The Persian government at length became somewhat alarmed by these proceedings, and the English Consul, Mr.Abbott, having demanded the official interference of the authorities at Tabriz, measures were adopted promising some degree of relief to the oppressed and therefore discontented Nestorians.
I have passed in silence, for the most part, the long series of efforts by the Persian government to embarrass the mission, since they appear to have been generally prompted by bribes from emissaries of the Papal Church, and proved strangely inoperative.
Another interesting revival of religion occurred in the two seminaries in February, 1862.

It seems to have been marked rather by an increase of grace in the church-members, than by the number of converts.

The first months of 1863 and 1864 were also distinguished by special religious interest, extending to many of the villages on the plain.
On Sabbath morning, December 6, 1863, the good old Mar Elias died, more than four score years of age.

Until within a week of his death, he was accustomed to walk to town to attend the monthly concert, a distance of five miles, and for many years he had visited the villages of his diocese on foot.

He was sick only three days, and his mind was clear.