ares and Astyages-Reference to the Eclipse of Thales-KAI KHOSRU, or CYRUS,

succeeds to the Throne-The Account of Ctesias respecting his Parentage-The proba-

ble Career of this Warrior, until he defeats and deposes Astyages-Cyrus marries the

Daughter of Astyages-The Death of the deposed King-Cyrus conquers Lydia-

Takes Babylon, and establishes a universal Empire-His Conduct toward the Hebrews

-The Restoration of Jerusalem begun-Extent of the Persian Empire-The Death of

Cyrus-CAMBYSES-He prohibits the Progress of Building at Jerusalem-Invades and

conquers Egypt-His impolitic Cruelty and Impiety-Usurpation of Smerdis the

Magian-Death of Cambyses-Smerdis destroyed by a Conspiracy of Nobles-DARIUS

raised to the Throne-His improved Mode of Government-The Case of Democedes,

the Greek Physician-Makes an Edict in favour of the Hebrews-Reduces Samos-

Babylon rebels-The Self-sacrifice of Zopyrus-Babylon is taken-Conquests in the

East-A Body of Greek Troops wage War in Asia Minor, and burn Sardis-Darius

contemplates the Invasion of Greece-Failure of the first Expedition under Mardo-

nius-Battle of Marathon, and Ruin of the second Persian Invasion-Death of Darius

-Persepolis-Behistun Sculptures-XERXES-Subdues Egypt-Makes vast Prepara-

tions for the Invasion of Greece-Crosses the Hellespont-Battle at Thermopyla-

The Persian Fleet defeated at Salamis, and their Army destroyed at Platæa-The

Remnant of the Persian Fleet and Army destroyed at Mycale - Horrible Crime

and Cruelty perpetrated in the royal Court-Xerxes assassinated-ARTAXERXES I.

established on the Throne-Marries Esther-Ezra and Nehemiah sent to Judea-

Revolt of Egypt-Peace with Athens-XERXES II-SOGDIANUS-DARIUS NOTHUS sub-

dues his Rivals-Demoralization of the Persian Court-ARTAXERXES II.-Revolt of

Cyrus-He marches into the East-Is slain, and the Army dispersed, at Cunaxa-Re-

treat of the Ten Thousand Greeks-Continued Iniquity of the Court-Revolt and Death

of the Heir-apparent-ARTAXERXES III. murders the royal Family-Restores Persian

Authority in Egypt, Phenicia, and Cyprus-DARIUS III. undertakes the Government-

Alexander invades the Empire-Triumph of the Macedonian............

Page 251

CHAPTER VIII.

THE RELIGION OF THE PERSIANS.

IMPORTANCE and Difficulties of the Subject-Great Aid supplied by ancient Inscriptions-

-The Religion of Persia identical in its original Elements with that of Assyria and

Babylon-Opinion of Jacob Bryant on the first Zoroaster-Its probable Import-The

Magi-General Elements of the Persian Faith-Deity of the King-Palace-Temples-

Paradises Sacred Tree-Cherubic Figures-Divine Triad-Persian Peculiarities in

this Symbol-The supreme Deity in Persia represented with the Head of a Bird-The-

Religious System of Zoroaster-The first Triad: Cronus, Ormuzd, Ahriman-This

changed to Ormuzd, Mithras, Ahriman-Their respective Character and Position-The

Antagonism and Creations of Ormuzd and Ahriman-The Worship of Fire, its probable

Origin-The System of Zoroaster professed to rest on Divine Revelation-The Creation

of Angels, the World, and Mankind-General Accordance with Holy Scripture The

Fall of Man-The Prevalence of Evil-The Flood-Continuance of Depravity-Mission

of Zoroaster-The Spiritual Nature of Man-Future Judgment-Resurrection-Doc-

trine of universal Restoration-Wicked Men, and even Ahriman, raised to Heaven-

The Priesthood-Their Three Orders: Herboods, Mobeds, and the Dustoor-Altars and

Temples-Perpetual Fire-Public Worship-Sacred Rites-Holy Water-Morals-

Sound Principles mingled with much that is puerile and superstitious-The Faith of

Persia formed a perfect Type of Papal Superstition-Observations on the Manner in

which this Inquiry has been conducted-Folly of forming an Opinion on this Subject

under the Influence of Grecian Mythology-Necessity of recognising the Founders of

the Nation as Members of the great patriarchal Family-General View of the Sys-

tem...........
287

CHAPTER IX.

THE HISTORY OF THE GRECIAN STATES.

ALTHOUGH Occupying a small Country, and not possessing early Civilization, the Greeks

arose to superlative Distinction in History-The Geography of Greece-The Origin of

the Greeks-Pelasgians and Hellenes kindred Races-Legendary History-The Argo-

nautic Expedition-The Theban Legends-The Trojan War-The Return of the Hera-

cleids-State of the Grecian States in the Time of Lycurgus-Division into numerous

independent Communities-Their Unity of Blood, Manners, and Religion-The Politi-

cal and Civil Institutions of Lycurgus-Sparta subdues the Messenians-The State of

Athens-Prevalent and long-continued Disorder-Solon-He regains Possession of

Salamis-Succeeds in the Sacred War against Cirrha-Fearful State of Society-Solon

invested with Supreme Power-His Reforming Measures, and new Political Constitu-

tion, established-Pisistratus obtains the Chief Authority-The Tyrant expelled, and

Democracy established, by the Aid of Sparta―The smaller Grecian States—The Islands

and Colonies-Causes which led to the First Persian Invasion-It utterly fails-A

Second prepared, and disembarked at the Bay of Marathon-Completely defeated by

the Athenians under Miltiades-Further Persian Preparations for the Conquest of

Greece-Suspended by the Death of Darius-Xerxes at length determines on another

Invasion-His immense Preparations and Vast Army-Checked at Thermopyla-His

Fleet defeated at Artemisium-Athens destroyed-The Persian Fleet ruined at Salamis

-Xerxes retreats-Returns to Asia-Mardonius makes the most flattering Overtures

to the Athenians-Which they nobly reject-Apathy of Sparta-Attica ravaged a

Second Time-A United Greek Army at length opposes the Foe-The Persian Force is

annihilated at Platea-On the same day the Persian Fleet is destroyed at Mycale—

Successful Prosecution of the War, followed by Peace with Persia-The Period, Causes,

and Progress of Grecian Civilization and Advancement-Thales-Pythagoras-Greece

attains her Highest Intellectual Elevation-Great Wealth and Power of Athens-First

Peloponnesian War-Mischievous Policy of Alcibiades-Second Peloponnesian War-

Ruin of Athens-Sparta tyrannizes over the other Grecian States-Restoration of

Athens to Independence-Xenophon and the Ten Thousand-Thebes-Pelopidas and

Epaminondas-Philip of Macedon-His Improved Military Tactics-Takes advantage

of the Disunion and Rivalry of the Greek States to make himself Master of the Coun-

try-Alexander succeeds his Father-Prepares for the Invasion of Persia-Battle of

the Granicus-His uninterrupted Success-In Three Years he extends his Sway from

the Mediterranean to India-His Death-State of Greece during the Victorious Career

of Alexander-Aggression of Sparta on Macedon-Repelled-Tumults on the Death

of Alexander, repressed by Antipater-Cassander-His Government-Interference of

Rome-Progress of her Power-Greece a Roman Province.........................
Page 313

CHAPTER X.

THE RELIGION OF GREECE.

THE earliest Religion of this People appears to have been a strange Compound of the

Adoration of the material Elements and Powers of Nature; united with a sacred Re-

gard for Mythic Legends, which had been traditionally preserved-Expansion of this

Scheme after the Return of the Heracleids, and the Establishment of the Dorian

Power-Outline of Grecian Theology and Cosmogony-The Grecian Deities-Zeus-

Hera-Apollon-Artemis-Hermes-Hephaistos-Aphrodite-Ares-Eros, and other

minor Divinities-The Greek Triad-Evident Connexion of the whole Scheme with

Scriptural Tradition-The Temples-Priests-Worship-Divination-Oracles and Mys-

1 teries-The Influence of Philosophy examined-THALES-His Doctrines, and the Ionic

School-PYTHAGORAS-His System-Failure in Greece, and wonderful Success in Sicily

-The Character of his Teaching-SOCRATES-His Mode of Instruction-Doctrines-He

claims a Divine Mission-The important Character and Influence of his Teaching—

PLATO-General View of his Object-His Doctrines-Grand Intellectual Development

evinced in his Philosophy-But his Efforts unfavourable to Morals and Religion-

ARISTOTLE-His brilliant Intellectual Efforts-Inefficient in respect of Religion-ZENO

and the Stoics-Physical and Moral Doctrines-Unsatisfactory Result-EPICURUS—

His System-Its pernicious Effects-General View of Grecian Faith-Importance of

Divine Influence, and a recognition of its Power-The Effect of these four Schools of

Philosophy fatal to the Religion of Greece-Utter Failure of every Influence to correct

the Effects of a vitiated Theology......
Page 360

CHAPTER XI.

THE HISTORY OF ROME.

IMPORTANCE of Roman History-Unusual Extent of its Legendary Portion-Arrival of

Eneas on the Banks of the Tiber-Lavinium-Alba-Romulus and Remus-Rome-

Death of Remus-Rape of the Sabine Virgins-Sabine War-Political Constitution of

the first Romans-Numa-Tullus Hostilius-Albans removed to Rome-Ancus Martius

-The Reigns of the Tarquins and of Servius Tullius-Tragic Fate of Lucretia-Abolition

of Royalty Junius Brutus-War with Porsenna-Destruction of Veii-Invasion of the

Gauls-Distress of the Romans-Oppressive Character of the Laws respecting the Poor

-Legislative Reform-Renewed aggressive War-All Italy subdued by the Romans-

War with Carthage-The First Punic War-Sicily added to Rome as a Province-Fur-

ther Extension of Territory on the Continent procured by the Romans-Sardinia

seized-Hannibal-His deadly Enmity to Rome-His Measures in Spain-The Second

Punic War-Hannibal invades Italy-His wonderful Success-Repeated Defeat of the

Roman Armies-Scipio leads a Roman Army into Africa-Obtains successive Victories

-Hannibal recalled to Carthage, and defeated-Peace between Rome and Carthage,

on Terms dictated by Rome-War with Macedon, in which Rome is triumphant, Philip

reduced to Submission, and Liberty proclaimed to Greece-Antiochus of Syria makes

War on Rome-Is entirely defeated-War between Rome and Perseus, King of Mace-

don-He is completely subdued-Rapid Increase and vast Extent of the Roman Do-

minions The Third Punic War-Destruction of Carthage-Continued Progress of

Roman Power-Results of these successive and immense military Operations on the

Parent State-Isolation of the Ruling Class from the People-Great Distress of the

latter-Tiberius Gracchus endeavours to effect legislative Reforms for correcting these

Evils-Is circumvented, and murdered-Caius Gracchus succeeds his Brother in his

Efforts to redress the Grievances of the People-Carries several Measures-Loses his

election on being proposed a third Time for the Tribuneship-Determines on armed Re-

sistance Is defeated, and slain-Progress of Patrician Power, and the Demoralization

of Roman Governments-Jugurthine War-Marius Consul-Termination of the War,

and Captivity and cruel Death of Jugurtha-War with the Cimbri-The Romans sustain

several Defeats, but the Enemy is ultimately routed and destroyed by Marius-Civil

Wars in Sicily and Italy-Italians incorporated as Roman Citizens-Factious Rivalry

between Marius and Sylla-The former in a Tumult expels his rival, and makes him-

self Master of Rome-Sylla at the Head of an Army marches to Rome, and takes Pos-

session of the City-He removes his Enemies from Power, and proceeds to conduct the

War against Mithridates-The King of Pontus completely defeated-Rome subjected

to fearful Carnage and Disorder by Marius and Cinna-Sylla grants Mithridates Terms

of Peace, and, uniting the Army of Fimbria to his own, returns to Rome-Sylla de-

feats the Troops of the Consuls, and makes himself absolute Master of Rome-Fearful

Extent of his Proscriptions, and consequent Slaughter of Soldiers and Citizens-His

Death-Pompey defeats a Marian Faction in Spain-Destroys the Cilician Pirates

Defeats Mithridates, and annexes his Dominions to Rome-Conspiracy of Catiline at

Rome-Defeated by Cicero-The First Triumvirate-Pompey, Crassus, and Julius

Cæsar Crassus slain in the Parthian War-Cesar, commanded by the Senate to dis-

band his Army, marches on Rome-Pompey retires to Greece-Is followed by Cæsar,

and defeated-Flies to Egypt, and is slain there-Julius Cæsar sole Ruler of the Roman

Dominions Cæsar slain by Conspirators-Strange Irresolution and want of Unity

evinced by the Conspirators after the Death of Cæsar-The selfish Policy, Peculation,

and Ambition of Antony-Prudent Conduct of the young Octavius-He is elected Cou-

sul-Flight of Brutus and Cassius-The Second Triumvirate-Antony, Lepidus, and

Octavius-Defeat and Death of Brutus and Cassius-Antony's disgraceful Residence

in Egypt-Lepidus banished-Defeat of Antony at Actium-He commits suicide in

Egypt-Octavius, as Augustus, supreme Ruler at Rome.................

Page 406

CHAPTER XII.

THE RELIGION OF ROME.

MISTAKEN Notion which obtains of this Religion-Rome greatly indebted to Etruria-

The Religious Institutions of the Etruscans-Importance of the Establishment of

these Religious Institutions in Italy, before the Rise of Rome to Power-The Etruscau

Religion exhibited much important Truth and Divine Influence-Considerable Refer-

ence to Primitive Traditions, and the Recognition of a Future State and Judgment—

The Founders of Rome educated in these Doctrines-All the Primitive Arrangement

and Organization of Rome formed on an Etruscan Basis-Sabine and Latin Deities

introduced by the Union of these Tribes-Numa and his Institutions-Reign of Tar-

quin-Servius Tullius-Corruptions in Theology and Image-Worship introduced-The

Gods of Rome-Dii majorum-Dii selecti-Dii minorum-Sacred Persons-Priests-

Augurs-Fetiales-Flamens-The Sacred Places and Rites of this Religion-Temples-

Prayers-Vows-Sacrifices - Festivals-Lupercalia-Bacchanalia-Saturnalia-Gen-

eral View of the Roman Religion-Remarkable Unity maintained, notwithstanding so

much Extension and Addition-Completeness of the Ecclesiastical Economy-It an-

swered its Design so far as to pervade the public Mind with its Influence-Originally

identified with many important Religious Truths-Inquiry into the Effect of this System

on the People-The Knowledge of God which it gave to the People-The Opinions of

Deity entertained by Philosophers-Analysis of the Religious Works of Cicero-The

Result The Philosophy of Rome afforded nothing better than Epicurean or Stoical

Views of Deity-Knowledge possessed by the Romans of the Immortality of the Soul,

and of Future Rewards and Punishments-Effect of this Destitution of Truth upon

Roman Morals-The Description given by St. Paul-State of Domestic Manners-Con-

dition of Slaves, and their Cruel Treatment-Horrid Cruelty displayed toward the

Children of Sejanus-Awful Prevalence of Licentiousness and unnatural Impurity. 459

CHAPTER XIII.

A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE HISTORY AND RELIGION OF THE GENTILE

NATIONS.

MISTAKEN Notions respecting the Accordance of ancient History with Holy Scripture-

The Elevation of Man in his primitive State-Remarkable Corroboration of Scripture

by Facts in Ancient History-Gentile Religion an important Development of Mosaic

Teaching-It contains wonderful Revelations of the Power and Providence of God—

Ancient History, as a Fulfilment of Prophecy, a remarkable Attestation of revealed

Truth-Relation of Revelation to the Teaching of Science-The Testimony of ancient

History in Respect of Religion in remarkable Accordance with the Bible-Proofs of

the Existence and Power of Satanic Influence-Infinite Absurdity of Idolatry-Yet it

was universal-False Theories devised for the Purpose of accounting for the Existence

of Idolatry, considered and refuted-Satanic Aggression on the Purposes of God and

Happiness of Man-The Deluge one of its Results-Corruption of the patriarchal Faith

-Attempt to frustrate the divinely-appointed Dispersion-Miraculously defeated-The

Call of Abraham, and Election of the Hebrew People, still further show the Violence of

Satanic Aggression on the Purpose of God-The Succession of great ruling Empires

displays the Power of diabolical Influence-The World prepared for the Introduction

of the Kingdom of God...

Page 505

NOTES.

542.

ANTEDILUVIAN Idolatry, p. 525.-Was the Doctrine of the Trinity known to the early

Patriarchs? p. 526.-The Worship of Man, p. 528.-The Geography and Population of

Egypt, p. 530.-The Chronology of Ancient Egypt, p. 531.-The Monumental Names

of Kings, p. 534.-Sir Gardiner Wilkinson on the Date of the Exodus, p. 535.—The

Providential Preparation for the Israelitish Invasion of Canaan, p. 535.-The Martial

Career of Sesostris, p. 535.-The Cruelty exhibited in Egyptian Sculptures, p. 536.-

The Fulfilment of Sacred Prophecy in the History of Egypt, p. 537.—The progressive

Development of this Idolatry, p. 541.-The Changes made in the Egyptian Triad, p.

-Glass sent as an Article of Tribute from Assyria and Babylon to Egypt, p. 543.-The

Army sent from Assyria, under the Command of Memnon, to assist Priam during the

Trojan War, p. 543.-The Remarkable Means by which the Reading of ancient Monu-

mental Inscriptions has been recovered, p. 544.-The peculiar Difficulty of identifying

Assyrian proper Names, p. 545.—The proper chronological Succession of the Reigus

exhibited in the Assyrian Sculptures, p. 546-The chronological Position of the lower

Line of Assyrian Kings, and their Relation to the Median Revolt, p. 547.-Evidence

of Sargina's Wars with Egypt, and the Kind of Tribute sent thence to Assyria, p. 549.

-The Fulfilment of Sacred Prophecy in the History of Assyria, p. 549.—The Era of

Nabonassar, p. 553.—Probable State of the Political Relation of Babylon to Assyria,

prior to the Reign of Nabopolassar, p. 553.-The Punishment of Zedekiah, p. 554.-The

Median Princess whom Nebuchadnezzar married,-the Queen Nitocris, p. 555.-The

Magnitude and Splendour of Babylon, p. 555.-The chronological Succession of Baby-

lonian Kings after Nebuchadnezzar, p. 556.-The Geography of Borsippa, where Laby-

netus took Refuge, p. 560.-The Fulfilment of Sacred Prophecy in the History of Baby-

lon, p. 561.-The Testimony of Herodotus respecting the Temple of Mylitta at Babylon,

p. 565.-What was the true Principle and Meaning of Sabæan Worship? p. 566.-The

Assyrian Triad, p. 567.-The Cherubim of Ezekiel, and their Relation to the compound

Figures of the Assyrian Sculptures, p. 568.-Imitations of Paradise attached to the royal

Palaces of the Assyrian Kings, p. 569.-Babylon the Type of Papal Antichrist, p. 570.-

The Time of Anarchy, and the Accession of Dejoces, p. 572.-The Period of Scythian Dom-

ination over Asia, p. 573.-Chronology of the Eclipse of Thales, p. 573.-Who was the

"Darius the Mede" of the Book of Daniel? p. 573.-The Fulfilment of Sacred Prophecy in

the History of Media, p. 575.-The personal History of Cyrus, p. 576.-Was Cyrus made

acquainted with the Prophecies of Daniel? p. 577.—The successful Opposition of the

Governors of Syria and others to the Building of Jerusalem, and the Evidence thereby

afforded of the Integrity and Perfection of the national Records at the Court of Persia,

p. 579.-The Deliberations of the Conspirators as to the future Government of Persia,

and the appointment of Darius Hystaspes to be King, p. 580.-The Succession of

Xerxes to the Throne of Persia, p. 581.-The Behistun Inscriptions, containing Da-

rius's own Account of his Wars, p. 582.-Did the Jews fight in the Army of Xerxes?

p. 590.-The Inscriptions relating to the Reign of Xerxes, p. 591.-The Inscriptions

relating to the Reign of Artaxerxes, p. 592.-The Fulfilment of Sacred Prophecy in the