He also requested a New Testament in the ancient and modern Syriac, for his village, which we sent to him." In August, 1851, Mr.Coan, accompanied by Priest Dunka and Deacons John and Khamis, visited the districts of Jeloo, Bass, Tekhoma, Tiary, and Diss, and discoursed to more than four thousand persons.
A part of this ground had never been trod before by a missionary.
The ecclesiastics were, as usual, the greatest opposers, but there were two pleasing exceptions.

In Alsan, a village of five hundred souls, there was one priest who, at first, seemed reserved, but as his prejudices were removed, he became, with his people, an attentive listener.

The missionaries tarried four or five hours, preaching the Word to the hungry multitude.

The people, in little companies, conversed about what they had heard, and publicly upbraided their priest for letting them remain in such ignorance.

He made humble confession, and expressed a desire to send his little boy, a bright looking lad, to Oroomiah for instruction.