This led to a long and earnest conversation.

The next day, July 4, the people gave in their reply; which was, that they would yield entirely to the judgment of the missionaries, who might admit them to the rites of the church when they thought them qualified.
On Sabbath, July 14, it being certain that the people of Zahleh were coming, the Protestants assembled in the house of the missionary, to enter into a solemn covenant to stand by each other to the last.
After the service, they drew up an engagement in the following terms: "We, whose names are hereto subscribed, do covenant together before God and this assembly, and pledge ourselves upon the holy Gospel, that we will remain leagued together in one faith; that we will not forsake this faith, nor shall any separate us from each other while we are in this world; and that we will be of one hand and one heart in the worship of God, according to the doctrines of the Gospel.

In God is our help." The covenant was taken by them separately, each one standing by the table, and laying his hand upon the Bible as it was read to him.

Sixty-eight names were subscribed on the spot; and the number was increased next day to seventy-six, all of them adult males.
"The affecting solemnity of this scene," writes Mr.Smith, "I leave you to imagine.

I have been many years a missionary, and have witnessed a great variety of heart-thrilling events, but this is one of the last that I shall ever forget.