tion? It was declared that the end of the world would come before the generation then existing should pass away; and it is certain that many of the Jews took it in this sense, as they expected "The the speedy approach of the last day." prediction," I said, "related to the destruction of Jerusalem, which certainly took place within the time assigned; and though some of the expres sions descriptive of the signs of that remarkable event, are of such a nature as to appear to apply to Christ's coming to judge the world at the end of time, yet the same interpretation, which is put on the prophetical language in the Old Testament, if used here, will limit the signification to the time of Christ's coming with power and glory to destroy Jerusalem. Besides, we find generally, in the prophecies of the Old Testament, that a literal as well as a spiritual fulfilment is included in one prediction ; and we may readily admit on this principle, that some of those strong expressions in Christ's prediction, literally understood, apply to his coming at the last day. Having taken occasion from his stating the signs of his coming to destroy Jerusalem, to mention the signs of his coming at the last day, although the expression, that these things shall be fulfilled before this generation,' is

intended exclusively to apply to the former event, it appears that the Thessalonians mistook an expression of Paul's in his first epistle to them, and inferred, that the end of the world was immediately at hand; but this error of theirs was corrected by the Apostle in his second epistle. In the days of the Fathers of the Church there were many that believed the Millennium to be then approaching. These, and similar mistakes, may be made by a slight and partial consideration of particular passages or expressions in the Scripture; but a close attention to, and due comparison of the whole, will enable one clearly to discern the truth. It cannot for a moment be supposed, that any mistake could be made by Christ and his Apostles."

His lordship asked me if I thought that there had been fewer wars and persecutions, and less slaughter, misery, and wretchedness in the world since the introduction of Christianity than before. I said, "that I did not wish at present to enter into so wide a field of discussion, though I myself had no doubt on the subject. To ascertain the point satisfactorily, it would be necessary to know how much blood had been shed before the Christian era, and how much since, and how much was

to be ascribed to those that were real Christians, and how much to those who, under its mask, sought the accomplishment of their own selfish and ambitious ends. But I said, though it were granted that Christianity had been the occasion, though not the cause of the increase of bloodshed, it would only shew that its professors had mistaken its spirit, since pure Christianity inculcates peace and good will to all men, and we must always separate pure religion from the abuses, of which its professors are guilty*.

The conversation turned on the comparative number of men and women who believed, and on the conduct of Gibbon, who always joined women and priests together, as ready to believe in the grossest superstition and follies—the one party from self-interest, the other from fear. His lord-| ship remarked, that women were naturally devout, when the passions of youth, and the feeling of love, which is a principal object of their life, are exhausted; and that when they do love their Saviour, they are accused of retaining a mixture of their earthly love, blended with purer feelings, in their devotion. "Satirists have often said so," I replied. "If there really were any

* See Appendix. Note on page 65.

F

women of this description, it was a proof that they neither knew nor felt the power of religion. Gibbon thinks he confutes Christianity by linking priests and women together, as alike in weakness and perversion of understanding; and nothing seems to afford him more pleasure, than when he has apparently good grounds to display his irony and sarcasm against them; and even when he is compelled to mention any act of generosity or munificence, he ascribes it to some selfish and sinister motive, by insinuating such a phrase, as, 'we may readily conceive'-' it may be supposed,' or 'it may be presumed.''

There were two remarks made by his lordship during the conversation, which deserve to be recorded, though no effort of memory has enabled me to recall the circumstances of the conversation which led to them. I suppose I must have said something about the sovereignty of God, and alluded to the similitude used in Scripture of the potter and his clay; for I distinctly remember his lordship having said, that he would certainly say to the potter, if he were broken in pieces, "Why do you treat me thus ?" The other observation was, that, "If the whole world were going to hell, he would prefer going with them, than go

alone to heaven." These remarks were heard the others with apparent approbation and applause. I remember, after his departure, conversing with M. and S., and remarking on this topic, that it was easy to talk thus, when he was not put to the test; but that if he were tried, his decision would be different, or human nature must be changed: the observation indicating equally the selfishness of man, and an ignorance of the true nature of the Christian religion.

Before the conversation was finished, a few other remarks, of no importance in themselves, were made. His lordship at last rose, after having sat from eleven till about three o'clock. He came up to me, and said, that "these were subjects which could not be discussed in a day, but required much time and deliberation. Why do you not print your thoughts on these subjects?" "Because," I replied, "it never occurred to me that it was necessary, as there are thousands of able men who have written on religion, and I have nothing new to offer, and am unable to put what has been already written in any clearer point of view." But," said he, "every one has a different way of representing a subject, and the view which is old and useless to some, may be