often found this pillar in the midst of the fields, and at other times in the tombs.

This,

I left this interesting spot, and proceeded further to the right, to view the tomb of Simon the Just. also, is excavated in the rock. The exact spot where Simon and his son lie buried is pointed out. Close by the tomb is a cistern filled with water. The pious Jew who visits this spot, so sacred to him, does not fail to purify himself in this water before he enters the tomb. The Jews very frequently come to this spot on Fridays, on the new moons, and in particular on the thirty-third day after Easter, which is set apart as a feast in honour of this departed Jewish saint. They bring their young boys with them to the spot, where they cut off their hair for the first time, and according to the weight of it, they vow to give a sum of money to the poor. The scenery around this tomb is delightful, and the situation is, at the same time, retired.

From the tomb of Simon the Just I proceeded further on, to the tombs of the Sanhedrin. These, like the former, are under ground, hewn in the solid rock. The entrance here is still lower, and I was obliged, in some parts, to lay flat down and slide in ; but when once inside, I found large vaulted chambers. I counted sixty-three niches where sarcophagi had formerly been placed.

In each of these three tombs there were numberless names written on the walls by devout Jews who have visited them. From the last spot, one has a fine view of Rama, the dwelling-place of the prophet Samuel, which is now called Naboo Samuel. The tombs are forty minutes' walk from the town.

Dec. 12.-I went to the lodgings of the priest above-mentioned, to see the manuscript. He had only fragments of the five books of Moses, but the whole roll was in the possession of the Bishop at the Latin Convent. I went thither with the intention of getting a sight of it, but was disappointed.

I received a letter to-day from Rabbi Eliezer, in

which he expresses his grief at having been so long deprived of the privilege of seeing us, and in which he also stated some of the reasons which compelled him, for a time, to return to his own house, but not to the Jews. He also expressed his desire to see us again, but that he was constantly watched by the Jews; and that he had no opportunity of speaking either to Rabbi A or Rabbi B- because the Jews keep them separate. I sent him a verbal message back.

ARRIVAL OF THE PRUSSIAN CONSUL-GENERAL.

In the afternoon our Bishop, Mr. Nicolayson, Dr. Macgowan, and myself, went out to meet the Prussian Consul-General, whom we met about half an hour's ride from the town. Mr. Young, the English Consul, preceded us, and we returned together to the Holy City.

Dec. 13.-I received a message from Rabbi E

by which I was informed that Rabbi B- and the son of another rabbi, wished to meet me outside the gate.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE RABBI HERSCHELL.

The death of Rabbi Herschell, of London, has caused a great sensation among the Jews of Jerusalem : this day has been set apart by them for weeping and lamentation for this great man, and a funeral sermon was preached at one of the German synagogues, called the Churva, by Rabbi Moses the Maggeed.

I was present at the service; the synagogue was crowded. Rabbi David, son of the late Rabbi Herschell, read the prayers with great feeling; afterwards the Maggeed began his sermon, which lasted upwards of four hours. I was present for an hour and a half, during which he described the pious, amiable character of the deceased, and said, that a great man had fallen in Israel, and that therefore they had just

cause for lamentation. He compared the deceasedwith the Patriarch Abraham, of whom he said that, at his death, the sun, the moon, and the stars called out, "Woe unto us! the leader of the world is dead." On the other hand, the preacher added, there was cause for rejoicing at the death of such a righteous man, because he was certain that the death of the righteous was an atonement for the present generation. He went on in a similar strain until I left.

CONVERSATION WITH JEWS.

I met several Jews in the streets, with whom I conversed. I then entered the house of a Jewish family, who I knew were fully persuaded of the errors of Judaism, which have often been the subjects of our conversation. They are willing to become Christians, but do not know anything of the true spirit of Christianity. I therefore frequently speak to the head of the family, in order to point out to him the spirituality of Christ's doctrine. When I went home, a Jew followed me to my house; he told me that he was convinced that the Messiah had come, and that he was only waiting for a favourable opportunity to confess his belief publicly, and join the Church of Christ. He called again on the 14th, and I conversed with him for a considerable time. I then visited several Jewish families. The distress among the poor Jews is at present very great, on account of the scarcity of water, which is now more expensive than the bread. The Jews have already appointed several fast-days, on which they go to pray upon the tombs of the saints for rain.

The Chief Rabbi of the Koraim had often expressed his desire of being introduced to the Bishop, but various circumstances had prevented it hitherto. I promised to wait at home for him to-morrow, in order that I might accompany him to the Bishop.

Dec. 15.-I was disappointed to-day, as the Chief

Rabbi of the Koraim did not come. When I afterwards met him, he said, that at the time appointed he was called upon, being a physician, to attend a sick person.

Dec. 19.-All the Jews went in procession down the Valley of Jehoshaphat, to the tomb of the Prophet Zachariah, to pray for rain.

BETHANY.

Dec. 21.-I went to Bethany to see the spot where our Saviour used so often to retire—where that family resided of whom it is recorded that Jesus loved them— where Lazarus, who was four days in the grave, had been raised up by the power of our Lord. I left the city by St. Stephen's Gate, rode round the foot of the Mount of Olives, and in less than an hour, I arrived at the memorable spot, which is now called El Lazaria. The village is in a most wretched state. The tomb which is pointed out as that of Lazarus is in a vault, to which you have to descend by steps. The Latins perform mass once a year in this vault; but none of the other Churches in the country follow their example. The place is very retired, and no person would imagine that so famous a town was in its vicinity. But here also one is forcibly reminded that the glory is departed from Israel, and the country trodden down by the Gentiles. Oh, Lord, arise, and have mercy upon Zion; build thou the waste places of Jerusalem, and set thy captive people free!

Dec. 22.-I called again upon several Jewish families, and remained a considerable time in the house of one which is now inquiring into Christianity. I spoke very seriously to its head, who has thrown away the Talmud, but, at the same time, imbibed some Infidel notions.

I received a message to-day from Rabbi Eliezer, saying, he intended paying me an early visit.