continued to exhibit the same edifying
spectacle of ruin and desolation. Perhaps the absence and death of the
emperor, and the new maxims of a Christian reign, might explain the
interruption of an arduous work, which was attempted only in the last
six months of the life of Julian. [78] But the Christians entertained
a natural and pious expectation, that, in this memorable contest,
the honor of religion would be vindicated by some signal miracle. An
earthquake, a whirlwind, and a fiery eruption, which overturned and
scattered the new foundations of the temple, are attested, with some
variations, by contemporary and respectable evidence. [79] This public
event is described by Ambrose, [80] bishop of Milan, in an epistle to
the emperor Theodosius, which must provoke the severe animadversion
of the Jews; by the eloquent Chrysostom, [81] who might appeal to the
memory of the elder part of his congregation at Antioch; and by Gregory
Nazianzen, [82] who published his account of the miracle before the
expiration of the same year. The last of these writers has boldly
declared, that this preternatural event was not disputed by the
infidels; and his assertion, strange as it may seem is confirmed by the
unexceptionable testimony of Ammianus Marcellinus. [83] The philosophic
soldier, who loved the virtues, without adopting the prejudices, of his
master, has recorded, in his judicious and candid history of his own
times, the extraordinary obstacles which interrupted the restoration of
the temple of Jerusalem. "Whilst Alypius, assisted by the governor of
the province, urged, with vigor and diligence, the execution of the
work, horrible balls of fire breaking out near the foundations, with
frequent and reiterated attacks, rendered the place, from time to time,
inaccessible to the scorched and blasted workmen; and the victorious
element continuing in this manner obstinately and resolutely bent, as it
were, to drive them to a distance, the undertaking was abandoned."
[83a] Such authority should satisfy a believing, and must astonish an
incredulous, mind. Yet a philosopher may still require the original
evidence of impartial and intelligent spectators. At this important
crisis, any singular accident of nature would assume the appearance, and
produce the effects of a real prodigy. This glorious deliverance would
be speedily improved and magnified by the pious art of the clergy of
Jerusalem, and the active credulity of the Christian world and