Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-25
ON THE SACRED SOIL,
Where Bible History Was Made the
Rev. C. E. Locke Took Notes
FOR INTERPRETATION AT HOME.
Lecture on an Exploration From Jerusalem
to the Sea of Galilee.
DREADFULLY DIRTY NATIVES THERE

Interesting always is an appreciative de-
scription of Jerusalem and other places Of
the Holy Land; but particularly so was the
offhand talk of Rev. q. E. Locke, last night
in the Smithfeld Methodist Church, de-
scribing ramble from Jerusalem to the Sea
| of Galilee. Among other good things, he
said:
The first thought of Jerusalem, to one who
had never been there, was pure, beautiful
city, which is beyond everything lovely. The
surprise and disappointment coming to me on
entering the place was great; as the filth and
dirt existing Is extremely noticeable and
nauseating. Our party spent one week here.
In Palestine there are SO many in
| teresting places and things which
YOU have read of in the
Holy Book, that full description cannot be
given. However, in the immediate vicinity of
Jerusalem are Mount Calvary, the site OF
Solomon's Temple; Jordan, Bethel, the Dead
Sea and many other points. We travelled on
horseback and lived In tents altogether. The
trip through the Jordan Valley was most
charming-though hot-from Jerusalem to
Damascus. There are no railroads connecting
with it; but think it will not be long until the
English people will find necessity of more
rapid mode of transportation. We stopped at
Berea, the city where Jesus was supposed to
have been discovered. It was 'wash day" here,
and
A NOVEL SIGHT IT WAS,
to see the women out in a body cleansing
everything but their faces. The big stone tubs
are like cans, while the wasboards are nothing
more than club. Instead Of rubbing the
clothes, they beat them. Here we met most
beautiful parriageable young lady who was
just II years of age. She was betrothed, and,
as Is the case, her father settled dowry upon
her, and she helps her husband in turn.
Further on Is Shiloh, where the great temple
tree 70 mark d0 It's Tain The people, % are CURIOUS
lot about the place, and their worship Is weird,
the singing Of their hymns being similar to
groans would like to describe 1t;
but ca1nO; IS Near here are. are Jacobs Jacobs
is the spot between the two great mountains.
where the children of Israel gathered-the
largest assemblage ever congregated, perhaps
there being several millions of people present
to listen to the admonishmeDt and advice OF
Joshua. The country now Is o deserted place,
and no signs of life are shown. There is a small
attempt to manufacture soap, which is most
woefully needed IN the neighb0rhood.
The olive production Is the greatest source
of income to the people. this being the largest
producing olive country in the world.
We entered q church, or rather temple
which was presided over by q priest whose
party would not go near him, as the vermin
could be seen crawling about him. The male
members Of our party had more courage, and
approached him. He showed rs the Bible in
manuscript which was strongly affirmed to
have been written by grandson Of Aaron. 1t
was very interesting. As regards the filth in
these places, 1t Is general, and everybodys eye
sight is affected more or less by the early
neglect
MT. TABOR AND NAZARETH.
We travelled and reached Mount Tabor,
where was the scene Of the TRANSPORTATION,
mentioned in the Bible. From thence we went
on to Nazareth, the beautiful city where our
Savior lived. This place, unlike the other, is |
remarkably attractive city. Its architecture is |
quaint and oriental, while every building is of |
stone. There Is a home for girls there, estab- |
lished by three or four American ladies, which |
is prosperous and instructive. The following |
day was Sunday, and we staked our tents on |
the outskirts of the city to research the Bible |
for interesting points relative to the vicinity
we were in.
We journeyed on to Canaan, which is so in
teresting in the Bible as the land where the
children OF Israel and numerous 'ites' had |
controversy as to the right Of possession. etc.
Here we saw several water pots which were
claimed to be the same ones in which Jesus
turned the water into wine at the wedding
feast. We went on, but here the roads be.
came exceedingly hard to travel there being
no public thoroughfare to the Sea Of Galilee,
and 1t was with difficulty we made our way,
being compelled to follow one another, duck
fashion.
We met a native that day, and were immeas-
urably surprised to be greeted with kind
"Good morning." In excellent English.
talked to him, and found very well-educated
man, who had been trained az Christian
school, and was converted. he was working
in quarry for his father, who was disbe-
lever, as were his mother and sisters.
He said he was sorry for it, but
he co ID not convince them of the
virtues Of Christianity. I told him to persevere.
Next we entered Tiberius, the ci1 built by
Herod. 1t is wierd place, and the Jewish
people will not 70 into 1t, because Of its being
erected over city OF the dead. We at last az
rived at the Sea Of Galilee, where we took a
vessel and went fishing, and, like the apostles,
caught none.
The scenery is most majestic in this locality.
and our stay in the country though short. was
. most interesting and enjoyable one, which
brought vividiy to my mind the many holy and
happy incidents which are truthfully recor ded
n the Bible.