The Destruction of Jerusalem

This is a history of the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. From the preface: "HISTORY records few events more generally interesting than the destruction of Jerusalem, and the subversion of the Jewish state, by the arms of the Romans. Their intimate connexion with the dissolution of the levitical economy, and the establishment of christianity in the world; the striking verification which they afford of so many of the prophecies, both of the old and new testament, and the powerful arguments of the divine authority of the scriptures which are thence derived; the solemn warnings and admonitions which they hold out to all nations, but especially such as are favoured with the light and blessings of Revelation; together with the impressive and terrific grandeur of the events themselves-are circumstances which must always insure to the subject of the following pages more than ordinary degrees of interest and importance. Many eminent and learned men have employed their pens in the illustration of it; but the fruits of their labours are, for the most part, contained in large and expensive works, out of the reach of numbers, to whom the discussion might prove equally interesting and improving. For the use and gratification of such, the present treatise, in a more accessible and familiar form, is diffidently offered to the public. In order that it might be better adapted for the general reader, critical inquiries and tedious details are equally avoided; but it has been the care of the writer not to omit any important fact or argument that, in his opinion, tended to elucidate the subject. Countenanced by the example of many respectable names, he has ventured to introduce the extraordinary prodigies, which, according to Josephus, preceded the destruction of the Holy City. He has also added a few sentences in their defense, but he does not intend thereby to express his unqualified admission of their genuineness. Upon the execution of the tract, generally, the public will determine. Usefulness is the writer's main object; and if a perusal of it shall contribute, under the Divine Blessing, to confirm the wavering faith of only one christian, or to shake the vain confidence of a single unbeliever, his labour will be abundantly rewarded."