EGYPT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6503, 15 December 1882, Page 2

EGYPT.

A lecture was delivered in the North Dunedin Drill Hall last evening by Mr M, W. Green, M.H.R., the snbject being "Egypt, and tho Prophecies Relating to It." There was a good attendance. The lecturer indicated the reasons which made Egypt a land of special interest at tho present time, and pointed out that England must, from various causes, exercise a preponderating influence in its affairs. A resume was given of tho history of tho country, and the remarkable changes through which it had passed, down to its possession by the Turks, Special reference was made to the part which the Israelites had played iv the history of the country, and to tho probability of their having been employed in the construction of the pyramids. Mr Green explained that the present inhabitants of Egypt consist of the Copts, who are the descendants of the ancient Egyptians; the Fellahs, or husbandmen; and the Arabs, or conquerors of the country, including the Turks, &c. The Copts have seen so many revolutions in tho governing powers that they concern themselves very little about the successes or misfortunes of those who aspire to dominion. The Fellahs suffer so much from oppression, and are so much despised by the Bedouin, or wandering Arabs, and by their despotic rulers, that they seldom acquire property, and very rarely enjoy it in security; while the Arabs hate the Turks, although the Turks enjoy most of the offices of Government. After describing the prosperity of ancient Egypt as an agricultural country, and the special character of its climate, and its adaptability still for supporting a large population, Mr Green dwelt upon the Scripture prophecies relating to Egypt, and endeavoured to show that the reverses which had overtaken it, the baseness of its character as a kingdom, it being without a native line of rulers, and the oppressions to which tho people had been subjected for so many centuries, were all predicted, and were actual fulfilments of the words of tho prophets. But while these calamities were foretold, God had promised to send them a great saviour, which the lecturer believed to be England, as the Divino instrumentin turningthem to Christ, and in the latter days Egypt would occupy a distinguished place as third with Israel and Assyria, and be a means of blessing to tho world. The lecturer quoted particularly the words of the prophet Isaiah: "In that day shall Israel be third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land ; whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria tho work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance." Notwithstanding the past and present low position of Egypt and its people, Mr Green expressed his conviction that a bright and prosporous future lay before it.