The City of the Great King: or, Jerusalem as it was, as it is, and as it is to be

Front matter

rz^yt^. y yjs2/^<?y^y THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING; OR, JERUSALEM AS IT WAS, as it is, AND AS IT IS TO BE. HY J. T. BARCLAY, M.D., MISSIONARY TO JET.USAT.E_I " Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion— the City of the sire.it Kin_ PHILADELPHIA: JAMES OHALLEN AN]) SONS BULLETIN BUILDINGS. J T I. V B N E E & C 0., LONDON. Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1S.7, by JAMES CIIALLEX * SONS, In (he Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. BTEUEOTYPED I1Y HEARS _ DUS-NBERY. lMtl.M'ED CY HENRY U. ASHHEAD. PUBLISHERS' ANNOUNCEMENT. This work is presented to the public, believing that much will be found in it of great interest and value to all classes of the religious world, and to those who would see the hand of Providence in the history and fortunes of Israel, and the nations with whom they have been associated, for more than three thousand years.

The name of Dr. Barclay — a resident missionary in Jerusalem for three years and a half, is now favorably known, both in Europe and in this country, for the valuable discoveries he has made in the Temple Enclosure and other sacred localities, to which he was admitted by special firman, and for the aids he has furnished to many distinguished tourists, in the Holy Land, which have been in all their recent works repeatedly acknowledged. " The City of the Great King," on every page of it, shows the extent and accuracy of his labors ; and his Map of Jerusalem, now before the public, is justly esteemed the only reliable one known. His close observation of facts and conscientious adherence to truth, together with his long and patient labors in the prosecution of his PUBLISHERS' ANNOUNCEMENT. task, cannot fail to commend this book to the confidence of the public.

The Portrait of the Author is a waif, from the hands of the Pub lishers, given at the request of numerous friends in view of his immediate return to Palestine, probably to be seen no more amongst us. It is from a photograph by McClees, and reflects great credit upon the eminent artist, John Sartain, by whom it was executed. The Steel Engravings, by Messrs. Buttre, Earle, and Dick, are gems of the first value. The Chromographs and Lithographs, by L. N. Rosenthal, reflect the highest credit upon his establishment. The Wood Engravings, by Messrs. Louderback & Hoffmann, from original designs by Moore ; and J. H. Byram from transfers, are unequalled. The Publishers, having spared no pains or expense, to meet the demands of the public, cheerfully commit the work to their hands. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE

Introduction

-11 GLOSSARY 23 indent IwasaUm. Chapter I.— GENERAL OBSERVATIONS - - - 43 II.— LOCAL FEATURES OF CITY AND ENVIRONS . . - . »5j III.— LOCAL FEATURES CONTINUED W IV.— VARIOUS QUARTERS OF THE CITY 107 V.— WALLS— FROM MELCHISEDEC TO ZEDEKIAH 119 VI.— TOWERS, GATES, ETC. 147 VII.— CASTLES, CITADELS, FORTRESSES, PALACES, ETC. - - - 164 vm.— TOMBS AND SEPULCHRAL MONUMENTS 179 IX.— THE TEMPLE .--.--..... 239 X— WATER SUPPLY OF JERUSALEM 291 XI.— THE CITY FROM ITS SUBVERSION BY TITUS TO ITS CAPTURE BY THE SARACENS 333 IptM&tal lernsaltm. XII.— THE CITY UNDER THE MOSLEMS— SARACENS, EGYPTIANS, AND TURKS 337 XIII.— THE CITY UNDER CHRISTIAN DOMINATION 361 VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. Ipri. mt |ernsaltm. PAGB Chapter XIV.— THE CITY UNDER THE TURKS ....... 407 XV.— JERUSALEM AS IT NOW IS— CLIMATE AND PRODUCTIONS - - 414 XVI.— WALLS, GATES, TOWERS, ETC. 429 XVII.— HARAM ESH-SHERIF 470 XVIII— WATER RESOURCES OF THE CITY 612 XIX.— WATERS BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS - - - 644 XX.— MISSIONARY OPERATIONS - - - - . - - - - 680 itillennial |trasslem.

XXI.— MILLENNIAL PHASIS OF THE CITY AND HOLY OBLATION - • I I/LUSTRATIONS. ISletl (Kngrabiitgs. BNGKAVBD BY I'AOI PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR - - - • A - - JOHN SARTAIN TOWER OF HIPPICUS, CHURCH OF YACOBEIA, ANGLICAN CHURCH, AND CONSULATE W. H. EARLE - 43 TOMBS OF THE KINGS -.--.--- j>iok - - 179 CHURCH OF THE HOLT SETULCHRE - - - - ■ J. C. BUTTRE • - 219 MOUNT OLIVET, GETHSEMANE, ETC, FROM BT. STEPHEN'S GATE - - DICK - - - 699 $thmthta&ms. k TOMB OF DAVID - - - - - - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL - 208 TEMPLE MOUNT AND OLIVET, PROM ZION - - - - - L. N. ROBENTHAL - 239 INTERIOR OF THE MOSK OF OMAR - - - - - - L. N. R08ENTHAL 470 PANORAMA OF JERUSALEM, FROM THE SOUTH - - - - • L. N. ROSENTHAL - 88 PANORAMA OF JERUSALEM, FROM THE NORTH - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL • 415 PANORAMA OF JERUSALEM, FROM THE WEST - - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL - 429 PANORAMA OF JERUSALEM, FROM THE EAST - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL • 471 ANCIENT JERUSALEM, FROM THE SOUTH - - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL - 107 MAP OF ANCIENT JERUSALEM - • - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL - 57 MAP OF MEDIÆVAL JERUSALEM - - - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL - 407 MAP OF MODERN JERUSALEM - - - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL • 431 GROUND PLAN OP TEMPLE AREA - - - - L. N. ROSENTHAL - 291 ILLUSTRATIONS.

VIII 38oob ©ngrairings. ANORAVSD BT FAOK „„„ . . „OUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 08 ASCENSION FROM MOUNT OLIVET ... - wuulM v REMAINS AT DAMASCUS GATE— ANCIENT TOWER ROOM - - " BTRAM 132 GROUND PLAN OF ROOM AND WINDING STAIRWAT IN TOWER AT DAMASCUS GATE BTRAM - ■ 133 SARCOPHAGUS FROM KUBR EL-MOLUK .....

BTRAM - " ' JEWISH TOMB AT EL-MESSAHNET ..-.-- BTRAM - PLAN OF EL-MESSAHNET TOMB ------- BTRAM TOMBS OP TBE JUDGES ..----• BTRAM - PLAN OF THE TOMB — SUPPOSED TO BE QUEEN HELENA'S - - - BTRAM - " 190 KUBR MOLUK — TOMBS OF THE KINGS ------ BTRAM - - - 192 PLAN OF THE TOMBS OF TBE KINGS ------ BTRAM - - 194 TOMBS OF TOE PROPHETS .-..-.- BTRAM - 198 TOMBS IN FIELD OP ACELDAMA ..---- BTRAM - - 206 AMERICAN CEMETERT— NEAR NEBY DAUD .... - BYRAM - - • 218 PLAN OF CHURCH OP HOLT SEPULCHRE - - - BTRAM - - 231 HAMMAM ES-8HERIF -------- BTRAM - - - 232 ROTUNDA AND MAUSOLEUM OF CHUBOH OF HOLT SEPULCHRE - - BTRAM - • 234 MAUSOLEUM OF CHURCH OF HOLT SEPULCHRE ----- BYRAM - - - 235 TRADITIONAL MOUTH OF THE CAVE OF ST. MART - - - BTRAM - - 317 REMAINS OF JEWISH TOWER NEAR THE SERAGLIO - f • - - BYRAM - - - 430 INTERIOR OF A JERUSALEM HOUSE ------ BTRAM - - 436 j AMERICAN CHRISTIAN MISSION PREMISES ----- LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 438 PALACE OF ARMENIAN PATRIARCH, AND CONVENT OF ST. JAMES - - BTRAM - - 445 SITE OF FORT ANTONIA _.------ LOUDERBACK A HOFFMANN 451 SARACENIC FOUNTAIN ------- LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 453 THE GREAT QUARRT CAVERN LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 459 HULDAH'S GATE - ----- LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 488 LINTEL OF ANCIENT GATEWAY OF TEMPLE ----- BYRAM - - - 489 OLD PORTAL IN WEST WALL OF TEMPLE ENCLOSURE - - - - LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 490 WAILING PLACE OF THE JEWS ------- LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 493 SUBSTRUCTION IN SOUTH-EAST ANGLE OF TEMPLE ENCLOSURE - - LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 504 SUBSTRUCTURES OF EL-AKSA ------- LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN 610 VIRGIN'S FOUNT -------- BTRAM - • 617 PLAN OF VIRGIN'S FOUNT ------- BYRAM - 519 POOL OF SILOAM -------- BTRAM - - 525 THE ROTAL CISTERN OF THE TEMPLE ------ LOUDERBACK ft HOFFMANN ILLUSTRATIONS.

IX ENORAVFD BY PAOI PLAK0FBAJniAKIB.8m,1 BTRAK . 534 P001 OP KETEKIAH - LOUDEBBACK * HOFFMANN 537 AIW LIFTA — NEPHTOAH - LOUDERBACK 1 HOFFMANN 544 PLANOFPOOLATNEBTSAMWIL BTSiM . _ THE FOUNTAIN SEALED - LOUDERBACK 4 HOFFMANN 652 EL-BURAK — SOLOMON'S TOOLS - • ,? LOUDERBACK 4 HOFFMANN 554 WADY FARAH — J3NON - LOUDEBBACK * HOFFMANN 669 VALLET OF JEHOSHAPHAT ... . »««-— - LOUDERBACK A HOFFMANN 603 MILLENNIAL DmaiONB OP THE HOLT LAND ..... BTBAM - - 609 THE HOLT OBLATION "... . ™.„ BTBAM ...

INTRODUCTION.

. On presenting, for the consideration of the public, a new treatise upon a theme so often discussed as the general subject-matter of this volume, a few explanatory observations — demanded alike by the interests ofthe reader, the writer, and the subject itself — may properly be submitted, by way both of preface and apology. In this Augustan age of electro-magnetic progression, when time is not only the convertible representative of knowledge, power, and pleasure, but — manu factured — is the equivalent of that "which answereth all things;" and, indeed, is the very warp and woof of which the web of life is woven — most evident is it that no one has a right to consume his neighbor's time without rendering a valid "quid pro quo" in return for the expenditure of a commodity so invaluable. " Ars longa est — vita brevis."

And this apothem is especially applicable in this utilitarian age, when the prolific steam pres3 teems with publications on all sub jects ; and is particularly exuberant in works on Palestine and the Holy City. In announcing a new work, therefore, upon a theme so hackneyed, a few prefatory remarks are equally the dictate of propriety and policy — for truly "of making many books" on this subject " there is no end ;" and of the remunerative circu lation of not a few there is not even a beginning. Although the author has been much interested and engaged in studies of kindred character for more than a score of years, yet he entertained no idea of publishing a work on the subject, even after two or three years' residence in Palestine, until a propitious Providence placed him in possession of such interesting and important information, that such a publication became loudly demanded by considerations too imperative to be slighted. For, what plea could be urged that would justify him before the tribunal of an enlightened conimu-

INTRODUCTION.

. nity, in withholding earnestly desired information, on matters so profoundly interesting ! Jerusalem ! " Name ever dear !" What hallowed memories and entrancing recollections spring at the mere mention of that name 1 There is music and magic in the very thought ! Jerusalem, the joy of the whole earth ! The city of the Great King ! Zion, the city of solemnities — an eternal excellency ! " The hill which God desireth to dwell in: yea, will dwell in it for ever !" The theater of the most memorable and stupendous events that have ever occurred in the annals of the world. Jerusalem ! the world-attracting magnet of the devout pilgrim of every age, and the stern warrior of every clime ; not the least of whom were the chivalrous Crusaders of our noble ancestry ! a spot at once the focus and the radiating point of the strongest emotions of three powerful religions !

The land of hallowed associations, endearing reminiscences, and glorious anticipations ! The renowned metropolis of the children of miracle, of prophecy, of promise, and of Providence — a people near and dear unto the Lord, and still beloved for their fathers' sakes ! What are the recollections associated with the monuments and antiquities of Memphis, Babylon, Nineveh, Athens, Rome, London, or the cities ofthe Azteks, compared with those that cluster around the City of the Great King ! — whose antiquity is of ancient days — even the days of the great diluvian patriarch Shem ! — the city where the " King of Peace and Righteousness" communed with the " Friend of God" — where the son of Jesse tuned his soul-stirring harp, and penned his Psalms for the saints of all ages ; where Solomon reared a house for the Lord of Hosts to dwell between the Cherubim ; where the Son of God suffered and died, and rose again — whence he ascended on high, and whither he will come again on the clouds of heaven in like manner as he went up — " and his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives," and " Jehovah of Hosts shall reign in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously," sitting upon his throne in the sublime metropolis (then brought near) — the New Jerusalem above.

Then shall the Holy City truly become " the joy of the whole earth !" "Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God I" There are matters of momentous concern referable to the late Russo-Turkish war — that most anomalous of all wars — the significant issue and results of which will tell mightily upon earth's destiny, and invest the Jews and their capital and country with unspeakable interest. What mean the various lines of steamers now traversing the length and breadth of the Mediterranean and Red Seas — placing Palestine in such direct, constant, and intimate communication not only with other parts of Asia, but with Europe, Africa, America, and the

INTRODUCTION.

. XIII Isles of the Gentiles ? What the railways now projected between Jaffa and the Persian Gulf, via Neapolis, with which a branch from Egypt is to unite — passing through Jerusalem, a " highway" from Egypt into Assyria? (Is. xix. 23.) And what the electric telegraph at the Holy City — the great central metropolis ! — to say nothing of the stupendous scheme of converting the great depressed basin of Arabia Deserta into an inland ocean by letting in the waters of the Red Sea ! Above all, what means the astonishing fact that the Sultan has not only made an oblation of the Churches of St. Anne, the Nativity, the Holy Sepulcher, and various other " holy shrines" to the Emperor of the French, but has also given him decidedly the largest and finest square in the Holy City — the site of the Palace of the Knights of St. John — that he may " plant the tabernacle of his palace between the seas, in the glorious holy mountain !"

The right of appoint ing to the high office of " Guardian of the Hill of Zion, and Custodian of the Holy Land," is thus conferred upon Louis Napoleon, the acknowledged patron of the Latin Church, who — laugh as we may at his assumed title of " Son of Destiny" — is nevertheless, beyond all comparison, the most extraordinary per sonage of the age. A surprising tide of enterprise is already setting in toward the East, in anti cipation of the general breaking up of the Turkish Empire and the enfranchise ment of the Jews. The mightiest monarchs on earth are looking with the most profound interest to the Holy Land. Oriental revival is the general order of the day : and that this remarkable tract of country lying between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean, the Arabian Desert and Mount Amanus — " the glory of all lands" — " the delightsome land," as the Lord of Hosts styles it — will receive the first and largest share of this improvement, is most obvious.* There are truly matters of great interest and grave significancy in connexion with the very liberal firman lately issued by the humbled successor of Moham med.

A very few years ago, no Frank — whether Jew or Christian — was per mitted to depose in a Mohammedan court of justice : he was not permitted to build a house of worship, nor could he own a foot of land : and if a Moham medan abandoned his religion and became either a Jew or Christian, death and * Tbe highest expectations are justly entertained in relation to the Jewish enterprise recently set on foot at Jaffa, mainly through the efforts of that zealous friend of Israel (himself an Israelite in deed) — the Rev. Ridley Herschel. It is now under the able management of another zealous friend of Israel — Mr. Hershon — from whose devotion and energy much good may be confidently expected. The zeal manifested also in behalf of Israel by H. B. M. consul, and his accomplished lady, is equally rredi table to them and to their government; and can but be greatly promotive of their best in terests.

The unpretending but efficient colony of Ameri cans, first organized under the zealous advocacy of the late Mrs. Minor, has by no means proved an abortion, as is sometimes asserted, but has accomplished much for agriculture at Jaffa (its present sent of operations), as well as at Retlilehem, where it was first established. And tbe self-denying and untiring labors of the devoted Miss Williams, in behalf of education and uw. _lty, cannot well be too highly estimated.

INTRODUCTION.

. confiscation were the inevitable consequences. But now he can testify on a per fect equality with the Faithful: he is permitted to build houses of any kind with out let or hindrance : he can not only own land or any other kind of property in fee simple, but sit securely under his own vine and fig-tree — no man daring to molest him : and a Mohammedan may change his religion without forfeiting either his property or his life. And not only are foreigners permitted to own property, but by a late firman they are actually invited to come to Palestine or any other portion of the Ottoman Empire, and occupy as much land as they may desire — paying nothing for twelve years, and subsequently only one-fifth — receiving at the expiration of twenty-one years a complete title. " Lo 1 what God hath wrought \" The wrath of man hath he caused to praise him, and the remainder hath he restrained.

And what is all this but a Bath-kol of Providence — the voice of " a man" of Palestine — seen in vision, praying us to come over and help them ! Now, from all these Providential facts and indications, should we not " assuredly gather that the Lord hath called us for to preach the gospel unto them?" And trusting in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, are we not "well able to go over and possess the land?" These astonishing concessions on the part of the Turk — though brought about at the solicitation of the Anglo-French alliance — are the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes. Surely the water of the Euphrates, at least so far as it may be regarded as a barrier to the restoration of the Jews, is effectually dried up, and the times of the Gentiles fulfilled ! The relaxing grasp of the bigoted Rabbin is another sign of the times scarcely less astonishing and auspicious ; and well calculated to arrest the attention of all that would profit by discerning the face of the moral and political sky.

The immediately pending future is doubtless big with momentous events concerning Zion and Israel, and well does it behoove us to discern the signs of the times, and turn our eyes toward the devoted, down-trodden, neglected, but still Heaven-remembered city. The Author, having enjoyed, in every aspect of the matter, opportunities and facilities for research and observation possessed by no one in modern times, ventures to ask the reader's special consideration of the results of his investigations. During a residence of three and a half years in Jerusalem, in the double capacity of phy sician and missionary, he has enjoyed the most unrestrained intercourse with all classes of Syrian population — from the haughty Basha, down to the humblest Jew, Frank, or Fellah ; and has thus become acquainted with the undercurrent of Oriental society, which the mere tourist or pilgrim could never do.

But a mere residence under such circumstances — favorable and indispensable as it is to accurate observation and research — constitutes but a small item in the list of advantages enjoyed.

INTRODUCTION.

. XV Having succeeded in relieving of a disagreeable affection the Turkish Effendi Bent to Jerusalem as architect by the Sultan, for the purpose of repairing the Mosk of Omar and other (so called) sacred edifices, he petitioned the Mejlis or Congress of Jerusalem for permission to associate me with him in designing the necessary repairs, alterations, and decorations — aotuated, no doubt, as much by a desire to avail himself of the use of some philosophical instruments J happened to have as through gratitude for the cure, or from apprecia tion of my technic abilities — exalted as was his professed estimate of them ! And his request being finally granted, despite all opposition, I thus enjoyed free access to every part of the ancient Temple area, and other " holy places," that have been seen by no Christian eye since the chivalric but unenlightened era of Frank domination ; but on the contrary have been most jealously tabooed, and securely guarded against Christian observation under penalty of death or the far worse alternative of Islamism.

By means of such facilities I have been enabled not only satisfactorily to solve many doubts and remove many difficul ties that have heretofore obscured the subject, but to make many interesting dis coveries. I had also the good fortune to make some discoveries of the highest interest and importance to Biblical archæology and topography in the environs of the city, during the long period of convalescence from an attack of the Syrian fever, when it became necessary to tabernacle without the walls, and take much exercise. The publication of the "Biblical Researches" of Drs. Robinson and Smith has indeed constituted a new era in Biblical chorography and archæology, as well as geography ; yet important and abundant as their labors confessedly have been, it was impossible for them to remove all the heaps of rubbish, which, in the lapse of centuries of monkish ignorance, superstition, and pious speculation, have so effectually inhumed many hallowed sites of interesting Scripture transactions.

Many others have also done valuable service in elucidating to some extent the greater portion of the vexed questions concerning the topography and archæology of ancient Jerusalem, and in portraying its present condition. But their labors lie scattered here and there, through many volumes — mixed too often with much chaffy speculation and irrelevant matter, from which it is impossible for the general reader to winnow successfully the genuine grains of truth. And even to this day, a complete, reliable manual of Jerusalem as it was, or even Jeru salem as it is, remains a desideratum. In so saying, however, I mean no dis paragement to the many excellent men and polished scholars, who have written upon this much involved question ; for they have accomplished as much as could well be expected under the circumstances of the case — their limited sojourn at

INTRODUCTION.

. Jerusalem, and restricted opportunities of investigation, under the watchful eye of jealous Turkish authority, Jewish bigotry, and Christian superstition. And it is with no view of supplanting, nor in the slightest degree disparaging, such authors that I print ; but rather with the hope of rendering the perusal of their works more intelligible, interesting, and satisfactory, by means of accurate maps and other adjuvant illustrations. AVith the numerous productions of that large class of tourists and pilgrims, who have blindly taken oral tradition as their guide, these pages will be found in a continual state of antagonism. The ungracious task, however, of turning out of the way formally to correct every little error, will by no means be attempted ; yet there are many mistakes of serious import sanctioned by such high authority, and so long stereotyped, not only by traditionists and plagiarists, but by respectable, independent inves tigators, that they have at last come to be regarded as topographically orthodox : the correction of such errors as these is deemed matter of prime importance, and will consequently receive due attention — though by so doing, the Author should be regarded as invidiously in the estimation of some, as were the explorers sent out in days of yore to " spy out the land of Canaan, in the sight of the Ana kims."

While it is entirely true that formal explorations of sacred localities (as is alleged in palliation of these errors) are ordinarily attended with considerable danger ; and even mere superficial reconnoissances of many places rather hazard ous ; yet, making all due allowance on this score, and for the additional consideration that no place on all the earth has been so completely subjected to the process of overturning and levelling as Jerusalem, it is yet not a little singular that so few antiquarian discoveries should have been made in a city, certainly one of the most ancient in all the world, and confessedly the most interesting. And not only is such the case, but unfortunately it is but too true, that in many things relating to the topography and archæology of the Holy City, the greatest names can be quoted in support of the greatest blunders !

" Nether Jerusalem" being a field of research, which, however interesting and important, has been heretofore almost entirely neglected, much attention has been devoted to its exploration. And amongst other interesting matters of research, the much complicated and mystified subject of the water resources of Jerusalem has received due attention. The illustration of numerous obscure topical passages of Scripture being a leading object of this work, the critical student of the Bible will readily excuse the time and space devoted to several matters of topographical character, that have generally been considered rather difficult of solution, if not hopelessly inexplicable. The great importance of correctly understanding the works of Josephus has induced the author to bestow upon the writings of that eminent Jewish historian (whose admirable work is

INTRODUCTION.

. XVII so highly confirmatory and elucidatory of the Sacred Record, and whose testimony it is so important to sustain), very special attention. And the interest naturally attaching to the events of the Crusades will doubtloss plead a sufficient apology for the consideration bestowed upon the Mediæval history and condition of the Holy City. No place whatever has been more frequently mapped and planned than Jerusalem and its environs : yet nothing is hazarded in saying that the Author's map is the only correct one in existence. But the Author knows too well the difficulties and dangers inseparable from a survey of Jerusa lem and its vicinity, to be censorious on this score. Indeed, but for the ready passport to Moslem favor, afforded by the medical services of a generally known and somewhat naturalized resident, it could have made no pretensions to the minute accuracy now so confidently claimed for it.

The pictorial illustrations are almost entirely original ; and not only so, but owing to a fortunate circumstance that placed the Author in possession of excel lent French photographic apparatus, are nearly all from photographs taken in special reference to topographical illustration. To his excellent friend Mr. Graham, of the English Mission, he is also deeply indebted for valuable contri butions of this character. To insure the greatest possible accuracy, duplicates of many of these originals were also drawn in a large camera (or where lenses were unavailable, by a skilful pencil), and, being satisfactorily verified on com parison with the objects portrayed, they may be regarded as sac similes of nature. The greater pains have been taken to insure the utmost accuracy, on account of the miserable caricatures that disgrace so many of our Bibles, and libel the Sacred Localities.

The possession of such perfectly reliable maps, plans, diagrams, and pictures, will render superfluous much wearisome verbal description, and yet impart to the reader more accurate and vivid impressions than could possibly be conveyed by the most prolix and detailed explanations. And not only will the subject be far more efficiently, correctly, and indelibly impressed, by thus addressing the mind through the eye, but much valuable time and space be economized. To convey to the mind any adequate idea of complicated or unique structures by the pen, is as difficult as unsatisfactory — yet to do so pictorially is fortunately easy, effective, and satisfactory. The maps are all entirely original : and being carefully constructed, upon the spot, from actual and minute survey, with every requisite for insuring accuracy, may be regarded as entirely reliable.

Great advantage has been derived from the possession of a large and accurate model of Jerusalem and its vicinity — especially in the restoration of ancient Jerusalem. Owing to their complication with theological questions, deemed matters of paramount importance throughout the Orient, topographical theories differ to an extent that would be absolutely ridiculous were it not so serious a matter. It

INTRODUCTION.

might well be inferred from the works of Dr. Clark, Mr. Williams, Herr Kraft Mr. Ferguson, and Mons. de Saulcey, that, on the one band, no topographical question about the Holy City was susceptible of satisfactory settlement (so diverse and opposite are their conclusions), and on the other, that localities which it is impossible in the very nature of things to identify, have been ascertained with all the certainty of mathematical demonstration. How many magnifioent paper castles of Jerusalem, built of materials hastily gathered during a brief visit, or collected from the conflicting accounts of other travellers, or still worse, from the mere conjectures of an over-confident theorizer, who never even visited the spot, have I seen undermined and subverted by a few metrical appliances, and local matter-of-faot considerations !

In the " Choro graphical Century of the Land of Israel," (chap. 23,) the learned Dr. Lightfoot thus sensibly discourseth — " Let us have leave not to esteem all things for oracles which they say, who now show those places, since it is plain enough that they mistake in many other things : and let it be without all controversy that they study not so much truth in that affair as their own gain. I wish less credit had been given to them, and more search had been made out of Scripture and other writers, concerning the situation of the places," The astonishing errors into which this great Biblical scholar suffered himself to fall, notwithstanding the foregoing excellent remarks, are well calculated to deter all others from topographical theorizing without actual examination of the premises. The topographic and diagraphic representations of many — indeed nearly all sacred localities, as exhibited in the standard works on Jewish antiquities, are gross perversions, but little better than caricatures — the authors of these works having unfortunately adopted the fanciful scheme of Dr. Lightfoot, whose egregious mislocations of Zion, Siloam, Tophet, and the dividing line between Judah and Benjamin, are the fruitful sources of interminable and ludicrous blunders.