Entire series of psalms were consecrated to celebrate the happiness of thus journeying in family companionship[2] during several days in the spring across the hills and valleys, each one having in prospect the splendors of Jerusalem, the solemnities of the sacred courts, and the joy of brethren dwelling together in unity.[3] The route which Jesus ordinarily took in these journeys was that which is followed to this day through Ginaea and Shechem.[4] From Shechem to Jerusalem the journey is very tiresome.

But the neighborhood of the old sanctuaries of Shiloh and Bethel, near which the travellers pass, keeps their interest alive.

_Ain-el-Haramie_,[5] the last halting-place, is a charming and melancholy spot, and few impressions equal that experienced on encamping there for the night.

The valley is narrow and sombre, and a dark stream issues from the rocks, full of tombs, which form its banks.

It is, I think, the "valley of tears," or of dropping waters, which is described as one of the stations on the way in the delightful Eighty-fourth Psalm,[6] and which became the emblem of life for the sad and sweet mysticism of the Middle Ages.