WIFE AND DAUGHTER OF THE AUTHOR.
Two weeks after Daniel's graduation he was elected instructor in the high school for three years. Each year he had a week of revival meetings which was very fruitful in the conversion of many students. Nearly one hundred students were graduates under him in high school. In 1885 Daniel was married to Miss Sarah George, a young lady graduate of the Ladies' Seminary, whose mother was instructor in this seminary for seven years. In 1886 was offered to him the chair of Ancient Syriac in Oroomiah College which he occupied for seven years. His many friends rejoiced with him in his call to this higher and wider field of labor. When he moved to college Mrs. Daniel was very ambitious for his success in College. She said, "I like to tell you I want you to teach your studies better than any professor in the college; I want you to devote all your time to your work; I want you to be a shining example to all students; I want you to love all students as your brothers; I want you to respect yourself. Be kind to all students, let our home be as their homes. I want you to preach the best sermons, then you will be the crown of my head and I will love you as the pupil of my eyes." This was a very hard charge and very precious work, but it proved for Daniel very precious jewels. Mrs. Daniel is one of the most intelligent ladies of Persia. For the first three years he went to bed always at eleven o'clock and taught each week twenty-six studies. Three times a week he conducted gospel meetings and each alternate Sabbath conducted Sabbath-school. He was a leader of the college church, secretary of Board of Education, Superintendent and Quester of County schools. The testimony of Faculty and Board of Education was that he taught ancient Syriac better than any of his predecessors. Daniel was the youngest member of the Faculty. He had students ten years older than himself but they all loved him as their brother. Sometimes he would spend as much as two hours a night talking and praying with individual students. Four months of winter for several years he was visitor of the county schools. Besides this he worked in revival meetings during one week in his own church. While working with the pastor he preached twice each day and forty-two persons were converted. When he was leaving town all elders, deacons and other prominent men escorted him a long distance with much gratitude. His piety and integrity were taken as an example by Christian and un-christian.
LIFE OF MOOSHI G. DANIEL IN AMERICA.
CHURCH, SCHOOL AND CLASS.
On the first of October 1895 I entered McCormick Seminary. Immediately feeling the need of identifying myself with the church I accordingly became a member of the Church of the Covenant, Dr. W. S. Plummer Bryan, pastor. It is impossible to set down in words the comfort, encouragement and assistance that has come to me through this relation. Dr. Bryan has been to me a steadfast and faithful friend. His sermons have been to me a continual source of instruction in things spiritual and divine. Many of them have left a lasting impression upon my mind. One I remember with great distinctness. It was upon the last seven words of Christ, so real and vivid did the scene appear that the whole of that mournful tragedy was enacted before my eyes. Concerning the Church of the Covenant I can say with David, "If I forget thee, Oh Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." Even though I were on the other side of the globe, I will not forget the kindness of the church and its pastor.
Naturally my life at the seminary at first was lonesome; but as soon as I became acquainted with professors and students the seminary became a home to me much prized and enjoyed. From my studies I derived much pleasure. Systematic Theology was to me a continual banquet of delicacies. In Pastoral Theology and Homiletics I was inspired with the high and sacred duties of the Christian ministry.
By the study of Greek Exegesis I was taught the invaluable benefit that comes from close attention to the original texts and manuscripts which are the source of interpretation in the study of New Testament Greek. In Old and New Testament literature belief in inspiration was reinforced and fortified. The whole scheme of the Christian religion was to me rendered plain and reasonable.
MY CLASS.
The class of 1897 is unique and original among all the classes graduated from McCormick Seminary. It was said by one in position to know, that it was perhaps the strongest class ever sent out from the Seminary. This was evidenced by the character of the orations delivered at the Graduating Exercises. Among this class are many who will be adorned by degrees and honorary titles. All, I hope, will meet with much success in winning souls to Christ.