1843.] and the Abyssinian Church. 715 



The intelligence of his safe arrival, and of the gracious reception of 

 the presents again roused the ardent spirit of the order of Jesus, and 

 Peter Pays was quickly ransomed from the Arabs, and despatched with 

 a full train of priests to Ethiopia, where he arrived in September of 

 the year 1603. 



Superior in every respect to his predecessors, this Missionary instead 

 of attempting to carry his measures by force and overbearing insolence, 

 sought the softer path of insinuation ; and whilst his extensive know- 

 ledge and plausible address proved strong recommendations in his 

 favor, many circumstances also conspired to forward his views. The 

 country was in a most unsettled state, and the assistance of a few Por- 

 tuguese troops could turn the scale of war. The condition of the 

 Church was low and miserable. Eight years of incessant strife and 

 distraction had crushed the very name of learning and literature. Few 

 persons were to be found, who could read, write, or dispute. Ignorant 

 and unworthy men filled every sacred office, and the ancient stout defen- 

 ders of the Alexandrian faith, had been swept away on the battle field. 



Amidst wars and rumours of wars, Peter quietly settled with his 

 followers at Maignagna. Schools were opened, and the wonder ran 

 through the land, that youths of tender age could refute the most 

 learned sages of the wilderness of Walpayet. The curiosity of Za 

 Denghel, the temporary occupant of the throne was excited, and Peter 

 with his erudite pupils was summoned to the court. 



Prompted by the hope of obtaining assistance from Portugal, this 

 weak prince, under an oath of secrecy, immediately embraced the 

 religion of his guest. But his time was fully occupied in the more 

 worldly object of strengthening himself upon a throne, to which he had 

 been elevated by his evil genius, and the falling away from the faith of 

 his forefathers being at length whispered abroad, a rebellion broke over 

 his devoted head. 



The approaching storm having been perceived by the monk, he with- 

 drew from court before the burst of a revolution, which for some time 

 crushed his every hope of success. The emperor was slain, new aspi- 

 rants strove for the ascendancy, and war reigned for a season throughout 

 the entire land. 



Confident in the near approach of the Portuguese troops which had been 

 requested when Sylva carried to India the tidings of the first conversion ; 



