I beg you to pray to God for me, which request I make, also, to all the believers." Several weeks brought no farther direct intelligence, and there were conflicting reports, which awakened apprehension as to his safety.
In the latter part of February, a messenger was sent to obtain accurate knowledge of his situation.

The man saw him at the convent of Alma, and had a short private interview.

Asaad said, that three things were before him; either to be regarded as mad, or to commit sin, or to offer up his life; but he was ready, he said, to go to prison, or to death.

He was engaged in daily controversy with the Patriarch, the Bishop, and others.

The main topics on which he insisted, were the necessity of a spiritual religion in distinction from mere forms, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the absurdity of holding the Pope to be infallible.