EMMA.  “Yes, dear papa, Maldives and Laccadives are both in the Arabian Sea.  The first are small islands, or rocks, just above the water.  The Dutch trade with the natives for cowries, little shells used as money on some parts of the coasts of Africa and India.  Ships from India sometimes resort thither to procure sharks’ fins for those epicures the Chinese, who consider them an excellent seasoning for soup.

“The Laccadives are about five degrees further north, and are in themselves larger islands, but not so numerous as the Maldives.  Bombay, which is the central point of communication between India and Europe, is on the Arabian Sea.  Have we not devoted sufficient time to Asia, mamma?”

MRS. WILTON.  “I scarcely think so, my dear; we could find subjects for conversation which would profitably occupy the hours of many meetings in this delightful quarter of the world.  Remember here were our first parents placed, when in innocence and happiness they were created by Almighty God; here in the Garden of Eden they dwelt enjoying the light of His countenance; here they fell in guilt and misery, and were banished from the presence of their offended God; here was the prophecy fulfilled, for here was born our Blessed Saviour.  By Him was the great and wondrous work of redemption accomplished; He offered Himself a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; He gave us the Everlasting Gospel, and He has become our mediator with God:  by Him we gain access to the Father; by His blood only can we be cleansed; by His merits only can we hope for salvation; and only through His Grace assisting us can we perform that which is right and well-pleasing in the eyes of our Heavenly Father:  then believing in Him, trusting in Him, rejoicing in Him, Christ will be our All in all here, and All in all hereafter.  There are many lakes and small inland seas in Asia, memorable as having been the scene of our Blessed Saviour’s labors, trials, and triumphs.  Not the most insignificant on the list is the lake of Genesareth, sometimes called the Sea of Galilee, or Sea of Tiberias; for near here is situated Nazareth, the great city of Jesus Christ.  About six miles to the south stands the hill of Tabor, which a venerable tradition assigns as the scene of Christ’s transfiguration; and on the south-west side of the Gulf of St. Jean d’Acre is Mount Carmel, where, we are told, the prophet Elijah proved his divine mission by the performance of many miracles.  Thousands of Christians once lived in caves of the rocks around this mountain, which then was covered with chapels and gardens:  at the present day naught but scattered ruins remain to prove the truth of these statements.”