unexpected tranfitions and fudden interchange
of circumstances, fo obfervable in the pro-
phetic books.
Hence different predictions
are fometimes blended together, temporal and
fpiritual deliverances are foretold in one Pro-
phecy, and great and smaller events are com→
bined in one point of view. Hence likewife
one chain of connected defign runs through
the whole scheme of Prophecy; and a conti-
nuation of events fucceffively fulfilling, and
fucceffively branching out into new predic-
tions, continued to confirm the faith, and
keep alive the expectations of the Jews." It
is principally this double sense of Prophecy
which renders it obfcure: for though
"the
predictions of the Prophets were sometimes
pofitive and exactly defcriptive, and delivered
with an accurate and definite defignation of
names and times, Prophecy was not generally
defigned to be clear before its accomplishment.
Had it been more clear, it must have con-
trolled the freedom of human actions, or have
appeared to have produced its own accom-
plishment, furnishing finners with a plea of
neceffity. It is however always fufficiently
exact in its defcriptions to authenticate its
pretenfions to a Divine authority, to produce,
when it comes to pafs, an acknowledgement

of

of its unerring certainty, and to demonstrate the wisdom and the power of God h."

For let it not be imagined that the obscurity which arifes from the double fenfe of Prophecy, at all resembles the ambiguity of the Pagan oracles. The Pagan oracles commonly related to tranfactions, that were carrying on at the fame time in no very diftant place; or to fome event a fhort time before it happened, when the causes which were to produce it had begun to operate: and it is certain, that they were in general fo expreffed, as to admit of double and even contradictory interpretations, in order to correfpond with events of a totally oppofite nature. Whereas the double types of genuine Prophecy conftantly referred to events of the fame nature, though occurring at different periods of time. It has been already faid, that Prophecy was fometimes delivered in distinct and positive terms; as for example, the fifty-third chapter of Ifaiah, containing the history of our Saviour's fufferings; and it may also be obferved, that when it was delivered in highly metaphorical language, the fymbols and figures admitted of the clearest explication, which was sometimes

Gray's Key to the Old Testament, p. 343, 345.

given at the fame time. Thus for instance, the four great empires of the world and their revolutions were represented to Daniel, under the form of certain animals, and by allufions to their nature and properties; but these symbols are interpreted in the plainest language poffible. I cannot refuse myself the pleafure of clofing this part of the fubject, by quoting a most admirable defcription of the language of Prophecy. -"The language of Prophecy is remarkable for its magnificence. Each prophetic writer is distinguished for peculiar beauties; but their ftyle in general may be characterized, as ftrong, animated, and impreffive. Its ornaments are derived not from accumulation of epithet, or laboured harmony; but from the real grandeur of its images, and the majestic force of its expreffions. It is varied with ftriking propriety, and enlivened with quick but easy transitions. Its fudden burfts of eloquence, its earnest warmth, its affecting exhortations and appeals, afford very interesting proofs of that lively impreffion, and of that inspired conviction, under which the Prophets wrote; and which enabled them, among a people not diftinguished for genius, to furpafs in every variety of compofition the most admired productions of Pagan antiquity. If the ima

gery

gery employed by the facred writers appear fometimes to partake of a coarse and indelicate caft, it must be recollected, that the Eastern manners and languages required the most forcible reprefentations; and that the masculine and indignant spirit of the Prophets led them to adopt the most energetic and defcriptive expreffions. No ftyle is perhaps fo highly figurative as that of the Prophets. Every object of nature and of art, which could furnish allufions, is explored with induftry; every scene of creation, and every page of fcience, feems to have unfolded its rich varieties to the facred writers, who, in the fpirit of Eastern poetry, delight in every kind of metaphorical embellishment. Thus, by way of illuftration, it is obvious to remark, that earthly dignities and powers are fymbolized by the celestial bodies; the effects of moral evil are shown under the ftorms and convulfions of nature; the pollutions of fin are reprefented by external impurities; and the beneficial influence of righteousness is depicted by the ferenity and confidence of peaceful life. This allegorical language being founded in ideas univerfally prevalent, and adhered to with invariable relation and regular analogy, has furnished great ornament and elegance to the facred writings. Sometimes,

how

however, the infpired penmen drew their allufions from local and temporary fources of metaphor; from the peculiar fcenery of their country; from the idolatries of heathen nations; from their own hiftory and circumftances; from the fervice of their temple, and the ceremonies of their religion; from manners that have faded, and customs that have elapfed. Hence many appropriate beauties have vanished. Many defcriptions and many representations, that must have had a folemn importance among the Jews, are now confidered, from a change of circumstances, in a degraded point of view. Hence, likewife, here and there a fhade of obfcurity. In general, however, the language of Scripture, though highly fublime and beautiful, is easy and intelligible to all capacities 1.'

The course of Prophecy was guided by the light of previous revelation, and thus a regular connexion was preferved, which was itself a teftimony to its truth. The Prophecies taken together form a connected series of the divine difpenfations from nearly the beginning of the world to the end of time. Taken separately, they present detached scenes

Gray, p. 351.

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