The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-02-20

Auence which will make it great power IN that
land Nearly all the students in the literary and
medical departments become Christians before
they leave the institution These young men set
tie as physicians and teachers in the villages OF
Lebanon and all through Syria, and they are ex-
erting strong influence in favor OF Christianity.
This mission has grand future before it.
Jaffa.
Leaving Beyrout in the evening, the steamer
arrived at Jaffa early next morning By daylight
wss on deck to got the first glimpse OF the Holy
Land The morning came clear and beautiful, and
there was the whole coast of Palestine from Car
mel to GAIA, with the mountains of Judea, rising
up, rough background. on the horizon. Here
was the land 1 had Onged to see, and here the sa-
cred soil on which had long wished to place my
feet as reverent pilgrim. The great desire OF
my life was realized was now to enter upon the
localities of Divine Revelation My beart was
beating with emotions aud feelings | could not de-
scribe.
The best view of Jaffl is had from the deck OF
the vessel in the hsrbor, as it is built on the point
or brow of hill. Really, there is no harbor, and
l think it must have been difficult thing to have
landed here all the cedar which Hiram, King OF
Tyre, sent from Lebanon for the Temple. As the
rough waves da,hed up against the side of the ship
thought of Jonah, who came to Joppa to fly
from the important duty or mission to which he
had been called.
As went ashore the bOatman pointed out the
location of the house of Simon, the tanner. Here
was the locality where Peter was informed by Spe-
cial revelation that he must preach the Gospel to
the Genties In this revelation we all have special
interest.
The town Of Jaffa has nothing inviting to
stranger; around it are most beautiful and rich or
ehards Of oranges lemons, pomegranates and tgs
Ramlsh.
About p. NJ, our dragomsu had our horses
ready, and we were off for Ramleh-nine miles
where We were to spend the night. Half an hours
ride put US out fairly on the plain of Sharon, which
is about twelve miles vide and ninety miles long,
Il is magnificent area of tilable land; sufficiently
uudulatiug to be well drained, and the soil rich and
fertile. This beautiful plain was the great high
way over which the Eastern merchantmen passed
down to Egypt for traffic, and it has been the track
OF great armies going northwsrd and southwark,
pushing forward their designs Of conquest and
power. All along the way saw men sowing and
ploughing in wheat, and was reminded Of the
parable Of the sOwer.
After pleasant ride for three hours. we stopped
at the village Of Ramleh to spend the night. At
the gate OF our lodging place three epers were sit
ting, stretching out their crippled bands, and in
hoarse, husky voice, asking aims. Il was just the
scene often referred to in the Gospel.
LYDIA
About three miles north Of Rameh, in an olive
grove, is LYDIA, where the apostle Peter raised
Tabitha to life. Just before sunset we walked out
to high tower near by, of Crusade times, and
from the top of it we had fne view of the whole
plain of Sharon. II was beautiful autumn sun
set on a splendid panorama; eastward were the
bold gray mountains of Judea to the west, the
sea; to the north, Mount Carmel; to the south,
GAIA, skirted by the DESERT and it was grand
sight to look up and down the historic plain,
which has SO often shaken beneath the tread Of
embattled hosts. Returning to our quarters, we
slept well our first night in Palestine.
Leaving Ramleh early in the morning, an hours
ride brought US to the valley of Ajalon, where
Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand
still till he could utterly destroy the enemy. The
whole length of the valley could be seen up to Beth
boron, where it starts out from the side of the
mountain. In a short distance the road enters the
mountains of Judes, which are barren limestone
81 l., ht,ch kof
The narrow cefts. The rocks are in smooth layers,
slightly inclined to the east. About noon we
passed Krjatbjesrim, little villsge on the north
side of steep ridge or hill, where the Ark Of God
rested for twenty years.
The Holy City.
AT P. NJ. we came in sight of the I" Holy
City," and all WEAKNESS was forgotten as We gazed
upon Jerusalem and its surroundings for the first
time. We we're all silent-each one filed with
those peculiar emotions, which may be realized but
not described.
The approach to the city is from the northwest
and being on higher ground, the first view rather
overlooks the city, with Mount O!vet full in sight
lust beyond then the depression for the Jordan
and Dead Sea, and at the horizon the mountains
of Moab. Being on good horse, was the first
of the party to enter the gate and near by was the
hotel where we we're all comfortably quartered.-
Oar rooms opened on portioo whore we could
overlook the whole city just in front was the Pool
Of Hegeeioh. beyond it the Temple grounds, and
beyoud that Gethsemane and 0livet while to the
right could be plainly the valley of the Jordan
and the Dead Sea, and the dark mountains beyond,
with Mount Pisgah distinctly marked on the hori-
ION. 1t was beautiful panorama, on which l
often looked both by sunlight and moonlight, and
never wearied gazing upon it. [ wonder some
artist has not painted it, as it takes in SO many
points Of interest.
Il is difficult to describe an Eastern city so that
any correct idea can be formed of the place, for it
is so unlike Western city. There is nothing at
traeiye about Jerusalem but its history and sacred
associations. The streets are narrow, rough and
filthy: most of the houses are built of stone, but
poorly ventilated each story is built upon arches
and in this way the roof is made fat, and covered
with stone ike a pavement.
A Sabbath in Jerusalem.
Ny first morning in the Holy City" vas the
morning which ever commentaries the reSurrec-
ton of Jesus from the tomb. But there is no Sab
bath here-labor and traffic go on as on other days.
The English Church have mission here, and l
attended service there at II A. M. In the after.
noon went to the Garden of Gethsemane and the
Mount Of Olives. The franciscan Monks have, in
the last few years, enclosed the Garden of Geth-
semane with high wall, and made the place
beautiful flower garden. -Four or FIVE old olive
trees, Of very great age, stand there. l sat down
On the root of one of them and read the account Of
the agony Of Jesus Christ; all around me we're