who called the province Syria Palæstina. principal nations are mentioned as being in The appellation of "The Holy Land" is first possession. Under David and Solomon it was met with in the prophet Zechariah (ii. 12). united in one empire. Upon the death of the The fulness of the promised land extended latter it was divided into the kingdoms of Israel "from the river of Egypt" (i. e. the Pelusiac and Judah; and so continued till they were arm of the Nile on the south-west) "unto the both carried captive to Babylon. Meanwhile river Euphrates" (on the north-east); and if their places were supplied by a colony which we take for the other two extreme points the king of Assyria sent in to occupy the land. Ezion-Geber on the Red Sea and Berytus on Nor did the ten tribes, who formed the kingthe Mediterranean, excepting the insular do- || dom of Israel, ever return. About contemminion of Tyre, we have the exact limits of poraneously with the restoration of the other Solomon's empire. A more contracted boun- two tribes, the empire of the world (and with dary, however, marks out the country which it, of course, of Palestine) passed from the is ordinarily designated by the name of Pales- Assyrians to the Persians. This state of tine. To the south the line must be drawn things continued for nearly three centuries, from Gaza through Beersheba to the "ascent till the Persian empire was in its turn broken of Acrabbim," which terminates the valley of up by the conquests of Alexander the Great. the Dead Sea, at no great distance below the On his death the empire of the world was site of the ancient Sodom (Usdum); and the divided among his generals; and Syria was course of the Jordan, which flows into the erected into an independent kingdom. The Dead Sea in a direction nearly due south, Jews all this while were allowed to enjoy forms the eastern boundary. On the west peace and quiet under a governor of their the Mediterranean ("the Great Sea" of Scrip- own, till the time of Antiochus Epiphanes ture) is the natural limit. Thus the length (B.C. 170). This "vile person," whom Daniel of the land extends exactly three degrees of had foretold should not "regard the God of latitude, which are equal to rather more than his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor re200 English miles. The greatest width is gard any God, for he should magnify himself about 60 miles. above all," most cruelly oppressed God's people. Against him God raised up the family of the Maccabees, who most nobly delivered their country from the oppressor. But nothing could stand against the growing empire of Rome, "the fourth beast" in the prophecy already alluded to, "dreadful, and terrible, and strong exceedingly." For a short time, Herod, who was by birth half a Jew, reigned as a sort of independent prince; but the sceptre was now departing from Judah; and on the death of Herod the Great, even the semblance of independence was taken from the Jews, and the sovereignty divided into the three provinces of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. What the origin of the latter name is, we are nowhere told; but it is used in the book of Joshua, and again in the time of Solomon, and by the prophet Isaiah, to designate the || northern portion of the Holy Land.

But it is time now to give some account of the physical geography of Palestine, i. e. as well of its superficies, as of its natural products. From the desert which forms the southern boundary there rises a ridge of hills, forming as it were the back-bone of the country, on which are situated Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem, and extending still further northward, till it terminates in the great plain of Esdraelon. Portions of this ridge of course are rocky and unproductive; but on the slopes of the hills, and in the valleys, abundant harvests both of corn and grapes are produced. The neighbourhood of Jericho, however, is the most fertile. Here grow the palm, the fig-tree, and the sugarcane; the balsam, the cotton-tree, and the tobacco-plant. "Now," writes a recent traveller, we had our last and most splendid view of the plain of Jericho. It is certainly one of the richest in the world; enjoying all the rains like the hill-country, and susceptible besides of unlimited irrigation from copious fountains, as the numerous aqueducts testify. Indeed, water is every where abundant, the climate propitious, the nature of the soil fertility itself; nothing, in short, is wanting but the hand of man to till the ground. But the present race of Jericho are only the personification of indolence, misery, and filth." The mountains of Palestine are said to contain iron-mines. Thus fully does the country justify the rich description given of it by Moses. The internal divisions of the Holy Land have varied with its different possessors. At the time of its conquest by the Israelites seven ||

66

From this time to the seventh century little change took place in the external condition of Palestine. By the conquest of the Saracens it fell under Mahomedan dominion; and the caliph directed a mosque to be built upon the site of the ancient temple. This state of things still continues: the country is divided into so many pashalics; and the only contest is, whether Constantinople or Egypt shall exercise the supremacy over it. By the aid of English arms the preponderance has recently been given to the former.

But, to return to the geographical features of the Holy Land, we must not omit to notice the two large internal seas, or lakes, that of Tiberias or Galilee in the north, and the Dead Sea in the south. The river Jordan flows through

the former, and empties itself into the latter. Both are familiar to the student of holy writ. We borrow a description of them from a recent number of the "Christian Remembrancer" (No. x. p. 243-245).

"Let the reader transport himself in imagination to the shores of the Dead Sea. He shall have descended by the cliff of Ziz' (2 Chron. xx. 16), and the ancient Engedi, now the fountain of Ain Jidy, and he will find himself about the middle of a deep valley, nine miles in width, walled in to the east and west by precipitous limestone rocks, rising to the height of 1500 feet above his head. The small tract of land which here skirts the sea, save where the copious waters of the fountain make their way down, is cheerless desert, with small pieces of sulphur and 'stink-stone' scattered over it. At the north, this little desert border is abruptly cut off by a protruding rock: to the south, a sandy isthmus running up in the direction of north-west seems to form the termination of the sea, which,|| however, doubling round it, continues several miles further south. Enclosed in this cauldron he will find the air oppressively hot, though not otherwise pestiferous; and will be not unlikely to try the luxury of a bath. The waters are uninhabited by any living creature; but he may possibly meet with floating lumps of asphaltum, which have been broken off from the masses of that substance that are constantly being accumulated at the bottom. He need be in no fear of drowning, for the specific gravity of the water is so great as to prevent the human body from sinking. On reascending the pass about Ain Jidy, he will observe a very singular tree, with long oval leaves, and a greyish cork-like bark, on which will be clusters of yellow fruit, resembling the orange in appearance, which, if he presses them in his hand, will explode with a puff, like a bladder or puff-ball, leaving nothing

He

"But we hasten to the lake of Gennezareth, the scene of our Lord's ordinary ministry. This lake or sea, as it is indifferently called in the New Testament, is about twelve miles long, by six broad. It is shut in by a uniform chain of hills on either side; but possesses neither beauty nor grandeur. The formation is limestone interspersed with basaltic rock: the volcanic nature of the country is proved by copious warm springs, which are found at Tiberias. Upon the whole, this region is calculated to disappoint the expectations of the Christian traveller. Tiberias still exists, with a name but little changed: Magdala is found in the modern Mejdel: Irbid answers to the Arbela of Josephus: Khan Minyeh is possibly the site of Capernaum. For the rest we will quote Dr. Robinson. It is a passage which cannot but leave a favourable impression of his candour and integrity.

"The Bethsaida of Galilee, the city of Andrew, and Peter, and Philip, we have seen above, must have lain very near to Capernaum, and probably in the same tract, Gennezareth. The same is true of Chorazin, which is mentioned only in immediate connexion with Bethsaida and Capernaum; and which, according to Jerome, lay on the shore of the lake, two Roman miles distant from the latter place. In all probability Bethsaida and Chorazin were smaller villages, on the shore of the plain of Gennezareth between Capernaum and Magdala. I am not aware, however, that there is any historical notice of them since the days of Jerome; and it is therefore in vain to assign at hap-hazard the position of towns, every trace of whose name and site has long since been obliterated. By this remark I would be understood as expressing the deliberate conviction, that the various points fixed on by travellers and others as the definite sites of Bethsaida and Chorazin can have no better foun

I have

dation than the conjecture of the moment.
said that the very names of Capernaum, Bethsaida,
and Chorazin, have perished; and such was the
result of our minute and persevering inquiry
among the Arab population, both Fellâhin and
Bedawin, or Ghewârineh, along all the western
shores of the lake, and around its northern extre-
mity. No Muslim knew of any such names, nor
of any thing which could be so moulded as to re-
semble them. Yet the Christians of Nazareth are
of course acquainted with these names from the
New Testament; and especially both the Latin
and Greek Catholics in Nazareth, and also Tiberias,
are still more likely to be familiar with them,
through their intercourse with the Latin monks.
They have thus learned to apply them to different
places, according to the opinions of their monastic
teachers; or as may best suit their own conveni-
ence in answering the inquiries of travellers.
this way I would account for the fact, that travellers

but the shreds of the thin rind and a few fibres. These are what are known as the apples of Sodom;' and the tree is the Osher of the Arabs, the Asclepias gigantea or procera of botanists. will also be struck by some ruins, upon a very remarkable pyramidal cliff, which rises precipitously from the sea, at the distance of some ten miles to the south. It is called by the Arabs Sebbeh, and answers to the fortress of Massada, which was first built by Jonathan Maccabæus, and afterwards strengthened and rendered impregnable by Herod. This spot, so celebrated in the latter times of Jewish history, was not visited by Dr. Robinson, but there can be no doubt about its identity. The coast of the sea may be again reached by another steep pass to the north; but is again interrupted by an impassable promontory. We shall therefore conduct our reader by a moderate descent of some 500 feet, to a point at the south-west extremity of the sea, where he will have hanging over his head the Khasm-Usdum "The alteration in the established orthography of (Sodom), a steep narrow mountain of pure salt, Arabic words, which is apparent in this extract, and perforated at the base by extensive caverns. This prevails throughout Dr. Robinson's volumes, is the result of a formal deliberation of American missionaries at will call to his mind 'the valley of salt,' and 'the Jerusalem, who agreed to adopt the system recommended city of salt,' both mentioned in Scripture. For by Mr. Pickering, in his Essay on a Uniform Orthothe site of Zoar, contrary though it be to his pre-graphy for the Indian Languages of North America; conceived notions (at least so it was in our own case), he must look to the other side of the sea, to the back of the isthmus before mentioned.

In

and which has been already extensively used in reducing the languages of the Pacific and (we believe) New Zealand to writing. How far oriental scholars may be willing to sanction it remains to be proved. Any settled system would be a gain to the mere English reader."

have sometimes heard these names along the lake. Whenever this has not been in consequence of direct leading questions, which an Arab would always answer affirmatively, the names have doubtless been heard either from the monks of Nazareth, or from Arabs in a greater or less degree depend

ent on them.""

its pristine uses. But the order of things scarcely lasted a century, before we find the Mahometan again master of this devoted city. Whether or no it is part of God's all-wise providence to set up again the candlestick in this first of Christian churches, is a point which we cannot decide. If the word of We shall conclude with a brief descrip- prophecy is to be literally understood, such tion of the capital city. Jerusalem is situ- is the fate which yet awaits her, after all viated on an elevated sort of triangular pro- cissitudes. That in the end "all Israel will montory, which is bounded on two sides by be saved," is a plain declaration of Scripture; precipitous valleys, viz. by the valley of Je- and that the same city which witnessed the hoshaphat, which sweeps round from the north rejection of the Messiah by the Jews shall be by east to the south, where it forms a junc- the scene of their ultimate conversion, is at tion with the valley of Hinnom, which bounds || least a pious opinion, not without warrant, if the city on the south and south-west. Along prophecy is to be interpreted literally. In a the valley, which is formed by their junc- matter, however, which has been so much tion, flows the brook Kidron. Within the disputed by commentators, we are not likely space of the walls, which form a circumfer- to arrive at any very certain conclusion; and ence of about two miles and a half, there it is one into which we are by no means disare three principal ridges, or summits, viz. posed to enter. Zion to the south, which was the original site in the time of David, Moriah to the northeast, and Acra to the north-west. Between the two former runs the valley called "Tyrrhæon," or the valley of the Cheesemongers, which appears, from the account of Josephus, as well as from the most recent examinations upon the spot, to have been bridged over, in order to extend the enclosure of the temple, or, at least, to provide an entrance to it from Zion. The temple, we need scarcely say, was built upon Mount Moriah, the very spot where Abraham was directed to offer up Isaac, the great type of Christ. The remains of the arch connecting these two hills were only discovered the year before last by Dr. Robinson of New York. We will take this opportunity of recommending all persons, who have it in their power, to consult his very accurate "Researches."i Around Jerusalem rise still higher hills, viz. the Mount of Olives to the east, and the Hill of Evil Counsel to the south, rising directly from the vale of Hinnom. To the north is a new quarter of the city called Begetha.

We will just add, that the best single map of Palestine with which we are acquainted, is one published by Darton and Clarke. It contains both the ancient and modern names, and is to be had at a very low price.

NEW ZEALAND.1

THE appointment of a bishop to New Zealand having given an interest and importance to that colony which it never before possessed, slight sketch of its origin and extent, its cliwe propose to present our readers with a mate, and its inhabitants; at the same time touching upon its superstitions, and the efforts which have hitherto been made to Christianise this important territory. A few words on the subject of colonisation will be added in con

clusion.

The very existence of the Pacific Ocean, in which New Zealand is situate, was unknown to Europeans until early in the sixteenth cenNunez de Balboa, crossed the narrow ridge tury, when the Spanish commander, Basco of the Andes at the Isthmus of Darien. Ma

day, succeeded in discovering the southern
limits of the American continent in 1526, and
accomplished the passage through the straits
that bear his name.
savages of the Moluccas. Maghalaens' voyage
He was killed by the
stirred up the enterprising spirit of Europe;
and in 1578 our English navigator, Drake,
found an open sea south of the island off Tierra
del Fuego. The discovery of New Zealand
was left for the celebrated Dutch navigator,
Captain Abel Janszen Tasman, who, on An-

No city in the world probably has under-ghalaens, the most fearless navigator of his gone greater changes and reverses than Jerusalem. In the year 70 of the Christian era it was entirely destroyed by the Romans, under Titus; but half a century later, a new city was built upon the site by Adrian, and called after one of his own names, Ælia. At the same time he erected a temple of Jupiter, where the Jewish temple once stood. Early in the sixth century Justinian built a magnificent church near, or upon the same site, which, about a century later, was converted into a mosque by the caliph Omar. In the year 1099, Jerusalem was rescued from the hands of the Muslim by the crusaders; and the church was duly purified and restored to 1 Robinson's Biblical Researches in Palestine. 3 large vols. Murray, London.

1 Those who wish for further information on this sub

ject may consult Mr. Earle's narrative of a residence in

New Zealand in 1827; Mr. Polack's narrative during a residence in that country between the years 1831 and 1837; and the Hon. Mr. Petre's late little work on the New Zealand settlement. It is from these sources that the following paper is chiefly compiled.

tony Van Dieman, governor-general for the summer seldom rises above 85°. The pecuDutch in India, determining, in a council held liar position of these islands, lying north and at Batavia in 1642, to prosecute the further south, gives almost a different temperature to discovery of the extent of the Terra Australis, every mile of country. The spring, summer, was invested with the command of this im- and autumn, are extremely pleasant; very portant expedition. Tasman gave the country different from the overpowering heat of New the name it bears in consequence of the sup- South Wales, and the rapid changes towards posed resemblance of the surface to that of night to bitter cold. The westerly winds are his native country; to which, however, on most prevalent, and sometimes during the subsequent examination, it has been ascer- day blow very high, but they commonly subtained to bear no similitude. From Tas-side before sunset. In winter the winds man's time to that of Cook, our immortal na- from the east and south-east generally prevail, vigator, a period of 120 years, it was thought accompanied with heavy rain. The winds that New Zealand was part of a southern con- from south and south-west blow almost withtinent running north and south from 33° to || out intermission from May to September. 64° of south latitude, and its northern coast stretching across the South Pacific to an immense distance, where Juan Fernandez, some fifty years previously, had seen the eastern boundary. Cook, however, entirely dissipated this idea, and found that the strait discovered by Tasman, and thought to separate an island in the north from a great southern continent, only separated two islands from each other. This strait is appropriately named Cook's Strait. The southern island was called by the natives Tavi Poenammoo, and the northern Eaheino-mawe.

Among the productions of this beautiful country, the magnificent trees, which rise into immense forests, are the most characteristic.' The noblest of these trees is the pine, from its towering height and exquisite symmetry. Of this tribe, the yellow, white, and red pine are the most valuable, being suited for building houses, ships, furniture, &c. The British government has for about twenty years availed itself of these productions, especially the yellow pine, which is used for main and topmasts in some of our largest frigates in the navy. The palm-tree also exists in great abundance in New Zealand.

1

The fruits indigenous to the country are few, and scarce worthy the attention of Europeans. Karáká is the general name for fruit. The principal fruit is the karáká maori, or native fruit, which grows in clusters about the size and form of Spanish olive, of a bright yellow when ripe. The flavour is rather insipid. There are also several wild forest-fruits. The kumera, or indigenous sweet potato, is accounted the most invaluable food possessed by the New Zealander. It has many varieties; and the food is regarded with great veneration, as also the planters; and the harvest is accompanied by a kakari, or feast.

New Zealand may, however, be divided into three islands, extended consecutively in the form of a bow, and reaching from 34 to 47 degrees south latitude, in a north and north-easterly line, the extreme points resting between the degrees 166 and 173 east longitude. The first is called New Ulster, which is divided by Cook's Strait, about thirty miles across, from New Munster, the next island, which is again separated, by Foreaux Strait, narrower still, from New Leinster, the name of the third. The latter is equal but to a small section of either of the other two, which are about the same size. From the intersection of the sea in various forms of bays, creeks, and lakes, the map of New Ulster is like that of Scot- The European potato, of which the climate land, except that of the former the surface is admits of two crops in the year, was first much narrower in proportion to its length. brought from the Cape of Good Hope to New At one of the southern points of New Ulster || Zealand by Captain Cook. Most of the Euis Port Nicholson, the principal settlement, ropean esculent roots are cultivated by the where also is situated Wellington, the new natives; such as onions, garlic, beet-root, capital. About a hundred and eighty miles celery, greens, &c. Indian corn is a very higher up the coast, on the north-western valuable commodity there. The sugar-cane side, is New Plymouth, where another co- flourishes to a great extent. The New Zealony, still more recent, have pitched their land flax, (or Phormium tenax, in allusion to settlements. Two hundred miles farther up, the leaves of this plant being converted among and on the same side, is Auckland, the legis- other uses into that of baskets), grows in great lative little capital, where Captain Hobson, abundance throughout the country, of which the governor, has fixed his residence, much to it is indigenous. There are a variety of species, the mortification of the chief agents and set- and portions of it are to be seen adjoining altlers at Wellington, who wished his excellency most every village. It is of incalculable serto live with them. The other islands are still vice to the natives, who make all their valucomparatively in the hands of the aborigines. able apparel of its leaves. It is also used for The climate of New Zealand is even and fishing-nets, and every kind of cordage. Sir genial. In winter the thermometer rarely 1 European fruits, such as grapes, strawberries, olives descends below 45o, and during the height of peaches, nectarines, &c., grow in great abundance. B 2