DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.10357#0155
BETHLEHEM.
the Chapter Library. Two winding sets of stone steps on the north and south lead us down
to the Chapel of the Nativity below. After passing several rock-hewn chambers we reach
the hallowed spot. Very little of the original can be seen, as almost all is cased in marble;
but just enough appears to show by the glimmering lamps that it is really an old cave.
A silver star let into the pavement marks the birthplace; a marble trough represents the
AN EXAMPLE OF A PEASANT'S HOME, WITH ITS MANGER, IN A VILLAGE OF PALESTINE.
The raised dais is occupied by the family. The steps over the arch lead to a store-place for grain, &c.; dried fruits hang from the rafters.
The rude recess on the left contains mattresses, cushions, and coverlets.
manger—the original being said to be transferred to Sta. Maria Maggiore, in Rome ; and
the sides are hung with comparatively modern pictures. This grotto is common to all the
sects. Adjacent is the Latin Chapel, with very old paintings; and passages lead to various
caverns, the tombs of Eusebius, of Paula and Eustachia, the devout friends and companions
of St. Jerome, but most interesting of all, the tomb of St. Jerome himself. From it is an
opening to another rock-hewn chamber, which must ever have a fascination for the biblical
18
the Chapter Library. Two winding sets of stone steps on the north and south lead us down
to the Chapel of the Nativity below. After passing several rock-hewn chambers we reach
the hallowed spot. Very little of the original can be seen, as almost all is cased in marble;
but just enough appears to show by the glimmering lamps that it is really an old cave.
A silver star let into the pavement marks the birthplace; a marble trough represents the
AN EXAMPLE OF A PEASANT'S HOME, WITH ITS MANGER, IN A VILLAGE OF PALESTINE.
The raised dais is occupied by the family. The steps over the arch lead to a store-place for grain, &c.; dried fruits hang from the rafters.
The rude recess on the left contains mattresses, cushions, and coverlets.
manger—the original being said to be transferred to Sta. Maria Maggiore, in Rome ; and
the sides are hung with comparatively modern pictures. This grotto is common to all the
sects. Adjacent is the Latin Chapel, with very old paintings; and passages lead to various
caverns, the tombs of Eusebius, of Paula and Eustachia, the devout friends and companions
of St. Jerome, but most interesting of all, the tomb of St. Jerome himself. From it is an
opening to another rock-hewn chamber, which must ever have a fascination for the biblical
18