The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1913-03-21
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that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
There also is Jacobs we'll where
Christ met the woman of Samaria who
was from the little village of Sychar
which is still pointed out Joseph's
tomb is also close at hand.
Those who are privileged to be the
guests of the little Samaritan com
munity on the memorable occasion
OF their Passover, make their way
from the little town of Nablous in the
late afternoon up the fruit slopes Of
Gerizim Passing above its well-wa-
tered base, from which gush forth
scores Of springs one is forcibly re-
minded that this was the mount of
blessing on that memora bic occasion
in the history of the children of Israel
just alluded to. while if the eye is
cast across the valley on Ebal, the
mount of cursing. no springs or fruit
fulness are seen. but only barrenness
and rocky desolation.
Reaching the top, we find the tents
already pitched Round this camp has
already gathered a considerable com
pany of Moslems from Nablous who
nave, like ourselves. come to witness
the ceremony. They form curious
and not very respectful assembly. We
also detect little group of Ameri-
cans, both ladies and gentlemen. a
titled Englishman and his wife. three
other English tourists, including the
writer, and a few from France and
Germany. AS if by instinct, the
Europeans gradually form themselves
into a little company apart from the
other spectators. We are quickly OBJ
served. however, and two of the Sama-
ritan officials make their way to US.
They invite us into the tent of the
high-priest to see the Samaritan treas
ures. an invitation that is eagerly ac-
cepted
Chief among these, OF course. is the
famous Scroll referred to. The high
priest Informs us that it is locked up
in his cupboard pointing to some
what plain receptacle over which two
men stand guard. It appears he is
apprehensive of its being stolen by
his cousin. This young man has serv-
ed term of imprisonment for steal
ing ancient manuscripts and would
not hesitate to steal the precious
scroll if ne had chance The tent
doors are carefully closed and made
fast. The high priest then unlocks
the cupboard and produces the sacred
manuscript. 1t is very old and wrin-
kled and tattered. The parchment is
brown and brittle The lines are ir-
regular and the ink has faded so near
iy as to be illegible. though in places
it has been re-inked by newer parch-
ment The whole is hacked with 9TH
er parchment and enclosed in a silver
case, on which are engraved pictures
of the ark of the Covenant. the golden
candlestck, the altar of sacrifice, the
knife for killing the sacrifice. and GER
tain other engravings and emblematic
designs. The whole is covered with
green silk cloth and yelled from ordi-
nary sight or course no one must
touch it. it is not quite orthodox that
any one else should see it save on Ger.
tain great festivals, but this is one OF
the occasions when 1t may be seen
though guardedly.
In the little interval that remained
before the service began the high
priests son showed us over the noun
tain top. pointing out the famous ruins
there. Half an hour before the sun
goes down the service Begins. Near
by. the rocks where the Samaritans
say that Abraham offered Isaac the