of the Old Testament, full of deep, un- 

 written poetry, discovers no scenes more 

 characteristic and touching than those which 

 were enacted beside these sources of fer- 

 tility. Green and fruitful in the memory 

 of the most sacred history repose these 

 cool, refreshing pools under the burning 

 glance of the tropical sun. Here, too, as 

 in those distant lands, life is kept in con- 

 stant freshness around the borders of the 

 spring. The grass grows green and dense 

 here the whole summer through, and here 

 there is always a breath of cooler air when 

 the fields grow with intense heat. In such 

 places Nature waits to touch the fevered 

 spirit with something of her own peace, 

 and to keep alive forever in the hearts of 

 men that faith in things unseen which rises 

 like a spring from the depths, and makes 

 a centre of fruitful and beautiful life. 



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