stant superintendence and direction of some one mind, which existed throughout that period; and that, although the under-agents were permitted to follow the bent of their own inclinations, yet their language might be often guided to speak of that great event, by which this miraculous train of dispensations was to be concluded. He will then think it at least possible, that prophets and other eminent instruments of Providence may have been so influenced, as to use expressions, which might, in future times, appear to point to transactions, of which the authors had no expectation nor conception.1

When he asks himself, what could be the design or use of making men speak of subjects, of which they had no knowledge, the train of his own thoughts will suggest, that the recording of such allusions, apparently so remote and unconnected,. yet, after the event, evidently pointing to the object of all Prophecy, and the consummation of the whole process of redemption, would. constitute the grandest and most overpowering combination of circumstantial evidence, that the mind of man can conceive. This evidence may not be convincing to all: many wise and pious men may never admit its force; but other studious and contemplative people, may, by habitual converse with the Sacred Writings, obtain a satisfactory persuasion of its reality. themselves, and be successful in impressing the same conviction upon

others: and thus an additional proof of the Christian religion may be established, which will make an indelible impression on every mind, that can perceive its force; since, if well founded, it is relieved from every suspicion of collusion or possibility of artful contrivance. The number and minuteness of the coincidences will prevent them from being attributed to chance; and their com bining in one object is the natural effect of that comprehensive intelligence, which kept that object in view, throughout the revolution of ages.

Supposing these obscure allusions to be intended as dormant anticipations, they may be referred to the same principle, with those dark intimations, which Jesus gave of his own death; leaving the world in the same state, in which he left his Apostles for a time. "These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they, that these things were written, and that they had done these things unto him:" and "they believed the Scripture, and the word, which Jesus had said."

In applying this mode of interpretation, how. ever, you should be always on your guard against concurring in those fanciful analogies, that have been instituted by divines between casual expres sions in the Old Testament, and the history of our Lord, and in a typical application of the ćeremonial law to the mediatorial office and death of the Redeemer. These should be re

garded with suspicion, except when clearly sanc tioned by the Sacred Writers. It is very ob servable, that few of those Prophecies, which are most insisted on at present, were appealed to by Christ or his Apostles; and none of those, which are thought to ascribe Supreme Divinity to our Lord. Had they been understood in this sense, it cannot be supposed, that they would have been omitted, while so many others were referred to. This is a strong reason for receiv‣ ing such interpretations with caution and even suspicion.

The Prophecies of the New Testament, are, for the most part, neither of double meaning, nor doubtful interpretation. They relate to the death and resurrection of our Lord; the sufferings of his disciples, and the success of his doctrine; the destruction of Jerusalem, and certain extraordinary changes to take place in later times; the general resurrection and the consummation of all things.

1. Our Lord foretels the circumstances of his death and resurrection, with an animating assur ance, an edifying simplicity, and a delicate re gard to the feelings of his Apostles, and the necessity of the occasion...

2. With the same simplicity and prudence does he gradually disclose the sufferings, which his disciples were destined to undergo; and the suc cess of their labours, with the final triumph and

universal diffusion of his religion; circumstances as improbable at that time, as they are now verified by history, and the present state of the world, and agreeable to our most natural and reasonable expectations of futurity. Notwithstanding the patient and unoffending character of the Gospel, and the meekness and humility of his Apostles; the philosophical indifference of mankind about their ancient religion, and their curiosity concerning novel opinions, all of them promising the patronage of the Ruling Powers, and a candid discussion of his pretensions, he persisted in warning his followers, that "they should be hated by all men for his name's sake." Notwithstanding the cowardice of his Apostles, and the shameful manner, in which they should deny and forsake himself in his extremity, he foresaw, that their fortitude would sustain, and their patience exhaust the fury of their persecutors. Notwithstanding their stupidity and unbelief, he foretold, that they would speak with a power, which nothing could resist: and notwithstanding the principle of brotherly love, on which his religion was founded, he predicted, that it would dissolve the union of families, and that "a man's foes would be they of his own household." "Think not," says he, "that I am come to send peace on earth. I come not to send peace, but a sword."

With a clear foreknowledge of these discou

raging circumstances, he could say to his chosen disciples: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Ye believe in God: believe also in me." He could look beyond the gloomy scene, and behold the sun gradually rising above the remote horizon, dispelling the clouds, and finally reigning in meridian splendor, never to set again. He beheld the Heavens and the earth passing away, without disturbing a jot or tittle of his word. As a man giveth directions to his servants about their daily business; so did Christ, with as little doubt of their obedience and success, and with the same composure and tranquillity, command his Apostles "to teach all nations, beginning at Jerusalem;" beginning at that city, where his enemies were triumphant, preparing to wreak their vengeance on his own person, and determined to persecute his followers with unrelenting cruelty. There they were to remain, till he sent them another comforter.

3. His prophetic eye beheld the downfal of the temple, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the desolation of Judea, the dispersion of the chosen people, and the dissolution of the hierarchy. This awful catastrophe was the grand crisis in the course of Providence. It demonstrated the temporary and subordinate nature of the Jewish polity; and by the final dispersion of the Jews, it contributed to the establishment of that Church,