Mexico weekly ledger., 1904-12-08
| TIE GREAT SEA AND
THE HaLY LAND.


Having enioycd one OF the Oldest
and most famous cities In the world,
we mounted our Syrian horses, and
started overland for Jerusalem-the
FAR famed city Of the cross The dis
tznce between Damascus and Jerus-
alem Is one hundred and forty miles on
q straight line, but more than two
hundred miles by the Travelled road.
The path leads across rich and produc-
tive valleys; owe vast and ~stupendous
hills; athwart large and numerous
landscapes covered with exquisite and
fragrant flowers; down many steep
and preclpitous ellis; and through
frequent, long and narrow gorges. 1t.
was over this road that the Apostle
Paul, with Hebrew authority, travel
cd TO prosecute the Christians In
Damascus This path is n OF the
famous highways OF the world.
There were forty.one persons 10 the
party; thirty-two men and nine
women. The day was ideal; the road
lovely and perfect. Many Of the horses
were game; several Of the riders new;
aud the mount and start ludicrous-
In two or three hours, we came TO the
village OF Astuz, the traditional site
OF Paul's conversion. Near this place,
the Lord appeared unto the Apostle
in marvellous power; gave him a world
wide vision and called him to preach
the Gospel OF Salvation to the
Gentiles. On the east side OF the road,
on a small knoll, stands a little chapel
which is said to mark the spot Moth
ing strange is visible about the place.
But to stand and gaze on this historic
site m~ultiplies ones interest in Paul's
miraculous conversion and marvellous
work. Artuz Is the birth place Of
Paul's spiritual life.
All afternoon we Travelled on a beau
tiful prairie. 1t was exceedingly fer
tile near Damascus, but gradually
grew barren and rocky as we approach
ed the mountain In the southwest.
We found our camp for the night
located on the south bank OF the
Pharpor river, at the base OF Mount
Hermon, and in the village OF Kerr
Hauwar. The Pharpor river rises
among some dragged clefts OF
Harmow, flows eastward across the
plain OF Damascus, and empties into
q lake in the southeast portion of the
plain. Naaman, the leper, referred TO
this river when he was seeking a favor
OF the prophet Elisha. The village
contains the reputed tomb Of the son
Of Cnsh-Nimrod, who was a mighty
hunter before the Lord. For eight
hours we had ridden in full view OF
the snow capped peak OF Hermon,
This mountain marks the rise OF the
river Jordan, and the northern bound
sry Of Palestine. 1t is the most
historic, picturesque, and stately
mountain In the Orient
The Sheik Of the village sSa: foul
Turkish soldiers TO guard our camp
during the night. This gave US am
pie protection for both life and pro
perty. From now until we reach
Jerusalem, w are guarded every night
by Turkish soldies. A nan endeavor'
ing 20 make this journey alone, would
endanger his life, suffer persecution
and deprivation Of property, and un
doubtedly be butchered and killed b!
the natives. To make the journey
with absolute safety, present surround
ings demand a party travelling To
gether. conducted by a dragoman, an
protected at night by the Turkfsl
government. 1t is a maxim amonl
the natives that you are safe Will
under tho watch, care and protection
OF the Turkish soldiers.
Early on the following morning "
were In our saddles. All day long W
rode at the base OF Mount Hermon
We passed over immense hills, arounI
dangerous cliffs, through deep an
narrow gorges, acros rocky valley;
and camped at Bonias. Historic fam
drst came to this village when Hero
the Great erected a white marbl
temple ia honor Of Caesar Augustus. i
later years the city was rebuilt b
Herod Philip. He changed the nam
to Oaesarea, adding Philippi, 80 as !
distinguish it from Caesarea on th
coast. Near this village Jesus dwel
several days with his disciples; III
folded his redemptive work; foretol
his death in Jerusalem, healed tn
demoniac child, and was probabl
TRANSPORTED before Peter, James an
John on the high mountain whic
towers above the plain. Caesare
Philippi marks the nothern boundar
Of the travels Of our divine Lord.
Leaving Barnias we followed th
travelled path;passed through small fol
ests OF oak, olive and other yarities c
dwarf trees, and In a few hours cam
to the ruins Of Dan LASH. Difficu
ties with the Amorites caused some {
the Danites to leave the fertile plat
of Sharon. They emigrated TO tn
northern portion OF the county an
captured Lalsh. This place was n
built by the Danites and called Da
after the name OF their father. Tn
people soon become idolaters and VOL
shipped Micah's craven image. IN thI
villsgeKing Jeroboam erected q golde
calf and led Israel into sin. 1t contir
ued 70 be an important shrine Of idols