enormous height, and spreading their branches afar." This is the case with those which grow at a sufficient distance from each other; but in some instances, three or four have grown up together, so close as to unite and form one trunk of enormous bulk. The tree gradually shoots out its branches at ten or twelve feet from the ground. Pococke says, "the great cedars, at some distance, look like very large spreading oaks; the bodies of the trees are short, dividing at bottom into three or four, some of which growing up together for about ten feet, appear something like those gothic columns which seem to be composed of several pillars. Higher up, they begin to spread horizontally. The wood does not differ from white deal in appearance, nor does it seem to be harder: it has a fine smell, but not so fragrant as the juniper of America, and it also falls short of it in beauty." The pine (the berosh or beroth of the Hebrew Scriptures) is also found indigenous on these mountains; and still higher up, and nearer the limits of vegetation, the cypress (shemen or zemin) is still to be seen; not growing in a spiral form, however, according to its natural tendency, but, being nipped by the cold, resembling small oaks. This tree, according to Pliny, grew upon the highest point of Mount Ida, amid the snow; and some of the mountains of Persia are clothed with cypresses. The apocryphal book of Ecclesiasticus contains a reference to this tree as growing on the loftiest summits: " I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress-tree upon the mountains of Hermon."* While these cone-bearing trees clothe the loftier declivities of the mountains, the oak abounds in regions less elevated, diversifying the rich pasturage of the high table-lands where the Turcoman and Kourdish shepherds still come in the spring to pasture their flocks and herds. Lower down, the walnut-tree Ecclus. xxiv. 13. and mulberry tree, with other fruit trees, grow luxuriantly, the latter being cultivated for the silkworm; vineyards clothe the sides of the valleys, through which the mountain streams find their way into the plain; and olive grounds extend over the undulating surface, from the base of the mountains to the sea. In the language of Oriental metaphor, Lebanon bathes his foot in oil; he is clothed with silk; his arms are laden with fruit; and his head of snow is wreathed with a diadem of forests: or, in the more beautiful language of the inspired psalmist," the smaller hills are girded with joy; the pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; at the return of spring they shout for joy, they break forth into singing."* The wine of Lebanon appears to have been celebrated throughout the kingdom of Israel in ancient times;† and the sacred writers are fond of borrowing images of abundance, beauty, and majesty from the rich productions and magnificent scenery of this lofty chain, which formed the northern barrier of the Holy Land. Nothing is wanted, but the protection of an efficient and just government, and the light of the pure gospel, to convert these Syrian Alps into "the garden of God." *Psa. lxv. 12, 13. + Hos. xiv. 7. Ezek. xxxi. 8. 18. Which toiling, he essayed to teach To strangers in their native speech, THE DEATH OF THE MISSIONARY'S WIFE. 107 Ah, where is he? Sorrowing beside a couch of agony, On which is laid that gentle one, Who left the ties of social love, With him in heathen lands to rove; Whose spirit's lofty tone Has nerved and energized his own, And 'mid the darkest cloud would point to light above. Not summoned by a slow decay, And gently passing out of life, But snatched away With bitter sufferings and with mortal strife, Meekly the victim lies; And while the mourner seems the heavens to rend "I sorrow not, "Beloved!—for the pestilence "Is but a Father's hand to call me hence, "And thine is still a blessed lot! "What though in early day, "My embassy unfinished, I must pass away "Shall be my glory in a higher sphere; "And whilst partaker of my Master's joy, "Thy ministering angel will I be, and share The last dear look is given The last faint sigh is breathed; Now, mourner, turn! Ambassador of heaven, thy way pursue The crown in view! Thou dost all thy love entomb Within yon sacred urn, But thou hast kindled there a flame Until thy Master's honoured name The distant isles and deserts shall illume. Yes! onward go! Thy God is with thee ever! Might be in larger measure thine; With the bright vision of a better land, Where with thy rescued train thou shalt At length repair, And thy beloved shall the triumph share! |