SACRED STREAMS; OR THE ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY af tju EDITED BY GEORGE B. CHEEVER, D.D Author of " Lectures on the Pilgrim's Progress," &c., Ac. IStnbrlltaljrtr fottf) JFtftg Elluatrattona from ffirtginal Besigns, Engraved on Wood by J. W. Ort. . NEW YORK: STRINGER & TOWNSEND, 222 BROADWAY. 1852., R. CRAIGHEAD, PRINTER AND STEREOTVPER, 112 FULTON STREET. INTRODUCTION, BY REV. GEORGE B. CHEEVER, D.D THERE is no little theology, as well as history, abiding by the sacred rivers ; whoever will trace them with care may be a very learned man ; and he who will drink of them, whenever he can, will be a man of life, as well as learning. The first river went out of Eden ; it was the river of Paradise, lost now, and as untraceable as the entrance to the garden. The List river brings us to God and the New Jerusalem ; it is the pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lainb. But the first riv*r, like the first man, was of the earth earthy ; the last river, like the second man, is the Lord from heaven. But there is an intermediate river, the foretaste of the last, as the earnest of the Spirit is the foretaste of the heavenly inheritance. There i a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. Divine Truth and Grace constitute that river for the healing of the nations. That was Ezekiel's vision of the holy waters, issuing from the Sanctuary. The angel shall take you by the hand, and bring you through them, and at first they shall only be .up IV PREFACE. to the ankles. A thousand cubits more of heavenly experience shall be measured to you, and still they shall be only up to your knees. A thousand more shall be measured, and the angel shall bring you through, and still they shall be only up to the loins. But a thousand more, and it shall be a river that you cannot pass over ; " for the waters are risen, waters to swim in, that cannot be passed over." Hast thou seen this ? Behold, at the bank of the river are many trees, on the one side and on the other. And it shall come to pass that everything that liveth and moveth, whithersoever the river shall come, shall live. And by the river, upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed. It shall bring forth new fruit, according to his months, because their waters issued out of the sanctuary ; and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. Hast thou seen this ? A man must xjome to Ezekiel's river in this world, and know from experience something of what is there taught by the Divine Spirit, if he would ever walk with angels beside the river of the water of life in glory, and have a right to the Tree of Life, to enter in through the gates into the city. . He must take that leaf .^W" Vft which is for medicine here, those waters which are for healing here, if he would eat of the fruit of that Tree which is Life, if he would drink of that crystal stream which is in heaven. There is health there, but no healing ; life there, but no disease ; a fountain of life, but no medicine. The time for medicine is here, the need of it is here, the use of it "V*" PREFACE. V must be here ; but only the result of it is there, in Life Everlasting. The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters. Thou shall make them drink of the River of thy pleasures. This is spoken of those who put their trust under the shadow of God's wings. And it is said of a man having this trust, that he shall not only be as a tree planted by the river, with leaves always green, and never ceasing to yield fruit, but that he shall be himself as a river of water in a diy place. He shall make others green, and whatever he doeth shall prosper. When the church of Christ, everywhere, is made up of such men, there will be no more dry places. Such men are as Artesian wells in the desert. Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures, for with thee is the fountain of life. It is an argument from the river to the fountain. They that drink of the river here, shall come to the fountain hereafter. They that drink of the river here, are never satisfied till they rise to the fountain. As the hart panteth after the water-brook, so panteth my soul after thee, O God ! When shall I come and appear before God ! There is this paradox connected with this truth, that the deeper experience a man has of this heavenly thirst, the happier he is, and yet the more unsatisfied. And the more unsatisfied, the nearer he is to the fountain. There are different kinds of unrest ; the unrest of the sinner and that of the holy soul, like a dove. Each of them proves two different antagonistic worlds, fountain-worlds, eternal. Who among us, says the one, shall dwell with everlasting biddings ? But there, says the VI PREFACE. other, the glorious Lord will be to us a place of broad rivers and streams. And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick ; the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity. When this imagery from the Old Testament reappeai-s in the New, it is as a stream that has flowed underground from one continent, and risen in another. Here still it is the river of Faith, but there is a transfiguration of it into still greater glory in Christ. The glorious Lord, who was to be the place of rivers, stands in human form, and says, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He sits by Jacob's well, and says, Whosoever shall drink of this water shall thirst again ; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. In the New Testament we are nearer the Great Fountain, than in the Old. Here the Spirit and the Bride say come. And let him that heareth say, come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. He that believeth in me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his soul shall flow rivers of living water. " When a man turns to the Lord," said one of the antique Jewish writers, " he is like a fountain filled with living water, and rivers flow from him to men of allegations and tribes." We want many such fountain-men, men of deep, original experience in the grace of faith ; men whose life is the fruit of the Spirit. We want believing men, men that can say of all God's antagonists, as Joshua and Caleb said of the giants of Canaan, T/Ht/ be bread for us. We want PREFACE. Vll a life of faith, wherewith our peace shall be like a river, and our righteousness in Christ like the waves of the sea. This river-experience, which is at our own choice, being placed at our own disposal, as God's free gift in Christ Jesus, if we will have it, is what we need, to prepare us for the experience of another river, which cannot be avoided, which is neither chosen, nor desirable, and yet inevitable. For between us and the City of God, the New Jerusalem, lies the river of Death ; and every human being must go down into it. Its waters are cold, icy-cold ; and a cloud and thick gloom hang over it, which only the eye of Faith can penetrate. Downward and upward are the exits from it ; downward beneath the gloom, into deeper gloom, and darker waters, or upward from it, and above it, into light, joy, and glory. He that has taken a draught at the river of the water of life, this side the stream of death, shall pass safely over it. HE SHALL NEVER SEE DEATH. It was the word of our Lord, Whosoever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die. He shall pass from grace to grace, from life to life, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the L ord. Where that experience is going on, and just in proportion as it deepens, Death is swallowed up in Victory. The River of Death, that looked so broad and deep, so dark and terrible, appears oftentimes, when the feet of the Pilgrims press its margin, as an insignificant rill, and on the other side, the land of glory shining, with multitudes of friendly angels waiting. Sometimes the Pilgrims seem to go over dry-shod ; for step after step, as faith advances, the tide retreats and separates. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee ; Vlll PREFACE. and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee ; for He is there, who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters, and who saith to the deep, Be dry. Even there, he can spread his pavilion round about thee, and thou shalt be as a sleeping child, carried even in the cradle from the nursery to heaven. On the whole, the subject of this volume is a beautiful and fruitful theme. The sacred rivers are like celestial lines, or golden threads of Providence, whereby you may trace story and poetry, and count many divine lessons, not as orient pearls at random strung, but having a great historic life and unity of meaning. The author has selected his sacred localities, and interwoven his descriptions, with a pleasing and natural mixture of devout reflection, which redeems the work from the dreary monotony of gilding, engraving, fine type, and little else, characterizing so many pictorial issues of the press for show. The volume is at once profitable to the student, and grateful to the feelings of the Christian. New York, 1851. jf '*'<*' PREFACE THE want of works suitable for reading on the Lord's day has been often felt. Parents, teachers, and others who have the care of youth, who feel the responsibility of training up their charge in the knowledge and fear of the Lord, are often at a loss how to direct the employment of time on this sacred day. There are many hours not occupied in attendance on the public means of grace, which they feel ought notf to be spent in secular occupations, or mere amusement. A book which shall convey divine truths in a manner calculated to win the attention, engage the interest, and allure the reader on from page to page with unabated pleasure, cannot but be valuable. We can hardly expect that our children and domestics, who have never yet become experimentally acquainted with Divine grace, should be able to relish works of a doctrinal or devotional character, which afford food and minister refreshment to a spiritual person. And yet it would be culpable negligence to permit them to follow their own inclinations, without an effort to instruct their minds and win their hearts to God. A X PREFACE. The Author of the present volume proposed to himself the production of a work which should embrace many subjects of varied interest, treated in a lively and attractive manner, yet not out of keeping with the sacred engagements and associations of the Lord's day, to meet this want. The Rivers and Streams of Palestine and the neighboring lande, hallowed by their mention in the book of God, and the narratives of high interest connected with these scenes in Holy Writ, are the immediate subjects of the work ; while it has been the object of the Author to draw from these events and scenes the lessons of heavenly wisdom, the truths of spiritual import, bearing on the faith .and practice of man, for which they have been recorded. It is hoped that the whole spirit and tone of these pages, as well as every sentiment in them, may be found to be in harmony with the " doctrine which is according to godliness," and promote the glory of the Lord Jesus. May He deign to use and to bless this little volume, as well as any future ones, to which, if successful, it may be preliminary. LONDON, Sept. 1851. SACRED STREAMS. AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. VERY pleasant are the associations which we habitually connect with a river ; whether we think of it as bubbling out of its crystal fountain in the mountain-side ; or dashing, in a sheeted cascade, over green and slippery rocks, half hidden by jutting ferns, whirled about in feathery tufts of spray by every playful breeze, and lost in a perpetual cloud of foam in the dark hollow beneath ; or brawling along the valley in its pebbly bed, murmuring and fretting at the petty opposition it meets with ; or silently pursuing its broad and majestic course through the plains and meadqjvs, fertilizing cultivated regions, reflecting from its peaceful bosom villages, and towns, and domed cities ; or at length, having received a hundred tributaries, dilating into the vast estuary, bearing the proud fleets of commerce and war, and almost rivalling in grandeur the ocean into which it is pouring its everlasting tribute of waters. Sweet is it, in the heat of summer's noon, to sit on the mossy bank, and watch the meandering stream, now darkling and concealed from the sun by 1 2 AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. the overhanging shrubs and trees, whose branches kiss one another across its bosom, now sparkling out in the bright sunbeams that reveal and illuminate every stone and shell upon its bottom, to feel its coolness, and admire its clearness, and enjoy the thoughts and images, associations and feelings, which it presents to the mind, all peaceful, soothing, and refreshing. And pleasant it is to muse on the varied scenes and events and characters, with which it has been connected in by-gone ages, and in which its memory is embalmed. To say, Here, on these banks, was marshalled the little band, feeble in numbers, but strong in their love of their native soil, and in their righteous cause, who met the swarming hosts of invading foes, and fought and conquered. Here, by this stone, stood the dauntless man, who dared to withstand a tyrant's cruel mandate, and delivered his village from oppression. There, in that little cot, was born the hero who led his country's fleets to victory, and caused her name to be mentioned with reverence among the nations. Along this verdant bank has often mused the poet, whose burning words have found a response iij many a land and language ; and from the wild and beautiful scenery of this lovely stream he caught his inspiration. Yonder rising knoll has witnessed the experiments of the philosopher, who subjected to man's will and power the elements of nature. The music of this murmuring brook used often to soothe the soul of the philanthropist, as he mused on his plans for ameliorating the condition of his suffering fellow- men. AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. But if we in this temperate climate know a little of the pleasant feelings connected with clear streams and running waters, what must be their force in lands where the severest trials of life are described under the emblem of the fierce rays of the sun ! where the protecting care of Jehovah for His dear people is called a "shadow from the heat," the " shadow of a great rock in a weary land !" and where the sweetest joys of the heavenly rest are set before the tried and tempted saints of God, under similar imagery : " Neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb . . . shall lead them unto living fountains of waters !" In such lands, nothing is more natural than that fresh streams and flowing rivers should be constantly used by the inspired poets and prophets, as emblems by which to call up and shadow forth the sweetest, holiest, and most comfortable thoughts. Is peace spoken of? It shall " flow as a river." Is judgment or righteousness prayed for ? It is that it may " run down as waters, and as a mighty stream." The advantages of wisdom in a man's heart are " as deep waters, and as a flowing brook." Is a man under the curse of God? "He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter." Do desolation and confusion spread over the earth, wasting and destroying like an irruption of the sea ? The protection and preservation of the saints of God are secured; for "there is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God." The Lord Jesus is set forth " as rivers of water in a dry place ;" He will, by-and-by, bless restored Jerusalem, so long withered and forsaken, and " extend peace to 4 AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. her like a river, and tlie glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream ;" He will himself be to Israel " a place of broad rivers and streams, wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.'' For He is the Fountain and Well-spring of all blessing. How great must have been the joy and comfort which the ancient people of God took in their rills and brooks wherewith their thirst was quenched, and by which fertility was given to the beautiful and goodly land, that " land of brooks of water," of hills and valleys, which Jehovah had given them, and from which so many sweet images and allusions were drawn, turning their thoughts to earthly and heavenly blessings, and to their gracious and loving God! And if historical and personal associations often crowd upon the mind, as we walk by the bank of a favorite stream in our own land, endearing it to our imagination and heart, with what a deepened in- terest should we tread where every spot is hallowed by some ancient memory, some record of a history in which God himself is the chief actor. Not a rill or river but has some story to tell, some lesson to teach, some song of praise to elicit, in lands where angels talked with men, where inspired poets sang, where prophets and seers unfolded the far-distant future, where the visible glory of God dwelt, where the arm of Jehovah was ever stretched out in bless- ing, deliverance, protection or chastisement, where patriarchs sojourned, and where, for a while, taber- nacled Jesus, the glorious " Word made flesh." I. THE KIVER EUPHRATES. PARADISE. The Fall Grace The Promised Seed Sacrifice Reconciliation Righteousness. BABEL. The Builders The Tower The Confusion of Tongues Birs Nimroud. THE MIGRATION OF ABRAM. The Mesopotamian Valley The Ca- valcade Abram and Lot The Call of Abram Sojourn at Char- ran The Stranger and Pilgrim. THE MISSION OF ELIEZER. Prayer -Rebekah The Return The Antitype. BABYLON The Hanging Gardens The Palace The Court Daniel The Great Image The Kingdom of Christ. THE CAPTIVES. Israel's Desolation Seraiah's Mission The Doom of Babylon Belshazzar's Feast The Writing on the Wall Daniel's Interpretation Cyrus The Last Night of Babylon. SUBSEQUENT HISTORY. Topography Ruins of Babylon The Eu- phrates Expedition Physical History A solemn Contrast. GENESIS II. III. A FAIR and goodly scene is spread before our reverent imagination. A broad valley expands on either hand, bounded by distant mountains, whose purple peaks, range above range, glow in the beams of. the morning sun. Hill and dale, irregular undulations, broad swelling mounds, and gentle slopes, afford perpetual variety to the surface. Through the centre there flows, in winding course, a broad river, the smooth- 6 THE KIVER P:UPHEATES. ness of whose mirror-like bosom is unruffled by a ripple, as it pours its volume of clear and calm waters onward to the ocean. It is the majestic Euphrates. This is Eden, the garden of God. Everything that can gratify the sense is here in abundance, unmingled with anything that can hurt or annoy. " Every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food," grows here ; the spreading arms of the banian, the baobab, and the terebinth, cover the ground with a Oriental Vegctutu refreshing shadow ; the massive forms of the oak and the cotton-tree contrast with the taper elegance of the poplar and the pine ; the graceful banana and PARADISE. plantain wave their broad leaves, cut into strips by the wanton breeze ; huge clumps of bamboos nod like gigantic ostrich-plumes on the hillocks ; and above all tower up into the sky the light and lofty palms, waving their feathery green coronets against the sparkling blue of heaven. How temptingly the rich fruits hang and cluster in these spicy groves ! On the highest knolls the juicy apple and pear, the velvet peach, the blopmed plum, the golden apricot, and the blushing cherry stand in thick profusion ; in the lower glades, walled in by the sheltering groves, are others richer still ; the brilliant pomegranate, the yellow guava, the custard- apple, so meltingly luscious, the odorous pine-apple, the citron and orange, and the most delicious of terrestrial productions, the crimson mangosteen, invite the hand to pluck them. The queenly date- palm is loaded with its ;. tveet bunches, over which the vine, climbing to its lofty summit, has thrown a drapery of graceful foliage, and formed a natural arbour, thickly hung with empurpled clusters. No trace of winter is here ; but the glories of spring, of summer, and of autumn are united in one sweet season, for which earth has no name. The opening bud, the expanded flower, the matured fruit, are everywhere seen together in beautiful harmony. The air is redolent with the fragrance of flowers, and the eye is enraptured with their beauty of colour and of form. What gorgeous and fantastic parasites droop from the branches of the great trees ! What a magnificence of sheeted bloom is displayed by those masses of purple rhododendrons ! The roses are- here without thorns, and the fruits 8 THE RIVER EUPHRATES. are not defended by brambles. No naked spots of brown, barren earth appear, nor do any points of jagged rock jut out through the verdant turf; but here and there its greenness is varied by precious gems lying unheeded, as if they had dropped out of a royal diadem. The topaz, and the emerald, and the golden chrysolite, the rich ruby, and the sparkling diamond fling back most lustrously the rays of the sun ; and where the placid river gently washes its bordering sands, lie masses of gold and silver, some in unformed magnificence, and others vying with the vegetable productions around, in displaying various arborescent and foliated forms of fantastic beauty. Every thing speaks of wisdom, and power, and skill ; but not of these alone : consummate goodness is especially manifest. The scrupulous exclusion of that not only which could injure or give pain, but which could displease in the least degree, with the accumulation of all that could afford delight, speaks loudly of the benevolence of the Almighty Creator. But who are the guests for whom this feast is spread ? It is a new-born world on which we are looking, and this garden is the very concentration of its glory, but yesterday out of the hand of its Maker. Where are the tenants for whom this residence is provided ? Many living creatures walk among these groves, and repose upon the enamelled greensward. The wolf and the lamb are feeding together, and the speckled leopard is lying