We are conducted to the same conclusion, by a consideration of the architectural skill displayed in the erection of important cities. The age in which were planned and erected the superb edifices of Damascus, Thebes, Babylon, Nineveh, and Persepolis, must have been as rich in genius as in scientific cultivation. The men who could design and build the colossal Pyramids could not have been ignorant of mechanics, either as regards art or science. No mere brute force could have built Phenician fleets, of sufficient capacity and strength to navigate the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Homer, speaking of the perfection which navigation had attained about the time of the Trojan war, says,—

"So shalt thou instant reach the realms assign'd,
In wondrous ships, self-moved, instinct with mind;
No helm secures their course, no pilot guides ;
Like man, intelligent, they plough the tides,
Conscious of every coast and every bay
That lies beneath the sun's all-seeing ray;

Though clouds and darkness veil the' encumber'd sky,
Fearless through darkness and through clouds they fly.
Though tempests rage, though rolls the swelling main,
The seas may roll, the tempests rage, in vain.
Even the stern god that o'er the waves presides,
Safe as they pass, and safe repass the tides,
With fury burns; while, careless, they convey,
Promiscuous, every guest to every bay."*

*

All the information, therefore, which we have been able to collect respecting this period, tends to confirm and establish the view which we took of the character and condition of mankind in antediluvian times. We find Noah and his sons providing for their immediate wants, cultivating the earth; population extending, until, when mankind had greatly increased, and the arkite patriarchs were dead, the whole human race journeyed in a body to Shinar. Here an attempt was made to frustrate the Divine will, which had enjoined a separation of the different tribes; the city and tower were begun; but the Dispersion was miraculously enforced by the confusion of tongues.

From this point we have to contemplate a new state of

* "Odyssey," book viii,

things. Society, as it respected the whole mass of mankind, had been dissolved, and each family was called to form the germ of a distinct people. But, amid all the disorder and confusion which resulted from this infliction, we have, after this event, to regard mankind as separated into two distinct parts or classes; namely, those on whom the light of revealed truth was specially cast, and those who had fallen, or were rapidly falling, into idolatry.

With respect to the first of these, we have the strongest evidence of the existence of spiritual religion. The doctrines shown to have been known before the Flood are here again exhibited, and illustrated and displayed with clearer light. The promise of a Saviour is more distinctly announced, and the glorious economy of his grace more clearly revealed.

The second portion of mankind, although under all the disadvantages of recent and lengthened journeyings, are seen every where rising into refined society, putting forth intellectual energy, founding nations and empires, displaying in their history, traditions, usages, and even in their corrupted religion, unmistakeable evidences that they were once one people, and, as such, favoured with Divine revelation.

In all that can be ascertained respecting both classes, we have the fullest proof that the genial influence of civilization, science, and learning was felt; we find no barbarism but that which was the result of sinful declension. But the entire history of the period, although extracted from a thousand fragments, which are collected from almost every ancient nation, when considered in connexion with the true chronology of the Bible and the great principles of revelation, is found to harmonize with the teaching of the sacred record to an extent which must have been impossible, if the Bible had not contained, not only the most ancient, but also a perfectly true, history of the early families of mankind.

CHAPTER XII.

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.

SPIRIT in which the preceding Researches have been conducted-Supremacy of Revelation Scheme of Redemption-Traditions and History of ancient Nations-Table of antediluvian History-The Deluge The Dispersion-Table of early postdiluvian HistoryGENERAL VIEWS Creation and Fall of Angels-Creation of Man -His Fall-Announcement of the Purposes of Redemption-Impressive Disclosure of the Divine Attributes-APPLICATION OF THESE VIEWS-1. To Individuals-Gradual Developement of the Divine Intentions-Clear Views of the Patriarchs-Promise of a Redeemer Vicarious Sacrifice-Influence of the Holy Spirit-2. General Application-Annual Sacrifice-Family Character of Religion-Tradition-Increase of Evil-Call of Abraham-Summary Intimations of a better Economy.

THE preceding pages contain the information which we have been able to collect respecting the various obscure and recondite subjects involved in the History and Religion of the Patriarchal Age. On some of these, evidence and argument have been adduced against commonly received opinions; and it is hoped with some success; on others, it has been impossible to do more than render morally probable what appears to be the truth, direct evidence being beyond our reach; while, in respect of the whole subject, we have laboured so to blend together the various fragments of information, that they may unitedly present to the mind some distinct and definite idea of the condition and character of mankind throughout this interesting period.

In this effort we have been influenced by one simple motive, a strong and single-minded desire to ascertain and to record the truth. We had no pre-conceived theories to maintain, no abstract hypothesis to guide us in the use of the historical materials which we had to arrange. Our object, from first to last, has been to ascertain the true condition of man in the various periods of his history, and to

give as connected and consistent a view of the whole, as the nature of the case would admit.

Still we have no wish to conceal the fact, that our researches into this subject have been conducted in a manner, and under the influence of a spirit, not frequently apparent in the labours of those who have prosecuted similar historical investigations. We doubt whether the history of any period or people can ever be properly or usefully written, without a careful investigation of, and a constant reference to, the influence of their religion. But, however this may hold generally, we are bold to say that no just view can be presented of the origin of man, and of the various incidents of his history, through what we have called the Patriarchal Age, without a steady and constant recognition of the Divine purposes respecting man, and the various revelations which he received from God.

Nor by this reference to religion do we mean simply to allude to man's accountability to the Divine government, or to the fact that he was certainly created, and is providentially sustained, by Almighty power. No; we think it essential to a just view of the original condition of mankind, and of their primitive history, that we should recognise that great scheme of Divine Mercy which God has prepared for the redemption of our race, and which, we are authoritatively taught, existed, in some sense, "from the foundation of the world." Those who hold an opposite opinion will excuse the expression of our candid conviction, that nothing can be more absurd than the denial of this. Man is called into being, and is a partaker of animal life. he walks to and fro in the earth, and spends a life of labour or pleasure. He mixes up in the various affairs of life, is an element in the great mass of human society, and contributes his quota to the character of his country and his age. He sickens and dies. Some one of his surviving acquaintance may review his life, and record his earthly career; may narrate his projects and pursuits, his success and disappointments. Too often human reason rests here, and worldly curiosity is satisfied. And yet, this man was a

He eats and drinks,

creature of God! His case excited the interest of heaven! That he might be led through this earthly career in accordance with the Divine Will, and thus be conducted through death to an eternal heaven, the richest displays of infinite wisdom and power were put forth. He was the object of the unfathomable love of God. For his benefit and blessing, guidance and safety, oft-repeated revelations of truth and mercy were made to his heart by the agency of God the Holy Ghost. Nor can it be said, "But this does not respect his temporal course, and his worldly character." It does. All this Divine attention, commiseration, and blessing, are given for this express purpose; are given to affect his earthly course, to mark out the way in which he should walk, and the manner in which he should conduct himself, with a view to his final salvation. How, then, can his temporal course be fully shown without any reference to his spiritual privileges, duties, and destiny, when these affect every step of his progress, and give a colouring to every action of his life? We repeat, If this can ever be done, it cannot in the period which we have been investigating. It would be unreasonable to omit the highest interests of man, and the brightest and best features of the Divine will concerning him, when detailing the account of his creation, and the rise and progress of primitive society. It would be absurd to attempt a correct and complete account of the early ages, without reference to the religious condition of mankind, and the manifested mercy and justice of God; when, at various times during this very period, the exercise of these Divine attributes affected the condition of the whole world, almost exterminated mankind, and reduced society to its original elements; when the exercise of these attributes produced results which will remain legibly written, both on the everlasting hills, and on the character of mankind, to the end of time. It would be unjust to endeavour to detail results, without a reference to their cause; to chronicle the condition and character of man, and at the same time to conceal the greatness and goodness of God; especially when Jehovah has, for our instruction, blended both so intimately together in his own holy truth.