It is still occu

thither with his disciples." pied as a garden, and contains several large olive trees.

Feb. 27. Received a letter from the -president of the Greek monastery at Rama, expressing his thanks for the tracts which I sent him to be distributed among the pilgrims.

28. Sent a few tracts to a Russian gentleman who resides in the monastery of Abraham. Also, gave a few to a young man belonging to the Catholic monastery. He engaged to read them attentively.

29. Sold an Italian Testament, and gave an Armenian Testament to an Armenian, who engaged to aid me in the distribution of the Scriptures. Visited the priests, who have charge of the Holy Sepulchre, and gave them a Testament. Towards evening walked with a few priests to the place where, it is said, Hezekiah "stopped up the fountains and the brook, that ran through the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come and find water." 2 Chron. xxxii, 4. By the way, gave them some account of the progress of religious institutions in America: of Sabbath schools, family worship, and benevolent societies.

Visit to Bethany.

March 2. A Russian gentleman with the president of Abraham's monastery offered to accompany me to Bethany, about two miles east of Jerusalem, at the foot of the Mount of Olives on the east side. "Now Bethany was nigh to Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off." We came to the grave of Lazarus. "It was a cave," saith St. John, "and a stone lay upon it." A Turk, who seemed to have charge of the sepulchre, for a few paras gave us lighted tapers and permission to enter. We descended 28 stone steps, where we found a small room about eight feet square. On the east and west sides are tombs cut in the solid rock. Probably Jesus our Lord stood here, and cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." Half a mile to the east, we came to a stone, upon which our Savior sat, it is believed, when Martha met him and fell at his feet, saying, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."

Returning to Jerusalem we passed over the summit of the Mount of Olives, and, besides visiting places before mentioned, came to the mount where king Solomon "built a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill which is Jerusalem." It is only a few rods south of the place from which our Savior ascended to heaven. Visited also the tombs of the prophets, a little west of the mount of scandal.

March 3. Gave to Procopius 100 tracts, to be distributed among the priests and pilgrims. Conversed a long time with a priest, respecting the nature of the new birth. He said it was baptism. "When children are baptised, they are renewed, as it respects Adam's transgression; but if they afterwards sin, they must be punished." This, so far as I can learn, is the prevailing sentiment among the Greeks. They can give no other account of the new heart.

Interview with Pilgrims.

A few pilgrims called upon me, and expressed their surprise that I should not observe the stated fasts. I requested them to prove from Scripture, that it is required of Christians to fast forty days before the passover. I had observed, that the pilgrims on board the vessel, who abstained with great strictness from meat, often drank wine even to intoxication. This led me to inquire, as to the propriety of such conduct; especially among pilgrims, on their way to the Holy Sepulchre. We must learn, I observed, that true piety consists not in eating, or in abstaining from food; but in doing the will of our Father who is in heav

en.

They confessed frankly, that the practice, which prevailed among the pilgrims, was highly censurable.

March 5. Violent rain during the day. Translated, from Italian into Greek, a letter received by Procopius from Mr. Barker, the general agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Syria. Procopius, not being able perfectly to understand the Italian, requested me to make a translation. The design of the letter was to aid, by every laudable effort, the distribution of the Holy Scriptures.

March 6. While reading the Holy Scriptures with a priest, inquiries were made respecting the "many mansions" in heaven. He said, that they were all for Greeks, but one has a higher station than another. "Catholics, Armenians, Protestants, not one of them can enter heaven; for they are not baptised."

8. Violent rain. The Greek, with whom I read the Scriptures, remarked that Christ was τελειος ανθρωπος και τελειος Θεός; (truly man and truly God.) March 9. intermission.

The rain continues without "The Grecks believe," said a priest who visited me to day, "that neither the righteous, nor the wicked, immediately after death pass into glory, or are sent to punishment. Both rest like prisoners for the day of trial."

Service of the Copts.

While walking in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, my attention was arrested by

Visit of a Catholic Convent.

March 12. Visted the Catholic convent. The Superior invited me to visit the convent when I pleased, and gave me many assurances of his friendship. I did not take with me Testaments, as I knew the Catholics were decidedly hostile to the distribution of the Holy Scriptures among pilgrims. The convent is large; and is the resort of all European travellers, who visit the Holy City. In the evening, received a letter from brother Fisk, dated Jan. 26. forwarded by way of Cyprus.

13. Wrote to brother Fisk, and forwarded the letter, with several others, to Cyprus.

14. Visited the Armenian convent, and left three Testaments for sale. Walked to "the field of blood, purchased with thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued." It is a little south of Siloam, on the brook of Gihon. It contains many apartments for the dead; as it was originally appropriated to the burial of strangers.

15. Rain during the whole day.

17. Procopius gave me permission to enter the church of the Holy Sepulchre, for the purpose of quietly observing the different apartments while the pilgrims were absent.

19. Visited Procopius. He gave it as his opinion, that there are in Jerusalem 10,000 Jews and 2,000 Christians. Twenty-one pilgrims arrived from Smyrna. An Armenian of distinction informed me, that, in Jerusalem, there are 60 families of Armenians,—and that in Palestine are only four Armenian monasteries; viz. one in Jerusalem, one in Bethlehem, one in Rama, and one in Jaffa. There is also an Armenian church on Mount Zion, without the city.

Two ecclesiastics called upon me to instruct them in Italian. They read with me in the Italian Testament. Much rain during the day.

An Interesting Pilgrim.

22. In the morning, one of the pilgrims, with whom I read the Scriptures almost every day, while on the passage, came to my room and read with me several chapters.

The

The progress which he has made in reading and in knowledge, is a rich compensation for all the trouble of teaching him. He often stops to tell me, in other words, the story he has read; and remarks upon the importance of living according to the Scriptures. He is never weary; but, at the close of one chapter, he says, with a smile, “shall we read another?" When he passes me in the street, he expresses the affection of a brother, and, at the same time, looks to me as his instructor. effect upon his life bas been most salutary. He says, that he shall read the Testament every day as long as he lives. He is soon to return to his country, more than a thousand miles from Jerusalem, and my opportunities to visit and instruct him must cease. But he will carry with him the Holy Bible as his guide, and he will not soon forget the past interesting scenes. do indulge the secret hope, not that he is already converted, but that impressions have been made, which, by the blessing of the Holy Spirit, will result in a saving acquaintance with the Word of God, and in final admittance into heaven. With regard to the future, we can make no certain calculations. For the past I feel bound to give thanks to God.

Reading the Scriptures with Inquirers.

I

Four persons have been at my room to read the Scriptures to-day. The priests encourage me in this employment. If, then, a missionary can reside here with no other employment than to read the Scriptures with pilgrims, not uttering a word respecting Catholics, Greeks, or Turks, a great work might be accomplished;-a work, which would impart infinite joy to the friends of this mission, and guide many souls to eternal life. From the observations I have made, I am led to believe, that reading the Scriptures is one of the most effectual methods to diffuse the spirit of piety;-a method to which God has often added a peculiar blessing.

23. Read in the Greek Testament with a Greek priest. Within 100 feet of my room reside five bishops, viz. of Petrea, of Nazaret, of Gaza, of Lydda, of Philadelphia. Petrea and Philadelphia are beyond Jordan.

24. Read the Scriptures as usual with a few individuals. Attended service in the church of the Holy Sepulchre. Seventy two priests, dressed in clerical robes, entered the church, two by two; and, bowing to the floor, rose and kissed the hand of the presiding bishop. After this, five loaves of bread were placed in the centre of the church and consecrated, in commemoration of the feeding of the five thousand.

25. P. M. A Turkish high priest, a

moolah, arrived at Jerusalem. The governor of the city, the presidents of the different monasteries, and a large number of soldiers, went out to meet the moolah, and to welcome his arrival. As he entered the city, two cannons were discharged,— an honor, which is conferred on persons of high standing.

27. Passed the day in reading the Holy Scriptures in Greek and Italian, with a few Greeks. In the evening, the Russian consul arrived with his family.

28. Read the Scriptures with several Greeks.

29. Accompanied the Russian consul and his family to the church of the Holy Sepulchre.

30. Read Italian two hours in the morning with a few Greeks. Afterwards obtained permission from Procopius to visit all the Greek monasteries in Jerusalem, and to supply the pilgrims and monks with tracts. A Greek priest was my guide.

Visit of the Greek Monasteries.

Tirst visited the convent of St. Basilius, near the Latin monastery, at the northwest corner of the city. There were 12 women residing near the monastery. They received tracts with every expression of thankfulness.

Next came to the monastery of St. Theodore, a few paces south of the Latin convent. In it reside 200 pilgrims, many of whom had before received tracts which I sent them. Left a sufficient number to supply the rest.

The third monastery, that of St. Demetrius, is near to Jaffa gate. Here we found many pilgrims, willing and thankful to receive the tracts

The fourth that of St. George, is near to Zion gate, in which reside only one monk. Left a few tracts for him, and for his friends.

The fifth that of St. John, is a little south of the church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here was presented to us, a part of the head, as they say, of John the Baptist, in a silver vessel. My guide, and others with me, approached it with a reverence, one would think due only to Him, who demands our worship. The pilgrims are numerous. Left 50 tracts. These were not sufficient. The pilgrims, finding themselves destitute, entered a charge against the president of concealing the tracts, and appropriating them to his own use. informed of the disturbance, and terminated the dispute by sending 50 tracts more.

I was

The sixth was St. Mary's, at which we were shewn a neat and very ancient MS. copy of the four Gospels written by a nun; the date of the copy some affirm to be 650 years after Christ. Here are preserved also the bones of a converted Turk, who suffer

ed martyrdom for his religion. Supplied the monastery with tracts, and received the assurance that they would be attentively read.

Visited, also, the Syrian church, which, it is said, is the house in which the disciples were assembled, when Peter came from prison, and saluted his brethren. They tell us, that the very gate is standing where Peter knocked till "Rhoda came to hearken; and when she knew Peter's voice she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate." Saw a few fine copies of MS. Testaments in the Syrian character;-also a few Syrian printed Testaments, deposited there by the Rev. Mr. Connor.

31. Mr. Barnet, an English traveller, arrived this morning, and brought me a letter from brother Fisk, of the same date as the other, received several days since. Mr. B. is now from Egypt, and has given me a very favorable account of that country, as it respects the safety of travellers, and the encouragement afforded to Europeans.

Excursion to Bethlehem.

April 2. Accompanied Mr. B. to Bethlehem. Rode two miles through a beautiful plain, called the valley of Rephaim. Here David obtained a memorable victory over the Philistines, being encouraged by "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees." Passed the convent of Elijah, where reside about 20 Greeks. Near it is shewn a rock, on which, tradition says, Elijah slept, when fleeing from the wrath of Ahab. Here we had a distinct view, at the same moment, of the three most important places on the globe; Bethlehem, where the Savior was born; Jerusalem where he was crucified; and the Mount of Olives, whence he ascended to heaven. Bethlehem, at this distance, assumes an appearance of splendor far beyond that which it actually possesses. The monastery, erected over the manger, stands a little east of the village. Still further eastward, we saw the valley where the shepherds heard the angels sing, "Glory to God in the highest."

From the convent of Elijah the road became uneven and stony. We passed near the sepulchre of Rachel. "And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrah, which is Bethlehem."

A letter from the Latin convent in Jerusalem, introduced us to the president of the convent in Bethlehem. We were invited to dine with him. At dinner, the subject of distributing the Scriptures was introduced. He replied, "the Arabic psalter, which the English have sent here, is a correct translation, word for word. Also, the Italian Testament, translated by Antonie

Martini, cannot be censured. But the Arabic Bible sent here, we Catholics do not approve of." "The Greeks" added he, "differ from us in three things. They believe, that the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father only;-that there not a state of purification after death; and they renounce some of the sacraments. As for the Protestants, they believe that all will be saved."

After dinner visited a Catholic school, to which belong 80 scholars. Among them I found a youth who spoke the Italian with great fluency, and who is, as they informed me, far advanced in the study of Arabic, his native language. Knowing that it would be desirable in many respects, to obtain such a youth, I requested the father of the child to permit me to take his son, and give him a good education at my own expense. After some hesitation, he replied, "his mother will not be willing."

To the hill Bethlehem, every Christian must feel a peculiar attachment;-the native place of David, the king of Israel,-a man after God's own heart, and of the second David, the Lord from heaven. Here the wise men of the east laid their crowns, at the feet of the infant Savior; and here was heard a choir of angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

In Bethlehem village there are, it is said, 1,500 Catholics, 1,000 Greeks, and a few Armenians, and a few Turks. The Catholics, Armenians, and Greeks, have each of them a monastery. On our return, saw the village of Rama on our left. "In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weeping and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be somforted, because they are not."

evening service. There are four synagogues in the same inclosure; and others in other parts. We made inquiries with regard to the number of Jews in Jerusalem. Some replied 3,000; others said, "No, there are not three thousand;" "But why" they replied, "do you ask us this question?" Because, we wish to gain particular information with regard to Christians, Jews, and Turks, in every place. We showed them a Testament in Hebrew. They examined it; but dared not purchase it, without the consent of the Rabbins. We left a few tracts, which they examined; but not without hesitation. They treated us with respect; and invited us to come again.

Mr. B. left the city for Damascus. Before his departure, I presented to him a little book, together with a letter expressing my desire, that the divine Savior, the places of whose nativity, crucifixion, and ascension, he had visited, might be his Guide, and everlasting Friend.

Other Greek Monasteries.

10. Visited several monasteries, in addition to those mentioned before, for the purpose of giving to all who could read religious tracts.

I have before mentioned, that on the 30th of March I visited six monasteries: to prevent confusion the numbers are con tinued.

The seventh monastery, called Abraham's, because it is erected over the spot where, it is supposed, Abraham, strong` in faith, presented his son Isaac for sacrifice. The spot is only 8 or 10 feet from Mount Calvary, where was offered the Great Sacrifice for the sins of the world. The pilgrims are Russians; and Greek tracts are of very little use. At another passover, I hope we shall be able to afford the same kind of instruction to Russians, Armenians, and Copts, which we have now done to Greeks. A missionary should have on hand a large supply of tracts in the following languages: Greek, Russian, Armenian, Turkish, Arabic, and Syriac. All are willing to read; and to all God can impart his blessing.

In the eighth monastery, called St. Katharine's, left 20 tracts. A few women reside in the convent.

Next; the ninth, is St. Mary's the less, (to distinguish it from the other by the same name.) Here disposed of 20 tracts.

The Archangel monastery, erected over the spot where the angel was seen, when "he stretched out his hand over Jerusalem to destroy it," is the tenth. Disposed of 100 tracts. A multitude of pilgrims are residing in this monastery.

The eleventh is that of St. Nicholas, where I found a multitude of pilgrims ready to receive instruction.. Left 100 tracts.

At the twelfth, St. George's, left only 20 tracts, a sufficient number to supply all who could read.

At the thirteenth, that of St. Ithemius, left 30 tracts. Here terminated our tour. Have now visited thirteen Greek monasteries, one Catholic, one Armenian, one Syrian, and one Coptic, within the walls of Jerusalem. Distributed in all, including the church of St. Constantine, 1,000 tracts. These tracts are to be widely dispersed; and perhaps read by people several thousands of miles from the Holy City. The very fact, that, they were brought from Jerusalem, will attach to them a degree of sanctity; and give them higher claims upon the attention of a multitude of Christians.

I regret exceedingly, that I could not obtain tracts in the Armenian and Russian languages.

12. Two English gentlemen arrived from Egypt, to witness the ceremonies of the Passover.

13. Early this morning all the Greek pilgrims ascended the Mount of Olives to perform a service in commemoration of the resurrection of Lazarus. During the service, two men (appointed for the purpose,) passed through the assembly soliciting charity for the church. As they passed, they solemnly invoked the assistance of the saint, saying, "Holy Lazarus, help us.'

Commemoration of the Entrance into Je

rusalem.

and Armenian characters, but none of them are offered for sale.

Five miles further west, came to the Catholic monastery erected over the spot where John the Baptist was born. The convent is large, and in a good state of preservation. A little further west, we came to the house, in which, tradition says, Mary, the mother of our Savior, saluted Elizabeth. We saw, at a considerable distance to the north, the tomb of the prophet Samuel. To the west is the valley, in which David slew Goliah.

the body was laid upon the bier, a priest offered a short prayer, and the people responded, "Amen." As they came near the gate, which leads from the city, the priest offered another prayer, and then returned.

After passing the gate, they commenced singing, and continued this service till they arrived at the grave. It was on the east side of the Mount of Olives, where all the Jews consider it a privilege to be buried. It is a feast day with the Jews, and not lawful for them to bury the dead. A Turk was hired to do it. A hole was dug in the earth, about three feet in depth; and the body literally crowded into it with

out a coffin. A few stones were laid on the body to prevent the dogs from devouring it. In all their ceremonies, there was nothing like solemnity or regularity.

Proposed School at Jerusalem.

were numerous and splendid. A large procession was formed;-each individual bearing palm leaves and olive branches in commemoration of the Savior's entrance into Jerusalem with shoutings of "Hosanna to the Son of David." That part of the Gospel, which relates to this subject was read in ancient Greek at the door of the. Holy Sepulchre. If such occasions could be devoted to reading the Scriptures in a language which the pilgrims understood, they would become highly interesting, and communicate instruction to thousands of precious souls.

16. Accompanied the Russian consul, and the English travellers, to the monastery of the Holy Cross, a mile and a half west of Jerusalem. Here we were shown the hole in the earth where grew, it is said, the tree from which was taken the Cross. The dirt has been carefully collected, and carried off by pilgrims. Also, saw a large colléction of manuscript Testaments, in Greek

to Procopius, that if he would obtain a suitable instructor, I would defray the expense of the school. He replied, "there is now no person in Jerusalem qualified to instruct such a school as we need." But he engaged to write to the Patriarch; and afterwards give me more particular information on the subject.

Af

19. At the usual service of the Greeks in the church of St. Constantine, the Russian consul, his dragoman, and his secretary, received the holy sacrament. ter this was a service near the gate of the church of the Holy Sepulchre. The superior of the convent, having laid aside his official robes, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the feet of 12 monks, who were selected and arranged before the door of the Holy Tomb. During this ceremony, they sang the following words; "If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one another's feet."