ness for miles, not a house in sight, occasionally meeting squads of wild looking "Bedouins" armed with guns and spears.

Far away in the distance we saw the remains of a stone structure, and by the way this is a wilderness of stone, the hills are stone, everywhere one looks it is white stone, mostly lime, in some parts. But as we came to this old stone building we were told it was the famous "Good Samaritan Inn." We stopped at a new building where we rested and refreshed ourselves with a cool drink, and took a few pictures. We departed along stony roads, high hills, and mountains at both sides, and at one place famous as the Brook Cherith, where Elijah was fed by the ravens, we looked down and saw a building, a convent, built in the rocks hundreds of feet below. We stopped here on our way back.

We were soon on the plain of the Jordan with Jericho seen in the distance, and the remains of Gilgal with a thicket of thorn trees, always green. The mountains of Moab make a beautiful background, the sun reflecting on them, making a picture never to be forgotten.

We passed the Achor Valley, spoken of in Joshua 7: 24, 25. We were soon at the site of Jericho (ancient) and we stopped at Elisha's fountain, and took pictures. On the way to the fountain we stopped at Hotel Bellevue and left our baggage, returning there to eat our lunch, so kindly provided by our good Sister Floyd, with whom we are staying in Jerusalem, she also being with us on our trip.

After spending some time at the ruins of Jericho, which is a wonderful sight, with the old stone walls, fallen in, large excavations on all sides, and ample proofs of a once inhabited city at this spot, we passed on to the River Jordan. As we came in sight we felt glad and yet sad. Glad, because we were privileged to be here so close to where Jesus and his disciples had been; sad, as we realized more now than ever before the hardships and trials he must have suffered in this country. More than ever before can we realize and appreciate that statement, "The Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." For miles and miles a wilderness of hills, and mountains of stones, and caves stretched away, not a brook or place to be refreshed on the way.

We met many natives, of all types. All they seemingly possess in this world's goods are a few little donkeys, and carrying large bundles on their heads, the hot sun beating down on them, scarcely clad, without shoes, and very wild and savage looking. It is not considered a safe journey without a guard, but we had a guide and a "Bedouin" driver; so, being twelve in number, with guide and drivers (two carriages) we felt safe.

We reached the Jordan at two o'clock and the four to be baptized prepared for it; also Brother Griffiths and Elder Pitt, who were to perform the ordinances. It was very difficult to find a good spot, as the water was very deep and muddy. We learned that further up the river it was fine, but not having sufficient time to investigate, as the time was rather limited, not wishing to be on the plains after dark, they decided to baptize at the best spot available. So

Elder Griffiths baptized Sr. Florence Carr, and her son, Halbert Carr; Elder Pitt baptizing Bro. Bertram Carr, and son, Paul Carr. It was a delightful scene; the day so beautiful, and as we sang the hymns on the banks of the Jordan we felt blessed in being there. Some pictures were taken here, and after filling a large bottle with water as a souvenir we departed for the Dead Sea.

After an hour's ride over rough and salty land we came to the beautiful, clear, blue expanse of the Dead Sea. Looking down into it, so clear and refreshing, one of the party could not resist the temptation to go in wading, and it was your humble writer who did The only regret was the limited time compelled us to hasten on our journey back to the hotel, as it would soon be dark. We took pictures, gathered shells, and some little stones as souvenirs, filled

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another large bottle with the salty Dead Sea water, and departed. About 5.45 p. m. we reached the hotel, where we had delightfully cool rooms, neat and pleasant. After having our evening meal, we sang hymns and passed an evening in old Jericho that shall not soon be forgotten.

We retired at 9 p. m., as we were to arise early in the morning -4 a. m.,-for return trip to Jerusalem. We were on the way at 5.15, and the sun coming up an hour later, casting a purple reflection on the mountains of Moab, was a beautiful picture. We were obliged to walk up a number of the high hills, the load being too heavy for the three horses which were driven to each carriage. Sister Floyd, with whom we are staying, is most thoughtful of our comforts, and leaves nothing undone towards making our stay in Jerusalem a pleasant and successful one. She sends out notices,

invites many to come to each preaching service, and many are expected to attend, at her hospitable home. We reached home at 3 o'clock the next day, November 17, after a most delightful trip to the Jordan.

JERUSALEM, PALESTINE, November 19, 1910.

II. JERUSALEM TO HEBRON; THROUGH JUDAH BY CARRIAGE, BY GOMER T. GRIFFITHS.

Leaving the Holy City we cross the Valley of Gihon; at this place Solomon was anointed. (1 Kings 1: 33-40.) We pass the aqueduct built by Solomon. Ascending the west bank of the Valley of Gihon, we enter the territory of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15: 1-8). We soon ride across the beautiful, sloping plain of Rephaim, where

Philistines spread themselves the second time to fight against David (2 Samuel 5: 18-20). Here the road ascends a considerable ridge, with olive groves on both sides, and from this point we have a beautiful view of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Scenes for long distances around are most lovely to behold. Nearing Bethlehem we come to Rachel's Tomb, and from this point about a mile to the west is the village of Bit-Jala, the site of the ancient Zelzah, the home of Kish the father of Saul.

Leaving Rachel's Tomb we follow the right hand road which leads us to Solomon's Pools; the upper pool is 380 feet long, 233 feet wide, the middle pool is 423 feet long and 233 feet wide. The lower pool is 582 feet long and 175 feet wide. These were built by Solomon. After two and one half hours' travel from here we reach Hebron, one of the oldest towns in Palestine. This is the town where Abraham built an altar unto the Lord, and it was also his

home. (Genesis 13: 18.) Here are to be seen the tombs of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob and their wives, with the exception of Rachel, all of whom were buried in the cave of Machpelah, which was purchased by Abraham from the sons of Heth. (Genesis 23: 5-20, 49:29, 32.

Brother Pitt took a picture of this tomb. The scenery surrounding Hebron is charming and beautiful to behold. It was from Hebron that the spies whom Moses sent to spy out the land of Canaan from whence they took back a cluster of grapes that required two men to carry on a staff. (Numbers 13: 21-25.) This section of the country is blessed with many natural springs of water. Grapes, figs, and other fruits abound here in great abundance. The town

itself is very ancient in its appearance, but the streets are very narrow and extremely filthy. The people are afflicted with blindness, sore eyes, etc., and are very dirty, more so than any other place visited by us, and it seems that begging is a profession with them. We were all glad to get away from the people, as their actions and filthy appearance filled us with disgust. Wonderful changes must have taken place here since the days when Father Abraham lived here, and we read in Joshua 21: 10-13 that this country was given to Caleb for his inheritance, and the city of Hebron to the sons of Aaron to be a city of refuge. Here David was first made king, and reigned here for seven years and six months (2 Samuel 2: 1-11); also here he was anointed for all Israel. On our return journey we visited Abraham's Oak. (Genesis 18: 1-4.) This tree is of great age; it is twenty-six feet in girth; many of its massive limbs are held up by strong iron supports. It is claimed that under this tree three men or angels appeared to Abraham during the heat of the day, and informed him of the birth cf Isaac, and also told him of the destruction of the cities of

Sodom and Gomorrah. Near by this is a hospice for Russian pilgrims, from whose tower a fine view can be had of the Plains of Sharon, Jordan, and the Mediterranean Sea. Here we partook of noonday lunch, close by under the shade of the trees. Brother Pitt took some fine pictures of the trees, and the party at lunch. On the way back one can visit Bethlehem, the town where King David and Jesus, our Savior, were born. (Micah 5: 2; Matthew 2: 6.)

Underneath the Church of the Nativity and in a cave cut out of the solid rock is the place where it is said Jesus was born; close by is the manger. The spot where it is claimed the Savior was born is marked by a large silver star. Thousands upon thousands visit this place annually. The building covering this place is controlled by the Latin, Greek, and Armenian churches. All three have altars erected around the birthplace of Jesus, and the priests of these respective churches stand ready to sprinkle people with