CHAPTER IV.
THE HALT AT CASIUM.
In the morning our travellers found themselves in the neighbourhood of [Casium]. The march had not been long, but the situations of the wells determine the halts of the caravans. Near the town a large sand-hill extended into the sea, on the point of which was built the temple of Jupiter Casius. The active Greek set off, though the distance was considerable, not for the purpose of worshipping there, but of examining it as a work of art. Helon felt no desire to accompany him, for on a journey to Jerusalem and in his present state of mind, it seemed to him nothing less than a sin to visit a heathen temple, even for the gratification of his curiosity. Elisama praised his determination, and reminded him of the reproof delivered by the mouth of Jeremiah, “Thou hast always broken thy yoke and burst thy bands; and hast said, I will not be restrained, but on every high hill and every green tree thou hast gone after idolatry.”[[28]] In the mean time Elisama began, and Helon devoutly joined in this psalm:
Bless the Lord O my soul,
And all that is within me bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits;
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities,
Who healeth all thy diseases,
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction,
Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercy.