his future schemes. The new monarch was scarcely ettled on his throne before he had to encounter the atigues, of war, and to oppose an impetuous enemy n the person of Alexander of Macedon, who crossed he Hellespont at the head of the Grecian forces in the econd year of Darius.

I po not intend to follow the victorious course of Alexander, by a recital of the events which marked it. The account of them must be frequently in your hands, and I doubt not that the interest they excite in young minds, has tended to fix them in your memory. My desire at present is, that you should regard them in a new point of view: that is, in connexion with many prophecies, of which they became the literal completion. The first I shall notice is that in the second chapter of Daniel, where among the four universal empires, that of Greece is described as "the third kingdom of brass, which should bear rule over the whole earth." But a more accurate and full description of the progress, extent, and duration of this kingdom is given in the eighth chapter of the same prophet; where not only a vision of the future was displayed to him, but an interpretation of the vision itself, was afforded by the angel Gabriel. I wish you now to study this chapter, as far as the end of the twenty-second verse; and then to compare it with what you know of the character and achievements of Alexander. You cannot fail to be impressed with their singular correspondence to each

other. The power of the Persian dominion, described as a ram, pushing without restraint in all directions, illustrates the despotic authority which the kings and governors exercised over all the nations under their sway; and which became, under vicious princes," a most insufferable tyranny. Alexander was properly the first king of Grecia; for he was the first who obtained the general suffrage of all the estates: effecting by the terror of his arms alone, what his father had scarcely brought about by policy, bribes, and compulsion. The impetuous temper of Alexander was well known, not only to his enemies, but to his dearest friends, who frequently experienced the fatal effects of it; and the rapidity of his marches, as described by historians, was such, that he came upon his enemies unawares, before they had time to take any measures for defence or resistance. Now look at the description of him in the prediction, as coming from the west, with such speed as scarcely to touch the ground, and traversing the whole earth in that direction; as casting down to the ground the power of Persia, wherein was no strength to resist him; and with whom was found none that could deliver out of his hand. It is I think scarcely needful to point out to you the meaning of the eighth verse, in which the progressive greatness and premature death of the victor are foretold; as well as the partition of his empire. But these predictions of Daniel were not the only ones which had their completion in the conquests of Alexander. There were others of Isaiah, Ezekiel, &c. respecting some of the people who inhabited Syria and Palestine, which had not been fully accomplished by former conquerors. The most remarkable among them were the predictions of utter

ruin to Tyre, which were recorded with the utmost precision. In the taking of that city by Nebuchadnezzar, the ruin of it was not effected; because the inhabitants found means to remove their wealth, and thereby secured the means of rising from a temporary depression, and building a new city. But it was far otherwise with Tyre when taken by Alexander; though the siege lasted only seven months. His impetuous rage at being detained before this place, knew no bounds when he had made himself master of it: he not only burned the city, but destroyed a great number of the inhabitants, and sold the rest, amounting to thirty thousand, for slaves. When he had thus satiated his vengeance, he caused the city to be rebuilt; and peopled it with colonies drawn from the neighbouring

countries.

It was during this siege of Tyre, that the Jews gave serious offence to Alexander; and were by him doomed to destruction for it. But the same God who had raised him up as a scourge for the nations, designed him as a protector to his people; and by a wonderful interposition, turned his rage into humble adoration : causing, in this instance also, "the wrath of man to praise him." The Tyrians who were constantly occupied in commerce, and not at all given to agriculture, drew their sustenance chiefly from Samaria and Judea countries celebrated for their fruitfulness. Alexander, on sitting down before Tyre, sent to demand supplies for his army from these quarters; and was furnished with them by the Samaritans. But the Jews, having sworn fealty to Darius, desired to be excused on that account; as they could not obey any other master during his life; nor violate their allegiance towards

him, by aiding his enemies. Alexander had no sooner completed the destruction of Tyre than he began his march towards Jerusalem, fully intent on the vengeance he had so long meditated. The Jews, hearing of his approach, were in the utmost consternation; but re membering the former mercies of the Lord, and his promises to deliver them out of trouble; they made their devout supplications unto him; and cast themselves entirely on his mercy. He who had never said to the house of Israel, "Seek ye my face," in vain, now vouchsafed to be found of them; and to grant the mercy they implored. He directed Jaddua, in a vision, to go forth from Jerusalem and meet Alexander; desiring him to put on his pontifical robes and to take with him the priests, habited according to their office; and all the people, in white garments. In compliance. with these commands, Jaddua went forth the following day, and advancing to an eminence without Jerusalem, named Sapha, there awaited the king's approach. When Alexander appeared in sight, the whole procession, with Jaddua at their head, went forward to meet him. The king no sooner beheld the high priest than he was struck with awe and reverence; and, to the astonishment of multitudes on both sides, bowed down and saluted him with religious veneration. Parmenio demanded an explanation of this extraordinary conduct, and inquired of the king why he, whom all adored," should thus worship the high priest of the Jews. Alexander replied, that he did not offer this adoration to Jaddua, but to that God whose priest he was. He then declared that when he was at Dium in Macedonia, deliberating on the invasion of Persia, and in some doubt as to the success of it; this very priest, dressed

xactly as they saw him, had appeared to him in a dream, nd encouraged him to proceed in his undertaking, by romising that God would direct and prosper him in it; and give him power to subdue the whole Persian empire. The actual presence of Jaddua, he added, now assured im that he was really guided in his enterprise by God; and should therefore certainly succeed in it, as he had promised. After this explanation the king embraced Jaddua; and, going with him to Jerusalem, offered sacrifices in the temple. While he remained in the city, Jaddua showed him the prophecies of Daniel, wherein a Grecian prince was spoken of, as appointed to overthrow the Persian empire. This served as a farther encouragement to assure him of entire success, and made him so well satisfied with his visit to Jerusalem, that before his departure he called the people together, and desired to know what favour they had to ask of him. They begged him to allow them the free exercise of their own laws, civil and religious, and an exemption from tribute once in seven years; when they were forbidden to cultivate their land, or gather in the fruits of it. These privileges were readily accorded by Alexander, who left the city, to pursue his enterprises; not doubting that he was the person alluded to in the prophecies, that had been shown him. Alexander had scarcely left Jerusalem when a deputation from the Samaritans waited on him, to request that he would honour their city and temple with his presence. When he had demanded supplies for his army, they had not only furnished them without delay, but had also sent eight thousand men to be employed in his service. They were greatly disappointed that he had not inflicted his threatened vengeance on Jerusalem; and

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