NATIVE CHRISTIANS. 



237 



with the propriety of their demeanour, suggested the idea 

 of a Protestant country. They had, however, only a few 

 copies of the Bible, and those in manuscript. Mr. Wrede 

 says their number is computed to amount to 150,000 ; but 

 Mr. Baber, in his late evidence before parliament, estimates 

 them at only 100,000, and adds that they are the best sub- 

 jects their princes have. 



The Jews are divided into two colonies, the while and the 

 black, whose establishment appears to have taken place at 

 different eras. The former report themselves to have ar- 

 rived soon after the destruction of Jerusalem ; while the 

 latter, from their complexion and appearance, are supposed 

 to have settled at a much earlier period. They had ancient 

 Hebrew manuscripts written on goat's skin, one of which 

 Dr. Buchanan with some difficulty obtained permission to 

 carry away. It was deposited in the university of Cam- 

 bridge, where it was shown to the present writer by the 

 late Dr. Clarke, who stated that on collation there appeared 

 little difference between it and our authorized text. 



