Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-05-27
A Talk in the Desert on Religion.

the old world. The continents of Asia and
Africa furnish their full quota of truly novel
and interesting adventures. An American
traveller, having occasion to cross part of the
Arabian Desert, towards the Red Sea, had
quite conversation with his guides, which
he relates, with most pleasing effect, as
follows:
Of course on this journey it was necessary
to have not only guide, but body guard !;
and mine was composed Of eight or nine as
wild and picturesque looking Bedouins as
you would wish to see-true sons of the des-
ert, and Ishmaelites of pure descent; there
could be no doubt about that.
They were faithful to me, however; and it
was pleasant to gallop day after day amidst
this troop, sometimes in silence; sometimes
conversing with the sheik in such Arabic as
l had contrived to pick up. In the heat of
the day we struck our tents, (such tents J and
rested, as we also did at night. Our midday
slumbers were often the most profound and
the most prolonged.
One evening we had encamped as usual
beside a muddy fountain, secured our horses,
lighted fire and drank our coffee. Myguards
were stationed around the fire, smoking and
talking. The shek had advised me of the
probability of a night attack from party of
mauraders, but begged me not to be alarmed,
for my life was precious in his sight, and safe
in his hands; he would defend me to the last
drop of his hearts blood.
l retired to the tent provided for my spec
ial use, but in vain tried to sleep; could not,
80 | arose and drew near the fire.
Ny guards made room for me as / came
near; and seating myself near the sheik, l
lighted my pipe, and looking at the savage
countenances of the ragged fellows around
me, each one of whom was armed with pistols
stuck in his belt, and musket within reach,
wondered what my friends would think, if
at that moment they had seen me.
My presence did not seem to disturb the
guards, but 1 paid little heed to their rapid
conversation, till the sheik, turning suddenly
toward me, exclaimed
"What strange people you Americans are %
"How 500" l asked, "why strange"
"You never fast" said he
"Not often," replied laughing; 'that is
if we can get anything to eat"
My Arab friend laughed too, for that even
ing we had supped sparcely from necessity.
"But it is no part of your religion" said he,
"and don't think you have any religion
you don't pray; you don't give aims; you do
nothing"
This was home thrust, and I felt it.
My conscience reproved me. l had always
carried Bible with me, but had never per-
mitted them to see it. had looked upon
my guard as so bigoted in their faith, and
had considered myself so completely in their
power, that had deemed it prudent to avoid
every topic that might rouse their passions.
In my solitary tent at midday, l had read
from the word of life; but l had concealed
with jealous care from my guards the knowl-
edge that carried about me the Christian
Koran and when at morning and night l
had commended myself in prayer to God my
maker, I had drawn close around me the
curtains of my tent, and whispered low and
fearfully, lest / should be overheard
"God forgive me-" thought, "the rebuke
is not altogether unjust"
My reprover then proceeded to tell me
what their prophet required of them, and
how faithful was their obedience, in matters
of devotion, charity and self-denial; and while
he spoke l lifted up my heart to God, and
sought courage to bear feeble testimony to
his word, even on the desert, amongst Arabs
When the sheik paused, put my hand in
my bosom, and drew out Bible.
81 have a religion" | said, "would you
like to know what my Koran teaches me
on these high matters"
"CertainIy; will you tell us!"
By this time all of my guards had drawed
nearer, and their eyes were fixed on me-
"Listen," said; and opening to the sixth
chapter of Matthew. "You speak of aims
giving" and 1 rendered into Arabic the first
four verses: "Take heed that you do not your
aims before men, to be seen of them," etc.
When I paused and looked up, the dark
countenances around me were glistening, but
not with anger.
"Good!" exclaimed the sheik; "this is very
good; 60 on"
gathered courage, and read again: "And
when thou prayest," etc. translated as |
read to the fifteenth verse. Again / looked
around me.
"Bismilah! but this is wonderful! won
derfulW exclaimed one to another, stroking
down their black boards; "wonderfulp and
every harsh, forbidding feature was softened
down to quiet, calm attention.