5. OF THE SYNCHRONISMS, OR CORRES- HISTORY. Q. IN order, now, to be thoroughly ANCIENT sensible of the mutual correspondence between the different periods of SACRED and PROFANE History, let me inquire; With which of the seven periods of sacred history does the first of the three periods of profane history synchronise, or correspond in the article of time? A. The commencement of the first period of profane history, or the infancy of the first great empire, corresponds in time with the decline of the fifth period ANCIENT of sacred history, or the declension of the Jewish monarchy. HISTORY. Q. With which period of sacred history does the second period of profane history correspond? A. The commencement of the second period of profane history, or the rise of the second great empire, corresponds with the end of the sixth, and beginning of the seventh, period of sacred history; that is to say, with the restoration of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon. Q. With which period of sacred history does the third period of profane history correspond? A. The commencement of the third period of profane history, or the rise of the third great empire, corresponds with the middle of the seventh and last period of sacred history; that is to say, it falls between the restoration of the Jews from their captivity, and the Birth of the Mes HISTORY. siah. And it is concluded, by the rise ANCIENT of the FOURTH and LAST great empire; which event took place a very short time before THAT BIRTH. § 6. OF THE AUTHORITIES FOR THE TRUTH OF SACRED AND PROFANE HISTORY. ANCIENT HISTORY. Q. I OBSERVE, in the foregoing statement, that the earliest period in the order of profane history, corresponds with the fifth period in the order of sacred history; What is the reason for so great a disparity in point of time, between the beginnings of those two orders of history? A. The reason is, the great disparity which subsists in age, between the earliest authorities for the events which they severally relate. Q. How far does sacred history go back, with authority, before the Birth of Christ? |