Modern Persia | Page 4

three years he went to bed
always at eleven o'clock and taught each week twenty-six studies.
Three times a week he conducted gospel meetings and each alternate
Sabbath conducted Sabbath-school. He was a leader of the college
church, secretary of Board of Education, Superintendent and Quester of
County schools. The testimony of Faculty and Board of Education was
that he taught ancient Syriac better than any of his predecessors. Daniel
was the youngest member of the Faculty. He had students ten years
older than himself but they all loved him as their brother. Sometimes he
would spend as much as two hours a night talking and praying with
individual students. Four months of winter for several years he was
visitor of the county schools. Besides this he worked in revival

meetings during one week in his own church. While working with the
pastor he preached twice each day and forty-two persons were
converted. When he was leaving town all elders, deacons and other
prominent men escorted him a long distance with much gratitude. His
piety and integrity were taken as an example by Christian and
un-christian.

LIFE OF MOOSHI G. DANIEL IN AMERICA.
CHURCH, SCHOOL AND CLASS.
On the first of October 1895 I entered McCormick Seminary.
Immediately feeling the need of identifying myself with the church I
accordingly became a member of the Church of the Covenant, Dr. W. S.
Plummer Bryan, pastor. It is impossible to set down in words the
comfort, encouragement and assistance that has come to me through
this relation. Dr. Bryan has been to me a steadfast and faithful friend.
His sermons have been to me a continual source of instruction in things
spiritual and divine. Many of them have left a lasting impression upon
my mind. One I remember with great distinctness. It was upon the last
seven words of Christ, so real and vivid did the scene appear that the
whole of that mournful tragedy was enacted before my eyes.
Concerning the Church of the Covenant I can say with David, "If I
forget thee, Oh Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do
not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I
prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." Even though I were on the
other side of the globe, I will not forget the kindness of the church and
its pastor.
Naturally my life at the seminary at first was lonesome; but as soon as I
became acquainted with professors and students the seminary became a
home to me much prized and enjoyed. From my studies I derived much
pleasure. Systematic Theology was to me a continual banquet of
delicacies. In Pastoral Theology and Homiletics I was inspired with the
high and sacred duties of the Christian ministry.

By the study of Greek Exegesis I was taught the invaluable benefit that
comes from close attention to the original texts and manuscripts which
are the source of interpretation in the study of New Testament Greek.
In Old and New Testament literature belief in inspiration was
reinforced and fortified. The whole scheme of the Christian religion
was to me rendered plain and reasonable.
MY CLASS.
The class of 1897 is unique and original among all the classes
graduated from McCormick Seminary. It was said by one in position to
know, that it was perhaps the strongest class ever sent out from the
Seminary. This was evidenced by the character of the orations
delivered at the Graduating Exercises. Among this class are many who
will be adorned by degrees and honorary titles. All, I hope, will meet
with much success in winning souls to Christ.
In personal appearance there are among them princes and lords; but one
thing made me sorry every time I looked upon their faces, namely that
so many shaved their mustaches. My advice to all of them is to raise
mustaches, and not appear like girls, but as princes. Some of them had
such long and difficult names that I could not pronounce them, but a
few had very easy names, for instance Mr. McGaughey, which means
in Persian Language, "don't say so," a phrase used by young girls. Mr.
Earhart which means in ancient Syriac, "I will run." Mr. Ross in Arabic
means "head." My class was very loving and kind to us two Persians.
Every time we made good recitations in classes, they were gladder than
we were, and when we failed they became even more sorry than we. I
remember once failing in my recitation, and after class Mr. Earhart
came into my room to comfort me. The memories of my class are to me
like sweet spices, and will be cherished by me everywhere I go.

INTRODUCTION.
This book is by a native who knows at