Dissenting Board arrogate to labour among the eastern Christians, is as ludicrous as it is presumptuous, and savours much more of exclusiveness, which they are so fond of attributing to us, than any measures yet undertaken by the Church of England for the benefit of the ancient communities in these parts. Take for instance the following extract from their report for the year ending September, 1841, in which the right of the English to labour among the Nestorians is more than called in question:
"Not long after Dr. Grant's second visit to the Independent Nestorians, the Patriarch was visited by Dr. Ainsworth, agent of the English Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, accompanied by Mr. Rassam, who is of Nestorian origin, and now English Vice-Consul at Mosul. Dr. Ainsworth was understood by the Patriarch to offer, in behalf of the English National Church, to establish schools among them, and to aid them in other ways; but the Committee have not seen his own report of the matter. The Committee have been assured, however, on competent authority, that it is not the intention of their English brethren to attempt a mission among the Nestorians. Some consequences have resulted from this partial interference, that of course were not anticipated by Dr. Ainsworth and his associate, but which show the importance of carefully avoiding whatever would tend to awaken the thought among the Nestorian ecclesiastics, that there are rival Protestant sects and interests, upon which they may practise for the private gratification of avaricious desires."
Nor is this the only instance in which our right to labour for the benefit of the Oriental Christians, as our own Church may deem most fit, is called in question by the same body. The establishment of an Anglican Bishopric at Jerusalem is thus commented upon by Dr. Anderson their secretary: "This mission, [to Syria,] Dr. Anderson stated, is threatened with expulsion from the country by the influence of a spirit which threatens all evangelical Churches. From one of its most conspicuous manifestations it is called Puseyism; but it is found in all Protestant sects. Its object is to extend the power of The Church. It treats the establishment and extension of church power as the end to be attained, and is therefore directly at war with the true missionary spirit, which makes the publication of Gospel truth
