openly proclaimed that Aleppo was destroyed. In that advanced stage of the subterranean process, an observant being could doubtless tell that the crisis was at hand; could point the spot where, from circumstances ordered of God, it was evidently to burst: and thus by simply using the tongue of an ungodly man to convey the intimation, he established that man's claim to a prophetic spirit. It was much talked of at the time, and questioned by some who would neither admit that a divine revelation was made to so evil a character, and for no good end; or that Satan has power to discover the yet unrevealed purposes of God. We allow both these objections, yet the tale is true; and on this ground it is perfectly explicable.

And on this principle we may account for securing revelations of future, or very distant events, by dreams or otherwise, where they often tend to foster a dangerous superstition, or to strengthen belief in a false doctrine. Such things have come to pass within the knowledge of some who may read these pages. Intimations have been given of a death, or other occurrence, and mentioned also by the party receiving the impression, hours before it was possible for intelligence to arrive sometimes at the very moment the circumstance took place; and instances could be named where Popery has at once been embraced on the strength of such juggling devices of Satan. A person apparently in the soundest health may be told by another, seemingly

inspired, that within such a period he should die; and the prediction may be literally accomplished. In many cases, aneurism for instance, an organic disease works its way for a long time, without producing any sensible external effect: but Satan marks, and calculates, and confidently pronounces what, when the event comes to pass, is regarded as an oracle of God. That God can and does graciously warn and instruct his servants, both " in dreams and visions of the night," and in various other ways, we cannot for a moment doubt; neither would we approach by a single step the awful crime of even ignorantly attributing to evil powers what may be the gracious intimations of the Holy One: we merely notice some illustrations of the Scripture assertion, that intercourse may be held with "familiar spirits," and witchcraft practised, and supernatural knowledge acquired by diabolical aid.

Threescore years render a clever man shrewdly experienced and worldly wise, if he have passed them in carefully looking about him with a view to his own interests. What, then, must be the advantage to Satan of nearly six thousand years' observation of all that concerns our race? The stupendous intellect of an angel, faculties of which we can form no conception except from their mighty effects; enough of daring to brave, and enough of malignity to persecute Him who was "the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace," and to aid all these, an ally already engaged on his side

G

within the bosom of every child of man. Such is our adversary the devil: such is that roaring lion who goeth about, seeking whom he may devour; and shall we be lulled into security, despite the awful admonitions which the Holy Ghost hath given, because it has become fashionable to despise his power, disbelieve his interference, and make light of his name?

But, apart from supernatural knowledge, there is a wisdom which Satan imparts, by means of those suggestions that every one among us can testify he has power to insinuate into our minds. The apostle was speaking of that external worldly religion which is consistent with "bitter envying and strife" in the heart. Where these are allowed, he bids us "glory not, and lie not against the truth," for the wisdom in which such persons boast themselves" descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." Some have, erringly, compared the mind of an infant to a clean sheet of paper, on which good or bad may be written at will; this is wrong; for the paper is impure, and blotted from the very first, and scribbled over with all evil; but, so far as wisdom and knowledge are concerned, the sheet is certainly blank, until reason begins to unfold itself; and Satan is eagerly on the alert, with his subordinate fiends, to impart that which cometh from beneath. It is a solemn consideration that every idea conveyed to a child's mind must be from one of these sources: man can originate nothing: he may imbibe the notions of others, but they too must be

sought for under one of the heads named by the Apostle: the wisdom that cometh from above, which is pure and peaceable; or the wisdom that cometh from beneath, which is Satanic. Of the latter class was Ahithophel's wisdom: in a good cause, his plan of carrying on the war would have been sound counsel; but being brought to aid the cause of treason, rebellion, parricide, it was devilish. Satan suggested it, and God turned it into foolishness. 2 Sam. xvii. 14.

The wisdom taught by our adversary is always opposed to the truth; it is a knowledge that puffeth up, and makes those who possess it fools-"For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge." Jer. iv. 22. And this must be unlearned: "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness; and again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." 1 Cor. iii. 18, 19, 20, The Egyptians were fully replenished with this infernal wisdom, when planning to diminish the people of Israel by destroying the male children, they said, "Come on; let us deal wisely with them." Exod. i. 10. These, and similar passages, clearly showing, that the wisdom of this world emanates from the god of this world, are calculated to prove to us

the danger that besets the path of such as are bent on acquiring knowledge apart from godliness. They have a master at hand, ready and able to teach them as much as human understanding may grasp, and sure to clothe with every attraction the bait which he has found to be so efficacious in bringing souls into his net: but the price of his lessons is such, that the man who strikes that bargain is bankrupt for ever.