I think the latter must be particularly indigenous to such spots, as from the wall of the court of Mr. Whiting's house in Jerusalem an elegant white one grows in the same manner. It takes a graceful turn from the wall, and shoots up erect, apparently requiring no support. "You have doubtless noticed that our route home was not like the one which we pursued in going to Jerusalem. We went by the sea-shore, and returned over rugged mountain paths. We spent our Sabbath in a spot which I shall not soon forget. It was a large village, high in the mountains, called Jezeen, its inhabitants nearly all of them Christians. The place of our encampment was romantic and delightful in the extreme. Noble walnut trees, copious streams, magnificent precipices, all conspired to make the spot uncommonly attractive. But I was obliged to be shut up in my tent nearly all the time. During the sacred day appropriated to rest, the noise and confusion was like that of an annual parade upon the great plain' in Norwich. For myself I had severe struggles of feeling; I wanted to pity these people, and do them good, but I was made so uncomfortable by their intrusions, that my sensibilities revolted from coming in contact with such a multitude. In an hour of social service which we secured to ourselves, I was comforted by the hymns sung, and a sermon of the late Mr. Jenkins of Portland; and the cloud which was thrown over my mind vanished. Mr. Smith had a favorable opportunity to sow some seed of the word' there, I trust. We rose at 2 the next morning, and left the village before the inhabitants had risen. We passed the former residence of a wealthy prince, who, being regarded as rebellious by the Emeer, was deposed, his palace demolished, and his head cut off. The grounds were extensive and fertile, and the ruined palace large. At 1, P. M., we arrived at Der el-Komr, (Convent of the Moon,) a large village near the residence of the Emeer Besheer, the Prince of Mount Lebanon-professedly a Mohammedan, but really a Christian, according as the term is used here. His buildings and those of his son are handsome, situated upon the summit of high terraced hills. "We encamped beyond the town, on an elevated spot, where perfect stillness reigned, and not an individual intruded upon us. After our noisy Sabbath at Jezeen, this seemed like a calm after a storm. We now began to feel that we were getting home, for it was our last night on the road. We had the afternoon before us; and I began to collect my thoughts, and make some new resolutions for the future, as we were anticipating a change of residence and a new family circle. We retired to rest early, and rose at midnight to complete our journey. The ride by moonlight, among the wild and rugged scenery through which we passed, was very interesting. Much of the way was so steep and stony, that the old muleteer of whom I have spoken, was obliged to lead my donkey till we came to a new road made by the Emeer, consisting of broad steps, winding over the mountains. We breakfasted near a khan, and dined in Beyroot, at the table of our kind friend, Mrs. Abbot, the 12th of May. We did exercise some gratitude to our kind Preserver, I trust; for he had covered us with his wings,' and no harm. had come nigh us by day or by night." Ir is doubtless proper that missionaries should be contemplated, not only in their labors, cares, and trials, but also in their social character and enjoyments; and in those pleasant local circumstances in which Divine Providence places them, conducive to their comfort and happiness. If there be any Christian in the wide world, to whom a pleasant residence, and the enjoyments of social life, and of a cultivated taste and intellect, are desirable and reasonable, it is the missionary. And the Christian at home, of generous sentiments, will rejoice to know that the "laborer" whom his contributions are sustaining in a foreign land, finds some of the same temporal blessings which are bestowed upon himself; and will never take it up as a reproach against him, that he finds enjoyment in his field of service. Mrs. Smith carried into her missionary life and labors, all her taste, mental cultivation, and social habits; and appeared in Syria much as when in America, amidst the pleasant circumstances of home and her father's house. And one important object of this Memoir will be answered, if it shall serve to convince any who need the conviction that it is possible for a serious, devoted, and useful missionary to be as happy as any other Christian. These remarks are made with reference to some portions of the present chapter; and also to passages which have appeared, or will appear, in others. - 262 "BEYROOT, JULY 3, 1835. My ever-beloved Parents: - You mention the manner in which the contents of my letters are made known to my friends. It is certainly a very good one, if they do not contain much which would be esteemed trifling, except to the beloved family circle. Since I left America, I have never allowed myself to be flattered with the thought that others would have access to them. I have written as freely and simply as if I had been making a visit in Lebanon or New London, and I must continue to do the same. Long may the period be deferred, when any thing like restraint shall characterize our correspondence, or any diminution occur of that confiding affection which has been the earthly charm of my existence. "How good God has been all my life, in giving me so many to love me and to be loved by me! To this I attribute the want of jealousy in my disposition, and indeed I sometimes fear that I appropriate to myself more affection than is my portion; certainly more than I deserve. I am reading your little book in course; that is, taking up the portions of Scripture in order, on the Sabbath, as you read and heard them. Perhaps we may talk of them in our Father's house above. "July 16. Although thus late in the season, through the goodness of God my health continues perfect; and I am able to keep school every day, notwithstanding I am in a southern clime. I often think of the precious promises contained in the 121st Psalm, especially these words, 'The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth, and even forever more.' "My school interests me more and more every day, and I do not love to think of suspending it even for a few weeks, during the hot season. Day before yesterday, a wealthy Jewish lady came with her two daughters to the school, and begged me to take the youngest as a scholar. The elder sister remained also; her age I cannot tell, but she is a discreet, intelligent girl, in her teens.' Yesterday morning they came again, and the mother asked me to teach her eldest daughter Italian, and ornamental needlework. I replied that my cares in the school were at present as much as my strength would allow; that my husband was every day urging me to suspend the school for a season, but if additional laborers arrived from my country, as I expected, we would extend our operations. She answered politely; and furthermore, requested that I would allow her little girl to go home before the religious exercises of the school, as their prayers were of a different kind.' I expressed no surprise or displeasure at this, but courteously assured her that it would be as she had desired. She then gave me her salâms, and with her other daughter went towards the door, where they stopped and conversed several minutes. They then returned to me, and the Jewess said her elder daughter, would like to learn Arabic, and to be taught and controlled like the other scholars; to which I consented, and they left me. Before prayers, I gave them liberty to go home. To-day they came, and behaved, as before, sweetly. I told them, when we were about to close the school, that they might leave. The larger one did not seem inclined to go, and said to her sister, Will you go or stay?' The latter, from childish feelings rather than religious prejudices, probably, preferred to go, and they left. I think I shall take great pleasure in instructing them, for my Saviour's sake. But how was I struck with the fact that Moslems, Catholics, and Greeks, could remain where He is acknowledged; while that nation, whom with fraternal feelings He denominated 'his own,' despise and reject him, and cannot endure the place where he is worshipped! 'Sabbath, July 19. — At our Sabbath school to-day, were twenty-eight scholars-twenty-one girls and seven boys. I began, some weeks since, to read and explain to my class the |