Around the globe and through Bible lands : notes and observations on the various countries through which the writer traveled

Front matter

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Preface

Greeting: — Why another book meets you in the open field, among thousands of others, and which, like others, must stand on its own merits, is. Inasmuch as the author believes that as every man in this world has his own special calling, duty or mission to fulfill, so have also the good books that have been handed down to us; and by the grace of God, they have been the means of enlightening, instructing and educating the human family, and of bringing them into a closer relationship with each other in this world of Christian usefulness.

This work treats on foreign mission lands, mission work and other topics of interest to Bible students in general as they are observed by those visiting these countries. It is an act of charity and Christian kindness to be interested in our brethren beyond the seas; and though the}' are of different nationality, and many of them far inferior in intelligence, science, arts and education to the civilized Christian nations, we ought to remember that they are our brethren, for He "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth."

There is no closer relation existing anywhere than the relation between the Christian church at home and Christian missions in foreign lands. Hence, all should learn to know more about them and become personally interested in the great mission work of this Christian nation. There is no closer relation existing anywhere than the relation between the Bible and Bible lands, and these are so closely interwoven

PKEFACE. 7

that traces confirming the truth of the teachings of God's Holy Word, are seen on every hand. The writer has given briefly the facts as he observed them during his travels, to the best of his knowledge, without the least exaggeration, with notes, references, extracts and statistics, as he has found them accurate, interesting and beneficial.

The author is greatly indebted to different guide-books: Murray's Handbook on Japan, Madras Publications on India and Bible Lands, Baedeker on Lower Egypt, Baedeker's Palestine and Syria, and especially to the " Journeys of Jesus " by Dr. Addison D. Crabtre, from which, through the kindness of the Mennonite Publishing Company, he has been permitted to use a number of illustrations. All of these works are considered very reliable.

As the author has been permitted to visit a number of missions in foreign lands, and has seen the need of making special efforts to aid these institutions in their work of Christianizing these heathen countries, and since many appeals for help were made to him, it is his sincere purpose and desire to set apart a certain percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this book for foreign missions, as the Lord may direct.

It is the prayer of the author that these lines, as they go out on their mission, may be the means of creating a deeper interest in the hearts of the readers, and aid them by imparting such knowledge as will inspire them to look up and reach out, under the blessing of God, to greater usefulness.

George Lambeet, Elkhart, Indiana.

CHAPTER II,— Passports and Moneys.— Table of Eoreign Moneys — Sample Passport — Table of Comparative Time 17

CHAPTER III.— Leaving Home.— Farewell— Fears for Safe Return — Accompanied to Chicago by a Friend — Chicago Mission — Salt Lake— Mountains and Deserts— Our Western Metropolis — Chinatown — Starting for the Land of the Rising Sun— Good Byes— Music — Golden Gate 25

CHAPTER IV. — Out on the Deep. — Ship Rolls — Seasickness — Missionaries — Tourists— The Ship like a Country Town -Farm Yard— Honolulu— Queen's Palace— Productions— Water Melons — Leprosy — Leper Doctor — Part Forever — Doctors as Missionaries—Natives—Out on the Deep — Sea Rough — Waves Mountain High — Crossing the Meridian— Torpedo Lines— Turtle Soup — Native Boats 28

CHAPTER v.— Yokohama and Kamakura.— Main Sea Port— Jinrikishas — Kamakura — Gods of War — Daibutsu — Dimensions of this Idol— Goddess of Mercy — "Where is your God?" — "I See It" — Learn to Know Thyself 39

CHAPTER VI.— ToKio.— A Missionary's Statement— The War Spirit— Shaven Eyebrows and Blackened Teeth — Visits through Tokio — Japanese Dinner with Chopsticks— Women Bought and Sold— Legalized Prostitution — Bath Rooms — Crematory — Products — Fujiyama — Manner of Constructing Buildings — Cemeteries — Idols — AVomen as Slaves 46

CHAPTER VII.— Kobe, Nagasaki and Hong Kong.— Widowed Mother and Child — Kobe — Inland Sea — Nagasaki — City of the Dead — Child taken from its Mother — War Vessels — Services on board Ship — Hong Kong — Seamen's Mission — Street Sights. . 01

CHAPTER VIII. — Singapore and Colombo. —Services on board Ship — Singapore — Sea Shells — All kinds of Work done on the Streets — Chats with People of Different Nationalities — Poor Meals — Mission Service— Penang — Island of Sumatra — Colombo . H»i

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 9

CHAPTER IX.— Madras.— Transferred to the Khedive— Sailing on Bay of Bengal— Population of Madras— Seat of Government — Compared with other Nations — Ninety to Ninety-flve per cent. Poor People — Women carrying Brick and Mortar — Ear, Nose, and Neck Jewels — Low Wages — Buildings — Bungals — Huts — Penitentiary — An American in Prison — Dangers of our Young People 72

CHAPTER X.— Mission Work.- Missionaries — Fifteen Dollars Per Year Furnishes All — Who were the Men of God — Theosophy — Missions — Castes — Christmas Songs — Meeting of Missionaries — Rev. Halicham Bannagee 80

CHAPTER XL — Madras to Calcutta. — Meeting the American Party — Services on Board — Hugh River — The immense Wash of the Hugli River — Sagar Island — Dangerous Passage — Jungles— Met many Ships and Boats— Calcutta 89

CHAPTER XII.— Calcutta.— City of Palaces— "A Globe Trotter" — Bathing in the Sacred River — Mission Service— Burning Gnatt — Infant Weddings — Widowhood — Tombstone of an American, and a Brother's Words 92

CHAPTER XIII.-BENARES.-Railroad yiccommodations-ANice Country — Temples and Mosques — Bloody Sacrifices— Monkey Temple — Animal Worship — Pilgrims — The Treacherous Lie — A Hindoo Saying — "Sons of the Ganges" — Distances and Fares — Disgraceful Carvings— Dancing Girls 100

CHAPTER XIV.— Allahabad.— Junction of Sacred Rivers- Thousands of Pilgrims — Banners and Flags Floating — Underground Temple — Suicide — Brahmans Drowning-^Prayag — India Productions and Animals — English Officers — Forts^Soldiers . . . 108

CHAPTER XV.— Bombay.— Population— Streets— Buildings — Missions — Hospital for Aged Bullocks — Ant Feeding— Child Widows — Elephanta Caves 114

CHAPTER XVI.— Parsees.— Principal Merchants— Worship the Four Elements — Child Training — Marriage — Marriageable Age — Marriage Fund — Funeral — Preparing the Dead — "Towers of Silence" 122

CHAPTER XVIL— Bombay to EoYrT.— Farewell to India- War Vessels — Rev. and Mrs. Hazen — Arabian Sea — Aden — Red Sea in Sight — Bible Lands — Crossing of the Israelites — Mount Sinai — Suez — The Canal — Short cut Around the Globe — Bitter Lake — Crocodile Lake and Ismalia 139

I

CHAPTER XVIII.~The Land of the Pharaohs.— Mixed

Population — Streets Crowded — Water Carriers — Turbans — Ornaments — Veiling of Women (Single, Married) — Child Carrying — Water Fountain — Moslem's Prayer 151

CHAPTER XIX. — Dervishes and the Tombs. — Dancing and Howling Dervishes and Mode of Worship — Citadel— Tombs of the Mamelukes— Khalifs— Mosque of Sultan Hasan— Tombs of the Khedives — Island of Roida — Coptic Church — Holy Family Sheltered — Joseph's Well — American Mission 1(50

CHAPTER XX.— The Pyramids, and Up the Nile.— Pyramids — Sphinx— Memphis— Up the Nile — Water Wheels — Working in the Fields— Necropolis — Ramses 11. — Sakkara — Apis Tombs — Sacred Bulls— Passage to the Tombs — Monster Coffins — Mariette — Lasting Impressions 170

CHAPTER XXL— Museum of Gizeh and Heliopolis.— Museum — Egyptian Collections — Coffins — Mummies — Different Necropoles— Ancient Jewelry — Ornaments — Obelisk of Heliopolis — Virgin and Child Hid — Palm Trees — Land of Goshen — Canals —Railroad Cut 182

CHAPTER XXIL— Port Said, Egypt, to Joppa, Palestine. — History — Sailing for Joppa — Land in View — Joppa Sea Port — Passport — Hotels — House of Simon the Tanner — Plain of Sharon — Flowers and Productions — Railroad — Stations — Orange Groves — Jerusalem — Confusion 187

CHAPTER XXIIL— Jerusalem and its History.- Visitor's First Impression — Interest Grows— Jerusalem not a Place of xlmusement — King David's Reign— Character of the City — Ancient Walls— Mount Zion— Solomon's Reign— The City Beautified — Jerusalem Destroyed and Rebuilt — 200

CHAPTER XXIV.— Jerusalem from Hezekiah's Reign to THE Present Time. — Jews Carried into Captivity — Solomon — Treasures Stolen from Temple and Carried to Babylon — Temple Burned— Jews Return — Destruction and Bloodshed — Herod Captured the City— The City Enriched— Time of Christ— AVas Taken by the Persians— Fell to the Egyptians— Saladin Captured the City— Kharezmians Took it by Storm— Under Turkish Rule. 207

CHAPTER XXV.— Solomon's Temple. City Walls— Pools— Houses— Streets — Climate — Its Water Supply — Population- Mosque of Omar or Solomon's Temple— Mount Moriah — Rock in Interior — From where Christ Drove the Changers — Abraham and Melchizedek Sacrificing— Well of Souls— Golden Nails- Blowing the Trumpet — Calling to Judgment— AVire Rope across the Valley— Vaults— Stables of Solomon 210

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 11

CHAPTEE XXVI.— Calvary and Tomb of Christ.— Jews'

Wailing Place— Chanting — Immense Stones — Golgotha— Grotto of Jeremiah — The Cross Conquered the World — Dearest Spot on Earth— Eent in the Kock — Consoling Angel — Turkish Officials — Different Chapels — Decoration 223

CHAPTER XXVII.— Easter in Jerusalem.— Exciting Scenes — Easter Festival— Grand Mass — Good Friday — Holy Fire — Immense Crowds— Church Illuminated — Fighting and Accidents — Rough Mannered Officials — Wildest Confusion — Turning Somersaults 234

CHAPTER XXVIII.— Missions, and Jewish Passover.— Missions— German and English Services — Jewish Passover — Two Million Souls — Passover Services in Every House — Messiah Comes — Wine and Unleavened Bread— Greek Foot-washing — Latin Foot- washing — St. Stephens' Gate— Pool of Bethesda — Via Dolorosa — Ecce Homo Arch — House of Dives — Bathing the Stones with Tears 240

CHAPTER XXIX.— Streets and Shops. — Streets — Lanes- Grain Markets — Bazaars — Jewish Quarters — Shops — Castle of David — Jaffa Gate — Valley of Hinnom — Burial Grounds— Gihon — Official Buildings — Hospitals — Zion's Gate — Coenaculum — Tombs of Kings, David and Solomon — Outpouring of the Holy Ghost — Washing of the Apostles' Feet — Last Supper — House of Caiaphas 252

CHAPTER XXX.— A Walk to Gethsemane.— Valley of Kidron — Beggars — Lepers — Hospital — List of Lepers — Stephen Stoned — Virgin's Tomb — Cavern of Agony — Gethsemane — Sorrowful Event — Affecting Scenes in the Garden — Mount of Olives — Trees and Shrubs 2G0

CHAPTER XXXL— Mount of Olives and Surroundings. — Church of the Lord's Prayer — Ascension — Great Ingathering — Russian Building — Valley of Jehoshaphat — Resurrection — Absalom's Tomb — Grotto of St. James — Village of Siloah — Pool of Siloah— St. Mary's Well 270

CHAPTER XXXIL— A Visit to Bethlehem.—" Hill of Evil Counsel" — Tree on which Judas Hanged Himself-Boundary Line — Well of Magi— Rachel's Tomb — Bethlehem — Naomi— Ruth — Boaz— David Anointed — Church of the Nativity — Manger — " Milk Grotto " — David's Well— Shepherd's Field — Cave of Adullam 280

CHAPTER XXXIIL— From Jerusalem down to Jericho.— Bethany — Home of Jesus — House of Mary and Martha— Lazarus' Tomb — Stone of Rest- Apostles' Springs-" Valley of Achor " Way of Blood — Modern Jericho — Balsam Gardens 291

CHAPTEE XXXIV. — Jericho, Jordan, and Dead Sea. —

Jericho— Thorns— Balm of Gilead— Apples of Sodom— Elisha's Spring— House of Rahab— Forty Days' East— Bobbers- Jordan — Man Drowned— Bathing in Jordan — Dead Sea. — Camels — Mountains of Moab— American Party 300

CHAPTEE XXXV.— Hebron and Cave of Maohpelah.— Solomon's Pools — Aqueducts— Tomb of the Prophet Jonah — Valley of Eschol— History of Hebron— Great Stones— Tombs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with their Wives — Jewish Prayer— " Christians," " Dogs" — Missions — Pilgrimages 313

CHAPTEE XXXVL— Emmaus and Samuel's Tomb.— Tombs- Rough Roads— Samuel's Tomb — Christ met the Disciples — Emmaus— Lord made Himself Known— Stone Structure — Mountains and Eavines — Brooks — AVhere David Slew the Giant— Eeturn to Jerusalem — Leaving the Holy City 320

CHAPTEE XXXVII.— Mount Carmel.— Leaving Joppa-Haifa (Acre) — Mount Carmel — Elijah's Castle — Phoenicia — Baal Worshipers 328

CHAPTEE XXXVIIL— Tyre and Sidon.— Ancient Euins— Bible Times — Crowning City— Bobbed of Its Treasures— Top of a Bock — Zarephath 334

CHAPTEE XXXIX.— Nazareth and Hills of Galilee.— Kishon — Home of Zebedee — Nazareth — Home of Jesus— Sheep and Goats — Streets — St. Mary's Well — Mount Tabor — Hills of Galilee — Bedouin Camps— Tiberas — Sea of Galilee — A Night of Misery 338

CHAPTEE XL.— Sea of Galilee and Adjacent Points.— Gennesaret — Description — Magdala — Capernaum — Chorazin — Bethsaida — Sea of Galilee— Plain of the Eive Thousand— Cana of the Bible — Saul's Battle-ground — Arabs Plowing 346

CHAPTEE XLI.-Beirut and Damascus.— Beirut— Diligence— Eailroad — Lebanon Mountains — Mount Hermon — Druses — Massacring Maronites — European Commission — Damascus — History 354

CHAPTER XLIL— Damascus.— Population— Naaman — Saul's Conversion— Street called Straight — HLouse of Ananias — Tomb of St. George — Window from which Paul Escaped — Visitors in Damascus — Dogs— Moneys — Over the Lebanon Mountains by Moon Light — Turkish Funeral .360

CHAPTER XLIIL— Beirut to Smyrna and Ephesus.— Tripoli — Orange Mart — Island of Cyprus — Larnaka — Simasol — Man Overboard — Island of Ehodes — Carrying their Beds — Island of Chios— Smyrna — By Train to Ephesus 367

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 13

CHAPTER XLIV.-EPHESUS.-Temple of Diana-Paul in Ephesus — Home of St. John — Tomb of St. Luke — Euins of Marble — Modern Ephesus — Leaving for Greece 374

CHAPTER XL v.— Athens, Greece.— Paul in Athens— Mars Hill— The Unknown God — New Doctrine — Paul's Success 381

CHAPTER XL VI. — Athens and Corinth. — Grecian Funeral — Priest Begging Alms — King's Gardens and Palace — Tour to Corinth — Corinthian Canal — Paul at Corinth 387

CHAPTER XL VII.— From Corinth to Naples, Italy.— Harvest in Greece — Patres — Business Houses open on Sunday — A Fight — Out on the Deep — American Party^Island Cofu — Brindisi, Italy — Country — Naples — Mount Vesuvius — Pompeii — Election — Funeral procession — Tour to Rome 394

CHAPTER XL VIIL— Ancient Rome. — Center of the Ancient World — Other Nations Robbed of their Treasures — Paul in Rome — Puteoli — Three Taverns — Paul's Imprisonment 401

CHAPTER XLIX.— Modern Rome.— Art Productions — Great Cathedrals — St. Peter's Church — Ancient Ruins 407

CHAPTER L.— Homeward Bound. — Florence, Italy —Basel, Switzerland — Paris, France — London, England — Crossing the Atlantic— New York, U. S. A— Home 410

CHAPTER I.

Introduction

FEW years ago, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, a gentleman encountered a French priest, his locks completely white with age, traveling apparently for pleasure. Astonished at the sight, he ventured to inquire what had induced him at this time of life to go so far from home.

'"Tisvery easily explained," replied the priest. "Six months ago I was apparently about to die. One night I dreamed that I was already in God's presence and that He spoke to me these words: "My child, how did you like the beautiful world 1 gave you to dwell in?" I made no answer, in fact I was too mortified to make an intelligent reply. For think of it, I, who had preached for fifty years continually of a better world, had never examined this one at all. Awaking from my dream I made a vow to God, that if He gave me back my health, I would devote some months, at least, to seeing and admiring His works. So here I am making a tour of the world."

Many have been the number, during the last twenty years, who have made this tour, and given the benefit of their experiences to others, who could not make the trip for themselves. Those who make these circuits, however, often have varied experiences, aiid are required to endure exposure in many ways, and to practice self-denials that are not

INTEODUCTION. 15

always pleasant. They are frequently in danger; they are overtaken by storms both on land and sea; they may often be obliged to elbow their way through difficulties and unpleasant crowds in both heathen and in Bible lands, while others are in their homes enjoying the comforts of life, reading, and improving their minds from the trying experiences of those who have traveled, and have given to the world what they saw and heard, and in this way their work has proved a blessing both at home and abroad.

All of us cannot, it is true, make these extended trips, but during the years and centuries that have passed since the first man made the tour around the world, traveling has become comparatively easy, and ocean voyages have to a great extent lost their terrors on account of the immense steamships and the complete system of navigation.

"Man is wonderfully and fearfully made," and while the works of the Most High are marvelous in the creation of all things, man is the greatest of all. Men differ in their qualities, graces, temperaments and dispositions, being born and brought up in different homes and under different influences; while the great God, the Father of all, is not partial, but gives to all a talent or more and calls them to their particular work and mission. To Him be all honor and glory.

Ever since the author was a boy and had learned that the world was so great and contained so many different people (with so many different modes of living) many of whom worship and serve dumb idols instead of the true and living God, he longed to visit, see and hear them. To the sorrow of his heart he has seen and heard, and therefore knows that these things are even so. Many, even the great majority of the people, do not know or hear of the Bible, or of Christ

AROUND THE GLOBE.

as the Saviour of the world. Since the writer first learned in early youth of the land in which the men of the Bible lived and suffered, the land in which Christ performed His mission, and the hallowed grounds upon which His holy feet trod, he has had a longing desire to visit that country; and this has seemed to be his strongest inclination in connection with ministerial work.

At last, by the providence of God, the writer believes, and the aid of a good wife and children, the way was opened for him to make the great tour around the world, and he here gives the readers some of the information gathered, which he hopes will prove interesting and instructive.

CHAPTEE II.

Passports and Moneys.

BOVE all things it is necessary to learn in advance what the necessities are for a tour of this kind. Those who wish a more extensive outline and information are referred to Thos. Cook & Son, 262 Broadway, New York, where all the information on the subject of traveling, carrying money, the banking system in foreign lands, and also the circular note and letter of credit system, can be obtained. The latter is a very good way to carry money without being in danger of losing it or of being robbed. Any amount of money can be drawn and also exchanged in any country or main city in the world.

PASSPORTS.

It is of great importance to have a passport for identification at post offices, banks, and before officials in foreign lands and in crossing the lines and being admitted into some of the public places.

In Turkey it is impossible to travel into the interior without a passport, and a man is always credited for carrying one.

A passport can be obtained by applying to the Secretary of State at Washington, D. C. A blank will be sent to you together with instructions how to fill it out; and by having it acknowledged before a Justice of the Peace or

Notary Public, and returned with one dollar included for the fee, you will receive your passport, which is an honorable document for one to carry. We will here give a complete copy of the passport which we carried.

FOREIGN MONEYS.

JAPAN.

10 rin = 1 sen, 100 sen = 1 yen.

The currency consists of the following silver: 1 yen, 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen and 5 sen.

Copper: 2 sen, 1 sen, 5 rin and 1 rin. The yen is worth in exchange about 54 cents, United States money. Mexican silver dollars can be used at the treaty ports.

CHINA.

In the interior of China the only currency consists of brass coins, called cash, with a square hole in the center through which they are strung. Mexican and English dollars are used in the treaty ports, but going through the country each is exchanged for from 1,000 to 1,200 cash; a few dollars' worth make a load for a coolie. Mexican and English dollars are the same in value as the Japanese yen.

TABLES OF FOREIGN MONEYS.

EGYPT. TURKEY.

Monetary Unit — the Piastre of 40 Monetary Unit — the Piastre of 40 Paras. Paras.

s. d. s. d.

1 piastre nearly 2% 1 piastre nearly 2}4

100 piastres = 1 Egyptian 20 " = 1 sUver

P^^^^ 20 6 Tnediidie— S 4

English sovereign = 97 piastres . ,^,^^®r:,. *

20 paras. 100 piastres=l gold medjidie

French napoleon=about 77.6 pias. or Turkish pound = 18

^t kT£S;

GOOD ONLY FOR

TWO YEARS FROM DATE.

DEPf\RT/V\ENT of STflTE,

I, the undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States of America, hereby request all whom it may concern to permit George Lambert a Citizen of the United States safely and freely to pass, and in case of need to give him all lawful Aid and Protection.

DESCRIPTION,

Age, 41 years.

Stature, 5 ft,, 8% in., Eng.

Forehead, high.

Eyes, grey.

Nose, straight.

Mouth, mediiun.

Chin, medium.

Hair, brown.

Complexion, fair.

race, medium.

Signature of

the Bearer.

Geo. Lambert.

SEAL.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Department of State, at the City of Washington, the 13th day of August in the year 1894 and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and nine"- teenth.

W. Q. Gresham.

C

PASSPOETS AKD MONEYS.

Bronze — 34 anna, about

Silver-

2 annas 4

INDIA.

Monetary Unit — Eupee of 16

Annas.

s. d.

m

{)% 2 4

8 " ""08

" 1 rupee, " "14 Notes of the value of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 rupees and upwards are in circulation. The rate of exchange varies considerably.

ITALY.

Monetary Unit — the Lira of 100 Centesimi. The money in general use is a paper currency in notes of— 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 lire. Gold is invariably at a premium.

The Lire (notes, gold, or silver) =1 Pranc. {See France.)

SWITZEELAND.

Monetary Unit — the Pranc of 100 Centimes.

PEANCE.

Bronze — 1 centime s.

d.

(I

Nickel— 5

=

Q%

Silver— 50 u m franc

9^

" 1

" 4

Gold — 20 i(

" 16

Notes of 50 francs, 100 francs, 500 francs, and 1,000 francs are issued by several Swiss banks under arrangements with the Government, and are available throughout Switzerland, and are the same value as gold.

Moneta Bronze ry Unit — the Pranc of Centimes.

s.

—5 centimes = lOO d.

Silverm

1 franc

" 1

" 4

Gold-

" 4

" 8

K

Napoleon" or "Louis"= 16 Notes are issued by the Bank] of Prance for 50 francs, 100 francs, 500 francs, and 1,000 francs, and are the same value as gold.

UNITED STATES, AMEEICA.

Monetary Unit— 1 Dollar of 100 Cents.

s. d.

Copper— 1 cent = Q}4.

2 " "01 Nickel— 3 cents " 1%

5 " "0 21^

Silver— 3 " "0 l^i

5 " "0 2%

50 " "21

1 dollar "42

" 21^ " " 10 5

3 " " 12 6 5 " " 20 10

10 " " 41 8

20 " " 83 4

Notes, Greenbacks, Gold Certificates, Silver Certificates, and National Bank Notes are issued in amounts of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 dollars and upwards, and circulate at par with gold.

ABOUND THE GLOBE.

Time.

Time by the clock at the following places. When it is 12 o'clock, noon, at New York, it is

11:00 A.M. in Chicago, III. 9:00 '' " San Francisco, Cal.

2:15 " " Yokohama, Japan.

12:23 " " Hong Kong, China.

2:10 " " Adelaide, Australia.

2:36 " " Melbourne, Australia.

3:00 " " Sydney, Australia.

4:00 P. M. " Ephesus, Asia Minor. 11:51 " " Singapore, India.

10:49 " " Calcutta, British India.

10:17 " " Madras, British India.

10:15 " " Colombo, Ceylon.

9:47 " " Bombay, British India.

7:56 " " Aden, Arabia.

7:05 " " Jerusalem, Palestine.

6:08 " " Brindisi, Italy.

4:56 " " Greenwich, England.

At home in the Northern Hemisphere the longest day is June 21st; the shortest, December 21st. In the Southern Hemisphere the longest day is December 21st, and the shortest, June 21st.

CHAPTER HI.

Leaving Home.

FAREWELL — FEARS FOR SAFE RETURN — ACCOMPANIED TO CHICAGO BY A FRIEND— CHICAGO MISSION— SALT LAKE— MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS— OUR WESTERN METROPOLIS — CHINATOWN — STARTING FOR THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN- GOOD BYES— MUSIC— GOLDEN GATE.

HE day of our departure from home drew near without the least obstacle being in the way, and we took it for granted that the Lord was pleased with our purpose, since our prayer had been that if it was not in accordance with the Divine Will, He should hinder us in our contemplated undertaking.

On the 25th day of August, 1894, we bid adieu to our beloved family, wife and children, and many others who had met us at the railway station. Indeed it was like a man leaving his family and moving toward the battle field; especially after hearing some express themselves in words like these: "You will never return safely."

We boarded the train" and were soon on our long tour, accompanied by our friend D. G. Musselman, as far as his home in Chicago, 111. We stopped with him a short time, visiting some places of interest, among which was the Deaconess' Home in charge of Bro. J, Sprunger,? and the Mennonite Mission in charge of Bro. S. F. Cofi'man of Elkhart, Indiana.

Leaving the city we stopped at several points in the West, including Salt Lake City, Utah, the great Mormon stronghold, where many sights are to be seen. The Temple and Tabernacle are in themselves wonders. The inhabitants appear very clever and sociable, and claim that polygamy has been abandoned. We also visited the tomb of Brigham Young, the celebrated Mormon prophet.

Traveling from there to the western coast we passed through mountains, tunnels, deserts, etc., that must indeed convince any one that this is a wonderful country, with its prairies and mountains, rivers and lakes, gas and coal, silver and gold, and in fact everything that is essential in making this a magnificent country and people.

Traveling across the Great American Desert was a very unpleasant part of our journey, on account of the sand and dust which found its way into the coach, though all the windows were closed. Going through California much is to be seen in the way of vineyards and fruit orchards of all kinds, until you reach the coast, where San Francisco, the great western shipping point of this country, is situated. It is amazing to see the immense warehouses, and the long trains and the large ships that come and go, loaded to their utmost capacity.

San Francisco is a great city. Although located thousands of miles from our eastern cities, yet it is apparently very similar to them. We spent some time at this place. Many religious meetings of all kinds were carried on here, yet we found many degraded places and a great deal of sin existing.

Chinatown is quite a sight, and all who visit San Francisco should go through Chinatown, accompanied by a guide. By the time a man becomes thoroughly interested, he almost forgets that he is yet so near home and in his own

LEAVING HOME. 27

country; for everything is so very different from the other parts of the city. The docks, where the great ocean steamers are anchored, are very interesting. We found the ship Oceanica, of the Occidental & Oriental Line, at the dock, discharging her cargo and reloading for Japan and China.

On the 25th of September, 1894, passengers for the steamer began to arrive from all parts of our country. The weather was fine, and it was a time not soon to be forgotten. We soon met a number of passengers, some of whom were missionaries starting for the "Land of the Rising Sun" and the Orient. Among them, also, were a number that were making about the same kind of tour we had started to make. With many of them we formed acquaintances which, we trust, will never be forgotten. Just before the time for leaving, the crowd of people, — passengers and their friends who had accompanied them to see them off, — was an impressive sight. When the time came for sailing, the "good byes," the weeping, the cheering, and waving of handkerchiefs, was very affecting.