The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-03-13
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN
JERUSALEM.
(C0NTINUED.)
BY REV. ]. H BRYsoN.
Bathlaham.

ley OF Achor where Achan was stoned, WHICH
is small depression in the plain through
which the brook Cherith runs after leaving
the mountains, which are about two miles to
tho west. On the site of Gilgal stood
the Jericho of the Gospel history. An old
stone fort, and few miserable mud huts are
all that mark the site of the former cities
Here the Israelites encsmped after they
crossed the Jordan, and they kept it as their
permanent encampment until their armies
had conquered all the land of Canaan. Herr
Jesus had the interview with Zaccheus, and
healed the two blind men who called TO hin
for mercy. About half an hours ride nortt
of this is the site of old Jericho, where are
number of large mounds which have been
opened by Capt. Warren, verifying the 10
calty. Near by is the fountain of 81 Sha,
which he healed on his return from Jordan
TIE water looked 80 clear and beautiful |
kneeled down and took drink, but it Wae
rather warm. The land between Jericho and
the Jordan is quite fertile, being watered BY
this fountain. The mountains which bound
the valley of the Jordan come in very near
to the walls of old Jericho, and they are very
high and precipitous. The bold, rugged
peak just opposite the city is called the
"Mouut Of Temptation" from the tradition
that here the devil tempted Jesus. About
half way up the side is small cave, which
has been inhabited by some Greek monks for
several centuries.
On leaving Jericho we all gathered some
of the "Apples of Sodom" from the bushes
by the wayside, but they will not keep and
had to be thrown away. Just before the road
turns up into the mountains we crossed the
brook Cherith, where Elijah was hid so long
and fed by the ravens. The road, after get
ting nearly up the mountain, winds along the
margin of this ravine for several miles; and
ia some places the ravine is so narrow and
deep that it looks dark at midday. Elijah
had good place to hide, and saw quite
number of ravens there still, and l presume
they can claim legitimate succession. For
most of the ravens saw in Palestine l bad
very kindly feeling. l liked their color.
Their bodies were beautiful Confederate
grey color, but the head, wings and tail were
black as Jet. The road from Jericho to Je-
rusalem runs through the wild, barren range
of mountains which made the wilderness of
Judea. 1t is a fit place for robbers and
thieves, and 1 have no doubt more persons
than the "certain maj" referred to in gospel
history have got into trouble on that road.
On coming near to Jerusalem, the road pass
es directly by Bethany, the homo of Mary
and Martha where Jesus loved to abide
There is nothing attractive now about the
place save its hallowed memories. 1t was
along this way Jesus rode in his triumphsl
procession. with the multitude following,
shouting their loud "Hosannahs." And just
as the road turns up over the southern part
of Olivet, where it joins on to Mount of Of
fence, the city of Jerusalem burst full in
view. 1t was here Jesus wept in the midst
Of his triumph, when he thought Of the ap-
palling judgments which were soon to come
upon the doomed city. Here l took my BIZ
bic and read the account as given in the Cos
pei of Luke, and reading the passage on the
spot where the Saviour spoke it, gives it a
vivid reality Passing down by the Garden
of Gethsemane, which is now enclosed by q
wall, and beautifully cultured in flowers, we
soon reached our hotel near the Jaffa gate
rather weary, but having had splendid three
days trip.
The next day being the Sabbath, l at
tended service in the English church in the
morning, and part of the afternoon spent
al alone in the garden of Gettsemane, read.
ing and enjoying my own meditatiOns. l
shall never, never forget it. To me it was
privileged hour, which will live in my
memory forever. It was great privilege to
remember ones friends there and ask for
Them a blessing from this hallOwed spot
While sitting there | wrote note to dear
friend | had loved from my boyhood, telling
him he must soon as possible visit these BIZ
bic lands. For l know if he did, his preach
ing, attractive and eloquent as it was, would
become much more so. But, alas little did
[ think that at that time he was passing
away amid great bodily pain and sufferipgs,
[ shall miss his generous, sweet counsel
through all my life. His enraptured spirit
nss now learned higher elOquence than fell
from his burning lips while here, when he
spoke on his favorite theme, ''the richness of
the Saviour's love-" But / must stop the
food of feeling which presses forward for ex-
preston. Sabbath night l preached by re-
quest in the chapel of the Episcopal church
on the Topography of the Bible as pre-
,ented in the History of Redemption"
Early Monday morning started on a visit
to Hebron. Many travellers, who come to
Palestine, leave out this trip, but wanted
to see the home of Abraham. The road as
far as S9lomon's pools have described in
the first part of this letter. The road beyond
this is as rough as rocks and hills could make
it. There are no localities of particular in
5erest Immediately on the way. At one point
little village several miles to the left can
be seen on the sharp crest of ridge; it is
Tekos, the home of the Prophet Amos; and
north of this on the road from Tekoa to Beth
lehem can be seen the cave of Adullam,
where David was when he longed for drink
from the well, which is beside the gate of
Bethlehem. But the road to Hebron, how
ever rough now, has much historical interest.
Along it Abraham travelled with heavy
heart to make the offering of Isaac upon
Mount Moriah, Along these rocky hills
faith had desperate struggle, but the ven
cradle patriarch won the victory, and he
bears forever the hOnored title given by in
spiration, "The Father of the Faithful. -
It was along this way too, Joseph and Mary
fed into Egypt with the infant Jesus. Isaac
and Jesus both passed this way threatened
With death. Late in the evening We came to
Hebron, and getting our quarters arranged
for the night, we took Mohammedan guide
to show US the place of the cave of Macpelah.
A Mosem mosque is built over it, and all We
could do was to walk up on the hill side and
Moo1oro1