THE BARS OF PERSIA.

Press, Volume XIX, Issue 2707, 3 January 1872, Page 3

THE BARS OF PERSIA.

The indignation of European Christendom is at the present moment aroused at the persecution which is Koin<j on among ihe sect that is known as the '• Mabs of Persia," at (he hands of the Turkish Government. Dr Ch.ipliii has published recently an account of the rise and progress of tlics ■ people, who are said to number 70,000 or KO.OOO secret members in Persia alone, and in all upwards of 200,000. The sect have their origin in ihe Metawely of Persia, stated to be the most bigoted and fanatical of all the followers of Mahomet. About thirty years ago some of the most intelligent in their midst procured some copies of the New Testament in the Arabic language, and devoted themselves to the study of its contents. The most curious result was that though they accepted the truth of its doctrines, they dill notaltogetherabandontheirfatth in Mahomet, but thought they could reconcile the hitherto antagonistic creeds of Islam and Christianity. At this stage 20.000 of their adherents were slaughtered, and the founder of this combination, Beyheyah Allah, took refuge with a small baud of followers at Bagdad. Here he continued to hold so much influence that he was sent from one fortress to another, in which place of confinement Dr Chaplin had an opportunity nf seeing them. He describes his interview with the renowned leader, who, he says, does not readily admit any visitors to an audience, except such as require the teaching of his doctrines. He was received by his son, described to be about thirty years old, "with a five intellectual countenance, black hair and beard, and that sallow melaucholy look which distinguishes nearly all Persians of the intelligent and religious class." On being told that people in England would naturally be anxious to know their origin, with some reluctance he gave Dr Chaplin the required information. He commenced by inquiring " Why did not the Jews, who at the time of our Lord's advent, were in expectation of the Messiah, believe in him ? On being told that they misunderstood the Scriptures, he asked whether the Christians of the present day did not themselves misunderstand the Scriptures, intimating that his father was the true exponent of them. Dr Chaplin subsequently learnt that it was believed that Beyheyah Allah was the angel spoken of in the first verse of the 18th chapter of the Revelations. He further ascertained that their fundamental doctrines were that Christ is the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world ; that he died and rose again ; that justification is by faith in Him. That the new birth is necessary to salvation, and good works as an evidence of it; and that the Holy Spirit operating upon the heart produced the new birth. They believe that Christ will return, but spiritually. They have no priests or baptism, and circumcision, though practised among them, is not essential. Such are the doctrines that this sect is said to hold from the simple study of the Scriptures. When persecuted, they are said neither to fight nor to resist, but are ready to die for their opinions. Between seventy or eighty share the exile of their leader, and are allowed liberty within the walls of the city, Beyheyah alone being confined to his house. 1 hey are allowed 5d a day per man by the Turkish Government, and it is now fifteen years since they left their native country. Dr Chaplin asks whether this progress of enlightmeut among Mahomedan races is to be be stopped by the rude hand of persecution and massacre. From what he could learn they lend pure mid harmless lives, and hold no pol.tical opinions which could render them dangerous, aud the enlightment which they have received appeared to be their only crime. Their religion has received the name of Bub el Huk. which signifies "the door of truth," and from this name this extraordinary sect has been called '• The Babs of Persia."