Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1912-12-22
B + T H l. \ H E M.
N Y VI-SI Il L H E r e
From Rev. Frank Thompson's Diary.

dren, neat, we'll dressed and clean
came running to meet our carriage.
They threw flowers into our laps and
sang a sweet little song about Jesus
and Bethlehem. They were so diff
farent from the poor, filthy scabby
children we had been accustomed TO
seeing among the Arabs, Turks and
Egyptians that one could not but
notice the Influence of Christ upon
undesirable citizens" in Bethlehem
It's population is largely Christian.
The most interest ,ng place in
Bethlehem in the great fortress-like
building called the Basilica of the
Nativity. 1t was erected by Cons
tantine about three hundred years
after Christ's birth, and is the oldest
monument of Chr stan architecture
in the world. 1t comprises three con-
tigions converts belonging respect
lively to Latin, Greek and Armenian
Churches. 1t is magnificent struc-
ture hoary with age and the earmarks
of neglest Four rows of Cor.nthian
columns, each of single piece of
marble, support the main building.
Some of the Mosiacs are in a fair
state Of preserya ion but mos of
them are faced and midst net. One
inscription states ta'at the building
was erected by those whose names
are known 20 the Lord"
The Grotto of the Nativity is a cave
the rock over whish the church is
erected, and for the sake Of whish it
was built. AT one time, Il presume,
this grotto was hewn into the side
of the steep hill or it may have been
a natural cave. At the time, where
our hearts enter it was being used
as shelter or a sort of stable. To-
day this huge structure covers the
entire place, and it is entered by two
large stairways.
, With peculiar telling OF awe. and
reverence l descended into the room.
1t was not large; about ten feet long.
Not much room for cattle, horses,
feed, and Mary and Joseph, but
room enough for the virg II wife to
wander into that mysterious world of
motherhood land for Gods greatest
gift to the old world, Ito be- given.
Uuke 2:1-O
On THE east side of this grotto is
"a recess where silver star IN the
pavement indicates the place where
Christ was born. Around it tn in
scription: ''Hic de. V.rgine Maria
Jesus Christus natus est
This is the place where Jesus
Christ was born OF the Virgin Mary.
Above the spot sixteen silver lamps
are perpetually burning. The entire
room is encased with Italian marble
and decorated with figures of the
saints, embroidery and various orna-
ments.
The manager in which the Holy In
FAINT was Graded is not there now,
and l remember having Visited a
church in Rome Where relic said to
be the real Manager was exhibited.
For me to comment upon the aut-
henticity of the Gretto Of the Nativity
would be sheer credulity Or ignor-
ance. Somewhere near this place
Jesus was born. Tradition of high
antiquity states this to be the exact
spot. What right have l to dispute
it's authority.
AS l look out OF my window over
the silent. sleeping city, l am re-
minded that the II ght is far spent
am tired, weary, headheavy, but not
sleepy.
Even as l write these, words | am
within few minutes walk to MI.
Olivet and near the garden OF Geth-
semene where He, when burdened
with the weight of the whole worlds
woe, asked those faltering disciples
to watch with Him until the poignen
cy of His agony had passed. On!
How could they have fallen asleep in
His presence.
l am now asking my soul shall l
ever be as Indifferent as were they ?
|, who, this day walked through the
streets of the little city where He was
born; tonight l am within the walls
where He was cruc fled and near the
place here He was resurrected, yes,
and not far from where He assembled,
when He went back to immoral maj
esty, glory and power at the right
hand of God.
go 80 = = 49, -