Daily tobacco leaf-chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1890-1895, 1890-05-06

ure represents one of the most solemn and
deeply interesting incidents of DR.. Talmage's
tour-that of the baptism in the River Jor-
dan of Mr.. Ulysses Grant Houston, of Man
haitian, Kan, theological student.
The baptism took place ON Dec. 6, 1889, in
the presence of two friends and travelling
companions of Mr. Houston and of Dr. Tai
mage's party, with their dragoman, mule
teers and an Arab sheik, who had been re-
| tanned to protect the travellers on their jour
ney Such precautions are necessary now in
the neighborhood of Jericho, as they were in
the Saviour's time, when "a certain man go
ing to Jericho fell among thieves.n
The journey commenced at Jericho. This
is the third of the cities which have borne
that name, and was the city Of our Lords
time.
From this place, SO rich in sacred historical
associations, DR.. Talmage and his party set
out, mounted on horses, in a southerly direc-
ton for the north of the Dead sea and the
River Jordan. About half an hours ride
brought them to Riha or the modern Jeri-
cho, a collection of houses built in modern
style, and boastng hetel of some preten-
sions whose chief support comes from foreign
visitors to the 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.
II appeared that he was a Bostonian, and
he expressed the pleasure it would afford
him and his companions, as they also were
going to the Dead sea and the Jordan, to
make the trip in company with the preachers
party. The Bostonian frankly said that he
had been concerned in the publication of a
hostile criticism on DIR. Talmages sermons,
but he trusted that would not prevent their
good fellowship ON such an excursion. In
this view DIR. Talmage good humoredly con-
Cured, and the two parties rode on together
in company, In such scene, and on road
Nso hallowed by the most wonderful and mo-
nentous events of Bible history, merely per-
sonss1concerns were forgotten in the solemn
associations of the locality.
About an hours ride brought the party to
the shores of the Dead sea, about which many
strange stories have been related by trav-
elers.
The 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 the shores of the
Dead sea, remounted their horses and rode
thitherward. In about threequarters of an
hour their eyes were gladdened by a sight of
the river. 1t was indeed a privilege to stand
upon those banks, and one that was evident
ly appreciated by every member of the party.
On the way Mr.. Houston had fallen into
conversation with a member of Dr. Talmage's
party, and had delicately broached a request
which was evidently matter of very strong
desire on his part. He said that he had often
heard DIR. Talmage preach, and had been
much blessed under him. He would count it
high privilege to be baptized by him. and a
still greater privilege If the rite could take
place in the Jordan. His desire was commu
nicated to the doctor, and he cheerfully con-
sented Three o'clock was the time set for
the ceremony, and meantime the tents were
pitched, and one of the servants who could
swim tested the bottom of the river for a
suitable place for the ceremony, as there are
deep places at intervals near the banks, and
an accident was possible.
1t was delightful day, and though the
month was December, the temperature was
that of a summer day. At the hour appoint
ed Dr. Talmage emerged from his tent clad
In long brown robe borrowed for the occa-
sion from the sheike 1t was not unclerical in
shape, though somewhat short for the doctors
tall form. The candidate for baptism had Sc
cured a long white robe from the Nubian at
tendant of his party, and thus clad, came to
the bank where DIR. Talmage and the other
members Of the party waited.