the conqueror. In the full light of its revelations, how impotent does human philosophy-the wisdom of the world-appear! How vain the might and policy of man! On what a tenure hangs the pride of fortune! Nebuchadnezzar the Magnificent is, by one exercise of Almighty power, reduced from fancied deity to degradation's depths.

In this strange episode of sacred writ we have interesting memorials of one of the earliest of our world's successive empires, and one whose sole memento is in history. We have a truthful exhibition of oriental sovereignty. But we have something more,—a key whereby to decipher some of the principles and causes which govern the rise and fall of states and individuals. How little are those principles considered! Christian nations profess to acknowledge the divine authority of the Bible; and the Bible strongly asserts, and strikingly exhibits, the providential government of Him who ruleth over all; yet how rarely is reference made to His supreme disposal of events! How seldom is His hand confessed! In this may we not take a lesson from the heathen Monarch of Babylon? a signal manifestation to the end of time of the truth of his own confession, that "those that walk in pride He is able to abase.”

Nebuchadnezzar, by the appointment of God, and as an instrument in His hand for the chastisement of surrounding nations, had attained to a high degree of honour and majesty. While yet nothing more than jointassociate with his father on the throne of Chaldea, he, in conjunction with the Medes, overthrew the Ninevite empire, and reduced the effeminate and luxurious city to a ruinous heap, never more to rise; because her iniquity was full. On the death of Nabopolassar he assumed the entire sovereignty, and, in the pride of his growing ambition, set himself to found a new and mightier empire. With an immense army, he routed the powerful Egyptian King at the Euphrates; and, in rapid succession, India, Syria, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Philistia, Tyre, Egypt, and other countries, were devastated by his arms; their rulers slain; their people led to Babylon as slaves; their captive Princes menials in his palace; their landmarks lost in one vast wilderness. His work was done. The nations were chastised. And now, as if satiated with conquest, satisfied with the ruin that his hand had wrought, enriched with spoils, and clothed with absolute dominion, his ambition turns homeward. A new object fills his proud soul. With his vast treasures, the fruit of his wars, he will make his city Babylon the wonder of succeeding generations, the envy of the world. At his command the walls are raised three hundred feet in height, and seventy-five in thickness, embracing a circuit of sixty miles, encompassed by a broad, deep ditch. Over the river is thrown a bridge five furlongs in length, and thirty feet in breadth. At either end is a palace, having a subterraneous communication from one to the other. That on the western side, eight miles in circuit, is girt with three walls, one within another, where were the hanging gardens, called the wonder of the world; terraces supported on piers, laid over with broad flat stones, and covered with soil,-terrace above terrace, to the level of the city-walls, waving with trees and shrubs from distant climes, in imitation of the hills of Media. On the highest level is a reservoir, with an engine to draw water from the river, by which the whole is watered. All for what? To gratify his Median Queen, who sighed for the mountain scenery of her native land. Such are the works which an unfeeling and tyrannic ruler employs his trembling subjects and unhappy slaves to execute. Invention could devise no more: and the Monarch now, as he walked through his palace, and surveyed the achievements of his power,

exclaimed, as his eye proudly rolled, and his bosom heaved with his own greatness," Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty ?" In the same hour, he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. He had opened wide his ear to flattery, and his heart to vanity, and had forgotten the Most High, who doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and amongst the inhabitants of earth.

Mark the fitness of the judgment. Walking, absorbed in his own dignity, inflated with his lofty estate, he is Prince of the Kings of the earth; a King of kings, and Lord of lords. Who is like him in earth or heaven? And himself has achieved his own greatness; his magnificence is all his own. In the same hour the decree is given; an unseen hand is upon him; he is driven from men; and his existence is such as his meanest slave will pity, and from which to rescue him all the might of his power avails not. No hand can lift him up but that which has cast him down. He is an outcast from society; an object of commiseration to the most servile of rational beings; a wreck of humanity; a grass-feeding associate with creatures of a lower scale. Verily, "those that walk in pride He is able to abase."

There is the pride of riches and possessions.

Of this the sacred record furnishes a striking example in the case of Hezekiah and the Ambassadors of Babylon: an example illustrative of the same principle in the divine administration. Hezekiah, an amiable and worthy King, had been signally favoured of God. The besieging army of the Assyrians had been smitten by an invisible hand beneath his walls. In answer to prayer, himself had been raised from the gates of the grave. The sun of prosperity shone upon him, and peace and wealth walked in his train. But, it is said, "Hezekiah rendered not again; he had exceeding much riches and honour, and his heart was lifted up." "He made himself treasures for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels; storehouses, also, for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks. Moreover, he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. Howbeit, in the matter of the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart." (2 Chron. xxxii.)

Perhaps, observant of some ostentatious display and show of profusion on their first reception, these Ambassadors sought to turn to advantage what seemed to be the weaker element in the good King's character, and therefore flattered him by high-wrought reference to his regal estate, his riches and substance, his kingly liberality and his works. Perhaps they glowingly contrasted his condition with that of their own master, and, while setting forth their present to his view, spoke of its utter worthlessness to him. What, in fact, was the precise character of their communications, we know not; the sacred narrative simply and laconically stating,-but it is a statement full of meaning,-" And Hezekiah hearkened unto them." When man is left to himself, how quickly does he turn aside! When the influence of the Spirit of God is withdrawn from the human heart, how soon does the depravity of that heart develope itself! The Jewish Monarch knew 4 R

VOL. IV.-FOURTH SERIES.

whence his riches had come. He knew, that if he had treasures and substance, it was because God had prospered him. He knew, that if he had deliverance from the invader's power, it was not his own hand that had effected it. But, when Berodach-Baladan, son of Baladan, King of Babylon, sent letters and a present to him, Hezekiah, proud of the compliment, and elated with their flatteries, "hearkened unto them, and showed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures; there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not." Now, observe the character of the judgment exhibiting the same principle of the divine government, that the kind of punishment is suited to the nature of the sin. Varied as is the pride of heart in its development, so varied is the chastisement inflicted. Where wrong is nourished, there the judgment falls.

"Then Isaiah the Prophet came unto Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon. And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen there is nothing among my treasures that I have not showed them. And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord: Behold, the days come that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon; nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the King of Babylon." Little comment is here required; the record itself is so striking. "In the pride of thy heart thou hast made a vain show of thy wealth and estate to the Princes of Babylon. From Babylon shall come the spoiler, that shall take to himself thy cherished possessions. Thou hast made provision for the perpetuity of thy house in regal estate. Thou hast laid up treasures for thy successors. Thy sons shall be eunuchs in a conqueror's palace." Hezekiah's heart smote him; he acknowledged the justice of the decree, and he humbled himself; and because he humbled himself the judgment was deferred.

Many other such instances might be adduced from sacred history; but we hasten to apply the principle to the elucidation of some passages in modern history, exhibiting the same character of retributive justice. It is a key which will open to the right understanding of many strange events. It will reveal the true springs of lasting changes, and the source of rapid convulsions. It will unravel the secrets of great disasters. When will it be more observed and acknowledged?

What was it that inspired the bosom, and governed the councils, and shaped the policy, of James the First of England? It was the pride of kingly prerogative and family alliance. And it is only by a constant reference to this, the ruling passion of the man, that the character and measures of the King are understood. The proper estimate of its influence will reconcile many seeming inconsistencies. It will give signification to apparent absurdities; it will stamp with importance acts which otherwise appear but as the indications of an unsound mind.

Nay, so fully did this pride possess his soul, so absolute was its control over his mind, that in pursuit of his cherished schemes, he not only for feited all claim to the feelings of a father, but rendered just and lasting occasion for the charge of mental imbecility. And the follies of royalty

are seldom harmless. Witness Sir Walter Raleigh, one of his most valuable servants, offered in sacrifice to Spanish hate. Witness that band of adventurers who volunteered, under Sir Walter's leadership, to found a colony in South America, betrayed by James himself. And why? Because another scheme was paramount.

When James the First ascended the throne of Great Britain, all appeared auspicious. Under the reign of his predecessor, England had reached a degree of power and consideration unattained before; and whatever may have been the faults of Elizabeth, impartial history must ever award her the credit of encircling her throne and enriching her councils with Ministers of worth and wisdom. Some of these she left, a valuable legacy to her successor. The first years of his reign were full of promise: the sun of prosperity gave hope of a glorious day. He had three children: Henry, Prince of Wales, amiable, accomplished, and beloved by the nation; but nipped in the blossom, just when expanding into fairest manhood: Elizabeth the Second, married to Frederic, Elector Palatine, who, shortly after marriage, for his attachment to Protestantism, and his alliance with England, was chosen King of Bohemia: and Charles, afterwards Charles the First. For the first time in the history of our island, its several races were united in allegiance to the same ruler; and though dark shadows now were gathering over continental Europe, betokening the coming storm so long and ruinous, over James's head the skies were clear, unclouded the horizon. To England's proudest palaces her sons had hailed him welcome; and over the throne and round the realm Peace waved her olive-branch. But look again; look further on the picture how reversed! James had early set himself to render the English monarchy absolute in his family. Peaceably stepping from the humble throne of Scotland to the undisputed sovereignty of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, he at once becomes full of himself. Fallen human nature is rarely equal to sudden elevations of fortune; yet James knew better. His mother's history and end were monitor sufficient. Nevertheless, he is at once entirely possessed with the pride of his own estate: he sees no right but that which centres in himself; no power but as he wills. From the commencement of his reign, he sought to narrow the liberties of the people. In constitution, government, and council, he saw and laboured to acknowledge but one thing,-royal prerogative. Himself was law beyond appeal. By right divine his will was absolute to set aside or execute the law.

And he must needs unite his heir in marriage with one of the most powerful houses in Europe. Here a difficulty appeared. James had avowed himself an enemy to Popery, and written against it. His daughter Elizabeth and her husband, King of Bohemia, were menaced by armies of the Catholic Sovereigns, urged on by the Jesuits. What shall he do? He knew the right, but his vain ambition ruled supreme; and to Jesuitical Spain did he apply, even while the troops of Spain were devastating the dominions of his son-in-law. In the balance on one side, filial affection, the interests of truth, the wrongs of persecution, and the sufferings of men of like faith with himself; added to which was the inclination of his own people. On the other side was,-what? vanity: nothing but vanity. Which was preponderant in James's mind? The answer forms a sad chapter in the volume of history. Frederic and Elizabeth were driven from their dominions, and reduced to wretchedness. The religious and civil liberties of the States of Germany were prostrated. Conscience was trampled in the dust. Bigotry and despotism triumphed. The feeling and sympathies of his own

subjects were disregarded and wounded. And what did he gain? The contempt and slight of the very power for whose sake the sacrifice was made. Having kept him in play until their own designs had found their completion unchecked, the Court of Spain broke off negotiations with him. Failing there, he next betook himself to France, and sought an alliance in the person of Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry IV. And what were the conditions of the treaty? That the Popish mother should have the full control of the children's education until thirteen years of age. The terms were agreed to, and the treaty concluded; and now his ambition is satisfied. His wishes were consummated. The tree of pride, long nourished in his bosom, now showed in fairest blossom. Alas! how soon the fruit appeared! He died. His son fulfilled the engagement. The union was effected; and Charles ascended the throne with promise. But he inherited his father's spirit of proud assumption and kingly intolerance; and by the workings of that pride and his consort's evil influence, his days were shortened, and the retribution came.

Verily, there is a God that judgeth in the earth. It has been James's ambition to leave his son a sovereignty uncontrolled, and to strengthen his power by placing it under the shadow of one of Europe's loftiest thrones: and now Charles is Monarch of Britain, and brother-in-law to the house of France. The morning of his reign was bright. But ere his day was closed, the storm howled fiercely over his realm, and himself was stricken to a premature grave by its blasts; and his children, the children of that union, were exiles in their mother's land. Time of repentance was afforded. Deliverance was offered, and the restoration came. But the father's pride, and the mother's bigotry, have taken root too deep, and the descendants of James's son are driven for ever from his throne; and the descendants of his neglected and persecuted daughter and son-in-law are called to occupy it, and called because of that very Protestantism for which they suffered, and which their father sacrificed. Who does not praise, and extol, and honour, the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment?

Another illustration of this principle will appear in the history of the rise and fall of Napoleon. Had prophetic revelations gone forth before him; had the visioned seer called him from obscurity, proclaimed his mission, and heralded his triumphs; we should then, perhaps, have discovered the true secret of his astonishing career,-like Nebuchadnezzar, the Scourge of surrounding nations; the minister of the Most High for the infliction of his chastisements among the inhabitants of earth.

France had drunk to intoxication of the cup of infidelity. Her courts had wantoned in misrule on the precipice of ruin. Mad profligacy raised the song; corruption answered it with dances; and the starving children of her soil stood looking suppliant on. Her faith was like a tree of fair exterior, but full of dust within; its profession, the luxuriant branches in which the favourites of fortune built their nest, and beneath whose ample shade the draughts of vice were freely quaffed. Its fruit furnished the poison in which the atheistic band dipped their malignant shafts. Her men of mind, in the pride of intellect, had braved the Majesty of heaven. They had banded together in a fierce crusade against eternal truth and righteousness. They had daringly put forth the hand to tear away the barriers of moral restraint and religious sanction, and to open the sluices of passion and lawlessness. The nation had largely committed themselves to the floods thus let in; and the tide rolled on, and neighbouring peoples caught their spirit, and hailed the pestilential stream; and everything sacred