The Ali Illahees (or Nusairys) and Babees of Persia

About: This remarkably sympathetic account of the Babi Faith by an American Protestant missionary residing in "Oroomiah," establishes "Bâbism's" independence from Mohammedanism, offers a detailed account of the martyrdom of Badi ("that occurred last fall at Tehran"), and mentions the "chief of the Bâbees at Acre" Who "had 70,000 men under his orders." The author regards the popularity of the Faith as a harbinger of greater religious toleration in Persia, this boding well for the progress of Christianity in that country. He closes with this challenging statement: "It may be that the blood of Christian martyrs must mingle with that of the disciples of Bâb before Islamism shall sheath its sword, and liberty to confess Christ openly be won in Persia. Be it so. The followers of Christ can ill afford to yield to the adherents of Bâb the honor of superior devotion, or of greater readiness to suffer for the extension of their faith. We most earnestly ask the prayers of all God's people in connection with this deeply interesting and important subject." (from William Collins Bibliography)