ARGUMENT.
The introduction, complimenting the college and the assembly
convened on the day of commencement.—The subject proposed.
—A view of divine revelation from its earliest dawn after the fall
of Adam, to its fuller splendor in the writings of the prophets.—
From this source the heathen philosophers received much light
and information.—Reason of itself unable to give the knowledge
of the truth.—The meridian brightness of divine revelation and
its general diffusion at the coming of the Saviour.—Its happy
influence at that period, in banishing heathen superstition, restraining
the ferocity of war, and giving a new range to poesy and
eloquence; life and immortality being brought to light.—A short
hint of the first opposition to the gospel.—Darkness of Popery
which came upon the west.—Mahometan delusion which about
the sixth century took place in the east.—Some countries of Europe
emerging from Popish superstition, Bohemia, &c.—Reformation
in England.—The light of revelation rising on America.
—Rekindled in the east.—Mahometan imposture destroyed.—
The Jews confessing the Messiah.—Pagan idolatry and ignorance
removed.—The glory with which revelation shall yet appear on
this continent.—Divine knowledge covering the earth as the waters
the sea.—Its streams flowing back at the last scene of things
to their first source, and mixing with the bright floods of celestial
days—The conclusion valedictory to Nassau-Hall, the
place of the author's education.
