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This is a problem of a very interesting character at this day, and worthy of a distinct and ample discussion, particularly at the seats of learning. The problem may be thus expressed: "What power is that, which produces in the minds of some persons a real interest and concern in the welfare of their fellowcreatures; extending 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 learning 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 nil a me alienum puto:"

but they leave it to others, and generally to the Christians 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.

There was once a king in the east, whose empire extended over the known world, and his dominion "was to the end of the earth." During the former part of his reign, his heart was filled with pride: he knew not the God of heaven: and he viewed with the utmost indifference the nations over whom he ruled, worshipping idols of wood and stone. But it pleased the King of Kings to dethrone this haughty monarch, to cast him down from his high estate and to abase him in the dust. And after he had been for a time in the furnace of affliction, and his proud heart was humbled, God graciously revealed himself to him in his true name and character, and then restored him to his former prosperity and power. The

penitent king, thus once more exalted, and filled with admiration at the discovery of the only true God, immediately issued an edict to the whole world, setting forth the greatness of the Most High, asserting his glory, and inviting all nation to "praise and magnify HIM that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation." This memorable edict began in these sublime terms:

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Nebuchadnezzar the King, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth, Peace, be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders which the most high God hath wrought toward me. How great are his signs! How mighty are his wonders!" Having recounted the judgment and mercy of God to himself, he thus concludes; "Now I Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the king of Heaven, all whose works are truth and his ways judgment; and them that walk in pride he is able to abase."*

Such a proclamation to the nations 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 extended 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 Savior! 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, "until, through the tender compassion of God, the day spring from on high visit us, to give light to them that sit in dark

Daniel, 4th chapter,

ness;* to humble our hearts, at the remembrance of our sins against God, and to affect them with a just admiration of his pardoning mercy.

Let Great Britain imitate the example of the Chaldean king; and send forth to all the world her testimony concerning 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; having known his judgments and experienced his mercy.

Kirby Hall, Boroughbridge,
Feb. 15, 1811.

Luke ii. 79.

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OF THE EXPEDIENCY OF

AN ECCLESIASTICAL ESTABLISHMENT

FOR

BRITISH INDIA.

PART I.

ON THE MEANS OF PRESERVING THE PROFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION AMONG OUR COUNTRYMEN IN INDIA.

CHAPTER I.

Present state of the English Church in India.

1. THE present establishment of English chaplains for the British empire in India, is not much greater than the factorial establishment in the time of lord Clive.

2. There are six military chaplains for Bengal, Bahar, Oude, the Dooab, and Orissa. There are three chaplains in the town of Calcutta, five at the presidency of Madras, and four at the presidency of Bombay. Nor is that list ever full. Two-thirds of the number is the average for the last ten years.

3. Some islands in the West Indies have a more regular church establishment, and more extensive Christian advantages than the British empire in the east. Jamaica has eighteen churches; English India has three; one at Calcutta, one at Madras, and one at Bombay.

4. At the establishment of Bencoolen, at the factory at Canton, at the flourishing settlement of Prince of Wales's Island, at Malacca, at Amboyna, and at the other islands to the eastward now in our possession, there is not a single clergyman of the English church, to perform the rite of baptism, or to cele

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