While we wait patiently for the incoming of that better day, Jerusalem is attracting the attention of all peoples. Palestine is still the “high bridge” of the nations, over which the commerce of the world must pass from west to east. The old saying of Scripture is still true: “I have set Jerusalem in the midst of the nations,” and for some wise purpose it is destined to be the religious metropolis of the world. Sixty thousand people dwell within her walls; eight thousand Turks hold the city and rule it with an iron hand. They have neither patriotism nor honor; they are robbers in the disguise of government officials. Forty-two thousand Jews have come from Spain, Poland, and the ends of the earth, who are paupers, and who divide their time between wailing over their departed glory and living on the charity of others. Ten thousand Christians are denizens of the once proud city, who stand guard over the “sacred places” and are the thrift and hope of the place. Four thousand orthodox Greeks and four thousand orthodox Latins watch each other with a jealous eye, and are ready for the fray whenever the “Silver Star of Bethlehem is stolen.” The Arminian Christians are merchant princes; the Syrians live on the venerable past; the Copts and Abyssinians are few and poor; and the four hundred Protestants represent the brain, the heart, the enterprise, the piety, and the charity of modern Jerusalem. They are American and Scotch Presbyterians, German Lutherans, and Anglican Episcopalians. They have founded hospitals, organized schools, built churches, created a healthful literature, and are the energy of public opinion. While many are waiting for the restoration of the Jews these noble Protestant Christians are preparing the way for the coming of the Lord, when Jerusalem shall be rebuilt and made holy and once again be the joy of the whole earth. Illustration: ‡ signature of John P. Newman. Illustration: NORTHERN PALESTINE. Illustration: SOUTHERN PALESTINE. FROM DAN TO BEERSHEBA. CHAPTER I. The two Boundaries. ―― The parallel Mountains. ―― The great Valley. ―― Inspired Eulogies. ―― Sterile Soil. ―― Gibbon’s Comparison. ―― Natural and miraculous Causes of present Sterility. ―― Testimonies of pagan Authors on the ancient Productions of Palestine. ―― Land coveted by the great Nations of Antiquity. ―― A Land of Ruins. ―― Present Fertility and Fruits. ―― Richness of the North. ―― Volney on the Variety of the Climate of Palestine. ―― Beauties of Spring in the Promised Land. ―― Flowers. ―― Magnificent Scenery. ―― Standard of Landscape Beauty. ―― Palestine is a World in Miniature. ―― Illustrations. ―― Prophetical Descriptions of the twelve Tribeships. ―― Wonderful Correspondence.