The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-05-22

Syria. or might find that would have
all | could do 20 protect myself.
The Jews OF Jerusalem all wear the long
'gaberdine" and fur-edged caps or black
turbans 10 distinguish them from the Mo-
hammedan, whose costume / have already
described. The native Christians also
have their own especial dress--their baggy
trousers, sash, fez, etc.-largely resembling
that OF the Greek islanders. One of the
most remarkable things observable in all
of these eastern cities and countries is the
manner in which the different people Of
various races and religions retain their
distinctive traits and peculiarities, al
though constantly and continuously
thrown together While they mingle
freely and publicly in the requirements OF
business in their private and social lives,
there smoothing in common between them.
Each race resides in a separate quarter 10
ITSELF wears its own particular costume
and conforms 10 its own social and relig-
ious customs and rites. This is all really
the outgrowth OF religious difference
which controls everything here, and but
tor that there would be little apparent 10
distinguish between them. For example,
were 10 not for the distinction in dress IL
would be difficult 10 tell the native jew
from the native Arab, as both have the
same strongly marked oriental type OF
feature, the result OF their common Sc
metic ancestry. Tho same may bo eaid
OF the native Christians, who are largely
descended from the original Syrians or
from the Arabs who were converted 40
the time OF the crusades. They are gon-
orally members OF the Greek catholic
church, probably tho most widely ex-
tended Christian established church in
the world, although we in America do not
comprehend IL, as there are practically
mono of that faith in our dominions.
They call themselves the orthodox
church." and claim that they alone are
the real catholics and anRthematize the
Latins Roman catholics) as heretlcs. They
have no pope, however, but are governed
by patriarchs whose authority does not
extend beyond their own country or
patriarchal district. They do not believe
in purgatory or infallibiity, baptize by
immersion and at the communion mix
warm water with the wine. Their SER
vice largely resembles that OF the Latin
church, but they do not permit any
statues or figures in their places of wor-
ship, their virgins and saints being
represented by peculiarly constructed
pictures or raised images. Their
priests are permitted TO marry, but
/ believe are only allowed that
privilege once. The Russians, Greeks, Ser
VANS, Roumanians, Bulgarians etc, are all
followers OF this church, but Russia is the
chief bulwark of the faith. The Latins
still control many important sites in
Jerusalem, while the Armenians described
in my Constantinople letter are also well
represented.
4 very ancient sect is called the "Syrian
Jacobites" who peculiarly cross them
selves with but one finger, probably as n
sign OF their belief that Christ possessed
one nature only, and another very numer-
GUS body in Syria is known as the Ma
ronites" formerly independent, but OF late
years amalgamated with the Latin church
under the rule OF the pope. They are
still allowed special privileges not granted
other Roman catholics and their priests
are permitted TO recite mass in Syrian and
TO take unto themselves wives, provided
the marriage takes place previous TO
their ordination. In addition to
scattered professionals, copts and
Abvssinians in and about Jerusalem. So
it will be seen that man can have we'll
selected assortment of religions to select
from here and can celebrate three sun
DAYS in succession if he desires. First,
there is Friday, the Mohammedan Sun
dav, then comes Saturday, the Jewish
Sabbath, and finally our own holy day Of
Christian worship. A happy situation
for the lazy man who believes in resting
on the Sabbath and Tor fear OF a mistake
concludes TO celebrate all three of them.
To this article of faith l have already be-
come ready and a willing convert, pos
sessing deep-seated abie-bodied ability
10 rest, and prepared to work at it regu-
larry. WILL f. ENGLISH.