The following testimony of Volney is an example of the manner in which God causes infidels and scoffers to fulfill the prophecies: "I journeyed in the empire of the Ottomans, and traversed the provinces, which were formerly the kingdoms of Egypt and Syria. This Syria, said I to myself, now almost depopulated, then contained a hundred flourishing cities, and abounded with towns, villages and hamlets. What has become of those ages of abundance and of life? Great God! from whence proceed such melancholy revolutions? For what cause is the fortune of these countries so strikingly changed? Why are so many cities destroyed? Why is not that ancient population reproduced and perpetuated? A mysterious God exercises His incomprehensible judgments. He has doubtless pronounced a secret malediction against the earth. He has struck with a curse the present race of men in revenge of past generations." (_Volney's Ruins, Book I_), The malediction is no secret to any one who will read the twenty-ninth chapter of Deuteronomy. Of Jerusalem it was predicted, "It shall be trodden down of the Gentiles." Saracens, Turks, Crusaders and pilgrims from all parts of the earth {145} have been and are fulfilling this prediction at the present day. Of the temple, it was said, "There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." History has preserved, and the Jews to this day curse the name of the soldier, Terentius Rufus, who plowed up the foundations of the temple. The Roman emperor, Julian, attempted to falsify the Savior's words, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate;" and sent his friend, Alypius, with a Roman army and abundant treasure, to rebuild it. The Jews flocked from all parts to assist in the work; but the combined forces were obliged to desist from the attempt. "Horrible balls of fire, breaking out from the foundations with repeated attacks, rendered the place inaccessible to the scorched workmen and the enterprise was dropped." (_Ammiam Marcellus, Book xxiii, chap_. 1). Such is the testimony of a heathen, confirmed by Jews and Christians. The Mahometan Mosque of Omar now rears its lofty dome where once stood the Temple of Solomon, and no Jew is permitted to tread that sacred spot. Of the Israelitish nation God predicted that it should be a peculiar, distinct people, dispersed among, yet separate from, the other nations of the earth: "I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth." (_Amos ix_, 9). Again, "And yet, for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them to destroy them {146} utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am the Lord their God." (_Lev. xxvi_, 44).