ange figures to the scene. The terracing of all
the hills is the most remarkable feature of Judean scenery. Every
foot of the rockiest mountains may in this way be covered with
vines. We thought of Isaiah wandering here, and David and
Solomon. Still all was wilderness. The hand of man had been
actively employed upon every mountain, but where were these
laborers now? Judah is gone into captivity before the enemy.
There are few men left in the land; not a vine is there. 'The
vine languisheth.' We came down upon Garieh, a village embosomed
in figs and pomegranates. Ascending again, we came down into the
valley of Elah, where David slew Goliath. Another long and steep
ascent of a most rugged hill brought us into a strange scene--a
desert of sunburnt rocks. I had read of this, and knew that
Jerusalem was near. I left my camel and went before, hurrying
over the burning rocks. In about half an hour Jerusalem came in
sight. 'How doth the city sit solitary that was full of people!'
Is this the perfection of beauty? 'How hath the Lord covered the
daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger!' It is, indeed, very
desolate. Read the two first chapters of Lamentations, and you
have a vivid picture of our first sight of Jerusalem. We lighted
off our camels within the Jaffa gate. Among those that crowded
round us, we observed several Jews. I think I had better not
attempt to tell you about Jerusalem. There is so much to
describe, and I know not where to begin. The Consul, Mr. Young,
received us most kindly, provided us a house where we might
spread our mats, and helped us in every way. Mr. Nicolayson
called the same evening, and insisted on our occupying one of the
mission-houses on Mount Zion. The plague is still in Jerusalem,
so that we must keep ourselves in quarantine. The plague only
communicates by contact, so that we are not allowed to touch any
one, or let any one touch us. Every night we heard the mourners
going about the streets with their dismal wailings for the dead.
On Sabbath Mr. Nicolayson read the prayers, and Dr. Black
preached from Isaiah 2:2. Dr. Keith in the evening. Three
converted Jews were among the hearers. On Monday (10) we visited
the sepulchre, and a painful sight, where we can find no traces
of Calvary. Same evening rode up to the Mount of Olives: past
Gethsemane, a most touching spot. Visited Sir Mo