The divine origin of prophecy illustrated and defended : in a course of sermons preached before the University of Oxford in the year MDCCC ..

LIBRARY

FEIN Ci: TON, K. J. A

No. (hse. &i».««vGn ^ \ .

-BR fib .B35 l&QO.,^

Bampton lectures

^

THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF PROPHECY
ILLUST1R.ATED AND DEFENDED

IN A COURSE OF

SERMONS

PREACHED BEFORE

THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD,

IN THE YEAR MDCCC.

AT THE

V

LECTURE FOUNDED BY JOHN BAMPTON, M. A.

CANON Of SALISBURY. -^

BY

THE REV. GEORGE RICHARDS, M. A.

VICAR OP BAMPTON ; AND RECTOR OF LILLINGSTONH

LOVELL, OXFORDSHIRE ; AND LATE FELLOW

OF ORIEL COLLEGE.

De divinatione, quae eft earum rerum, quae fortuity putantur, pra?-
didlio, atque prafenfio; id, fi placet, videamus, quam habeat
vim, et quale fit. E50 enim fie exiftimo ; fi fint ea genera divi-
nandi vera, de quibus acccpiraus, qusque coF aus, effe Deoj.

Cic, deDiv. lib. i. fea. 5.

OXFORD:

AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, FOR THE AUTHOR ;

SOLD BY HANWELL AND PARKER;

AND F, AND C. BIVINGTON, AND T. HATCHARD, LONDON.

1800.

IMPRIMATUR,

Coll. Di. Joh. Baft.
8 Mail 1800.

MICH. MARLOW,
Vice-Can. Oxon.

TO THE HONOURABLE AND RIGHT REVEREND

SHUTE BARRINGTON, LL. D.

LORD BISHOP OF DURHAM,

WHOSE ZEAL IN PROMOTING SACRED LITERATURE,

AND FAITHFUL DISCHARGE OF THE DUTIES

OF AN EXALTED STATION,

EFFECTUALLY CONTRIBUTE

TO THE SUPPORT

OF THE

CHRISTIAN RELIGION ;

WHILE HIS UNREMITTING ASSIDUITY

IN IMPROVING THE CONDITION

OF THE HONEST AND LABORIOUS POOR

ADORNS ITS PROFESSION

AND ILLUSTRATES ITS PUREST PRECEPTS j

THESE LECTURES,

COMPOSED IN ITS DEFENCE,

ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED

BY HIS MUCH OBLIGED

AND VERY GRATEFUL SERVANT,

G. RICHARDS-

Extradi from the laji Will and 'Teflameni of
the late Rev, John Bamptoriy Canon of
Salijbury.

*' I dire(5l and appoint, that the

" eight Divinity Le6lure Sermons Ihall be
" preached upon either of the following
*' fubje<5ls — to confirm and eftablifh*the
*' Chriflian Faith, and to confute all here-
** tics and fchifmatics — -upon the divine
" authority of the Holy Scriptures, &Cc — •

*p>PERTY~or

'^m

ON I.

ZECHARIAH vii. ^

Should ye not hear the word, which
the lord hath spokenby the former
prophets, when jerusalem was in-
habited and in prosperity ?

X HE prevailing Infidelity of the prefent
times has diverted attention from all in-
ferior confi derations, to a defence of the
fundamental arguments in favour of Chrif-
tianity. The fubjecfts, v^^hich were once
.difcuffed as the moft important in Theo-
logical warfare, are difregarded, and al-
moft loft, in the momentous conteft, to
which the Chriftian champion is now fum-
moned. We no longer ftrive for the fub-
ordinate parts of our Religion ; the whole
has been afiailed. The controveriy is not
B confined

2 S E R M O N I.

confined to a fnigle article of faith, to a
few difputed paflages in the facred Writ-
ings, or to the particular difcipline of a
favoured Church. Our adverfaries have re-
jeded all articles of faith, have renounced
the holy Scriptures at large, and have de-
clared their hoftility againfl the very prin-
ciple of a Religious Eftablifliment. Ar-
guments the moll: fubtle, and raillery the
moll infidious, have been but too fuccefs-
fully employed in diminifliing the effed: of
the evidences of Chriftianity, and releafmg
the mind from the falutary influence of
Religion. Though the writings of thefe
daring unbelievers are diftinguiflied by
palpable mifreprefentatlons, which the moft
fliamelefs alone could venture to obtrude,
and which the moft ignorant alone can be
induced to credit ; yet they deliver their
fentiments with a perfpicuity and fami-
liarity, which the meaneft underftanding
may apprehend, with a flow of vulgar
pleafantry, which is peculiarly calculated
to affect the imaginations of the lower or-
ders of fociety, and with an authoritative
decifion, which the fcholar only can firmly
and efFeduaily refift. The faith even of

the

SERMON I. 3

tlie inhabitants of our own happy country
has of late been feverely tried by tiiefe
impious produdions. While moft of the
great kingdoms of Europe have not only
been inundated with the pernicious p;orks
of the blafphemers ; but in too many in-
stances the people at large have fallen the
pielancholy victims of the fatal delufion.

But Infidelity has not merely been pro-
pagated in the writings of the pretended
philofopher with a degree of zeal which
is without example ; it has alfo been
adopted as a powerful infiirument of am-
bition : it has fallacioully been propofed to
the people of all nations, as one of the prin-
cipal means, by which they may arrive at
an ideal ftate of liberty which is really im-
pra(5licable, and of happinefs which is really
unattainable ; and, in its later ftages, it has
received a temporary addition of authority
and importance, from the fplendor of fuc-
cefs and the fword of the civil magiftrate.

To oppofe the effrontery of thefe nu-
merous and powerful adverfaries, and to
deted and remove thefe pernicious errors,
B a we

4 SERMON I,

wx mufl: recur to the fundamental argu-
ments in defence of our Religion. On 'all
occafions, but efpecially in feafons like the
prefent, we fhould more particularly la-
bour to convince the young and the unin-
formed by ftatements, which in the judg-
ment of cool and reafonable enquirers may
appear irrefiftible, that Chriftianity is not
an human fidion, but the undoubted Re-
velation of God. All inferior confidera-
tions iliould in the firil ififtance be entirely
neglected ; and the attention fliould be
folely direded to this one momentous
truth. When, after a full and candid in-
veftigation, it has been deeply impreiTed
upon the mind, the fubtleties of the fophift
will be vain, and the wit of the fcofFer
will be heard with indignation or difguft.
One decifive teftimony in favour of a mi-
raculous interpofition, when eftablifiied be-
yond the poffibility of doubt, muft operate
upon the mind of the m_odern Chriftian,
with the fame refiftlefs effed, which was
produced among the early converts, when
they beheld Chrift and his Apoftles by a
word, or by a touch, reftoring fight to the
blind, and making the lame to walk.

Meta-

S E R M O N L 5

Metaphyfical difcuffion, fallacious rea-
fbning, and brilliant wit, have been di-
reSicd, with uncommon energy, againft
the preternatural evidences, which efta-
blifh the divine claims of Revelation. The
exiftence of Miracles, and the truth of
Prophecy, have been affailed by every fpe-
cies of attack, which could fuggeft itfelf to
men, who feem to have been aduated hf'
a fpirit of iyftematic oppofition, of hard-
ened prejudice, and fbmetimes, it is tq be
feared, even of inveterate malignity.

I fliall not, therefore, I truft, undertake
an ufelefs or unwelcome office, if I direct
your attention to one of the two great
preternatural evidences, by which the di-
vine origin of Chriflianity has been aiTerted
and confirmed.

That men would not be left to the in-
fufficient and treacherous guidance of their
own unaided reafon, upon the fubjedl of
Religion, but that their Maker would
afford them additional affiftance, and re-
veal the important truths, upon which
their eternal happinefs depends, muft ^e
B 3 allowed^

6 SERMON I.

allowed, by all candid and difpaflionate en-
quirers, to be in the higheft degree probable.
We are indeed compelled to admit this
probability both by our juft conceptions of
the benevolence of the Creator, and by the
urgent wants of the creature, as acknow-
ledged in the modeft confeffions of the
wifeft philofophers ^ of antiquity, and de-
monftrated by the religious ignorance and
moral depravity of the whole Pagan world.
The hiftory of all nations from which the
light of Revelation has been withholden,
the prevailing unconfcioufnefs of a fuper-
intending Providence, the horrid rites by
"w^hich they have fometimes been polluted,
the corrupt fentiments by which they have
always been partially degraded, the errors
of principle, and the bafenefs of pradtice,
which they exhibited, and the cheerlefs
uncertainty, with which, even in ages of
fcience and refinement, they contemplated
the profpedl of a future world, — thefe cir-
cumilances coUedively confidered abun-
dantly juftify our expedlation, and even

* Plato in Alclbiade 51. Id, in Apol. Socrat. Cic. TufcuL
Quaeft. 1. i. Plato de Republica, 1. vi. See alfo Clarke's
Evidence of Natural and Revealed Religion, feft. 6, J.

clearly

SERMON I. 7

clearly demonftrate the ilrong neceffity of
a divine Revelation.

But it is indifpenfably requiiite, that he,
who offers himfelf to the notice of man-
kind as the MeiTenger of the fupreme
Being, lliould afford indubitable proofs of
the reality of his facred commiffion. Thefe
proofs muft confifl of a diiplay of powers,
which exceed the utmoft poflible efforts of
mere human ability. He, who acknow-
ledges, that the Almighty was able to
create and give order to the whole uni-
verfe, muft alTuredly allow, that he is able
alfo, by a miraculous interpofition, to fuf-
pend that general order in any fubordinate
part. That he would be induced to fufpend
it, for the fake of affording a divine fan&.ion.
to his own gracious Revelation, is. a fuppofi-
tion rendered highly probable by the pecu-
liar circumftances of the occafion. In the
corrupted ftate of mankind, even the pureft
fyftems of moral and religious inftrudlion
muft be rendered eminently more effedlive
by the authority of a divine atteftation. The
inquifitive and the confiderate may, not
unreafonably perhaps, hefitate to receive it
B 4 as

$ S E R M O N I.

as the will of the fupreme Being, uklefb
it is authenticated by vifible proofs of Jiisi
interpoiition in its favour. The paffions of
men are, fo inordinate, and their depravity
{6 flagrant, that if the truth of a Revelar
tion depended upon aflertion alone, the en-
terprizing and the wicked would often im-
pioufly pretend to a divine commiffion, in
order to increafe their authority, and pro-
mote their worldly defigns. Thus unlefs
the real Revelations of the Almighty had
been eftablifhed by proofs of divine perfec-
tion, which are raifed far above the reach
even of the moft ingenious artifice, man-
kind would be conftantly perplexed by the
claims of contending fyftems of Religion ;
and, not being able to afford implicit con-
fidence to any one in particular, might at
length become incredulous and indifferent
towards alL

. A preternatural evidence, therefore, in
proof of Divine Revelation, not only may
be reafonably expected, but appears to be
indifpenfably requifite.

It has pleafed the Almighty to atteft the

truth

SERMON I. 5

truth of Chriftianity by Miracles, and by
Prophecy ; by a fufpenfion of the laws of
nature, which Omnipotence alone could
effed:; and by a developement of the fe-
crets of futurity, which Omnifcience alone
could forefee.

To the latter of thefe evidences I mean
to folicit your attention in the following
Difcourfes.

I have already remarked, that, from the
unhappy temper of the prefent tiroes, it is
neceffary for the Chriftian teacher to recur
to the fundamental arguments in favour of
our Religion. It may with equal juftice be
obfcrved, that, in feafons like the prefent,
the argument from Prophecy in particu-
lar is likely to attrad; a more than ordi-
nary att^tion,.and to make a verv ftrong
impreffion upon, the public mind. The ages
of great revolutions excite in an uncom-
mon degree the curiofity of mankind.
The Chriftian, on fuch occafions, is natu-
rally induced to look up with additional
reverence to the fupreme Being. Unable
|;p affign any adequate human caule for

the

lo SERMON!

the mighty effe6ts which are dlfplayed
around him, he recurs to an higher agen-
cy. When he is filled with apprehenfion,
he flies to his almighty Protestor ; when he
is bleffed with uncommon profperity, he is
animated by gratitude to afcribe the praife
to his gracious Benefactor. Knowing that
many important tranfad;ions of thefe later
ages, involving the interefts of Chriftianity,
were difclofed to the view of the ancient
Prophets, he is induced humbly to expe6l the
completion of fome of the facred Oracles, in
the extraordinary events, in which he bears
a part : and thus awakened to a ftrong
fenfe of divine prefcience, in examining
the momentous occurrences of his own
times, he is prepared to contemplate, with
mcreafmg ferioufnefs and a more lively in-
tereft, the inftances of divine prefcience in
the times which are paft. Peace and fecurity
frequently produce a torpor and ina«5lion of
the mind. , The wonderful revolutions of
former ages, which were peculiarly the
fubjed:s of Prophecy, are fo very different
from the tranquillity which then prevails,
that they aiTume in fome degree the ap-
pearance of fable and romance^ and do

not

S E R M O N I. II

not operate with their full natural force
upon the mind. But when changes of an
equally high importance are paffing dread-
fully before our view, we are roufed to
more energetic Cf)nceptions of the revolu-
tions of former times. Kindred ideas and
congenial feelings enable us to difcem
them with quicker perception, and to re-
gard them with keener fenfibility ; as he,
who has been expofed to the terrors of a
tempeft on the ocean, liftens with more
than common earneftnefs to the recital of
the dangers of the mariner.

From thefe obfervations it appears, that
the wonderful fcenes, which have of late
been prefented to the view of the Chrif-
tian world, are particularly favourable to
the enforcement of the argument from
Prophecy, and that they feem to render it
more peculiarly incumbent upon us, to
place it in that high rank among the evi-
dences of Chriftianity, to which, from its
impreffive nature, it is juftly entitled, but
from which, for a confiderable length of
time, it appears to have been undefervedly
degraded,

To

12 S E R M O N L

To this argument very different degrees
of importance have been attached, in the
feveral flages of Chriftianity. Sometimes
it has been enforced with imprudent and
unjuftiiiable zeal : fometimes it has been
treated with unmerited indifference and
even negleft. D^uring one period it has
been injudicioufly advanced, fo as to fuper-
fede all other teftimonies : during another
it has been funk to a low and unimpor-
tant fituation among the evidences of th(?
Chriftian Religion.

In the Apoftolic age, the Miracles, which
were performed in the prefence of the afto-
niilied multitude, were fometimes fcarcely
urged by the firft preachers of the Gofpel ;
and the accomplifliment of Prophecy was
principally employed as the apology, of
faith, or the inftrument of converiion. But
let it be obferved, that the argument thus
diftinguiflied with pre-eminence was folely
applied to the Jevv^s. The Jews poffelfed
the prophetic writings : they revered them
as divine ', and founded upon their own
erroneous interpretations of them, their
fondcfl hopes and proudefl expe(5lations.

S E R M O N I. 13

It was natural, therefore, that the Apoflles,
in recommending Chnftianity to them,
iliould accommodate their arguments to
the pccuhar circumftances of their hearers,
and particularly labour to reprefent it as
the full and adequate completion of their
national Oracles.

The Gentile world, at the time of the
promulgation of the Gofpel, was inflamed
with a ftrong defire of exploring the events
of futurity. This ardent propenfity may
be difcovered in the writings of the fatirifts,
hiftorians, and philofophers, in the attach-
merit of the people at large to the arts of di-
vination, and in the reverence with which,
at Rome, through fo long a feries of years,
the myfterious volumes ,of the Sibyl had
been contemplated. So generally, indeed,
did the defire of forefeeing future events
prevail, that the Roman empire was over-
fpread with the caves and iliady recelTes of
the pretended prophets. #The moft illuf-
trious perfonages were fometimes employed
in the prophetic office: while the great
body of the people revered the eftufions of
the priefts as the undoubted revelations of

the

14 S E R M O N I.

the gods. Oracles were the chief cre-
dentials, which the Heathen produced in
fupporting the divine pretenfions of his fu-
perftition : and at the firft propagation of
Chriftianity, the public curiofity was ex-
cited, and a fpirit of enquiry almoft uni-
verfally prevailed ^, in confequence of the
declining authority and gradual cefTation of
oracles through the whole Roman world.
It was natural, therefore, that the early Fa-
thers Ihould avail themfelves of the popu-
lar fpirit ; and, exerting their warmeft elo-
quence in fupport of the prophetic evi-
dence, Ihould appeal to it as peculiarly de-
ciiive of the truth and divine nature of the
Religion, which they laboured to promul-
gate. To thefe obfervations it may be
added, that, from the general belief of the
extraordinary influence of magical arts, the
reflilt of mere human ingenuity, the know-
ledge of future times was confidered as a
furer and more ftriking proof of Divinity '^
than a fufpenlion of the order of nature.

^ Plutarch, lib. dc defeft. Orac. Julian, apud Cyrillum.
Pliny the elder, &c, &c.

' Juftin, Apol. prima, p. 48. Iren, 1, ii. c. 57. La6l.
V. 3.

The

SERMON I. 15

The firft ApologiftSj therefore, were more
willing to reft their claims upon Prophecy,
which was the acknowledged infpiration of
God, than upon Miracles, which were re-
prefented as the efFed: of magic and a de-
moniacal agency.

Through the long courfe of the dark
ages, the more important fubjed:s of theo-
logy appear to have been totally neglected.
The genuine truths of Chriftianity were
buried under a load of corruptions : while
the flender portion of literature which ftill
remained, was folely employed in fcholaftic
jargon, metaphyfjcal fubtleties, and perti-
nacious bigotry, collectively exerted in fup-
port of the moft frivolous and abfurd opi-
nions, which it was equally unneceiTary
and impoffible to fettle.

At the revival of learning, an enquiry
into the genuine fpirit of the Gofpel was
vigoroufly profecuted; and the feparation
from a corrupt Church was attempted
with fuccefs over a conliderable portion of
Europe. The advocates of the Reformat
tion reforted to the facred Scriptures, not

only

iS S E R M O N L

only for proofs of the grofs abufes of tbe
Romifh fee, and for the eftabhlliment of
the real do6lrmes of' Chriftianlty ; but alfb
for the prophetical delineation of the mon-*-
ftrous corruptions, from which they earneft-
iy ftruggied to feparate themfelves. They
found among the Prophets the moft ample
encouragement, not only in the defcrip-
tions, which they gave of the fpiritual
ufurpation, but in the earneft and impref-
five exhortations, which they addrelTed to
the Chriftian, '' Come out of her, my peo-
ple, that ye be not partakers of her fms."
It cannot, therefore, furprife us, that the
enemies of the Papal corruptions, thus de-
riving from the prophetic wTitings a con-
fiderable authority to thejr caufe, fliould
elevate the teftimony of ancient predictions
above all other proofs. Perhaps the appeal,
w^hich was then made to the authority of
the ancient Fathers, might farther induce
the theological champion to afford to
Prophecy that Superiority over all other
teftimonies, w^hich had beien allowed to it
by thofe venerable writers, by whofe in-
terpretations of Scripture he fortified his
faith in many of the mofl important doc-
* trines

S E R M O N I. 17

tiines of Revelation. Thefe circumftances,
together with an enthufiaftic curiofity in
developing, by the arts of divination, the
fccrets of futurity, influenced the character
of a part of the Chriilian w^orld, even
through the fucceeding ages.

This injudicious and unwarrantable ex-
altation of a fingle evidence, the fagacity
of our adverfaries quickly difcerned, and
artfully converted to their advantage. They
reprefented our Religion as depending, even
for its ^ exiftence, upon the fole fupport of
Prophecy. And then, with an energy pro-
portionate to their increafmg hopes of
triumph and final fuccefs, they laboured to
weaken its authority, by magnifying the
difficulties, wnth which, from its nature.

^ Tindal laboured to prove, that Chriftianlty was founded
upon Judailm. Collins, in his Difcourfes on the Grounds
and Reafons of the Chriftian Religion, endeavoured to fliew,
that Chrift and his Apoftles founded the divine authority of
their Religion folely on the Prophecies of the Old Tella-
ment. A paifage from the fecond Epiftle of St. Peter
(2 Pet. i. 19.) erroneoully explained, afforded to the Deifts
a plaufible argument in fupport of this part of their theory.
The fenfe of this text has been clearly and fully afcertained
By Bilhop Sherlock. See Sherlock's Difcourfes on the (Jfe
and Intent of Prophecy. Difc. i.

c it

i8 S E R M O N I.

it is in fome degree neceflarily perplexed 5
and which have been confiderably height-
ened by the erroneous exphcations of ig-
norant or- enthufiaftic fupporters. The
defender of Chriftlanity inftantly diverted
his attention to other incontrovertible evi-
dences ; and, by a fate to which all hu-
man affairs are fubjed, the argument fuf-
fered from abufe, and has not fnice been
generally admitted to that high name and
commanding ftation'', to which it is unquef-

^ If we allow, what cannot, it is apprehended, be fairly-
controverted, that the teftimoriy of Jefuswas the fpirit, end,
and fcope of Prophecy ; we (hall not be able to agree with
the learned and moft able author of Dlfcourfes- on the Ufe
2nd Intent of Prophecy, who fuppofes, that the predictions
of the Old Tefiarnent were ^^)it^ intended to fupport ithe
faith and religion of the Old World. See Sherlock's Difc.
&c, D. ii. p. 37, ,58,

Dr, Pa1ey, in his recent publication, the general merits
of which cannot be too highly appreciated, has ranked Pro-
phecy among the auxiliary evidences of Chriftianity, has
refled almoft the whole weight of this teftimony upon two-
prediiljons, and has confined his remarks to the particular
circumftances of the inftances v/hich he fele6ted. May I
venture to obferve, that his valuable work would, perhaps,
have been rendered more complete, if he had affigned a
higher rank to this evidence, confidered it in all its impor-
tant parts, and afforded to it the advantage of his clear,
comprehenfive, and forcibly method of ftating an argument.
See Paley's Evidences, vol, ii.

tionably

S E R M O N I. 19

tlonably entitled among the evidences o£
the Chriflian Rehglon.

The friend of facred Infpiration will
furely hefitate, before he confents to affign
to the prophetic teftimony fo degrading a
fituation. The forefight, with which the
ancient Prophets were endowed, was emi-
nently more than human, and was alone
abundantly fufficient to eftablifli the cer-
tainty of a divine miffion. The frequent
difplay of a diftant and unerring prefcience,
at which the unailifted mind of man can
never arrive, is a decifive proof of infpira-
tion, and bears upon it the feal of divinity.
Miracles and Prophecy are the two great
preternatural teftimonies, by which the truth
of Revelation has been fandioned. And we
may juftly contend, that it would be diffi-
cult to fliew in what refpeds a feries of
Prophecies, all of which are acknowledged
to be accomplifhed, is inferior in its efFeds
upon the mind to a feries of Miracles, all of
which are acknowledged to have been per-
formed. They were both employed in the
fame holy and momentous caufe ; they
both demonftrate a fupernatural interpo-
fition : and when we have once confellcdly
c 2, ad-

CO S E R M O N L

advanced beyond the limits of human abi-
lity, w:e furely muft not venture to affix
different degrees of credibility to different
difplays of Omnipotence. We muft bow-
down with equal adoration before the fu-
preme Being, w^hether he attefts his divine
perfe<5lion, by difcovering a prefcience of
diftant events, which exceeds the know-
ledge of man; or by performing thofe won-
derful works, which exceed the powers of
man. We cannot decifively acknowledge
his interference in the one inftance, and
hefitate equally to acknowledge it in the
other. Far be it from me to infniuate,
what our injudicious friends and infidious
adverfaries have not unfrequently in former
times aiTerted, that the truth of Chriftian-
ity refts folely, or chiefly, upon the evidence,
'which it will be my objed: in thefe Lec-
tures to confirm. While, on the one hand,
it is fuppofed, that the feries of predi<flions,
which w^e poffefs, is alone fufficient to
cflabhih the certainty of a divine Reve-
lation ; it may truly be declared^ that,
had it pleafed almighty Wifdom not to
have fanclioned his Religion by Propliecy,
had not a lingle inftance of divine pre-
fcience been admitted into the fvftem of

Revel a-

S E R M O N L 31

Revelation, the Gofpel of Chrift would ftiil
have been fupported by a weight of pre-
ternatural evidence, from which no candid
enquirer could withhold his affent. But in
unfolding that wonderful fcheme, which
has afforded the means of immortahty and
final happinefs to the whole human race,
our Maker has gracioufly doubled the proofs
of divinity, and multiplied the fources of
convidlion. Different minds are influenced
by different modes of perfuafion. He, for
whom Miracles may have been wrought
in vain, may be converted by the fure
word of Prophecy. Inffances have not
been wanting in thefe later ages, in which
the dying profligate has been reclaimed
from a ftate of the mofh flubborn Infi-
delity, by the authority of the ancient Pro-
phets. And circumftances will fully war-
rant the fuppofition,. that, in the days of
our Saviour, the Jewifh people, though
they beheld without convidion his won-
derful fufpenfion of the regular courfe^of
nature, would have proflrated themfelves
in dutiful fubmiffion before their Lord
and their God, could they once have been
perfuaded, that in his divine Perfon the
long train of their national Oracles had re-
ceived a full completion,

c ^ It

22 S E R M O N I.

It may not be improper, before I enter
upon the inveftigatlon of this evidence, to
exhort the younger part of my hearers, to
endeavour folely in the firft inflance to ar-
rive at a firm convid:ion of the reahty of a
preternatural foreknowledge in the Pro-
phets. When this convid:ion has once
been deeply fixed in the mind, it ought to
be allowed conftantly to operate with its
entire force. We ought frequently to re-
cal to our recollection the principal circum-
flances, by which it was originally pro-
duced, as fure preferyatives againfi; the ef-
fects of the flu(5luation of human opinion,
the allurements of novel dodrines, the in-
sidious obtrufion of real or pretended diffi-
culties, and the prejudicial influence of the
want of extenfive information in all the
branches of the fubjed. Againft the force
of fuch a perfuafion, rationally produced,
it is not unreafonable to e?cpe6l, that no
fubordinate confiderations will be able ef-
fectually to prevail.

It cannot be denied, that the Chrillian
may fometimes encounter very ferious dif-
ficulties, in confequence of minute re-
fearches into the inferior parts of the fub-
jed. And, unfortunately for the caufe of
* truth.

SERMON I.

23

truth, the fuperficial enquirer too often en-
tangles himfelf with thofe perplexities, be-
fore he has difcovered the fundamental
principles, upon which the certainty of the
evidence depends. But if, in the moft im-
portant parts, facred Prophecy indifputably
rifes above the powqr of the unaffifted
human mind, no circumfiiance of inferior
confideration can deftroy or weaken the
proof of its divinity. Revelation will ad-
mit of no compromife. There can be no
fellowfhip between light and darknefs. If
Prophecy be not in all its parts human, it
muft be divine. And if the evidence of
its celeftial origin is really incontrovertible,
and irreiiftibly commands our affent, we
are bound, by the common dictates of rea-
fon, to reprefs all fufpicion, and to diftruft
the fufficiency of our own judgments on
thofe points, which may appear unfatisfac-
tory, and may really occafion perplexity.

The obfcure and unintelligible nature of
fome parts of fome Prophecies cannot
weaken the force of thofe, which may be
clearly underftood. The parts, which, from
the peculiar nature of the difpenfation, are
involved in obfcurity, or, at prefent, are
Q 4 really

24 S E R M O N I.

really incapable of a fatisfa6tory applica-
tion, poUefs no more influence in the quef-
tion, than if they had not appeared in the
facred Volume. They neither augment nor
diminifh the efFed: of thofe, which are free
from perplexities. Of fome inferior parts
of the human frame, and of feveral of the
works of nature, we know not yet the ufe.
But we do not, on this account, refufe to
acknowledge the intention of utility in
others, without the aid of which, exiftence
would inflantly ceafe. We do not with-
hold our aflent from the intelligible and
jufl opinions of an author, becaufe we may
be unable to interpret a few difficult fen-
tences in the obfcure or mutilated parts
of his compofition. We decide upon the
fentiments which we comprehend, with-
out any reference to the palTages which
are not underftood. In the fame manner,
the Prophecies, which have received a clear
and fai-isfadory explication, poflefs their en-
tire force, notwithihanding even the ap-
parently impenetrable obfcurity of others.

Whether the Prophets always iinderlliood
their own predictions, or whether they un-
derftood them in a fenfe different from

that

S E R M O N I. a5

that which was really intended, are confi-
derations totally irrelevant to the queilion.
Our convidion of a preternatural interpo-
fition will be but little aided by difcover-
ing, either that the holy Being, by whom
the Prophets were infpired, endued them
with his own unerring prefcience on the
fubjed upon which he employed them,
or that he only rendered them the paffive
inftruments of difclofmg to mankind his
knowledge of futurity. The Chriftian con-
tends, that they were the agents of a fu-
perior Power." If the divine agency is ad-
mittedj all which he demands is granted.
Every other enquiry may more or lefs be
fubjed to error and difficulty. By carrying
his refearches farther, he may gratify a juft
and pious curiofity; but can derive no advan-
tage eflential to the interefts of his Religion.

To endeavour to difcredit Prophecy by
cenfuring the means, which were ufed in
its delivery, has long been one of the fa-
vourite pradices of the Infidel. The means
have been artfully reprefented, either as
fubjeds of indecent ridicule, or as ill
adapted to the ends, for which they were
employed. Such confiderations are en-
tirely

'26 S E R M O N I,

tirely independent of the great quellion.
We cannot confiflently with reafon per-
mit our faith to be deftroyed, or even
weakened, becaufe the mode, in which the
divine foreknowledge of the Prophets was
conveyed, was not fuch as to our finite un-
derftanding may appear the moft fuitable,
or the moil: dignified. We mufi: not deny
the reahty of an Omnipotent agency, be-
caufe we approve not of the manner in
w^hich it has been exhibited. With equal
propriety might we deny, that the great
luminary of day was created by the AU
mighty, becaufe fome of its quahties may
not accord with our prefumptuous de-
termination? refped:ing fuch a produ6lior^
of divine Wifdom. With equal propriety
might we deny, that the gift of intel-
led; was imparted to man by his Maker,
becaufe it may not appear to exhibit that
kind or degree of perfecftion, with which
we may arrogantly fuppofe that fiich a
work of the Almighty muft necefTarily be
endowed. With humble curioiity we may
explore all the fubordinate parts of the won-
derful fcene of his Omnifcience, which the
facred Writings lay open to our view : but
we fhould explore them, not for the purpofe

of

S E R M O N I. 27

of prefumptuoufly arraigning the wifdom
of his meafures, and perplexing our minds
with ufelefs doubts and fufpicions; but v.ith
the pious defign of acquiring a more perfect
knowledge of the nature of his proceed-
ings, in an aftonifhing ad of his Provi-
dence, in which we have been previoufly
^compelled to admit his divine interference.

In this manner it may be eafily fhewn,
that all the inferior objed:ions, w:ith which
the argument from Prophecy has been af-
failed, are rendered nugatory and ineffec-
tual, by a clear and decifive proof, that, as
far as the peculiar circumftances of the
difpenfation required, the events fore-
told have all a<Sually occurred ; and that
the Prophets and their predictions were
diiliinguiflied by numerous peculiarities,
which bore the vifible marks of a pre-
ternatural and over-ruling influence. If in
thofe parts, which are the moft important
in their nature, and eflential to the con-
firmation of the argument, the Omnifcient
Infpirer has abundantly provided for the
removal of all reafonable doubts, and for a
firm eflablifhment of the truth, we cannot
juftly expect an equal degree of clearnefs

and

28 S E R M O N t

and fatlsfa6lion on every other pointy
"which from ignorance or prefumption we
may labour to explain. While we poflefs
the free and unbiaiTed exercife of reafon^
w^e ought not to renounce that conviftion^
in confequence even of inextricable diffi-
culties in the inferior parts of the fubjedl^
which divine Wifdom may have purpofely
ordained ; which the revolutions of ages^
together with the changes of fociety, man-
ners, and language, may have neceffarily
€>ccafioned ; which the peculiar nature of
the difpenfation may have inevitably re-
quired ; or which the pride of human rea-
fon, and the arrogant curiofity of man, maj
have ufelefsly raifed»

Before I quit this part of the fubje<5l^,
let me be allowed to fubmit to the judg-
ment of the candid and the unprejudiced,
one further remark upon the rational and
well-grounded perfuafion of a divine tef-
timony in favour of Chriftianity. As it
has been already urged, that fuch a divine
teftimony ought not to be weakened by
the confideration of any particular circum-
ftances attending the inferior parts of the
Revelation; fo it cannot juftly be re-
nounced

SERMON I.

29

jiounced in confequence of the arrogant
aiTumptions and plaufible theories of the
Infidel, and of the pretended Philofopher,
It has been the poHcy of the fceptical wri-
ters of the prefent age, to prejudice the
minds of their readers againft the proofs of
revealed Religion, by fraudulent endeavours
to eilablilli, through metaphyfical fubtle-
ties, fallacious general principles, fubverlive
of all particular teftimony. The invefti-
gation of the refpcdive evidences has been
carefully avoided ; while ilrenuous though
ineffedual attempts have been made, to
prove the ufeleffnefs of a Revelation, the
univerfal prevalence of impoflure, the falli-
ble nature of human teftimony, the abfo-
lute invalidity even of the Ih'ongell; force
of evidence, the influence of our own per-
fonal inexperience of fupernatural efFeds, to-
gether with the improbability and even the
impoiTibility either of a miraculous action,
or of a knowledge of futurity ^. By thefe
fpecious but delufive theories, our adver-
faries hoped to prepcfTefs the minds of
their hearers, and to harden them againfh

*■ S<^e Philofophy of Jiiftory^ by Voltaire : Article Ora-

the

30 SERMON!.

the admiffion of thofe incontrovertible evi-
dences, which can be adduced in favour of
Chriftianity. Such a fpecies of attack is
pecuUarly fubtle and infidious : among the
weak and the uninformed, it may give
birth to doubts and perplexities, which
cannot, without long and ferious inveftiga-
tion, be effecftually removed. But when the
Chriftian has once been convinced by tefti-
monies in themfelves unanfwerable, draw^n
from the particular circumftances of the di-
vine manifeitation, that there has been an
aftual difplay of fupernatural power, no
fpeculative opinions, or arbitrary pofitions,
however plaufible, ought ' to lliake that
perfuafion. There is a folid and durable
force in real fad:s, w'hen the proof of them
amounts to a moral certainty, againft which
it is a folly to allow any fophiilry to pre-
vail.

As it^has already been remarked, that
neither real nor pretended difficulties, nor
the fpecioufnefs of general principles, pof-
fefs any a6lual power of weakening the
truth of Revelation, againft the weight of
pofitive evidence ; fb it may not be un-
ferviceable to difmifs from the difcuffion

thofe

f

S E R M O N i. 31

thofe parts, which are unimportant, and
little connected with the general merits of
the queftion. The beUever, unintention-
ally from error, and the Infidel, infidioufly
for purpofes of delufion, have not unfre-
quently diminiihed the otherwife irrefifti-
ble force of the ftronger parts of the evi-
dence, by too fully occupying the atten-
tion in minute enquiries, which, after the
cleared: and mod fatisfadory iflue, are in
their very nature incapable of powerfully
producing convidion. For the purpofe,
therefore, of preferving the force of the ar-
gument unimpaired, and of employing the
mind upon objeds of the moft important
confideration alone, it may not be impro-
per to omit all inftances of ordinary and
inferior Prophecy ; and to confine the at-
tention to thofe Minifters of heaven, who
went forth upon extraordinary miffions,
and were endued with pre-eminent gifts
of prediction. All thofe modes of pre-
fcience will be excepted from the difcuf-
fion, v^hich feemed to be adopted for tem-
porary purpofes alone, and were folely or
principally employed as inftruments of
theocracy. Thus the Urim and the Thum-
mim were appointed by the Almighty to

reveal

32 S E R M O N L

reveal in certain cafes his divine purpofes :
yet they will be difmiffed from our confi-
deration in the following enquiry, becaufe
they were never employed in the deve-
lopement of diftant events, but were folely
intended to direct the immediate proceed-
ings of the Jewifli people. The fchools of
the Prophets appear to have been infti-
tuted for the ufeful purpofe of qualifying
the priefts and minifters of the theocracy for
a juft dlfcharge of their facred duties. The
more celebrated Prophets were in many in-
ftances feleded from thefe pious femina-
ries. But as the extraordinary degree of
infpiration, with which they were gifted,
was totally « independent of their connec-
tion with fuch inftitutions, thefe fchools
will not be admitted to bear any part
whatever in the general argument from
Prophecy.

Upon the fame principles, it may not
be improper to exclude from the prefent
difcuffion, except as far as they were illuf-
trative of the principles and condudl of the
Prophets, all thofe predictions, which were

8 See Stillingfleet's Origlnes Sacrce, 1. ii. c. Iv.

more

S E R M O N I. 53

mote particularly delivered in aid of the
divine adminlftration in Judea, and re-
ceived almofl: an immediate completion.
They appear to have been given, in foma
degree, in compliance with the ftrong pre-
judices refpedling divination, which then
univerfally prevailed ; and to have been ra-
ther ah inftrument of the theocratic go-
vernment, than the means of convincing
future ages of the extraordinary foreknow-
ledge of the Prophets. In fubfervience to
the peculiar purpofe, for which they were
principally defigned, they partook not fo
much of the nature of direcfl and abfolute
Prophecies, as of promifes and commina-
tions, the accompli fliment or failure of
which was determined by the fubfcquent
condu6l of the people, for the benefit of
whom they were delivered. Though it
may clearly be fliewn, that they bear the
moft vifible marks of a divine prefcience ;
yet, as Pagan countries pretended to a fpe-
cies of divination in fome degree fimilar,
and as divine Revelation exhibits a long
train of Prophecies, which are more ftrik-
ingly preternatural, and are much more
capable of overpowering the mind with
convidion, under the reftri(5i:ion which has
D already

34 S E R M O N I.

already been propofed, they will generally
be omitted in the courfe of the following
enquiries.

The modern enemies of Chriftianlty
have difmgenuoufly and bafely confounded
the various fignifications which are con-
veyed by the terms Prophecy and Prophet.
To declare ^ to the world the mind of the
Almighty, as received by immediate reve-
lation from himfelf, is the firft and high-
eft duty of a Prophet. With this primary
meaning of the word, the prefent argu-
ment is not in the flighteft degree con-
cerned. It refers only to that fpecies of
Prophecy, which was intended as an infal-
lible teftimony of the reality of fuch a di'
vine Revelation. The fecondary fenfes are
numerous and varied. They were by no
means limited to the difplay of a real
knowledge of futurity. To pretend to di-
vine infpiration, to perform a miracle, to
explain the facred Writings, to deliver mo-
ral fentiments, to be convulfed with vio-
lent agitations, to affume a poetic charac-
ter, and even to fmg, to dance, and to play,

^ See Stillingfleet's Origlnes Sacrae, B. II. c. v. C 4.

were

S E R M.O N I. 35

were all promlfcuoufly denominated by the
common term of Prophecy. The youth-
ful ftudent cannot too forcibly imprefs
upon his mind thefe various ufages of the
word. It may at hrft appear, perhaps, to
fome of my hearers, that 1 ftand in need
of an apology, for defcending to explica-
tions, which a common vocabulary affords:
but I have been induced to allude to them,
in confequence of the unmanly arts, and
of the effrontery, with which a confuHon
of fenfes, too grofs, and too palpable, it is to
be feared, to have originated in ignorance,
has of late been infidioufly adopted by our
adverfaries, in order to hold up the general
evidence of Prophecy to the derifion and
contempt of the iminformed and the cre-
dulous. On occafions like the prefent, in
which an attempt is m^de to fhevv the
certainty of a fupernatural interpofition in
the inftance of Prophecy, the friend of
Chriftianity confines himfelf to that accept-
ation of the word, Vvhich implies a know-
ledge of futurity exceeding the reach of
any created underftanding. The argument
is not, in the fiighteft degree, implicated
with any other fenfe of the term.

r> 2, Thefe

36 S E R M O N I.

Thefe exceptions being made, the en-
quirer after truth lliould, in the fnft in-
ftance, folely endeavour to convince him-
felf, that, during a period of an extraordi-
nary interpofition of the Ahnighty in the
affairs of a chofen people, certain perfons,
independently of all local inftitutions and
cuftomary modes of divination, came forth
as extraordinary meffengers of heaven, and
exhibited indubitable teftimony, that they
were favoured with fuch a knowledge of
future events, as could only be derived
from the immediate infpiration of the
Deity.

In examining the evidence from Pro-
phecy, the principal force of the argument
is found to lie in the firm eftablifliment
of the following pofitions : that, the books
containing the predi<5lions being genuine,
the Prophecies were feverally delivered
prior to the time of their accomplifh-
ment ; and that events have ad:ually oc-
curred, which accurately coincide with the
predi6lions. From a clear and fatisfa^lory
inveftigation of thefe points, refults the
moft confiderable part of that powerful ef-
fect, which this evidence is capable of pro-
ducing.

S E R M O N L 37

ducing. But it mufl immediately occur
to every hearer, who is but moderately ac-
quainted with the fubjed:, that the full
difcuffion of thefe important branches
would carry me far beyond the limits,
which the nature of thefe Ledlures pre-
fcribes. They have frequently imdergone
the fulleft and moil fatisfad:ory inveftiga-
tion. I mean, therefore, entirely to omit
the confideration of them on the prefent
occafion.

It will rather be my object to dire(5l the
attention of the ftudent in facred literature
to the difcovery of the moft ftriking cha-
rad:eri{lics, by which Prophecy is diftin-
guifhed. Of thefe charad:erifi:ics, fome are
indifpenfably requisite for the proper fup-
port of this teftimony; and others, though
not abfolutely elTential, are yet eminent-
ly important, and peculiarly calculated to
flrengthen our confidence in Revelation,
and to effed: in every candid mind an un-
alterable perfuafion of its truth.

There are various circumftances, which,,

in tracing Prophecies from their delivery to

their completion, muft come under the

D q confi-

38 S E R M O N I.

confideration of the Theological fcholar.
He renders himfelf acquainted with the
general nature of Prophecy, the condud:
and condition of the Prophets, the pecu-
liarities of the feveral predictions, and the
relative fituatlons of the countries and per-
fons concerned either in the delivery, or
the accompliflinient, together with a va-
riety of important circumftances attending
the feveral pretenders to divine infpiration
in heathen nations. This enlarged know-
ledge of the feveral parts of the fubjed:
will prefent to his view a number of thefe
charadierifliics, which, as I have already db-
ferved, contribute additional force to the
argument, and place in a ftronger point of
view the divine nature of Jew^fli and
Chriftian Prophecy. When it has been
clearly demonftrated, that there is a co-
incidence, which it is morally impoffible
that either chance or human abiUty could
{o invariably produce, between the predic-
tions, which were uttered, and the events,
in which they were fulfilled, though, in
fome inllances, the reality of their divine
origin does not, perhaps, become adually
more certain ; yet it is rendered, by a
kno^\lcdge of thefe diftinguiflnng m.arks,

more

SERMON I.

39

more ftriking, and more forcible in pro-
ducing convidlion in the mind. When a
fimple narrative of fa<5ls, eflabUfhing an
allegation, has been fubmitted to the opi-
nion of the Jurors, their judgment may
be quickened, and their confidence flrength-
ened, by remarks, judicioufly made, upon
the long train of attending circumftances.
What before was indifputable, then be-
comes more palpably certain.

To this particular part of the fubjedt I
propofe- to limit my enquiries, and iliall
endeavour to prove.

That the events foretold were frequent-
ly REMOTE, were defcribed with minute-
ness, were fometimes novel, and were
very numerous :

That in the age of the refpedive Pro-
phets, by whom they were predided, they
muft have appeared often improbable,
and fometimes the exad: reverse of
what might have been reafonably ex-
pected \

That, in numerous inflances, the fub-
D 4 jecls

je(^ts of the pre;]l'5ti'. ns v.ere peculiarly UN-^

FAVOURABLE tO the WORLDLY VIEWS of

the Prophets, and the contr^^ry 'O thofe,
which, it is reafonable to fuppol^, i lui- Go-
to rs would have chofen :

That there is a propriety and coNr
siSTEXCY in all the parts of Prophecy,
conftituting one great and harmo-
nious SCHEME, which it feems morally
impoffible, that the Prophets could have
imparted to it, if they had not been really
inipired :

That the general conduct of the Pro-
phets is INEXPLICABLE upOH HUMA:^
PRINCIPLES, and can only be fatisfaclorily
accounted for by an acknowledgement of
their infpiration :

And laftly, That from the means which
they employed, and the end which they
purfued, from the circumftances attending
the origin and termination of facred
Prophecy, and from the present situa-
tion of a confiderable portion of man-
kind, affording a sensible demonstra-
tion of the prefcience of the ancient

Pro-

S E R M O N I. 41

Prophets, a ftrong prefumptive argument
may be derived in favour of their pretea-
fions to a divine Revelation.

Though in the early part of this Dif-
courfe I have fpoken in general terms of
the peculiar force of the evidence from
Prophecy, yet it is not my intention to
urge it in thefe Lectures, as a teftimony of
the Chriftian Religion. I lliould occupy
too large a portion of your time, if I \^ ere
to difcriminate with the clearnefs and ac-
curacy, w^hich tlie nature of the fubjec^ re-
quires, betw-een thofe predidions, which
were more particularly intended to au-
thenticate the divine charader of Chrift
and his Religion, and thofe which wxrc
delivered, principally as inftruments of the
theocracy, during the long courfe of a mi-
raculous interpofition of the Almighty in
the affairs of a chofen people. It is boldly
and ftrenuoufly afferted by the Infidel, with
refped to facred Prophecy at large, that the
predictions were delivered for purpofes of
impofture ; and that their completion ei-
ther was forefeen by human fagacity, or
was the fortunate refult of chance. To
deted; the fallacy of this objedion, and to

lllQW

42 S- E R M O N L

fliew the certainty of a miraculous prefcicnce
in the Prophets, is the fole objed:, which
it will be my endeavour to attain.

The preliminary obfervations have now
been ftated, which appeared moft requifitc,
previoufly to our entrance upon the fub-
je6l, which is about to be difcufled. The
neceffity of recurring in thefe times to the
principal evidences in favour of Chriftian-
2ty has been ftrenuoufly urged. The fe-
veral degrees of impor;:ance have been
pointed out, wdiich at different times have
hecn attached to this argument ; and the
propriety of affording to it the high autho-
rity, to w^hich it is unqueftionably entitled,
has been fuggefted, and earneftly recom-
mended. The fubject has been difen-
cumbered from all inferior topics, which
either poiTefs no influence in producing a
convi(51:ion of the divine origin of the facred
Oracles, or cannot reafonably be allowed
to weaken that convi6lion, when it has
once been thoroughly produced. And an
endeavour has been made to ilicw by what
manner of treatment the argument from
Prophecy may be enforced with the faireft
probability of fuccefs. In my next Dif-

courfe

S E R M O N I. 43

courfc I lliall enter upon the propofed
difcuffion. And with fervour and humi-
lity let us implore the high Omnifcient
Being, whofe Revelation we labour to
confirm, to prevent us with his mofl gra-
cious favour, and further us with his con-
tinual help.

SERMON , ir.

ISAIAH xlvi. 9, 10,

REMEMBER THE J-ORMER THINGS OF OLD,
FOR I AM GOD, AXD THEvRE IS NONE
ELSE ; I AM GOD, AND THERE IS NONE
LIKE ME ;

DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGIN-
NING, AND FROM ANCIENT TIMES THE
THINGS THAT ARE NOT YET DONE.

XT has been aflerted by the enemies of
Chriftianity, that no evidence can be fuf-
ficiently ftrong to eftablifh a miracle ^
Though this is a pofition, to which it is
impoffible that the impartial enquirer after
truth Ihould aflent ; yet the teftimonies
adduced in favour of a preternatural inter-
pofition in the affairs of mankind ou^ht

* See Hume's Eflays.

to

46 S E R M O N II.

to be received with caution, and examined
with feverity. Trifling and unimportant
occurrences may, perhaps, be credited upon
vague report and the ilighteft appearance
of truth : but our behef ought to be the
refult of fuller and more accurate enqui-
ries, in proportion as the fads, which claim
it, advance in dignity and importance.
The farther we may recede from the regular
occurrences of human life, and the more
extraordinary may be the character, which
events bear, with the greater diligence
ought we to collecfl all the proofs which
their peculiar nature admits. Their diftin-
guifliing charaderiftics and minute Angu-
larities ought to be fully confidered, for
the fake of fuppreffing fufpicion and con-
firming faith. We have no inducements
to reje<5l the truth of an ordinary event,
to which we are familiarifed by dally ex-
amples, and which the relator has no in-
tereft to pervert, or the hearer to credit.
But miraculous interpofitions, which the
weak and the fuperftitious are naturally
difpofed to believe, and the crafty and the
ambitious are peculiarly interefted in feign-
ing, ought to be minutely inveltigated in
all their circumflances, before we afford

them

SERMON II.

47

tliem our unqualified affent. The effcS:,
which is produced in the mind by the
knowledge of all the moft ftriking circum-
ftances, is fcarcely inferior to that of the
pofitive afllirance firom an eye-witnefs of
the reality of the fad:. On that, which
before, perhaps, we were unable to deny,
w^e repofe, after fuch an inveftigation, with
entire and unfufpeding confidence. With
refped to the miracles difplayed by the holy
Founder of our Religion, had we only been
informed that, on many occafions, the or-
der of nature was fufpended, though w^e
might not have been able to diipute their
authority, yet we could not have felt their
full and overpowering effed:. But v/hen, in
addition to the flatement of this fnnple
fad, we are told, that the miracles were
frequently mepeatdd ; that they were per-
formed in open day, before a large and ever
varying multitude, and frequently in the
fight of inveterate and vigilant enemies ;
that they were uniformly exerted in the
caufe of benevolence ; that many of the
fufFerers relieved were publicly known to
have been born with their infirmities, and
yet were healed in an inflant ; that the
eye-witneifcs of thefe miracles not only per-

fevered.

48 S E R.M O N IL

fevered, amidil continued perfecutions, ill
attefting their reality, but even laid down
their lives in confirmation of their tef-
timony ; and, laftly, that the Religion^
for the proof of which fuch miracles
were wrought, in advancing to eminence,
triumphed over obftacles, which, without
the alfiftance of miracles, according to
human appearances, it w^as not capable of
furmounting; when all thefe attending
circumftances, with m.any others, which
it is unneceffary to enumerate, are added
to the plain hiftorical fad:, that the law^s
of nature wxre fuperfeded, we are over-
powered with convidiion, and yield to the
authority of fo manifeft a difplay of Om-»

The peculiar and extraordinary circum-
ftances connected with Prophecy, that
other fupernatural proof of a divine Reve-
lation, are not lefs numerous and convinc-
ing, than thofe, from which the authority
of miracles receives fo confiderable an ad-
dition of fupport. It will be my objed: in
the, following Ledures, as it has been al-
ready ftated, to bring the moft important
of thefe circumftances fucceffively under

our

S E R M O N II. 49

our consideration. On the prefent occa-
fion, I ihall examine the predicted events,
with refped to their remoteness from
the time, at waich they were feverally
foretold; to the minuteness and no-
velty of their diftinguifliing charadterif-
tics ; to their numbers; and to their
EXACT coincidence with the previous
defcriptions of the Prophets.

When powerful principles have begun
to operate upon the public mind, and the
adlors already appear upon the ftage, human
fagacity, affifted by long experience, may
fometimes forefee the confequences with a
confiderable degree of accuracy. Yet fo
flu(5luating are human affairs, and fo fud-
den the revolutions of fociety, that even
the events of the approaching day, which
may frequently be conjediured with fuc-
cefs, can never be predid:ed with certainty.
Though free agency is the noble privilege
of man ; yet, in confequence of the imper-
fedl and corrupt condition of his nature,,
his actions are often the effeds of fudden
impulfes and of a momentary caprice. Even
his moft favourite fchemes, and the de-
figns, which moft truly harmonize with his
e natural

50 SERMON II.

natural difpofitlon, are not unfrequentl)r
countera<fled either by his own perverfe-
nefs, or by the mahgnity or the oppoling
interefts of others. Hence we may eafily
difcern the impoffibiUty, as far as human
means of prefcience extend, of foretelhng
with any degree of confidence even oc-
currences probably approaching, which de-
pend upon the voluntary exertions of fuch
an agent.

The impoftor, who, like the minifters of
Pagan fuperftition, confines his predictions
to his own times, like them mufh be fre-
quently expofed to error, and thus forfeit
all pretenfions to divine infpiration. But
to look down through a courfe of ages,
and to difclofe with accuracy the fecrets
of a remote futurity, is one of the moft
diftinguifhing attributes of Omnipotence.
This unattainable excellence of the real
Prophets has indeed been feldom attempted
by the boldefl and mofl: prefumptuous pre-
tender to infpiration. The inftances are
very rare, in which the Prophets of Greece
and Rome extended their conjed:ures be^
yond the times, in which they flourifhed.
In that interefting treatife upon Divina-
tion^

S E R M O N II. 51

tion, which was compofed by the Roman
Orator, when he retired from the ufurpa-
tion of Caefar to fohtude and philofophy,
and in which are coUeded the ftrongeft
examples in favour of Heathen Oracles,
not a fingle Prophecy is recorded^, which
reached beyond the ordinary period of hu-
man life. It may be prefumed, therefore,
that a foreknowledge of remote events was
in general not even pretended in the fyflem
of Pagan impofture. Indeed the priefts of
that fuperfliition were in general lefs anxious
to afford proofs of their knowledge of fu-
turity, than to difplay their acquaintance
with the events of the paffmg day, tranf-
acled in a remote region, the knowledge
of which muft have appeared, to their ig-
norant votaries, to lie far beyond the reach
of an uninfpired mind.

The Chriftian difpenfatlon alone can
with truth exhibit, among the proofs of its
divine origin, the long courfe of time,
through which many of its Prophecies ex-

^ A general exprelTion uttered by an augur (feft, xxii.)
refpefting the future greatnefs of Rome, cannot be confi-
dered as a reafonable exception to the truth of the obferva-
tion,

E :? tended.

52 S E R M O N II.

tended. A period, comprifing ages, fre-
quently intervened between their delivery
and their completion. Many of the moft
important changes in the Eaft w^ere antici-
pated in the animated defcriptions of the
Prophets, even previoufly to that peculiar
difpofition of human affairs, in confequence
of which they were eventually effe<R:ed.
Some of the moft illuftrious characters
in facred hiftory, Jofias '', Cyrus '^j the
Baptift ^, and the bleffed Son * of God,
were promifed in the prophetic writ-
ings many centuries before their birth.
The rife and even the character of § na-
tions was predided, while the Patriarchs
yet lived, from whom thofe nations were
to defcend. The effed: of particular prin-
ciples was developed, before the principles
themfelves had been difcovered to man-
kind ^, Thus the benevolent influence of

■= I Kings xili. 2, '^ Ifalah xllv. aS. xlv. i.

« Malachi iii. i. ^ O. T. paffim.

g See the Book of Genefis.

*^ To fome of the ancient philofophers this circumftance
fcemed an abfolute impolTibility, " Qui potell provideri,
" quidquam futurum elfe, quod neque caufam habet ullam,
" neque uotanij cum futurum fit ?" Cicero de Divinatione,
lib. ii. fea. 6.

Chrif-

S E R M O N II. 53

^ Chri'ftianity, and the baleful confequences
of the Papal '' ufurpation, appeared in the
prophetic Writings, when the world was
an entire ftranger to an authority like that
of the Roman Pontiff; and when doctrines,
like thofe of the Gofpel, had never entered
into the human mind. Even conditions,
which were never to be changed, but were
to reach to the end of time, were fre-
quently the fubje6ls of facred Prophecy.
Such were the predidions, which fixed the
final doom of Babylon \1 Nineveh "", and
Tyre"; and which determined the unal-
terable charadler of the Arabs °, who were
to traverfe the deferts ; and of the defcen-
dants of Ham p, who w^ere to fpread over
Africa.

In the inftances now feleded, it is not
poffible to conceive, that the predi(5led
events could have come within the verge

• See Ifaiah and the later Prophets.

^ 2 Theffalonians ii. i — lo. i Tim. iv. I — 2' ^^''
niel vii. 24, 25. Revelations xiii.
' Jeremiah 1. 39, 40.

^ Nahum i. 8, 9. Zephaniah ii, 13, 14, 15.
" Ezekiel xxvi. 3, 4, 5, 14, 21.
" Genefis xvi. I2.
P Genefis ix. 25, 26, 27.

E 3 of

54 SERMON IL

of probability ; and they were altogether
unfit for conjecSlure. So frequently was
the attention of the Prophets occupied
upon the occurrences of a remote futurity,
that this confideration alone effentially
contributed to weaken their authority
among their contemporaries, and to render
their revelations lels interefting. And that
peculiar circumftance was then urged for
the purpofe of derifion and reproach, which
may now be feleded as one of the faireft
fubjedls of praife, and one of the ftrongeft
arguments for our confidence. " The Vi-
fions, which they faw, were for many days
to come, and they propheiied of the things
that were far off 'i."

With whatever particularity of defcrip-
tion the predictions, to which I have ap-
pealed, might be delivered, the Prophets
have hitherto been confidered as expreff-
ing the events foretold in general terms
alone.

But had facred Prophecy fimply revealed
remote events, without marking them by

^ Ezekiel xii. 27.

ibme

S E R M O N II. SS

fome of their attendant circumllances, and
dlftinguifliing charaaeriftics ; though, upon
a candid inveftigation; the predidions would
undoubtedly have appeared to lie out of
the reach of human fagacity ; yet by the
Infidel they might, with fome degree of
plaufibility, have been wrefted to the pur-
pofes of fcepticifm ; and even upon the
mind of the fmcere and ardent believer,
they would not, perhaps, have operated
with the immediate and ftrong convidion,
which they are really calculated to pro-
duce. General expreffions are fo accom-
modating in their nature, and are capable
of fuch varied application, that they may
fometimes be hazarded, with a faint ex-
pedation of fuccefs, even upon fome of
the moft momentous tranfadions of future
ages. Amidft the regular progrefs of hu-
man affairs, the frequent repetition of the
fame events, and the fimilarity of effeds
produced by fimilar caufes, it is not fur-
prifing, that conjedures of a peculiar kind^
cautioufly exprefled in general terms alone,
ihould fometimes be apparently juftified
by the events. In our own times, in which
a confiderable portion of the weftern con-
tinent, enriched with the moft valuable
E 4 gifts

S6 SERMON II.

gifts of nature, and pofTefled by an active
and enterprizing race of inhabitants, has
burft afunder the bonds, which united it
to the parent ftate, and eredled itfelf into
an independent nation, the philofopher
and politician have indulged their fpecula-
tions, by foretelling, in general terms, the
future importance and celebrity of the new-
born republic. Their conjectures, it is pro-
bable, may be fan6lioned by the event.
Fourteen hundred years before the birth of
Columbus, a Roman "■ poet, roufed, per-
haps, by the knowledge of remote iflands,
which had been acquired by his enterpriz-
ing and fuccefsful countrymen, in a beau-
tiful and romantic flight of imagination,
enlarged upon the future difcovery of a
mighty continent, which was concealed
beyond the untraverfed ocean. The happy
fiction of the poet was realized, when the
intrepid adventurer conducted his followers

' The following are the words of Seneca :

venient annis

Secula ft. is, quibus Oceanus
Vincula lerum laxet, et ingens
Pateat tellus, Tiphyfque novos
Detegat orbes 5 nee fit terris
Ultima Thule.

Medea, v. 374.

to

SERMON II. 57

to the other hemifphere. The Roman
empire advanced in the courfe of about
fix centuries to the meridian of glory, and
to univerial dominion. The fymptoms of
its declenfion foon appeared. In kingdoms,
as in the works of nature, the period of de-
cUne is often nearly equal to the period
which has pafled in their progrefs to ma-
turity. The fagacious augur ^, therefore,
who could difcern the latent but increafmg
caufes of decay, might, without the impu-
tation of rafhnefs, hazard a conjecture re-
fpe<5ling the duration of the empire ; while
the principal circumftance ^ attending the

augury.

* Seven hundred years after the building of Rome, Vet-
tius Valens, a celebrated augur, afferted, that the twelve
vultursj which appeared to Romulus, portended, that his
city fhould continue through twelve hundred years 5 one
hundred years being fuppofed to be fignified by each bird.
This circumftance has come down to pofterity, upon the au-
thority of M. T. Varro.

See Cenforinus de Die natali, c. xvii. p. .97. See alfo
Kurd's Sermons, v. i. p. iot.

* More than feven hundred years had elapfed fmce the
age of Romulus. A century, therefore, was the only cycle
of time, which he could reafonably pretend to have been
fignified by each bird. He was abfolutely excluded from
all leffer cycles. And had he proceeded to a longer period,
he would, probably, have been obliged to allow a thou-

fand

58 S E R M O N n.

augury, upon which he founded his £Sii-
tious Oracle, appears to have hmited him
to a particular period of time. He, there-
fore, boldly declared, that at the founda-
tion of the city it was forefhewn by the
gods, that Rome fliould enjoy fovereignty
through twelve centuries. At the expira-
tion of the predid:cd time, the imperial
city fell, and fubmitted to the vid:orious
arms of the Goths.

Thefe, perhaps, are the moil remark-
able inftances recorded in the annals of
paft ages, of a fortunate infight into the
fcenes of a diftant futurity. But ftill they
are no more than the unaffifted efforts of
the human mind, and could be effeded
without the aid of divine infpiration. The
expreffions are general, and are confined to
a fma;le idea. The naked event is alone
foretold. Had a variety of the minute
and diftinguifhing peculiarities, which cha-
raderize it, been predided, there would
have been that wonderful difplay of pre-
fcience, which, it may juftly be contended^

fand years for each bird, and thus have rendered the ac-
eomplifhment of his prgdiftion incredible.

can

S E R M O N II. 59

can only proceed from the immediate re-
velation of the Deity. Were it now de-
clared, at what precife period the celebrity
of America will commence ; what will be
the diftinguiihing marks of her greatnefs ;
what particular countries ihe will fubdue
during her profperity, and to what indi-
vidual nation fhe will in turn fubmit, when
fhe dechnes : — or had it been fignified by
the Roman tragedian, in what age the new
hemifphere would be difclofed, what king-
dom would render itfelf illuftrious by the
difcovery, what would be the mofl: re-
markable features of the new found conti-
nent, and what the confequences to Eu-
rope of fo vaft an acceffion of territory and
riches : — or, again, had the Heathen prieft
fpecified the particular nations of the
world, who were to be the conquerors
of Rome ; had he defcribed their language,
their perfons, their manners, and their
arms ; had he traced the gradations of their
conquefts, and marked out the peculiar
changes of fociety, which fliould take place
at the fall of the empire : — in all thefe in-
ftances, by fuch a minute difcrimination of
the attending circumftances, the philofo-
pher, the poet, and the augur, would have

advanced

6o S E R M O N II,

advanced far beyond the limits of the hu-
man underftanding ; and might not un-
juftly, perhaps, have been brought into
competition with the favoured Prophets of
the Moft High.

The author of the Rehgio Medici, a writer
whofe learning and fagacity have feldom
been rivalled by the profeflbrs of modern
literature, in a fhort ElTay ^ indulged his
imagination with forming conjedlures, un-
der the fhape of Prophecies, upon fome of
the moft momentous changes, which to
him appeared likely to diftinguifh future
ages. His predictions relate to the proba-
ble aggrandizement of North America, of
Jamaica among the wefi:em iilands, and of
Batavia in the eaft, to the triumph of the
Turks along the fhores of the Baltic, to the
emancipation of the nations of Africa from
the infamy of foreign fervitude, to the dif-
covery of the northern paiTage to China,
and to the union of Venice with the con-
tinent. Thefe important conjecflures re-
ipeding the great changes of future times.

" See certain jiilfcellany Trails, by T. Browri;, K'. Trac^^

I3th.

of

^ E R M O N ir. 6i

of which it is already evident that fome
muft fail, while a few have received their
accomplifhment, and others may yet be
fulfilled, were all delivered in the moft
general terms ; the exprellions refer folely
to the one great event ; minute difcrimi-
nations and attending circumflances are
entirely omitted.

What we reqviire in vain in the con-
jectures of uninfpired man, is abun^iantly
difplayed in the facred Prophets, In pre-
dicting the fate of the great cities of the
eaft, the Prophets foretold, not only the
general overthrow of all, but the particular
and charaCleriftic ruin of each. Of Tyre ^
it was predicted, that the folitary fifher-
man fhould fpread his nets over the rocks,
on which her towers and palaces were
raifed ; of Babylon, that her ruins fhould
bear the appearance of a defolation, occa-
fioned by the overflow of waters ; that the
^ fea fhould come up upon her, and that
fhe lliould be covered with the multitude
of the waves thereof ; that flie fhould be

" Ezekiel xxvi. 14.

y Jereiji'uh li. 42. Ifaiah xiv. 23.

mad(

64 SERMON IL

made a pofleflion for the bittern, and fof
pools of water : and of Nineveh, that flie
fiiould entirely "^ difappear from the earth,
and that her Situation fhould no where be
found.

Again, in anticipating the great empires
of the world, the Prophets did not fimply
enumerate their regular fucceffion ; they
marked alfb their diftind: and appropriate
features. The Macedonian ^ was pour-
trayed by rapidity of conqueft, and by the
quadruple partition. The Roman ^ was dif-
tinguifhed by a peculiarity of government,
a tremendous and irrefiftible power, uni-

* The entire deftrudlion of this city was clearly and
ftrikingly predi6led by Zephaniah, (ii. 13, 14, 15.) But
Nahum proceeds even farther than Zephaniah, and in more
than one paffage ftrongly intimates, that, in future ages, the
place fhould not be known, on which it ftood. (i. 3, 9. ii. 11.
iii. 17.) And fo complete has been the defolation, that
travellers, critics, and hiftorians, cannot agree in fi>:ing the
precife fpot, on -Which it was fituated. See Herodotus, Dio-
dorus Siculus, and Ammianus Marcelllnus j Sir John Mar-
fliam's Chron. Saec. Lucian, the native of a city on the Eu-
phrates, fays exprefsly, that it had utterly perifhed in his
time, and that there was no footftep of it remaining. See
Benjamin of Tudela, Thevenot, and Tavernler.

3 Daniel vii, 6. viii. 22.

^ Daniel ii. 40. vii. 7, 23.

*•■ verfality

S E R M O N n. 63

verfality of dominion, and a final divifion
into ten independent kingdoms.

Of Egypt *", the lafting monument of
divine difpleafure, they not only denounced
the perpetual fervitude, but even expreiTcd
the particular infamy of its unceafmg fub-
jeAion to a foreign Prince. Mahomet, the
Arabian conqueror ^, if we may venture to
give entire afient to the explications of
fome of the moft able interpreters of the
Revelations, v^^as defcribed, many ages be-
fore his birth, by the fierce countenance,
but effeminate hair, and peculiar head-
drefs of his followers, by the rapidity of
his victorious career, by the fuperior ex-
cellence of his cavalry, and by his remark-
able anxiety for the prefervation of the
fruits of the earth, joined to a feeming
contradi(5lion of imagery, in the happy
comparifon of his tribes to a defolating
army of locufiis. When the Apoftle of the
Gentiles ^, eager to preferve the difciples
of Chrift from the corruptions of the Papal
fee, predicted the rife of that ftrange and

*^ Ezekiel xxx. 13.

^ Revelations ix. 3, 4, 7, 8,9.

^ I Timothy iv. 3. 2 ThelTalonians ii. 4, 9, 10.

monftrous

64 S E R M O N IL

monftrous ufurpation, he accurately marked
it by fome of the minuteft traits, which
afterwards diftinguifhed that power ; the
abftinence of its adherents from meats,
their renunciation of marriage, their im-
pious pretcnftons to miracles, and their
blafphenious exaltation of a frail mortal,
the follower of the humble Jefus, to an
equal worfhip and authority ^ with the in-
vifible Lord of heaven and earth. The
minute traits of character, which continue
to diftinguiih the tribes of Arabia ^, were
revealed by an angel, in the infancy of the
world, to the favoured Hagar, when fhe
fled in terror to the wildernefs. In ex-
amining the awful defcription, which was
given by our Saviour ^, of the deftrudlion
of the holy city, we feem to be carried out
of the regions of Prophecy, and to perufe
the detail of an inhabitant, who had wit-
nefled the overthrow of Jerufalem, and
efcaped in peril from its ruins. The pre-
dictions of Daniel are fo full and fo mi-

f 2 Theflalonians li. 4. For the application of this
ftrlking paffage to the head of the RomilTi Church, fee
Newton on the Prophecies. DUr, xxii.

g Genefis xvi, 12.

*» Matthew xxiv. Mark xiii. Luke xxl,

nute.

S E R M O N II. 6^

nute, that no fingle record of the Eaft is
fufRcient to explain them. Events are
more circumftantially ftated by the Pro-
phet than by the Hiftorian. So ftriking,
indeed, is the refemblance, which fubfiils^
between his Prophecies and the Eallern an-
nals which illuftrate them, that the fceptic
has been obliged to ihelter himfelf from
the force of fo irrefiftible an evidence, by
difputing their authenticity, and reprefent-
ing them as forgeries fuccefsfully executed
fubfequent to the events, of which they
treated. In the facred records of the Jews,
which confift of almoft an uninterrupted
feries of Prophecies, delivered in one period,
and accompliflied in another, the Prophets,
who were the principal agents employed
by the Almighty in the divine government
of that people, appear to have been inti-
mately famiharized with the fcenes of dif-
tant times, and to have looked onv^ard into
the future, and back upon the paft, with an
almoft equal degree of minutenefs.

But the cleareft proof of a preternatural

foreknowledge difplaying itfelf in the dif-

covery of minute circumftances, may be

derived from the prcclfion, with which the

F Pro-

66 S E R M O N IL

Prophets frequently fixed a particular time
for the accomplilhment of events, even
when no human motive could be affigned
for their preference of that to any other
period. The augur, as we have already
feen, w^as flrongly induced, if not abfo-
lutely impelled, by the circumftances of
the cafe, to eftimate by a particular calcu-
lation the duration of the Roman empire.
But no neceffity or inducement whatever
appears to have actuated the Prophets of
Ifrael., Now of occurrences, likely to take
place after a fhort interval, it is highly im-
probable, that the exad: time fliould be
foretold. But to determine the particular
years, in which very remote events, the
caufes of which have not yet begun to
operate, will be brought to pafs, cannot be
attempted with any reafonable hope of
fuccefs, and may almofh be pronounced
impolTible. Inftances have not been want-
ing, in which a precife period was deter-
mined for the accomplifliment of a parti-
cular event. An ancient ' Father of the
Church has recorded a fidtitious Oracle,
which ventured to limit the duration of

Auguftin. de Civ. Dei, lib. xviii, cap, 53.

Chrif-

S E R M O N II. 67

Chrlftlanity to a definite period of time ^
The appointed fpace foon elapfed : and our
holy Religion has fince continued to ilou-
rifli through more than a thoufand years.
The authors of the Sibylline verfes repre-
fented the ruin of Rome as certain to be
effe<5led in a particular ^ year ; beyond
which, however, the city long remained
the capital of the empire, and the feat of
the imperial refidence.

The facred Prophets alone have been
able to mark their productions by this de-
cifiv^e proof of infpiration. Thus a period
of four hundred "' years was named for the
fojourning of the people of Ifrael in Egypt;
feventy for " the temporary punifhment of
Tyre ; feventy for " the captivity of the
Jews in Babylon ; and four hundred and
ninety for p the interval between their re-
turn to Jerufalem and the appearance of
their expeded Meffiah. The time fixed
for the continuance of the Papal ufurpa-

^ Three hundred and fixty-five years,
' The year 195 of the Chriftian era. See Gibbon's Hill:,
vol. i. p. 618,

*" Genefis xv. 13. ° Ifaiah xxiii. 15.

" Jeremiah xxv. 11, 12. p Daniel ix. 25, 26.

F :; tion

6S S E R M O N IL .

tion Is {zill more extraordinary, becaufe it
is much more extended. The mofl able
interpreters of the facred Scriptures have li-
mited it to twelve hundred and fixty years,
upon the concurring teftimony of Daniel
and St. John. The fevere fhocks which
it has received, and the weakened condi-
tion in which we now behold it, juflify
the fuppofition, that the period of its du-
i[ation, no lefs than the chara<^eriflics by
■which it has been diflinguifhed, will be
found faithfully to coincide with the de-
icriptions of the Prophets.

It was the chief, intention of the Jewifh
Prophets, and of the founder of the Jewifh
difpenlation, to prepare the way for the
MefTiah, by completely forefliewing his
moft wonderful adions, and the moll mi-
nute difcriminations of his charader. In-
numerable events were forefliewn, too un-
important perhaps in themfelves to have
deferved notice, even in the hiftory of that
exalted Perfonage ; but deriving an infefli-
mable value from the additional confirma-
tion, which they afford to his divine pre-
tenfions, as the completion of ancient Pro-
phecies.

A cele-

S E R M O N II. 69

A celebrated poet of antiquity, who has
rarely been exceeded in genius, and never
perhaps even equalled in judgment, in the
great w^ork which immortalizes his name,
has afforded a ftriking inftance of the moft
exalted conceptions of the human mind, re-
ipecfting the perfections of the divine na-
ture, in revealing the events of futurity. But
this perfe(fl example of a fuppofed difplay
of Omnifcience is undoubtedly furpaffed
in the real Revelations of the Moft High.

In the higheft and mofi: flourifhing ftate
of Roman grandeur, he produced his fub-
lime compofition. It was his principal ob-
jed: to celebrate the glories of his country,
and to do honour to his imperial patron.
He fele6led his fable from the uncertain
records of remote antiquity ; and, by the
happy artifices of poetic anticipation, he
embelliflied his work with all the moffc
fplendid events, which had diftinguiihed
his country and his ernperor. The effu-
fions of Prophets, typical characters, the
revelations of fuperior beings, and an in-
troduction by vifions into the imaginary
fcenes of other worlds, were all fucceff-
fully employed to fliadow forth the future
F 3 triumpl^s

70 S E R M O N II.

triumphs of Rome, and the fame of her ci-
tizens. Every important event was minutely
difcriminated. And it may be inftantly
difcerned upon perufal, that the poet was
intimately acquainted with the occurrences
of many fucceffive ages fubfequent to the
times of his hero. As he fpoke only of
events, which had pafled before the period,
in which he flourifhed, our admiration is
excited by the happy fkill, with which he
introduced into his poem fach an inter-
efting variety of fancied predidions. Let
us now fuppofe, that the fame work, vv'ith-
out the variation of a fmgle paflage, had
appeared foon after the arrival of ^neas
in Italy, or at the founding of the city by
Romulus : let us fuppofe, that the changes
of government in Rome, the mofh cele-
brated victories, the nations fubjed; to the
Rotnan power, the univerfal dominion of
the city, the diftinguifliing charad:eriftics
of the m.oft renowned chiefs, and the cha-
racter of Auguftus in particular, had all
been pourtrayed with minutenefs and ac-
curacy, in the very words, Vvhich Virgil
has adopted ; — furely we fliould not have
hefitated to pronounce fuch a work to ex-
ceed the ability of the htiman intellect, and

to

SERMON II.

71

to be a manifeil; difplay of celeftial infplra-
tion. What, under thefe circumllances, we
fliould have regarded as divine in the hea-
then poet, we are bound to receive as fuch
in the holy Scriptures. The hiltory of the
Jewifh nation feems but a fecondary ob-
jed; in the facred records of that people.
The difplay of a miraculous prefcience in
a continued developement of the future,
forms the ftriking and prominent feature
of that wonderful hiftory. It might with-
out difficulty be fhewn, that the pretended
anticipations by Virgil, of events, which had
already paffed, were neither fo numerous,
fo particular, nor fo intimately conne<5led
with every extraordinary a^lion recorded,
and every eminent character defcribed, as
the real Prophecies delivered in the facred
Writings. The character of Auguftus, ty-
pically reprefented by ^Eneas, and brought
forward, in the courfe of the poem, on
every favourable occafion, is not fo fully
nor fo accurately pourtrayed, as the pro-
phetic picture of our Saviour : it is not
equally vifible in every part, it does not
equally animate the whole produdion.
Every eminent a6lion, every celebrated
perfonage, the whole fyftem of the national
F 4 polity.

72 S E R M O N II,

polity, and even the moft unimportant
parts of the rehgious ceremonies of the
Jews, all partook of the prophetic charac-
ter, were predictive of futurity, and the
lliadovvs of better things to come.

This accurate detail of minute circum-^
ftances attending a remote event, it may
boldly be declared, lies far beyond the
reach of the unafTifted human intellect.
Wlien we behold fuch a Prophecy fulfilled
in all its leffer parts, we acknowledge the
interpofition of an Omnifcient Being, and
feel at once an irrefiftible conviction. No
•further proof is ncceffary, or can reafon-
ably be expected. The acceffion of fiironger
evidence appears to be hardly within the
bounds of poffibility. Yet upon the aw-
ful fubjec^l of divine Revelation, our full
affent to which is indifpenfably requifite
for the attainment of eternal happinefs, the
Almighty has gracioufly multiplied the
fources of convldion, and left the incre-
dulous without the means of excufe. Many
of the predId:ions are altogether novel in
their nature. What in all the variety of
human affairs has never occurred, cannot,
without a confiderable degree of hefita-

tion.

S E R M O N II. 73

tion, be admitted even by the fpeculatlve
philofopher into the number of future pof-
fibilities. Its probabihty muft be altoge-
ther denied. What then fliall we think
of thofe men, who predifted the pofitivc
occurrence not only of a variety of future
events, of which the time, the place, the
agents, and the precife difpofition of hu-
man affairs, under which they would fe-
verally come to pafs, were accurately
marked, but of events, which were with-
out example ? Surely we cannot refrain
from afcribing fuch inftances of foreknow-
ledge to the only caufe which is capable
pf producing them, the immediate infpira-
tion of the Deity.

The drying up of the waters of one
pf the largeft rivers which flow through
the earth, muft furely rank in the num-
ber vof the moft novel events, and mud
be acknowledged to lie far beyond the
reach of human fagacity or prefcience. Yet
it was predided in the plaineffc and mofl
^iftind terms by Ifaiah and Jeremiah "5.

The prefent condition of the Jews, upoj;
^ Ifaiah xliv; 27. Jeremiah 1. 38. li, 6.

which

^4 S E R M O N IL

which I fliall hare occafion to enlarge
more fully in a future Lediure, in many
eminent circumflances is unexampled in
the hiftory of mankind. Yet the Prophets'^
predid:ed the exiftence of fuch a peculiar
ftate of fociety, exprefsly named the peo-
ple among whom it fhould take place, and
defcribed the particular period of their hif-
tory, in which the fmgular predidion lliould
be accomplifhed.

It muft have been obferved by the moil:
fuperficial enquirer into the annals of paft
ages, that no power fimilar to that of the
Papal ufurpation has ever obtained the
afcendancy over a confiderable portion of
the globe. Yet that ufurpation was pro-
phetically anticipated in full and exprefs
terms by St. Paul ^ and St. John, fome
ages before its own commencement ; and
at an earlier period ftiil by Daniel, be-
fore the commencement of the religious
fyflem, upon the perverfion of which it
founded its impious pretenfions.

^ Deut. xxviii, xxix. Daniel ix. 16, 27, and the three
Evangelifts, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

' I Timothy iv. 1, 2, 3. 2 Theffalonians ii. 3 — 12,
Revelations xvii.

The

S E R M O N II. 7j

The Prophets of * Ifrael break forth into
expreffions of the moft rapturous exulta-
tion upon the profped: of a future Revela-
tion, which fliould be made to all the
earth, and be received by the whole hu-
man race. This wonderful Revelation has
been gracioufly imparted. Its divine claims
have been admitted over a confiderable
portion of the globe. Acceffions are daily
made to the number of its followers in
new regions and unknown climes, the fu-
ture feats perhaps of fcience and domi-
nion. And the full completion of the Pro-
phecy appears to be more eafy and probable
than the partial accomplifliment, which
has already taken place. Now an univer-
fal Religion, fo far from having ever been
admitted among mankind, had not entered
into the imagination of the moft fangaine
and romantic fpeculatift. The ancient
lawgivers, who were frequently the inven-
tors of new religious fyftems, adapted them
each to his own polity, and neither endea-
voured nor wifhed to extend their influence
to mdependent governments, or even to
the neighbouring kingdoms. The philo-

* Ifalah more particularly, and tlie later Prophets.

fophers.

^6 S E R M O N 11.

ibphers, who were the founders of ancient
fe<5ls, confcious of the infuperable difficulty
o£ controuling the varied opinions of man-
kind at large,, did not expe<ft to unite even
their own countrymen in the belief of one
common fyftem of philofophy. The Ro-
mans, who eftabliflied their fame upon the
fubjugation of the peiibns of all mankind,
attempted not to deftroy their freedom
upon facred fubjed:s ; but, fearful of the
hazardous experiment, generally permitted
tlie inhabitants of the enflaved provinces
to preferve the religious w^orfhip, which
they had cultivated during the period of
independence and fecurity.

In the character of the blefTed Jefus, as
defcribed by the Prophets, there are many
circumftances of a very peculiar kind,
with which no perfon had previoufly been
marked, and which have never fmce dif-
tinguiilied an human being. His mira^
culous ^ conception, his ^ refurre<ftion, the
Spirituality ^of the new covenant, and the

'^ Ifaiah vii, 14.

* Ifaiah llii. 10, 11. Pfalms xvl, 10, ji, et alibi. Hofca
xlii. 14.

^ Jeremiah xxxi, 35, 3:4, &:c. xxxiii, 8c

inward

SERMON II. '7^

inward efficacy of his laws, the apparent
^ contradidions in his chara(5ler, the univei-
fal benefit of his ^ death, and the aftonilhin^
influence of the Holy '^ Spiric, with numer-
ous other circumitances predidedof himfelf^
and of his kingdom, were novel in their
kind, and had not even occurred to the
imagination of the moft daring theorifts.
It is not, perhaps, unworthy of remark iti
this part of the fubje6l, that crucifixioi.,
the peculiar kind of death predicted of the
Mefliah in the clearefl: terms by David ^,
was a mode of punifliment entirely \m-
known among the Hebrews in the days of
the Pfalmift, and was firft introduced into
Judea, after an interval of a thoufand yearsj,
by the Romans.

It would not be a difficult tafk to ex-
hibit a variety of other inftances, in w^hich
the circumftances prediAed were not only
diftant and minute, but alfo without ex-
ample. But thofe, which have been a!-
read}^ adduced, are abundantly fiifficient

* See the 5.3d chapter of Ifaiah, and the Pfaims pa-ffim,
.more particularly the 27th and the iioth,

* Daniel ix. 26. Ifaiah liii. 4^5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12.

^ Joel ii. at)— 31. c Pfalm xxii. 16.

far

78 S E R M O N IL

for the eftablifliment of this branch of the
argument.

Before this part of the fubje6l is clofed,
it may be ufeful to obferve, that the
holy Scriptures contain numerous Prophe-
cies, which are diltinguiflied by one or
other, or by all the charad:erifl:ics, which
have jufl: been confidered. It is not in a
few folitary predictions, extracted from a
large colledion, that thefe ffcriking marks
may be found. They abound univerfally.
They are fo numerous, and are mingled fo
intimately together, that, like the ftars
which fliine in the heavens, they cannot
accurately be numbered. A fingle coinci-
dence, even under fuch peculiar circum-
ftances, in the infinite variety of human
chances, might perhaps have cafually oc-
curred : and the ingenuity of man might
occaiionally be able, without any violent
injury to the fenfe, plaulibly to accom-
modate a few folitary predidions to fome
fucceeding events. But many Prophecies
marked by fuch minute and ftriking dif-
tindions, when faithfully accomplillied,
exhibit inconteftable proofs of divine pre-
fcience, which cannot be refifled. I do

not

SERMON IL >79

not mean to alTert, that in proving the di-
vine origin of Prophecy, numbers fmiply
imply a fupernatural agency. The falla-
cious predidions of the Pagan Oracles were
innumerable. The pretended miracles of
the Romiih church exceed all calculation.
But it is maintained by the Chriftian, that,
if Prophecies, containing the ftrongefh in-
ternal evidence of a knowledge more than
human, have been frequently delivered,
numbers in fuch a cafe become a ftrong
additional proof of the certainty of a di-
vine interpofition. It cannot be conceived
poffible, that, where there is that union of
attending peculiarities, which has been al-
ready defcribed, either chance or human
fagacity can often produce fo exacfl a co-
incidence between the Prophecy and the
event, by which it is completed. Fre-
quency under fuch circumilances muft
carry the force of demonilration.

But this part of the argument is capable
of a ftatement even more forcible. We may
confidently affert, not only that in many
inftances the event has correfponded with
the Prophecy, but that almoft every pre-
diction has been verified. With a limita-
tion.

So SERMON IT.

tion, which is very flight, and which we
Ihall have occafion to examine in a future
Difcourfe, all the predi6lions uttered in the
courfe of divine Revelation, of which the
time of completion has pafled, and which
conftitute almoft the whole number de-
livered, have received their full accom-
plifhment. It was the fevere and juft re-
mark of the Roman philofopher upon the
pretended divination of Heathen antiquity,
that though fome of the Oracles had been
cafually fan6lioned by a feeming comple-
tion, yet that far the greater number had
been contradi(fled by fubfequent events.
The charaAer of Scripture Prophecy in
this important particular rifes above all '
comparifon. In the facred Volume con-
taining innumerable predications, which
from its firft publication has been generally
confidered through all fubfequent ages as
the repofitory of divine infpiration, all the
predid:ions have been realized. It is not
that many have flicceeded, but that not
one has failed.

From the prefent enquiry it appears, that
the facred Writings contain a great variety
of predidlions, which were delivered long

before

S E R M O N II. 8r

before their accompliihment, of the parti-
culars of which many were circumflan-
tially dehneated, and fome were novel in
their kind. In numerous inflances thefe
predictions were applied by the Prophets
themfelves, at the moment of delivery,
either nominally, or by diflinguifliing cha-
radieriftics, which cannot be mifbaken,
each to the particular perfon, place, or na-
tion, to which they were refpe6lively in-
tended to refer. Of thofe, which are not
{o circumftantial, the application is in ge-
neral equally juft, though, perhaps, not
equally palpable and ftriking. No Sceptic
will be hardy enough to deny, whatever
he may fuppofe of the real intention of
the Prophets, that mod of them are capable
of being referred each to fome one particu-
lar fubfequent event, and in general to no
other. Now it is contended, that fuch a
coincidence is a proof of a divine origin.
The fitnefs implies a defign. It is not in
the courfe of human contingencies, that
in a fmgle compofition, profeffedly pre-
di(flive, a great number of palTages, if they
had really been written without any de-
terminate meaning, Ihould correfpond, in
G a very

82 S E R M O N II.

a very exa(5l and ftriking manner, with the

events of future a2:es.

o

The celebrated leader of Infidelity '^ in
France, and many of the Sceptics of our
own country, have earneftly laboured to
reduce the prediclions of the facred Writ-
ings to the calculation of chances. But
their theories have been in direct oppoli-
tion to the common dictates of reafon, as
well as to the uniform experience of all
paft time. Let any other hiftory be taken ;
let any coUedtion of pretended Prophecies
be examined ; and let a trial be made, whe-
ther they can be forced, by the moft vio-
lent confl:rud:ions, to correfpond in any
degree whatever with fucceeding events.
The enemies of Chriftianity have been at
all times fufHciently a^ive : and were it
poffible to weaken by fuch means, even in
the flightefl degree, the influence of the
argument from Prophecy, the attempt
would undoubtedly have been made. The
Deill: has repeatedly laboured to confound
Chrifllan Prophecy with the Oracles of the

'-" See Philofuphy of Hiftory : article Oracle.

Hea-

S E R M O N IL 83

Heathens. But an attack like that, which
we are now fuppofing, even our moft dar-
ing and Ihamelefs advcrfaries have never
ventured to attempt. It is impoffible that
it fliould be attended with the ilightefl:
appearance of fuccefs^. Of an uniform

cor«

« The following paffage from Cicero de Dlvinatione
upon the powers of chance, though fallacioufly urged as a
proof of the divine nature of Heathen Oracles, may in the
jufteft and fulleft fenfe be applied to the ftriking circnm-
ftances at prefent under our confideratlon in Chriftlan Pro-
phecy.

" Quid quaeris, Carneades, cur haec Ita fiant, aut qua
arte perfplci poffint ? Cafu, Inquis. Itane vero ? Quidquam
poteft cafu elfe fa6lum, quod omnes habet in fe numeros ve-
ritatls ? Quatuor tali jafti cafu Venereum efficiunt ; num
etiam centum Venereos^fi 400 talos jeceris,cafu futures putas ?
Adfperfa temere pigmenta in tabula, oris lineamenta effingere
poffunt ; num etiam Veneris Cose pulchritudinem effingi
pofle adfperfione fortuita putas ? Sus roftro fi humi A li-
teram Impreflerit ; num propterea fufpicafi poteris, Andro-
macham Ennii ab ea polfe defcribi ? Fingebat Carneades,
In Chiorum lapicldlnis faxo dlffiffo caput extitifle Panifci.
Credo, aliquam non diffimilem figuram, fed certe non ta-
lem, ut eam faftam a Scopa diceres. Sic enim fe profefto
res habet, ut nunquam perfe6\e veritatem cafus imitetur,"
Lib. i. feft. 13.

This agreement would undoubtedly have been conclufive

In favour of the infpiration of Heathen Oracles, had all the

predi6tIons been fulfilled j whereas from the general hiftory

of Oracles, as well as from the authority of Cicero in this

G 2 very

84 S E R M O N II.

correfpondence in fb many iniliances, we
need not hefitate to aflert, that where it
exifts, it cannot be the refult of accident ;
and where it does not exift, it cannot, by
the moft ingenious and laboured efforts of
art, be plauiibly made to appear.

For the purpofe of rendering the pre-
fent argument ftill clearer and more forci-
ble, let us fuppofe that the general atten-
tion was now for the firft time directed to
a feries of maps, in which were marked
out many great and fplendid cities, their
gates, their temples, their palaces, and
their caftles, their principal flreets, the rivers
that flow through them, and in many in-
llances even the fmaller and more obfcure
avenues. Let it be fuppofed, that fuch a
coUecflion was prefented to public view,
without a fmgle explanatory fentence ;
that the contents were examined by men,
who polTelTed an extenfive knowledge of
foreign countries ; and that they unani-
moufly agreed in applying the feveral

very treatife, it is evident;, that they mojl frequently failed.
On the contrary, as it has been already fhewn in this Lec-
ture, the Chriftian Prophecies invariably received a comple-
tion.

maps.

SERMON II. 85

maps, each to fome particular metropolis :
ihould we not immediately conclude, that
fuch a refemblance was intended ; that it
could not be the efFed of chance, and that
the author purpofed to defcribe the feveral
cities, the defcriptions of which are re-
fpediively given ? It is not poffible that
any reafonable enquirer can entertain a
doubt upon the fubjedl. Such in general
is precifely the cafe with refpe(5t to Jewifli
and Chriftian Prophecy. The coincidence
of the facred Oracles with fubfequent
events is equally ftriking, bears as evident
marks of deiign, and is abundantly fuffi-
cient to eftablifli, beyond the poffibility of
doubt in every reafonable mind, the divine
infpiration of the Prophets,

G 3

SERMON III,

DANIEL ii. 10,11.

THERE IS NOT A MAN UPON EARTH THAT
CAN SHEW THE KINg's MATTER : THERE-
FORE, THERE IS NO KING, LORD, NOR
RULER, THAT ASKED SUCH THINGS AT
ANY MAGICIAN, OR ASTROLOGER, OR
CHALDEAN.

AND IT IS A RARE THING THAT THE KING
REQUIRETH. AND THERE IS NONE OTHER
THAT CAN SHEW*IT BEFORE THE KING,
EXCEPT THE GODS, WHOSE DWELLING IS
NOT WITH FLESH.

IN order to prove the divine infpiration
of the Prophets, it is indifpenfably necef-
fary to Ihev^, that the events predided
were of fuch a kind as to lie entirely out
of the reach of the natural foreiight of
man. I have already obferved, that hu-
man fagacity, affifled by long experience,
may arrive at a very confiderable degree
04 of

88 SERMON IIL

of excellence in difcovering confequences,
which a common mind is altogether inca-
pable of difcerning. Let an accurate ob-
ferver ftudy the paffions of man, and the
hiftory of the human race ; let him ac-
cuftom himfelf to trace events from their
firft caufes, to their mofl: remote efFe(5ts ;
let him penetrate the latent policy of the
nations which lie around him, with the
power which they poiTefs of giving effi-
cacy to their defigns : — he may at length
be enabled fometimes to unveil the fcenes
of diflant times, which are concealed from
general view, and to predict a variety of
events, fome of which, depending upon
caufes fubje6l to his fpeculation,will occur in
their proper feafon, and feemingly fandiion
his pretenfions to a knowledge of futurity.
Hence the perfon mol^: llcilful in conjec-
ture was reprefented by the Greek trage-
dian ^ as moft worthy of the name of Pro-
phet. And in the fpirit of the fame prin-
ciple, according to the annals of antiquity.

* Muvns y a-^iro;, oittk; siy.a^n natrui;. EuRlPlDES.
Thus tranflated by Cicero :

Bene qui conjiciet, vatem hunc perhibebo optimum.

De Divinatione, lib, ii. fe&i. 5,

a fpe-

SERMON III. 89

a fpecles of divination was fuppofed to re-
fide in Thales, the Milefian philofopher,
and Epimenides, the poet of Crete. From
this fource alfo was probably derived the
opinion, prevalent among all nations, that
men at the approach of death are fome-
times endowed with the gift of Prophecy.
And hence the experience of age has been
reprefented as bearing a diflant refem*
blance to the ftrain of the Prophet.

The enemies of Chriftianity are fully
fenfible of the weight, which is due to an
objection drawn from this fource. They
have reprefented the facred Writers, as
men endowed with a keen difcernmentj
and capable of forefeeing very remote con-
fequences. They boldly fuppofe them to
have rifqued a variety of probable predic-
tions, fome of which, being thus founded
upon an intimate knowledge of the na-
tural courfe of human events, have been
accomplifhed ; while others, which were
hazarded upon groundlefs conje6lure alone,
continue without application, and are fi-
lently negleded.

Too fevere a wound might be given to

the

90 SERMON III.

the feelings of the pious Chriftian, were I to
lay before him the expreffions of impious
levity, with which this artful obje6lion has
been repeatedly enforced. The danger,
however, to which our Religion is expofed
by fuch a mode of attack, is alarming in a
very high degree. Though the Theolo-i-
gian may inftantly difcern the falfehood of
the affertion, the weaknefs of the argu-
ment, and the indecent fcurriiity of the
language ; yet the ignorant may be de-
ceived, the gay may be dazzled by the vi-
vacity of the thought, and the fuperficial
may be mifled by the fpecioufnefs of an
objection, the futility of which they pof-
fefs not the ability to difcover. In this age
of daring Infidelity, when our adverfaries,
cafting afide all fenfe of decorum and
manly ingenuoufnefs, for the fake of adapt-
ing their objections to the capacities of the
inferior orders, have proceeded in open
defiance of truth and honeft argument, it
becomxcs us to be doubly vigilant, and not
only to enforce the evidences of Chriflian-
ity, but to enforce them in fuch a manner
as may beft be calculated to oppofe the
particular mode of attack adopted by the
modern Sceptic.

In

SERMON III. 91

In order to expofe the futility of the
objedion juft ftated, it is abfolutely ne-
ceflary to prove in a variety of impor-
tant inftances, that the events predicted
by the facred Writers were removed far
beyond the reach of human foreiight,
and could never have been feleded as
fair fubjecfls of ingenious conjedure by
impoftors. In my laft Difcourfe I en-
deavoured to iliew^, that thefe events fre-
quently occurred in an age long fubfe-
quent to that of the Prophet, were cir-
cumftantially defcribed, were frequently
novel, were very numerous, and aptly co-
incided with the predidion. Through the
following Difcourfe it will be my objed
to prove, that, in many of the moft im-
portant Prophecies, the occurrences fore-
told muft, from their peculiar character, be
univerfally and inftantly acknowledged to
have been indifcernible during the age of
the Prophet ; and that in others they were
the very reverse of what a judicious de-
ceiver, judging from the appearances be-
fore him, would have fuppofed likelt
TO take place.

On the days immediately preceding tho

cru-

92 SERMON IIL

crucifixion, our bleiTed Lord difclofed with
clearnefs and accuracy, which nearly refem-
ble the detail of the hiilorian, many of the
moft memorable circumftances, with which
the fiege of Jerufalem would be attended.
The aftonifhing forefight, which he mani-
fefted, by defcribing the figns, the manner,
and the exa6l time of the deftru6kion of
the holy city, muffc, if maturely confidered,
overpower the mind of the Chriftian with
wonder and conviction. But the circum-
ftance, which perhaps moft effectually
raifes this predid:ion above all fufpicion of
its being the refult of human fagacity, is
the entire deftruc^tion which it reprefented
as awaiting the vafl: edifice of the Temple.
" Before this generation pafs away," faid
|he holy Founder of Chriftianity, when he
beheld the magnificent pile, " not one ftone
iliall be left upon another." Even if we
fuppofe, what mufl only be fuppofed for
the fake of the argument, that the conquefl
of Jerufalem could be conjediured from the
prevailing fpirlt and circumitances of the
times ; yet the total deflruClion of the
Temple was not the necefTary, or even the
probable, confequencc of fuch a calamitous
'Cvent. Its prefer vation would rather ha-ve

hoQVL

SERMON III. 93

been the them^ of a fagaclous pretender to
Prophecy. I will not here infift upon the
ftrength of this fortrefs, both natural and
artificial, which the Jewifli hillorian has
reprefented as one of the moft ^ impregna-
ble which had ever been ereded in the
world. Even the conqueror, furveying it in
ruins, and difcovering that it could not, if
ikilfully defended, have been fhaken by mili-
tary engines, nor ftormed by the moft intre-
pid hoft, acknowledged the abfolute incom-
petence of the human inftruments, and
afcribed its demolition to the manifeft in-
terference of God *'. Independently of theie
confiderations, it muft have been evident,
in the age of our Saviour, that, whatever
might be the fate of the city and of its
inhabitants, in confequence of the ftub-
bom hoftility of the Jews, and the inve-
terate fury of the Romans, it would be the
common objedl, both of the vid:ors and the
vanquifhed, to fave this venerable building
from de{lru6lion.

The Jews, trufting in their own mif-
taken interpretation of the ancient Pro-

* Jofephus, b. V. 14. « Jofephus, b. vi. 43.

phets.

94 SERMON III.

phets, confidered their Temple placed un-
der the immediate protedion of the Al-
mighty, as fecure from mortal violence,
and immoveable as the ground on which
it ftood '^, So infatuated were they by this
blind confidence, that, when their city was
given up for plunder to the legions, they
Tuflied, fecure of fafety, into the burning
ifles of the Sanctuary, and thoufands pe-
riflied in the ruins.

If WQ examine the annals of the Ro-
mans, we fliall difcover, that, during the
period of their grandeur and profperity,
which long preceded the fall of Jerufalem,
when the fpirit of rivalfhip no longer pre-
vailed, which in the earlier ages of the re-
public had occafioned the deftrudion of
Corinth, Carthage, and Numantia, it was
the cufliom of that great people to pre-
ferve entire the ftupendous monuments of
their vidories. The chief cities of the
conquered kingdoms were permitted to
flourifh as tributaries of Rome. The
works of elegant art alone, with which
they were enriched, were carried away to

^ Phllode Monarch, p.- 821. Vit. Mof. ii. p. 6^6.

grace

SERMON III. 95

grace the triumph of the general, and
adorn the capital of the empire. Thus
Alexandria, the emporium of Egypt ; A-
thens, the feat of fcience ; and the fplendid
and opulent cities of Afia Minor, continued
entire after their fubjugation, and con-
tributed to the glory and profperity of
their conquerors. In addition to the above
argument, let it be remembered, as ano-
ther ftrong reafon for the probable preferv-
ation of the Temple, that it was the uni-
form policy of the Romans to refpc6l the
religious prejudices of the conquered coun-
tries. So accommodating were their max-
ims of univerfal toleration, that within the
regions of Paleftine, in compliance with
the wiflies of its inhabitants, they even
lowered their imperial eagles, and defifted
from their defign of ereding the ftatue of the
Emperor in the fand:uary of Jehovah. So
powerful was the influence of this princi-
ple among their commanders, at the pe-
riod of which we are fpeaking, that the
illuftrious chief, who condu<^ed the fiege
of Jerufalem, manifefted a moft ardent
anxiety for the prefervation of the Tem-
ple. At the^ commencement of his mi-
litary operations, he repeatedly folicited

the

96 SERMON III.

the Jews to fave the magnificent build-
ing; and again, at the ftorming of the
city^ when a brand had been thrown within
the pile by the hand of a foldier, he in-
ftantly commanded his legions to extin-
guilh the flames. It was natural, there-
fore, to fuppofe, that, even under the moft
extraordinary and defperate circumftances,
they would be induced, in conformity with
their ufual principles of toleration, to pre-
ferve the Temple of Jerufalem.

From thefe confiderations it muft ne-
ceflarily be inferred, that to a Jew, during
the reign of Tiberius, the demolition of
that facred edifice mufh have appeared ab-
folutely impoffible : and, even if its poili-
bility had been admitted, that its demoli-
tion by a Roman ^ army muft have ap-
peared fmgularly improbable, as that peo-
ple feemed to be engaged by the flrongefl
motives to favour its prefervation.

In paffing from the confideration of fm-

^ The Romans were marked out with a confiderable de-
gree of precifenefs by our Saviour : and it was evident, that
they were the only people in the world likely to contend
with the Jews before the paffing away of that generation.

gle

SERMON III.

97

gle edifices to that of the imperial cities, our
aftonifliment will be ilill more powerfully
excited, by the extraordinary fubjeds of
fome predid;ions fo oppofite to thofe, which
an impoftor would have been induced to
feled:. When Nineveh and Babylon, thofe
mighty feats of empire, the pride of early
ages, and the wonder of all fucceeding
times, had advanced to the higheft ftate of
greatnefs and fplendour, the moft flriking
pi(5lures were drawn by the Prophets of
their overthrow and defolation. The entire
dellrudlion of tv/o cities eminently the mofl
formidable which have ever appeared in the
world, was in the higheft degree improba-
ble. Much, undoubtedly, may be conjec-
tured by the fpeculative mind, from a
knowledge of the revolutions of, empires,
and of the inftability of human gran-
deur : but vaft capitals, overflowing with
inhabitants, and enjoying dominion over a
confiderable portion of the earth, muft
have appeared to the fpedtator, w^ho gazed
in aftonifhment upon them, to be ex-
empted from the general lot, and to be
raifed above the reach of fortune and mor-
tal decay.

H In

102 SERMON III.

bears a ftriking refemblance to the for-
tune of individuals. The flucfhuations of
adverfity and profperity may be equally
obferved in both. There is not, perhaps,
a fpot upon the globe, of which, look-
ing down through the long fuccellion
of time, and contemplating the capricious
rcverfes of fortune, we might venture to
declare fiich a continued humiliation, as
that which the Prophet pronounced againft
Egypt. Even the unfruitful marfhes of
Batavia have rlfen to opulence, diftindion,
and power. While upon the fmall and
barren illands in the Adriatic, whofe tops
fcarcely rife above the waters, the Vene-
tians ere6led a power once formidable
throughout the world, which the united
efforts of nearly all the moft powerful na-
tions of Europe were unable to fliake.

But of all the countries of the world,
Egypt, in the age of Ezekiel, was that, upon
which it vvas peculiarly improbable, that
the hard condition of unceafmg fervitude
Ihould be impofed. There the human
mind had made fome of its earlieft and moft
aufpicious efforts. It was long the gene-
ral opinion, that there the laws of fociety

had

SERMON III. 103

had been difcovered, and the fountains of
fcience opened. Though the refearches of
the modern fcholar into Indian antiquities
may at length induce us to luppofe, that
the inhabitants of a more eaftern country
are juftly entitled to the honour of many
of thofe ufeful difcoveries, which have hi-
therto been afcribed to the Egyptians ; yet
unqueftionably that ingenious people were
very early diftinguifhed by an ardent fpirit
of enterprize, and a peculiar happinefs of
invention. The ftupendous monuments
of art, which ftill lie fcattered over the
banks of the Nile, attell the vaftnefs of
their defigns, and the extent of their powxr.
The earlieft profeffors of literature, and
the firft founders of civil polity in Europe,
and in the more weftern provinces of Afia,
travelled into Egypt, and there acquired a
knowledge of the fundamental principles
of fcience and government, which, at their
return to their refpe^live countries, they
advanced to a very high degree of perfec-
tion ; and thus moft eflentially contributed
to the ornament and dignity of human
Hfe.

But if we omit the confideration of

thefe advantages, which muft be acknow-

H 4 ledged

100 SERMON III.

event, which no man could reafonably ex-
pert ; yet the particular fpecies of ruin,
which -was predl<^led to Babylon, muft have
appeared even more improbable. They
were both fituated upon the fide of great
rivers ; yet the defolation foretold to the
one was of that peculiar fpecies, which is
occafioned by the overflow of waters ; and
that of the other was entirely independent
of the ftream, by which its walls were
wafhed. In exadl conformity with the
expreffions of the Prophet, the ^ traveller
now wanders in vain along the banks of
the Tigris, in fearch of the ruins of Ni-
neveh : whilffc within the broken arches
and rifted walls of Bab^n ^, buried in
filth, and loathfome w4th infediion, where
the foot of man feidom treads, the deadly
ferpents hifs, and the owl and the bittern
inhabit. There the Arabian never pitches
his tent, nor does the fliepherd make his
fold : but wild beafts of the ifland cry in
the defolate houfes, and dragons in the
pleafant palaces. And let it be remem-
bered, that the means^ without which

' Xahum 1, 8, 9. ii, 11.

^ Ilaiah xx, 20, 21^ 22. Jeremiah 1. 39.

this

SERMON III. 101

this city could not have been reduced to
its prefent peculiar ftate of ruin, muft have
been placed entirely out of the reach of
human forefight. It was occafioned by an
enterprize perhaps the moft vs^onderful
which hiftory records, the turning of a
great river from its channel, and the de-
pofition of its waters in a vaft artificial
bafon. The ftream was never again con-
fined entirely within its natural bed ', and
the vapours engendered by its ftagnation
in the furrounding plains and marihes,
drove away the fickening Inhabitants, and
thus gradually diipeopled the city.

If the complete and lafting defolation
of a great city cannot be forefeen by hu-
man fagacity, ftill greater muft be the dif-
ficulty of foretelling the permanent de-
bafement of a powerful and extenfive ter-
ritory. Yet Ezekiel declared, in the moft
exprefs terms, that the kingdom of Egypt
iliould no more be governed by its own
native princes, but iliould fmk for ever
into the bafeft and moft fervile condition.
More than two thoufand years have now
elapfed fince this Prophecy v>^as delivered
to the world. The fortune of kingdoms
H ^ bears

9S SERMON IIL

In tliofe early periods of foclety, the
Prophet could not have been emboldened
by fimilar examples, colle(5led from the
varied hiflories of nations. Cities, pofleiTed
of fmall power, and of a limited territory,
might, in the time of the Prophet, have
been fubverted in war, or have filently
funk into ruin : but no inftance had then
occurred, in which the metropolis of a
mighty empire, or even of a great king-
dom, had been rooted up from its founda-
tions, and had totally difappeared from the
earth.

Even had the Prophets been gifted with
a knowledge of the fortunes of all the
great cities, which were in future to ap-
pear, they would by no means have found,
that they all terminated in that complete
deftrudlion, with which Nineveh and Ba-
bylon were threatened. Though fpoiled of
their grandeur, and deprived of their autho-
rity, they have generally continued to exift,
and have exhibited, even in their fallen Itate,
the monuments of their former magnifi-
cence. Athens, Alexandria, and Conftan-
tinople; Bagdat, the pride of the Saracens;
and Rome, the miftrefs of the world; thefe,

and

SERMON III. 99

and many other places, once fplendld and
glorious, have furvived the empires, over
which they prefided, and ftill occupy the
rank of cities.

But whatever may be the final condi-
tion of great capitals in general, the pecu-
liar charad:er of Nineveh and Babylon
muft have appeared to exempt them from
the common doom. Their vail extent,
the means of annually raifmg a great ftore
of provifions within their circumference,
the enormous height and bulk of their
gates, towers, and walls, and the gigantic
appearance of their facred edifices; all thefe
feemed to give them means of duration
eminently beyond what have been enjoyed
by any other city. They appeared to be
tooted, like mountains, to the foil, and to
be unmoveable but by fome violent con-
vulfion of nature. Under thefe peculiar
circumftances, how oppofite to all, which
human artifice would have uttered, were
the expreffions of the Prophets, v/hich
doomed thofe cities to complete and final
deftru<5tion !

Though this total demolition was an
H 2 event,

104 SERMON III.

ledged to be tranfient, though experience
had not then, even in a fingle inftance,
difcovered their inftabiUty, Egypt was pof-
feffed of natural refources, which could
feldom fail, and which feemed to promife
a continuance of independence, wealth,
and power. The fituation of the country
was fingularly calculated to defend it againil:
the attacks of foreign invaders. Surrounded
almoft entirely either by Teas, or by a
vaft expanfe of defcrts, it might cafily be
rendered impenetrable to the inroads of
hoftile armies, except in the narrow ifth-
mus, w:hich connects it with Paleftme and
Syria. Belldes, the uncommon fruitfuhiefs,
occafioned by the inundations of the Nile,'
which might determine the firft founders
of this kingdom in their choice of a terri-
tory, which afterwards rendered her the
granary of Rome, and which, in later ages,
has often refcued Europe from the dreary
apprehenfions of famine ; — this uncommon
fruitfulnefs, I fay, promifed to fecure the
pountry, which it enriched, from poverty,
bafenefs, and fubjedion. Agriculture, fuc-
eefsfully promoted, is one of the mod cer-
tain prefervatives of national independence.
Yet after a long courfe of grandeur, before
any fym^tom of decline appeared, in con-
tradiction

SERMON III, 105

tradi^lion to the general fluctuation of em-
pire, in contradiction to the ftrong ex-
pe<5lation, which would naturally be enter-
tained, from the fuccefsful progrefs of ci-
vilization and the arts ;' in contradiction to
the peculiar improbabihty arifnig from the
natural* advantages of fituation, and the
extraordinary fertility of the 'foil; Ezekiel
pronounced that the kingdom ^ fliould be
the bafeft of kingdoms ; and that ' there
fliould be no more a prince of the land of
Egypt. The event has exactly correfponded
with the prediction. The Egyptians have
fucceffivtjy funk under the dominion of
the Babylonians and the Perfians, of Ma-
cedon and Rome. When the laft great
empire was dilTolved, and many of the tri-
butary provinces arofe out of its ruins to
freedom and importance, Egypt did but
change her tyrants. She groaned through
many ages imder the oppreffion of the
Greek emperors, of the Saracens, and even
of the fervile Mamalukes. In our own
times, we have feen her an inglorious ob-
jeCl of contention between foreign inva-
ders, and foreign ufurpers ; and ftie is now

^ Ezekiel xxix. 15. ' Ezekiel xxx. 13;

prepared

no SERMON III.

ment, and given birth to combinations
moft dangerous to their fecurity. Exclu-
iive of the love of glory and empire, which
would prompt the more ambitious fove-
reigns to annex Arabia to their dominions,
it muft have been the common caufe of
kings and of people, to reduce to fubjec-
tion, or utterly to extirpate, a race of law-
lefs and daring wanderers, who confidered
themfelves as releafed from the opera-
tion of the eftabliflied laws of focial life,
and arrogated the right of violence and
plunder, as an heritage bequeathed to them
from heaven. They were not therefore
negle<5ted or defpifed. The moft illufhrious
conquerors of the world marched their ar-
mies againft them. But in vain was their
fubje^lion attempted by the Egyptians, the
Ailj'rians, and the Perfians, when in the
meridian of their power. Alexander, after
fubduing the kingdoms of the Eaft, was
preparing an expedition againft them, when
his death intercepted the deilgn. Five
times did the Roman legions, condudled
by their mofl renowned generals ^ and em-
jDerors, attempt to reduce Arabia to a tri-

^ Lucullus, Pompey, /Elius Galjus, Trajan, Severus.

butarv

SERMON IIL III

butary province : and five times did they
return unfuccefsful from the deferts, and
leave the Arabs free. This uniform failure
mull not be attributed to human caufes
alone. Large armies haVe frequently fub-
fifted v^^ithin their hot and fandy plains,
which are interfperfed with rich and mofl
delightful fpots, where the fountain and
the grove of palm afford fhade and refrefh-
ment to the exhaufted foldier. But the
expeditions were fruftrated, fometimes by
unexpected revolutions among their ene-
mies, and fometimes by the moft tremen-
dous interpofition of heaven "". And to the
divine Infpirer alone, the Lord of heaven
and earth, can we attribute this anomaly
in the ftate of fociety, the work of his
power, as well as the fubjed: of his Pr6-
phecy, which it is equally impoffible that
human ability fhould produce, or human
wifdom forefee.

But the Oracles of God do not refer to
individual kingdoms alone ; they include

"^ Partleularljr in the expeditions condu6led by Trajan
and Severus. See Dionyf. Hid. lib. Ixviii. p. y^j. lib. Ixxv.
?• ^55-

within

io8 SERMON IIL

have not fmce been paralleled in the annals
of hiftory. The Arabians were to . be a
wandering and ^ unfettled people ; they
were iiever to be fubje6l to a foreign yoke;
and they were to be at conftant enmity
with all mankind. If, therefore, we were
difpofed to allow, that, in the greater num-
ber of inftances, the national character con-
tinues unvaried through the revolutions of
ages, ftill it was in the higheft degree im-
probable, that fuch diftindions as thofe, by
which the Arabs are marked, would un-
ceafingly remain ; and it is an abfolute ab-
furdity to fuppofe, that their continued
duration could have been forefeen by the
natural penetration of a theorifl, before
they had even begun to exift.

The region inhabited by the Arabs is
not remote or infulated, feparated from fo-
cial life, and therefore exempt from the
influence, which naturally refults from in-
tercourfe with other countries. It is fi-
tuated in that portion of the globe, in
which fociety originated, and the firft
kingdoms were formed. The greateft em-

^ Genefis xvi. i2.

pires

SERMON III.

109

pires of the world arofe and fell around
thern. They have not been fecluded from
correfpondence with foreign nations, and
thus attached through ignorance and pre-
judice to fimple and primitive manners.
In the early periods of hiftory they were
united as allies to the moft powerful mo-
narchs of the Eaft : under their victorious
Prophet they once carried their arms over
the moft confiderable kingdoms of the
earth : through many fucceeding ages, the
caravans of the merchant, and the compa-
nies of Mahometan pilgrims, pafTed regu-
larly over their defcrts : even their reli-
gion has undergone a total change. Yet
all thefe circumftances, Vvhich, it might
be fuppofed, would have fubdued the moll
ftubbom prejudices, and altered the moft
inveterate habits, have produced no effedl
upon the Arabs, and they ftill prefefve un-
impaired a moft exa^l refemblance to the
firft defcendants of Iflimael.

Their habits of life, far from inducing
the furrounding nations to leave them to
a peaceable enjoyment of their native wild-
nefs and independence, muft have con-
ftantly awakened a general fpirit of refent-

ment,

io6 S E R M O ISr IIL

prepared to yield herfelf, a "weak and igno-
ble province, according to the decifion of
diitant kingdoms, whofe interefls are in-
Yolved in her fortunes.

To predid: the difcriminating charac-
teriftics of the inhabitants of a large terri-
tory, which would be unchangeable through
all future time, muft, if poffible, lie ilill
farther out of the reach of human ability,
than to foretel their endlefs fubjed:ion.
This ftrong proof of divine infpiration is
ftrikingly exhibited in the Prophecy deli-
vered refpcd:ing the defcendants of Ifli-
mael. Even when a people have arrived
at maturity, and have difplayed the dif-
tingulfliing features of their national cha-
radrer, it is impoffible to forefee, that thofe
features will for ever remain unaltered.
The great map of the world, even upon a
fuperficial furvey, will fupply us with forci-
ble evidence of the rafhnefs of fuch an at-
tempt. The countries, wiiich it brings
within our view, will recal to our imme-
diate recolledion the varieties of charad:er,
through which their inhabitants have fe-
verally palTed. The vaft continent of A-
merica is gradually undergoing an entire

change..

SERMON III. 107

change, in confequence of the difcoveries
of Columbus. The Europe of the ancient
world differs as widely from the Europe
of the prefent age, as the haughty and
oppreffive principle of republican Rome,
from the meek and benevolent fpirit of
Chriftianity. The vales and mountains of
Greece, once the feat of freedom, elegance,
and the arts, are now ignobly tenanted hy a
race of flothful and willing flaves.

If then we are compelled, by the force
of general experience, to allow, that the
permanence of any peculiarities already
exifling among a people can not be fore-
feen even with the flightefl degree of cer-
tainty, we fhall be obliged to acquiefce in
the divine origin of the Prophecy now un-
der confideration, which was delivered un-
der circumftances fmgularly unfavourable
to fuch a foreknowledge. Before this pe-
culiar caft of national character had begun
to difplay itfelf, before the child was born,
from whom the nation was to fpring, it
was clearly and ftrikingly delineated.

The very charadleriftics, it may further
be urged, were fmgular in their kind; and

have

112 SERMON III.

•within their comprehenfive fcheme the
fortunes of the greateft empires of the
world. Thofe, which were given for this
momentous end, are diftinguifhed by a
ftriking fmgularity in the mode of their
delivery. The Prophet not only uttered
the prediction, but fubjoined the interpre-
tation. This circumflance, added to the
peculiar clearnefs of the exprefTions, has
caufed the wTitings of Daniel to bear a
nearer refemblance to Hiftory tha« to Pro-
phecy, and has induced fome bold and fu-
perficial unbelievers unwarrantably to con-
demn them, as the forgeries of an age fub-
fequent to the refpedive events.

The four great empires of the w^orld,
with the triumphant ftate of Chriftianity,
were clearly and llrongly pourtrayed. We
fhall be filent refpeding the firft and fe-
cond empire. The Babylonian had reached
the fummit of profperity in the age in
which the Prophecy -vvas delivered : and
the Perfian, by which it was overthrown,
fucceeded after fo Ihort an interval o^ time,
that its rifing fortune may be fuppofed to
have been difcernible by a fagacious politi-
cal obfcrver.

In

SERMON III. 113

In the age of Daniel, which preceded
the conquefts of Alexander more than two
hundred years, Macedon was a fmall and
unciviUzed kingdom, fituated amidfb wilds
and mountains, undreaded and unknown.
It was not dillinguiflied among the nations
of the world by military valour, fuperiority
of internal policy, or a national fpirit of
enterprize. It had not even obtained a
name among the Grecian ilates : nor had
thofe ftates, upon whofe ruins it afterwards
arofe, advanced far in the attainnient of
that greatnefs, which for a time flione forth
with fuch uncommon brightnefs.

In the age of Daniel, Rome could fcarcelj
be ranked among cities. It was a mean
and unimportant town, placed in a remote
and uncivilized quarter of the globe, the
name of which had not reached the im-
perial court of Babylon. She was expofed
to constant wars with the petty Hates
around her, in each of which her very ex-
iftence was endangered. Long did fhe
continue to ftruggle humbly in Italy, and
even centuries elapfed before Ihe took her
flight above the nations, and foared to
fame and empire.

I Five

214 SERMON ni.

Five hundred years after the age of Da-
niel, a perfonage, who, uniting in a mira-
culous manner the divine and human na-
ture, has been regarded through , all fuc-
ceeding times as the everlafdng Son of the
high God, born in an obfcure village of an
obfcure territory, poffeiTed of no human
means of attradion, and fupported by no
earthly authority, promulgated a new Reli-
gion, and difplayed figns and mighty won-
ders. Though he wasdefpifed and rejected by
his countrymen, and, after a fhort miniftry,
was cut off by an ignominious death ; yet
his Religion, triumphing at length over all
oppofition, overthrew the altars of poly-
theifm ; while the temples of the God,
whofe will he revealed, were ereded
throughout all the faireft provinces of the
globe.

Now it cannot be conceived poiTible,
that any caufes favourable to the propaga-
tion of Chriftianity could have been fub-
jecl to the obfervation of the Prophet.
Though human affairs were undoubtedly
fo difpofed by divine Wifdom, as peculiarly
to favour its fuccefsful progrefs ; yet they
could not, it is prefumed, have been ren-
dered

' SERMON III. 115

dered effedive, except in conjun(?!;ion with
thofe miraculous powers, which were ac-
tually difplajed. And it may with truth
be aflerted, that in the age immediately
preceding its rife, and even at the time
when its divine Founder firft appeared
among mankind, no appearances could be
difcerned, which to an uninfpired mind
would afford the flighteft prefage of the
extraordinary event about to be accom-
pliflied. No intimation of it could be dif-
covered, except in the writings of the in-
fpired Prophets, and in general rumour
vague and fallacious, the confequence of
erroneous explications of their meaning.

Yet in the age of Daniel were clearly
predided thefe three changes in the affairs
of mankind, the moft momentous which
hiftory records. The charaderiftics, by
which they were refpedively diftinguiflied,
wei?e accurately delineated ; and the order,
in which they fucceffively arofe, was faith-
fully defcribed. The figures, under which
the atchievements of Alexander were re-
prefented, point out the rapidity of his
conquefts, the univerfality of his domi-
nion, and the quadruple divifion of his
I z empire

ii6. SERMON III. •

empire among his favourite chiefs. Rom,e
was depicted by the difference of its go-
verninent from that of the preceding em-
pires, by its greatnefs, and by its terrible
and irrefiftible power in war, by the fub-
.^iigation of the nations under its iron yoke,
and by its proud rule over the whole
globe. Chriftianity was defcribed as fi-
iently emerging without the aid of human
policy, holy and Spiritual in its nature,
extending over all nations, and enduring
through all time.

Weak, indeed, muft be the Sceptic,
who, after a candid inveftigation of the
iubjed:, fhali afcribe to the natural pene-
tration of the human mind iuch a fore-
knowledge of the greateft kingdoms and
of their charad:eriil;ic differences. Let the
boldeil and moft fubtle fpeculator ftand
forth, and take the next thoufand years for
the wide iield of his Prophecies. Let him
foretei the grandeft and moft furprifmg re-
volutions, which will occur during that
period, in the importance of which all
other events are fwallowed up and loft:
let the principles, and the agents, by which
they flaall be effeded, be fuppofed to be

at

SERMON III.

1 1.7

at this moment entirely concealed from his
knowledge : let the order in which they
fhall arife, and the diftinguifliing features
by which they Ihall be chara6lerized, be
accurately pourtrayed : let the firft empire,
to be founded upon the ruins of the moft
flourifhing monarchies of the earth, be
predicted as about to come forth, not from
the bofom of civilized fociety, from a po-
pulous territory, or a powerful kingdom,
but from fome rude and mountainous
country, remote from the refidence of the
fpeculator, and now obfcurely known : let
the fecond empire, the future miftrefs of
the world, be deftined to arife, when the
firft fhall have pafTed away, from fome diA
tant and unimportant town, the name of
which has not yet reached our Ihores : let
the third revolution, far the moft remarkable
both in its nature and its duration, and un-
paralleled in the annals of all paft agesj be
filently effected by a poor and humble in-
dividual, wandering aniong unibcial and
bigotted tribes, the members of which are
regarded with contempt by the inhabitants
of civilized regions : let the Sceptic, I fay,
fubmit to our obfervation fuch a map of
future hiftory, in which the events recorded
I 3 are

ii8 SERMON III.

are few, fimple, and in the higheft degree
important; and let but one obferver, pof-
feiTed of cool and difpaffionate judgment,
maintain, either that future occurrences fo
fingular and momentous, the caufes of
which have yet fcarcely begun to operate,
with all their moft diftinguilliing pecu-
liarities, can be brought to our knowledge
by the happieft effort of human wifdom,
or that, when boldly conjed:ured, it lies
within the compafs of our ideas refpe6ling
the nature of human contingencies, that
they fhall all really take place in the pre-
cife order, with the feveral peculiarities,
and to the full extent predided : let but
one difpaffionate obferver 'Be found, who
lliall maintain either of thefe pofitions,
and we may almoft venture to declare,
that we will forego our belief in facred
Prophecy, and no longer exalt the predic-
tions of Sion above the frantic effufions of
Heathen Oracles, or the wild conjectures of
Heathen Augury. »

But the fpirit of Prophecy was once
.manifefled on an occafion even more lin-
gular perhaps than any, which has already
been confidered. It forelhewed the future

exiftence

SERMON III,

iifit

exigence of a fpiritual tyranny the moll
extraordinary, to which the ambition and
ingenuity of man have ever given birth.
I Ihall be pardoned, I truft, for repeating the
defcription of this ftrange and moft formi-
dable power. In the fixth century before
Chrift, and again in more exprefs terms
during the age immediately fubfequent to
his appearance, it w^as predicated; that, at a
diftant period ", when the Roman empire,
then triumphant over the world, Ihould
fall into decay, a power °, the name of
which w^as hieroglyphically fpecified, fhould
arife from its ruins, and fix p its feat of
dominion in the ancient capital of the
world ; that this power fhould be founded
in the myftery of iniquity, and exhibit
that prodigy in the moral and political
world, which the Prophet emphatically de-
nominated the Man of Sin ; that it fhouM
impofe upon the credulity of ^ its followers,
by flagrant falfehoods, and an abandoned
profligacy of deceit ; that it fhould alter
the courfe of fociety, and even abrogate
the laws of nature, by forbidding both

" Daniel vll. 7, 8, 24. 2 Vheffalonians ii. 6, 7.

" Revelations xiii, i8. p Revelations xvii. 9.

I 4 • mar^

I20 SERMON III.

^ marriage and the ufe of meats ; that it
Ihould fupport its ufurped authority by the
moft relentlefs cruelty, by deluging '' its
extenfive territories with the blood of its
enemies, or by driving ^ them forth, help-
lefs and hopqlefs, from all the comforts
and charities of focial life ; that it lliould
^ impioufly lay claim to a fupernatural in-
fluence, and fubdue the untutored mind
by pretended ads of Omnipotence ; that,
deviating from the pure and fimple wor-
Ihip of the firft Chriftians, it fliould intro-
duce " idolatry and the dodrine of demons;
and, negleding the mediation of the ever
blefled Jefus, fhould fupplicate the divine
Power through the intervention of departed
mortals ; that it fliould carry up its blaf-
phemous pretenfions ^ to an height, which
it is fcarcely poffible to contemplate with-
out feelings of awful appreheniion, fliould
arrogate the incommunicable attributes
^nd omnipotent authority of the fupreme

< I Timothy iv. 2.

*■ Daniel vii. 21, 2^. Revelations xvii. 6. xviii. 24.

' Revelations xiii. 16, 17.

' 2 Theffalonians ii. 9, lo. Revelations xiii. 13, 14.

* 1 Timothy iv. i. Daniel xi, 38.

xi, 36. 2 Theffalonians Ii. 4,

Being,

SERMON III. 121

Being, and, feated in his hallowed temple,
Ihew itfelf to an idolizing world, as the
eternal and incomprehenfible God, the
Lord of heaven and earth ^ : and laflly,
that, having tyrannized more than twelve
hundred years over the minds as well as
perfons of the greateft portion of the
Chriftian world, it fliould fall at length
into decay, and be ^ delivered over to con-
demnation and endlefs perdition.

Such .are the features of the Papacy,
than which no fyftem could have been
devifed, more unlikely to arife from a
perverfion of the dodrines and fpirit of
the Gofpel. Though, in the Apollolic age,
to a prophetic eye the fatal power was
then Ihewn to be working ^ yet by un-
affifted human reafon the dawn of fuch a
tyranny could not furely be difcerned.
The imagination could fcarcely have con-
ceived one more inconfiilent with the fpot-

y Compare' 2 Theflalonians ii. 4. with Bhliop Newton's
account of the adoration paid to the new-ele6\ed Pope.
" ^em creant, adorant" was the infcription ufed on the
medals of Martin V. See Newton's DilTertations on the
prophecies. Diff. xxv.

^ Daniel vii. 25. Revelations six, 19, 20,

lefs

122 SERMON III.

lefs and imaffuming character of primitive
Chriftianitj. Had the ingenuity of man,
fpeculating upon the corruptions by which
even the pureft gifts of divine benevolence
are Hable to be deformed, been employed
during thofe early times in divining the
probable perverfions, to which Chriftianity
would be fubje(5l in its progrefs through
a vicious world, he would not furely have
been induced to predict the proud pomp
of fuperftition, nor the arrogance and ty-
ranny of predominating power, nor the
impious pretenfions of an afTumed divinity.-
With much greater probability might he
have apprehended the temporary preva-
lence of that lawlefs ipirit, of that equal
diftribution of property, and of thofe vifion-
ary plans of fociety, which gave difturb-
ance to fome parts of Germany at the
period of the Reformation, and were the
fubje^s of dangerous fpeculation in our own
country during the civil diifenfions of the
lafi: century. Let me not be fuppofed to
iniinuate, that our pure and holy Reli-
gion affords the flighteft fanclion or coun-
tenance to fuch dellrudive principles. No.
It marks them with decifive and unquali-
fied difapprobation. I wifh merely to ob-

ferve^

SERMON III. 123

ferve, that, from the pecuHar nature of
fome of the original doctrines of Chriftian-
ity, and from the probable effed: of their
operation upon corrupt or fanatical minds,
fuch a fpecies of abufe was more likely
than any other to arife. Hence it is rea-
fonable to fuppofe, that an impoftor would
naturally have feledted this particular kind
of perverfion, as the moft proper fubjed: of
conjecture. But the real Prophets were
filent upon this part of the fubjed: ; and
difplayed their eloquence in defcribing
events, the poffibility of which could
fcarcely have been admitted, till it was
fenfibly demonftrated by their occurrence.

From the whole tenor of the preceding
Difcourfe, it appears, that, in many of the
moft momentous inftances, the events fore-
ihewn were not only all in the higheft degree
IMPROBABLE, but fomc the very reverse
of thofe, which might naturally have been
expeded from the general courfe of hu-
man affairs, or the peculiar charader of
circumftances, as they exifted in the age of
the Prophet. To afcribe therefore fuch a
prefcience of the Prophets to a mere fpirit
of conjedure, or to confider the comple-
tion

124 SERMON an,

tion of their predi6lions as the fortunate
rohicidence of circumftances, appears to be
an a6l of grofs ignorance, of obflinate bhnd-
nefs, or of wilful perverfion of the truth.

Let it not be imagined that inftances
illuftrative of the argument are rare, and
that thofe, which I have now adduced, can
alone be difcovered among the numerous
prediftions of the Old and New Tefta-
ment. I have expatiated more fully upon
thofe few, for the fake of exciting the cu-
riofity of the inquifitive, and of inducing
them to contemplate Prophecy at large,
with a reference to the particular propor-
tion, which I have now endeavoured to
confirm. When attention has once been
awakened, numerous predictions will pre-
fent themfelves, by which the truth of the
pofition will be amply illuftrated.

What but divine infpiration could have
inftru6led Noah in that intimate know-
ledge of futurity, by which he forefaw ^
the unceafmg fervitude of the defcendants
of his three fons ?

^ Genefis ix. 25, 26, 2}.

What

SERMON III. 12^

What but divine infpiration could have
enabled the favoured Patriarch to mark,
with fuch precifion, thofe difcriminating
and feemingly inconfiftent circumflances
in the future fortunes of his two fons, Ja-
cob ^ and Efau ; that the elder Ihould de-
light in war and violence, and yet be fub-
jetfl to the younger ?

> What but the forefight of God could
have conceived the poffibility, and what
but the illuminating fpirit of God could
have excited in Balaam the opinion, that
the Ifraelites, a people entirely unknown to
the Prophet, fhould, in oppofition to every
principle of national policy, and to fome
of the flronsfeft inclinations of the human
heart, always dwell " alone, in a feparate
and peculiar ftate of fociety ?

What but the over-ruling influence of
divine Wifdom could have impreffed upon
his mind the final extindion '^ of the Ama-
lekites, and efpecially at that particular fea-
fbn, in which they wxre confidered even

^ Genefis xxvii. 40. <= Numbers xxiii. 9.

^ Numbers xxiv. 22,

by

126 SERMON lit

by himfelf as the firft, the moft ancient,
and the moil powerful among the nations,
which inhabited that part of the globe ?

Who on principles of mere human fpc-
culation could have dared to predift the
overthrow of Tyre by the power of the
Chaldeans ^, in an age when Chaldea was
yet in the form of a tributary province ;
and when the Aflyrian empire, advanced
to its higheft ftate of power and profperity,
was moft likely, if its overthrow was at all
probable, to effe6t the utter deftrudlion of
that haughty city ?

Was it probable in the age of Ifaiah,
that the glory of the God of the Hebrews
Tvould be peculiarly advanced by the fu-
ture fucceffes of a Perfian conqueror ? Is
there not a coincidence in the highell de-
gree extraordinary, and inexplicable upon
mere human principles, between the * pre-
dl(ftions of that Prophet, and the adlual
proclamations of Cyrus ? In the former it
is alferted, that the founder of the Perfian
empire would be elevated by the Almighty

'■ Ilalah xxiii. ij. 5 Isaiah xliv. xlv.

to

SERMON III. 127

to an uncommon height of power, fame,
and riches, for the exprefs purpofe of mak-
ing known his name and glory to all the
inhabitants of the earth. In the latter
the ^ royal conqueror, contrary to the ge-
neral practice, publickly afcribes the merit
of his vidories, not to the Eaftern deities,
whom he and his fathers had worfliipped,
but to the one only God, the Lord God
of heaven, the Lord God of Ifrael.

Was it probable that the ^^ Egyptians
Ihould be converted to the knowledge of
the true God, and that the defcendants of
Abraham fhould worfhip Jehovah in that
very land, in Which their anceftors had
been treated with unparalleled feverity,
and the inhabitants of which had fmce
been uniformly held forth as obje(5ts of
their juil abhorrence and continued en-
mity ?

Was it not contrary to all probability in
the days of the ancient Prophets, in the
peculiar ftate of feparation in which the

6 Ezra i. I, 2, 3. 2 Chronicles xxxvi. 25.
•* Ifaiah xix. 18, 25,

Jewifn

128 SERMON III.

Jewilli people had been placed by the Al-
mighty, that an univerfal Religion would^,
at a future period, be promulgated by an
inhabitant of Judea, or that it would be
generally received at the preaching of a
Jew by the Gentiles ?

Was it not contrary to all probability in
the days immediately preceding the cruci-
fixion, when the followers of our Lord, ter-
rified, difpirited, and defpairing, were about
to forfake him, and to flee, that neverthelefs,
before the paffing away even of that gene-
ration, his * Gofpel fliould be publifhed in
all the world ; and that at length it lliould
obtain a complete and lafting triumph over
the fuperftitions of the earth, though in-
evitably expofed to a general and moft in-
veterate oppofition, from the mercenary
views of the artificer and the prieft, from
the pride of the philofopher, from the
power and policy of the m^agiftrate, and
from the religious prejudices and corriipt
pafi[!ons of the people ?

Was it not contrary to all probability in

^ Matthew xxlv. 14. Mark xlji. lO.

the

SERMON IIL 12^

the days of our Saviour, that the inhabi-
tants of Judea would be led away captive
into all nations by the Romans ? They had
before yielded to the arms of Rome, and
no fuch calamitous confequence enfued.
Nay, it w^as the generous policy of that vic-
torious people, almoft uniformly obferved
in the later ages of the ftate, to leave to
the vanquiflied kingdoms the fecure pof-
fcffion of the greateft part of their terri-
tories, and, in general, their national po-
lity and the exerclfe of all their religious
rites. In the inftance of the Jews alone,
this cuftom was flagrantly violated : and
it is not perhaps unworthy of remark^ that
it was violated, not by a ftern, capricious,
and fanguinary tyrant, a Tiberius, a Cali-
gula, or a Nero; but by a prince, who was
the brighteft ornament of imperial Rome,
whofe character was marked by an un-
bounded fpirit of philanthropy, and who
was diftingui filed by the godlike appel-
lation of the love and delight of man^
kind \

The time would fail me, were I to pro-

^ Amor et delicise human! generis.

K ceed

130 SERMON IIL

ceed through all the numerous inftances
recorded in the facred Writings corrobo-
rative of the principle, which has been ad-
vanced. By thofe already given, curiofity
may perhaps be excited, and the fource of
enquiry opened. The more clofely this
part of the fubjeft is purfued, the ftronger
convidiion will be produced of the infpira-
tion of Jewifh and Chriftian Prophecy.
Let the unprejudiced enquirer, inftead of
feeking, like the Sceptic, for doubts, or
magnifying real difR(;ulties and plauiible
objections, inveftigate the precife nature of
the Prophecies, and refled; upon the pe-
culiar circumftances, under which they
were refpedtively uttered. By fuch a
mode of examination he w^ll be enabled
rationally to convince himfelf, that, at the
time of delivery, their completion muft
frequently have feemed diredlly oppofite
to prefent appearances, to reafonable expec-
tations, and to the regular order of human
occurrences. And let it be remembered,
that he, who has once been firmly fixed
in this perfuafion, will fcarcely be induced,
even by the moft fpecious arguments, to
renounce his faith in their divine origin,

or

SERMON III. 131

or to unite with the Infidel in reprefent-
ing them either as the effufions of wild
vifionaries, or the frauds of artful impof-
tors.

K 3

SERMON IV.

DEUTERONOMY Iv. 32.

ASK NOW OF THE DAYS THAT ARE PAST^
WHICH WERE BEFORE THEE, SINCE THE
DAY THAT GOD CREATED MAN UPON
THE EARTH ; AND ASK FROM THE ONE
SIDE OF HEAVEN UNTO THE OTHER,
WHETHER THERE HATH BEEN ANY SUCH
THING, AS THIS GREAT THING IS, OR
HATH BEEN HEARD LIKE IT,

IN exhibiting the proofs of a divine in-
terpofition in the inftance of Prophecy, it
appears to be in the higheft degree ufeful,
if not abfolutely neceflary, to eftabUfh and
enforce the pofitions advanced by multi-
pUed examples. From the operation of
phyfical caufes, or from pecuHar habits of
refledion, or from favourite modes of re-
K ^ fearch^

134 SERMON IV.

fearch, different minds are attracted and
influenced by different illuflrations. Be-
•fides, the very circumffance of numbers
and variety in the inftances adduced is
productive of a powerful effeCl, and effen-
tially contributes to the firm eftabhfhment
of our faith. And let it be remembered,
that the defender of Chriffianity is not oc-
cupied, on thefe occafions, upon cold and
abftrad; reafonings, nor does h& labour
merely to arrive at a knowledge of truth :
he ftrenuouily endeavours, upon the moft
momentous fubjed, which can engage the
attention or intereft the feelings of a rea-
fonable and immortal being, to overpower
with conviction the mind, w^hich may
anxioufly defire to be fatisfied ; but, from
the extraordinary nature of the cafe, may
be juftly fearful of affording a precipitate
affent.

Though the predictions confidered in a
former LeCture are eminently ftriking, and
ought to fatisfy the moft fcrupulous en-
quirer; yet they are unqueftionably ex-
ceeded, in many important characteriftics,
by a Prophecy perhaps the moff wonder-
ful, which was delivered in the long courfe

S E R M O N IV. 135

oi* divine Revelation. As, in the material
world, different degrees of fplendour and
magnificence are imparted to different pro-
dudions of the almighty Creator : fo, in the
courfe of the awful manifeftation of his
Omnifcience, he has afforded a ftronger
appearance of divinity to particular parts
'of his Revelation, though all are undoubt-
edly raifed above human ability, and are
equally worthy of God.

The clrcumfiiance to which I allude is
the prefent aftonifliing condition of the
Jewifli people. As it is fubmitted to our
daily obfervation, and is fmgularly calcu-
lated both to excite curiofity and to pro-
duce convidiion, I have referved it for
the fubjed of a feparate Difcourfe, and
lliall now confider it at large as forcibly
illuflrative of the principle, which I have
advanced^ refpeding the frequent impro-
bability of the events foretold by the
ancient Prophets.

In reprefenting with fidelity the prefent

condition of the Jews, for the purpofe

of flrongly illuflrating and confirming the

truth of Prophecy, it is impoflible not to

K. 4 adinit

136 S E R M O N IV.

admit fuch fentimcnts and defcriptions, as
muft give pain to that unfortunate nation.
Let it not, however, be fuppofed, that
this duty is performed by the advocate of
Chriftianity, without a confiderable degree of
relu6lance. No'iincere Chriftian can wan-
tonly wound the feehngs or aggravate the
miferies of an afflicted people^. Pcrfecution,

what-

^ The fincere Chriftian cannot without reluctance de-
fcribe this humiliating condition of the Jews. The argu-
ment however required a true and moft forcible ftatement :
and I am juftified in making it, not by general opinion
alone, which may be erroneous from prejudice 5 not by
the fentimenfs of Voltaire, which fcepticifm may have
warped J but by the confeffion of fome of the politeft and
moft liberal writers, who have ever appeared among that
unfortunate people. I allude to the Letters of certain Jews ,
to M. de Voltaire. Though coming forward in defence of
their nation in general againft the virulent attack and ex-
aggerated reprefentations of the French Infidel, they feem
to defend only one particular feft of it. The)'- make a wide
diftinftion between the Spanifh and Portugueze Jews, and
all other Jews, mentioned under the general title of Polifh
and Germans. Thefe latter, according to a ftatement of
the Monthly Review, which was thought worthy of being
admitted by them in a fubfequent edition into the body of
their work, " fcattered over the whole Eaftern and Weftern
" empires, have always lived, fmce the time of Conftantine
^' the Great, In Greece and Aria,and fince that of Charlemagne
*' In the weft, in oppreffion and mifery, looked upon as flaves,
" and inhumanly treated as fuch. And they are treated much

" in

S E R M O N IV. 137

whatever form it may aiTume, is utterly
irrcconcileable with the pure and gentle
fpirit of our Religion. Though we know,
that the lengthened fufFerings of the Jews
were decreed in the councils of divine
Wifdom ; yet we alfo know, that the na-
tions, w^iofe evil paffions have at different
times been rendered inftrumental in their
punifhment, were frequently in their turn
rejected, when the dreadful office had been
fulfilled. We acknowledge, with fenfations
of grateful refped:, that from the Jews we
have derived the facred Oracles of God ;

*' In the fame manner now, even in Europe, almofl in every
" part of Germany, at Venice, and in ail tiie ecclefiaftical
'* ftates." From this paffage, it is evident, that the Jews
called German and Polilh muft conftitute far the moft
confiderable portion of the whole people. In thefe letters
the Portugueze and Spanilh Jews are reprefented as not
diftinguiilied, like the other defcendants of Abraham, from
the reft of mankind by deficiency in elegance, refinement,
and literature, but as elevated in mind above their * bre-
.threu of other nations, infomuch that,'even by the confef-
fK^n of thofe very brethren, it has been fometimes fcarcely
credited, that they were both of one common ftock. All
other Jews, it is allowed by thefe writers, " are defpifed and
" reviled on all fides, are often perfecuted, and alv/ays in-
" fulted : even human nature among them, it has been con-
'' fefled, is debafed and degraded f ."

* Letters of certain Jews, &c. vol. i. p. 66. f lb. p. 40.

that

■i^H S E R M O iV IV.

that among them arofe the holy Prophets,
and the glorious company of the Apoflles ;
and that from among their brethren, in the
fulnefs of time, the Son of God, the Sa-
\ iour of the world, was born ^. We are
induced, moreover, to exped, from the
ftrong affurance of Prophecy, that their
difperfion and calamities will be but for an
appointed time ; and that they will finally
be reftored to the favour of God. And
with fuicerity and earneftnefs we join in
the pious and charitable petition of our
Liturgy, that they may foon be brought
home to the flock of our bleffed Lord, and
become with us one fold under one Shep-
herd, Jefus Chrift, our common Saviour
and Redeemer.

On the prefent occafion, the argument
requires me to ftate in forcible terms the
fevere calamities, to which they have long
been fubje6t, and which they ftill continue
in fome degree to fuffer.

In an early age of the world, more than
three thoufand years ago, a few poor and

^ See Newton on the Prophecies. Difl": viii.

linim-

SERMON IV, 139

tinimportant tribes, delivered from a ftate
of bondage and oppreflion, were wander-
ing over a barren and dreary wildernefs.
Their leader, the acknowledged minifter
of Heaven, at the concluiion of long and
fuccefsful labours, and the clofe of a holy
life, prefented to their view an afFedling
pidure of their future condition, when
they fhould have incurred the juft difplea-
fure of their God. With a vigour of ex-
preffion, which has never been exceeded,
and with a minutenefs of detail, which has
feldom been equalled, even by the mofl
accurate hiftorian, he reprefented to them,
that they fliould be *^ fcattered among all
people from the one end of the earth even
unto the other ; that "^ among thefe na-
tions they fl^ould find no eafe, neither
Ihould the fole of their feet have reft ;
that they fiiould be fmitten ^ by the Lord
with madnefs, and blindnefs, and aftonifli-
ment of heart ; that they fliould have a
^ trembling of heart, and failing of eyes,
and forrow of mind 5 that they ^ fhould

' Deuteronomy xxviii. 64. '^ Id. xxvili. 65.

« Id. xxvili. 28. i Id. xxviii. 65.

s Id. xxviii, 37,

becoma

HO SERMON IV.

become an aflonirtimcnt, a proverb, and a
bye-word ; that they ^' fhould be oppreffed
evermore, and that no man fhould fave
them. It is added, that their ' life fhould
hang in doubt, and that they fhould fear
night and day, and fliould have none affur-
ance of their life ; that, in the bitternefs
of anguilli, in the morning they fliould fay,
^ Would God it were even ! and at even
they fhould fay. Would God it were morn-
ing ! Furthermore, it is declared, that
though they fliould be difperfed and af-
-ili6led in this fevere and awful manner,
yet that God ^ would not caft them away,
nor abhor them to deftroy them utterly ;
but that, as their "^ plagues were great
and w^onderful, fo fliould they be of long
continuance ; and that " they 'fliould be
upon them for a fign, and for a wonder,
and upon their feed for ever.

From the defcription of the Prophet let
us turn to the annals of the Hillorian. When
the holy city of David had yielded to the vic-

^> Deut. xxvili. ag, 31. ' Id. xxvlii. 66.

^ Id. xxviii. 67. ' Levit. xxvi. 44.

^ Deut. xxviii. 59, " Deut. xxviii. 46,'

torious

SERMON IV. 141

tox'ious arms of Rome, the inhabitants were
€?:pelled from their native territory, and fcat-
t€red through all the kingdoms of the world.
Since the time of that calamitous event,
they have wandered over every portion of
the globe, without national poiTeffions, an
acknowledged conftitution, or independent
Jaws. They were reprefented by the Ro-
man hiftorian, as actuated, previoufly to
their difperfion, by a fpirit of hatred to-
wards the whole human race. Since that
dreadful calamity, they have lived almoft
.conftantly in a flate of reciprocal hatred
with mankind. Though generally fub-
miffive to the laws, and flrangers to poli-
tical intrigue, they have frequently been
expofed to perfecution and plunder, even
with the connivance of governments, which,
in ajl other inftances, have guarded as far
cred the property of individuals. Though
abundantly poflelTed of riches, which ufually
command the refped of mankind, and en-
noble even ignorance and folly, they have
been generally treated with contempt by
the powerful, and fometimes even followed
with infult by the populace. They have
been driven from city to city, from coun-
try

142 S E R M O N ly.

try to country : even their children ° hav©
fometimes been forcibly taken from their
parental protection, and educated in a re-
ligion, which is the obje6l of their heredi-
tary averiion. Their lives have not unfre-
quently been eflimated without any re-
gard to the high importance ufually an-
nexed to the exiftence of "human beings.
In Chrlftian countries, and under regular
governments, they have in fome inftances
been facrificed to a wanton and unrelent-
ing fpirit of cruelty, in violation of all
laws human and divine, and in oppofition
to the feelings of our nature. They feem,
as it were, to have loft their rank in the
creation, and to have funk nearly below
humanity. Their fellow- creatures appear
in many countries to have refufed to them
alone the juftice due to all, and the com-
paffion inherent in man.

Such is the faithful though melancholy
pidlure of a people, once diftinguilhed bj

* In Roman Catholic countries, particularly in Spain
and Portugal. See Newton on the Prophecies, and Pa-
trick's Commentary on Deuteronomy xxviii. 52,

the

SERMON IV. 143

the peculiar favour of the Almighty ; for
whom the fea was divided in Egypt, and
the fun ftood ilill upon Gibeon ; whofe
laws were brought down from heaven, and
whofe anceftors walked with God.

Yet amidft multiplied inftances of op-
preffion, mifery, and contempt, they have
refolutely continued through feventeen hun-
dred years a feparate and diftindl people.
Their God hath p not caft them away, nor
abhorred them, to deftroy them utterly ;
their great "^ and wonderful plagues, which
were to be of long continuance, ftill re-
main; the curfes are yet upon them, which,
in the flrong language of Scripture', were
to be for a fign and for a wonder upon
them and their feed for ever. Not mingled
and loft among the kingdoms, over which
they have been fcattered, they retain the
means, upon their returning obedience, of
beholding their ^ captivity turned ; and of
being gathered from the nations, and rc-
ftored to the land of their fathers ^

This

r Levit. xxvi, 44. 'i Deut. xxviii. 59.

•■ Deut, xxviii, 46, 59. . * Id, xxx. i, 2, 3, 4.

* The paflages in ths Pentateuch, which we have quoted,

appear,

144 SERMON IV.

This is the part of the Prophecy, which
inconteftably places it far above the reach
of human wifdom, or the fufpicion of im-
pollure. If the claim to divine Revelation
be rejected, it will not be in the power of
the hiftorian or the philofopher to^ affign
any caufe, which will fatisfactorily explain
this extraordinary condition of an whole
people. Their continuance in fuch a £-
tuation is unexampled, and w^e may even
venture to pronounce it miraculous. It
* cannot therefore be fuppofed, that it could
have been anticipated, by the moft Higa-

appear, and are generally allowed, declfively to prove, that
Mofes forefaw this extraordinary circumftance in the pre^
lent fortunes of his countrymen. Our blefled Lord, (Luke
xxi. 22.) when he predifted the approaching calamities of
the Jews, exprefsly afl'erted, that thofe were the days of ven-
geance, that all things, which were written, might be ful-
filled. Jeremiah (xlvi. 28. xx;x. 11. xxiii. 3.) and many
other Prophets, (Ifaiah x. 21, 22. Ezekiel vi. 8, 9. Amos
ix. 9.) prediftcd it in the molt exprels language, which
cannot be interpreted in any other fenfe, nor referred to any
other times. The argument is here ftated as referring to the
Prophecy of Mofes } though, if the application of the paf-
fages from the Pentateuch fhould not be admitted, with fome
flight alteration of the manner, and with no diminution of
its force, it may be rendered equally applicable to the words
of the later Prophets, of the precife fenfe of which no doubt
can' be entertained.

cious

SERMON IV. 145

clous penetration, or the moft fortunate
conjecture.

If we reprefent to ourfelves an impof-
top, in the age of Mofes, defirous of ac-
quiring reputation by a pretended know-
ledge of futurity, every argument, which
could have fuggefted itfelf to his under-
ftanding, mull have difcovered the ab-
furdity of the prediction, which he ven-
tured to dehver ; and he may juftly be
charged with either madnefs, or unpardon-
able credulity,' if he fuppofed, that its pof-
fibility would either be admitted by his
hearers at the moment, or confirmed by
the event in future. If he had turned his
eyes around upon the nations, which were
then prefented to his view, the general ap-
pearance muft have forcibly dilTuaded him
from hazarding fo unreafonable a conjec-
ture. The predicted condition of his coun-
trymen was contrary to the lliate of all the
nations, which had previoufly exifted in
the world, or were at that period in being.
In the more refined ages of mankind, when
the intercourfe between countries is fre-
quent and extenfive, when commerce has
united by a common band the moft re-
L mote

146 S E R M O N IV.

mote regions, and liberality of fentiment
has kindled a fpirit of toleration and uni-
verfal benevolence, the habits and cuftoms
of a foreign and diftant race of men are
not only endured, but are, in many in-
ftances, even courteoufly received by the
natives. It is not fo among the rude hordes
of primitive fociety. The favage looks
down with difdain, or rifes with indigna-
tion, upon all who are not of his tribe.
He hates the culloms w^hlch differ from
his own. The unknown intruders are ei-
ther exterminated at a blow, or gradually
exhaufted by unceafmg oppreffion. When
barbarians leave their native land, they are
either borne away by conquerors, or are
animated to relinquifli it by a fpirit of en-
terprize. In the former cafe, they are foon
reftored by the fortune of war to the coun-
try of their ancellors, or they impercepti-
bly melt into one common people with
their conquerors. In the latter, under the
condud; of a daring and fuccefsful chief,
they expel the natives from a favourite ter-
ritory, or they found an infant flate amidft
the waftes and folitude of nature. Such
was the condud of mankind from the ear-
iieft seras of the world, to a period fubfe-

quent

S E R M O N IV.

■47

quent to the times of Mofes. It was not,
therefore, from a fimilar fituation among
other people, into which, according to the
courfe of fociety, it was natural to ima-
gine, the defcendants of Ifrael .rnight fall,
that the Prophet was induced to utter this
prediction. The condition, as I have be-
fore afTerted, was contrary to every exam-
ple then prefented to his view, and un-
paralled in the annals of all preceding
ages.

Had the hiftory of the whole future
world been brought by anticipation within
the knowledge of Mofes, the uniform
courfe of focial life muft have convinced
him, that even the exiftence of fuch a
ftate of fociety as he defcribed, except un-
der an extraordinary and immediate inter-
pofition of God, was in the higheft degree
improbable. Foreign tribes, when admitted
into a country, gradually intermingle with
the natives, and, after the lapfe of a few
generations, are blended and loft among
the original inhabitants. Excited at once
by principles of intereft, and by a natural
fpirit of imitation, they foon poffefs in
common the fame government, the fame
L z laws.

148 S E R M O N IV.

laws, the lame religion, and, after a longer
courfe of years, even the fame national
chara<5ler, and the fame internal difpofition
of mind. The modern kingdoms of Eu-
rope were compofed, at their firft confti-
tution, of very different races of men. The
ferocious hordes of the north, defcending
into the fertile and deHghttul provinces of
the Roman empire, united themfelves with
the natives of the diftrids in which they
refpedively fettled, and foon formed w^ith
them common and independent ftates. In
what kingdom at this day can we diftin-
guiili between the defcendants of the
primitive inhabitants, and thofe of their
barbarous invaders ? Who can feparate in
France the race of the indigenous Gauls,
from the fucceflbrs of the Franks and Bur-
gundians } Where are the diftincl traces in
Spain between the ancient Iberi, and the
defcendants of their Gothic conquerors ?
If we look round among our own coun-
trymen, in vain fliall we endeavour to dif-
cover the diftinguifhing chara6teriftics of
the refpe6live families, w^hich are derived
from the Romans or the Saxons, from the
Danes or the Normans, or from the ori-
s;inai inhabitants of Britain.

If,

-SERMON IV. 149

h", withdrawing our attention from the
general cuftom of mankind, we confine it
to the particular charader of the Jewifli
people, we fliall difcover that there was no
peculiarity in their difpofition, which could
authorize their leader to predi6l fo won-
derful a deviation from the regular courfe
of human nature. When we examine the
moft remarkable features of their national
charader, as difplayed under the divine go-
vernment, we iliall find them to be of all
men the leafh likely to have experienced,
in thefe later times, fuch a ftriking fingu-
larity of fortune. In the early ages of
their hiftory, they were diftinguifhed by a
culpable, nay almoft an unnatural eagernefs
to forfake the worfhip of their God, and
to adopt the fuperftitions of the furround-
ing nations. While they were fupported
by the manifeft interpofition of the Deity ;
while his manna was falling from heaven
and the pillar of fire was yet burning be-
fore their armies, they bowed down to
other gods, and imitated the forbidden
rites of idolaters. TEven at the folemn
foundation of their polity, amidft the moft
awful manifeftations of the divine prefence
lipon the mountain, they ereded the mol-
L 3 ten

i^o SERMON IV.

ten image in the adjacent valley. In the
fubfequent periods of their hiftory, while
ftill bleffed with the peculiar favour of the
Almighty, they were frequently feduced to
defert his worfhip, even while they beheld
his repeated miracles, and were daily fup-
ported by his power. Though they were
invited, on the one hand, to a dutiful lub-
miffion, by the moft alluring profped: of
temporal rewards ; and were expofed, on
the other, to an immediate inflidlion of
the tremendous punifliments, with vrhich
their rebellion was threatened : and though,
in moft inftances, thefe rewards and punifh-
ments w^ere the certain confequences of
their piety, or of their difobedience ; yet
they conftantly relapfed into idolatry, and
polluted themfelves with the forbidden
rites of the Heathens. While the tops of
the hills were every where illuminated with
the fires kindled to the bafe and imaginary
deities of the nations, feven thoufand only
in Ifrael remained faithful to the God who
had conduced their fathers from the land
of bondage. Yet this very people, when
not only rejected by the Almighty, but
faffcring under his fcvere and vifible dif-
pleafiire, when fcattered over all the ha-
bitable

SERMON IV. 151

bitable globe, and expofed through their
whole exiftence to oppreffion, to forrow,
and to fhame, notwithftanding all thefe
ftrong and multiplied caufes for an union
•with the different nations of the world, were
inflexibly to continue in a diflind: ftate, in
manifeft contradiction to the uniform fpi-
rit of their anceftors, and to the common
propenfities of nature.

The hiftorian of the Decline and Fall
of the Roman Empire ", who has in many
inftances borne flrong though perhaps un-
willing teflimony to the truth of Pro-
phecy "", has noticed in a manner peculiarly
ftriking the ftrange inconfiftcncy in the
character of the Jews under the firft and
under the fecond Temple, and has thus un-
intentionally given additional force to the
miraculous nature of this extraordinary
predidion. For the inconfiftency of the
modern Jews, in their inflexible attach-
ment to the Law of Mofcs, is incompara-

" See Gibbon's Roman Hiftory, v. 1. c. xv. p. 539. 4*".

" See Whitaker's Pamphlet exprelsly written for the pur-
pofe of fliewing the numerous Inftances, in which the truth
of facred Prophecy may be confirmed upon the authority
of the Infidel hiftorlan,

L 4 bly

152 SERMON IV.

bly more extraordinary than that of the
inhabitants of Judea after the captivity,
at which the writer farcaftically expreffes
amazement. The inference, however, which
he infidioufly endeavours to draw from the
circumftance, is very different from that,
which the Chriftian may juftly derive from
it.

There could be no peculiarities in 'the
charadler of the Jews, or in the nature of
their various eftablifliments, fubje6t to ob-
fervation in the age of Mofes, which might
embolden an artful fpeculator to indulge
fo extraordinary and improbable a conjec-
ture refpediing their future condition. If
we examine their national character, with
a reference to this particular fubjc(5l, as
circumftances unfolded it in fucceeding
times, we fliall difcover the moft decifive
proofs in fupport of this alTertion. When
fettled upon the Eaftern fliores of the Me-
diterranean, they confifted of tw-elve tribes.
Of thefe, ten w ere difperfed in captivity
over the Eaft. And though individuals may
have returned in the reign of Cyrus with
the inhabitants of Judah to Jerufalem ; yet
the people at large, falling away by infen^

fible

SERMON IV.

15:

iible intermixture, at length totally difap-
peared among the natives of the countries,
into which they had been conveyed ; while
two alone have furvived a iimilar difper-
fion, perfevering in the religion and cuf-
toms of their anceftors, and exhibiting
a wonderful phenomenon in the moral
world. The government, the facred rites,
the manners, the difpofition of the twelve
tribes, were uniform in the age of Mofes.
And no poffible reafon can be affigned
why, while the greater number of them
have apparently melted away into the
ftream of focial life, the remnant have
clearly, and in the full eft manner, verified
the prediction, by refolutely refufiug to coa-
lefce, and by viewing with a fullen apathy
the alluring and fplendid examples by which
they are tonftantly furrounded. Yet thd
Prophet exprefsly predicted the peculiar
prefervation, which awaited the remnant
of a people, in contradidion not only to
general cuftom, but to the experience of a
great majority of their own nation.

One of the fundamental principles of

the Mofaic difpenfation, it might reafon-

pbly have been fuppoled, would powcrr

. ' , fully

154 SERMON IV-

fully incite the j:)eople, when placed in the?
peculiar circumftances, which were pre-
didied, and which have aclually attended
their difperfion, to renounce the law of
their Prophet, and depart altogether from
their faith in the God of their fathers.
The bleiTuigs which he had promifed were
temporal. Immediate rewards were to fol-
lov/ their obedience. The Chriftian under
the preflure of fevere and hopelefs afflic-
tions looks forward to a final recompence
in another world, and receives fupport and
comfort from the firm expectation of a fu-
ture ftate of happinefs. But the hopes of
the Jew wxre in a great degree confined
to his prefent exiilence. When worldly
profperity and comfort became apparently
unattainable, the flrong tie, which bound
him to the obfervance of his law, it fliould
feem, would be dilTolved. To a rational
fpeculator it coujd fcarcely have appeared
pofTible, that a people, placed under an^
economy, in which temporal welfare was
the promifed reward of obedience, would
ftedfaftly perfevere in their fidelity, when
9II temporal welfare was withdrawn, and
they were expofed to the longefh and moil
heavy calamities, which, in the adminillra-

tion

SERMON IV.' 155

tion of the moral government of the world,
the great Difpofer of all events has ever
inflided upon any nation.

From the preceding remarks, the pre-
didiion of Mofes appears to be contrary to
the regular courfe of fociety, to the par-
ticular difpofition of the Jewifli people,
and to the particular fpirit of the Jewifli
law. But in addition to the arguments
already adduced, there were to be peculiar
circumftances in their condition, by which
an impoftor muft have beeti convinced,
that they would be more efpecially tempted
to coalefce with the inhabitants of the
countries, over which they would be dif-
perfed. They were to be a fcattered peo-
ple. They were not to be united and
fixed in one place, as were their anceftors
in Egypt. In fuch a ftate, it would have
feemed not altogether improbable, that
they might preferve their national union,
from the influence of numbers, of con-
tinual intercourfe with each other, and of
hereditary cufloms and manners perpe-
tually prefent to their lenfes. But when
divided and fcattered, when poiTefTed of no
national cflablifhment, when daily con-

verfant,

256 S E R M O N IV,

Verfant, in all the affairs of life, with the
principles and practices of other nations, it
might naturally be expeded, that they
would gradually depart from the ufages of
their anceftors, and infenfibly intermingle
■with the people, by whom they lliould be
furrounded. Again, it was natural to ima-
gine, that the miferies, to which this un-
happy people were devoted, would force
them to furrender through fear, or to re-
nounce with indignation, the difi;in6tions
and even the name of their tribes ; that
when fmking under the preffure of their
own calamities, and furveying the fuffer-
ings of their relatives and countrymen ;
when looking back upon the wretched con-
dition of thofe, who had gone before them,
and anticipating with paternal apprehen-
fion the wrongs and w^oes, to which their
children muft be born -, they would fly for
ilielter to an union with the native inha-
bitants, and feek an equal participation of
their laws, and an equal protedion from
their government : — and, laftly, that when
refledling, in addition to their fufferings,
upon the obloquy univerfaily annexed to
their name, they would throw^ it off in a
fpirit of manly refentmentj and bury in ob-=

livion

SERMON IV. 157

livicn the records and the memory of their
nation. Marked out, on many occaiions,
for mockery and infult, hftening, not un-
frcquently, to the taunts of their paiiing
fellow creatures ; in fome inftances, the
theme of national tales, and the fubjed of
national merriment ; ilirely,' according to
the common feelings of nature, they would
haften with eagernefs to adopt the means,
which midit reftore them to the refped:
of mankind, to burft afunder all the bonds
of a feparate fociety, and to regain, by a
mixture with other nations, the rank which -
they could not enjoy during the continu-
ance of their own.

in addition to thefe predi6led peculiari-
ties of fortune, there are others not parti-
cularly foretold, to which they might be
fubjcd:, and which they have in reality ex-
perienced ; which, according to the ufual.
operation of human caufes, might rcafona-
bly be expe(5led to fruftrate fo extraordinary
a Prophecy, and occafion the intermixture
and final extindion of the Jews among the
. nations, over which they have been dif-
perfed. They have lived in ages, in which
fclence and refinement have been advanced

to

158 SERMON iV.

to an unprecedented degree of excellence.
Yet they have remained almoft entire
ftrangers to their influence. Surrounded by
fplendour, and overflowing with opulence,
they are, for the moft part, infenfible to
the elegant pleafures of cultivated fociety :
educated in phllofophic countries, they are
in general, notwithftanding fome illuftrious
exceptions, little captivated by the charms
of literature, or animated by the eiFufions
of genius. All that is fplendid, all that is
amiable in life, appears, in moft inftances,
. to rife and fall before them unnoticed and
unfelt. Even imitation, v/hich is natural
to man, feems almofl: to have loft its power;
and the progrefs of fociety, v/hich ever
keeps pace with opportunity, among them
alone has been ftrangely checked and pre-
vented. Again, they have been devoted
to their fecular interefts, and have been
engaged, even with the bafeft and moft
fervile fpirit, in the accumulation of wealth.
Now it was extremely natural, that, under
fuch circumftances, they fliould adopt, from
motives of policy, the manners, the go-
vernment, and the religion of the people,
among whom they hoped to proiper. By
thefe means they would concihate general

con-

SERMON IV. 159

confidence ; they would fecure their pof-
feffions from violence ; and they would
enlarge the fphere of their commerce
under the aufpices of the government, to
w^hofe privileges and liberties they Ihould
be admitted.

Such a fituation indeed of an whole
people appears to be oppofite to the very
nature of civil fociety. No fimilar inftance
can be found in all the pages of hiftory,
amidft all the diverfities of climate and of
national charader, under all the changes
of government, and in all the ftages of
civilization, from the rude condition of fa-
vage life, to the moffc elevated ftate of ele-
gance and refinement. Had any venturous
theorift in the age of the Prophet been
endowed with all the political knowledge,
which, in the moft favourable times, has
ever been attained by the wifeft and the
moft experienced -, had he been acquainted
with. all the ages that were to come, and
penetrated with uncommon fagacity into
the nature of all future polities ; had he
revolved within his mind all the pra6lica-
ble combinations of mankind, all the capa-
bilities of focial life ; and then, had he

been

i6o SERMON IV,

been called forth to pronounce upon the
poffibility of the conthiued exiftence of a
people in fuch an extraordinary condition,,
he muft have decided in the negative ; he
mufi: have declared it to be contradictory
to the ruling principles of civil fociety,
and inconfiftent with the general nature
of man.

In vain then will the Infidel endeavour
to difcover any principles of human wif-
dom, which could have encouraged an im-
poftor, in the age of Mofes, to predial the
prefent condition of his countrymen. I
have been induced to expatiate upon this
Prophecy, becaufe it is evidently of a na-
ture fo iingularly ftriking, as to be calcu-
lated, in an uncommon degree, to fubdue
the incredulity of the- Infidel, and confirm
the faith of the Chriftian. For when we
revolve in our minds, that it was delivered
in the early ages of the world, and has re-
ceived its completion in thefe latter days ;
that the greateft atchicvements of the
human race, the rife and fall of the mofl
illuflrious empires, and the moft momen-
tous revolutions in the flate of civil fociety,
have intervened between its delivery and

its

SERMON IV. i6i

its final accomplifhment ; that the condi-
tion defcribed was contrary to the ex-
perience not only of all the times that had
pafled, but of all that have fince elapfed; and
was in direct oppofition to one of the moft
ftriking features in the charader of the
people, and even to a fundamental princi-
ple in the Jewifh difpenfation : that the con-
tinuance of fuch a condition feemed to be
precluded by circumftances, of which fome
were abfolutely foretold, and others might
probably occur ; and moreover, being appa-
rently incompatible with the general courfe
of human affairs, muft have been confidered
as morally impoffible : — when we bring
thefe ftrong confiderations to our minds,
and then refleft, that the condition was
as fully, clearly, and precifely foretold by
Mofes, as it could now be defcribed by
the hiflorian, w^e difcern herein fuch an
inftance of foreknowledge, as can only be
fuppofed to proceed from the infpiration of
that omnifcien^ Being, to whom the fu-
ture is as clear as the paft, and in whofe
fight a thoufand years are but as one day.
It bears in all its parts the moll: manifeft
figns of a divine origin, and is unquefiiion-
ably the Revelation of the high and mighty
M One,

i62 SERMON IV.

One, who inhabiteth eternity. For, in the
bold and eloquent language of the great
leader of Ifrael, we may ** afk now of the
days that are paft, which were before us,
fince the day, that God created man upon
the earth ; and we may afk from the one
fide of heaven unto the other, whether
there hath been any fuch thing as this
great thing is, or hath been heard like it."

I fhall conclude the prefent LeAure with
fome obfervations refulting from the fubjecfl,
which has been now under difcuffion.

The miraculous nature of the fituation,
in which the Jews are placed, might per-
haps be intended by the great Difpofer of
all human events, as an additional and
moft powerful incentive to faith. In order
to aid the imperfedlions of his creatures, he
may gracioufly have ordained, that the peo-
ple, through whom his divine will has been
revealed, ihould be diftinguiflied, through
their whole hiftory, by remarkable deviations
from the ordinary courfe of their fellow
creatures. The ancient Prophets, in order to
imprefs the Ifraelites with an entire con-
vidion of their divine miifion, frequently

accom-

S E R M O N IV. 163

accompanied their folemn revelations with
an a6l of preternatural power. In con-
formity with the fame principle, it may
benevolently be defigned, that the modern
Chriftian fliould be roufed to a bolder con-
fidence in his Religion, by beholding, as it
were, a continued miracle ^ difplayed on
its behalf.'

The present aftonifliing condition of the
Jews is further calculated to ftrengthen and
illullrate the teflimonies, recorded in the

y One of the principal human caufes of the contuiuance
of the Jews in a diftinft flate will be found in the expedta-
tiop of their Meffiah;, which they ftill fondly cherifh. But-
llirely this expeftation cannot deftroy the fupernatural cha-
radler, which their difperfion exhibits. The caufe is not
equal to the etfedl. Can we conceive it poilible upon prin-
ciples merely human, that a people would continue to en-
dure through two thoufand years the heaviell and.moft ex-
traordinary calamities, which have ever been brought upon
any nation, merely from the expeftation of attaining at
length a ftate of temporal profperity ? But whatever may
have been the influence of this caufe in former times, it is
now confiderably diminiflied by their repeated difappoint-
ments in all the periods, at which they expefted the Mef-
fiah. So far, however, is it from v/eakening the force of the
predi6lions relating to the Jews, that it aftually ftrengthens
and confirms them. For it was clearly and forcibly foretold
by the Prophets, and is itfelf, therefore, a decifive proof of
their real infpiration.

M % facred

i64 S E R M O N IV.

facred annals, of a more immediate difplay
of figns and mighty wonders in their fa-
vour during ancient times. Though we
no longer view the water burfting from
the rock, or the land enveloped at noon
in the gloomy fhades of night ; yet we
cannot but implicitly aflent to the tefti-
mony of fuch fupernatural appearances,
when we fee the w^iole Jewiih nation
"now exiiling under circumftances inexpli-
cable by human caiifes, and oppofite to all
the eftablifhed principles of fociety. i

Again, it may be gracioufly intended for
our benefit, that, in the prefent dlftrefsful
Hate of the chofen people, we fhould be-
hold an example of divine juftice faithfully
coinciding with our natural conceptions
refpeding the attributes of the Deity. The
more forcible were their incentives to duty,
the more heinous has been their crime of
difobedience. The more fignal were the
favours once indulged to them, the more
fevere, it is natural to expect, would be
the punilhment, with which their aggra-
vated guilt fliould be vlfited. If the great
powers of nature w^ere miraculoufly di-
verted from their courfe, for the fake of

animating

SERMON IV. 165

animating and confirming their faith, it is
not furprifing, that the laws of fecial life
fhould ceafe to operate, and the natural
feelings of benevolence be fufpended, in
order that an extraordinary vengeance
may be taken upon them, fdr the cruci-
fixion of the Lord of life, and for their
long and ftubborn rejedion of his Gofpel,
If once, while placed under the folemn
trial of fidelity to their God, they appeared
among mankind with his glory vifibly dif-
played before their armies, and aw^fully
prefent in their temple, it furely is con-
fident with the plan of divine juftice, that,
after a lengthened courfe of rebellion and
iniquity, they fhould be expofed to the
view of the human race, manifeflly im-
prefled with the mark of his difpleafure.
This fmgular condition, I have faid, may be
intended for our admonition. The fuffering
Jew is a fenfible and mofl folemn example
to the carelefs Chriflian and the hardened
Infidel. If upon the favoured people fuch
a fevere punifliment has been inflicted, the
world at large can have no reafbnable hope
of efcape. The guilt of their incredulity
was aggravated in proportion as their means
of knowledge were more abundant. And

M 3

let

i66 S E R M O N IV.

let him, who now perverfely turns away
from the volume of divine Revelation,
while he beholds their calamity, reflect
upon its caufe, and prudently endeavour
to know the things that belong unto his
peace, before they lliall be finally hidden
from his eyes.

But if erroneous explications are not
given of thofe parts of the Prophecies re-
fpedling the Jewifli people, which have
not yet been fulfilled, we mufl necelTarily
conclude, that Providence has yet another
grand defign in continuing them in fo fm-
gular a condition. The fame Almighty
Voice, which pronounced that they Ihould
not be confounded with the nations, among
which they would be fcattered, has alio de-
clared, if we may venture to affix a full and
precife meaning to the words of unaccom-
plifhed Prophecy, that, at a diflant period
of time, when their fulferings fliould have
ceafed, they fliall be triumphantly reflored
to the land of their fathers. If fuch an
alteration of their worldly fortunes has
been decreed in the counfels of the Al-
mighty, and is adually difclofed in the
Revelations of his Prophets, in the pecu-
liarity

SERMON IV. 167

liarity of their prefent condition we ^ dif-
cern the efFedual and, perhaps, the only-
human means, by which the accomplilh-
ment of the predidion may be brought to
pafs. They are not confounded and loft
among the inhabitants of the countries,
over which they have been difperfed.
They have not acquired any local domi-
nion, which they might be unwilling to
relinquifli. They poflefs not in general
any fixed property, the defire of retaining
which might attach them too clofely to
their prefent habitations. They have no
fettled country, to which they niight be
bound by the ftrong ties of natural affec-
tion. On the contrary, through every re-
gion of the habitable globe, they are wait-
ing as it were in expectation of the mighty
event. When the enfign of Jehovah fhall
be erected % and the Gentiles lliall prefs
forward to bear them on their flioulders to
Jerufalem ^, they will be ready to ftart
forth on the joyful occafion, to unite with
vigour and alacrity in the hallowed caufe ;

* See Clarke's Evidences of Natural and Revealed Reli-
gion. Seft. xiv.

' Ifaiah xi. 12. b Ifaiah xlix. 22.

M 4 and,

i68 SERMON IV,

and, when re-admitted into their earthly
Canaan, and reftored to the favour of their
God, to bring to a final accompUfhment
one of the laft in the long train of won-
derful predidions, which were delivered by
their Prophets of old.

SERMON V.

ISAIAH XXX. 10.

PROPHESY NOT UNTO US RIGHT THINQS^
SPEAK UNTO US SMOOTH THINGS^, PRO-
PHESY DECEITS.

X O judge of the prophetic writings by
the habits and fentiments which now pre-
vail, is the moft dangerous error^ into which
the ftudent in facred hterature can fall.
The enemies of Cliriftianity, fenfible of
the advantages, w^hich refult from fuch an
uncandid trial of the ancient Prophets,
have artfully fpoken of them with a refer-
ence to the cuftoms, the learning, and the
fpirit of thefe later times. It may with
confidence be maintained, that their inde-
cent

lyo S E R M O N V.

cent ridicule and authoritative affertions
will gradually lofe their efFecfl, in propor-
tion as our knowledge increafes of the age
and fituation of the Prophets. We muft
permit ourfelves to be carried back into
ancient times. We mufl: imagine our-
felves to be placed in the fituation of
Mofes, of Daniel, and of Ifaiah. We mull,
as it were, convey ourfelves amongft their
countrymen, adopt their manners, glow
with their fentiments, and even imbibe
their prejudices. That we may fully en-
joy the fplendid produdlions of genius,
with which Greece and Rome were en-
riched, we explore with laborious accuracy
the minuteft: traits of charad:er, which dif-
tinguifli thofe illuftrious nations. Let the
moft important circumftances relating to
the Hebrew tribes be examined with equal
induftry and zeal, and the champion of In-
fidelity will foon be compelled to relin-
quifli his prefumptuous hopes of triumph.
But we too often neglecl to contemplate
the real agency of a fupernatural power,
the fublime and interefting manifeftation of
angels and of God, with the attention and
the earneftnefs, which we beftow on fub-

jeds

SERMON V.

n

jeds merely human ; the fallies of idle am«
bition, and the fictions of a bold imagina-
tion.

If we apply thefe general obfervations
to the particular fubjecft, which it is my
intention in this Lecture to difcufs, it
will be found, that the removal of objec-
tions is not the only benefit, which we are
capable of deriving from an intimate ac-
quaintance with facred antiquity. By an
enlarged knowledge of the real fituation of
the Prophets, we are frequently enabled to
difcover additional teftimonies in favour of
their divine million . Some of the pre-
di^lions recorded in the Old Teftament
are fo inconfifiient with the motives, which
uniformly actuate mankind, fo opposite
to thofe, which might naturally be ex-
pelled from the character of the perfons,
who delivered them, if we confider thofe
perfons as impoftors, and fo utterly irre-
concileable, upon mere human principles,
with the fituations in which the Prophets
were placed, that we cannot conceive them
to have been given to the world, except
in obedience to the declared will of its al-
mighty Ruler. The holy men of old

could

172 SERMON V.

could not have adopted the prophetic Yha-
racier, in order to promote their worldly
intereils, and conciUate the favour of man-
kind ; becaufe their predictions, from the
"extraordinary nature of the fubjecl, were
often pecuHarly calculated to fruftrate
fchemes of human policy, and to excite
the difcontent and indignation of the
hearers.

In the former Ledlures I have confi-
dered the events foretold as remote, cir-
cumftantially delineated, novel, numerous,
exactly coinciding with the predidions,
and in a very high degree improbable in,
the ages of the refpeClive Prophets. On
the prefent occafion, it is my intention
to fliew, that they were frequently un-
favourable, in the higheft degree, to all
thofe interefted designs, the profecution
of which muft unqueflionably be the firft
and greatefi: objed of Impostors. This
pofition I hope to illuftrate and eftablifh,
by a feries of examples, feleded from the
Volume of divine infpiration.

The great leader of Ifrael, when he had
delivered the laws to his countrymen, and

finillied

S E R M O N V. 173

finiihed the labours, which he was efpe-
cially appointed to accompUfh, predicted,
that, in a future age, their God would raife
up among their brethren a Prophet like
unto himlelf, who would be charged to
communicate his almighty will, and would
be entitled to their implicit belief and obe-
dience, on pain of his moft fevere difplea-
fure. The Prophecy, according to the
application even of an infpired Apofhle,
referred immediately to the Mefliah, at
w^hofe appearance the authority of Mofes
was fuperfeded, the obligation of his law
ceafed, and all the inhabitants of the globe
were admitted to an equal participation
of divine favour, with the chofen defcen-
dants of Abraham. Now let it be fup-
pofed, that Mofes was unconfcious of the
full extent of the predidion, and let us
attend only to the literal fenfe of his
words, which they muft ncceflarily have
borne at the moment of their delivery : we
fball furely be obliged to confefs, that
though admirably chofen, upon the fuppo-
fition of a divine infpiration, as an effec-
tual prefer vative againfi: the rejedion of
any future meflenger or new covenant, in
confequence of the prejudices of the peo-
ple.

174 S E R M O N V.

pie, yet, confidered folely in an human
point of view, they were moft unfavour-
able to the caufe, to which the Prophet
had been entirely devoted, and diredly op-
pofite to every known dictate of nature
and policy.

It has been the great objedl of all foun-
ders of llates and empires, to give ftabihty
to their inllitutions, by guarding them
a,gainft the raflmefs of future innovators.
For this end, they have generally advanced
their own authority, as far as it has been
poffible, above that of their ambitious de-
fcendants. When the Spartan lawgiver
had completely formed his republic, he
bound the citizens by an oath to maintain
its conftitution inviolate till his return.
He departed, and never more was feen.
The pretended Prophet of Arabia declared
hirafelf the final melTenger of the Al-
mighty ; and thus endeavoured effedually
to fecure his religion from the dangerous
pretenfions of fucceeding impoftors. So
powerful in general is this ambitious wifh
among legiflators, that it has prevailed over
the fafcinating allurements of dominion,
and fometimes even over the love of Hfe.

Lycurgus,

SERMON V. 175

Lycurgus, as I have juft obferved, retired
to voluntary banilliment and folitude ; and,
in conformity with the fame principle, the
celebrated founder of the Northern king-
doms is reprefented in their fabulous hif-
tories as having plunged the fword into his
own breaft.

From this general principle, the predic-
tion of Mofes can alone perhaps be ex-
cepted. The great objedl of his exertions
had been attained. He had condud.ed the
Ifraelites to the borders of the promifed
land. From the mountains of Pi/gah he
had flicwn them the fruitful vales of Pa-
leftine, in wdiich they were to repofe after
their long and painful wanderings. He was
venerated by his countrymen as their de-
liverer from fervitude, as the founder of their
kingdom, and as the melTenger of their
God. His charader had been fandiioned
by the moft awful manifeftations of omni-
potent Power ; and his laws had been fo-
lemnly received as the will of Heaven.
The moment of his death approached ; and
he was about to bequeath his eftablifli-
ment, as a facred depollt, to the care of
future generations. Yet, far from hallow-

176 S E R M O N V.

ing that eftablifliment, by imputing an un- ^
rivalled fandiity to his own characfler, or
commending himfelf to pofterity as the
fole favourite of the Almighty, he pre-
dided the coming of a Prophet, whofe au-
thority fhould refemble his own. Far from
pronouncing a curfe upon thofe, who fhould
transfer their obedience to another, he even
forefhewed to them a future chief, whofe
mandates they would be bound to obey.
In confequence of this predidlon, his own
pre-eminence was diminifhed by the ex-
pectation of the future Prophet : and an
opportunity was afforded to impoflors,
who might hereafter found their impious
pretenfions even upon the perverted au-
thority of his own prophetic evidence. In
every other inflance, he had carefully pro-
vided for the fecurity of the laws, which
he had delivered ; and had branded with
the infamy of impofture all thofe, who
fliould prefume to violate that facred frame
of civil and religious polity, which, with
fuch vifible and awful proofs of divine ap-
probation, he had firmly conflituted among
his countrymen.

In this predidion alone his condu(5l w^as

in

S E R M O N V. 177

in dire(5t oppolition as well to his own ge-
neral principles of adion, as to the uniform
tenor of example.

I am aware that this predid:ion has been
confidered by fome interpreters, as expref-
five of the fucceffion of Prophets in IfraeU
But though it may be fatisfadorily proved,
that fuch a meaning was, at leaft, neither
the fole nor the primary one intended by
Mofes ; yet, even to thofe, who adopt fuch
a confined interpretation, the argument,
which has been urged, will be fcarcely
lefs forcible. Under fuch circumftances, it
would have been the policy of a deceiver
to reprefent the fuccceding Prophets as
fubfervient to himfelf, and as inferior agents
employed in fupport of his inftitution. He
would neither have admitted them to a
complete equality, nor denounced tremen-
dous threats againft thofe, who fhould not
implicitly hearken to their voice.

Of a fimilar nature with the predidlion
of Mofes, relating to the advent of the
Meffiah, are the Prophecies of Daniel and
of Zechariah refpecfling the final deftruc-
tion of the temple of Jerufalem, The
N Jews

178 S E R M O N V.

Jews had been languiiliing through ie«
venty years in a diftant captivity : their
country had lain in defolation, and their
temple in ruins ; while the opulence and
fplendour, which the fandiuary had derived
from the munificence of former fovereigns,
had long nnce been transferred to the tem-
ples and palaces of their conquerors. They
had returned to the ruins of Sion ; and, by
the permiffion of the Perfian monarch,
were rebuilding the houfe of their God.
At the commencement of every great un-
dertaking, it is cuftomary, and perhaps na-
tural, to indulge the mind with imaginary
hopes of its future importance and cele-
brity. When the foundations of the Ro-
man capitol were laid, the empire of the
world was promifed. Upon the prefent oc-
cafion every encouragement was required.
The people were few in number, depreffed
and impoveriilied by captivity, and ob-
ftruded in their pious work by the mali-
cious arts of the Samaritans. So humble,
indeed, w^as the general expectation re-
fpefting the new edifice, that amidft the
fongs and rejoicings, with which the work
was comm^enced, the tears of regret burft
involuntarily from the eves of the aged, at

the

SERMON V, 379

the recolledion of that more glorious tem-
ple, which had formerly been ere(fted by
an united and profperous nation, which
had exhaufted the treafures of their two
moil powerful monarchs, and to provide
materials for which whole armies hfid
been employed amidft the forefts of Le-
banon. Above all, the glory of the Divine
prefence, and other fenfible marks of a fu-
pernatural interpofition of the fupreme Be-
ing, which had imparted an awful fand:ity
to the firft building, could not with cer-
tainty be expelled, and in reality did not
afterwards appear.

Thus the returning exiles feemed to re-
quire every poffible encouragement in the
profecution of their holy work. Daniel
was fully fenfible of the neceffity of fuch
encouragement; and in the prayer, w^hich
he pioufly preferred at the termination of
the captivity, he ardently petitioned the
Almighty to look upon the defolations of
his people ; to pity, and to forgive ; to
turn away his anger and his fury from his
city Jerufalem, and from his holy moun-
tain, and to caufe his face to ihine upon
his defolated fanduary. Thefe were the
N Z fenti-

iSo S E R M O N V.

fentiments congenial with the iltuation of
the Jews, and beft calculated to animate,
them in the profecution of their work. So
ftrong, indeed, was the necelTity of iuch
an encouragement, that the fame divine
Power, who had fo long difplayed his om-
nifcience in the caufe of his chofen If-
raelites, again interfered in their favour^;
and made the laft communications of Pro-
phecy under the Mofaic difpenfation, for
the purpofe of accelerating the completion
of his holy temple.

What then can be conceived more im-
probable, and more oppofite to true policy,
and the common didates of reafon, than
that the deftrudion of this very temple, and
of the city, in which it w^as ereded; the final
cclTation of the religious rites, with which it
was to be hallowed ; the triumphant entry
of a deftroying enemy, together with a moft
lively and tremendous fcene of complete
devaftation, fliould be predided, in that par-
ticular feafon, in which the pile was about
to be ereded ? Yet the predidion was ut<r

* Haggai ii. J, 9. See alfo feveral palTages In the writ-
ings of the three laft of the mir,or Prophels.

tered ;

S E R M O N V. i8i

tered ; and it was uttered by men the
moft interefted in promoting the work ;
obfcurely even in Jerufalem by ^ Zecha-
riifh, who was more efpecially employed to
overlook and infpirit the Jewsj and in
the clearefl and moft forcible terms, in the
capital, of the empire, by ^ Daniel, the fa-
vourite of fucceffive Eaftern monarchs,
through whofe powerful interceffion his
countrymen were releafed from captivity,
and permitted to recover their ancient city,
and reflore their ruined temple.

The greater part of the Prophecies of
Daniel, indeed, are as fmgular in the na-
ture of their fubjedts, as in the exa6lnefs of
their agreement with fubfequent events.
The whole tenor of his predidlions refpedl-
ing the empire and monarchs of Babylon,
if they be minutely explored, will be emi-
nently illuftrative of the pofition, which
has been advanced. To convey unpleaf-
ing truths to royal ears, has been always
an irkfome and too often a neglected duty.
The frequent ignorance of fovereigns, even
.upon fubjedls conneded with their deareft

^ Zecharlah xl. i, 3. '^ Daniel ix. 26, 27.

N 3 interefis.

i82 S E R M O N V.

interefts, is a fad; of general notoriety.
The inftances, wherein a Hberal and manly
intercourfe has prevailed between the mo-
narch and his minifters, may be naturally
expeded, and will moft frequently be found
throughout the w^eftern portion of the
globe ; among kingdoms, where the royal
authority has been happily blended with a
ipirit of rational freedom ; and in the ages
of refinement and fcience, when the ac-
tions and fentiments even of the moft ex-
alted charadters in the community become
the fubjeds of an open and candid enquiry.
But it muft not be expe<fted in the vaft
empires of the Eaft, where imperial power
degenerated into the mofh wanton and in-
exorable defpotifm, and where the obe-
dience of the fubje<5l was degraded into
the moft abjed: fervitude, and an almoft
impious adoraticii. To the caprice of ty-
ranny, to the fury of difappointment, to
the gloom of mortified authority, or to the
pangs of jealous apprehenficn, the faithful
counfellor' might be precipitately facrificed,
who poiTeffed the boldnefs to unfold, what
the fovereign might be afraid or unwilling
to hear. Hence we may obferve in the
annals of the Eaft, that in the progrefs of

plots

S E R M O N V. 183

plots or invafions, of domeftic confpiracics,
or popular infurredions, the emperors were
in general long retained in Ignorance ; and
frequently loft their diadems and their
lives, from the want of faithful and con-
fidential communications. How little then
ought we to expe(^i, that a youthful fo-
reigner, brought in ignominious captivity
to Babylon from a diftant and unimpor-
tant province, fhould boldly communicate
the moft unfavourable intelligence to the
monarch, even at the moment, in which a
capricious and fanguinary decree had gone
forth, for the utter extermination of the^
Chaldean magicians and aftrologers ! Flat-
tering hopes and delufive promifes would
have been the natural fubje6ls of impof-
ture on an occafion fo pregnant with
danger. Far from adopting this principle
of worldly policy, Daniel did not even con-
fine his folemn communications to ap-
proaching calamities : looking forward into
diftant futurity, he difclofed the fall of the
Babylonian empire, a fubjedl peculiarly
ofFenfive to the pride and ambition of the
monarch.

In purfuing the hlftory of this Prophet,
N 4 we

i84 SERMON V.

we diicover during our progrefs the fame
extraordinar}/ characleriftics in his predic-
tions. When advanced to the higheft
ftate of authority and royal favour, we
hear him at one time foretel the degrading
perfonal humiliation of his imperial pa-
tron^; at another, in accurate and circum-
ftantial details, enlarge upon the final ruin
of the kingdom, which he governed, and
upon the fame and profperity of fucceeding
empires ^. Thefe are fubjeds, which even
% pious man, when infpired by his Maker,
could icarcely have entered upon without
fome degree of apprehenfion, arid which
would have been avoided with the mofc
Icrupulous care by an impoftor. Some of
the early fathers, from a miftaken interpre-
tation of the holy Scriptures, believed that
the Antichrifh of the Prophets reprefented
the Roman emperors. But, though they
had been incenfed by frequent and moft
cmel perfecutions, and though they cou-
rageoufly preferred the bitter fufferings of
martyrdom to the renunciation of their re-
ligion ; yet they were unwilling wantonly
to provoke their imperial perfecutors, by fo

*' Daniel iv. 25. «= Daniel vii, 3 — 8.

fevere

S E R M O N V. 185

fevere an application of the divine Oracles,
and in general were iilent upon the fub-
Je«^l. Jofephus, when he introduced into
his Antiquities an interpretation of the
Prophecies of Daniel refpecSing the four
great empires of the world, was filent upon
the nature of the fifth, which was deft; -re
to rife upon the ruins of thofe, that fho i-
precede it ; and was reprefented under the
image of a ftone cut out of the mountain
without hands. Jofephus was protected
bj the Romans; their kingdom was doomed
to be broken to pieces by the jfiione ; and,
though even the immediate infpiration of
the Deity ^ had revealed the explanation,
he would not venture to repeat it^. When
the Poet and the Orator were anxious to
flatter th£ pride of the Roman citizens,
they employed the loftiefl conceptions of
their genius, in afcribing extent and du-
rability to the empire. In the elevated
language, in w4iich the Eaftern fovereigns
were uniformly addrefTed, the boundlels
extent and eternal duration of their do-
minion were ufually fele61:ed as the faireil
lubjedls of panegyric and adulation.

f Daniel II. 19.

« Jofeph, Antiq. 1. x. c. X. feft, 4. p. 4^7,

Such

i86 S E R M O N V.

Such is the condudl ufually adopted by
mankind in fituations Hke thofe in which
the Jewifh Prophet was placed. But no
interefled confiderations decided the ac-
tions of Daniel. His unwelcome predic-
tions, fo opposite to the maxims of policy
and to the authority of general example,
could only have proceeded from the in-
fluence of divine infpiration, or from the
"wild ebullitions o£ infanity. The latter
flippofition is totally irreconcileable with
the eftablilhed character and dignified fi-
tuation of the Prophet. There is a won-
derful confiftency in the whole hiftory of
Daniel. It was the fame magnanimity,
the fame undaunted refolution, fuperior to
the allurem.ents of intereft, and even to
the terrors of death, which difplayed itfelf
in the caufe of divine truth, when, to
avoid the crime of idolatry, he entered the
lions' den ; and when, in obedience to the
will of his God, he hazarded tlie refent-
ment of the greateft monarch of the world.

I cannot refrain from adding one in-
ftance more, in confirmation of the argu-
ment from the writings of the Prophet,
who has already occupied fo much of our

atten-

S E R M O N V. 187

attention. After the capture of Babylon
by Cyrus, Daniel appears to have been re-
ceived with refped: and favour by the con-
queror. Through his intereft with the new
Sovereign, the captivity was terminated,
and his countrymen were permitted to
return to Jerufaiem. Yet within a very
fiiort time after the acceffion of Cyrus to
the throne of Babylon, the Prophet fore-
told the ruin of his empire, and the glory
of the kingdom which was to be exalted
by its fall. Such a cominunication, at all
times in the high eft degree mipleafing, at
that particular feafon muft have been pro-
ductive of real danger, and was peculiarly
calculated to fill the mind of the conqueror
with jealoufy and apprehenfion. Among
a vanquiOied people, hardly beginning to
reconcile themfelves to their new yoke,
what circumftance w^ould be more likely to
cherifh an unlettled temper of mind, and
to excite commotions and dangerous ex-
pedations of a change, than the delivery
of Prophecies concerning the final over-
throw of the empire ? And who could be
fo unlikely to utter fuch Prophe<:ies, as the
principal minifter of the vanquifiied mo-
narch, who was received into the favour

ani

i88 S E R M O N V.

and protedlion of the conqueror, and whofe
former celebrity in divination, and exalted
flation in the empire, muft have conferred
a dangerous authority on his fuppofed de-
velopement of futurity ? No principles of
human policy, no fuggeilions even of the
moft ordinary prudence, can poffibly ac-
count for fuch conduct. It appears to be
ftrikingly demonftrative of the interpofition
of the high and omnifcient Director of the
world, the God, as he is exprefsly called, of
Daniel, who is the living God, and ftedfafl:
for ever, whofe kingdom is that which
fhall not be dellroyed, and whofe dominion
Ihall be even unto the end.

To the inflances already adduced, may
be added the ftill more ftriking example,
exhibited in the predictions fo frequently
and fully delivered, concerning the rejection
of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles.
That the time fliould ever arrive, in which
the efpecial protection of the Almighty
would be entirely withdrawn from his fa-
voured people, was the moft unwelcome
intelligence which could be conveyed to
the ears of a Jew. But that the Gentiles
iliould be admitted to the bleffings, which

would

SERMON V. 189

vv^ould then be no longer enjoyed by his
nation, mull have been a circumllance pe-
cuHarly aggravating, and calculated to ex-
cite his utmoft indignation and refentment.
The Jews had, in the earlieft periods of
their hiftory, been feleded as the favoured
people of God. With them he had efta-
bliflied an efpecial covenant. He directed
their temporal affairs, and had inftituted
their facred rites. The annals of their
nation were ennobled and fand;ified, as it
were, by innumerable inftances of his won-
derful a6ts of omnipotence. The plains of
Paleftine had frequently been vifited by his
heavenly melTengers ; and all the fcenes,
which were there prefented to the view,
had been confecrated by vifions and by
miracles. This continued experience of
the indulgence of Heaven to their tribes
had a pernicious influence on the difpofition
of the people. They were induced to con-
fider themfelves as exalted above the other
inhabitants of the earth, and became proud,
felfifh, and contemptuous. Their highefi:
hopes and warmeft feelings of glory arofe
horn, this exclufr^e claim to the Divine
favour; and, in confequence of this pleafing
expectation, they contemplated the future

celebrity

I90 SERMON V,

celebrity of their tribes, with fonder par-
tiahty, perhaps, and a more ardent enthu-
iiafm, than has ever been indulged by
heroes or patriots, in the fanguine anticipa-
tion of their favourite fchemes of fame and
empire.

Their abhorrence of other nations was
proportioned to their bigotted attachment
to their own. This averfion was height-
ened, and in fome degree even fandioned,
by peculiar circumftances, neceifarily arifmg
from the general nature of their religious
oeconomy. The fyftem of entire feparation,
which had been commanded by Heaven,
while it eventually gave birth to the arro-
gant feelings of a fancied fuperiority, filled
them alfo with contempt for the negleded
votaries of Polytheifm.

To a people infpired with thefe fenti-
ments, no fubjc^h can be conceived more
ungrateful, than the afTurance of their own
rejedion from the Divine favour, and of
the adoption of Heathen idolaters. A fcene
of things entirely the reverfe, the final
depreffion of Infidels, and the triumphant
exaltation of Judea, would have been the

natural

SERMON V.

9^

natural theme of impoftors. It is difficult
to fuppofethat a Jew, in the ages of the
Prophets, unaided by Divine infpiration,
could have brought his imagination to con-
ceive as poffible the prefent aftonifhing fi-
tuation of the Jewifh and Chriftian world.
But it is abfolutely incredible, that a de-
ceiver, even if he had admitted the fituation
to be probable, would have feledled it as the
fubjed of his delufive Oracles. Yet the
Prophets not only conceived the poffibility
of the change, but in the ftrongeft and
moft precife terms repeatedly foretold it.
Andfome of the loftieffc conceptions, which
have ever animated the human mind., were
employed in giving weight and energy to
the unwelcome affurance.

The particular time fixed for the accom-
plifliment of thefe extraordinary Prophe-
cies was as hoftilc to the preconceived
opinions of the Jews, as the humiliating
event fo exprefsly foretold. The advent
of the Meffiah was the sra, to which they
looked forward with pride and joyful ex-
pectation. All their national inftitutions
feemed to them to be formed with a view
to the appearance of this exalted perfonage.

This

192 S E R M O N V.

This expe6lation v/as their pride in pro-
fperity, and their confolation in defeat ;
and at one period of their hiflory it pre-
ferved their national fpirit, and perhaps
their very exiftence as a people, during the
defolation of their native territory, and the
ignominious captivity of its inhabitants.
Their own erroneous interpretations of
Prophecy had inflamed their imaginations
with the moft romantic hopes of triumph
and celebrity. Glowing with the fond
conception, they ardently defired to fee the
falvation of lirael, and acknowledge their
deOined Deliverer; and they had filled the
whole world with the anticipated fame of
the extraordinary Perfonage. Yet this fig-
nal a:?ra was fixed by their Prophets for
their lofs of the partial protection of Hea-
ven, and for the re-admifTion of Heathen
nations to the Divine favour. Where are
the principles of human policy, which can
reafonably account for the predi<5lion ? No
parallel, or even diftant refemblance, can
be difcovered among the efFufions of the
Heathen Oracles. It was never declared
Jo the Romans by their Sibyls, that, in the
completion of their moft ardent wiflies,
and the accomplishment of their lofty

fcheme

S E R M O N V. 195

fcheme of univerfal dominion, they would
find only their ruin and their fliame. When
the enterpriiing Macedonian prefented him-
felf at the cave of the Prieflefs, he was not
informed that, by a final decree of the
gods, his glory, when it fliould arrive at
its height, and the time of enjoyment ap-
proach, would be terminated by a prema-
ture death, and that his empire would be
violently difmembered almofl at the mo-
ment of its birth. To divine infpiration
alone, then, can it be afcribed, that the
foreknowledge of a flate of human affairs
fo peculiarly ungrateful was manifefted by
the Jewiili Prophets -, and that the parti-
cular feafon was marked for its commence-
ment, the choice of which was diredlly
adverfe to the accomplifliment of all thofe
interefted defigns, which can induce an
impoftor to aiTume the prophetic office.

Many of the charaderiftics, which the
Jewifh Prophets affigned to their exped:ed
Meffiah, are equally inexplicable, unlefs we
allow them to have been actually infpired
by God. They dwelt with peculiar dif-
tindlnefs upon his rejedion by his country-
men, his humiliation, his fufferings, and
o his

194

SERMON V.

his ignominious death. The earneft ex^
pe<5lations of an extraordinary perfonage, as
I have already obferved, had prevailed
among the Jews through every period of
their hiftory. They had fired their ima-
gination with the moll romantic hopes of a
temporal fovereign, who would exalt their
nation by the fplendour of his triumphs,
and the extent of his dominion, and under
whofe banners the idolatrous kingdoms of
the earth would bow down before their
victorious tribes.

Now had the expectation of fuch a de-
liverer originated in uncertain tradition,
and been preferved merely by national pre-
judice ; and had the Prophets, availing
themfelves of the delufion, employed it as
an inftrument in impoUng upon popular
credulity, they would furely have limited
their predictions to fuch circumftances re-
fpeCting him, as would be attended with
fplendour and glory. Yet they adopted no
fuch limitation, but fpoke as fully of the
lefs fplendid parts of his charaCler, his
abafement, afflictions, and ignominious
death, as of the divine excellencies with
which he was vifibly adorned, and of his

exaltation

S ^ Pv M O N V. 195

exaltation and final triumph over hell and
the grave.

I ventured to aflert, in the beginning
of this Difcourfe, that the fubjeds of many
important predictions could not, except
upon the prefumption of Divine Revelation,
be reconciled with the fituation of the
Prophets, by whom they wxre delivered.
The examples, which have been adduced,
are abundantly fufficient to confirm this
pofition ; and, though I have expatiated
but upon few, a variety might be added
from the facred Volume, in which they
univerfally abound.

Though the impious pretenders to in-
fpiration in Ifrael and Judah were con-
ftantly uttering the moft grateful but de-
lufive oracles ; and though the ignorant
and vicious multitude were repeatedly fo-
liciting the Prophets of God not to pro-
phefy right things, but to fpeak fmooth
things, and prophefy deceit ; yet thofe
holy men, in a manly fpirit of firmnefs and
integrity, regardlefs of the nature of the
predidions, repeated with fidelity whatever
o 2, was \

196 SERMON V„

was revealed by the Divine Infpirer ; and
fo generally unfavourable w^ere the com-
munications which they made, that they
w^ere fubje6led thereby, through the long
courfe of their facred miiaiftry, to the
conflant reproach and refentment both of
the princes and the people.

Was it the policy of an impoftor, to
appear, like the man of God, before the
altar at Bethel, and expofe his life to the
rage of the fufpicious Jeroboam ?

Was it the policy of an impoftor, to
declare in the name of Heaven, like Elijah,
in confequence of an injury offered to a
private individual, the tremendous punifh-
ment of the immoral and impious family
of Ahab, who had polluted themfelves with
blood in the profecution of their unjuft
defigns ?

Was it the policy of an impoftor, when
two powerful monarchs were marching forth
at the head of a formidable army, and all the
numerous priefts of Aftarte had gratified
them with promifes of fuccefs and glory,

like

S E R M O N V. 197

like Micaiah, alone to predial misfoitune
and defeat, at the hazard of imprifonment,
and even of death,

A deceiver would not, like Elijah, have
foretold the approaching death of an im-
pious king ; nor, like Jeremiah, have pre-
dided the captivity and afflidions of his
fovereign ; efpecially at a moment when
he had incurred the perilous fufpicion of
favouring the caufe of the enemy.

A deceiver would not, like Nathan,
have denounced a heavy judgment for a
fingle crime, though even of the deepefl
die, againfl: one of the moft moral and
pious, as well as the moft profperous and
highly favoured of all the kings of Judah.

A deceiver would not, like Ifaiah, have
forefhewn to the good and pious Hezekiah
the approaching ruin of his kingdom, on
account of the apparently trifling offence,
of oftentatioufly expofing his treafures to
the view of the Babylonian meffengers.

What but the over-ruling Ipirit of God

could have guided the Prophet of Moab,

o 3 when,

198 S E R M O N V.

■when, difregarding the moft fplendld al-
lurements, in oppofition to the interefts of
his nation, to his own ardent wifhes, and
to the repeated and peremptory commands
of his fovereign, he foretold in the cleareft,
fulleft, and mofl: eloquent terms, the pro-
fperity and fame of the unknown and
hoftile armies of Ifrael ?

What but the agency of a fuperior
Power could have induced the Prophets to
urge the inefiicacy of ceremonial rites, and
even to fix the period of their final abolition,
though at the fame time they ftrenuoufly
exerted their divine authority, to retain
their countrymen in a faithful obfervance
of the Mofaic lav/, and perpetually repre-
fented it both as the gift and command of
their God ?

Ifaiah predided the refloration of ge-
nuine piety in Egypt, and the eflablilh-
ment of an irj.timate religious conne<51:ion
between that country and Judea. Now,
whether we confider the Prophecy as de-
fcribing the temporary prevalence ot Ju-
daifm under the favour of one of the later
Ptolemies, or the converfion of the Egyptian

people

S E R M O N V. 199

people to Chriftianity in a fujbfequent age,
it cannot be fatisfad:only accounted for
upon any of the ordinary motives which
influence mankind. All the Prophets anxi-
oully laboured to effed: a continuance of
the entire feparation, which fubfiiled be-
tween the two countries ; while Ifaiah in
particular exerted the utmoll force of his
divine eloquence in diiTuading his country-
men from repofing confidence in the Egyp-
tians; and, in profecution of this defign,
they repeatedly delineated, in the moft
ftriking colours, the heavy calamities, to
which that devoted nation was doomed.

When Cyrus entered Babylon, the Jew*
ilh Prophecies were fubmitted to his in-
fpeftion. In them, the Lord, the God of
Ifrael, is reprefented as forming the light,
and creating darknefs. Now Light and
Darknefs were the two prefiding deities in
the magi an fuperflition, in which Cyrus
had been educated. If, therefore, the Pro-
phecies of Ifaiah were not really the Re-
velations of Heaven delivered in a preced-
ing age, but forgeries executed at the mo-
ment for purpofes of deception, is it in the
Hightell degree probable, that fuch a de-
o 4 fcription

200 S E R M O N V.

fcription of the Almighty would have been
invented for the fake of conciliating the
favour of the conqueror, as was in the
Jiigheft degree likely to produce an oppo-
fite efFed:, to provoke his indignation, and
to render him, even upon religious princi-
ples, hoflile to the caufe of the Jews ?

When the time of the crucifixion ap- .
proached, and the difciples of our Sa-
viour were about to be diflieartened and
perplexed by the apparent ruin of their
caufe, in the ftrongeft and moft impref-
five manner he prophetically delineated
their approaching perfecutions. He repre-
fented to them, that they were deftined to
the moft heavy calamities, which human
nature can endure ; not only to prifons, to
ftripes, and to death, but to the general
hatred of mankind, to the apoftafy and
treachery of their friends, and, what is
perhaps the greateft of all human trials,
even to a general fpirit of indifference,
among their brethren, refpediing their com-
mon caufe. Surely the fpirit of truth, and
a certain prefcience of the efficacy of the
divine affiftance, with which he intended
to fupport them, could alone have prompted

him

S E R M O N V. 201

him to make fuch an unwelcome repre-
fentation, at a moment, when every en-
couragement was required. An impoftor,
in commending a pretended revelation to
the zeal of his deluded followers, would
have endeavoured to fire their imaginations
by expatiating upon its final triumph, and
delineating in the brightefl colours fcenes
of permanent profperity and fplendour :
while the intermediate difficulties, to which
its propagation might appear to be fubje6l,
would have been either entirely omitted, or
reprefented in the weakefl and mofi: general
terms, as unworthy of the ferious confi-
deration of fmcere and able fupporters.

Though w^e are unable, in thefe numer-
ous inflances, to reconcile the fubjeds of
the predictions with any motives of human
artifice ; yet, if we admit the Prophets to
have been commiffioned by the Lord, the
God of Heaven, their communications will
appear perfedlly confonant with that high
and holy charaAer. They conflantly de-
clared themfelves to be the mefTengers of
the Moft High ; and it is abfolutely in-
credible, that they w^ould have uttered
fuch extraordinary Prophecies, as thofe,
^ which

203 S E R M O N V.

which they frequently deHvered, if his di-
vine Spirit had not really ovv-^r- ruled and
guided their wills. When our Saviour
condefcended to anfwer the accufation of
the Pharifees, who afcribed his miracles to
a demoniacal agency, he overthrew the
blafphemous objection, by lliewing the ut-
ter inconfiftency of the pure and holy doc-
trine, for the eftablifliment of which his
fupernatural works were wrought, with
the pernicious principles, which a Demon
muft neceflarily labour to inculcate. In
like manner, we may reply with boldnefs
to the modern Infidel, who arrogantly pro-
nounces all Prophecy to be the offspring of
deception, that the fubje61s of many of
the facred Oracles were totally irreconcile-
able with the purpofe of a deceiver. If
the fuppofition of their impoflure be ad-
mitted, they inevitably tended to alienate
the affections of the hearers, and to injure
the caufe, which they were intended to
fupport. " My thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my w^ays,"
faid the Lord of hofls to his chofen peo-
ple of old. Mofl flrikingly is this fublime
fentiment illuflrated in the peculiar nature
of many of the fubjects feleded by the an-
cient

S E R M O N V. 203

cient Prophets. Far removed from the
ways and thoughts of man, from the con-
tracted views of human policy, and from
the petty artifices of impoilure, they ex-
hibit this clear and forcible evidence, that
they originated in the counfels of the Al-
mighty, and were delivered in obedience
to his revealed will.

SERMON VL

ACTS XV. i8.

Rnown unto god are all his works
from the beginning op the world.

X O judge of the truth of Revelation by
the dogmas, which the pride of human
reafon invents -, to aflume arbitrary princi-
ples, and to rejedl or admit the narrations,
the do6lrines, and the evidences contained
in the facred Writings, as they are found
to be more or lefs confiftent with thofe
principles, is a practice at once arrogant
and dangeroils in the extreme. We thereby
endeavour to fet bounds to the adls of
the Almighty, to reduce the high powers
of Divine wifdom to a level with the con-
trailed intellecfl of man, to controul and

give

Q.o6 S E R M O N VI.

give laws to Omnipotence. It is not fur-
prifing, that a pradice fo contrary to the
natural dilates of reaibn fliould be the pa-
rent of Scepticifm and Infidelity. The phi-
lofopher prefumptuoully determines, what
the conduct and the do(5lrines of his Maker
ought to be ; and if the condud: and the
doctrines, recorded in the volume of Reve-
lation, do not coincide with his precon-
ceived opinion, even though they be fanc-
tioned by preternatural teftimonies, which
he cannot fairly difprove, he rejedls them
as unreafonable and unworthy of belief.
This pernicious error will be found, upon
examination, to be one chief caufe of the
increafed prevalence of Deifm. It is the
ftone, on which the pretended philofo-
phers of the prefent age have fatally ftum-
bled.

Though there are firft principles, from
which we may venture, without prefump-
tion, to believe that the Almighty will not
deviate ; yet they are few and fimple : and
whenever he appears to depart from any
one of them, it becomes us not, on that
account, arrogantly to rejed his revela-
tion: we ought rather, with earneftnefs

and

S E R M O N VL 207

and humility, to feek the caufe of the de-
viation in the exercife of fome other of
his divine attributes, in conformity with
which, in the inftance under confideration^
from the pecuHar circumftances of the
cafe, he in his wifdom may have aded.

Let it not be fuppofed, that I wifh to
exclude the exercife of reafon on the fub-
jeSi of revelation. Far otherwife. It is
the principal charaderiftic of Chrlftlanity,
the mark by w4iich it is peculiarly diftin-
guifhed from all other religions, that it
fubmits its precepts and evidences to the
cool and impartial judgment of mankind.
Some of its doftrines are above, but none
are contrary to reafon. It is the abufe and
not the ufe of this faculty, which is con-
demned. The Chriftian teacher folicits his
hearers to decide in favour of the Gofpel,
by the didates of their fober judgment.
The more accurately the feveral parts of
our Religion fliall be examined, with a fin-
cere defire of acquiring a knowledge of the
truth, the more clearly will the admirable
propriety and excellence of the whole be
difcerned.

In

2o8 SERMON VI.

In any great work, the fitnefs of a va-
riety of important parts is an indubitable
evidence of defign. The juftnefs and mu-
tual connection of the feveral membefS of
the univerfe are vifible teftimonies of an
all-wife and omnipotent Creator. When
Galen had examined with accuracy the
formation of the human frame, ftruck with
the admirable propriety and mutual agree-
ment of all its members, he acknowledged
it to be at once the work and the proof of
a God. In the liime manner, from the fuit-
ablenefs of the different parts of the great
fcheme of Prophecy, wq may reafonably
infer the neceflity of an infpiring and over-
ruling Mind.

By cafting our eye over the facred pages,
and bringing within our view the moil
Ilriking circumflances, illuftrative of this
obfervation, we fliall be fupplied with a
forcible argument in flipport of the infpi-
ration of the Prophets.

In profecuting' this enquiry, we muft
not allow ourfelves prefumptuoufly to af-
fume arbitrary principles. We mufl bear
continually in our recoUedlion what was

the

SERMON VI.

209

the real intention of Prophecy, as that in-
tention has been graciouflj communicated
to us in the facred Writings. We ought
then to examine whether a consistea^cy
can be difcovered in the feveral parts. And
finally, with diligence and impartiality,
we fhould endeavour to determine, whe-
ther fuch a confifliency is not a vifible proof
of DESIGN ; and whether it is either rea-
fonable, or even poffible, to fuppofe, that
it could really have been attained, unlefs
the extraordinary perfons, by whom the
fcheme was gradually unfolded, had bsen
affifted by a divine Infpirer.

In my former Difcourfes I have been
chiefly employed in examining the moft
ftriking charafteriftics of feveral particular
predidions : let us now direct our enquiries
by more comprehenfive principles, and con-
fider the general fyftem of Prophec}' at
large.

In approaching to this difcuffion, we
muft call to our remembrance the defisin
of the Almighty, in raifmg up his holy
Prophets. In the early ages of the world,
he eftabliflied a double covenant with his
p chofen

aio SERMON VL

chofen people; the one temporal, and con-
fined to themfelves; the other fpiritual, and
extended to all mankind. By the firft he
promifed a particular interference, during a
confiderable period of time, in the affairs
of the Ifraelites : by the fecond, a general
redemption of the whole human race. In
conformity with thefe promifes, the Pro-
phets were commiffioned to preferve among
the Jews a full convidtion of the more im-
mediate interpofition of God in their pre-
fent government ; and alfo to excite in
their minds an earneft expectation of the
future Deliverer, and prepare the way for
his coming, Thefe were the general du-
ties of their miniflry, the great outlines of
their high commiffion.

In the propofed examination of the con-
fiftency, which diflinguilhes the writings
of the Prophets, it is my intention to con-
■fider, firft, the circumftances connected
with the complex nature of the prophetic
office, and afterwards thofe, which referred
folely to the benevolent redemption, which
was ultimately intended.

When we refled; upon the twofold na-
ture

SERMON VI. 211

ture of the prophetic office, we may rea-
fbnably imagine, that the fpiirit of Pro-
phecy would be difplayed with imcommon
luftre in thofe periods of the Jewifh hif-
tory, in which the people were more
ftrongly tempted to forego the expectation
of the future Deliverer, and, renouncing
the worfhip of Jehovah, to bow before the
altars of the Heathen gods.

The perufal of the facred Writings will
confirm this reafonable prefumption.

Even in the ages, which preceded the
cftablifhment of the Mofaic law, the be-
nevolent Creator appears to have provided
for his creatures, by thefe exprefs means,
the aid more immediately required by
the preflure of circumftances at particular
times.

When man had incurred by fin the for-
feiture of his blifsful condition, and was
doomed to forrows and to death, the pro-
mife of future refiioration was peculiarly re-
quired, to alleviate the feverity of the fen-
tence, to banifh the fatal effeds of defpair,
and to maintain religion in the world. la
p % that

sr2 S E R M O N VI.

that melancholy hour it was gracioufly im-
parted.

At the time of the deluge, and through
the firft of the fiicceeding ages, no fpiritual
promife was renewed ; the vifible interpo-
fition of God in that awful miracle hav-
ing neceflarily made a deep impreffion
upon the minds of the few furvivors, and
of their immediate defcendants.

When mankind again multiplied, and
the holy Patriarchs were furrounded by a
corrupt and idolatrous world, they were fe-
cured from the contagion by the aimrances
of Prophecy, and the prom.ife of an univerfal
blefiing to mankind through their feed.

Wiien their defcendants were about to
be oppreffed in a ftrange land, and to be
allured by univerfal example to the wor-
fliip of the Egyptiaa idols, not only the
precife period of their fufferings w^as pre-
dicted, and the future glories of their tribes
forefliewn, but, though in obfcure terms,
the coming of Shiloh was gracioufly pro-
mifedj and the bleffing was afTured to Ju-
dah. On the other hand, during the theo-

cracv.

SERMON VI.

213

cracy, between the times of Mofes and of
the eftabUfhment of the royal authority,
when the power of Omnipotence was fuf-
ficiently manifefted by figns and mighty
wonders, and by a frequent difplay of Pro-
phecy upon temporal fubjec5ts as an inftru-
ment of divine government ; during that
tvonderfui period hardly any intimation
was given of the exalted Perfonage, in
whom all the nations of the earth were
ultimately to be blefled.

The fidelity of David was rewarded by
a plainer and fuller communication of the
Divine purpofe refpe6ling the future Re-
deemer. Soon after his times, when the
days of vengeance were at hand, when the
arm of the Almighty was terribly ftretched
forth, and the people, expofed to his dread-
ful refentment, were trembling before an
irrefiftible enemy, or languifliing in diflant
captivity ; and when, overpowered by fuch
tremendous calamities, they were in danger
of being tempted to renounce the God, by
whom they were apparently forfaken, and
to fly for fuccour to the idols, by whom they
feemed to be fubducd ; then the prophetic
power was more particularly exerted to re-
p 3 animate

214 SERMON VI.

animate their confidence and reftore theli*
hope, to convince them that the Almighty
was flill their protestor, and that they were
fulFering not from the prevaihng afcendancy
of any other God, but under the juft indig-
nation of their own. The ages of adver-
fity were more particularly the ages of Pro-
phecy. In fuch feafons, not only the tem-
poral fufFerings of the Ifraelites were accu-
rately and fully foretold, but the pidure of
the Meffiah and of his kingdom was drawn
with an aftonifliing degree of minutenefs,
fpirit, and fplendour. Thus the predic-
tions of Ifaiah, of Jeremiah, of Ezekiel^
and of Daniel, were delivered in feafons
of apprehenfion, difmay, and defolation,
amidft the impotence of defeat, and the
anguifli and deipondence of lengthened
captivity.

This iubordinate defign of the holy Spi-
rit, fo n^anifeft through the long courfe of
Divine infpiration, difplayed itfelf in a mofh
firiking manner, in one fignal inftance, at
the clofe of Jewifli Prophecy. The inha-
bitants of Judah had returned from cap-
tivity in poverty and weaknefs : reftoring
their ruined temple, they were difpirited

an4

SERMON Vr. 225

and difcouraged by the manifeft inferiority
of the new building to the former pile, the
magnificent work of Solomon. At this
feafon of defpondence, the promife of the
Meffiah was gracioufly renewed ; and a
mighty addition of dignity was afforded
to the rifnig temple, by an anticipation of
the fplendour and folemnity, which it
fhould derive, in a future age, from the
prefence of the bleffed Son of God.

Even the fufpenfion of Prophecy during
the long period, which intervened between
Malachi and the Baptift, affords a ftrong
confirmation of the principle, which has
been advanced. The Jewifh character, in
one moil important point, had undergone,
during the captivity in Babylon, a total
alteration. The ardour for Idolatry and
for the forbidden rites of Polytheifm, which
had been the caufe, through many preced-
ing generations, of fo much guilt and woe,
was entirely extinguiflied. From that fig-
nal 2era the Jews perfevered in a firm,
though fometimes miftaken, attachment to
the precepts and ritual of the law- As
they were, therefore, no longer in danger
of apoflafy, there was no farther necefTity
p 4 of

ai6 S E R M O N VL

of invigorating their confidence and re-
animating their piety, by occafional re-
newals of the divine promife. In con-
formity with this unprecedented fituation
of the Jews, we find, that the fpirit of
Prophecy ceafed, and w^as never after exer-
cifed in aid of the Mofaic pohty.

From this fhort review of the prophetic
hiftory, it is evident, that thefe gracious com-
munications were more efpecially imparted
at particular feafons, according to a fixed
principle for the attainment of a particular
end. To the unprejudiced enquirer it muft
appear morally impoffible, that, in a variety
of predl6lions, delivered through a long
period of time, fuch an intention could be
made fo clearly and ftrongly to appear, if
the predictions had been enthufiaftically
and incohere];itly uttered, and no defign
whatever had been intended. Chance could
not have produced fo certain an indication
of fjftem.

But though the expedation of a Mef-
fiah, the conftant theme of the divine pre-
diclions, mjuil, when fully excited, have
been pecuharly calculated to preferve a

people.

S E R M O N VI. fli7

people, even under the mofl calamitous
diflreilesy in a faithful adherence to the fu-
preme Being, from whom the promifed
bleffings.were to flow; yet the fimple aflur-
ance of thefe bleffings, when unattended
with any vifible proof of a divine interpo-
fition, would not have been capable of
completely producing the defired effed:.
Promifes of fo extraordinary a kind ought
to be accompanied by circumftances, which
may imprefs the mind with aftonifliment,
and produce a rational convidion of the
certainty of their accomplifhment. Now
the miraculous powers, which were pre-
fented to the view of the Ifraelites, were
adapted, beyond any other means which
the human imagination can devife, to fanc-
tion the predidions of the Prophets, and
to keep alive among the people a firm
expectation of the promifed bleffing. In
the later period of the Jewifh hiftory, the
repeated accomplifliments of former pre-
dictions, in all the mofl important and
many of the moft minute events, which
occurred in their refpeclive ages, became
an additional and no lefs decifive tefti-
mony to the truth of divine inspiration.
The Prophecy fulfilled, as well as the Mi-
racle

2i8 S E K M O N VI.

racle performed, was a pledge and earnefl:
of the futiu-- completion of the mighty
promife, which was the ultimate end and
defign of all Revelation.

In perufmg the facred Volume, w^e not
only behold the authority of Prophecy fup-
ported by the peculiar nature of the dif-
ferent means adopted by the Prophets, but
•we behold thefe^ means each more particu-
larly employed in that period of the hiftory,
in which it was fnigularly beneficial and
appropriate.

In the infani: flate of the world, in which
Prophecy could not yet have acquired that
high degree of authority which is obtained
by the frequent accompliiliment of former
predictions, miracles were mofi: frequently
employed. When the Children of Ifrael,
departing from Egypt, were encouraged,
in their revolt againft a foreign tyrant, and
during their painful and dangerous progrefs
through the wildernefs, by the fplendid and
repeated promifes of divine Revelation,
then, the neceffity of their implicit reliance
upon thefe promifes being more immedi-
ately urgent, a long feries of miracles wa-s

ex-

S E R M O N VI. 219

exhibited, the moft ftupendous, which the
human imagination can conceive.

When, in a later age, the calamities of
the Ifraelites were multiplied, and even
their utter extindion fomctimes appeared
to be approaching, extraordinary Prophets
■were more frequently raifed up ; who, for
the purpofe of upholding the faith of the
people, were commlffioned to defcribe in
fuller, more diftind;, and more glowing
terms, the character of the Meffiah, and
the future glories of his kingdom. But,
as the divine government had been carried
on, through a long fuccefiion of years,
chiefly by the agency of Prophets ; and
as almoft every event which took place
was the accompliihment of a former pre-
diction, miracles were no longer neceflary
for the purpofe of confirming the promifes
of the Prophets, and eftablifliing the faith
of the hearers. Accordingly few miracles
appear to have been performed. Though
•events the moft momentous occurred ;
though the city and temple of Jerufalem
were deftroyed, and the Jews were carried
into diftant captivity, and after long exile
l-pturnejd to their ancient Ijind ; yet no won-
derful

220 S E R M O N VI,

derful a6ls of Omnipotence were exerted
in their behalf; neither was the ftream
commanded to flow from the dry and
barren rock, nor wxre the waters of the
Euphrates divided.

But though fuch frequent advantages
were derived from the communications
of the Prophets to the generations, to which
they wcYQ refpeftively addrelTed ; yet to
deliver thofe communications in diftin^
and completely intelligible terms, was nei-
ther neceflary for the important purpofe of
which I have been fpeaking, nor confiftent
with the peculiar nature of the iyftem,
under which the Prophets and their hearers
lived. Some of the mofi: ftubborn diffi-
culties, which appear to perplex the argu-
ment from Prophecy, and which the In-
fidel exaggerates with pride and exultation,
are not only capable of a fatisfadory fo-
lution, but may even reafonably be expeded
from this twofold nature of the Prophetic
oeconomy. Of this kind is the obfcurity,
in which the predictions are frequently in-
volved. In affigning the caufe of this ob-
fcurity, it is not fufRcient that we fliould
expatiate upon the freedom of human

agency,

SERMON VI. 221

agency, by which alone many of the pre-
dictions were to receive their accomplifli-
ment, and which would have been fatally
interrupted by a clear difcovery of future
events. It muii be prefumed, that fuch
an obfcurity w^ould necellarily be admitted
by men, or rather by the Holy Spirit in
the infpiration of men, who were the
minifters of a twofold difpenfation, who
were employed at once to maintain the
honour of one oeconomy, and to prepare
the way for another ; and with whom,
confequently, it mull: have been ' a ruling
principle of acTtion, not to v/eaken the au-
thority of that which was prefent, by too
clear and fplendid a difplay of the fuperior
excellence of that which was to come. A
confiderable degree of obfcurity, therefore,
appears to be naturally conned;ed with fuch
a fcheme of Prophecy ; and in moft of the
predictions it will be found. They were
admirably calculated to give exercife to
faith, and encouragement to hope : but
they were not fufficiently luminous to ali-
enate afFeClion from the prevailing fyftem,
to excite impatience, or to nourilh difcon-
tent.

The

222 S E R M O N VI.

The means employed for the purpofc
of veihng from the Jews a part of the pro-
phetic fcheme of Chriflianity, appear to
have been admirably fuited to the occafion,
vipon which they were ufed, and to the
pecuhar nature of the administration, of
which the Prophets formed a part. The
double meanings; which many of the pre-
dictions convey, naturally refult from this
double ,office of the Prophets. Employed
upon two difpenfations, it might naturally be
fuppofed, that they would frequently inter-
mingle them ; that, though fpeaking more
particularly upon the firft, they would look
forward to the fecond, and hold it conftantly
in view; that, glowing with the twofold con-
ception, they would confound in one pidlure
diffimilar images, which could never unite
in a fmgle perfon, or a fmgle event ;
and would reprefent by one expreffion
fuch circumftances common to both, as
may not unreafonably be expedled to occur
in two oeconomies, fubfervient the one to
the other, both proceeding from the fame
God, and both conducing to the fame end*

But the types and figures, with which
the Mofaic eftablifhment and the facred

hiflory

SERMON VI. 223 _

hiftory of the Jews univerfally abound,
feem more particularly to fall in with the
profeffed defign of the Almighty Ruler of
that people. The laft great difpenfation,
whereby the whol^ human race has been
raifed to life and immortality, was ufliered
in by an inferior one, which was admini-
ftered, through many ages, under the im-
mediate guidance of the Deity, and was
principally fubfervient to the purpofe of
introducing that, by which it was fuc-
ceeded. Now it may be fairly fuppofed,
under fuch circumftances, that the firft
would be intimately conne6led with the fe-
cond; that it would manifeft its entire de-
pendence by types and figures, a mode of
expreffing ideas, which was in common ufe
among eaftern nations in thofe early ages
of the w^orld, and was peculiarly adapted
to veil the prophetic fyftem in partial ob-
fcurity. The lefs Judaifm had been inter-
woven with Chriftianity, by this infeparable
community of images, the weaker w^ould
have been its influence upon the mind, and
the more faintly would it have appeared an
inftitution of the fame God, in fubordina-
tion to the fame defign. But the Jewiili
polity was in a great degree typical. The

law.

224 SERMON VI.

law, and more efpecially the ceremonial
part of it, was prophetic of the Gofpel ;
and from thefe unalienable charad:eriftics
it evidently appears, that they both pro-
ceeded from one Almighty Power, and
that he was ailing upon the fame harmo-
nious plan, when he Ihone before Mofes
upon Sinai, and when he poured his glory
around our Redeemer upon the Mount.

The above obfervations will appear per-
haps even more ftriking, if we recoiled:,
that the Gofpel difpenfation w^as final; that
it prepared not the way, nor looked for-
ward to any other. It was not neceffary,
therefore, to have recourfe to typical cere-
monies, or fecondary fenfes, either in its
inftitutions, or in the predictions delivered
by its holy Founder and his infpired
Apoflles. Confequently no traces of them
will be found in the New Teftament, if
w^e except the remarkable inflance of a
double meaning in the Prophecy of our
Lord, in which he intermingled the de-
ftrudion of Terufalem with the general
judgment of the world.

In the courfe of my obfervations upon

double

S E R M O N VL 225

double meanings in Prophecies, with a re-
ference to the particular fubjed: which is
now under difculTion, I ought not to be
entirely filent upon the peculiarity of the
language, in which they are in general con-
veyed. It not only is not vague, romantic,
and ridiculous, unworthy of the attention
of a rational being, as the ignorant and fu-
perficial Infidel has wifhed to reprefent it ;
but it is fober and reafonable, reducible to
determinate principles, and capable of a
fatisfadory explication. It is in moft in-
ftances highly figurative, and frequently
hyperbolical. As it is neither neceffary,
nor confiflcnt with my plan, to enter at
large into this difcufTion, I fliall briefly ob-
ferve, that to thofe w^ho have ferioufly con-
fidered the peculiar nature of the fubjed:,
fuch a language has appeared fmgularly
appropriate and ufeful, if not abfolutely
neceffary. It has even been doubted whe-
ther the end propofed could have been
effectually obtained through the medium
of any other ilyle. And this llyle, fo con-
fiflcnt with the views of the Prophets,
was particularly adopted by them in thofe
predi(5lions, in which they intermingled
fome important event, which was remotCj
Q with

2.26 SERMON VL

with the nearer tranfa6llon, which was
the more immediate . fubjeA of their di-
vine communication.

Before I quit the confideration of the
twofold nature of the prophetic commif-
fion, let me be allowed to offer a few ob-
servations upon one peculiar circumftance,
conneded with the predictions of the Old
Teilament*

In the trial of the prophetic writings,
that high fpecies of evidence in favour of
real infpiration, which refults from a faith-
ful accomplifhment of the predicted events,,
is the moft fatisfaCtory which the human
mind is capable of receiving. The pre-
dictions were not indifcriminately fulfilled.
Thofe, of which the accomplifliment was
indifpenfably neccffary, have been faithfully
completed ; while, in fome few inftances,
the events foretold have not occurred. In
thefe cafes, neverthelefs, the delivery and
the revocation of the Divine will appear to
have been equally confiftent with that com-
prehenfive fcheme of Revelation, which it
was the great object of Prophecy to affill,
to illufiirate, and to confirm. In fubfer-

vience

S E R M O N VL 227

vience to this fcheme, the Jews, I have al-
ready obferved, were placed under the more
immediate and Aifible dire6lion of God.
The Prophets were his high minifters in
difpenfing this facred government. One of
the principal means, by which they at once
convinced the people of his miraculous in-
terpofition in their favour, and moft pow-
erfully incited them to faith and a pious
obedience, was the prophetic anticipation
of the calamities which would follow their
crimes, and of the bleffings which would
crown their piety. Thefe rewards and
punifliments not taking place at the mo-
ment when the predidlions were uttered, it
may reafonably be prefumed, that the ul-
timate purpofes of the Almighty could not
be exprefled, as they muft have depended
upon contingencies, which might enfue,
between the delivery of the Prophecies,
and the period of their intended comple-
tion. The threatened calamity might be
averted by repentance : the promifed bleff-
ing might be forfeited by intermediate
guilt. ^ In conformity with this prefump-
tion, which is infeparable fi-om a juft know-
ledge of the Jewifh oeconomy, it will ap-
pear from a minute inveftigation, that aU
Q q the

123 S E R M O N Vi.

the Prophecies, which were not verified by
the events, were delivered as a fpecies
either of commination or of encourage-
ment ; and that they were rendered void,
by a fubfequent change of condn<5l in the
people to whom they were addrefled.

Let it not however be fuppofed, that
the defender of Chriftianity enumerates,
without any juft means of difcrimination,
among the immediate inftruments of the
theocratic government, all thofe Prophe-
cies, which have not been duly fulfilled.
The clearefl and mofl ftriking diflindions
may be difcerned. They generally referred
to approaching events, and were always ex-
prefTed in a language completely intelligible
to the hearers. Being intended as induce-
ments to a<flion, it was abfoiutely necefTary
that they fliould be clearly apprehended by
the agents. On the other hand, all thofe
Prophecies, eminently fuperior in number
and importance, the accomplifliment of
which was certain, were diftinguiflied by
higher characfteriflics. Either they were
concealed from the full knowledge of the
'hearers, under the veil of a highly figura-
tive language, and of types and fecondary

meanings i

SERMON VI.

229

meanings ; or they contained an accurate
detail of minute circumftances ; or were re-
peated by liicceflive Prophets; or they were
fand:ioned by an oath, or confirmed by a
miracle ; or they exceeded the probable
force of fecond caufes ; or they related to
the deftrudiion of idolatrous kingdoms, and
the fall of future empires ; or they referred
to fpiritual bleffmgs, and fliadowed out
the great features of univerfal redemption.
Thefe charadleriftic diftinftions, made by
one of the fl:ron2;eft and moft fagacious
minds '"", which has ever been employed in
elucidating the fubje(5l of Prophecy, fuffi-
ciently prove, that the predications were
not the wild effufions of enthufiafm, or the
ralli fpeculations of conjecture ; that they
were delivered in ftriCt conformity with
fixed principles; and that the friend of Re-
velation does not without jufl reafon refer
to the clafs of conditional Prophecies, all
thofe, in which the event has not corre-
fponded with the defcription of the Pro-
phet.

An additional authority may be afforded

* Stillingflcet, Origines Sacras, book ii. chap. 6.

Q 3 to

230 S E R M O N VI.

to thefe obfervations, by recurring, as at
the conclufion of the laft argument, to the
writings of the New Teftament. When
the Meffiah appeared, the Almighty had
ceafed to dired:, by a miraculous interfe-
rence, any favoured portion of his creatures.
Conditional Prophecies were no longer re-
quifite, as the appropriate and ufeful in-
ftruments of a divine government. Ac-
cordingly, no conditional prophecies appear
to have been uttered after the days of
Malachi. Not a fmgle prediction was de-
livered, either by Chrift, or by his firft in-
fpired minifters, of ^^ hich it can be fhewn,
that the neceiTary time of completion has
palTed, and left it unaccompliflied.

But leaving the confiderations which
arife from the double nature of the dif-
penfation, of which the Prophets were the
minifters, let us now proceed upon inore
enlarged principles, and dire6l our enquiries
to fome of the general charaderiftics of the
prophetic fcheme.

It was the principal end and defign of di-
vine infpiration, to bear teftimony to the
truth of Chriftianity. This being the great

objed:.

S E R M O N VI. 231

objed;, preeminently intended by the Omni-
fcient Infpirer, it may naturally be fuppofed,
that the prefiguratlon of the Divine Founder
of the new religion, and of the new religion
itfelf, would form the diftinguifliing feature
of the facred Oracles. It would occupy,
we may reafonably expe(5l, the moft dif-
tinguifhed place in the facred Writings, be
held forth continually in view, and pervade
and animate all the fyftem. The actual
proceedings of the Prophets accord with
this reafonable exped:ation. The blefled
Jefus and his divine religion were the
conflant fubje6ls of their predidions. Se-
condary circumftances were incidentally
mentioned ; but our holy Redeemer was
the favourite theme of all, from the open-
ing of the revelation at the fall of man,
to the clofe of Jewilli Prophecy with Ma-
lachi. Even the minuteil traits refpe£ling
him wxre accurately diftinguifbed. His
entire hiftory may be collecfted with almoft
equal precifion from the Hebrew Scriptures,
and from the writings of the Evangelifts.
If we fliould expunge from the Old Tefta-
ment all the paflages which relate to his
advent and religion, the remaining part
Q 4 would

232 SERMON VI.

would abound with a profufion of pre-
did;ions, which, though fingularly ftriking
in themfelves, would be deprived of their
bond of connexion, and would not con-
duce to any end of general and tranfcen-
dent importance.

Since facred Prophecy has propofed, as
the final caufe of its delivery, the illuftration
of a hngle and moft momentous event, it
may be prefumed, that the fcattered pre-
dictions will collectively compofe one uni-
form and harmonious fcheme. Bearing
this circumftance in our recolledion, let
us endeavour briefly to develope, in a few
ftriking inftances, the fyftem of the facred
writers. They all unite in one common
deiign of raifmg the expectation of a great
and benevolent redemption. The moft ex-
traordinary circumftances, by which it was
to be attended, are varioully and minutely
pourtfayed. The prophetic delineation, ge-
neral and indeterminate at its commence-
ment, gradually aflumes a fuller and more
diftincl character, as the time of its fulfil-
ment approaches. The fpirit of Prophecy
firfh difplayed itfelf at the introdudion of

fin :

S E R M O N VI. 335

fin: it clofed its heavenly career, when the
power of fm was broken in the triumphant
eftabUfhment of Chriftianity. The tem-
poral events which it pourtrayed, the at-
chievements of celebrated monarchs, and
the revolutions of mighty empires, were all
more immediately concerned in favouring
the progrefs of Revelation. The falfe pre-
tenders to infpiration may in vain lay
claim to this incontrovertible teftimony of
an over- ruling influence. The predid:ions
of the Pagan oracles were independent of
each other, and utterly incapable of uniting
in one grand and connected fydem. Sacred
Prophecy alone combines its feveral parts
in one perfect whole. The merciful fpirit
of redemption breathes through every page
of the Prophets, and imparts the fame
beauty and harmonious agreement to their
numerous writings, which natural law and
order, as willed by the Almighty, beftow
upon the vail and multiform iyftem of the
univerfe.

A feries of Prophecies, of which it is the
great objed; to difclofc all the illuftrious
diftin(^ions of one extraordinary perfon, in
whom they will receive their full and final

accom-

134 SERMON VL

accomplifhmcnt, if it be made to compre-
hend a wider range of circumilances, will
exhibit a greater degree of confiftcncy and
unity of defign, in proportion as it con-
fines itfelf to thofe, which are in fome de-
gree connefted wdth his appearance. Other
human events, though eminently import-
ant in the hiftory of mankind, if they are
independent of this primary intention of
the omnifcient Infpirer, will, we may juftly
fuppofe, be paiTed over in filence.

If we recur, as in the early part of this
Lecture, to a brief examination of the
Prophetic Hiflory, we fhall find that this
reafonable expedlation mofi; faithfully coin-
cides with the adual character of Jewifli
Prophecy.

In its infant fiate, it was imparted to a
few humble and pious Patriarchs, then
wandering with their flocks over the Eaft.
But they were the appointed founders of
an extraordinary people, among whom the
fcheme of redemption was to be gradually
unfolded ; and at length, in the fulnefs of
time, the Meffiah was to appear.

At

SERMON VI.

^35

At a more advanced period, when tlie
defcendants of thefe favoiared Patriarchs
had multipUed into a numerous and pow-
erful nation, and, conducted by the arm of
the Almighty, were miraculoufly fettled in
the promifed land, the prophetic fpirit ex-
erted itfelf, as a powerful inftrument of
theocracy, both in encouraging their faith-
ful adherence to the Mofaic eftablifliment,
and in favouring their martial enterprizes
againft the idolatrous nations which fur«
rounded them.

When, corrupted by fuccefs, and de-
voted to idolatry, they were fevered by
the avenging arm of the Almighty into
two feparate and hoftile kingdoms, the
power of Prophecy was more particularly
difplayed among the two tribes which
were fettled around Jerufalem ; for they
were the more faithful adherents to the
religion of their fathers, and the immediate
progenitors of the Saviour of mankind.

In purfuing their hiftory, ws Ufcover,
that the vices of the Ifraelites multiplied,
and the heavieft calamities approached.
The fcheme of Prophecy was enlarged.

To

236 SERMON VI.

To the defponding inhabitants of Judah,
either finking under a vi<5torious enemy,
or languifhing in captivity, was foretold the
ultimate ruin of the neighbouring king-
doms and empires, then triumphant over
the people of the Lord, and exulting in
the fancied flirength of their own idols.
The doom of nations powerful and opu-
lent was irrevocably determined ; of Tyre,
of Moab, and of AiTyria ; of Egypt, the
mother of fcience ; and of Babylon, the
haughty miftrefs of the eaftern world.

The time of the Meffiah approached.
The feed of Abraham had nearly com-
pleted their part in the wonderful prepara-
tion for his advent. Prophecy now forfook
the contracted limits of the Eaft, and, re-
vealing the difpofition of human affairs
moft fuitable to this ftupendous event,
forefhewed the elevation of thofe vafi:
empires, which facilitated the progrefs of
Chriftianity.

The victorious Macedonian, by extend-
ing his conqueils from the Ionian fhores to
the banks of Indus and the ocean, was the
principal means of introducing, through

the

SERMON VI. 237

the moft confiderable part of his Immenfe
empire, the knowledge of a language the
mofl perfe(^l and the moll: general, which
has ever been ufed by mankind. It was
through the medium of this common lan-
guage, that, in the age of the Ptolemies,
the facred hiftory recorded in the Law and
the Prophets was laid open to the whole
Gentile world, and, in a fubfequent aera,
the Apoftles, fent forth by our Lord, uni-
verfally diifeminated the knowledge of a
Redeemer, and the joyful tidings of his
GofpeL

The domination of Rome, fo ftrikingly
predidied by Daniel, which extended over
all the civilized portion of the globe, pro-
duced that arrangement of fubl unary affairs,
which alone, perhaps, as human means,
could have elTentiaily favoured the wide
diffuiion of Chriftianity. The various na-
tions of the earth were all united by one
common band : an univerfal toleration was
indulged to all religions : the intercourfe of
ftrangers was facilitated and encouraged :
not only the progrefs of the firft teachers
of the Gofpel was expedited, but the ne-
eeffary correfpondence between the nu-
merous

338 S E R M O N VL

mcrous focletles of fcattered Chriftians was
maintained by the vaft Roman roads, which
had been formed for the paiTage of the le-
gions, and united the banks of the Danube
to the coafts of the Mediterranean, and the
confines of Parthia and Egypt to the fhores
of the Atlantic.

x\t length Chriftianlty was received as
the common Religion of the world, where-
evjer civilization pre\ailed, and the Roman
arms had been difplayed. Thus, finally
triumphant, it became independent of mo-
narchs and of empires. All the, predictions,
therefore, which regarded the times fubfe-
quent -to this period, if we except thofe re-
lating to the fall of the empire, an event
more immediately connected with the firfi
propagation of Chriftianity, negleding tem-
poral occurrences, the fortune of fove-
reigns, or the fate of kingdoms, appear to
have referred folely to the fplritual condi-
tion of mankind. The Prophets were fi-
lent upon many of the moft wonder-
ful changes, which have taken place in
later ages ; the fmgular fpecies of power
acquired by nautical fcience, the founding
of a powerful empire over the regions of

the

SERMON VL 239

the North, the difcovery of another heml-
fphcre, the introducftion of civiHzation and
the arts among the favages of extenfive
illands, which had lain concealed through
all paft time in the great Southern Ocean,
and the llupendous revolutions inftanta-
neoufly efFcdled over the whole Eaft, the
great fcene of Revelation, by the defc^nt
of myriads of northern barbarians under
the fanguinary ftandards of Zingis and Ti-
mour. Our attention is confined to the
triumphs of the Arabian Impoftor, to the
monftrous corruptions of the Papal ufurpa-
tion, to the apoltafy of later times, to the
unparalleled and awful calamities of the
Jews, and to the univerfal propagation of
Chriilianity, and the final confumma-
tion of all things in the fecond appearance
of Chrift, a triumphant and glorified Mef-
fiah.

Having enumerated fome of the mofl:
ftriking circumftances attending facred Pro-
phecy, as they referred to the objedls re-
fpedively purfued in the courfe of Reve-
lation, I wifn, before I conclude the pre-
fent Ledlure, to dired your attention for
a ihort time to one diftinguifhing charac-

teriftic.

440 S E R M O N VI.

teriftic, by which it is indifpenfably requi-
site, that the real Prophets fliould be marked.

The minifters of a true revelation, even
the adverfaries of Chriftianity mull allow,
will be diftinguifhed by a conftant enforce-
ment of the pureft principles of morality
and religion. When our affent to it is
demanded, it is not fufficient, that the
proofs of a fupernatural agency be clearly
adduced ; it mvift alfo appear, that the
caufe of piety and virtue, and the general
welfare of mankind, are either immediately
or ultimately promoted by the divine com-
munications. An agency more than hu-
man may lie, perhaps, within the ability
of evil fpirits, who may wifli to favour,
by fuch means, their malignant plans of
wickednefs and mifery. Perfe<fl redlitude
of principle, therefore, is neceffarily re-
quired in the holy men, who declare them-
felves to be appointed the meiTengers of the
Moft High, and to be endued with ex-
traordinary prefcience.

In referring to the Oracles of Faganifm,
we foon difcover, that the minifters of the
delufive fuperftitions of the world were

fingularly

SERMON VI. 24%

fingularly defective in this unerring teft of
the truth. It was their principal obje6l to
decide the temporal fortunes of individuals,
and to give energy to the defigns of national
policy. Precepts of morality and rules of
jufl condu(^f were feldom delivered from
the cave or confecrated tripos. The pur-
eft fentiments prevalent among the Pagans
either were enforced by the Philofopher, or
adorned the pages of the Poet. When
calamity threatened either the ftate or the
individual, if the Oracle was folicited to
reveal the caafe^ which had provoked the
anger of the gods, the evil, on moft occa-
fions, was declared to arife, not from fla-
grant breaches of morality, from profligacy
of fentiment, or depravity of conduct ; but
from a trifling negled: of the external du-,
ties of religion, or from the unworthy jea-
loufies of contending deities, or from the
inaufpicious omens, which had immediately
preceded an cnterprize.

But happy had it been for the Heathen
world, if, upon the fubjed; of morality,
their Oracles had been invariably filent.
The few fentiments, w^hich they did deli-
ver, were not alw^ays grounded upon the fe-
R vere

24S SERMON VI.

vere principles- of reafon and truth : they
varied with the flu6luation of human opi-
nions, and were even accommodated to the
prejudices, the paffions, and the vices of
their votaries. Nay, they frequently even
commanded the groffeft violations of mo-
rality and decorum, and veiled, under the
proftituted name of religion, the moft fla-
gitious and horrible abominations, which
have ever been permitted to pollute the
annals of the human race.

The Prophets of the true God were in-
fpired by the pureft principles. They ac-
tively and invariably exerted themfelves in
the caufe of virtue. The fyftem of mo-
rality, which they fanftioned, w^as pure,
fevere, and founded upon determinate and
acknowledged principles. They tempered
its feverity, however, with the love of
mercy and the gentle feelings of benevo-
lence. With all the warmth of zeal, and
energy of eloquence, they recommended
the caufe of the ftranger, the widow, and
the orphan. Neither the pomp of ftation
nor the tyranny of power could fhield the
offender from their manly and indignant
rebukes : and exhibiting a boldneis, which,

perhaps.

SERMON VI. 243

perhaps, is unparalleled in the whole hif-
tory of mankind, and which could only be
infpired by the confidence of truth and the
certainty of Divine affiiliance, they even
chaftifed a powerful monarch for the un-
lawful indulgence of his paffions ; and
openly denounced the vengeance of the
high Being, by whom they were infpired,
againft a formidable tyrant, who had mur-
dered, for the fake of plunder, the poor
poiTeflbr of a neighbouring vineyard.

The piety, which they required, was not
the cold and inefficient duty of an external
ritual ; it was the religion of the heart, the
controul of the internal feelings of the foul,
and an inward and ever-adive perfaafion
of the exigence and providence of an all-
judging God. It earneftly excited gratitude
for his favours, fupplication for his forgive-
nefs, and reliance on his protedion.

Thefe moral and religious duties w^ere not
varied with the progrefs of civilization, nor
made to bend to temporal occurrences, to
the will of a favoured monarch, or the ca-
prices of contending parties. They were
independent of human events, regular as
the order of nature, and eternal as the
K 2 Foun-

i44 S E R M O N VI.

Fountain of infpiratlon. Their influence
was the moft exteniive which the ima-
gination can conceive. They were not
calculated to aggrandize a favourite llate,
nor appropriated to the inhabitants of a
particular climate ; but they were equally
ufeful to all countries, and obligatory on
the whole human race.

In eftimating the excellence of the mo-
ral principle inculcated by the fuppofed
minifters of luperior beings, confiderable
attention is due to their defcriptions of the
exalted Power, w-hofe will they pretend to
reveal. Unworthy reprefentations of the
fupreme Being degrade the fentiments and
vitiate the heart ; while pure and exalted
conceptions of his divine nature are emi-
nently calculated to refine the moral fenfe.
And let us not forget, that they alone can
be rcafonably fuppofed to have been the
real minifters of Heaven, who afcribe com-
plete perfection to the divine Perfon, in
whom is comprehended every excellence,
which it is poffible for the human mind to
conceive.

I'he Pagan deities, from the humble
rank of mortals, had been elevated to the

lionours

SERMON VL 245

honours of divinity, either by the gratitude
of an ignorant and fuperffitious antiquity,
or by the impious adulation of a corrupt
court. Their earthly characters had hQen
fullied by the blackeft crimes ; and they
were reprefented as ftili debafed by human
infirmities, and as enjoying, in imaginary
regions, a boundlefs indulgence of the mofi;
impious and deflruclive vices. The go-
vernment of the univerfe was fuppofed not
to be directed by one infpiring mind, nor
carried on hy one unvaried principle, but to
be diflributed among a multiphcity of dei-
ties, who were actuated by jealoufies, pro-
voked by animofities, and divided by con-
tending interelb. The common happinefs
of mankind, and the facred caufe of virtue,
appear to have been, in general, remote
from their confideration, and difregarded
in their conduct: while in the honours,
which they demanded, they countenanced
the groifeft impurities, and not unfre-
quently delighted even in the efFufion of
human blood.

But let us turn from this unpleafing

pidure, and contemplate the Jehovah of

the Hebrews. The Prophets of Ifrael, in a

R ^ flraiii

246 SERMON VI.

ftrain of divine eloquence, prefent a de-
fcription of the Godhead, i>ir purer and
more fublime than any, which the unaf-
fifted human mind has ever conceived.
He is defcribed as the one fupreme Being,
cxifting from all eternity, prefent through
all fpace, poiTcffing all power, and know-
ing all things, paft and prefent and to
come. He is reprefented as fpiritual in
his nature, the maker and the preferver of
the univerfe, the conftant friend of virtue,
and the certain avenger of vice. He de-
lighteth not, they explicitly declare, in the
odours of incenfe, nor in the blood of vic-
tims, but in uprightnefs of condud: and
purity of fentiment, in a(5ls of benevolence,
and in the duties of warm and unaiTuming
piety.

In the courfe of the prefent Lecture, I
have endeavoured to fliew the confiftency,
which runs through ancient Prophecy. It
feems fcarcely .poffibie not to admit the
reality of thefe chara<5lerill:ics, , when we
recollect the feveral parts of the fubjed,
which have juft been difcuifed. The pre-"
didions were moftly delivered at thofe fea-
fons, in which the fubordinate advantage

intended

' SERMON VI. ^47

intended to be derived, at the inftant of
their delivery, was more particularly ob-
tained. For the more certain attainment
of this advantage, miracles were necefiary
for the confirmation of the words of the
Prophets : and miracles were exhibited, not
indifcriminately in all feafons, but in thofe
chiefly, in which fuch a confirmation of
the words of the Prophet was more efpe-
cially required. It was neceiTary to veil for
a time the fenfe of many Prophecies from
the knowledge of thofe, to whom they
were addrefied. They were veiled; and the
means by which this temporary conceal-
ment was generally effecliled, fecondary
meanings and types, were adapted with
fmgular propriety to the complex nature
of the difpenfation, of which the Prophets
were the minifters. It was in the higheffc
degree probable, from the particular defign
of one part of the Revelation, that fome of
the predictions would not be verified by
the events. This revocation of the declared
purpofes of the divine Infpirer took place,
but in thofe alone in which the necelTary rea-
fon can be affigned. The one fole and mo-
mentous objed, the teftimony of the bleffed
Saviour of the world, was kept perpetually
R 4 in

248 S E -R M O N Vr.

in view by the Prophets, and intermingled
itfelf with almoft every circumftance of
their divine miniftry. The accompiifh-
ment of one ftupendous event was the
great end of Prophecy j and the long feries
of predictions forms one uniform fcheme,
connected throughout with the completion
of thisfublime defign. Though many of the
fignal events of the moft illuftrious periods
of univerfal hiftory were foretold ; yet all
were not foretold. The predictions were
limited to the affairs of thofe nations,
which the Divine wifdom rendered more
particularly inftrumental in effecting the
benevolent purpofe of promiulgating a re-
velation to mankind While through the
whole courfe of the miraculous interpofi-
tion, the pure principles of morality, which
are indifpenfably required among the marks
of a true religion, were forcibly and uni-
formly inculcated.

Tliefe circumftances, colleclively consi-
dered, aifcover the admirable propriety,
which difcinguiihes the feveral parts of the
facred Oracles, and the uniformity which
pervades the whole. In the light, in which
Prophecy has now been placed, it appears

to

SERMON VI. 249

to have been one grand, clear, and har-
monious fcheme. The propriety and con-
fiftency thus exhibited upon fo wonderful
a fubjed:, and continued through a courie
of fo many centuries, are alone, perhaps,
abundantly fufficient to excite in the un-
prejudiced mind a ftrong prefumption of
the interference of a fupernatural Power.
This prefumption mufc be confiderably
ftrengthened, when we remark the un-
ceafmg precaution and extreme nicety of
difcrimination invariably exhibited by the
Prophets, without the conftant exercife of
which they could not have fuccefsfully
executed the feveral parts of the ftupen-
dous fcheme.

But this prefumption, it is apprehended,
may be heightened into firm conviction,
and converted into a moral certainty, by
the following confiderations.

No iyftematic feries of predidions, either
fimilar, or marked even with the flighteil
degree of refemblance, can be found in the
annals of the whole human race. Pro-
phets, or rather pretenders to Divine infpi-
ration, have appeared in all ages, and all

Pagan

250 SERMON VL

Pagan countries. They have generally been
heard with confiderable attention, and not
unfrequently have been protected and en-
couraged, through a long courfe of time,
by the laws and by the magiilrate. Yet
in none of their efFuiions can the faintefl
traces be difcovered of a connected plan,
or of unity of defign, much lefs of fuch a
plan and fuch a delign, as are exhibited in
the facred Writings. The priefts of Greece
and Rome, who perhaps advanced the art
of divination to the highell ftate of per-
fe6lion, to which it can be carried by mere
human ability, uttered a profufion of Ora-
cles, which were totally unconnected with
each other, and had no relation towards
the attainment of any common end.

The Sibylline books, wdiich, in the mo-
ment of general calamity, the magiftrates
of the Roman republic afFecled to confult,
had they been fuch as were pretended,
would have approached nearer than any
other compofitions, with which we are ac-
quainted, to the chara6ler of the infpired
Writings. The citizens were deluded into
an opinion, that thofe volumes contained
a fpecies of information, which implied a

confi-

SERMON VI. 251

coniiderable foreknowledge of the hlftory
of Rome ; and that they were deiigned
for the infl:ru(5lion of the future magillirate,
and the confequent prefervation of the
ftate. Here then would have been con-
gruity of parts and a momentous end. But
the whole was a fiction. We can difcover
no reafonable grounds of belief, that the
books contained the information, which
was artfully pretended. The tale refped:-
ing them was invented, from political mo-
tives, in the infancy of Rome, and was con-
tinued through fucceeding ages as an ufe-
ful engine of. (late, in appeafmg the fears
of the populace, during feafons of tumult
and difmay, and affording a religious fanc-
tion to the extraordinary decrees of the
civil power. Flad they really contained
fuch information, though they woiild un-
doubtedly have appeared to be in a very
high degree miraculous, yet from the know-
ledsre, which we have been enabled to ac-
quire refpe<51:ing them from the Roman
' hiftorians, we may venture to pronounce,
that in the ftrong and difcriminating cha-
rad:erilt:ics, which have been the fubjeds
of difcuflion in the prefent Difcourfe, they

would

252 SERMON VL

would {till hsLYQ funk in a companion
with the infpired writings of the Pro-
phets»

The vaft fcheme of facred Prophecy was
formed for the fublime purpofe of reveal-
ing remote events. It was not difclofed
by the fiiccefsful efforts of a favoured in-
dividual, richly endowed by nature, and
highly improved by cultivation. The Pro-
phets, through whofe agency it was gra-
dually unfolded, were many in number:
they appear not in general to have been
diftinguiilied by uncommon fuperiority of
intelled;; and they aiTuredly were not af-
flfted by a fortunate difpoiition of human
affairs. They arofe throu2;h fucceffive 8;e-
Derations -, and uttered their predictions
under the moft violent reverfes of fortune,
and the moft ftriking variations of fociety.
Sometimes they were invefted with the
dignity of an exalted - ftation ; fometimes
they were difpirited and debafed by an ig-
nominious captivity. At one period of
their miniftry they were the founders of a
kingdom ; at another they mourned over
the ruins of their fallen country. They

were

SERMON VI. 253

were not aflbciated ^ into one body, con-
trouled and directed by known and efta-
blilhed rules. It does not appear, that the
later Prophets were in all cafes even ad-
mitted to a knowledge of the full inten-
tion of thofe who had preceded them : it
is not evident, that they always compre-
hended the whole fcope of their own pre-
di6lions : and it may with confidence be
aflerted, that in general they were not en-
couraged and fupported by the protection
and patronage of the ftate.

Such agents, confidered as mere unaf-
lifted men % we may boldly venture to de-

^ I fpeak of the extraordinary Prophets, who, as I have
already had occafion to remark, though fometimes felefted
from the fchools of the Prophets, were not connected in
their minillry with that inftitution,

*^ The following vigorous lines, in which Dr}'dea ha-s
fpoken o( the Books of divine Revelation in general, may
with peculiar juftnefs be applied to the fpirit of Prophecy
ia particular, which is displayed in them all :

Whence, but from Heaven, could men unfkiU'd in arts^,

In feveral ages born, in feveral parts,

Weave fuch agreeing truths ? or how, or why,

ShouljJ all confpire to cheat us with a lie ?

Una(k'd their pains, ungrateful their advice,

Starving their gain, and martyrdom their price.

Religio Laici.

clare.

254 S E R M O N VL

dare, were totally incompetent to a<ft in
concert for purpofes of tranfcendent im-
portance, and to produce fuch a wonderful
and perfect fyilem of Prophecy, as that
which the holy Scriptures exhibit. The
propriety and beautiful confiftency, which
harmonize its varied parts, muft have been
the emanation of one infpiring Power, the
great Difpofer of all events. To his all-feeing
mind were manifeft from the beginning
all the various parts of the ftupendous
fcheme, w^hich, in the progrefs of time,
were fucceffively unfolded to mortal know-
ledge. He went on from age to age, a-
midft the rife and fall of empires, and the
fluctuations of his human inflruments, in the
regular profecution of one predetermined
and unaltered plan. And* thus, the com-
pofitions of his Prophets, like all his won-
derful produ6lions, exhibit that unity of
defign, and harmony of parts, which it is
equally impious and ,abfurd to reprefent as
the fortunate refult of contingencies, or a
fuccefsful effort of ingenious impofture.

SERMON

SERMON VIL

3 PETER i. 21.

i'ROPHECY CxVME XOT IN OLD TIME BY THE
WILL OP MAN ; BUT HOLY MEN OP GOD
SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE
HOLY GHOST.

PEW fubjedis are more interefting to the
mind, or require a more intenfe exertion of
its difcriminating powers, than the motives
of human condud:. Curiofity, perpetually
alive to refearches of this nature, employs
itfelf, where its fphere of a6lion is confined,
even in fcrutinizing the occurrences of
humble life, which, too infignificant to be-
come objeds of public enquiry, can only
attrad: the notice or en2;a2;e the atten-
tion of thofe, who are Grangers to more

im-

256 SERMON VIL

portant tranfad:lons. The political obfervefj,
not bounding his fpeculations within fuch
contracted limits, analvfes with fubtlety
of difcrimination the public events, which
are paffing within his view, in order to ex-
plore the fecret principles, which actuate
courts and councils. The Icholar, extend-
ing ftill wider his refearches, and carrying
his imagination back into diftant ages, in-
veftigates the genuine charaCler of an il-
luftrious hero, and the real obje6l of a me-
morable fe6l or party, which were con-
cealed under the popular mafk of patriot-
ifm or piety.

It is reafonable to fuppofe, that this prin-
ciple will operate with increaiing efficacy,
in proportion as the objed: of inveftigation
advances in fmgularity and importance.

The Hebrew Prophets exhibit an ap-
pearance perhaps the moft extraordinary,
w^hich occurs in the annals of the hu-
man race. A ferics of individuals, rifmg
almoft without interruption through the
moft confiderable part of the national hif-
tory, aflume a more than mortal charad:er,
determine with equal freedom upon the

condu6t

SERMON VII.

•57

conduct of the humbleft and the moft ex-
alted members of the community ; and,
laying claim to a miraculous knowledge of
futurity, foretel the revolutions and the cala-
mities, not only of their own ftate, but alfo
of the moil powerful and flouriiliing em-
pires of the world.

An enquiry into the motives, by which
they appear to have been actuated, is not
merely calculated to gratify a barren curio-
fity, but may prove of eminent importance,
and extenfive utility. I Ihall endeavour,
therefore, on the prefent occafion, to demon-
ftrate, that there are no motives of worldly
policy fufficient to render a fatisfadiory ex-
planation of their conduct, as it is recorded
in the writings of the Old Teflament.

It was fo fmgular in its nature, and fo
irreconcileable with all the known princi-
ples of action among deceivers, that it can
only be juflily accounted for by admr ,ting
the interpofition of a divine agency, and
the irrefiftible influence of an almighty and
over-ruling Spirit.

If the fcheme of Jewifli Prophecy at
s large

45S S E R M O N VII.

large be not of divine origin, it mull: have
b»€en the offspring either of xmpofture or
enthufiafm. In profecuting our enquiries,
it is abfolutely neceffary to fhew, that nei-
ther of thefe caufes could have operated.

If Prophecy was originally invented, and
afterwards fuccefsfuUy continued, as an in-
lliniment of deception, it muft have been
intended to promote fome human aim.
It muft have been conduced by the Pro-
phets with the defign either of giving
energy to the political views of their coun-
trymen, or traiteroufly aiding the enter-
prizes of their enemies ; of conciliating
the favour of the fovereign, or acquiring
popularity among the multitude; or finally,
of accumulating riches and advancing their
temporal fortunes. It is Scarcely poffiblc
to name any other human caufe fufR-
ciently weighty to account for their con-
dud.

The political impoftor, though he may
throw a veil of impenetrable obfcurity over
thofe fecret arts, by which religion is made
fubfervient -to his views, muft yet unfold,
m the moft explicit terms, the particular

defign.

SERMON VII. 259

defign, to the profecutlon of which he
may labour to dired: the pubHc mind.
That muft always be a clear and ftriking
feature in his compofitions, notwithftand-
ing the myfteries and ftudied perplexities,
in which all the other parts may be in-
volved. Thus the immediate conqueft of
enemies, or the predominance of a favoured
fadion, events, which it was their objedl
to facilitate, were funply and boldly de-
clared, by the minifters of the Greek and
Roman Oracles, to be the predetermined
will of the divine powers, by whom they
pretended to be infpired.

Now the Hebrew Prophets rarely dwelt
upon great political events, w^hich iliould
be favourable to their countrymen ; they
never even alluded to domeftic diflenfions
and civil animofities, except in thofe in-
ftances, in which they were occafioned by
idolatry and a fpirit of ftubborn difobedi-
ence to the Lord of heaven and earth.
They never complained of the difrefped: of
the people to their fovereign, of their inat-
tention to the laws of their country, or ot
their refra6i:ory and mutinous fpirit toward
their military leaders in the camp. Their
s 2 threats

z6o SERMON VII.

threats were almoft invariably confined to
a fingle fpecies of guilt, an ungrateful de-
parture from the true God, and the confe-
quent violation of his commandments.

The Oracles of Heathen antiquity were
artfully employed, on the eve of a battle,
in animating the courage of the foldiers,
by predi(?l:ing the defeat of their enemies.
Very different was the condud: of the Pro-
phets of God. It was not their principal
objed: to expatiate upon the tranfa6lions,
in which their cotemporaries will be en-
gaged. In the inllances, in which they
alluded to approaching events, their Pro-
phecies, as we have feen in a fo^'mer
Ledure, w ere generally in the highefl de-
gree unfavourable and alarmins;. But the
energy of their divine eloquence w^as molt
frequently and moll: powerfully excited in
revealing the occurrences of diftant times,
the rem.ote ruin of enemies, which was to
be accomplillied by agents unconnecled
w^ith the Jewifii flate. Now" a foreknow-
ledge of the diftant fall of a vidorious and
irrefiftible enemy, . though it might footh
the ang;uifli of defeat, and li«;htcn the
chains of fervitude, could not infpire pre-

fent

SERMON VII. 261

fent confidence, or animate to immediate
exertion.

While the riiing glory and approaching
profperity of their own nation was the con-
ftant theme of the minifters of Heathen
Oracles, the Hebrew Prophets promifed
to the remote pofterity of their country-
men a period of uncommon felicity and
grandeur ; and at the fame time dwelt
with all the warmth and boldnefs of an
eaftern imagination, upon a long interme-
diate feafon of ruin, fervitude, and difper-
fion, and of debafement and miferies, more
bitter than even extin6lion and death.

In vain then fhall we endeavour to afcribe
to political motives the conduct of men,
who were in general filent upon fubjedls
merely political ; w4io fpoke rather of the
ultimate deflrudlion, than of the approach-
ing misfortunes of enemies ; who rarely
pictured fcenes of temporal felicity, of
which the feafon was near, but conftantly
delineated in the moft forcible manner
the fevere calamities, which impended over
their countrymen.

S3 A iyC-

262 SERMON VIL

A {y{tem of Prophecy, unfavourable to
the profperity of our own country, may
not unreafonably be fufped;ed of an inten-
tion to promote the caufe of our enemies.
If the Jewifh predictions portended evil
to the children of Ifrael, they might be in-
tended to fecond the efforts of the hoftile
nations, by whom the Ifrael ites were fur-
rounded. This plaufible fuppofition, though
Sometimes artfully enforced by the adver-
faries of Chriftianity, is contradictory to the
reneral tenor of the moft faithful records
and of fadls, which cannot be difputed.
The facred Prophets uniformly inveighed
with the fevereft indignation againft the ido-
latrous rites of all Heathen natipns : they
icprefented them as juft objects of dread and
abhorrence amongft men, and as expofed to
the certain confequences of divine venge-
ance. This public avowal of determined
difapprobation and hoflility, conftantly re-
peated, and not qualified by any intermin-
gled cxpreffions of partial praife or admi-
ration, cannot be reconciled with any pof-
fible fyftem of political hypocrify, or of
friendfhip concealed by the refinements of
art.

Again,

SERMON VII. 263

Again, they frequently revealed the will
of the Almighty, in which he purpofed to
etFed;, when the appointed time fliould ar-
rive, the final ruin of all the enemies of
the Jewifh people. There was fcarcely a
kingdom conne<5led with Ifrael or Judah, of
which the defolation was not forcibly de-
picted by the holy Prophets. And where
is the man, who, traitor to his native coun-
try, could hope to favour the fuccefles of
its enemies, by declaring their irremediable
ruin, as determined in the counfels of the
Moft High, and as certain to be executed
under his avenging hand ? Though the
Prophets, therefore, in numerous inftances,
foretold to the Jewifh people the miferies,
to which they were about to be expofed
from the victorious arms of the furrounding
kingdoms; yet they cannot juftly be charged
with betraying the interefts of their coun-
try. Independently of the exaCl accor-
dance of fuch a fpecies of predi<5lions with
one principal obje(5l of their million, the
frequency and energy, with which they
denounced the inevitable deftrudlion of
thofe very kingdoms, fupply them with
the moft ample means of exculpation in
the judgment of all fober and impartial
S 4 enquirers.

264 SERMON VIL

enquirers. Though this accufation has
often been preferred by our adverfaries, I
am not aware, that they have ferioufly en-
deavoured to fubftantiate it by examples,
except in the fingle inftance of the condudl
of Jeremiah at the approach of the Babylo-
nian army ^. From the numerous examples
of fuch a fpecies of predictions recorded in
the facred Volume, only one has been fe-
led:ed, in which the attending circumfliances
allow the daring and licentious Infidel of
modern times even plaufibly to fupport his
charge. The barrennefs of the proofs muft
furely be admitted as an inconteftable evi-
dence of the weaknefs of the caufe.

The favour of the monarch and the no-
bles is frequently folicited with earneftnefs
by the ambitious and enterprizing mem-
bers of the community. The efforts of
genius have been often directed to this
end. By conciliating fuch efteem, cither
vanity may be gratified, or intereft pro-
moted. But by the predidions contained
in the facred Volume no object of this na-
ture could poffibly be attained. The Pro-

^ Jeremiah xxvi.

phets

SERMON VII. 265

phets uniformly arraigned with intrepid
boldnefs the immoraUties or impiety of
the fovercign, and predicted the awful
punifliments, which aw^aited fuch crimes.
They expofed themfelves in general to
thofe expreffions of bitter and inveterate
hatred, with which the fon of Imlah was
received by the impious Ahab ^, whofe re-
fentment was avowedly excited by the ha-
bitual oppoiition, which he had experienced
in his guilty career from the intrepid mi-
nifter of Heaven. They alTumed an au-
thority fuperior to all earthly powder. With
a loftinefs of conception, which mere hu-
man ability never yet has reached, they
dwelt upon the inftability and emptinefs
even of the higheft ftate of temporal gran-
deur and dominion, in comparifon with
the inexpreffible majefty of the Lord of
heaven and earth. They approached the
facred perfon of the Prince with a freedom
of manner, and manlinefs of addrefs, which
are rarely exhibited in palaces, and muft
have been peculiarly abhorrent from the
haughty magnificence and fulfome adora-

^ I Kings xxii. 8,

tion,

166 S E R M O N VIL

tion, by which the dignity of eaitern mo-
narchs is upholden.

That national profperity may be ad-
vanced, and national calamity averted, by
the ability of the fovereign, is a principle
of flattery, which often prevails among
fubjeds, and is fondly cheriflied by the
rulers. But what hopes of princely favour
or protedlion could reafonably be indulged
by men, who conilantly reproached their
countrynjen for their confidence in a mor-
tal arm, and publicly predi^ed the ruin of
imperial cities and extenfive empires, un-
lefs averted by general repentance, and by
the reliance of both prince and people
upon the only true God ?

Even thofe few Prophecies, which may
appear to have flattered the wiflies of
the monarch, were generally embittered
by other lefs grateful communications.
Though the forfeited life of David was
fpared in confequence of his iincere re-
pentance, yet the death of his child was
denounced by the Prophet. In like man-
ner, when Ifaiah was commiffioned to

footh

SERMON VII. 2167

iboth the mind of Ahaz, by divine aflur-
ances of fecurity, during the approaching
invafion of Syria and Ephraim, he fad-
dened the welcome intelHgence by predi6l-
ing the miferies of his fubjecls at a fu ure
period, in which they fhould be borne m
captivity to the diftant banks of the Eu-
phrates.

He, who cenfures the Sovereign, may
wiih to become the favourite of the peo-
ple. To degrade by difreiped:, or abufe
the higher orders of the community, is not
unfrequently an eafy path to popular dif-
tin(R:ion and applaufe. But the Prophets
of Ifrael were not inflamed with fuch de-
praved ambition. Thejr predictions were
in general equally offeniive to all orders of
the ftate. To flatter the wiflies of the
multitude, to indulge them in their pre-
judices, to re-echo their fentiments, and to
facrifice even truth and virtue to their ca-
price and vicious inclinations, has been the
uniform practice of faClious demagogues.
The great Athenian Orator mofl: vigoroufly
and fuccefsfully expofed thefe unmanly ar-
tifices, when he warned his countrymen
againfl: the fpecious declaimers, who pros-
tituted

268 S E R M O N VIL

tituted the nobleft effufions of genius to
purpofes of flattery and deceit. It was in
a ftrain of captivating but infidious elo-
quence, that the falfe prophets of Ifrae]
addreffed themfelves to the evil paffions of
their hearers, and foothed their imagina-
tions with pleafmg but fanciful pi(5lures of
profperity ; gave them aflurances of peace,
when the banners of the enemy were un-
furled ; and promifed ferenity and funfhine,
when the fky w^as already darkened by
the clouds, and agitated by the whirl-
wind.

How difrerent was the character of the
real Prophets ! Though peace and fecurity
were the ardent hope and fondell wifli of
their countrymen ; yet to their cotempo-
raries and their immediate fucceflbrs, they
generally predicted fevere calamities, and
fometimes even inevitable ruin. The roll
of the Prophet was written within and
without, with lamentation, and m.ourning,
and woe. The forrows of defeat wxre em-
bittered by anticipation ; and flavery ap-
peared with aggravated horrors in the myf-
tic vifions of futurity.

With

SERMON VII. 269

With equal freedom they declared them-
felves the irreconcileable enemies of ido-
latry. They reprefented it as an impious
provocation of divine vengeance, degrading
to the dignity both of the creature and the
Creator. Yet the propenfity of the Jews
to idolatry was unconquerable. It was in-
dulged in oppofition to the. declared will
of God, and wuth a fearlefs defiance of
his almighty power, even while they yet
ilrongly retained in their memory innu-
merable inllances of his miraculous a(5ls
both of mercy and of vengeance. It was
indulged, while his fword was yet uplifted
in their caufe, and vvl\ile the air was ftill
tainted .with the peftilence, which their
former idolatries had provoked him to fend*
Yet notwithftanding the univerfal preva-
lence of this crime, the Prophets, neither
publicly favouring, nor filently negle<5ling
it, boldly held it forth as the conftant ob-
jedi'of their enmity. In their folemn ad-
dreffes to the people, they inveighed againft
them as loaded with this particular fpecies
of iniquity, as degraded by fuperflition the
darkeft of errors, and blackened by ingra-
titude the bafefl; of crimes. All the moil
loathfome and terrible images of nature

were

liyo SERMON VIL

were fele6led, as refemblances both of their
fin and their punifhment. It is not fur-
prifing, that a race of Prophets, proceeding
thus in determined oppofition to the inve-
terate propenfities of the multitude, far
from attracting reverence or conciUating af-
fection, Ihould be conftantly expofed to re-
lentlefs perfecvitions, to mockery, to infult,
and to death ; the objects of common 'ma-
lice and common deteftation ; condemned
by the rulers, and yet unpitied by the peo-
ple ^

The candid enquirer will combat equal
difficulties, if he endeavours to afcribe the
conduft of the Prophets to the bafe defire
of pecuniary advantages. It is by no means

<^ Even the Infidel allows, that the Prophets of the Jew-
ifh people were expofed to the fevereft hardflilps. Alluding
to thefe hardfhipS;, the Letters of certain Jews to M. de Vol-
taire contain the following fentence : " Even according to
you (viz. Voltaire) moft of thefe holy men reaped nothing
from their labours, but the hatred of kings and the con-
tempt of nations, perfecution, exile, death. Vol, i. p, ^1^3.

So general, indeed, and indubitable were the hardlliips
endured by the Prophets, that they have been chofen by a
modern Infidel, as one of the faireft fubjefts for the indul-
gence of fcurrilous derifion and low buffoonery. (See Phi-
lofophy of Hiftor)^)

probable.

SERMON VIL 27X

probable, that a fucceffion of impoftors
ihould have continiaed their arts through
fo many ages without detection. Had the
accumulation of wealth been the principal
aim, to which their endeavours had been
dire<fte<i, who can believe, that we fhouM
difcover among them thofe exalted per-
ibnages, who were of all men the leaft likely
to be allured by fuch unworthy and trifling
emoluments ? It cannot be. fuppofed, that,
under fuch circumftances, we fhould find
in the number of the Prophets, Daniel, the
favoured minifter of the Babylonian mo-
narch, Ifaiah, diftinguiilied by a noble and
perhaps a royal birth, and David, the power-
ful and profperous fovereign of Ifrael.

Again, Prophecy was exerted with more
than common fpirit in feafons of penury
and diftrefs ; when little profit could rea-
fonably be expe<fted from hearers, who
either languiflied in captivity abroad, or
were plundered and im.poveriflied by a vic-
torious enemy at home.

The general fubje^ls of their predidions
are proofs of their integrity. The com-
munications, which, in the awtul name of

God,

272 S E R M O N VIL

God, they ufually made to the moil ex-
alted characters in the community, were, as
I have already had occafion to remark, ge-
nerally unpleafmg and fometimes even tre-
mendous. Thefe were furely not the
means beft adapted to infpire gratitude
or fecure reward. Flattering promifes and
pleafmg pictures of the future would, on
fuch occafions, have been held forth by
impoftors. " Come and curfe me this
people," faid the king of the Moabites to
Balaam, " and I will promote thee unto
very great honour, and I will do what-
foever thou fayeft unto me." Thefe were
the offices, for which the rulers of king-
doms and the leaders of armies were wil-
ling to recompenfe the mercenary prieft,
to load him with riches, and to invefl: him
with honours. But the Prophets of Ifrael,
in general, like the j-eluclant Balaam on
this occafion, were unwelcome mefiengers
•to their kings, and confined their predic-'
tions to fubjeds of calamity and difgrace.

Had their efforts been direded to the
accumulation of wealth, they w^ould either,
like the Heathen priefts, have enjoined
their votaries to approach them with rich

and

SERMON VIL 273

&nd fplendid offerings, or, like the authors
and fupporters of Papal corruptions, have
reprefented the protection and favour of
Heaven as abundantly indulged to thole,
who fliould exert their charity in the fer-
vice of God and his minifters. But ex-
cept in thofe fignal inftances, where their
rank entitled them to opulence and diftinc-
tion, poverty and folitude, voluntary mor-
tifications, and a contempt of worldly pomp
and pleafures, appear to have almofi: uni-
formly marked thefe holy men of God.
Far from coveting riches, or feeking the
means of voluptuoufnefs, they were gene-
rally influenced by the fame meek fpirit
with him, who was fed by the birds of
Heaven at the folitary brook of Cherith,
and who ate his humble but miraculous
meal with the pious widow of Sarepta.

To thefe obfervations it may be added,
that in almoft every age of the Jew ifli hif-
tory, a compliance with the unconquera-
ble propenfity of the people, in cultivating
the fraudulent rites of Heathen fuperfti-
tion, would have opened the fairell prof-
pe6l of ample and immediate wealth. And
had the Prophets been a6luated by worldly
T motives^

274 SERMON VII.

motives, had they not felt the influence of
an infpiring and over-ruhng Power, they
would have accommodated their religious
principles to their temporal interefts, would
have fled from the temple, when it was
deferted by the people, and would have
uttered their predictions with equal in-
difference at the altars of Moloch, or in
the fand-uary of Jehovah.

Having endeavoured to fliew the abfo-
lute unreafonablenefs of afcribing to im-
pofture the conduct of the Hebrew Pro-
phets, I fliall proceed to examine, whether
it was not equally remote from the phrenzy
of enthufiafm.

In entering upon this difcuffion, it may
be ufeful to recoiled:, that there is a wide
dillindion between zeal and fanaticifm.
The former was boldly and unremittingly
exerted by the Prophets of Ifrael. The
divine charadler, which they aflumed, ab-
folutely required this exertion, and could not
otherwife be fupported. They declared,
that they were commiflioned in a folemn
?nd moft wonderful manner, during the
courfe of an extraordinary interpofition, by

the

SERMON VIL oy^

the almighty Ruler of the univerfe. It
may reafonably be fuppofed, that men,
who came forth in fo divine a character,
would difplay the moft ardent zeal, and
adhere with unfhaken fidelity to their God,
notwithftanding the general prevalence of
idolatry, or even the univerfal apoftaly of
the people.

With this zeal the Prophets of Ifrael
w^ere conftantly animated. But let not its
holy fervour be miftaken for the wild and
lawlefs emotions of fanaticifm. The caufe^
in which it was exerted, w^as direcftly op-
pofed to that, in which fanatics are ufual-
ly engaged. They are accuftomed to be
roufed and inflamed into a6lion by unufual
convuhions of the ftate, or by fudden
changes in government and religion. But
the facred Prophets, far from favouring a
fpirit of turbulence, or yielding to the al-
lurements of novelty, were chiefly animated
by the deflre of perpetuating the venerable
manifefliations of the Deity, which had
been made in remote antiquity, of fl:rength-
ening the attachment of the people to that
God, whom their fathers had worflilpped,
of preferving entire the religious eftabllfli-
T I? ment.

%^6 SERMON VIL

ment, Vvhich had defcended to them from
their anceilors, and of lecuring the con-
tinuance of a theology, which, having pre-
vailed through a long fucceffion of ages^
was perpetually endangered by the iickle-
nefs natural to the multitude, and by the
pernicious examples of the furrounding na-
tions.

The condu<^ of the Prophets was not
marked by the wild extravagancies, which
are ufually the offspring of fanaticifm.
They inflamed not their hearers to bold
and ambitious enterprizes ; nor kindled the
heated inaaginations of a faction ; nor iired
the impetuous fury of the multitude to
fudden violence and outrage.

The length of time, through which they
flourifhed, is an additional proof of juft and
properly direded zeal. The vifionary is
ibon conilimed in his own fire. The flame
is too intenfe for long continuance. Thfe
phrenzy either exhaufts his llrength, or
gives birth to extravagancies, which dif-
grace and ruin his caufc. Thus the fpirit
of licentious enthufiafm, which pre>ailed
in Germany at the period of the reforma-
tion^

SERMON VII. 277

tion^arofe and died away within the compafs
of a few years. Bnt the Prophets of Jehovah
continued their predi<3:ions, with few in-
terruptions, through many fucceffive gene-
rations. The prophetic' mantle was deli-
vered down in a kind of hereditary de-
fcent. The hght of infpiration, Hke the great
luminary x){ day, Ihone forth from age to
age, without exhaufting its power, or do-
ing injury by its heat.

The uniformity of principles among the
Prophets is equally ftriking with the cir-
cumftance of. their long continuance. Fa-
naticifm could not thus proceed in an even
and uniform tenor, and upon one uninter-
rupted plan. Its dire<5tion would have va-
ried with the iiu{5tuations of pubHc opi-
nion : its fentiments would have been
changed in compliance with the caprice or
phrenzy of its feveral votaries. But the
Prophets, arifmg in long fucceffion, never
deviated, as I have already more fully de-
fcribed in a former Lecture, from one
comprehenfive iyftem, fublime in its na-
ture, complex in its parts, and fingularly
difficult to be unfolded. They laboured
without ceiTation from century to CQntury

T ^ tQ

278 SERMON VII.

to refift the idolatrous propenfities of their
countrymen, to recommend the pure and
fimple worfliip of Jehovah, to open the
fcenes of futurity with a clearnefs gra-
dually increafmg, and to develope one con-
nected and harmonious fcheme of revela-
tion, defcending through all time, and
conneded with all nations.

Even the exalted fituation of fomc of
the Prophets may iuflly fecure them from
the charge of fanaticifm. The high of-
fices, with which they were fometimes in-
vefted, ought to place them far above the
iiafpicion of a vifionary fpirit of wildnefs.
Religious hypocrify has often been artfully
adopted by fuccefsful innovators, and by
bold and ambitious leaders. But religious
fanaticifm owes its birth to a weak and
precipitate temper of mind, which is pecu-
liarly unfavourable to the fubtle and ar-
duous defieris of ambition. All aafes have

o o

abounded with religious fanatics. But
where can one be found, who, exalted like
David from the fheep-fold, filled, through
numerous years, the throne of a large and
profperous kingdom, and left it as an in-
heritance to his children ; or who, emerg-
ing,

SERMON VII. 279

ing, like Daniel, from a ftate of ignomini-
ous captivity, direded through a long life,
and under fucceffive monarchs, the admi-
niftration of the greateft empire of the
world ?

If then the Books of the Prophets did
not owe their birth either to impofture or
fanaticifm, they could only be delivered
under the influence of Divine infpiration.
This is the high and holy character, to
which they uniformly aflert a claim. Let
us therefore finally examine, w^hether the
general complexion of their writings ap-
pears to fandtion and confirm fuch preten-
flons.

An affedion or ftrong propenfity of the
mind, which is cherifhed during a long
period, and permitted to govern our fenti-
ments and actions, cannot be indulged in
fecrecy, cannot be concealed from public
obfervation. It will be unintentionally ma-
nifefted on a thoufand trifling occafions.
It will imperceptibly intermingle itfelf with
anions, with which it is not neceifarily
conne6led, and give a tinge even to our
remotell thoughts and exprcffions. Thus
T 4 when

28o SERMON VII.

when the mind is deprefled by misfortunes^
and overcaft with gloom and defpondence;
or, when enhvened by hope, it indulges
the Tallies of joy and romantic expectation;
in either cafe, it imparts the character of
the particular feeling to the general tenor
of our fentiments, and gives a diftinguifhing
colour to our intercourfe with fociety.
Our profeffional employments, in propor-
tion to the zeal with which they are pro-
fecuted, determine in a confiderable de-
gree the diftinguiftiing charader and ge-
neral complexion of the mind. Into hif-
torical and poetical compofitions the fen^
timents of the writer both political and
religious imperceptibly infuiuate themfelves,
and bellow a peculiar call on the body of
the work. Though the real defign of the
poet may be pleafuigly veiled under a fable
or an allegory, yet it breaks forth on fo
many occafions in the courfe of the narra-
tive, that it cannot efcape the notice even of
the moll carelefs and fuperficial obferver,

From thefe obfervations, it appears al-
moll impoffible, but that the principal ob-
jecfl intended in any long feries of writings,
ox zealous order of men, mull of neceffity

be

SERMON VII. £8r

be clearly expofed to the notice of the ac-
curate and unprejudiced enquirer. In di-
recting our attention to the Hebrew Pro-
phets, for the purpofe of arriving at a
knowledge of their real aim, we difcover,
that to fupport the honour of the true
God, and the authority of his revealed Re-
ligion, was the fole defign, vv'hich they ei-
ther openly avowed, or feemed in any way
to favour. Vv'hile we are totally unable to
reconcile their conduct with the vievv^s
either of impofhors or entlmfiafts, this prin-
ciple may eafily be fhewn to have been con-
ftantly and unremittingly purfued through
every period of their long and extraordi-
nary hiftory. It Mas aluays adive, always
kept in view. Like the fpirit of life, which
moves even the iTiinutell: particles of our
frame, it pervaded and animated the whole
fcheme of their Revelation. The noblelt
feelings of the foul wxre awakened by its
influence. It difplayed itfelf fometimes in
the loftieft conceptions of the Deity, fome-
times in the fevere invettive of honeil indig
nation, fometimes with a manly force of ar-
gument, and fometimes with the tender pc/
fuafions of pity, of gratitude, and of lov^^
The hypocrite will occafionally betraj 1i;;t

28s S E R M O N VII.

felf through inadvertence; the moft cautions
will fometimcs leave himfelf unguarded: he,
who poffefles the objed: defired, amidft the
triumph of the acquifition, may heedlefsly or
from oftentation difcover the artifice, which
he has previoufly employed: he, who repofes
in fancied fecurity, may no longer be anx-
ious to conceal the means, which facili-
tated his fuccefs. But never did the Pro-
phets of Ifrael betray any private or tem-
poral aim, or deviate, even in a fmgle in-
ftance, from the pure and fublime objed:,
which they avowedly laboured to attain.
In wealth and in poverty, in triumph and
in defeat, when feated like David upon a
throne, or like Amos tending the herds,
fhey invariably declared themfelvcs to be
employed as the minlfters of Jehovah in
revealing" his will to mankind.

SERMON

SERMON VIII.

EZEKIEL li. 4, 5.

1 DO SEND THEE UNTO THEM; AND THOU
SHALT SAY UNTO THEM, THUS SAITH
THE LORD GOD.

AND THEY, WHETHER THEY WILL HEAR,
OR WHETHER THEY WILL FORBEAR, (PO]^
THEY ARE A REBELLIOUS HOUSE,) YET
SHALL KNOW, THAT THERE HATH BEEN
A PROPHET AMONG THEM.

JL HE early ages of nations have been uni-
formly diflinguiflied by the popular belief
of a fupernatural gift of Prophecy. A fup-
pofed acquaintance with futurity gratifies
the curiofity of man, and is peculiarly cal-
culated to delight and overpower his ima-
gination. He is naturally anxious with
refped to the probable events of future

times.

-S4 S E Pv M O N VIIL

times, the confideration of which av/akens
fome of his ftrongeft pafiions. The more
deeply he expec^b to be interefted in them,
the more powerfully he feels the alternate
afcendancy of hope and of fear, which
fuch a prefcieiice is calculated to excite.
Aflonifhed at effed:s, of which, from the
feeblenefs of his intelledual powers, he is
unable to affign the caufe, and alarmed at
appearances, the confequences of which lie
out of the reach of his penetration, he re-
curs for affiftance to the revelations of fu-
perlor beings, and receives with reverence
whatever he fuppofes them to difclofe.
Not yet enlightened by fcience and civili-
zation, he is unable to examine and detect
the grofs fallacies of the pretended Pro-
phet, in whom he creduloully repofes con-
fidence : while the gloomy fuperftition,
which at fuch an early ftage of fociety
univerfally prevails, enforces upon him a
blind and unfufpeding aflent. From the
influence of thefe caufes, the belief of a
fpirit of Prophecy has always exifted in the
infant ftate of fociety, whether we examine
the records of the favage and gloomy
hordes of the iN"orth, or the milder and
more nmple condition of primitive man-
ners

SERMON VIII. iSs

UCTS In the Eaft; or attend to the in(l:m«fl-
ive fuggeillons of nature as manifefted in
the inhabitants of the weftern hemifphere.

Even civiiizatlonj when arrived at its
moil perfed; ftate, and intellectual im-
provement, when advanced to its utmoft
height, are unable completely to difpel the
illufion. They may temper its grolTnefs
and veil its abfurdities : they may par-
tially weaken its influence and deprive it
of fome of Its moft illuftrious votaries ;
but, unlels affifled by the authority of the
Chriftian Religion, they can neither eradi-
cate it from the minds of the ignorant and
fuperftitious multitude, nor wreft it from
the hands of the politician, who employs
it as a powerful engine of government, and
an ufeful inftrument of ambition.

I^et not the Believer, however, be dif-
couraged, nor the Infidel prefumptuoufly
hope to triumph, becaufe the numerous
fuperflitions of the world, equally with our
holy Religion, lay claim to a fpirit of Pro-
phecy. The preteniions of Chrillianity to
this dccifive proof of a fupernattiral inter-
pofition are fupported by evidence totally

unat-

286 S li R M O N VIIL

•unattainable by impoftorg. In every point
of view, in w^hich w^e contemplate the
Prophets of truth, the divine nature of
their miffion moft clearly and forcibly ap-
pears. Even from the detail of minute
circumftances, connected with their holy
office, additional arguments may be de-
rived, by which our confidence in revela-
tion may be invigorated and confirmed.

On a fubje(^l fo awful and momentous
as that of a miraculous communication be-
tween the great Creator and his humble
creatures, by the agency of infpired minif-
ters, it may without prefumption be ex-
pelled, that all the circumflances relative
to the OPENING and final close of fo
wonderful an intercourfe, together with
the MEANS employed and the object in-
tended, fiiould be in no refped: unworthy
of the higli and holy character implicated in
fuch confideration. It is my intention,
therefore, on the prefent occafion, to invcf-
tigate the particular parts of the fubje(ft, to
which I have juft alluded, for the purpofe
of difcovering farther evidence in favour of
the infpiration of the Prophets.

SERMON VIIL a87

A teftimony fingularly ftriking, in proof
of the divine origin of facred Prophecy,
appears at the opening of the wonderful
fcheme. In tracing back the hiftory of Re-
velation, it is reafonable to exped:, that when
we have arrived at the moment of its com-
mencement, it will appear in its native
purity, unfullied by mortal corruptions. As
the river flows with increafmg clearnefs,
when we afcend towards the fountain : fo
religion, it may juftly be fuppofed, will
bear the moft manifeft marks of divinity,
when we have reached the aufpicious pe-
riod, in which llie firft defcended froM
Heaven.

If we explore the early ftate of Pagan
Oracles, we lliall find, that they flirink
from the application of this juft and rea-
fonable tefl. Though the Chriftian be-
lieves, that they originated in a corrup-
tion of the traditions refpeding the real
revelations of the Almighty, yet fo humi-
liating and bafe were the circumflances at-
tending their firfl inflitution, according to
the accounts of the idolatrous nations, in
which they were either invented or pre-
ferved, that the fimple recital of them will

fcarcely

a88 SERMON VIIL

fcarcely become the ferloufnefs and fo-s
lemnity of the place, in which we are af-^
fembled. Thcj were fuppofed to be in-
fpired by deceafed mortals. No caufe,
w'orthy of a divine interpofition, and pe-
culiarly operating at that particular mo-»
ment, is affigned for their commencement.
Even the moft celebrated Oracles of anti-
quity arofe upon occafions the moft unim-
portant and puerile, which the imagina-
tion can conceive. They were the dif-
grace of rational man. And they exhibit
a ftriking inftance of the low ftate of de-
^adation, into which the Almighty per-
mits his creatures to Inik, when they have
departed from the knowledge of his re-
vealed will, and proftituted their reafon in
the iervice of fuperftition.

How awful and fublime was the fcene,
with which theChriftian Revelation opened!
It proceeded from the one God, pure, fpi-
ritual, and invifible, the maker and the pre-
ferver of worlds, the high and mighty One,
who is from everlafting. It began in the
infancy of nature, v^'ith the firft inhabi-
tants of the earth, from whom have been
derived all the nations of the globe. It

was

SERMON VIII. 289

\vas occafloned by circumftances the moft
interefting and awful, which a reafonable
being can contemplate ; the fall of a new
race of creatures by fin, and the benevolent
intention of the Creator to reftore them to
life and immortality.

From the origin of Prophecy, let us di-
re<5l our attention to its final clofe. When
the divine infpiration of the real Prophets
had ceafed, the Pagan Oracles no longer
uttered their prediiflions. Yet no caufe, in-
dependent of Chriftianity, and arifmg from
their own nature folely, can be affigned
cither for their ceflation or their continued
filence. No important end had been at-
tained, by the accomplifhment of which
their future operation was rendered unne-
cefTary. The fame circumftances, which
had fo long occafioned their delufive reign,
feemed to require their uninterrupted con-
tinuance through all fucceeding ages. The
impoffibility of affigning a ready and ade-
quate reafon for the entire departure of the
prophetic fpirit, may be juftly inferred from
the futile and fanciful conjedurcs, by which
the wondering Heathen attempted to ex-
plain its ceflation. The Poet and the
u Prieft

290 SERMON VIII.;

Prleft excited a popular belief that the in-
fpiring Deity had yielded to mortality, and
was no longer numbered among the Gods.
While the grave and inquifitive philofo-
pher% with a credulity fcarcely lefs culpa-
ble, declared, that the exhalations and va-
pours, which had been the inftruments of
infpiring the prophetic phrenzy ^, had at
length, from continued ufe, exhaufled their
virtues ; and that, hence, the difappointed
votary ilept in vain upon the bank, which
was confecrated to the Deity, or drank of
the ftream, by which he hoped to be in-
fpired.

The real caufe of this extraordinary
event, the Pagan was either unable to dif-
cern, or unwilling to acknowledge. As
the Heathen Oracles originated in the per-
verfion of true religion, fo their final de-
parture was occafioned by its wide and
glorious difFufion. When Chriflianity be-
gan to prevail, the evil fpirits, w^ho had

» Plut. lib. de defeft. Orac. Julian, apud Cyrillum. 1. vi.

^ Even Ariftotle and Pliny the Elder fuppofed, that cer-
tain exhalations from the earth occafioned the phrenzy^ in
which the Oracles, called Natural, were delivered, Ariftot.
lib. de Mundo c. iv. p. ii. Plinius. 1. ii, Nat. Hid. c. xcii,

pro-

SERMON VIII. 291

probably on fome occafions afiifted, though
in a limited manner, the artifices of hu-
man impofture, were no longer permitted
to exercife their malignant power. Their
authority gradually declined; and the frauds
to which they had given countenance at
length were fully terminated.

When the pretended fpirit of Prophecy had
departed, no veftige of the Oracles remained,
which regarded fucceeding times. The pre-
didlions had no reference to futurity, and dis-
tant generations were totally uninterefted
in their effufions. When the temples were
clofed, and the priefts had deferted their
caves, their influence among mankind fi-
nally ceafed j and they have been of no
more confequence to pofterity, than the
memory of the multitudes, whom they had
deceived, and the ravages, which they had
impioufly fandlioned. Such has uniformly
been the fate of deception. The volumes
of the Sibyl, which, during the ages of the
Roman republic, were fo often apparently
confulted for the purpofe of deluding the
ignorant populace ; when the temporary
purpofes, which they favoured, had been
obtained, were difregarded and Toon con-
u 3 ' figned

agi S E R M O N VIII.

fjgned to oblivion. In the fame manner,
the SibylUne verfes, invented during the
early progrefs of Chriftianity, were unable
to endure the fcrutiny 6f liberal and un-
prejudiced enquirers, and have generally
been condemned as a contrivance of im-
poilure, by all fucceeding ages.

The fate of the Heathen Oracles in later
times has been not unvs^orthy of their caufe.
Among the great mafs of mankind they
have funk into entire oblivion. By philo-
fophers they have been regarded as decep-
tions, and have been treated fometimes
■with contempt, and fometimes with de-
ferved negled;. Their myfterious rites, ex-
plored by the claffical fcholar, and inquifi-
tive antiquary, have been exhibited as ob-
jects of pleafmg though barren curiofity ;
and fometimes they have been brought
forward by the theologian as a fecondary
argument in favour of real infpiration, the
authority of which is ftrengthened by a ju-
dicious and candid comparifon with the
moft celebrated and fuccefsful fyftems of
prophetic impofture.

The gift of Prophecy, which, through a

\ou3-

SERMON VIII. 293

long revolution of ages, had gradually pre*
pared the way for Chriftlanlty, was with-
drawn foon after its promulgation, becaufe
the grand objed: was accomplilhed, for
which it had been originally imparted.
The roll of facred Prophecy had been dif-
clofed for the purpofe of becoming an in-
ftrument of the divine government among
a chofen people, and of affording a mira-
culous teflimony to the character and doc-
trines of the divine Founder of our holy
Religion. When the Jevvifli polity was
dillblved, and when the Saviour of man-
kind had concluded his benevolent work,
and the Gofpel was triumphant over the
Avorld, the fpirit of infpiration for ever dif-
appeared. Far from being oppofed in its
farther progrefs, like the Pagan Oracles, by
the over-ruling influence of a fuperior
Deity, or an hoftile religion, it clofed its
career at a moment peculiarly favourable
to its farther exertions. That particular
Revelation, to the truth of which it had
borne the moft decifive and .unquefiiion-
able evidence, was beginning to polfefs an
unbounded influence among mankind, and
w^as confequently enabled to afford an ad-
ditional fandion to its divine pretenuons.
u •-> VVliilc

S94 SERMON VIII,

While the condition of the Jewifh people^
to whom the communications of the divine
fpirit had been almoft exclufively imparted^
feemed at that important aera more efpe-
cially to require the comfort and afTurances
of divine Prophecy. They were about to
be expofed to the moft tremendous cala-
mities, to civil difTentions, and a foreign
invafion, to the miferies of a fiege, the de-
frrucflion of their city, the diflblution of
their civil polity, and a long difperilon of
their tribes. It is amidft thefe awful fcenes
of national diftrefs, that pretenders to di-
vine infpiration mofi: commonly arife. And
let it not be forgotten, that in feafons of
fimilar calamity and defpondence in paft
ages, the communications of the Prophets
had been mofh frequently and mofh earn-
eftly imparted to the people of Ifrael. Had
facred Prophecy, therefore, been a mere
human artifice, the ftrongefh reafons feemed
not only to favour, but imperioufly to de-^
mand, its longer continuance. It was,
however, withdrawn, becaufe the fublime
fcheme was completed, for the due unfold-
ing of which it had originally been dif-
played. The effed: ceafed, when the caufc
no lonirer operated.

But

SERMON VIII. 495

But though numerous ages have elapfed
fince the Prophets termhiated their labours,
yet their writings engage the curiofity, and
are conneded with the deareft interefts and
moft exalted hopes of the prefent inhabi-
tants of the earth. Time, the great foe of
impofture, has confirmed many of their more
remote predidlions, and thus has augment-
ed the general force of the evidence, which
they afford. The generation now living,
though in circumftances in fome refped:s
different, is no lefs interefted in them, than
was the favoured people, to whom they
were originally fent. The general charac-»
teriftics, and the diftinguifliing peculiari-
ties of fbme of the moft remarkable na-
tions, at prefent exifting in the w^orld, were
defcribed by the ancient Prophets with al-
moft the fame accuracy, with which they
may now be traced by the eye of the be-
holder.

The Chriftian, indeed, prefcrves with
the moft vigilant attention thofe precious
and holy remains, upon the credit of which,
in addition to other inconteftible evidences,
he has enlifted under the banners of a fpi-
fitual Redeemer, and cheriflied the fure
u 4 and

296 SERMON VIII.

and certain hope of a refurredion to eter-
nal life.

Hence the veneration, with which thefe
Oracles have been received among man-
kind, has been worthy of their importance
and their truth. When the difpenfation
was terminated, during the progrefs of
which they had been gradually delivered,
they were carried forth from the contra(5lcd
limits of Judea, and propofed to the world
at large in an age, peculiary diftinguifhed
by liberality of fentlment, juflnefs of criti-
cifm, and philofophical feverity of invefti-
gation. Yet among the numerous nations
of the earth, united for the firft time by
one connecting government, in the com-
mon exercife of reafon and of tafte, they
forced their way to general notice, and
were at length received with univerfal af-
fcnt by the whole civilized part of mankind.

At a later asra, upon the revival of learn-
ing, after lying for centuries, together with
genuine Chriftianity, in the grave of igno-
rance and darknefs, they came forth in
their original purity, and excited the im-
mediate attention of the theological fcho-

lar.

SERMON Vlllt 297

lar. During the three laft centuries, which
have been marked by pecuHar accuracy
and freedom of refearch, they have been
fubmitted to the examination of numerous
enquirers, unconne(fted with the facred mi-
niftry, and uninterefled in the fecular emo-
luments of rehgion ; whofe names no fcho-
lar can pronounce without enthufiafm, and
no Chriftian can hear without veneration.
They have not only endured the fevere
fcrutiny of thefe eminent and impartial
critics ; but even acquired additional im-
portance and authority from their unqua-
lified approbation and unlliaken belief.

So juft, indeed, and forcible are the
claims of the facred Prophecies to univer-
ial belief, that even the Jewilh people, to
whom they were originally addrelTed, ftill
continue to contemplate them with un-
diminifhed veneration. Though they have
exifted through many centuries, fuffering
the moft tremendous inflidions of Almighty
vengeance in confequence of their ftubborn
rejedion of the Chriftian Religion, the di-
vine nature of which has been maintained in
oppofition to their incredulity partly upon
the authority of thefe very Prophecies ; yet

they

298 SERMON VIIL

tliey firmly perfeverc in regarding them as
the produdions of the omnifcient God, and
exped: their full accomplifliment in future
according to their own erroneous interpre*
tations.

The advantages, which refult from art
intimate knowledge of the circumftances
conne<5ted with the opening and final clofe
of the great fcheme of Prophecy, will be
confiderably heightened by the farther pro*
fecution of our enquiries. The means,
which the Prophets employed, and the end,
which they uniformly purfued, when clear-
ly and fully underflood, become peculiarly
inflrumental in appreciating their veracity.

The more exalted is the ofHce afTumed^
the more ftriking are the chara<5lcrifi:ics ex-
pedled. Thofe, who prefent themfelves to
the notice of mankind, as minillers em-
ployed for the folemn purpofe of maintain-
ing an immediate and extraordinary inter-
courfe between the Creator and the crea-^
ture, undoubtedly ailume the loftiefl cha-
rader, which can claim the attention, or
demand the reverence of an human being.
If, therefore, the means adopted, by thoie

who

SERMON VIII. 299

^ho pretend to fuch a charac^ler, be artful,
J)afe, and myfterious, and the end propofed
,be local, temporary, and merely human, it
is not unreafonable, that doubts fhould be
entertained of the reality of their Divine
miffion. While on the other hand, our
convidlion of their ailual infpiration will
be confirmed, if it fhall appear, that the
oppoUte qualities unque^ionably predomi-
nate ; apd that the charadleriftics difplayed
are altogether worthy of the exalted Being,
whofe Revelation is prefumed to be un-
folded.

Thefe obfervations may be applied with
fnigular effect, in the progrefs of our far-
ther enquiries into facred Prophecy. While
the Hebrew Prophets exhibit the digni-
fied charad:eriftics of a real Revelation;
the Heathen Oracles abundantly prove, that
thofe chara6leriftics w^ill not be found a-
mong the falfe pretenders to infpiration in
the depraved lyftems of fuperftition and
impoflure.

When we contemplate the means in-
vented by the prieflis of ancient Polythcifm
for the pretended purpofe of obtaining a

know-

300 SERMON VIIL

knowledge of the will of the gods, our afton-
ifliment is ftrongly excited by the diverfity
of unworthy modes ' adopted. They were
generally unmeaning ; and fometimes even
bafe in the extreme. They lower the dig-
nity of our nature ; and might be ex-
pe6led rather in an Indian tribe, a Tarta-
rian horde, or a favage clan of Africa, than
in the bofom of refined and civilized fo-
ciety. And they manifeftly prove, that
mankind, even when adorned with the
higheft intelledual improvement, become
debafed and degraded in their nature, if
fuperftition be permitted to obtain its dire-
ful afcendency over the mind.

The Oracles of Greece and Rome uttered
their predi(ftions, not in fudden and unex-
pected effiifions, w4ien infplration irrefillibly
approached, and utterance was impelled by
the divine and overpowering fpirit : but
only at regular hours in the accuftomed
feafons of divination. At the delivery of
the pretended revelations, in the higher
kinds of divination, the moft palpable de-

^ See Potter's Antiquities, v. i. In which may be found
an accurate enumeration of the principal kinds of divina'
tion ufed among the Greeks!

ceptions

SERMON VIII. 3ot

ceptions '^ were generally pra^lifcd, to give
folemnity to the fictitious rites, and delude
the ignorant votaries. The moil moun-
tainous countries were ufually feledted by
the priefts for the imaginary refidence of
the infpiring Deity ^. They eredled their
temples and confecrated their altars in
woods and groves, amidft the awful gloom
of folitude. They fent forth their voices
from the caves of the mountains, fhaded by
branches, and clouded with incenfe. The
Sibylline books, the principal fource of pro-
phetic information among the Romans, were
confulted only by the moil: illuilrious ma-
giilrates of the republic, and in feafons of
danger and turbulence alone, in which it
was neceiTary to overawe the minds of the
people, by the pretended admonitions of
Heaven, and an authority, from which
there could be no appeal. The Grecian
Oracles imitated the power of miracles, by
means of a machinery, the detection of
which exceeded the ability of an illiterate'

'^ Eufebius Praepar. Evang. 1. Iv. c, 2, Theodoret. Hift,
Ecclef. 1. il. c. 22.

^ See Virgil. /Eneid 1. vl. v, 42. See the account of
the Oracle at Delphi in Strabo 1. ix, Ifaiah x!v. 19.

and

303

SERMON Vlli.

and credulous multitude. They agitated
and deformed their countenances by ecfta-
fies and trances artificially produced ; and
profanely reprefented the hideous appear-
ances, which were the confequences of
fuch violent efforts, as the overpow^ering
emotions of the Deity, by whom they pro-
fefled to be infpired. The attendant myf-
teries awed the trembling worfliipper into
a religious filence, and folemn apprehen-
fion, which, while they heightened the
fandllty of the prophetic ceremony, re-
preffed fufpicion, and intimidated the moll:
daring curiofity. But though, at the mo-
ment of infpiration, the body was appa-
rently convulfed, and the moft frantic gef-
tures were difplayed> yet the language ut-
tered by no means exhibited a correfpon-
dent energy. Far from being dignified by
the fublime ideas, which are connedled
with the contemplation of facred fubjeels ;
or marked by that majeftic fimplicity,
which accompanies the difplay of the di-
vine will ; or elevated by that holy and en-
thufiaftic fervour, which may be expe6led
to be kindled by the immediate intercourfe
of the creature with the Creator ; it was
peculiarly unimpaiTioned and mean, as wxll

as

SERMON VQI. oo^

as incorredl ^. The poet and the critic, the
mercenary miniiters of fuperftition, were
frequently concealed within the myllerious
recedes of the temple and the cave^, for
the purpofe of affifting the imperfedions
of the prieftefs. The expreffions were not
only obfcure, but often equivocal, and eafily
capable of two interpretations^, diredly op-
pofite the one to the other. By thefe am-
biguities the credulous votary was mifled,
and the moft difaftrous confequences pro^-
duced. Hence the wealthy Lydian mo-
narch boldly croffed the ftream ; and the
lofs of the kingdom was the effed of his
ungrounded confidence.

From thefe arts of bafe and palpable im»
pofture let us dire (ft our attention to fcenes
altogether worthy of a moft ferious confi-
deration.

The firft Revelations of Jehovah to man^
kind, as recorded in the facred Writings,
are the moft awful and fublime, which it is
in the power of the imagination to conceive,

f Plutarch, lib. de Pythis Orac. e Id.

^' Cifero dc Diviijatione 1. ii. fe6l. (^6,

and

304 SERMON VIIL

and can only be contemplated with fo-
lemnity and ferious devotion, The Deity
himfelf is rcprefented as deigning perfon-
ally to appear, and open the wonderful
fcheme of Prophecy by the moft bene-
volent promife, which could be made to
fallen man. At a later period the high
and mighty One fometimes fpake from out
of Heaven ; fometimes was he difcovered in
the midft of the burning bufh ; fometimes
did he reveal his divine glories, ineffably
effulgent, amidft the folemn folitude of na-
ture ; and fometimes did he appear with
clouded majeffcy in his temple.

During the infancy of the world, the
holy meffengers of the Almighty frequently
vifited the venerable Patriarchs : and while,
in the difcharge of their high million, they
difclofed the fcenes of futurity, they unveiled
to mortal eyes the glory of celeftial intel-
ligences.

When angels had ceafed to defcend
among a corrupted race of men, the hu-
man Prophet was infpired by the Holy
Spirit, a Perfon of the ever bleffed Trinity,
the lord and giver of life, from whom was

derived

SERMON VIII.

305

derived the aftonifhing power of fufpend-
ing the laws of the univerfe.

The Prophecy dehvered was frequently
accompanied by fome immediate act of
Omnipotence. The prediction was uttered,
and the miracle performed in the public
ftreets in open day, and before a numerous
aflembly of witneffes. No my fiery, nor
mechanical effort was attempted. The
Prophecy was diflindly delivered, and the
miracle fimply effeded, without effort, and
without oflentation. Though, in conform-
ity w4th one of the great ends purpofed by
the Almighty in his wonderful fcheme of
Revelation, the exprelfions adopted were
fometimes defignedly obfcure till the com-
pletion of the predicted events; and though
they were occafionally capable of receiving,
and were a6lually intended to bear, a dou-
ble meaning, yet they were not ambiguous ;
they could not even in a fmgle inflance
be juftly accommodated to contrary inter-
pretations : while in the greater number of
inflances the predications were fingularly
clear, were intelligible before the feafon of
accomplifhment, and, the event having
come to pafs, were calculated to flrike the
X mind

3o6 S E R M O N VIII.

mind with peculiar force, by the perfe^
coincidence of the Prophecy with the oc-
currence.

The exa6t words, in which the facred
Oracles were couched, were received by
the moft exalted characters in the commu-
nity from the infpired perfons by w^hom
they were delivered, and were preferved
with the moft religious fidelity. They
were admitted, in the earlier ages of the
Jewilli theocracy, into the ark ', and, after
the reign of Solomon, into the temple of
Jerufalem. Before the final clofe of infpi-
ration under the Mofaic oeconomy, they
were daily recited in the temple at Jeru-
falem as a part of the fervice of God. And,
in order that they might be preferved from
the pofTibility of corruption, the fentences,
the words, and even the letters were num-
bered.

With refpecfl to the peculiar excellence
of the prophetic writings, it is not fuffi-
cient to obferve, that the Prophets digni-
fied divine poetry with lofty imagery, which

» Deuteronomy xxxi, 26.

is

SERMON Vlir. 307

is fometimes difplayed in the romantic bold-
nefs of an eaftern mind. It has alfo been
maintained, that even the moft celebrated
poets of antiquity were rivalled, and in fome
inftances excelled, by the infpired writers.
Virgil, the fuccefsfnl imitator of the great
Grecian Bard, the grace and pride of the
moft profperous age of Roman grandeur, has
been reprefented as cold and weak, even
upon a fimilar fubjec^l'', in comparifon with
the expreffive and daring imagery of Ifaiah :
and no fimilar produdion, it has been
urged, in all claffical antiquity, can vie ^
with the fublime and animated ode, where-
in the fame Prophet predicted the fall of
Babylon. It has alfo been frequently and
ftrenuoufly aflerted "", that the productions
of Horace and Anacreon, of Pindar, Calli-
machus, and the Greek tragedians, have
been excelled by David and the infpired

^ See Virg. Eel. 4,

' See Bifliop Lowth on Ifaiah xiii. and Micbaelis.

"* Lowth, Praeleft. 29. compares the Hymns of the He-
brews, in celebrating the pralfes of the Deity, with thofe of
Homer and Callimachus. The fame writer, in his letter to
Warburton, compares the Prophecies of Balaam with the
Odes of Homer.

X 2 com-

3o8 SERMON VIII.

compofers of the Hebrew Odes and Hymns
in juftnefs of fentiment, boldnefs of tranfi- ^
tion, fervour of poetic enthufiafm, happi-
nefs of dramatic effect, and the variety of
exquifite fenfations, which afFe6l the heart
and overpower the mind : — that in the
ilrain of tender and pathetic lamentation,
the elegiac productions of Oyid and of Ti-
bullus, will be found inferior to thpfe pf Je-
remiah ; — that even the fimple wildnefs,
the vehemence, and the tremendous dig-
iVity of ^fchylus ", has not produced paf-
fages fuperior to fome of the grand ima-
gery of Ezekiel ; — and that the expreffions
of the Roman fatirift, who, amidft the enor-
mous corruptions of the capital, arraigned
the vices of his countrymen in a ftrain of
the moft farcaftic feverity, though they
were excited by an honefl indignation, and
invigorated by an uncommon genius, are
Icfs ftriking and energetic than the invec-
ti^es of the Prophets of God againfl the
difobedience and idolatry of their ungrate-j
ful countrym.en.

'■■ See Lowth. (irotlus compares Ezekiel with Homer.
See the Biiliop of Lincoln's Chrillian Theology, v. i. p. u'J'
^ee- alio Newcome's Preface to his Ezekiel,

Inde-

SERMON VIII.

3^9

Independently of the comparlfon Vv'hich
has thus been eftabUfhed between indlvi-
' dual compofltions In claffical and Hebrew-
antiquity, the general fuperiority of the in-
ipired ProphetSj over the moft celebrated
poets of Greece and Rome, has been
repeatedly and ftrenuoufly maintained **.
Whether the opinion be altogether juft, it
fhall not be my bufmefs to enquire. Even
if the fuperiority be not allowed to the in-
spired writers, it is fufficient for my ar-
gument, that the comparifon has been in-
ftituted by men of the moft extenfive eru-
dition, and of exalted genius ; and that, in
their eflimatlon, the writings of the Jew-
ifh Prophets have been thought worthy
even of being brought into competition
with thofe produdions of tafte and genius,
which have been regarded through all ages
as the moft fuccefsful efforts of the human
mind. Let the refponfcs of Heathen di-
vination be examined : let them be com-
pared with the Greek and Roman poets.

° Addifon. Speaator, N°. 455. Sir W. Jones's works,
V. i. See Sir I. Shore's Difcourle as Prefident of the Afiatic
Society in Calcutta, May 226. 1794. See alfo the opinion
of a celebrated French writer quoted by Newcome in his
Preface to Ezekiel.

X 3 The

510 SERMON Vlir.

The idea cannot be endured even for a
moment ; the inferiority is too palpable :
the boldeft Sceptic, however he may have
laboured in general and indifcriminate af-
fertions to compare the Pagan Oracles with
facred Prophecy, has not ventured to infi-
iiuate an equality in this important point.

Such were the dignified means employed
fey the Almighty in the courfe of his divine
Revelation through the agency of his holy
Prophets.

The wonderful and momentous end,
which was propofed by Chriflian Prophecy,
is another corroborating teftimony in favour
of its divine origin. The degree of credit
due to any long feries of predictions, may
in fome meafure be afcertained by the im-
portance of the objeft, which they are in-
tended to attain. The Deity, it may be
prefumed, will not manifeft himfelf to his
creatures by fuch fupernatural means, ex-
cept for purpofes of tranfcendent and uni-
verfal importance. A divine manifellation,
which is gracioufly given to favour the
caufe of virtue, or to promote the welfare
of mankind, muil, even in the fpeculations

of

SERMON VIIL 311

of the philofopher, alone appear worthy of
that exalted Being, by whom the world
was made, and the race of man created.
The. farther a religion recedes in its ulti-
mate obje6l from this fcheme of compre-
henfive benevolence, the ftronger doubts
may be reafonably entertained of its excel-
lence and of its truth. Upon this momentous
point, Chriftianity lays claim to a decifive
fuperiority. The fuperftitions of the world
exhibit indubitable ligns of a mortal origin.
The religion of Chrift is ftamped with the
feal of divinity. The former originated in
fidion, and were degraded to the ufes of
impofture. Some human purpofe, fome
perfonal purfuit, fome national aim, formed
the principal fubjed: of the pretended in-
fpiration. The Prophecy was confined to
a fmgle people, or a favourite hero, to an
infurreAion, or a battle, to a fyllem of na-
tional aggrandizement, the pride and folly
of the day, and to fchemes of pleafure and
profperity, which were bounded by the
grave. It was given to flatter caprice or va-
nity, to indulge the lawlefs fallies of ambi-
tion, and fometimes even to fandion the un-
worthy efforts of hypocrlfy and injuftice.

X 4 Such

3ia SERMON VIIL

Such are the features which may na*
turally be expeded to diftinguifh all pre-
tended prophecies : and fuch was the ge-
neral charad:er of the Greek and Roman
art of divination. Among the higher or-
ders of fociety, who by their opulence were
enabled to reward the venal efFufions of the
prieftefs, the Oracles were reforted to, and
the prophetic anfwers were given in the
moft unimportant occurrences of private
life P, altogether unworthy of an interpofi-
tion of the Deity. In healing a difeafe,
in leading forth a colony, in laying the
foundations of a city, and in promulgating
a new fyftem of legiflation, the aufpicious
declarations of the mercenary prophet, were
carefully procured. When an ambitious
demagogue was preparing the chains of
fervitude for his free born fellow citizens,
when a vid:orious enemy was hovering
round a metropolis, when the populace
was either inflamed to madnefs, or de-
preiTed into defpondence ; then was the
prophetic influence applied, and the book of
fate opened. The favourable report of the

P Eufebius Praepar. Evacg. 1. ii. c. 29.

augurs

SERMON Vm. 313

augurs was confidered by the Romans as a
fecurity equally neceflary to the fuccefs of
an expedition as the valour of the legions,
or the ability of the commander : and the
armies of the republic marched forth to
univerfal empire, animated by the flatter-
ing predictions of the priefls. Even the
crafty politics of Philip ^, and the enthu-
iiaftic fpirit of Alexander, called in the aid of
infpiration, and fmoothed their way to vic-
tory and empire, by the aufpicious com-
munications of the gods of their coun-
try ^

If Jewifh Prophecy had been intended
folely to promote the temporal profperity
of the Ifraelites, to infpire them with con-
fidence againfi: the armies of the Philif-
tines, or to eftablifh the throne of Jerufa-
lem in the family of David, it might have

^ The (piM-?r7n^£i» of the Pythian prieftefs, of which De-
mofthenes complained, is well known. Perialla, a Pythian
prieftefs, was deprived of her office on account of her being
corrupted by one of the Cleomenes's, king of Sparta.

' For proofs of the frequency of\iTvination among the
ancients upon fuch occafions as thofe enumerated in this
paragraph, fee Cicero de Divinatione, i^e6\. ij 2.

been

314 SERMON VIII.

been thought to fink to the common level
of fuperftitious predidlions, and would per-
haps have been ranked with the numerous
omens and portents, which are recorded
by Heathen hiftorians. It is true that
thefe national ends were frequently at-
tained by a fubordinate and fecondary ufe.
The Jewifli government being under the
immediate dire^ion of Jehovah ; he aw-
fully manifefted his paternal love and pro-
tedion in its divine difpenfation through
the medium of Prophecy.

But though temporal fuccefs was fome-
times the fubjedl of the facred predidions,
yet it muft not be confidered as their fole^
or even principal obje6t. The holy men
of God, who fpake as the fpirit gave them
utterance, went not forth for the purpofe
of fwelling the pride of the Ifraelites, or
nerving their arm for vi6lory. No : they
were employed to convince a people of
their wickednefs, and call them to repent-
ance ; to deliver the pure precepts of found
morality ; and; to preferve from abfolute
extinclion, amidft a corrupt and impious
world, the knowledge of the true God.

They

SERMON VIII. 31-

They flrenuGufly endes-voured to withhold
one nation, at leaft, from burning incenfe
upon the altars of Baal, and from facri-
ficing infant innocence to the gloomy
power of Moloch ; to alarm them into
piety by a vifible difplay of miracles,
-and to overpower them w'ith an irre-
fillible convidion of the fuperintendence
of the one fupreme Being, by Prophecies
publicly delivered, and often fpeedily ful^
filled.

This was doubtlefs an aim peculiarly
Signified, and fufficient to exalt the;. He-
brew Prophets beyond all comparifon above
the priefts of Heathen fiiperftitions. But
they directed their labours to a ftill more
exalted end. Under the influence of that
benevolent Being, who rejoices in the hap-
pinefs of all his creatures, they carried on
the divine fcheme of univerfal redemption.
.When man had debafed his nature by fm,
and was become fubje^fc to death, infpired
by the Almighty, they opened the great
fcheme of Revelation, which propofes, as
its ultimate object, the everlafting Talvation
of the whole human race. Independent

of

3i6 SERMON Vllt

of kingdoms and of empires, they camd
forth as heralds to prepare the way for thd
Son of the Moft High. In this lofty cha-
racter, they proclaimed the future appear-
ance of that exalted Perfonage, who, neg-
lecting human praife, and averfe from tem-
poral dominion, fhould, by voluntary fuffer-
ings and an ignominious death, reunite the
human race to God, and reftore them to
the hope of a joyful immortality ; fhould
promulgate a pure and moft benevolent
lyftem of moral and religious duty ; de-
nounce eternal punifhment againft hard-
ened finners, and enfure to the righteous
a life of everlafting happrnefs. At his com-
ing, it was decreed by divine Wifdom,
that the bloody altars of Moloch fliould be
overthrown, and the ftar of Remphan be
clouded in perpetual darknefs. Before the
brightnefs of his prefence, all the objeds of
Heathen idolatry, all the imaginary deities
of Greece and Rome, were gradually to
difappear. Till at length his Religion,
pure and fpiritual, founded on perfed: mo-
rality and rational piety, promoting peace
on earth, and conducing man to Heaven,
fliould triumph over worldly fuperfti-

tions,

SERMON VIII. 317

tions, and unite all the inhabitants of
the globe in one bond of facred bro-
therhood and love, obedient to their com-
jnon Redeerner, and prote(fted bj the uni-
yeffal God.

S B R M O N IX.

BANIELx. 14.

NOW I AM COME TO MAKE THEE UNDER-
STAND WHAT SHALL BEFAL THY PEO-
PLE IN THE LATTER DAYS.

In referring to the prefent times, I have
already alluded to one important circum-
ftance, which forcibly obtrudes itfelf upon
the obfervation of the ferious enquirer.
Many of the moft remarkable predictions
in the facred Writings are at this hour re-
ceiving their accomplifhment. We are
enabled to bear v^^itnefs to their comple-
tion from a knowledge of fads acquired by
perfonal experience.

As this circumftance feems peculiarly
calculated to augment the force of the ge-
neral

320 S E R M O N IX,

neral teftimony, I fhall make it the prin-
cipal fubjed: of the prefent concluding
Difcourfe.

The evidence from miracles, in fupport
of our holy Religion, produced a more
powerful and immediate conviAion in the
mind, during the hrft propagation of Chrif-
tianity, than it is capable of efFeding in
thefe later ages of the world. They were
then prefented to the fenfes ; but the truth
pf them muft now depend upon the force
of human teftimony. The vifible perform-
ance of a miracle is a more powerful in-
ftrument of converfion, than the moft au-
thentic narratives of fuch fupernatural ef-
ieSis. The metaphyfical fubtleties, which
are now vainly ufed for the purpofe of
proving the abfblute incompetence of all
human teftimony for the confirmation of
a miracle, would have been nugatory an4
abfurd, if they had been addreiTed to thofe,
before whom the w^onderful vv^ork had been
recently difplayed. In the age of fuperna-
tural interpofitions, therefore, the Sceptic
indulged his doubts upon the peculiar nature
of that Power, which was able to fufpend
the regular order of phyfical caufes and ef-

fec^is.

S E R M O N IX. 321

fc<3:s. Through fubfequent ages it has
been his chief endeavour to deny the real-
ity of fuch a fufpenfion : what he does
not behold, he is unwilling to believe.
That, which is reported to have occurred
only in a remote antiquity, and among a
particular people, he prefumptuoufly ven-
tures to determine, has not occurred at
all.

Of a miracle, which has been performed,
no traces in general remain at any diltant
period. Like the lightning, it appears for
the moment, and then is withdrawn for
ever from the view. When the divided
waters of the fea had returned to their an-
cient courfe, every veftige of the wonder was
removed. When the man, reftored to life,
was again brought' down to the grave, no
vifible efteds of his refurredlion remained
to afTift the belief of pofterity. Among the
innumerable acts of a fupernatural interpo-
fition, with which, in the early ages of man-
kind, the progrefs of divine Revelation was
accompanied, in a few folitary inftances,
on the mountains of Sinai and near Je-
rufalem, fome durable marks were im-
preffed upon natural objecfls, which, though
Y juft^'

522 S E R M O N IX.

juflly entitled ^ to the aflent of the ferious
and unprejudiced enquirer, are yet infuffi-
cient, perhaps, to remove the doubts and
command the belief of the Sceptic : and
they are alluded to, on the prefent occa-
iion, not as teftimonies in favour of mira-
cles, but as proofs of the general defeat of
fuch a fpecies of evidence in their fup-
port.

The nature of a prophecy, in the pecu-
liar circumftance now under confideration,
is diredlly oppofite to that of a miracle.
Time, w^hich diminifhes the almoft irre-
iiilible efficacy of the one, gives additional
flrength and authority to the other. A
prediction, at the moment in which it is
delivered, receives credit in proportion to
the faith of the believer. But the event,
in which a prediction is completed, is cal-
culated to impel convid;ion in all thofe,
who can afcertaln its reality by perfonal
obfervation, and can compare it with the
previous defcription of the Prophet.

* See Dr. Shaw's Travels, p. 352. and Pocock's Travel;.
p. 148. See alfo Bilhop Clayton's Vindication of the Old
Teftament.

A?

« S E R M O N IX.

3^3

As we retrace the hiftory of the dKiiie
government among the Jews, the higher
we afcend, the number of predidions ful-
filled becomes proportionally diminifhed.
Prophecy has been juftly denominated a
growing evidence. Each fucceeding gene-
ration accompliflies particular predictions ;
and thus, without diminilhing the force of
thofe which preceded them, adds numbers
and weight to the general evidence.

To thefe obfervations it may be added,
that a courfe of ages, fo long as to conftitute
a very confiderable portion of all paft time,
has intervened between the delivery and
the fulfilment of thofe predictions, which
refped: the prefent condition of mankind.
Revolutions in fociety the moft flrange and
unexpected have fmce taken place; and
confequently the exifling ftate of the king-
doms, in which the refpedive completions
occur, mufl be inflantly allowed to be to-
tally unconnected w^ith that, which was
exhibited to the view of the Prophets. Tlie
predidions, therefore, which are now re-
ceiving their accomplifhment, are clearly
exempt from all fufpicion of having been
Y 2 placed

324 SERMON IX.

placed within the reach of human lagacity
and forefight.

Furthermore, in the ancient world, an
opinion was generally prevalent, that fa-
-v'oured individuals, in all nations and under
every fyftem of religious worfhip, were en-
dued with a power of divination. Hence,
no perfon, an Ifraelite alone excepted, who
witnefled the completion of an Hebrew
Prophecy, could reafonably be expelled
on that account to allow an higher degree
of credibility to the Jewifh religion, than
to his own national fuperflition, the mi-
ntilers of which, he deemed equally capa-
ble of revealing the fecrets of futurity. In
the prefent age fuch an opinion is altoge-
ther renounced. While the unfounded
pretenfions of all the fyfliems of worldly
fuperllition to the art of divination, have
been univerfally withdrawn ; Chriflianity
Hill continues to advance and vindicate
this decihve proof of a divine defcent : and
lie, w ho from his own fpeculation upon ob-
jeds immediately fubmitted to his fenfes,
is obliged to admit the jullnefs of thefe
pretenfon^, docs not feci the force of the

tefti-

SERMON IX. 325

teftimony weakened by the contending
claims of rival l}^ften:is of religion to a fi-
milar fpirit of prefcicnce.

Thefe confiderations induce us to che-
riOi the hope, that Prophecy, from the for-
tunate circumftance of its affording in
many inftanccs, like a vifible miracle, a
flriking objeA to the fenfes in thofe events,
by which its reality is confirmed, may be
rendered a powerful inftrument at the pre-
fent day in converting the Infidel, or fixing
the faith of the Sceptic.

In order to give the utmoft poffible ef-
fe6l to this peculiarly forcible teftimony,
the prefcnt llate of all thofe nations, in.
which the predidions of the ancient Pro-
phets are verified, fhould be recommended
to his moft earneft confideration. Let him
caft his eye over the map of our globe :
let him contemplate the vaftnefs of its ex-
tent, and the variety of realms, into whicli
it has been divided : let him bear in mind
the great number of centuries, which have
elapfed fmce the delivery of the lafi: of the
long train of Jewilli and Chriftian predic-
tions : and then let him dired his attention

Y 3 to

6 S E R M O N IX.

to all thofe nations now exlfting under fuch
circumftances as to afford vifible and moft
decifive proofs of their exadl completion.

If he hefitates to yield implicit credit to
the defcriptions of the traveller, and is un-
willing to repofe entire confidence except
in obje6ls fubmitted to the evidence of
his own fenfes, let him go forth, and fur-
vey the feveral countries, in which the ac-
complifhment of the refpe(fl;ive Prophecies
is at this moment taking place. Let him
begin his refearches in the Eaft, which has
been at once the favoured feat and the
principal fbbjed: of Prophecy. As he ad-
vances on his way, let him contemplate
the fate of the feven cities ^, which were
once the glory of Afia Minor, and the orna-
ment of the early Church of Chrift. In
the days of the Prophet they flouriflied in
nearly the fame ftate of fplendour and of

.^ For the prediftioqs refpefting the feven Churches fee
Revelations i. ii. For the circumftances in their prefent
condition illuftrative of the truth of, the predi6lion, fee
Smith's Sept. Afiae Ecclef Kotit. Rycaut's prefent ftate of
the Greek Church. Wheler and Spon's Voyages. Van Eg-
jaiont and Heyman's Travels. See alfo Gibbon's Hillory of
the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, v. i. c. 15, 16.

power.

SERMON IX. 327

power. But they now appear in the ex-
a<5t condition, to which they were refpedl-
ively doomed. Of the five, fpecifically
named, of which the entire fall was pre-
dided, the melancholy ruins will atteft and
illuftrate the truth of the Prophet. Thya-
tira, in which the pious Lydia refided, and
Laodicea, the head of fixteen biflioprics,
are reduced to a ftate of entire defolation.
A few miferable hamlets, the habitations
of fhepherds, which have been ereded
amidft the ruins of temples, palaces, and
theatres, and in which no Chriftian Church
is eftablifhed, are now the fole remains of
Pergamos, the capital of a celebrated em-
pire, of Ephefus, one of the eyes of Afia,
and of Sardis, the opulent feat of the Ly-
dian monarchs. The two remaining cities,
the prefervation of which was promifed,
ftill retain fome portion of their former
magnificence. Smyrna in particular, which
was to have the crown of life, flouriflies
in a very confiderable ftate of profperity :
while in Philadelphia, which has been kept
from the hour of temptation, the holy rites
of Chriftianity are obferved under the go-
vernment of Mufiulmen, and near the
mofques of Mahomet.

Y 4 Upon

i

328 S E R M O N IX.

Upon the fpot, on which Tyre was
built, he will behold only a ftupendous
mafs of ruins ; and he may even mark the
folitary fifhermen", who in exa^l confirma-
tion of the words of the Prophet, fpread
their nets over the rocks, which were once
covered with towers and palaces.

From the coaft of ancient Phaenicia, let
him dired: his enquiries to the great riv^ers
of Mefopotamia. On the banks of the
Euphrates, he will be deterred from wan-
dering over the foundations of Babylon
from a juft and lively apprehenfion of the
noxious animals, which inhabit the ruins.
Near the w^aters of the Tigris, he may ex-
plore the ancient fituation of Nineveh :
but his refearches will be inefFec^lual. No
veftiges of that vaft metropolis remain : its
\ery ruins have perifhed : and the time is
novvT come, in which he may afk in the
daring and expreffive language of the an-
cient Prophet ; " where is the dwelling of
the lions, and the feeding place of the
young lions "^ ?"

'^ Shaw's Travels, p, 530, Maundrell's Travels, p. 48.
Volr.ey, v. ii. c. 39.
^ Nahiim ii. 9.

In

S E R M O N IX. 329

In returning through the Holy Land,
let him recoiled: the uncommon fruitfui-
nefs, with which it once was blefled ; and
then contemplate its f)refent extraordinary
barrennels. Within the region, where the
Prophets uttered their predictions, let him
recur to their precife expreffions ^ ; and he
will be convinced by the evidence of his
own fenfes, that even the qualities of na-
ture have been fubjeded to alteration, in
confirmation of the truth of Prophecy ^

In fome part of the Holy Land, the de-
fcendants of Rechab may be prefented to
his obfervation. Two thoufand four hun-
dred years have elapfed fnice it was pro-
mifed to their pious anceftor by Jeremiah s,
that there fliould not be w^anting a man of
his family to ftand before the Lord for
ever. Amidfi: the moil remarkable fluc-
tuations of human fociety, and the extinc-

* Leviticus xxvi. 33. Ifaiab i. 7, 8, 9, Jeremiah xii.
10, II.

f The barrennefs is fo ftriking.that Infidels have frequently
afferted the abfolute impoflibility of maintaining within the
limits of the Holy Land the numerous inhabitants, which
the Old Teftament fuppofes to have been refident.

8 Jeremiah xxxv, 18, 19.

tion

i3o

SERMON IX.

tion or extermination of all the families,
by whom they have been furrounded, they
have miraculoufly furvived ^. They conti-
nue, to the prefent time, to preferve the
exa<5l flate, in which they were originally
placed during the life of the Prophet ; and
thus exhibit to the modern traveller a vifi-
ble and unequivocal teftimony of the. in-
ipiration of the holy men of old.

When he has defcended through the de-
fert into Egypt, he will inftantly obferve
an exa<5i: completion of the words * of Eze-
klel : he will fee that devoted country ftill
continuing in the wretched condition, to
which Ihe has been doomed through more
than two thoufand years. He will behold
her, not exalting her head above others, or
ruling over the nations, but diminiflied and
fallen ; and, according to common eftima-
tion, the bafeft of kingdoms, fubmitting,
as fhe has long fubmitted, to the yoke of
a foreign opprefTor.

't)

oppri

^ See Brett's Narrative of the Proceedings of a greai
Council of the Jews in the plain of Ageda in Hungary, in
1650.

' Ezekiel xxix. 14, 15. xxx. 13.

From

SERMON IX.

33^

From this fruitful, but ill-fated coun-
try, let him turn his attention to the de-
ferts, by which it is partially furrounded :
he will there fee the tribes of wandering
Arabs, preferving at this day the peculiar
features of national character, with which,
in the patriarchal age, it was predicted to
the mother of Iflimael, the founder ^ of
their race, while he was yet concealed in
the womb, that his pofterity fliould be dif-
tinguiflied. Though, in conformity with
the promife of the angel, they have been
multiplied almoft beyond number: yet they
have not adopted the cuftomary forms of
fociety, nor feized the favourable oppor-
tunities, which they have enjoyed, of ad-
vancement in civilization and refinement.
They are ftill wild : their hand is ftill
againft every man, and every man's hand
}s againft them.

Should he trace the Nile towards its
fource, and thence penetrate into the in-
terioi: provinces of Africa, he will find the
inhabitants of that quarter of the globe fuf-
fering at this day under the heavy curfe

^ Genefls xvi, lo. 12.

dc-

33a SERMON IX.

denounced againft their ancient progenitor,
and exhibiting the precife appearance of
fervitude, which is defcribed in the writ-
ings ^ of Mofes. The inhabitants of the
northern coafts of Africa, in which a fpirit
of civilization has in fome degree prevailed,
ftill generally remain in that ftate of fo-
reign fubje(5lion, to which they were ori-
ginally condemned by the Prophets ; while
all the barbarous people of that extenfive
quarter of the globe, from the fhores of
the Mediterranean to the extreme promon-
tories, which projed; into the Southern
Ocean, prefent to the eye an awful pic-
ture of human nature in its bafeft and
moft degraded ftate.

But it is not in fingle provinces alone
that the traveller may wltnefs the comple-
tion of ancient prediftions. This accom-
plifhment difplays itfelf over the whMe
globe. It will be offered to his view in
almoft every country through which he
may pafs. Long before the appearance of
the divine Founder of Chriftianity upon
earth, it was the conftant boaft of the He-

brew

S E R M O N IX. 3S3

brew Prophets, that his benevolent reU-
gion Ihould be communicated to the Gen-
tiles, and without any violent efforts, or any
confiderable addition of mortal aid, ihould
eventually prevail among all the human
race. The hiftorian will inform him, that
Chriftianity was little benefited in its au-
fpicious propagation by the worldly power,
or worldly wifdom of its moft fuccefsful
mifTionaries ; while his own eyes, where-
ever he may dired them, will convince
him of the wonderful completion of the
ancient Prophecies in the calling of the
Gentiles, and the wide efFufion of Chrii^
tianity. He will view the religion of Je-
iiis triumphant throughout all the nations
of Europe "", the civilized parts of the im-
menfe continent of America, and the In-
dian iflands of the Weft. Among the
favage tribes, which occupy the woody
and mountainous receffes of the new hemi-
fphcre-, he will fee it increafmg the num-
ber of its converts, and extending its be-

"^ Its prefent apparent extin6lion among the i-ulers of
France may furely be confidered as temporary, and feems
not to require any c^ualitication of the alfertion, which I
have made.

nevolent

334 SERMON IX.

nevolent influence. He nqay follow the
miffionaries of the Gofpel to the iilands of
the vaft Southern and Pacific Ocean, to the
fandy wilds of Africa, and to the various
nations which have been laid open to the
knowledge of Europeans by their com-
mercial intercourfe with the Eaft.

Even thofe kingdoms once blefled with
Chriftianity, in which its light has been
either partially obfcured by corruptions, or
totally extinguifhed by apoftafy, will exhi-
bit to his view, in thefe very circumftances,
a ftrong teftimony in favour of the truth
of divine Revelation. Within the walls of
Conftantinople, and over the weftern pro-
vinces of Afia, the principal circumftances
in the completion of the Prophecies, which
relate to the Mahometan apoftafy, cannot
perhaps be difcerned with exa^l precifion
in thefe later times. They occurred at the
rife, and during the early progrefs of that
wonderful impofture. But the accurate
obferver may contemplate the vifible ef-
fe(5ls, which refulted from the comple-
tion. He may fee the " fun and the air of

" Revelations ix. 2,

the

S E R M O N IX, 335

the eaftern world ftill darkened with the
fmoke, which arofe, when the bottomlefs
pit was opened. Amidft the violent con-
vulfions, which now agitate the kingdoms
of Europe, he difcerns, it may be, the aw-
ful accomplifliment of the ancient Oracles
of God. He beholds perhaps the tremen-
dous operation of thofe means, which the
Almighty in his wifdom may employ in
haftening the ruin of that fpiritual ufurpa-
tion, of which the diftinguifhing features
were delineated, and the certain fubverfion
foretold : while through the Hates, in which
its declining authority is ftill acknowledged,
and its fuperftitious rites continue to be
pradlifcd, is exhibited a vifible, though
faint reprefentation of moft of thoie enor-
mous abufes, which were once permitted
to threaten even the utter annihilation of
genuine Chriftlanity, and which are fo
ilrongly pourtrayed in the energetic de-
fcriptions of the Prophets.

When he has obfcrved in the refpedllvc
countries the accomplifhment of various
Prophecies, let him dired: his moft ferious
attention to an appearance fmgularly won-
derful difplayed in all countries, and realiz-
ing

33^ S E R M O N IX.

ing one of the cleareft, fulleft, and moft
extraordinary predictions, which divine Wif-
dom has condefcended to deliver. Let him
examine the fituation ofi the Jev^^s. We
have already feen, that it is in its nature
miraculous ; and that the numerous and
ftriking peculiarities, by which it is diftin-
guillied, were clearly and forcibly fore-
told. The confirmation of thofe Prophe-
cies in the Pentateuch, in Jeremiah, and
in the Gofpels, which relate to the prefent
condition of that unhappy people, may be
afcertained by the ac^lual obfervations ot
the moft common beholder in every king-
dom of the globe. In Chriftian, in Ma-
hometan, and in Pagan countries, the de-
fcendants of Abraham univerfallj abound :
and they afford almofl as vifible and deci-
five a teftimony of the truth of Prophecy, as
the creation and the government of the
world afford of the wifdom and power of
God.

Let the Sceptic contemplate with fe-
rioufnefs and impartiality all thefe remark-
able circumftances in the prefent condition
of mankind, with which the defcriptions
of the ancient Prophets thus accurately co-
incide.

SERMON IX. 337

incide. The reality of them does not de-
pend upon opinion, which may fluAuate,
or upon hiftorical evidence, which may in-
fidioufly be rcprc Tented as erroneous. They
are objeds of fenfe : they are fa6ls flib-
mitted to his perfonal obfeA'ation. They
are confiderable in number, and highly im-
portant in their nature. They are great
features in the portrait of the human race.
It may, perhaps, be juftly alferted, that no
period has occurred fmce the infpiration of
the firft Prophet, in which a larger portion
of mankind, or a more extenfive range of
territory has been employed by the Al-
mighty in fulfilling his revealed decrees.

When thefe confiderations have been
imprefled upon his mind, and thefe facfts
fubmitted to his infpedion, if he ftill he-
fitates, and is reflrained by apprehenfions of
deception and impoilure from yielding his
entire affent, let him enquire, whether de-
fcriptive predictions of the prefent ftate of
cities, kingdoms, and extenfive portions of
mankind, either fimilar, or bearing even
the moll diftant refemblance, are evidently
apparent, or can by the moft forced con-
flru6tions be made even plaufibly to ap-
z pear

338 S li R M O N IX.

pear in any other compofition of antiquity.
The Greeks and Romans boafted of nu-
merous Oracles, which pretended to deve-
lope the future fortunes of individuals and
of ftates : many of their vaunted predic-
tions have defcended to thefc later times :
but do they contain a prophetic picture
of any of the extraordinary chara^leriftics,
which diftinguifli the prefent generation ?
Have we not feen, that not one of their
numerous priefts even attempted to difpel
the gloom, by which remote events are ne-
ceiTarily concealed from mortal knowledge ?
The mofl celebrated hiftorians recorded in-
numerable prophecies, in which the paf-
fions of a fuperftitious people were pecu-
liarly interefted : but do the annals of He-
rodotus and Livy contain even the flight-
efi: marks of any prefcience refpe6ling the
prefent condition of the hum.an race ? Do
they in a fmgle inftance afford a proof of
the acquaintance of their refpe(5live authors
with the condition of any part of mankind
in thefe later ages ? The ancient poets fre-
quently broke forth in bold fallies of imagi-
nation : the ancient philofophers frequently
indulged themfelves in unreftrained fpecu-
lations upon the poffible combinations of

human

SERMON IX.

339

human fociety. But where is the philofb-
pher, and where Is the poet, in whofe wild-
efl failles, or moft licentious {peculations,
even a fingle clear and circumftantial de-
fcription can be found applicable to the con-
dition of any one part of the modern world ?

From thefe obfervatlons it appears, that
the prefclence of fuch numerous and im-
portant chara^teriftics of the prefent flate
of mankind is at once ftriking and unpa-
ralleled. The fa(fts, by which it is illuf-
trated and confirmed, being placed within
our perfonal obfervation, are fubmitted to
the evidence of our own fenfes. They
are indeed of the nature of a miracle ;
and are admirably adapted to produce the
fame unalterable convidion of the inter-
ference of a fupernatural Power, as would
immediately refult from a vifible fufpen-
lion of the regular order of the univerfe.

I have now proceeded through the feve-
ral parts of the fubjeft, which it has been
my obje6l in thefe Le(5lures to inveftigate.
Through the whole of the difcufTion, I have
cautioufly endeavoured to reflrain myfelf
from indulging in hazardous conje<5lures. It
z 2 has

54P SERMON IX, -

has been my rmcere and earneft defire to
bring forward a feries of fuch fads, and of
fuch oblervations grounded upon fad:s, as
appear peculiarly calculated to convince the
ferious and impartial enquirers ot the di-
vine origin of one of the principal evi-
dences, by which our holy Religion is con-
firmed.

When the followers of Chrift are re-
quired to affign a reafonable caufe for their
belief in the infpiration of the Prophets,
they will not, it is prefumed, appear either
precipitate or injudicious in their decifion,
if they reply in the following terms. Be-
ing convinced of the public appearance of
the feveral parts of the facred Volume prior
to the refpedive occurrences illuftrative of
the predidions, and perceiving an cxad and
ftriking coincidence between the prophecies
j.nd the events in which they were com-
pleted, we felt an carneft dcfire of know-
ing, whether this coincidence might not
be the ctied of Impofiurc, of human faga-
city, of cnthufiafm, or of chance. Profe-
cuting our refearches for tliis purpofc, we
liavc difcovcrcd, that the Prophets revealed
^evcnt'= of the moft diftant times, that they

frc-

SERMON IX. 341

frequently defcribed the minute clrcum-
ftanccs attending thofe events, that fomc
of the pecuUarities prcdi(5led were unex-
ampled in the age of the Prophets, and
that the predidions thus circumflantially
detailed were very numerous: — that the
occurrences foretold were often in the
higheft 4^gree extraordinary or improbable,
and fometimes even diredly oppofite to
thofc, which, to a mere human fpeculator,
mud have appeared likely to take place : —
that the fubje<5ls of the predidions w^crc
frequently hoftile, and fometimes inevitably
ruinous to the worldly interefts of the Pro-
phets; and, therefore, fuch as it is not
conceivable that an impoftor would have
feleded : — that the diftinguifhing charac-
teriftics of the Prophets and of their pre-
didions, are peculiarly adapted to the de~
fign, for which Prophecy uniformly pro-
felled to have been given ; and that the
Prophets, if uninfpired, appear to have
been morally incapable of pcrfevering un-
interruptedly through fo long a period, in
the profecution of fo complicated a dcfign,
and of maintaining, with fuch nicety of
difcrimination, the propriety of the fcveral
parts : — that the condud uf the Prophets,

as

34a SERMON IX.

as recorded in the Old Teftament, is inex-
plicable upon any principles of human po-
licy, and can only be reafonably accounted
for upon the prefuiTiption of a divine agen-
cy : — that the means, which they em-
ployed, and the fublime objed:, which they
purfued, together with the circumftances
attending the opening and the final clofe of
their fuppofcd intercourfe with the Deity,
are peculiarly calculated to flrengthen and
confirm us in our belief of their real infpi-
ration : — and, laftly, that in cafting our eyes
over the feveral parts of the human race,
we difcover the exad: completion of many
clear and important predictions, in the pre-
fent condition of a great portion of the in-
habitants of the globe. We confider all
thefe circumftances taken colled:ively as
exhibiting an accumulation of evidence,
which amounts to a moral certainty ; we
are utterly unable to refufe it our unequi-
vocal and abfolute affent ; and we there-
fore acknowledge the divine infpiration of
the facred Prophets.

When, in addition to thefe confidera-
tions, we refledl, that the foreknowledge of
events, which depend upon the will of free

S E R M O N IX. 343

agents not yet in exiftence, evidently ex-
ceeds the powers of any finite being, whe-
ther angel or evil demon ; that it is as
manifeft a difplay of fupreme perfedlion as
the creation and prefervation of the uni-
verfe ; and that it can only be imparted to
man by revelation from God himfelf, we
feel ourfelves moft forcibly compelled to
believe, that the wonderful foreknowledge,
which is difcovered in the facred Writings,
proceeded from the high and holy mini-
ilers, whom he, in his w^ifdom, infpired.

There is not a fubje(5l in theology more
capable of imparting pleafure in the prole-
cution than that, which we have been in-
vited to purfue in the courfe of thefe Lec-
tures. It carries us back into paft ages,
and interefts us in the moft important
tranfad:ions, which are recorded In the hif-
tory of the human race. By the abfolute
certainty, which it affords of the interpofi-
tion of the fupreme Being in the affairs of
the world, it is calculated to fill the mind
with aftonifhment, and a kind of facred
delight. And w^hen, in addition to thefe
powerful confiderations, we refled:, that it
is one of the moft effedual means of bring-
ing the creature to a more perfed know-

ledjie

344 S E R M O N TX.

ledge of the Creator, and of ilrengthcning
the confidence of mankind in divine reve-
lation, v/e need not hefitate to pronounce
it the moft interefting and the moft mo-
mentous, which can occupy the attention
of a being, endued, like man, with reafon,
and formed for immortal life.

It has been averted by the philofophic
Infidel, that if the Almighty had really dif-
clofed his will to mankind, the revelation
would have been written in the heavens.
Such is the contra (5led wifdom of the hu-
man mind. But that exalted Being, who
onlv knoweth what is good for his crea-
tures, in order to affifb the imperfedion of
our nature, has given us a Revelation, not,
like the afiedions, inflin^lively rifmg in the
foul, not, like the great objefts of creation,
:fpontaneoul]y expofed every moment to
the fenfes, but dependent upon the exercife
of our underflanding, and fupplying frefh
means of convidion at every repetition of
our enquiries. He forcfaw, that even his
divineft gift to man, if prefenting itfelf to
his infant faculties, and perpetually felf ap-
parent through his whole exiftence, might
lofe a confiderable part of its pofTible in-
fluence over his heart, and fall into negled:

S E R M O N IX. 345

or dlfufe. B-at that truth, which the di-
ligence of men alone can fully difcover,
and which difplays more vifible marks of
its divine origin at every renewal of their
refearches, is peculiarly adapted to operate
effedually upon the underflanding, to pro-
duce a continued aflent to its dictates, and
finally to acquire an abfolute dominion over
the heart. Of all the evidences, by which.
Chriftianity is fupported, that of Prophe-
cy moft abundantly poileiTes this quality.
When wc have entered upon our exami-
nation of this evidence, the exalted cha-
ra(5ler of our Religion begins to brighten
on the view ; continually fliines forth with,
frefh acquifitions of luftre ; and at length
appears in all the glow and fplendour of
its divine nature. For w'hen w^e thus be-
hold, in multiplied inftances, a clear and
ample difplay of that ftupendous foreknow-
ledge, which can only be polTeffed by the
great Maker and Ruler of the univerfe, the
truth of Revelation does in reality appear
•as manifeil and ftriking, as if it were in-
scribed in characters of light on the wide
sexpanfe of Heaven.

■ 'F 1 N I S..

#

#

Theological Seironarj-Speei

■■■■

1 1012 01130 9467

4:

■ ■• .•■>■•■