Before Jerusalem he stands, And down his cheeks roll many a tear;
See how He spreads his sacred hands,
While He predicts its ruin near."The days shall come, they're near at hand !!
"When might armies shall surround
"This favour'd spot where now I stand,
"And lay your City with the ground.
"Your measure's nearly full ! alas !!
"Your sinful course is almost run ;
"This generation shall not pass*
"Till all the dreadful work is done."
PREFACE
To "know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent," is an object of the greatest importance, and claims the attention of every rational and immortal creature; not however as a subject of mere speculation, but as pregnant with consequences of eternal moment, and as the only source of real happiness in a miserable world.
We may, it is true, know much of God in reference to his wisdom, power, and goodness, in the splendid and magnificent works of creation; for the pen of an inspired Apostle has assured us that even from thence his eternal power and Godhead may be discovered (Romans i.20) ; but it is the Bible alone which unfolds to the wondering mind of an intelligent creature the whole character and attributes of Deity, in all their beauty, perfection, and harmony.
The great Luminary of the world when he descends the western hills is eclipsed for a night, but he leaves behind him, in the scattered fragments of majestic crimson, (more beautiful than the celebrated dye of Tyre, and with which he often streaks the evening skies,)
