THE FIRST SIGHT OF SINAI. 
This View is taken from the Encampment of the Artist and his party: and exhibits 
the first aspect of the Chain of Sinai to the traveller approaching from Suez. 
The Sketches of Sinai have been variously given in this work: for the purpose of 
rendering the untravelled inquirer master of the characteristic scenery of events asso¬ 
ciated with the noblest recollections, and the most stupendous interests of mankind. 
The Views of Jerusalem and the surrounding countries had been presented, from 
all their leading points, and in all their varieties of aspect, with the same purpose; that of 
giving a complete conception of localities sacred to every feeling of religious homage. 
Thus, to those who contemplate a journey to Palestine, this work will contribute valuable 
knowledge: to those who have travelled there, the revival of recollections which none 
would willingly suffer to pass away: and to the larger class, who from circumstances 
remain at home, faithful representations, not only of the country, but of the habits of 
the people, and the companionship of the “Children of the Desert.” 
To the observer of Nature, the peninsula of Sinai is one of the most singular 
anomalies on the globe. It is an immense mass of mountains, without any of the 
discoverable purposes for which mountains seem to have been formed. It marks no 
boundary between nations; its summits collect no waters to fertilise the surrounding 
region; and, so far as research has hitherto gone, the Sinaitic range has not exhibited 
any of those mineral treasures, either metal or marble, which constitute mountains 
a source of wealth to man. Thus, standing in the midst of a Desert which almost 
prohibits human possession, pouring no river from its pinnacles on the plain, and barren 
alike of mineral and vegetable production, its existence remains a great physical 
problem. 
Yet are we not entitled to regard the problem as solved by Scripture, and by 
Scripture alone ? If it was the purpose of Divine Providence to draw the most visible 
line of distinction between the slavery of the Egyptian serf and the discipline of the 
Israelite; between a race accustomed to the grossness of Egyptian idolatry, and a nation 
designed as the especial depositories of the true worship; between the languor of frames 
exhausted by an African climate, or oppressed by the labours of the brick-kiln and 
the manufactory, and the temperate and hardy habits of the traveller and the mountaineer; 
or even to teach that sense of the sublime, and that breadth and boldness of thought, 
which are unconsciously inspired by scenes of natural grandeur; no spot on Earth 
could have been found fitter to make all those powerful and essential impressions than 
the mountain mass of Sinai. When we recollect the greatness of the purpose, can 
we be surprised at the majesty of the means? Can we contemplate the majesty qf 
the means, without a new homage to the power of Providence? or can we rationally 
doubt that tliis purpose was designed, from the hour when the Deluge went down. 
