There was great pleasure in being in comfortable, home-like quarters, and the drawing room was quite a lively place for a while. Our clothes looked the worse for wear, and they were exchanged for those which were not soiled and travel-stained. It was surprising to see what a change had been brought about in the appearance of each one, not only in dress but in looks, for everybody seemed bright and cheerful. Miss W. was compelled to eat all of her meals in her own room, since she was unable to go from place to place. We did not forget the invalid, or neglect her either, and at such times as were convenient we gathered in her room. At the expiration of three days we journeyed on through Syria toward the seaport town of Beyrut, each night camping by the way. Damascus is said to be the oldest city of the world. Way back in Abraham’s time mention was made of it as being the home of Eliezer, his steward. A number of times Damascus is spoken of in the Bible, and we believe it was as flourishing a city then as it is these years. The rivers Pharpar and Abana supply Damascus with water, and great canals convey it far and wide over the surrounding country. No doubt you have read about these two rivers in connection with the Bible story of Naaman the leper. He knew the rivers were beautifully clear, and his preference was to wash in them rather than in the water the prophet directed him to wash in for the cleansing of the leprosy. There is a street in Damascus which is called Via Recta. It runs from the east to the west gate. We were told it was “the street called Straight.” In Bible times the Lord directed Ananias in a vision to go into that street and make inquiry for Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was timid about going; Saul’s reputation was not good, for it was known far and wide how he had been treating all who called upon the name of the Lord. But the timid feelings were cast aside and the desire of the Lord followed out. Saul was found and the message was delivered, and after Saul’s sight had been restored he “arose and was baptized.” After his conversion Saul “preached Christ in the synagogues.” The Jews opposed him and watched day and night to take his life; “but Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.” When the danger of being killed was greatest, “then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket,” and by that means Saul’s life was spared a while longer to preach boldly for Jesus. A window was shown us, said to be the window from which Saul was let down on that memorable night. The houses of Ananias and Naaman were also shown, but we shall never know whether they were really the houses in which those Bible characters lived. Naaman’s house had been turned into a hospital, and we hope many sufferers have been made well inside of its walls.