Telegram-herald., 1890-04-17

are represents one OF the most solemn AMI
deeply Interesting incidents Of DR.. Talmages
tour-thst Of the baptism in the River Jor-
dan cf Ar. Ulysses Grant Houston. OF Man
haitian. Kan, theological student.
The baptism took place on Dec. q, 1889. in
the presence OF two friends and travelling
companions Of Mr. Houston and Of DR.. Tai
mages party, with their dragoman, mule
teers and an Arab sheik. who had been re-
tained 20 protect tbs travellers on their jour
ney Such precautions are necessary now in
the netghbOrhood Of Jericho, as they were in
the Sayiour's time. when "A certain man go
ing % Jericho feI among thieves"
The journey commenced at Jericho. This
is the third of the cities which have borne
that name, and wss the city OF our Lords
time
From this place. so rich in sacred historical
associations, DIR. Talrnsgs and his party set
out, mounted on horses. IN q southerly drec-
rion for the north of the Dead and the
River Jordan. About half an hours ride
brought them 70 Riha, or the modern Jeri-
cho, collection of houses built in modern
style, and boasting hotel OF some preten-
sions, whose chief support comes from foreign
visitors 70 tho Holy Land. As they passed
the hotel three travellers emerged from it
whose dress and manner suggested their be-
ing fellow countrymen- The suspicion was
confirmed when their leader greeted DR.. Tai
mage in English.
IL appeared that De was Bostonisn and
he expressed the pleasure it would afford
him aud bis companions, as they also were
going to the Dead sea and the Jordan, 20
make the trip in company with the preachers
party The Bostonian frankly said that be
had been concerned in the publication Of
hostile criticism on DIR. Talmags's sermons,
bu. he trusted that would not prevent their
good fellowship on such an excursion. In
this view DR.. Talmagc good humoredly con-
CURED. and the two parties rode on together
In company. In such a scene, and on a road
30 hallowed by the most wonderful and mo-
msntous events OF Biole history, merely per-
sonsl concerns were forgotten in the soismn
associations Of the locality.
About al hours ride brought the party to
the shores Of the Dead sea, about which many
strange stories have been related by trav-
eler,
Tse River Jordan, to the Christian the
most interesting stream in the whole world,
was not far away, and the travellers after
spending half an hour on tho shores of the
Dead sea, remounted their horses and rode
thither ward. In about three-querters OF an
hour their eyes were glad1sned by a sight Of
the river. L. WAS indeed privilege to stand
upon those banks, and one that was evident
ly appreciated oy every member Of the party.
On the way Mr. Houston had fallen into
conversation with a member Of Dr. Talmage's
party, and had dsiicately broached request
which was evidently matter of very strong
desire on bis part. he said that ne had often
heard DR.. Talmsge preach, and had been
much blessed under him. BE would count it
a high privileges 10 be baptized by him, and a
.,ill creator privilege II the rite could take
place in the Jordan. His desire wss ccnmu-
nlcated to the doctor, and ne cheeriuliy con-
sented Three o'clock Was the time set for
the ceremony, and meantime the tents were
pitched. ard one OF the servants who could
swim tested the bottom Of the river for a
suitable place Tor the ceremony, as there are
deep places Al intervals near the banks, and
an accident was possible.
IL was a delightful day, and though the
mouth was December, the temperature was
that % n summer day. ~ the hour appoint
o. Or. Talnage emerged from his tout clad
in \ long brown robe, borrowed for the occa-
sion from the sheik. Il was not unclerical IN
shape, though somewhat short for the doctors 5
tall form. Tho candidate for baptism had Sc
cured long white rohe frSm TIE Nubian at
teudant Of MS party. ard thus clad. came 70
the bank where DR.. Tainsge aud the othsr
members Of the party waited