A History of Protestant missions in the near East

164 History of Protestant Missions in the Near East
hospital was opened. In addition they undertook educational
work, in which, however, they were much hampered by the
Turkish authorities. The success of the mission was so small
that, in 1907, the home committee of the society, failing to
obtain sufficient financial support, seriously thought of abandoning
the station. But it now became evident what real
appreciation of the work existed among the suspicious and
stolid Muhammadans, for an urgent and appreciative petition
was sent to the London office. The work is accordingly to
be continued for the present.
In Bagdad in 1834, Antony Groves, a rich English dentist,
together with several friends, began a mission among the
Muhammadans, but did not long persevere in the work.
Fifty years later the Church Missionary Society missionary,
Dr. Bruce, at that time in Persia, drew attention to Bagdad
and the holy places of the Persian Shiites, such as Nejef
and Kerbela, and showed how effective preparatory work
could be done for the isolated Persian Mission, if the numerous
Persian pilgrims were provided with the Bible. The Church
Missionary Society thereupon occupied Bagdad in 1882. But
the pilgrims proved unapproachable and even hostile, so that
the missionaries stationed in Bagdad turned to the native
Turko-Arabian population, endeavouring to win their confidence
by affording medical aid. The medical missionary
Dr. H. M. Sutton was stationed there in 1886. But it is
stony ground, and the prospect of a harvest is still small.
6. Protestant Missions Among the Greeks, the
Bulgarians, and the Turks
a) Missions among the Greeks. We have already mentioned
the work of the Church Missionary Society in Malta and
Syra (p. 94ff.).
War of Independence by
In the years 1821 to 1829 occurred the romantic
which Greece freed herself from
Turkey. This unequal struggle was keenly watched by
Europe and America, the victors being warmly applauded.
It seemed as if the period of the Persian wars of olden times