Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/214

Rh The call to prayer was echoing clearly through the town from the balcony of the crescent-crowned minaret, while the vesper-bell was ringing from the little belfry of the Latin church. Some of the people paused from their work, or stood still in the streets, to cross themselves, and to mutter an "Ave Maria " in Arabic; while the rest were declaring, "There is no God but God, and Mohammed is his prophet."

On Sunday my brother always read the Church service in Arabic, in the drawing-room of the Consulate, at nine o'clock. When British vessels were in port, we had service at eleven, with such of the captains and sailors as could attend; and English travelers who were passing through the country occasionally joined us. Saleh Sekhali was invariably present at the Arabic service, and no one was excluded from it. We generally mustered about six or seven. People came perhaps the more readily because they were not pressed or even invited to come. Curiosity induced many to pay one or more visits. The Arabs, and especially the Christian Arabs, could not understand how we could have religion without a Priest; solemnity without an Altar; how we could worship without a Church; or realize the presence of God without the elevation of the Host. They were always quietly and earnestly attentive while listening to portions of the Old and New Testament. After prayers, Saleh Sekhali often read by request several chapters, selecting some history or essay complete in itself. Women of the Greek or Latin Churches came occasionally, and remained unvailed when only Christians were present; but if a Moslem was announced they retreated immediately. The Moslems always expressed themselves much pleased with the service, on account of its simplicity and reverential character. I find that, besides the Koran, they regard al Tora, the Pentateuch; a' Zabûr, the Psalms; a' Nabiyeh, the Prophets; and al Anjîli, the New Testament, as holy or inspired books. Those who receive any one of these are to be tolerated.