May Amaranths ever deck thy Olive's green, [feen! And long thy blefs'd abode on earth be How oft thy wifh'd return has been impior'd, How oft thy long delay has been deplor'd, Let countless numbers, funk in forrow, fay : The doating parent-brother-fifter friend, [-blend The helpless child--the widow'd mother, Their mournful voices in the folemn lay. Around thy Olive faft the Amaranth bind, Nor more let, woes like thefe afflict mankind. Bid pallid Difcord's hiffing foakes expire. Long has the Fury, fraught with vengeful ire, Dealt fell deftruction o'er a jarring world; Long, long, with human gore has itain'd the ground. [mant bound, Oh! may the fiend, in chains of AdaBe far from Britain's fhores indignant hurl'd! Nor ever with her ruthlefs hand prefume To fpoil thy Olive's amaranthine bloom. Celeftial Maid! Offspring of grace divine! See thy twin fifter, laughing Plenty, join To greet thy coming with an open hind: Sweet Harbinger! prophetic of thy reign, With riches laden, fee, he comes again, Once more to blefs fair Freedom's favor'd land: Lafting as Time may be fuch pure delight, And War and Famine fink in endet-ng it! But, midft the g neral joy, lef Britain raife To all her warlike fons the meed of praife; Whole valrous deeds have fet whole nations free: Nor thofe forget, whofe voluntary zeal Joint guardians of our facred liberty! Welcome, O welcome! fweetly-fmiling Peace! [round! Thrice welcome to the warring nations Gladly thy Reps exulting Britons trace, And hal, with heartfelt joy, the hallow'd found." O Power fupreme! from whom all blefsings flow, To mercy grant, that THIS we long may ANGELINA. know. LINES, ON OCCASION OF THE GENERAL THANKSGIVING FOR PEACE. UR Pray'r is heard, and whiterob'd Peace once more [wings Her angel form difplays. With outstretch'd She hovers o'er this highly-favour'd Ife, Twining the Olive with the Laurel Wreath, To deck the Heroes who with dauntles breafts [hails Have fought in our defence, while Europe The welcome vifitant. The angry waves Of popular commotion cafe to roar. Now "may the vet'ran brave at eafeecline "Befide the margin of the fwelling stream, Where Britain's glory † rears its lofty domes; [trees, Or, ftretch'd beneath the high o'er arching That fpread their leafy honours ne ir its walls, Recount the dangers he his undergone, Ere in that quiet itation he attam'd (toils.” The hard-earn'd recompenfe of all his Now may the Kand, who, itill with courage firm cefs And perfevering zeal, on Egypt's fhores So may our Sovereign his protection find; Through many a generation yet unborn, See Ocean, a Poem, by the fame Writer, publifhed in 1801. + Greenwich Hofpital. In the Temple of Jerusalem. PRO mer, the order is naturally fuggefted to us in which they are to be confidered." (pp. 11, 12.) The apoftacy of a great and flourishing Chriftian nation did not happen without the prefcience, nor confequently without the permillion, of a fuperintending power, being long ago revealed to St. Paul, and by him declared to Chriftians of fucceeding ages, as forming a neceffary part of the divine purpofe; though the apoftacy of the Roman church was only alluded to by him, but fully declared by St. Jobi in his Revelation. The apoftaey of France was foretold by St. Paul, by the peculiar tenets agreeing with the feveral parts of that apoftacy; 1. a rejection of the Chriflian faith; 2. a rejection of all eftablished moral principles; and S. a natural fpirit of fierce pride and rapacious violence; which Mr. Sumner thews to exift in the French revolution. A denial of a Saviour, and a future ftate and refurrection, leading to a denial of God, to dinobedience to parents, want of natural affection, and a deprecation of the honourable state of marriage, and, a laft confequence of infidelity, the production of a ferocious fpirit. "It would be an eafy, though it might now feem an invidious, taik, to revive the recollection of thofe ftates which have ftruggled in vain and bled for independence; of the decreafed population; the profperity deftroyed; the accumulated weight of mifery, which, when the laft account between heaven and earth is to be made,' will bear witnefs againft the rapacious violence of the French Revolution." (p. 24.) "The prophecy of the vials is from its concifenels fo ambiguous, and has received fuch a variety of interpretations, that I hesitate to reft an argument upon it. But it has been generally agreed, to refer the fourth vial which is poured out upon the Sun to France; the Sun being the emblem of that country in her monarchial flate. It is well known, that the year 1794 "2 Tim iii. I have been furprifed not to find this prophecy particularly applied to the prefent time. St. Paul's MAN of fin, and St. John's beß with two borns, having been so applied by Mr. Jones and Mr. Kett; but I cannot help agreeing with Mr. Zouch, that the received interpretation of these prophecies (especially of the man of fin), referring them to the papal power, and two monaftic orders, is liable to fewer objections." was fixed by Fleming for the expiration of this vial to be attended with the diffolution of the French monarchy; and let the nations of Europe, I might almoft lay of the inhabited world, bear withefs, whether power was at that time given to France to fcorch men with power; and let the general fate of religion and morals upon the Continent bear testimony, whether the nations fcorched with this great heat have blafphemed the name of God, and repented not to give him glory. We may at least conclude from hence, that to fuppofe the prefent period a fubject of prophecy is not a new and indigefted opinion; and it is alfo remarkable, that St. John agrees with St. Paul in predicting violence and infidelity as its peculiar characteriftic. In addition to this corroborating prophecy, we may derive prefumptive evidence of the time alluded to by St. Paul, from the awful words which introduce his fubject: This know, that in the last days perilous times hall come. To what event this expreffion of the last days bears relation, it is not for me to determine. It is fufficient to remark, that we are now approaching very near to that period, when, according to a very early tradition of Jews and Chriftians, and even of Heathens, great changes and revolutions are expected both in the natural and moral world; and there remains, according to the words of the Apostle, a Sallaium, or holy reft, to the people of God. If therefore, from the correfpondence of these collected proofs, the prefent age may reafonably be prefumed to be that lait age intended by St. Paul; and, if the. prefent age has almoft literally verified his prophecy, defcriptive of unholy," incontinent, "high-minded men, there feems to be fancient grounds of probability for dating the account of his prophecy at the era of the French Revolution. As the caules of that great event were gradual in their operation, and, like the combattible materials of the natural world, lay long concealed in the bowels of the earth, before the time appointed for their ex *Though I am convinced that Fleming expected the power of France to decline with her monarchy, the coincidence of the date which he drew from the comparison of other prophecies is remarkable. His "Apocalypticul Key" was fift published in 1701. plosion; plotion; fo the effects of it ended not in the momentary convulfion of the furrounding kingdom, but have ftill continued to require vigilance and watchfulness, though with declining violence and vigour. They shall proceed no further, fays the Apottle, for their following fhall be manifejt unto all men. Infidelity is an evil of fhort duration. It is in no thape formed for perpetuity. Sudden in its rife, and impetuous in its progrefs, it refembles a mountain torrent, which is loud, filthy, and defolating, but, being fed by no perennial fpring, is foon drained off, and difappears*. The decline, indeed, of thofe errors which advanced flowly to the vigour of their maturity, must be proportionably gradual, but fill the decline is already visible. • The prefent condition of the French Republic no longer exhibits thofe appalling fcenes of internal commotion, devaliation, and death, which were difplayed at the early period of the Revolution +. The exitience of God is no longer openly and with unblufhing front denied; his worship is no more forbidden; and, although the principles of philofophic morality have not yet yielded up their influence, we may jufily hope to fee that new-railed phantom fall by its internal weaknefs, and drop its undeferved honours at the feet of Christianity." (p. 26-30.) Never fince its first exaltation, not even by the fuccefs of Luther and the Reformers, has the throne, and authority, and dominion, of the Pope received a fhock more violent than it has fuffered within the laft ten years by the defection and hostility of France; an event fo fatal to its power, that fome late writers have been led to date here the epoch of its total ruin. — Though the Pope is permitted again to wear the robes and hold the fceptre of his predeceffors, and even again eftablifhed on the throne of Rome, he is not restored to his authority, or only in his fpiritual, but not in his tem poral, empire over France, which, as we before faid, bad fulûlled the words of prophecy, and thrown the minifters of this degraded religion upon the world naked and defolate, but has alfo caten their flesh, and confumed their riches. Nothing could be devited more effectually to undermine the power of the Pope, than the very decree which has nominally reettablished it; which, by confifcating the benefices of his bithops and clergy, has fpread internal diffentions among thofe, who in the prefent times of danger could only exift at all by mutually fupporting each other; and has compelled the very men, who formerly held up their fpiritual head as infallible and fupreme, now openly to abjure and oppofe his authority “Nor have the principal doctrines of the Romish Church remained firm and unimpaired during the fubversion of its power. The fuperfitious ceremonies and unauthorized reftraints, which form the eflential character of this religion, and occafion the dreadful vices and corrup tions which have prevailed in it, laid the first foundation fione of infidelity: it was against thefe that the first charge was founded of that open, as well as inteftine, attack, which ended in the temporary extinction of all religion in France. The doctrine, no lefs abfurd than impious, of the Pope's infallibi lity, though it has not been formally difavowed, is fcarcely now fupported even by his real adherents. Univerfal fupremacy can no longer be afferted of him, who, fo far from poflefling external dominion, owes the enjoyment of his own kingdom to the favour and Mr. S next proceeds to confider, how far the present declining ftate of Papacy is an accomplishment of the prophecy concerning the Beaft with Seven heads and ten horns of the ReveTations, and the Antichrift or Man of Sin of St. Paul. The marks are clearly afcertained to apply to the Church of Rome. It remains to be confidered, who are her latest immediate enemies. Bp. Newton published a remarkable conjecture about thirty years ago, which we have feen as remarkably verified by the event. Since the Kings of France, fays he, have contributed greatly to the advancement of Popery, it is not impoffible nor improbable that they may fome time or other alfo be the principal authors of its deftruction." (vol. I. p. 704, 419 edit.) As this learned Commentator was fupported in his remarks by the words of Revelation, fo he has been juffifted in it by the courfe of Hiftory. *Mr. Hall's Sermon. Mr. Zouch's Preface. unite their efforts towards weakening the Romish power." (p. 44.) "I have thus examined the particu lar prophecies which appear to be now accomplishing, in the eliablifhed principles of the French Revolution, and the viably-declining ftate of the Papal power; and this application of faithfulness to their meaning will afford a new evidence to the truth of the Chriftian religion; for what fronger evidence can be given of a divine revelation than the fit of prophecy, which, as it can only be imparted by HIM who has a foreknowledge of the events of all times, fo is it only imparted to thofe who have elpecial cominition to proclaim His divine will ? ceffion of a foreign power. It is true, indeed, that the enthufiaftic zeal and ardour, with which the human nind as it were mechanically rifes againfi oppreilive perfecution, and which for obvious reafons operates molt forcibly in matters of religion, this internal power, and in many, no doubt, a confcientious though miltaken preference, fill preferves among the votaries of the Romith Church a ftrong and unthaken attachment to their native faith; but, I think, whoever confiders the fituation of its own hereditary kingdoms, and of its molt powerful foreign allies, the weakness of the Pope, the alienation of Italy, the philofophy of Germany, and the infidelity of France, will no longer deny the caufe of Pa-It appears alinott impoflible that any pacy is a declining caufe; and that, particularly during the last ten years, it has turned with rapid ftrides towards its diffolution." (p. 38-40.) The fifth vial, poured out on the kingdom of the beaft, made his kingdom full of darkness, i. e. diminithed his power, and by a gradual fall bring on its deftruction, molt probably by fire, of which its territory is full. Although it has been a matter of doubt, whether a literal or figurative interpretation thould be given to Revel. xviii. 8, it muf be owned, that the lafi refuge of metaphor is fearcely left to our apprehenfions." (p. 41.) "It is indeed a melancholy reflection, that the generation, which is now rifing np to manhood in France, will only know by hittory and tradition the genial effects of religion upon fociety; and will neither poffefs a inotive, nor enjoy a reward, for the performance of imoral duties; whofe infancy has fucked the poiton of infidelity; and whofe tender years have been nurtured in immorality. The ufual courte, however, of Providence leads us to expect, that good will in fome meafure arife from evil; and France may atone eventually for the mitchiefs the has occationed, by accelerating the progrefs of our pure and reformed Church. Popery is indeed again acknowledged the religion of the majority of the French; but it is accompanied, as it never was before, by univerfal toleration; and we may at leaft hope, that the removal of prejudices confequent upon the difpertion of the riches of that county, the abolition of the lucrative church offices, and the altered temper of the people, may all fhould duly confider thefe prophecies, and, if he is an infidel, not be converted, or, if he is a believer, not be confirmed in the faith. Surely, if any additional proof of mercy can be difplayed in a fyliem to abundant in mercy as that of redemption, it is feen in the providence of God, requiring not a telimony of faith too fevere for buman weakujefs; but, when he ordered that oppofition should arife again his religion, ordered it likewife to convey a fironger confirmation of its truth. To fee the purity of the doctrines he profefles fo long violated, and fo fatally perverted by the Romish Church, might perhaps alarm the fears, and even for a noment excite the doubts, of a Chriftian; but, when he is conducted by the clue of prophecy through all the fabyrinths of enormity, the darkucis vanithes before him, and he willingly furrenders his own miftaken reason to the authority of Eternal Wifdem. Again, when he witneffes fuccefs attending counfels which commenced with the defiance of God, and proceeded to the injury and outrage of mankind, yet at the fame time perceives that this apoftacy arofe not unforefcen by the divine Providence, the Chriffian becomes more than ever affured of the weaknefs of his own fhort-fighted powers, and feels a freth conviction of the neceflity of an implicit faith in God's providence, reflecting indeed with awe, and cherishing the reflection, that every fuccellive accomplishment of prophecy brings us nearer to that final period where all our foreknowledge ceafes, * New.on, Differt. 21. vient to the will of God, and only acts under the direction of his wifdom." | (p. 2.) Some prophecies glide on with the lapfe of time towards their fulfillment, as the unfettled and warlike life of the Arabs, the fervile and dependant frate of Egypt,,and the prefent difperfion of the Jews; and, may we not add, the flavery of the defcendants of Ham and Cainan? Particular epochs are diffinguifhed by the accomplishment of fome remarkable prediction, fuch as the Babylonish captivity, of our Saviour's appearance, and of the deftruction of Jerufalem. The changes which have taken place during the last twenty years, both in the moral and political world, ftrongly predifpofe us to enquire whether the age in which we live is not marked by the interpofition of Providence, and performing a peculiar part affigned to it. If then it appears that prophecy in general was intended to evidence the truth of the Chriftian religion, and that there are particular prophecies now actually receiving their fulfillment in the world, the conclufion will naturally follow, that thefe prophecies are an evidence of the truth of the Chriflian religion." (p. 5.) "How muft our ideas of the divine wifdom be exalted by reflecting that as the oppofers of Chriftianity in its firft progrefs have, by their writings, furnished us in this age with teftimonies of the antiquity and authenticity of the Gofpel, fo thofe very men, who either in former times, by the ettablishment of a falfe religion, or in the prefent, by a contempt of all religion, without appearing to cast a fhadow over its lufire, do, on the contrary, afford new light, and evidence of its truth, by accomplishing the prophecy in which their apottacy is foretold." (p. 7) "Let us fiop a moment to confider the immediate fubject of that more particular communication of the divine councils, emphatically called "the Revelation." It difclofes to us the rife and progrefs, the ftruggles and conflicts, the fuccefs and final triumph of the Chriftian Church. We fee it encompaffed with difficulties and danger, labouring to refift the oppreffors of "Confiftently with this defign, the temporal affairs of Rome, and Rome alone, are introduced, as that city was the head first of Christian, and after of Antichriftian power." its infancy, the Roman emperors, and "The miracles which our Saviour events by mer, |