88 
AXUM. 
compared with all others in Tigre, it has no rival (except Chelicut) 
with respect to size, richness, nor sanctity. The priests were very 
unwilling at first to admit us ; but the name and authority of the 
Ras, at length brought them to a compliance. The only cause of 
their reluctance, as we afterwards discovered, arose from their not 
having prepared all their finery to enhance the dignity of our re- 
ception. The principal circumstance worthy of notice in the external 
appearance of the church, is its height, which cannot be less than 
forty feet. The colonnade in front is supported by four massive 
square pillars about five feet in diameter, composed of small 
stones, and covered with plaister. On requesting to see the inside 
of the building, the farther folding door was thrown open, and sing- 
ing was heard in a distant apartment ; some of the priests then came 
forward reciting prayers, and burning incense. All the books, and 
rich dresses belonging to the church, were afterwards brought for 
my examination : the former are of a large size, and covered with 
gilding and figures in relief ; the latter are so like those which we 
saw at Chelicut, as not to need a particular description. 
" I learned from the books in this place, that the first Christian 
church at Axura was built eleven hundred and forty years ago, at the 
same time as that of Abrahasubah, and was destroyed by Mohamed 
Gragne in the year 15^6 ; the present church was built by Sultan 
Ay to Fasil, son of Ayto Socinios, in the year 1657. 
" In the evening I had a visit from the chief priest and others, 
who came with their books to try me in the scripture. My knowledge, 
though not very great, was fortunately fully equal to enable me 
to answer or evade all their questions, so that I came off with great 
credit ; and the High Priest kissed my hand in rapture at my inti- 
