CHAPTER XXII.
AROUND THE PLACE WHERE CHRIST WAS BORN.
In entering Palestine from the South Country, instead of from the sea by Jaffa, there is the advantage that we approach Jerusalem through Bethlehem, and thus follow a natural order in coming to the place of our Lord's birth before we come to that of His active ministry, as well as of His death, burial, and resurrection.
In the confusion of localities which is so common in the East, it is a comfort to our Christian faith that there is one, the identity of which is not disputed. Seven cities contended for the honor of being the birthplace of Homer, but no question has ever been raised in regard to the birthplace of Christ. Long before His birth, Bethlehem figures in the Jewish annals. As far back as the days of the patriarchs, Rachel died near Bethlehem in giving birth to Benjamin, and her tomb is still shown, where, if her dust be not preserved, yet lingers the sweetness of her beloved name. Here too David was born, and in his boyhood rambled over these hills, and perhaps kept his father's flock in the field of his great-grandfather Boaz and his great-grandmother Ruth. As the City of David, Bethlehem had a place in the regard of every pious and patriotic Jew. Consecrated by such memories, it was pointed out as the future birthplace of One greater than David, by a prophecy, seven hundred years before Christ was born: "Thou Bethlehem-Ephratah, though thou be little among
