Chapter XXXI · THE BULGARIANS OF EUROPEAN TURKEY.—1857-1862.
Reading edition
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 Cooeperation.—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.