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A. D.

Tiberius.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF JUDÆA, &c.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD.

33.

19.

35.

21.

Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judæa and Samaria.
P. Pilate deprived of his government.

Cali- Marcellus, Governor.

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Pilate kills himself.

Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee, banished.
Succeeded by Herod Agrippa, his nephew,
grandson of Herod the Great.

Herod Agrippa confirmed in his government by
Claudius, who added Judæa and Samaria to his
kingdom. Called Herod the King. Acts xii.
Herod Agrippa dies miserably, Acts xii. 23.
Cuspius Fadus, Governor.

Tiberius Alexander, Governor.

V. Cumanus, Governor.

The Jews banished Rome by the edict of Claudius.
Felix, Governor.

[Agrippa, the younger son of Herod Agrippa, ob-
tains the dominion formerly belonging to Phi-
lip, and other countries lying north-eastward of
Galilee and Jordan. To which was added some

part of Galilee. He is mentioned, Acts xxv.] Festus, Governor.

Albinus, Governor of Judæa and Samaria.

GENEALOGY OF THE FAMILY OF HEROD, MENTIONED IN THE ACTS, &c.

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LECTURE I.

INTRODUCTION.

Reflections on primitive Christianity. The Study of Ecclesiastical History recommended.

THE Consolation which our Saviour's promise affords to the members of his mystical body, the Church, that "he will be with them always, even unto the end of the world'," ought to induce Christians, of every age and nation, to rouse from the languor of an unproductive faith, a faith which can hardly be said to have any foundation in the Gospel, and to "contend earnestly for that which was once delivered to the saints 2." If they have any hope, any confidence in that holy name by which they are called, they should endeavour, by the exertion of their natural powers, aided and assisted by that divine Spirit of grace, which in all such cases, they are assured, will never fail them no forsake them, not to lose the benefit of so gracious a declaration. The aspect of the times points out the enemy which they should particularly resist: they should guard with unremitting diligence against

1 Matt. xxviii. 20.

B

2 Jude 3.

those relaxed and innovating doctrines which every where present themselves to their view; they should reject with indignation those insinuating temptations, which the great deceiver of mankind, under the specious, but false appearance of civil and religious liberty, takes every opportunity of casting in their way.

Of all mankind a true disciple of Christ is the best able to maintain this conflict. The weapons of his warfare are of a spiritual nature; "the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword ;" and he enjoys an assistance which is promised in no other conflict. This expression is strongly illustrated by St. Paul in his epistle to the Ephesian converts, where he animates the Christian soldier to resist his spiritual enemies, by putting on " the whole armour of God;" covering himself, as it were, in the complete steel of the gospel of Christ. An unsheltered or unguarded part might be fatal to his safety. The sword, the shield, the breast-plate, the helmet-all are necessary. Great courage as well as strong arms are also required. And when all this is done, to assure himself of victory, he must go one step farther; he must " pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch thereunto with all perseverance."

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If there be any one circumstance, any one charm, (if I may use the expression) to render the breast of the Christian invulnerable, it must be this; for "the sword of the Spirit is the word of God." The

1 Heb. iv. 12.

2 Eph. vi. 13.

word of God operates on the heart in the most powerful manner; it changes its very nature; and while it repels its enemies, lurking, though they may be, within its inmost folds, it prepares it for a participation of that bliss which can only be found in purity, in the bosom of its Maker. "Let your feet be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" let this be the soft and easy path on which you tread; seek no other passage to the realms of everlasting light; this is the only highway for the redeemed to pass along; "its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace!."

If the proper study of mankind be man, it will be no improper application of this principle, to recommend to the consideration of the serious student the history of man's nature, not only as he finds it in common life, and in the records of his own bosom, but as it is plainly and accurately described in the unerring book of revelation. An inquiry of this kind will disclose to him an important secret; it will shew him how different his character and conduct are from what they ought to be; how wretched and deplorable he is by nature, how amiable and excellent he may become by grace.

History is universally acknowledged to be the most eminent of all the sciences. She has been denominated the mistress of life', as directing us to proper objects of reflection, placing before our eyes instances of imitation, and warning us by ex

1 Prov. iii. 17.

2 Historia est testis temporum, lux veritatis, vitæ memoria, magistra vitæ, nuncia vetustatis. Cic. de Orat. ii. 9.

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