with considerable curiosity and interest to see where this territory is to be found.
I have watched the growth of Zionism for many years, and it may be many years more before its ideals are realised. But if a movement it to be a reality in the future, that movement must be based on realities in the past.
realities in the past.I have only this to add. You cannotmake a home. You can go back to the oldhome of the race if you continue to beproud of the traditions in which you may
A VOW
ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH.
well take pride, since they have influenced the history of the past, and will influence the present, more perhaps than those of any known race—not of necessity to live in its familiar memories, and to be glad that the good land is still there as a national centre. You may found colonies in other countries, but that is not “home;” for, all the memories of your history, and all that is sacred in your faith, is bound up with Palestine, and with no other country under the sun.
Oh Zion! if I cease for thee My earliest vows to pay— If for thy sad and ruined walls I ever cease to pray— If I no more thy sacred courts With holy reverence prize, Or Zionward shall cease to turn My ever-longing eyes— Or if the splendor round me thrown Shall touch this Jewish heart, And make me cease to prize thy joy Above all other art,— Oh! may this hand no more with skill E'er touch this sacred string, And may this tongue grow cold in death, Ere I shall cease to sing And pray for Zion's holy courts, Or dare to bow the knee To these poor, blind and helpless gods, Forgetful, Lord, of thee.