people upon the floor. They removed their shoes on entering the room, but retained their hats. The manner of eating and the food are peculiar. The bread is made of the whole wheat, rolled as thin as paper, and baked hard. A little water is sprinkled upon it, when it becomes flexible. It is then folded into a spoon-like shape, and is used for dipping up the liquid food; and spoon and all are eaten. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.11

On leaving Cilicia, Elder Holser and Brother Baharian returned to the custom-house to regain their Bibles. They found them on the window-sill, just where they had been laid when they were there before. The officer took their Bibles, and went with them to the pier, and when they had stepped off the pier into the little boat, the officer handed over the Bibles. They seemed to regard those books as something dangerous. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.12

The common people have great regard for the word of God. When God says anything, that is the end of controversy. The great need is laborers. Brother Baharian is alone. There are at least five centers where an interest is awakened, and should be followed up at once, that here upon this field where the first missionary work was done, the latter rain may be poured out even as was the former rain. GCB March 4, 1895, page 458.13