SERMON III. Matthew, xx. 23.—“ To sit on my right hand and my left is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them "for whom it is prepared of my Father.” SERMON IV. Page 203 EPHESIANS, iv. 30.—“ And grieve not the holy spirit of "God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of re"demption." 217 SERMON V. EPHESIANS, iv. 30.—“ And grieve not the holy spirit of “God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of re"demption." 235 A 2 A DISSERTATION, &c. THE expectation of an extraordinary person who should arise in Judea, and be the instrument of great improvements in the manners and condition of mankind, was almost if not altogether universal at the time of our Saviour's birth; and had been gradually spreading and getting strength for some time before it. The fact is so notorious to all who have any knowledge of antiquity, that it is needless to attempt any proof of it. It may be assumed as a principle, which even an infidel of candour would be ashamed to deny; or if any one would deny it, I would decline all dispute with such an adversary as too ignorant to receive conviction, or too disingenuous to acknowledge what he must secretly admit. B 1 |