Of all _Adam’s_ sons, _Seth_ was the best. He and his sons called on the name of the Lord; but in process of time, man indulging himself in all manner of riot and excess, God repented that he had made him; and determined to destroy the whole world by an universal flood. _Noah_, however, who was one of _Seth’s_ posterity, found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Whereupon God commanded him to build an ark of sufficient bulk for the reception of himself, his family, and two of each species of animals. No sooner were they entered than the windows of the heavens were opened, and it rained heavily for forty days and forty nights. By this general deluge every living substance was destroyed, except _Noah_, his wife, his three sons and their wives, and the other creatures that were admitted with them into the ark. But soon after the deluge ceased, the earth was stocked with inhabitants by the three sons of _Noah_, viz. _Shem, Ham, and Japheth_. _The Tower of Babel._ [Illustration] Soon after the sons of _Noah_ had replenished the earth with inhabitants, they assembled together in the fruitful plains of _Shinar_, where they erected the lofty Tower of _Babel_, and vainly attempted to raise its walls to the very skies, in hopes to make their names immortal; but God Almighty soon baffled their impious and ill-concerted project, confused their language so that they could not understand each other, and scattered and dispersed them in various tribes all round the world. _Solomon’s Temple._ [Illustration] God Almighty having blessed _Solomon_ the son of _David_ (the wisest of all men) with peace and plenty, he determined to build a magnificent temple to the Lord on mount _Moriah_. For which purpose he sent to _Hiram_, king of _Tyre_, his father’s ancient friend, for cedar wood, and other materials requisite for the accomplishment of his pious design. All things being duly prepared, he erected a stately fabric three stories high, and embellished it within and without with a vast variety of fine carved works, profusely overlaid with gold. As soon as the whole was complete, _Solomon_ summoned a numerous assembly of _Israelites_, and with the utmost pomp and splendour, dedicated this glorious building, by prayer and supplication, to the only true God. _The Nativity & Passion of our blessed Saviour._ [Illustration]