that can possibly be imagined. The situation of these structures was on the north side of Jerusalem, Its celebrated temple, and the strong fort of Antonia, were on the east side, and directly opposite to the Mount of Olives. This fort was built on a rock fifty cubits in height, and so steep as to be inaccessible on every side; and to render it still more so, it was faced with thin slabs of marble, which, being slippery, proved at once a defence and an ornament. In the midst of the fort stood the castle of Antonia, the interior parts of which, for grandeur, state, and convenience, resembled more a palace than a fortress. Viewed from a distance, it had the appearance of a tower, encompassed by four other towers, situated at the four an gles of a square. Of these latter, three were fifty cubits high, and the fourth seventy cubits.

The tower last mentioned commanded an excellent view of the whole temple, the

B

riches, grandeur, and elegance of which, it is not in the power of language to describe. Whether we consider its architecture, its dimensions, its magnificence, its splendour, or the sacred purposes to which it was dedicated, it must equally. be regarded as the most astonishing fabric that was ever constructed. It was

erected partly on a solid rock, which was originally steep on every side. The foundations of what was called the lower temple were three hundred cubits in depth, and the stones of which they were composed, more than sixty feet in length, while the superstructure contained, of the whitest marble, stones nearly sixty-eight feet long, more than seven feet high, and nine broad. The circuit of the whole building was four furlongs; its height one hundred cubits; one hundred and sixty pillars, each twenty-seven feet high, ornamented and sustained the immense and ponderous edifice. In the front, spacious and lofty galleries, wainscotted with ce

dar, were supported by columns of white marble, in uniform rows. In short, says Josephus, nothing could surpass even the exterior of this temple, for its elegant and curious workmanship. It was adorned with solid plates of gold that rivalled the beauty of the rising sun, and were scarcely less dazzling to the eye than the beams of that luminary. Of those parts of the building which were not gilt, when viewed from a distance, some, says he, appeared like pillars of snow, and some like mountains of white marble. The splendour of the interior parts of the temple, corresponded with its external magnificence. It was decorated and enriched by every thing that was costly, elegant, and superb. Religious donations and offerings had poured into this wonderful repository of precious stores from every part of the world, during many successive ages. In the lower temple was placed those sacred curiosities, the seven-branched candlestick of pure gold, the table for the shew-bread, and

the altar of incense; the two latter of which were covered over with plates of the same metal. In the sanctuary were several doors, fifty-five cubits high, and sixteen in breadth, which were all likewise of gold. Before these doors hung a veil of. the most beautiful Babylonian tapestry, composed of scarlet, blue, and purple, exquisitely interwoven, and wrought up to the highest degree of art. From the top of the ceiling depended branches and leaves of vines, and large clusters of grapes hanging down five or six feet, all of gold, and of most admirable workmanship. In addition to these proofs of the splendour and riches of the temple, may be no. ticed its eastern gate of pure Corinthian brass, more esteemed even than the precious metals-the golden folding-doors of the chambers-the beautiful carved work, gilding, and painting of the galleries-the golden vessels, &c. of the sanctuary, the sacerdotal vestments of scarlet, violet, and purple-the vast wealth of the treasury

abundance of precious stones, and immense quantities of all kinds of costly spices and perfumes. In short, the most valuable and sumptuous of whatever nature, or art, or opulence could supply, was enclosed within the consecrated walls of this magnificent and venerable edifice.

So much concerning this celebrated city, and its still more celebrated temple. We shall now consider our Lord's prophecies relating to their destruction.

On the Monday immediately preceding his crucifixion, our blessed Saviour made his public and triumphant entry into Jerusalem, amidst the acclamations of a very great multitude of his disciples, who hailed him King of Sion, and with palm branches, the emblems of victory, in their hands, rejoiced and gave praises to God for all the mighty works that they had seen, singing "Hosannah! blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the