Page 268 - Neglected Arabia Vol 2

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XKGLECTliP ARAlilA 15

ji»r work and play. Tin* year's enrolment was 50, with an average aih nd-
auce <>l 31. Three young sheikhs arc* the* latest recruits among tlu: pupils.
Basrah boys’ school began the year with a full stall' and a rapidly ;
tilling school, until by January the numbers had reached 2«St). Mr. Van Kss !
says: "Perhaps the most rewarding experience of all was the realization
of how keen the spiritual perception of the boys bad become, as was
evinced by their truly Christian view of the tragedy that befell us. There
was shown then a tenderness of feeling, a consideration and an earnestness
which seem to have pervaded the school ever since. Mr. Bilkert’s place
as a teacher was impossible to till, and will remain so until arrangements
can be made whereby another missionary shall become available for assist­
ing in giving Bible instruction. The Bible study courses were supple­
mented this year by the reading of Pilgrim’s Progress, Holy War, Ben
llur, the Christ of the Indian Road, the Meaning of Prayer, and similar
books, as well as by purity and teni|>erance literature. The forums held
lor the highest classes gave clear evidence that much of the old spirit of
bigotry has disappeared and that indeed the boys are feeling after some-
tiling real. There is a considerable amount of agnosticism llauuled among
the young men of the city, and we hear echoes of it on every side. While
oil the subject of religious instruction 1 wish to emphasize the value of
Mr. Kssebagger’s Sunday morning classes. About 20, among whom were
a large number of Moslem boys, petitioned him on the public bulletin
board for the classes to be held. The text-book was the Manhood of the
Master, hymns were sung, and many of the Moslem boys voluntarily took
part in the prayers that ensued. Mr. Bilkert and I had planned a series of
round-table conferences, the first of which was to have been held <luring
die very week of nis death. Under the name (if the Bilkert Memorial
Circle, monthly conferences have been held since June. Those present
consisted of five Moslems, five Jews, and live Christians, all graduates of
the school. Some of the subjects treated have been: Does the world need a
new religion? Why were we created? young men’s temptations: the condi­
tion of the depressed classes, cause and cure therefor; and similar topics.
I was exceedingly gratified at their adequate treatment of the subjects,
their mental hospitality to new ideas, the evidence that they continue to
read and think, and most of all at the fact that in almost every case their
solutions to the problems involved are distinctly Christian. \ plan to begin
other circles for young men of various types of mind. In April, seven
boys were graduated from the High school, four Moslems and three
Christians, all of whom at once found suitable employment, save two, one
i of whom, a Moslem, entered Hope college, and the other, a Christian,
entered a school at Brumana, Syria. At present five of our ex-studeuls
are attending Hope College. Twenty boys were in our hoarding depart­
ment. ten of whom belonged to families of prominent sheikhs.
Basrah Girls’ School.—The staff was strengthened by the appointment
of Miss I)e Young at the completion of her language work. The great
j interest and joy uf the year was to watch the progress of the new buildings.
Miss Rachel Jackson reports: “The Jubilee Buildings, the house and
school, are located in a beautiful garden in Basrah city. Although people
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now think the compound is on the outskirts of the city, they will, in a few
years, when that part of the city is built up. recognize our foresight in

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