lehem, were probably men of distinction in their own country. Their names from some cause, have never been transmitted to posterity. Yet as most, if not all the wise men and philosophers of ancient Eastern nations, were initiated into the mysteries of those times, and obtained their knowledge in a principal degree through this medium, may we not reasonably conclude, such might have been the source of information to those who came to inquire, "where is he that is born king of the Jews." One thing is evident, that they were favored with Divine communications, and probably understood the name of the logos or WORD, with its divine essence and offices, for they presented an offering of gold and myrrh and frankincense, which are thought to be an acknowledgment of his divinity.No doubt they received and embraced in their hearts, the true LIGHT, and were enabled to walk therein.

CHAPTER XII.

Ancient Mysteries.-Philosophers.Wise Men.

TO every person, conversant with ancient history, it is abundantly evident, that certain individuals, in most of the eastern nations were in possession. of what was termed mysteries, or a mysterious science, studiously concealed from the promiscuous multitude.

Of those ancient mysteries there were several kinds. Some contained nothing but a heterodox tissue of heathen mythology. Some were instituted and adapted to subserve venal purposes of the most odious cast. Some introduced for political ends, to awe an ignorant multitude, and promote the cause of tyrannical usurpation. While others, manifestly had a very different origin, proposed the accomplishment of a different end, and were common to some individuals in many nations. The main object of these mysteries was philosophical, moral and religious. They also contained certain requisitions, as a test of the secrecy, fidelity and justice of

the disciple. From these mysteries, some true knowledge of natural and moral philosophy was obtained. While the others were either confined to particular countries, or had their origin from the evil propensities of the human heart. In those mysteries, however, which engaged the attention of men of wisdom and prudence, much of truth was contained. Something of the unity and character and attributes of the one true God. Many principles of morality were taught, and seriously impressed on the mind. It was a general practice of ancient philosophers, to travel from one country to another, in search of such wisdom as might lead to a right understanding of God and nature. Hence it appears, from their own accounts, or what has been recorded of their lives, they never were denied such knowledge in any country, where it was to be found. And it further appears, either from their own writings, or ancient records concerning their opinions, that much truth, which comports with Divine revelation, was collected and taught by them. It being evident, from the experience of many ages, that the knowledge of such truths was not the result of human wis

dom or foresight, we must look to some higher source. And this source must be Divine revelation. According to the opinions of the greatest divines and antiquarians, all that knowledge found in the philosophy of the ancients, which comports with truth, was originally derived from revelation. Let us now take a view of the opinions of some of those ancients in relation to God and his character.

Zoroaster, one of the most distinguished mathematicians and philosophers of his age, flourished about five hundred and ten years before Christ. His scheme, though in many respects erroneous, contained something of truth, in rela tion to the Supreme Being, which he taught amongst the Persians, by which their religion approximated, in some essential points, to the simplicity of the gospel.

Simonides,* of the island of Ceos, died four hundred and sixty-nine years before Christ. This man, being asked by Hiero, king of Syracuse, "what is God ?" desired one day to consider the question. On the morrow he asked two days,

* Rollin's Ancient History.

and as often as called upon for his answer, doubled the time. When Hiero demanded the reasons for such delays, Simonides replied, "the more I consider the question, the more obscure it seems." How wise was this reply! "Who by searching, can find out God, who can find out the Almighty to perfection?" Simonides visited many cities in Asia, where he obtained much useful knowledge.

Socratest was one of the most celebrated moral philosophers of ancient Greece. He flourished about four hundred and nineteen years before Christ. The foundation of his eminence seems to have been laid by Anaxagoras. According to Xenophon, as quoted by Rollin, Socrates possessed much true knowledge of the character and attributes of the one Supreme God. The following sentiments are worthy of particular notice, as recorded by Xenophon. "This great God has created the universe, and upholds in being its stupendous work, every part of which was completed with goodness and harmony. This God makes himself visible by the numerous wonders of which he is the author. Let us not, therefore, refuse to

† Rollin's Ancient History.