into t]ie principle from which this unparalleled barbarity proceeded —
[The murderous purpose originated in jealousy. Herod possibly had heard of the birth of Jesus, previous to the arrival of the Wise Men : but that was the circumstance which put him upon making inquiries into the pretensions of this new- born infant. From them he learned, that a star or meteor had appeared to them in the East, and that they, either from reve- lation or from the traditionary prophecy of Balaam, had been led to interpret the appearance of that star as an intimation, that He who was to reign over the Jews was now born into the world. He was also informed by them, that they had come on purpose to pay him the homage which was due to such an ex- alted character. Upon this, Herod summoned all the chief priests and scribes, that he might learn from them what the prophets had declared respecting the place of their Messiah's nativity: and on understanding that Bethlehem was the place destined to that honour, he sent the Wise Men thither, and ordered them, when they had found the child, to come and give him information respecting him. This order he grounded upon a pretended desire to honour Christ ; but with a secret deter- mination to destroy him : for he concluded, that Christ was to have a temporal dominion ; and that, if suffered to live, he would wrest the kingdom out of his hands. But such a rival he could not endure : and hence arose the secret purpose to destroy him.
But though jealousy first prompted him to form the mur- derous purpose, with respect to his supposed rival, it was offended pride that caused it to be extended to all the children around Bethlehem. The Wise Men, being warned hy God of Herod's purpose, returned no more to him : at this Herod was indignant: he conceived himself slighted and despised; but he was determined not to be disappointed of his desire ; and there- fore, to secure his object, he gave orders that all infants near the age of Jesus, and within the neighbourhood of the place where he was born, should be massacred without distinction.
What an amazing ascendant must these principles have over the heart of man! Well may it be said, that " jealousy is cruel as the grave"*:" nor indeed is pride less cruel, when its wounded feelings have scope for exercise. This we see in the two sons of Jacob, who, on account of their sister having been defiled by the Prince of Shechem, slew every male in the city: and, when reproved for their cruelty, they shewed, in their vin- dication of themselves, from whence that cruelty had proceeded: " Should he deal with our sister as with an harlof?"
^ Cant. viii. 6. ^ Gen. xxxiv. 31.