reared a magnificent mosque. Like that of Mecca
this, too, is adorned with gold and silver. Hundreds of rich men from
all parts of Persia give large offerings for this temple. Karballa has
different meanings. Some translate it the place of danger, some the
place of mourning, some the place of the killing of martyrs, others the
place of those holy men. Here in this city is the pope of all
Persia,--they call him prophet. In his hands is all the power of his
religion, and he has more power than the king. Everything he commands
they must do, even to the killing or massacring of all the Christians.
The king must do him formal reverence.

The fourth place is Mashhad. This city is situated in the northeast
part of Persia, in the state of Khorason, near the Caspian sea. This is
the most holy city in Persia. Here are buried many famous persons as
the grandchildren of Mohammed. This mosque is more rich than Mecca and
Karballa. The dome is gilded with gold outside and inside. Generally
each king of Persia makes expensive presents, but the most remarkable
event in this connection was two hundred years ago. Nadirshah, a
powerful king of Persia, he that conquered India and despoiled Calcutta
of its treasures,--made a present to this temple of a crown of gold,
adorned with precious stones. They say at night it is like the
Electricity building at the Columbian Exposition. They call it
Mashhad-Mokaddas, meaning holy. It is a place of martyrs. No Christians
or Jews are permitted to reside in this city. In the thirteenth century
this was the cathedral of the archbishop of the Nestorians.

PILGRIMAGES TO THE HOLY PLACES.

Mohammedan law commands all to go to these holy places. The books of
ceremony emphasize the importance of such pilgrimages. The hope of
remission of sins is given to all visitors, and they are thereafter
called by a different name from ordinary men. Everyone has confidence
in them; and sometimes for a witness they call from this class of men.
Their law is, every man able must go and God will be merciful to his
family, and afterward he will be rich. Everyone who refuses to go is
not a true Moslem and does not love his religion.

PREPARATION FOR THE JOURNEY.

Before going on this journey many fast and pray. They must repent of
every sin and sometimes one sees men praying in various ways, and it is
easy to see that they are preparing for a pilgrimage. They put on a
sorrowful countenance and walk about sadly,--all of