THE former book of Kings had an illustrious beginning in the glory of the kingdom of Israel. This has a melancholy conclusion, in the desolations of the kingdom of Israel first, and then of Judah. Here is Elijah fetching fire from heaven, and ascending in fire to heaven, chap. 1, 2. Elisha working many miracles, chap. 3-7. Hazael anointed, for the correction of Israel, Jehu, for the destruction of the house of Ahab and of Baal, chap. 8-10. The reigns of several kings, both of Judah and Israel, chap. 11-16. The captivity of the ten tribes, chap. 17. The glorious reign of Hezekiah, chap. 18-20. The wicked reign of Manasseh, and the good one of Josiah, chap. 21-23. The destruction of Jerusalem by the king of Babylon, chap. 24, 25.