the neighbouring kings; entered Pal’estine, Arabia, and Egypt, where he caused Pompey’s tomb, that had been long neglected, and almost covered with sand, to be repaired and beautified. 23.  He gave orders for the rebuilding of Jerusalem; which was performed with great expedition by the assistance of the Jews, who now began to conceive hopes of being restored to their long lost kingdom. 24.  But these expectations only served to aggravate their calamities:  for, being incensed at the privileges which were granted the Pagan worshippers in their new city, they fell upon the Romans and Christians that were dispersed throughout Jude’a, and unmercifully put them all to the sword. 25.  A’drian, sending a powerful body of men against them, obtained many signal, though bloody victories, over the insurgents.  The war was concluded in two years, by the demolition of above one thousand of their best towns, and the destruction of nearly six hundred thousand men in battle.

26.  Having thus effectually quelled this dangerous insurrection, he banished all those who remained in Judea; and by a public decree forbade them to come within view of their native soil.  But he was soon after alarmed by a dangerous irruption of the barbarous nations to the northward of the empire; who, entering Me’dia with great fury and passing through Arme’nia, carried their devastations as far as Cappado’cia.  Preferring peace, however, upon any terms, to an unprofitable war, A’drian bought them off by large sums of money; so that they returned peaceably into their native wilds, to enjoy their plunder, and to meditate fresh invasions.

Questions for Examination.

1.  Was Trajan uniformly merciful?

2.  Was the persecution of long duration?

3.  What remarkable event happened in this reign?

4.  Where did the rebellion principally rage?

5.  What were these barbarities?

6.  Were no steps taken to repress this insurrection?

7.  How was Trajan employed at this time, and what was his end?

8.  Who succeeded him?

9.  What was the character of Adrian?

10.  Was he a virtuous character?

11.  Were not his virtues counterbalanced?

12.  By whom was the empire now invaded?

13.  What wise measure did Adrian contemplate?

14.  What remarkable edifice did he destroy?

15.  Was he attentive to the concerns of the empire?

16.  Why did he do this?

17.  What places did he next visit?

18.  Whither did he next proceed?

19.  Mention his further progress, and the incidents that occurred.

20.  Was he merciful to the Christians?

21.  Whither did he next repair, and how did he employ himself?

22.  Proceed in the description of his route.

23.  Did he not favour the Jews?

24.  Did they profit by this favourable disposition in the emperor?