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SACRED HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY:

FROM THE ANTEDILUVIAN PERIOD TO THE TIME OF THE PROPHET MALACHI.

A.M. 1 TO A.M. 3607, B.C. 397.

EDITED AND PARTLY WRITTEN

By F. A. COX, D.D., LL.D.

HACKNEY.

SECOND EDITION, REVISED.

INTRODUCTORY DISSERTATION:

ON

THE CLAIMS AND USES OF SACRED HISTORY.

History

SACRED HISTORY is that narrative of events, commencing from Sacred the creation of the world, which is recorded in the Bible, and is so Defined. called, because it is assumed to be written under divine superintendence, and is evidently associated with the being, perfections, and plans of Deity. All other History details facts simply, but Sacred History combines them with the doctrine of providence, and demonstrates the event to be coincident with the purposes of an infinite mind.

The connection of every mode of communicating the will of God to man with moral and eternal purposes, is a feature of divine revelation never to be overlooked; and sacred history is but a part of that revelation. In preparing mankind for another world, the Universal Parent has adopted and recorded a certain process with individuals, with families, and with nations in this: and as the distinctive Claims and Uses of Sacred History originate from its connection with the general subject of Revelation, we may be permitted to advert to that subject briefly, while further than this it is not here our province to pursue the argument.

Kevelation.

It is a striking fact, that upon the great subject of morals, philo- Necessity of sophers who, upon the whole, were agreed as to the amount of individual and social duties, were at variance with regard to the basis on which they should be constructed. Unless men concur in their standard of moral duties, they must be doubtful as to the extent of their obligation; and when the most eminent of mankind were found to question what was the rule by which they ought to be guided, variance and opposition among those who looked up to

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