In Christ's Own Country

BY FRANCIS E. CLARK 1873, The Christian Herald.

This small book of 128 pages is attractive in its make up, but an illustration on the cover and the peculiar shape of the page chosen by the publishers give one the impression at the outset that it is a child's book. A perusal of the brief introduction soon dispels that view and reveals the purpose of this unique book as an attempt to be "eyes and ears and feet" to any who have longed to visit this wonderful land but have been prevented by circumstances beyond their control; to all such and to any seeker after truth as revealed by the Master, this book is well worthy of thoughtful reading and rereading.

Dr. Clark, as Father of the Christian Endeavor movement, very naturally makes his trip through Palestine as nearly as possible in the order taken by the Master, and hence begins at Bethlehem; but, being an American, his first chapter is devoted to a pleasing account of how he reached Bethlehem.

After a brief description of the birthplace of our Lord, and the principal events associated with the town, especially emphasizing the Church of the Nativity, we are taken to "Jerusalem, the joy of the whole earth," so dear to Jew and Mohammedan as well as to the Christian. Entering the city by the Jaffa gate, most natural for one approaching from Bethlehem, we are taken at once through streets too narrow for carriages to the Temple Area, the site of the famous temple of Solomon, "where the infant Jesus was presented by his parents." The "Dome of the Rock," unfortunately called the "Mosque of Omar," one of the most noted buildings in the world, receives a brief but comprehensive description. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, with its numerous chapels and contradictory traditions is of secondary importance, but must be visited to fully appreciate the enthusiasm of the thousands of pilgrims who throng its enclosure. A walk over the Via Dolorosa and under the Ecce Homo Arch, and a look at the Wailing Place of the Jews may well complete this brief visit to the city of cities. Without attempting to follow the Child into Egypt, the 'author takes his readers along the coast to the North into Galilee as the most probable route to His future home in Nazareth. The one spot in Nazareth, if not in all Palestine, where there has been little or no change in two thousand years, is the "Virgin's Well," the only fountain in that region for the centuries; here the Child with His mother, was frequently found, and it is a most hallowed spot, without the uncertainties of many another locality accepted by many travelers. Leaving Nazareth, the real home of the Child for so many years, the author takes his readers into the wilderness and across the Jordan to the place of the Saviour's temptation and baptism by John, the "voice crying in the wilderness." The next two chapters are devoted to the country around the Sea of Galilee and the many important events which transpired in that region. Next we are taken into the North country, the region of Tyre and Sidon, and across to old Csesarea Philippi at the base of Mount Hermon, by some considered the Mount of the Transfiguration; continuing the northern route, we soon reach old Damascus, probably the oldest city in the world having a continuous existence; the conversion of Saul of Tarsus makes this city of intense interest to all Christians.

After returning to Nazareth, the central route from Galilee to Jerusalem is followed with great interest, over the plain of Esdraelon, famous for so many battles, through Samaria and ancient Shechem, the home of the remnant of the Samaritans, at the base of Mount Gerizim and near Mount Ebal, the mounts of blessing and cursing of Bible history. A visit to Joseph's tomb and to Jacob's well, the best authenticated historic site in the entire region, is well worth while.

In the last chapter of the book, the author takes us over the route of Christ's last journey from Jericho, in the Jordan Valley, to Jerusalem on the heights, an ascent of 3300 feet in 20 miles.

Just before reaching our journey's end we enter the small town of Bethany, the most disappointing place in all Palestine. To find the best-loved home of the Christ, where Mary and Martha lived and Lazarus was raised from the dead, to be so squalid and poverty stricken is indeed a great disappointment; but soon we ascend the slope of the Mount of Olives, the most attractive spot in all Palestine. Here on the Sacred Mount which retains its original beauty, and in full view of the Holy City," the author brings to a close his "new pilgrimage in the Master's Footsteps."

The book is well illustrated with views taken by the author, but unfortunately poorly placed in many cases, far from the descriptive text.

C.F.E

The Young Churchman Co. have issued recently a new edition of "Elements of Religious Pedagogy" by Fred Lewis Pattee '88.

A new book by William Byron Forbush '88 is "Manual of Stories" published by George W. Jacobs & Co.

Raymond B. Seymour '10 is the author of "The Laws of New York Favor and Protect Women," a pamphlet issued by the Man-Suffrage Association Opposed to Extension of Political Suffrage to Women.

"Bohemia Under Hapsburg Misrule" by Thomas Gapek contains a chapter, The Bohemian Character by Herbert A. Miller '99. Professor Miller is also the author of "A Prophesy of Slav Domination," published in the New YorkTimes Magazine, May 23, 1915.

Charles A. Eastman '87 is the author of "The Indian Today," just issued by Doubleday Page & Co. in their new series, "The American Books." This volume will be reviewed later.