Indeed, in
the whole of the Blue Book from which I have quoted, there is only one
reference to the Shazlis, and that is in a letter which Burton addressed
to Sir Henry Elliot on the revival of Christianity among them. Miss
Stisted says that Burton was as likely to assist in increasing the number
of the Syrian Christians, "of whom he had the lowest opinion," "as to
join in a Shakers' dance." Yet in this letter to his official chief
Burton dwells at length on the revival of Christianity in Syria, and
calls attention to the persecution and increasing number of the converted
Shazlis, and asks for instructions as to what he is to do. "The
revival," he says, "is progressing," and "this persecution," and he
regards it in the "gravest Light."[10] Also in a special letter to
the Protestant missionaries Burton writes:
"Meanwhile I take the liberty of recommending to your prudent
consideration the present critical state of affairs in Syria. A movement
which cannot but be characterized as a revival of Christianity in the
land of its birth seems to have resulted from the measure adopted by
the authorities and from the spirit of inquiry which your missions
have awakened in the breasts of the people. The new converts are now
numbered by thousands: men of rank are enrolling themselves on the
lists, and proselytizing has extended even to the Turkish soldiery."[11]
All this bears out Isabel's statement that her husband was interested in
the Shazlis; but, all the same, it does not enter into the question of
the recall.
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