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first view
of the Mediterranean was from its top; and what thoughts such a sight awakens?
The waters of that sea love the shores of Palestine, and are linked with
the stirring events of ancient and modern history. A prophet was once cast
upon it, and an apostle wrecked upon it.
(Rome)
Rome! How interesting the place! How suggestive the word! What a train
of associations it awakens! The records of the past are unrolled; great
characters in history stand before you; and events that filled the world
with their grandeur and significance seem to be transpiring again. Who
has not desired to see Rome! What student of classical literature, what
lover of eloquence and poetry, what admirer of art, and mental power in
its various exhibitions, has not longed to visit Rome, and wander amid
the ruins of its former greatness and glory – to look upon the Seven
Hills where the city of the Caesars was enthroned – to walk beneath
the massive arches where they led their triumphant processions –
to muse amid the broken columns of the Forum, where Cicero and other orators
swayed assembled throngs – to linger under the shadow of the Coliseum
and think of the exciting scenes it once witnessed – and to trace
the footsteps of the great Apostles to the Gentiles, who prisoner though
he was, wielded an influence under God that was felt through the city,
and pervaded even the Imperial Palace!
Who has not had a curiosity at least to look upon the sources of that
mighty religious organism and power, that here so long exercised a tremendous
influence on human destiny, and still retain so much of their old energy,
superstition and sway? The dream of years has at length been realized,
and what only was known by the hearing of the ear, is now familiarized
by the seeing of the eye. On the 28th of November, I
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