dangerous spirit of antagonism and indignation would be immediately roused. All we can do is to try to excite Moslems to think more earnestly, and to endeavor to awaken in their minds the spirit of truth, by which they may be led to condemn all those customs and practices which are at variance with it, but which no mere words of ours will ever induce them to abandon. Indeed, they will probably be adhered to more obstinately than ever, if arguments be raised against them. "Overcome evil with good."
Missionaries, in the common acceptation of the word, would find it very difficult to obtain access to harems. I do not refer to men, for they, of course, could not enter. I am thinking of the persevering, enterprising, and talented Sisters of Mercy—who are now established in many parts of Syria in Latin convents, studying Arabic—and of the devoted wives of Protestant missionaries. But if they gain admittance they will certainly find that they will make no impression by teaching creeds or doctrines, or by trying to prove that Christianity is true, and Islamism is false—that the Bible is a Divine revelation, and the Koran a forgery—that Christ is the Son of God, and that Mohammed is an impostor. This would not touch the hearts, nor reach the minds of the matter-of-fact Moslem women; but any one who will help really to elevate them and reform their homes, will be helping indirectly to strengthen and confirm Turkey as a nation, for the men will be more vigorous and noble-hearted when the women are made free.
On the 13th of December, just a week after the birth of my little Miriam, I visited the harem of Saleh Bek again. I found it crowded with guests, for it was one of the days of congratulation. I heard the sounds of the tambourine and the voices of the singing women before I entered. When I was announced, there was comparative silence for a minute or two, and the women and girls made way for me, that I might approach Helweh. She was sitting up in a cushioned corner. She looked delicate, but prettier than ever, and was very gayly dressed. She had a rosebud and
