than 50 or 60 feet high; but on the western side it rises in a conical figure to the elevation of 198 feet, and on its summit is a solid pile of brick, 37 feet high by 28 in breadth, diminishing in thickness to the top, which is broken and irregular, and rent by a large fissure extending through a third of its height. It is perforated by small holes, disposed in rhomboids. The fire-burnt bricks of which it is built have inscriptions on them; and so excellent is the cement, which appears to be lime-mortar, that it is nearly impossible to extract one whole. The other parts of the summit of this hill are occupied by immense fragments of brick-work, of no determinate figure, tumbled together, and converted into solid vitrified masses, as if they had undergone the action of the fiercest fire, or had been blown up with gunpowder, the layers of bricks being perfectly discernible !"

Surveying these stupendous ruins, the prodigious remains of the greatest works that were ever accomplished or undertaken by the mightiest of mortals, we are awakened to serious reflection. Considering them as the proudest monuments of imperial wealth, and power, and national genius, thus reduced to utter desolation, and comparing them with the predictions of Holy Scripture, we perceive their design to confirm and illustrate its divinity; and we are constrained to receive it as the faithful word of GOD. Blasted thus by the Divine Providence, through successive generations of time, those shapeless vestiges of the palaces of tyrants and of the temples of idolaters, proclaim to mankind the righteous judgments of GOD upon the wicked, while they demonstrate the inspiration of his commissioned servants. Most truly instructive is the appeal of JEHOVAH to the supporters of idols and false divinities, in relation to his foreknowledge and omnipotence, especially regarding the doom of guilty Babylon! "Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no GOD else beside me; a just GoD and a SAVIOUR: there is none else. Remember the former things of old: for I am GOD, and there is none else; I am GOD, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Isa. xlv. 21; xlvi. 9, 10. No less instructive is the language of the apostles of JESUS CHRIST, whose declarations afford additional confirmation to the ancient prophecies; and while they invite the joyful filial confidence of believers, they admonish the votaries of pleasure to beware of sensual gratifications, and to seek eternal salvation by an obedient faith in the LORD our Redeemer. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the FATHER, but is of the world. And the world passeth away and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John ii. 17, 18. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness; looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of GOD ?" 2 Pet. iii. 11, 12.

DISSERTATION XXX.

PROPHECIES IN COURSE OF FULFILMENT.

Divine Prophecy includes the whole course of time-Advancing times and changes more fully confirm prophecy-All events subserve the kingdom of CHRIST-All the revolutions of time illus trate prophecy-and confirm Divine Revelation.

DIVINE prophecy, in its most sublime revelations, comprehends the whole course of time; commencing with the first prediction, delivered to guilty Adam in the garden of Eden, concerning the appointed SAVIOUR of the world, until the consummation of the mystery of Providence in the kingdom of GOD. Events and ages, however, yet future, are embraced by the inspired predictions; and while we survey the manifest fulfilment of many of them, relating to various people, extensive countries, and mighty cities, their actual present condition affords evidence that is accumulating in strength, in support of the saving belief of Christians.

Prophecy, as considered in the foregoing dissertation, for reasons stated in the beginning of it, has scarcely been regarded in its greatest and most worthy subject the person, offices, and ministry of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. Nevertheless, the Divine predictions are perceived, even from that restricted review, to include a vast series of events, designed immediately or remotely to subserve one and the same grand object-the introduction and establishment of the universal empire of truth and righteousness, under the almighty, wise, and holy dominion of JESUS the Son of God. Every particular, regarding his mission, incarnation, ministry, humiliation, and triumphs, the inspired writers foretold, with a minute accuracy; and they both searched and beheld "the glory that should follow his sufferings," in the extension and blessings of his kingdom among the Gentiles.

Contemplating Divine prophecy in its original revelation-in its progressive advancement and fulfilment, in relation to numerous tribes and people-in the desolation of ancient cities-in the subversion of the mighty empires-in the subjugation of the Israelites-in the advent of MESSIAH-in the accomplishment of his work of redemption-in the dispersion of his enemies, the Jews-in the establishment of his kingdom-and in the preservation and propagation of his gospel to regenerate our depraved world-no subject can be imagined so elevating to the brightest understanding, or so delightful to the pious mind. Events. that are now transpiring in the nations of the world, more particularly the silent, peaceful, revolution which is taking place, especially throughout Europe, manifestly declare the mysterious direction of Divine Providence: but all the mighty movements of the human mind in our days, with the rapid and surprising changes which are everywhere visible, are only the result of those eternal and gracious purposes of God, assured to us in the inspired predictions of the Holy Scrip

tures.

Extensively or minutely to examine the series of prophecies yet to be fulfilled, will be impossible within the limited compass of this brief dissertation: but a few notices of several of the most remarkable will not fail to be edifying; as the present condition and circumstances of the most influential nations indicate momentous changes upon the earth, and a glorious improvement throughout the world by the advancement of pure Christianity.

CHAPTER I.

THE CONVERSION OF ALL NATIONS TO CHRIST.

MESSIAH the SAVIOUR of all nations-Inspired prophets foretel the conversion of all nationsCHRIST and his apostles predict the saine-Christianity already embraced by many nationsMillions of Christians, especially in the British empire and America-Influence of Bible and Missionary Societies.

MESSIAH was promised as the SAVIOUR of all nations. To Abraham, therefore, the prediction was delivered, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." Gen. xxii. 18. Jacob, by the Divine inspiration, prophesied, when dying, concerning him as the heavenly "Shiloh,"-" Unto him shall the gathering of the people be," xlix. 10. "All the ends of the world," David predicted, "shall remember and turn unto the LORD; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee." Psal. xxii. 27. 'Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him," lxxii. 11. Isaiah, by the prophetic Spirit, declared of him, " And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek; and his rest shall be glorious." Isa. xi. 10. Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. So shall he sprinkle many nations. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." lii. 13-15, liii. 2. "And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." lx. 3. JESUS himself said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John xii. 32. "And JESUS came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matt. xxviii. 18– 20. John closed the prophetic testimony, and said, "I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Rev. xiv. 6.

These glorious predictions have already been in a great degree fulfilled. Every one knows that the system of religion founded by JESUS CHRIST, and inculcating piety, purity, and love, releasing man from every burdensome rite and every barbarous institution, abolishing idolatry and slavery, arose in Judea, when all the nations on the earth were involved in superstition, deep in corruption, worshipping idols as their highest service to their CREATOR, and when Britain was in a state of the lowest barbarism, regarded by a Latin poet of that age as "divided from the whole world," far more distant from Jerusalem than from Rome. Yet the influence of the gospel has reached even to us, converting millions of the Gentiles of our isle; and it has extended its humanizing and sanctifying blessings, not only to the islanders of the north and west, but to those even of the remote Southern Ocean, abolishing their cruel rites, with their horrible systems of base idolatry, and elevating its intelligent converts to the dignity and moral loveliness of the regenerated children of GOD.

Millions have from age to age been converted to the faith of CHRIST, "brought out of darkness," pagan and degrading, "into his marvellous light;" illustrating, by their principles and practices, "in all holy conversation and

godliness," as "the living epistles of CHRIST," the reality of their conversion of heart and life to the honor of GOD their SAVIOUR. All who profess the name of JESUS throughout Christendom may not, indeed, be regarded as altogether Christians: "the form of godliness without its power," is far too evident with many but the most severe judgment will be constrained to acknowledge that there are multitudes of the true disciples of CHRIST in many parts of Europe, especially in the British empire, and the United States of America; and their zealous and increasing efforts iu the Bible and Missionary cause, which GOD has graciously honored to the translation of the Scriptures into almost every language, and to the conversion of thousands to the faith of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, clearly indicate the certain perfect fulfiment of all the inspired predictions respecting the recovery of all nations from error and sin, to holiness and the willing service of the Son of GOD our SAVIOUR.

CHAPTER II.

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWS IN THEIR CONVERSION TO CHRIST.

Jewish infidelity designed to be overcome-Divine predictions of the conversion of the Jews-the same assured by the Apostle Paul-Present state and excitement of the Jews-Learning of the Jews in Europe-English Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews.

JEWISH infidelity and the degraded condition of that people, scattered through all the nations, as foretold by the ancient prophets of GOD, have been noticed in a former dissertation. But sovereign mercy has decreed their restoration in their conversion to JESUS CHRIST, as their expected MESSIAH; and with their recovery to the observance of Divine ordinances, the conversion of "the fulness of the Gentiles." A few of the inspired predictions regarding that de

sired event are as follow:

more

"For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim. Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their GOD, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days." Hosea iii. 4, 5. "Thus saith the LORD GOD, Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land and I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all and they shall be no ions, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms, any more at all; neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling-places wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them so shall they be my people, and I will be their GOD. And David my servant shall be king over them: and they all shall have one shepherd they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. My tabernacle also shall be with them; yea, I will be their GoD, and they shall be my people." Ezek. xxxvii. 21-25, 27. "Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the LORD GOD." Xxxix. 29. "Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob for this is my covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins." Rom. xi, 25, 27.

"God hath not cast away his people," Rom. xi. 2, is the declaration of an inspired apostle of CHRIST; and through every age, during the last eighteen hundred years, since their rejection and crucifixion of JESUS, they have continued "a peculiar people," and ardently expecting, according to their mistaken notions, the promised MESSIAH. Scattered, as they still are, through all the civilized nations of the world, they amount in number, it is computed, to about 5,000,000 of souls, "witnesses for the unity of GoD," as remarked by Mr. Addison," and for the truth of Christianity." They are still waiting, and praying, for a Divine Deliverer: and there appears to exist among them, far more than at any former period, a prevailing disposition to examine the claims of the gospel of CHRIST. Education and a spirit of inquiry are worthily cherished by many of the Jews in Europe, especially in Prussia, where they have an "Academy of Sciences" in Berlin. Christians also, instead of regarding them as formerly with hatred, have begun to commiserate their low condition, and to seek their spiritual welfare and salvation. A society having this noble object in view was established in England in 1808, by different denominations of British Christians: they have published for their use a translation of the New Testament in Hebrew; they have sent many missionaries to preach the gospel to the Israelites, some of whom are converted Jews, and many have embraced the faith of JESUs, whom their forefathers crucified: thus affording the delightful prospect of the degraded and despised nation of Israel being restored to the church of God, many of them probably to inherit Jerusalem and the land of Canaan, to which considerable numbers of Jews have lately been emigrating, illustrating the Divine faithfulness and the truth of the Scriptures, while they worship and serve the God of Abraham, through "David their Prince," our LORD and SAVIOUR.

CHAPTER III.

THE PEACE, KNOWLEDGE, AND HOLINESS, UNDER MESSIAH.

CHRIST'S kingdom upon earth, the influence of grace in the hearts of men-This foretold by the prophets with the extension of knowledge-The cessation of war-The prevalence of holiness -Christian knowledge spreading, influences rulers and legislators-Pacific policy of the rulers in Europe-General indications in the world of the advancing kingdom of CHRIST.

CHRIST's kingdom upon earth, consisting of his government in the hearts of men, securing to them innumerable spiritual blessings, is essentially the influence of peace, knowledge, and holiness: hence it was predicted of him as the "Prince of peace,' ""He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. His name shall endure for ever: His name shall be continued as long as the sun, and men shall be blessed in him; all nations shall call him blessed." Psalm lxxii. 6, 8, 17. "And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the GoD of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths, for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks, nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall sit every man under his vine and his fig-tree, and none shall make them