Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Claudius Buchanan, D.D.

his Christian Researches. He accordingly introduced them by an account of his own endeavours and those of Mr. Brown to promote the translation of the Scriptures, and of his two journies to the coast of Malabar, which have been before detailed. He then proceeded to notice, in a series of distinct articles, the Chinese, the Hindoos, with a particular reference to the relative influence of Paganism and Christianity, the Ceylonese, and the Malays. The Syrian and Romish Christians, and the Inquisition at Goa, form the next objects of attention in this interesting work; which are followed by notices of the Persians, Arabians, and Jews, and of the versions of the Scriptures which were then preparing, or the preparation of which was suggested, for the use of those various nations. The Bibliotheca Bilica, or repository for Bibles in the oriental languages, comprising a library for the use of translators of the Scriptures, founded by the late Rev. D. Brown, is next adverted to; and finally, the Armenian Christians. Before Dr. Buchanan concluded his Researches, he recurred to the subject of his first Memoir, and advanced some new and forcible arguments in support of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India.

Though it has been thought necessary to give the preceding brief analysis of this important and valuable work, it will be obvious, that more was not required; not only on account of its great notoriety and extensive circulation, but because many of the topics which it embraced have been already noticed in this narrative. The conclusion, however, of the Christian Researches demands more particular attention, because it comprises what may be called the practical application of the whole. Dr. Buchanan, like Lord Bacon himself, aimed not so much at inculcating new principles, as at exciting a new spirit; and though he did, indeed, make some important discoveries, as to the moral necessities of an immense portion of the human race, it was one of his main objects to teach others to follow him in his course, and to point out the way to its successful pursuit. In this view, the concluding observations of his work deserve the most serious consideration.

"In the progress of these Researches, the author has "found his mind frequently drawn to consider the extraordinary difference of opinion which exists among men of "learning, iu regard to the importance and obligation of "communicating religious knowledge to our fellow-crea❝tures. And he has often heard the question asked by "others, What can be the cause of this discrepancy of opi"nion? For that such a difference does exist is most evi"dent; and is exemplified at this moment in some of the "most illustrious characters for rank and learning in the "nation. This is a problem of a very interesting charac"ter at this day, and worthy of a distinct and ample discus"sion, particularly at the seats of learning. The problem "may be thus expressed: What power is that, which pro"duces in the minds of some persons a real interest and "concern in the welfare of their fellow-creatures; extend"ing not only to the comfort of their existence in this world, but to their felicity hereafter; while other men, "who are apparently in similar circumstances as to learn❝ing and information, do not feel inclined to move one step "for the promotion of such objects?? The latter, it may be, "can speculate on the philosophy of the human mind, on its "great powers and high dignity, on the sublime virtue of "universal benevolence, on the tyranny of superstition, and the slavery of ignorance; and will sometimes quote the "verse of the poet;

"Homo sum: humani nîl a me alienum puto :'

"but they leave it to others, and generally to the Christian "in humble life, to exercise the spirit of that noble verse. "This is a very difficult problem; and it has been alleged "by some, that it cannot be solved on any known principles "of philosophy. The following relation will probably lead "to principles by which we may arrive at a solution."

The solution of the problem thus proposed is derived by the author from the penitent humiliation of the great Babylonian conqueror; who, when brought to himself," expressed the sincerity of his conversion to the knowledge of the

true God, by proclaiming his greatness, asserting his glory, and inviting all nations to magnify him, and bow to his dominion".

"Such a proclamation," says Dr. Buchanan," to the na"tions of the earth was a noble act of a king, and ought to "be had in perpetual remembrance. It reminds us of the "last charge of Him who ascended up on high;' Go, "teach all nations.' It discovers to us the new and extend"ed benevolence, greatness of mind, and pure and heavenly

charity, which distinguish that man whose heart has been "impressed by the grace of God. How solemn his sense of

duty! How ardent to declare the glory of his Saviour! His "views for the good of men, how disinterested and enlar"ged! It is but too evident, that all our speculations concerning a Divine revelation, and the obligation imposed "on us to study it ourselves, or to communicate it to others, "are cold and uninteresting, and excite not to action, un"til, through the tender compassion of God, the day-spring

from on high visit us, to give light to them that sit in "darkness; to humble our hearts at the remembrance of "our sins against God, and to affect them with a just admi"ration of his pardoning mercy.

"Let Great Britain imitate the example of the Chaldean "king; and send forth to all the world her testimony' con"cerning the true God. She also reigns over many nations, which worship idols of wood and stone;' and she ought, "in like manner, to declare to them the signs and wonders of the Almighty.' And in this design every individual "will concur, of every church, family, and name, whose heart has been penetrated with just apprehensions of the "Most High God; who have known his judgments, and ex"perienced his mercy."

The circulation of the Christian Researches was immense. The first edition of seventeen hundred copies was soon exhausted; and before the end of the year three others had been printed. The labour, however, which their excellent

a Daniel, chap. iv.

Author had undergone in preparing this interesting volume for the press, probably led to a painful, though apparently unimportant seizure, which was evidently the prelude to one of a more serious nature. It is to this illness that he refers in writing thus to a friend.

"Kirby Hall, 19th Feb. 1811.

“I have had an illness of a peculiar kind ; a slight debili"tating stroke, affecting the voice and right hand, of the pa"ralytic kind. My hand is not itself yet, as you may see; "nor is my voice perfectly restored. The faculty ascribe "the immediate cause to study, a sedentary habit, and anx❝iety of mind on Mrs. B's illness. But whatever the cause "may be, it is a memento from the Lord, that this is not my "rest. Nor do I wish it to be so.

****“The town of Leeds have sent me an invitation "to succeed the late Mr. Atkinson, their worthy minister, "who died last week. I have not yet answered them; but "my late repeated attacks of illness will determine me to

decline it. My constitution is evidently not settled suffi"ciently for laborious study. But the Lord is my shepherd. "He will lead me in green pastures, and make darkness. "light before me. The people of Leeds deserve a better "pastor than I am, and the Lord will be their shepherd "also."

"26th March.

"I am now well enough to be able to write a few lines. I "have been gaining strength with the returning spring; for "I love the sun, and to look at it in this cold climate. It is "a fine object in this evil world. But I like the sun chiefly, "as it is an emblem of the Sun of Righteousness.' It gives "light and heat. I love your letters, for they have light "and heat, reflected from the same glorious luminary.

"You will be happy to hear that Mrs. L. has become a "most serious and intelligent Christian. Her only desire is "to live to the glory of her Saviour. She weeps at the re"collection of her obdurate heart in India, loves Mr. Brown, and thinks him a man to be wondered at.' I mean to

true God, by proclaiming his greatness, asserting his glory, and inviting all nations to magnify him, and bow to his dominion".

"Such a proclamation," says Dr. Buchanan, “to the na❝tions of the earth was a noble act of a king, and ought to "be had in perpetual remembrance. It reminds us of the "last charge of Him who ascended up on high;'‹ Go, "teach all nations.' It discovers to us the new and extend❝ed benevolence, greatness of mind, and pure and heavenly charity, which distinguish that man whose heart has been "impressed by the grace of God. How solemn his sense of "duty! How ardent to declare the glory of his Saviour! His "views for the good of men, how disinterested and enlarged! It is but too evident, that all our speculations concerning a Divine revelation, and the obligation imposed "on us to study it ourselves, or to communicate it to others, "are cold and uninteresting, and excite not to action, un"til, through the tender compassion of God, the day-spring "from on high visit us, to give light to them that sit in "darkness; to humble our hearts at the remembrance of "our sins against God, and to affect them with a just admi❝ration of his pardoning mercy.

"Let Great Britain imitate the example of the Chaldean "king; and send forth to all the world her testimony' con"cerning the true God. She also reigns over many nations, "which worship idols of wood and stone;' and she ought, "in like manner, to declare to them the signs and wonders of the Almighty.' And in this design every individual "will concur, of every church, family, and name, whose heart has been penetrated with just apprehensions of the "Most High God; who have known his judgments, and ex"perienced his mercy."

a Daniel, chap. iv.

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Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Claudius Buchanan, D.D.: Late ...