must search into deeper matters, he must investigate in reality; that his much talked of research had left him ignorant still; that this ignorance could be removed, and that he certainly should not condemn, with a confident air, until it was removed.

The doctrines of the Bible may be known, and their usefulness tested practically. Experimental knowledge is the safest and the best in the world. But if any are resolved that they will have a different kind of evidence or none, let them see that their wilful ignorance is removed before they venture to decide for eternity.

CHAPTER XI.

THE GREAT AND THE LEARNED DO NOT ACQUAINT THEMSELVES WITH BIBLE FACTS.

ITEM 5. EGYPT-All the early history of Egypt, so impressively foretold by the prophets, we pass over, and come at once down to the particulars that are accomplishing at present-to those things which have been fulfilling in all recent years, as well as in ancient days. We may notice those predictions concerning Egypt, which the reader, whether young or old, has lived to see fulfilled.

The words of Ezekiel: "And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros; and they shall be there a base (Heb. low) kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations; for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations. And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked; and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the Lord have spoken it. I will also destroy their idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt." Chap. 29, 30.

We remark, first, it was very unlikely, to human apprehension, that Egypt should be the lowest of kingdoms always. Of all the nations, it seemed most

unlikely that Egypt should be depressed very long, because her unparalleled fertility and consequent populousness promised a speedy recovery after a downfall. Shall that country which was so long, so universally, and so justly called the granary of the world, have any other than a dense population? And, if numerous, shall strength be wanting to recover her freedom? It was more improbable of Egypt than of any other spot of earth, that strangers should always rule and waste it, because of its situation. The Mediterranean on one side, the Red sea on another, impassable deserts on another, promise great defence. But the total inundation of the whole country by the Nile, during a part of every year— which the inhabitants are prepared to meet, while an invading army never can be-would surely aid even a weak people to defend themselves. But the Lord said her exaltation was ended, and that her future recovery was prohibited. The Babylonians, then the Persians, next the Macedonians, the Romans, the Saracens, the Mamelukes, and finally the Turks, have protracted her subjugation and her servitude down to the present day. She has often made the attempt, but never succeeded to free herself. She has been under and always under, low and always low. She has been kept the basest of kingdoms; servile, stupid, treacherous, cruel, and base in character. We know of no part of the earth which has not governed itself, or been free some part of the last twenty-four hundred years, except that part which, from its location, fertility, and internal resources; seemed most likely to continue independent all the

time. We do not know the otherwise considerable nation which has been thus debased for half that time, but the one seemingly most capable of selfdefence.

Secondly, when Ezekiel lived, had we been there and about to invent a highly political or historic improbability, could we have thought of a greater one than to suppose that the idols and images should cease out of Egypt? What! shall we conjecture this of those who were so strangely prone to worship any thing but God? Serpents, unicorns, cattle, reptiles, no matter what it was, they kneeled before it.

It was a strange prediction to speak of causing images or idols to cease in a land where continued baseness is to prevail; because we spontaneously couple together in our minds ignorance, images, filth, idols, and sensuality.

Images have long ceased there. Their idols have long since been destroyed. The Christian-in name only-who lives there, and the Turk who rules there, equally disdain to kneel before wood or stone, living animals, or painted statues.

Thirdly, it was strikingly probable, from all former history, and from all historic analogy, that Egypt would, at some time, have a native ruler, even should that ruler hold a borrowed or deputed authority. May not one of her own sons sit a prince upon that throne, although he may be a tributary prince? May not her native lords govern there, no matter how exorbitant the tribute?

There has never been a prince of the land of Egypt. Their rulers have been sent to them. Stran

gers have sent their slaves to be governors of the land of Egypt.

It has not been her own sons who, in the pride of self-exaltation, have drained the treasures of Egypt. It has always been by the hands of strangers that she has been wasted.

APPLICATION. If we inquire of the unbelievers who live now-not merely of the uncultivated, but of the most noted for talents and professional eminence whether they have not been surprised on reflecting that these things were said of one nation only; and that out of all the nations of the earth, of one only they have happened to be true, and that for so many generations, we find that they have never meditated on such points. Of these and of similar facts almost countless in extent, they know nothing, and they do not inquire; yet, either openly or in heart, they are scoffers. Men are slow and backward to inform themselves of any thing on the side of truth, in matters of religion; but slight and superficial objections, weak but plausible theories against the Bible, they learn speedily, they understand instantly, and they remember always. It is supposed, on good evidence, that no son of Adam ever was known to forget an ingenious and seemingly correct argument against Christianity, once heard, so long as he retained his mind.

The conclusion is, that men love darkness rather than light.