Life of REV. Justin Perkins, D. D.; Pioneer Missionary to Persia

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1887. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI. FINAL RETURN TO AMERICA, AND DEATH. ABOUT the first of June, 1869, Dr. Perkins accompanied by several members of missionary families returned to the United States. Though reluctant to leave his chosen field, he yet felt constrained to take this step, partly through failing health and partly through a strong desire again to meet the loved ones of his own household. When crossing the lofty mountains near the Black Sea, the party encountered storms. As the result of these exposures, Dr. Perkins took a severe cold. A difficulty connected with his liver was thus aggravated. He was, however, enabled to proceed on the way and to exercise a general care not only for himself but the ladies and children of the party. On reaching Constantinople, all rested for a few clays. There Dr. Perkins revived many pleasant memories with the late Dr. W. G. Schauffler and others. The voyage to Marseilles was comfortably performed. In going, however, from that city to Paris, a long ride in the cars, Dr. Perkins suffered much pain and weariness. A dropsical tendency was developed in connection with the disease from which he had already suffered. On reaching Paris, he found his feet had swollen so much as to necessitate cutting his boots in order to remove them. From Paris to Liverpool, he was quite dependent on the care of others. The journey was per. formed by slow and easy stages. Some of the time he was better, and was able to meet a number of friends in England. As soon as practicable, passage was taken by steamship from Liverpool to New York. On the voyage his symptoms became more alarming, accompanied with increase of pain. His death was hourly expected, yet through the prevalence of earnest prayer offered by a large number of the passengers, as well as the kind and con...