The English and Presbyterian churches have missions here. The former is in a flourishing condition, but the latter is at a stand-still because of some trouble with the Turkish government. The English have an Orphans’ Home here in which they feed, clothe, and educate one hundred orphan girls—as some go out others come in. Some of these girls are almost grown, and many of them are bright and beautiful. I have just had the sweet privilege of preaching to them. Oh, how it stirs one’s heart to stand here in Nazareth and preach! to stand here where _Jesus was brought up_, and preach _His gospel_ to _His people_—the Jews! After preaching I sang several songs for the people. In turn, the orphan girls in a sweet tone of voice sang for me a beautiful song which touched me deeply, and which I have translated, that the reader may also enjoy it.
“We are little Nazareth children, And our Father placed our home ’Mid the olive trees and vineyards Of His earthly childhood home.
“For the Lord who loves the children, And was glad to hear their praise, Cares that Nazareth children know Him, Do His will and choose His ways.
“Cares that they should keep in memory All that sacred life spent here; Try in heart to walk beside Him, Safe and happy in His fear.
“And we know that He is coming— Every knee to Him shall bow— And the joyous shouts to meet Him Shall begin in Nazareth now.
“Jesus, Savior, dwell within us, Make a temple of each heart, Pure and loving, true and holy, For thy service set apart.”
Shepherd Tents—Many Flocks in One Sheep-Cote for the Night—Many Merchants from Different Countries—Ships Anchored—Arabs at Meal—Arabs Smoking—Shepherds with their Reed-Pipes—Merchants’ Response—Music and Dancing at Night—Bustle and Confusion in the Morning—Fight Like Madmen—Over-Burdened Camels—Camp Broken up—Dothan and Joseph’s Pit—Money-Loving Mohammedans—Crafty Jews—Return to Tents—The Shepherds Awaken—Crook, Sling and Reed-Pipe—David and Goliath—Shepherds under the Star-Lit Sky—“Glory to God in the Highest.”
NOTHING could present a scene more characteristic of Oriental life than a half dozen shepherd tents, black and dingy, pitched, not like Jacob’s tent on the mountain top, but like Isaac’s tent in the valley, in the midst of an olive grove, by the side of a flowing fountain. Here by the tents is a corral, or sheep-cote, enclosed by a rock wall, on top of which is a rough hedge of dry, thorny bushes, placed there to keep the robbers, as well as the jackals and wolves and other wild beasts, from molesting the sheep.