Page images
PDF
EPUB

ren.

[blocks in formation]

peace; and they now oftentimes reap but explained in its most evident blessings of grace to themselves from meaning; and every member of the the influence of grace in their child-circle felt himself at perfect liberty to The father receives from the propose any difficulty that occurred to undisguised and ardent expressions his mind, or express any reflection of youthful feeling, hints, which he is that suggested itself to his heart. Of frequently enabled to prosecute to the course it became interesting even to edification and establishment of his the youngest branches of the family; more advanced maturity of christian and subjects thus familiarly discussed strength. And the mother as she lis- & brought home to individual feeling, tens to her child prattling of death made an impression which time could and judgment and eternity to come, never obliterate. When their voices while she endeavors to suit her in-united to chaunt the song of gratitude structions to the capacity of its understanding, confirms her own faith and strengthens her own hope, and warms her own affections in the contemplation of the great truths of her cherished religion.

and praise to Him that formeth the mountains and createth the winds, the author of all their blessings and all their happiness, the tear of delight would glisten in the eye of the father as he surveyed the kindred group a round him and felt the Lord had indeed been kinder than a parent to him and all his house. And when they bended the knee before God the utterance of his tongue told the fervency of his heart, as he poured forth his tribute of thanksgiving for the varied bounties of each successive day, ac

Of course Eudoxus pays a strict attention to the duties of family worship. Every evening and every morning the domestic alter is encircled with its regular attendants, while he himself officiates in the sacred character of priest in his own family. No person ever mingled with his household in this exercise of devotion without be-knowledged their unworthiness of all, ing secretly impressed with admira- implored the assistance and the direction of the loveliness of practical re- tions of Almighty grace, and comligion, and reverence of the beauty of mended all their interests to the truth holiness; and the most careless of god- and faithfulness of God in the Lord liness in general, have silently wished Jesus Christ. How pleasing is the that their names were enrolled among contemplation of a family thus united the members of such a family. How in the adoration of the King of Heaven! have I been delighted on such occa- Where the infant heart is imbued sions when on the arrival of the regu- with reverence of God ere it has lar hour, every individual of children learned to comprehend any thing of and domestics assumed his proper his character! Where the habits of place, and such an expression of se- piety become so consecrated by the renity and complacency and satisfac-most cherished associations that they tion was seen diffusing itself over ev-never-by the grace of God never reery feature of every countenance! linquish their hold! MINUTIUS. There was evidently no constraint, no weariness of the approaching service. Every eye was turned to Eudoxus, who, with the glowing feelings of an ardent heart, directed the appropriate exercises of the much loved duty. They, in the mail. portion of the sacred volume was alot send weekly in the mail, more than from 40 to 100 papers, but some offices are known ways well chosen and not only read to send from ten to twenty thousand."

Newspapers -The Postmaster general, in his recent Report, says,

"there are more

and it has been estimated that on an average, than 560 newspapers printed in the Union, each newspaper office sends 300 papers, week

Some country papers may

[blocks in formation]

to need any statement here. A mind of na tive vigor, and the most feeling, was in him still further strengthened by a series of adventures the most interesting and diversified. He

In a conversation with a friend on the propriety of sending Missionaries among the Indians, I repeated to him the following verses, as a proof not only of their capability of civil-was, in one occasion, an active and experienc ed seamen; a successful adventurer in the ization, but of their susceptibility of all the privateering exploits of the Revolution; a more exalted and more refined sensibilities of brave commander in the regular naval service; our nature. He thought them worthy of a a captive slave in Algiers; Consul General to place in the Visitor, and requested me to fur- Barbary; member of the Pennsylvania Legis nish you with a copy. The history is as fol- lature; a worthy farmer; and lastly, an ardent politician. His earthly scenes are now closed; and he has experienced his last and great change. The merit of his public services has been officially acknowledged by three successive Presidents; and will long be remembered by his country.

lows:

Communicated.

A few years since, three native Americans were brought from different parts of the country, to one of our northern colleges, where they received a liberal education During their scholastic years they frequently resort ed to a little grove of young pines, where they were accustomed to study their lessons, and talk over past scenes. Having completed their studies, and being about to separate and return to their native wilds, they went to take leave of their favorite bower, where they composed and sung the following verses in a melody wor-couraged, says he, by the seeming magnitude thy of the composition.

A.

When shall we three meet again?
When shall we three meet again?
Oft shall glowing hope expire,
Oft shall wearied love retire,
Oft shall death and sorrow reign,
Ere we three shall meet again.
Though beneath this youthful pine-
Moss may grow and ivy twine;
Though these auburn locks turn grey,
Thinn'd by many a toilsome day;
May this much-loved bower remain,
Here may we three meet again.
Though in distant lands we sigh,
Parch'd beneath a burning sky;
Though the deep between us rolls,
Friendship shall unite our souls:
Oft, in fancy's rich domain,
Shall we all three meet again.
When the dreams of life are fled,
When its wasted lamb is dead,
When in cold oblivion's shade,
Beauty, power, and fame are laid;
Where immortal spirits reign,
There may we three met again.

DIED-At the City of Washington, on Saturday night, the 14th inst. in the 73d year of his age, RICHARD O'BRIEN, Esq. late Con. sul General of the U. States to the Barbary Powers.

Franklin particularly endeavored to convince young persons that no qualities are so likely to make a poor man's fortune, as those of frugality and integrity. I was never dis

of my undertakings, as I have always thought, that one man of tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs, among mankind, if he first forms a good plan; and cutting off all amusements, and employments, that would divert his attention, makes the execution of the same plan his sole study and business.

[blocks in formation]

Such as Handbills, Cards, Justices' The character and history of this Blanks, Labels, &c. executed at this ofextraordinary man are too generally known fice, on the shortest notice.

very

[blocks in formation]

Religions Miscellany.

No. 6.

"Say ye to the daughter of Zion, behold, thy salvation cometh "
CARLISLE, FEBRUARY 27, 1824.

Vol. III.

Condensed for the Boston Recorder, from the and had all the appearance of friends Missionary Herald for February.

PALESTINE MISSION.

JOURNEY OF MEESRS. FISK AND KING

FROM CAIRO TO JERUSALEM, THRO'

THE DESERT.

Concluded from p 69. Saturday 19.-In the morning we found that some bold Bedouin, had made his way into our encampment, and carried off a saddle. Mustapha went out, and finding a Bedouin charged him with stealing it, and began to chastise him. He gave a signal, and a number of armed Bedouins made their appearance at a distance. The surrounding country was full of them; and as all would be likely to unite together in case of a disturbance, it was thought prudent to leave them in quiet possession of the saddle, and to proceed as soon as possible. At half past 11, after crossing a mountain which is called on one of our maps a continuation of Mount Seir, we came to the vilage Khan Yoanas (the Inn of Jonas,) the first village we have seen in Syria. It is surrounded by gardens, and is inhabited by Mussulmans, who have a tradition that the Prophet Jonas was here.

From Khan Yoanas we travelled several hours over a wide and beautiful plain, filled with herds of camels, sheep, and goats, which were generally tended by Bedouin women. This is the ancient land of the Philistines. Here we were continually harrassed by the Bedouins, who seemed to spring up like Hydras in every corner. First came 10 or 12 armed with swords and matchlocks. Their dress was merely a turban on the head and a piece of cloth tied round the waist. They met our guide and camel drivers, took each other's hands, kissed,"

It was, however, soon found that they wanted money. Our guide told them they must exact nothing from us, because we were Englishmen; for we travel with English passports, and though we tell our attendants that we are Americans, yet they know no difference between us and Englishmen, having never before seen Americans, or heard of America. The name of Englishman is so much respected even among Bedouins, that we were not molested. For two hours, however, as we moved along, our attendants were engaged in loud and violent disputes with these and other companies of Bedouins, who came up after they went away. They extorted a few dollars from the Armenians and Greeks, and at last took an ass from one of the Arabs. Our shekh knew all these free-booters, and it is probably owing to his acquaintance with them, and his faithfulness to us, that they were so easily satisfied. He says most of the Bedouins are worse than these, and yet he called these Satans (Shaitan.)

Under a large Sycamore tree we saw women and children threshing barley on the ground with long sticks. Near by was a shepherdess tending a large flock, with her crook in her hand, and the skin of a lamb, having the wool on, thrown over her shoulders for a shawl.

Country of the Philistines.-At half past 5, after riding 11 hours and a half we arrived at Gaza; took two small dirty apartments in a large filthy khan & put up for the Sabbath, thankful that we were not among deserts of sand, or bands of Arab free-booters, so as to be obliged to travel on the Lord's day. Gaza is the city whose gates Sampson carried away, and where he slaw 3000 Philistines at his death. We had no

[blocks in formation]

ses are all built of stone, but make a The scenery

very mean appearance. around is beautiful.

very good opportunity to judge of the beautiful, and the soil of a good color, population of the place, but probably which might, no doubt, be made very the estimation, given by geographers, productive by proper cultivation. We of 5000, is not far from the truth. saw few villages, and those few are Mussulmans never take a census, un- small. There are no scattered houses. less it be an enumeration of the hou- The population appears not to be great. ses, in order to tax them. The city Jaffa. [In ten hours and a half stands on a little elevation. The houride after leaving Esdood, they arrived at Jaffa; and, word being sent to Mr. Damiani, the English consul, his Dragoman came to procure them admittance into the city. They took lodgings in the consul's house which stands by the sea-side, and, as is supposed, at, or very near the place, where Simon the tanner lived, and the Apostle Peter was lodged. evening the table was served by a man of Greek origin, who was 100 years old, and had been 80 years a servant in the family of Mr. Damiani and his father.

[At Gaza they found a number of Greeks, and a Greek priest, to whom they gave 13 copies of the scriptures, and sold 25. But one present knew the Greek language, and to him they gave a Testament. The priest said, that the church had been built twelve centuries. They left Gaza on the forenoon of Monday, April 21st.]

At

On the 24th they left Jaffa on mules and asses, and, after a ride of four hours, arrived at Rama, or Ramla, the Arimathea of the Scriptures, where they took lodgings for the night in an Armenian convent.

Approach to Jerusalem.

We crossed a bridge over the bed of a small river, now dry; and then passed through groves of olives, and fields of grass, wheat, barley, and tobacco. The plains were agreeably diversified by gentle elevations and small valleys. Five hours and a half from Gaza, we saw on our left, the village of Mijdal, near the ruins of the ancient Askelon, which is now unin- Friday, 25.-At half past 5, we set habited. Such at least is the infor-out of Jerusalem, comforted with the mation given us by the Arabs. After riding eight hours and a half, we pitched our tent near the village Esdood, which, from its situation, and from the similarity of the name, we presume to be the ancient Ashdod. It consists of 100 or 150 of what the people call houses, miserable cabins and holes, built of stone, covered with branches of trees, and roots, and these again with earth, so that vegitation appears every where on the tops of them. The place is inhabited wholly by Mussulmans.

[merged small][ocr errors]

hope, that this was the last day of our journey. At 8 we crossed a hill, and then entered a valley, which we were half an hour in passing. Soon after this we came among the mountains. Here we saw, at a distance, a camp of Bedouins. As soon as they saw us, one of their horsemen rode on swiftly, as if to interrupt our path. He came into the rode before us halted and looked at us again, and then rode off. Had we been Rayahs (i. e. Christian subjects of the Grand Signor,) he would not probably have left us without money.

[A little past noon they came to a village which Chateaubriand calls the village of Jeremiah. A little way from it was a pure stream of water flowing

Palestine Mission.

out of a rock, where they stopped to quench their thirst, and eat some bread and fruit.]

83

the tribes came up to worship. Here enraptured prophets saw bright visions of the world above and received messages from on high for guilty man. Here our Lord and Saviour came in the form of a servant, and groaned, and wept, and poured out his soul unto death, to redeem us from sin, and save us from the pains of hell. Here, too, the wrath of an incensed God has been poured out upon his chosen peo

[Messrs. Fisk and King took lodgings in a Greek convent, called the Convent of St. Michael the Archangel, situated but a little distance from the place where it is supposed the Lord Jesus was crucified. Their windows looked out upon the Mount of Olives, from whence he ascended to glory, and where he commanded his disciples to "go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mr. Wolff, took lodgings with his brethren the Jews.

Thence we pursued our journey over a road impassible for camels, and very difficult for mules and asses. After crossing a high mountain, we passed through a deep valley, where is a small village called Kaloona. The mountains here are of a peculiar formation. They seem almost as if built by the hand of man, and rise gradual-ple, and has laid waste his heritage. ly step by step, like pyramids. Each step, however is so fastened into the "Everlasting Hills," as to show you that it was placed there by the hand of Him, who existed before the mountains were brought forth.' On these steps, which are sometimes three or four rods wide, and sometimes only a few feet, you see soil, which produces shrubs, and, when cultivated, vines, figs, and olives. The country continued the same till we were within half an hour of Jerusalem, when all at once Mount Olivet and the Holy City, 0- [The first part of their journal conpened to our view. Thus it is often cludes with the following request to with the last hours of the Christian. their brethren, and patrons in this faHe is obliged to pass over a rough and vored land, which will draw forth mawearisome way, where he is continual-ny prayers in their behalf to Him who ly exposed to the attacks of enemies, till near the close of life,-till his feet are about to stand within the gates of the New Jerusalem, and then he is favored with some bright visions of the place he is soon to enter.

heare th prayer, and whose eye, doubtless, hath never been regardless of the interesting land in which they now dwell.]

Christian Brethren in America ;Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be gloThey enter the Holy City. rified, even as it is with you; and that With feelings not easily described, we may be delivered from unreasonabout four o'clock we entered JERU-able and wicked men; for all men SALEM. The scene and events of 4,- have not faith. 000 years seemed to rush upon our minds; events, in which Heaven and Earth, and Hell, had felt the deepest interest. This was the place select- Jerusalem appears, in a general view ed by the Almighty for his dwelling, to be situated on the side of a mounand here his glory was rendered visi-tain, descending toward the east, ble. This was the 'perfection of beau- where it is divided from Mount Olivet ty,' and the glory of all lands.' Here by the valley of Cedon. The summit David sat and tuned his harp, and of the mountain is considerably highsung the praises of Jehovah. Hitherer than the city, so that in coming

DESCRIPTION OF JERUSALEM,
By Messrs. Fisk and King.

« PreviousContinue »