These evils result largely from the utter absorption of all devout Moslems in their creed and ritual.

Texts from the Koran guide their conduct; and all else is decided by fatalism, which is very often a mere excuse for doing nothing[86].

Consequently all movements for reform are mere ripples on the surface of Turkish life; they never touch its dull depths; and the Sultan and officials, knowing this, cling to the old ways with full confidence.

The protests of Christian nations on behalf of their co-religionists are therefore met with a polite compliance which means nothing.

Time after time the Sublime Porte has most solemnly promised to grant religious liberty to its Christian subjects; but the promises were but empty air, and those who made them knew it.