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had a considerable effect in disposing them thus to assist the Israelitish monarch. The result which this brings to our general argument is the more striking, because the cities of Tyre and Sidon are so frequently mentioned in the ancient prophets as examples of the Divine justice. But, it was probably to rectify any harsh inference arising from such temporal denunciations, that Jesus informed his contemporaries, it should be more tolerable for those cities at the day of judgment, than for some in the immediate neighbourhood of Jerusalem.

"In the reign of Solomon, the tendency of the Jewish scheme to diffuse the knowledge of the true God appears increasingly conspicuous. The prosperity and wealth of this monarch, the magnificence of his temple, and, above all, his fame for wisdom, attracted universal attention; for his fame was in all nations round about, and there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon from all the kings of the earth.' 1 Kings iv. x.' Graves, vol. ii. p. 298.

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SECTION XXXIX.

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

THESE Collections of moral sentiments, abound with illustrations of the truth and extent of this argument for the salvability of Heathen nations. They are either general maxims of human life, or universal principles of piety which apply, without exception, to the whole body of mankind.

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good." Prov. xv. 15. "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord, than sacrifice," xxi. 3. "The rich and the poor meet together, the Lord is the maker of them all," xxii. 2.

The book of Ecclesiastes commences with reflections on the vanity of human life, a topic which is applicable to individuals of all nations. "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man; for God shall bring every

work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or bad," xii. 13.

From such maxims the inference is plain and irresistible, that Solomon viewed all mankind as living under the same moral and religious government; and that however they might differ, in the degrees of knowledge, yet that all were responsible according to their ability. I am not aware, there is a single sentiment in either collec tion which is founded on the distinction betwixt Jew and Gentile.

"God hath proposed to all men indifferently the same terms and conditions of gaining his love and favour, of enjoying his bounty, and of obtaining rewards and felicity from him. The same laws and rules of life are prescribed to all persons, as men and as Christians." Barrow, vol. iii. p. 305.

SECTION XL.

Prophetical Hints of Heathen Salvability. THE expressions of the several prophets, with regard to the extent and benefits of the Christian dispensation, are so universal and unlimited, that, I think, they can hardly be confined to the limits of Christendom, when we consider its small extent, as compared to the whole habitable world. A few examples will illustrate my meaning.

"I will give thee for a light unto the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation even to the end of the earth." Isa. xlix. 6. "I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted; behold these shall come from far, and lo, these from the north and the west, and those from the land of Sinim. Sing O heavens, rejoice O earth," &c. ver. 11-13. Thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and shall make the desolate places inhabited," liv. "The maker of the whole earth shall he be called," ver. 5. "Ho, every one

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that thirsteth," &c. See ch. lv. "The forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee,' lx. 5. "To comfort all that mourn," lxi. passim. "Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham acknowledge us not," lxiii. 16. "As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured, so will I multiply the seed of David my servant,” xxxiii. 22. "Under it (the Gospel) shall dwell fowl of every wing," Ezek. xvii. 23.

These and similar passages, passages, I am aware, are generally construed as relating exclusively to the members of the Christian Church; nor can it be questioned that they have a more immediate reference to those who are thus professedly called. But it deserves consideration, whether they may not also admit of a more wide and comprehensive interpretation. I would submit, then, whether they may not relate to the dispensation, as well as to the revelation of the Gospel; and whether it is not in this sense, that Messias was styled "the desire of all nations," &c.

And here, also, it should be considered,

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