increase; for he now began in earnest the study
of the Bible and of his own heart, and made constant progress in the
knowledge of both. At length he became a protestant in faith, and, as
there is reason to believe, a truly pious man. Immediately he commenced
reformer; and though young, his matured judgment, his vigorous
intellect, his intrepidity, and his acquisitions, great for his age and
his nation, soon drew towards him the general attention.

_Visits his Relations._

On the 12th of November, 1825,--says Mr. Bird--Shidiak received a letter
from the patriarch, in which he threatens him, with his brother Tannoos
and another Maronite youth, with immediate excommunication, unless they
cease from all connexion with the Bible-men.

15. After mature deliberation it was thought advisable, for the present,
that he should go home to his friends in Hadet, until the fever of alarm
and opposition should subside a little.

_His return to Mr. Bird._

_Dec. 12._ Shidiak returned, after nearly a month's absence, to continue
with me for a year, risking whatever obloquy and violence might come
upon him. He has just been obliged to give up an advantageous contract
of marriage, into which he had some months ago entered, because, since
suspicions were afloat that he is heretical in his notions, the father
of the girl required him to bring a letter from the patriarch,
specifying what office he would give him. He now gives up all intentions
of marriage. For his greater security, I am to procure for him the usual
written protection of the English consul, which shall insure to him,
while in my immediate employ, all the safety and liberty of an English
resident.

_Progress of His Opinions._

13. Spent most of the day in conversation with Asaad on the subject of
religion. He had lately been much in company with the emir Sulman, and
observed, that his prejudices against christianity were evidently much
softened.

14. Conversed with Asaad on the books of the Apocrypha.[E] He seemed
satisfied with the proofs that they were not given by inspiration of
God. He is now searching the scriptures with such an intensity of
interest, as to leave him neither time nor relish for any thing else.

We have a copy of the Arabic bible, printed at Rome, at the end of which
is an appendix which he has discovered to contain a copious list of
popish doctrines, with their appropriate references to scripture proofs.
These proofs he has found so weak,