of mythology the Oceanitæ and Nilotæ, the in habitants of Egypt.

I imagine, that the Canaanites had been in the same original rebellion in Babylonia, as the sons of Chus; and that they were a part of the dispersion. It is therefore probable, that they came into Canaan about the same time that the others betook themselves to Egypt. This is certain, that when Abraham traversed the country, it is repeatedly said, that 9° the Canaanite was then in the land: from whence we may infer, that they were but lately come. And the sacred writer, speaking of Hebron, a seat of the Anakim, or Titans, says, that it was built seven years before " Zoan in Egypt. By this we may infer, that the two nations in some degree corresponded in their operations, and began building about the same time. All the while, that the Patriarch sojourned in this country, we find it so thinly peopled, that he could pass where he listed, and pitch his tent

13. v. 7.

90 Genesis. c. 12. v. 6. c. " Numbers. c. 13. v. 22. Some have thought, that Żoan was Tanis, towards the bottom of Lower Egypt, and it is so rendered in the Vulgate. But this part of the country, called afterwards Delta, was not formed, when Hebron was built. The lower region of Delta increased gradually, and was the work of time. Zoan was Heliopolis, one of the first cities built by the Shepherds, and towards the apex of Delta.

A

where he pleased: and yet he travelled with a large retinue, and with flocks and herds in abundance. All this seems to indicate a recent population. Syria, and the coast from Libanus upwards, had been peopled by a different family before and it is probable, that those of the confederacy, who settled there, had some battles with the natives. Eusebius accordingly mentions, that in early times the Chaldeans, by whom are meant the Babylonians, made war upon the people of Phenicia. 97 Χαλδαίοι κατα Φοινικων εςρατευσαν. But the land, which the Canaanite invaded, was in great measure vacant, and had been set apart for another people; for the distribution of the whole earth was by divine appointment: and the land of Canaan was particularly allotted to the sons of Israel. They accordingly have this strongly inculcated to them, that in the division of countries, " the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. The son of Sirach also informs us to the same purpose; that 4 in the division of the nations of the whole earth, He (the Lord) set a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord's portion. In conformity to this, the Psalmist introduces the

94

92 Euseb. Chron. p. 28. Syncellus. p. 153.

93 Deuteron. c. 32. v. 9.

9+ C. 17. v. 17.

Deity as telling Abraham, "Unto thee will Igive the land of Canaan, the lot, or line, of your inheritance; which circumstance had been before recorded "Moses. And yet even to him and to his posterity, it was rather a loan than a gift: for the Deity seems always to have peculiarly reserved the property of this country to himself, The Israelite therefore had never a full command of it; he only held it at will, and was subject to God as proprietor. In short it was ever the Lord's portion. The people therefore are told, when a permission is given to them in some degree to part with their inheritance,

The land shall not be sold for EVER: for the land is mine and ye are strangers and sojourners with me, saith the Lord. Indeed the whole earth may justly be called the Lord's, but this was his particular portion. It was however invaded, as were other places, in opposition to the divine appoint ment. Eusebius, in conformity to this tells us, that Noah explained to his sons the will of the Deity; and allotted to each their particular place of retreat, 98 κατα θειον δηλονοτι χρησμον, having received his instructions from Heaven. But the sons

95 Psalm. 105. v. 11.

96 Genesis. c. 13. v. 15. c. 15. v. 18.

97 Numbers. c. 25. v. 23.

98 Chron. p. 10.

of Chus first usurped the region allotted to Ashur; and afterwards transgressed still farther upon the property of their neighbours. Of all others the transgression of Canaan was the most heinous; for he knowingly invaded God's peculiar 99 portion; and seized it to himself. The trespasses of the sons of Ham brought on the dispersion; and afterwards the war of the confederates, as Syncellus justly observes. 100 οι υιοι τε Σημ επολέμησαν προς τες υιες Χαμ περι των όριων της Παλαισίνης. The sons of Shem made war upon the sons of Ham about the boundaries of Palæstina. Eusebius mentions the particular trangession of the Canaanite. ' NEWTEgioas ὁ τε Χαμ ύιος Χανααν επεβη τοις όριοις το Σημ, και κατῳκησεν εκεί, παραβας την εντολην Νωε. Canaan, the son of Ham, was guilty of innovation, and trespassed upon the allotment of Shem; and took up his habitation therein, contrary to the commandment of Noah. Besides the kings in the Asphaltite vale,

99 Τάτων εν των κληροδοτηθεντων ὁ τε Χαμύιος Χανααν, ιδων την προς των Λιβανῳ γην, ώς αγαθη τε και εύφορος-τυραννικως καθηρπασεν αυτήν, και τις εκ το Σημ κληρες εξήλασε, και έτω πασα ἡ γη της επαγγελίας Ty Xavaar woonyopeurai. Auctor Anon. Johan. Malalæ præfixus. p. 16.

100 P. 90.

Euseb. Chron. p. 10. Eusebius lived in the country, of which he speaks and had opportunities of obtaining many curious histories from the original inhabitants. See also Epiphanius advers. Hæres. 1. 1. c. 5.

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the nations attacked in this war were the Re phaïms, or Giants, in Ashteroth Karnaïm; and the Zuzims, and Emims, who were equally of the Titanic race: also the Amorites and Amalekites, and the Horim in Mount Seir. All these were upon forbidden ground; and were therefore invaded.

Such is the history of the Titanic war, and of the dispersion which preceded. Sanchoniathon speaking of the people, who were thus dissipated, and of the great works which they performed, concludes with this short, but remarkable character of them, 3 Ουτοι δε και Αληται, και Τίτανες καλενται.

2

Genesis. c. 14. v. 5. Τες Γιγαντας τες εν Αγαρωθ. So rendered by the Seventy. Sce Deuteron. c. 2. v. 10. 11. also v. 21. 22. 3 Sanchoniathon apud Euseb. Præp. 1. 1. p. 35.

So Pelasgus, αλητης. Cadmus αλητης.

Terah, and Nahor, and all the sons of Heber had separated themselves from the stock of their fathers, and dwelt in a forbidden land. Here they served other Gods. But the faith of Abraham was at last awakened to which perhaps nothing contributed more than the demolition of the tower of Babel, and the dispersion of the sons of Chus: and lastly, the wonderful and tremendous interposition of the Deity in producing these effects. This event not only inspired them with an inclination to get away, but also afforded them an opening for a retreat.

It is, I think, plain, that even the Chaldeans were not included in the people dispersed; as we find such a nation in the days of Abraham; and not only in his time, but in the days of his father and grandfather. Both Tera and Nahor dwelled in the land of