Their entire freedom from, and great abhorrence of, idolatry, furnishes strong circumstantial evidence of their Israelitish origin. I acknowledge that it is insufficient proof by itself; but, in connexion with more positive evidence, it is worthy of particular attention. The Jews all over the world, so far as we know, are entirely free from any appearance of idolatry, though guilty of almost every other sin. Their universal rejection of idols is a very remarkable fact, which carries with it indubitable evidence of a special interposition of Divine Providence in their behalf. We are also expressly told that the children of Israel shall abide many days, or a long time, "without an image:" a prophecy to which I shall have occasion to recur more particularly at another time.

If the Nestorians were idolaters, would not this militate against our position that they are the children of Israel? How remarkable, then, that they alone, of all the churches of the East, are entirely free from the least appearance of idol-worship. While all of these churches are filled with pictures, they have none. They bow their knees before no likeness of anything in heaven above, or in the earth beneath; and, while the other Christians pay their homage to the consecrated host which is daily held up for their adoration, the Nestorians observe almost a scriptural simplicity in their sacramental rites.

CHAPTER IX.

Social and domestic Customs.-Forms of Salutation.-Hospital ity.-Regard for the Poor.-Entertainments.-Dress. - Ornaments.-Espousals.-Marriage.-Children.-Their Occupations. -The same as those of the ancient Israelites.

THERE is much in the social and domestic habits of the Nestorians so entirely similar to what we find among God's ancient people, that a particular account of them would differ but little from a correct transcript of Hebrew archæology. But, as there are few customs mentioned in the Bible which cannot find a parallel, or, at least, a tolerable similitude, among some of the various nations of the East, it will avail little, in the view of those whose minds are fortified by preconceived opinions regarding the ten tribes, even were I to show that all these customs find a parallel among the Nestorian Christians. On the other hand, it is believed that in the estimation of those who examine the subject candidly, the proof that we have already adduced, together with considerations yet to be presented, will most clearly demonstrate the identity of the Nestorians with the lost tribes of Israel. I shall, therefore, pass over this source of evidence in a very cursory manner, and devote to it only a few pages; although it might, by a more able pen and in another connexion, be expanded into an in

teresting volume. But, while the existence of certain customs and rites may not of itself prove the Nestorians to be Israelites, the absence of such rites and customs might go far to show that they were not Israelites. If the Nestorians are of Jewish origin, we expect to find Jewish traits; and these we shall now examine.

Perhaps I cannot better introduce this part of my subject than by a short extract from the journal of the Rev. Mr. Perkins: "As I was at work in our little garden," he writes, "the boys belonging to our school passed along and saluted me in their patriarchal style by saying, 'Allah covet yavil,' 'May God give you strength.' It is deeply interesting to see how much there is that is truly primitive among the Nestorians. the Nestorians. We meet with it in their household furniture, in their agricultural utensils, in their instruments of music, but, most of all, in their modes of salutation. When two persons meet, they mutually salute each other by saying, 'Peace be with you;' and the other replies, 'Your company is welcome.' When a guest leaves a house, he says, 'May God grant you increase, may your days be prosperous;' and the other replies, May God be with you.' When one puts on a new garment, enters a new house, or purchases a new article, his friend congratulates him by saying, 'May God bless your garment,' 'May God bless your house,' &c. If you do a

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Nestorian a kindness, or wish him prosperity, he says, in thanking you,' May God give you the kingdom of Heaven.' When one enters upon any undertaking, he says, 'If the Lord will, I shall accomplish it ;''In the strength of the Lord, I will learn this book,'" &c.

The forms of their salutations, I may add, are no less primitive than the phraseology in which they are expressed. We see the same ardent gesticulations, prostrations, falling upon the neck, the same kissing of the lips, cheeks, beard, and hands; and the same weeping for joy on the return of longabsent friends.

Their hospitality* to the stranger, and especially to their own people, is quite as primitive as the salutation with which they meet him. His every want is promptly supplied; water is brought for his feet; food is immediately prepared and set before him, and every provision is made for his comfort and repose. He goes not from house to house, but, having found a shelter under one roof, he would do injustice to his kind host to leave it for another lodging in the same village. He salutes the house on entering; his peace rests upon it; and he departs with a blessing. I think I never saw the expressions of hospitality in such primitive simplicity as exhibited among the Nestorian Christians. Nor is their general kindness to the poor

* Compare Jahn's Archæology, p. 196–7.

and suffering less remarkable. None are turned empty away; and those who have the means often lay up extra stores for the poor, and for months together provide them food and shelter. —Lev., xix., 34. Deuteronomy, x., 18, 19.

Their entertainments are in the true Hebrew

style. The guests are invited by a servant, who is often* sent round the second time when the feast is ready. Each one is seated by the master of the feast according to rank, the more honourable being invited to come up higher, while the others give him place; the governor of the feast presides; the social bowl circulates; all dip their hands into the dish, and occasionally one dips a sop and gives to another (a special kindness). They sit upon the carpet or floor, and lean forward, eating their plain food in a primitive manner.

At their joyous festivals they have music and dancing; the tabret and viol, and David's harp, and the voice of singing. They observe their new moons and Sabbaths or solemn feasts. In mourning, they often cast dust upon their heads, rend their garments, clothe themselves in sackcloth or coarse attire, and sit in the ashes or go to the grave there.

to weep

In their dress, too, there is a striking conformity to that of the Jews about them; and, while their loins are girded about, their staff is in their hand,

* Matt., xxii., 3.