CHAPTER XXXI

. THE BULGARIANS OF EUROPEAN TURKEY.--1857-1862.

The Geographical Position.--Moslem Population.--The Bulgarians. --Their Origin and Early History.--Their Conversion to Christianity.--Their Ecclesiastical Relations.--Their Aversion to the Greek Hierarchy.--Danger from the Papacy.--Seasonable Intervention of Protestantism.--Their Struggle with the Greek Patriarch.--First Exploration of Roumelia, and Dr. Hamlin's Report.--The Result.--Division of the Bulgarian Field between Methodist Missionaries and those of the American Board.--Friendly Coöperation.--Report of a Tour by Mr. Bliss.--Commencement of the Bulgarian Mission.--Papal Opposition.--The Mission enlarged.--The Accessible Population.--Desire for Education.--Readiness to receive the New Testament.--Church formed at Adrianople.--Labors of Mr. Meriam.

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