to the Class of 1897 of McCormick Theological Seminary, this volume is respectfully dedicated by the author. PREFACE. The author, in spending four years in America, has come in contact with different classes of people who have raised serious questions concerning modern Persia. Those who are interested in politics and government, have asked: Is modern Persia a province of Turkey? Is it as large as the state of Michigan? Is the king still absolute as in ancient times? Have the laws of the Medes an