from foreign depredation, as from internal commotion. This is an advantage rarely possessed by the subjects of Asiatic states; and, combined with a domestic administration more just in its principles, and exercised with far greater integrity and ability than the native one that preceded it, may sufficiently account for the improvements that have taken place; and which, in the Bengal provinces, where peace has been enjoyed for a period of time perhaps hardly paralleled in oriental history, have manifested themselves in the ameliorated condition of the great mass of the population; although certain classes may have been depressed by the indispensable policy of a foreign government. The nature and circumstances of our situation prescribe narrow limits to the prospects of the natives, in the political and military branches of the public service; strictly speaking, however, they were foreigners who generally enjoyed the great offices in those departments under the Moghul government. But to agriculture and commerce every encouragement is afforded, under a system of laws, the prominent object of which is to protect the weak from oppression, and to secure to every individual the fruits of his industry. The country, as may be expected, has, under these circumstances, exhibited in every part of it, improvement, in a deneral view, advancing with accelerated progress in these latter times." t Such is the region with whose political history, since the first Mohammedan invasion, Mr. Stewart proposes to make us acquainted. "In a work professing," says the author, "to be a history of Bengal, it will probably be expected to find some account of the original inhabitants of the country; and a detail of their gradual rise from a state of barbarism to that high degree of civilization in which they were found when first visited by Europeans. In both these respects, I am sorry to say, the rea der will be disappointed. Although the Hindoos of Bengal have an equal claim to antiquity and early civilization with the other nations of India, yet we have not any authentic information respecting them during the early ages of their progress; nor is there any other positive evidence of the ancient existence of Bengal as a separate kingdom, for any considerable period, than its distinct language, and peculiar written character. It is said to have been, at various periods, tributary to the sovereignties of Oude, Dehly, and Maghada (the present Behar); but that at other times its Rajas extended their conquests as far as Benares.*" "Ebul Fazil," adds Mr. S. has given, in the Ayeen Akberry, a list of sixty-one kings of Bengal, who reigned over that country before the Mahommedan invasion; and although he has in some measure destroyed its credibility, by an ill-judged attempt to make it conform with Brahminical antiquity, yet there is little doubt that it rests on a foundation of truth; and if twenty or twenty-five years be allowed for each reign, previous to the period of the invasion, viz. A. D. 1203-4, it will give the Bengalese sufficient claim to antiquity." Mr. S. commences what he properly calls his "introduction" to the History of Bengal, with an account of the first irruption of the Mahommedans into the countries. east of the Indus; a part, however, of his work, in which he merely proposes to himself to draw out a summary of the information contained in Colonel Dow's Translation of Ferishtah's History, a work which he vindicates from the censure that has been attempted to be thrown on it. Setting for ward, then, from the death of the celebrated Haroun Al Rashid, A. H. 170, when the temporal power of the Califs began to decline, Ishmael Samany, the founder * Asiatic Researches, vol. ix. pp. 73, 112, 8vo, edition. of the Samanian dynasty, is introduced to our notice. This prince, who, under the Califs, was governor of Daverulniher (Transoxiana) and Khorassan, assumed, A. H. 263, the royal title, and reigned in the city of Bokhara, the capital of the province of the same name, in Usbec Tartary, over the provinces just mentioned, and the northern part of Persia. The Samanian dynasty had reigned for ninety years with tranquillity and splendour in the city of Bokhara, when, A. H. 350, Abdul Malik Noo, the seventh of the race, died, leaving a son, Abul Munsur, in a state of minority. This unfortunate circumstance produced, as in the numerous instances on record, a division at the court. Abistagy, governor of Khorassan, a person of great reputation, was referred to, to put an end to disputes. That nobleman pronounced against Munsur; but, before his messengers had reached Bokhara, the contending parties had united; and unanimously elected Munsur for their king. The young monarch, unable to hide his dissatisfaction at the decision of Abistagy, commanded him to leave his government and proceed to Bokhara. Abistagy, unwilling to trust himself in the hands of the prince whom he had offended, immediately raised the standard of rebellion, and in the end, established himself in Ghisne, the capital of Zabulistan,* then possessed by the Anooks, a tribe of Afghans. Abis tagy, after a reign of fifteen years, died and was succeeded by his son, Abu Isaac, who, at the end of a short reign of one year, died without an heir. Subuctageen, the generalissimo of Abistagy, in consequence, peaceably mounted the throne, taking, on this occasion, the title of Nasir Addeen. It was this sovereign which commenced the Mohammedan wars of Called by late authors, Cabul, Caubul, Kabool, &c. &c. religion and pillage upon the unoffending nations of India. In A. H. 360, he invaded the country of Jypaal Raja, extending, in a north-west direction, from Lahore to Lumghan, and in a south-east from Cashmire to Moultan, and of which the capital was called Bathendeh. From this time, Mohammedan expeditions against India, to break its images, plunder its temples, and carry its inhabitants into slavery, became frequent. A. H. 435, the Ghiznian empire being then on the decline, the Raja of Dehly, allying himself with all the Hindoo princes of the Punjab, made an attack on the invaders, and almost drove them out of Hindoostan; but this reverse was temporary, and the Mohammedan arms subsequently recovered and maintained their predominance. (To be continued.) Some Principles of Civilization; with detached Thoughts on the Promotion of Christianity in British India. By Richard Hey, Esq. L.L.D. late Fellow of Sidney, Sussex, and Magdalen Colleges, University of Cambridge. Cambridge, at the University Press, for Hatchard, London. THE promotion of Christianity in British India is a subject, which, from its immense importance, has employed the thoughts and the pens of various learned and good men. All agree on the de sirable end; but differ as to the means. Enemies, as we are, to vague and fanciful theories, on a subject which, of all others, demands the most serious and patient attention; we have read with a considerable degree of pleasure the work be fore us. The author is not one of those modern scribblers, who give to the world crude and superficial pamphlets on every subject which falls in their way, but a calm, systematic reasoner, who leads his reader, with almost mathematical precision, through a regular series of arguments. Laying his foundation on fixed principles, he raises his superstructure with singular minuteness, and his chain of reasoning is extended, without the omission of a single link to perplex or mislead. The style in which it is written reminds us of our favourite Paley, with somewhat less of his animation; but the same simplicity of mind, and the same good sense are evident in every page. We are persuaded that this writer has digested well the subject which he treats; and, even if we differed from him in opinion, he is too respectable to be treated with an uncourteous or severe opposition. The pamphlet begins with some preliminary observations, and the author dwells considerably on general principles of civilization, "leaving them to be applied by those whose situation may call them to it. The object, however, before us, is no less than the promotion of the temporal and eternal welfare of persons far exceeding, in number, the inhabitants of our United Kingdom in Europe." This object every good man is desirous to promote; but, as we have observed, the mode is perplexing perhaps, and difficult:— "I find a difference of opinion in the writers whom I have consulted, respecting the precedence of civilizing or christianizing those who stand in need of both. Some propose civilization as a step preparatory to the introduction or offer of christianity; others speak of christianity as the only or most effectual means of civilizing. The distinction may perhaps be material in some views; though pro bably not necessary to be carried along with us in these pages. If any person suggest what is likely to be advantageous towards either of the two purposes, it may be not quite foreign to the other. At least what tends to civilize will, in the opinion of some, prepare for christianity; and what directly promotes christianity will, in the opinion of others, be favourable to civilization. Indeed, if civilization be regarded as ending in mere temporal good, it dwindles into nothing when viewed as a consequence from the true religion because the value of this consists in securing a never-ending felicity. I am inclined to consider the two as mutual causes and effects. Civilization may promote christianity, and in return be promoted by it. Christianity may have a civilizing influence; and, from this advantage gained, may be more readily and efficaciously received into the heart and actions. Taking this view of the matter, we cease to regard civilization as a mere temporal acquisition; and in devising the means of promoting the one or the other, we feel that we are, in either case, employed, mediately or immediately, in forwarding the highest interests of our species. And, if one rude Indian be first struck by any of the sublime and affecting truths of christianity, and through the medium of religion, become a civilized man; if another be drawn on gradually by miscellaneous instruction and other means, to a state of civilization, and, through this medium, become a christian, I see no reason why we are to object to either process. I see no reason to suppose, in either case, that the Divine Providence and the influence of the Holy Spirit, have not superintended and guided the whole: though in the most usual mode, that is, a mode unknown to us, and not by us to be distinctly traced in the operation. Neither case precludes human effort: neither case justifies that confident zeal which presumes upon infallible guidance from God." In this we do not materially differ; but we are, on the whole, disposed to think, that civilization, to a certain extent, such as perhaps exists among a very large portion of British India, is necessary to a successful attempt towards a real conversion to the pure doctrines of the Gospel. An uncivilized man may be made a nominal christian, We wish both heart and head to be impressed with the saving truths of the Gospel, which we fear will not always be the case among uneducated barbarians. This opinion is strengthened by the deeply learned and acute Warburton, who writes as follows: "The benevolent spirit of antiquity, which set their heroes and lawgivers on reforming the savage manners of their barbarous neighbours, and communicating to them the blessings of civil life, as divine as it appears, hath been yet out done in the charities of these latter times, which sends missionaries among the wild inhabitants of the new world, with the greater blessings of the Gospel. But the constant tant ill-success of this glorious undertaking, hath been a long time matter of grief to all good men. Something therefore must needs be much amiss, to defeat a purpose which grace and nature conspire to advance. And, if we search carefully into into it, we shall find it to be this, the preaching of it to savage and brutal men. But the Gospel, plain and simple as it is, and fitted in its nature for what it was ordained to effect, requires an intellect something above that of a savage to apprehend. Nor i is it at all to the dishonour of our holy faith, that such a one must be taught a previous lesson; and first of all instructed in the Our limits will not allow our doing justice to this excellent We earnestly recom treatise. mend it to the perusal of all, who feel an interest in the welfare our numerous fellow-creatures in India, who are now sunk in spi ritual darkness. They will find much valuable and important matter, arranged with unusual perMonspicuity; much good sense, and a spirit of genuine benevolence, which mark the author to bellag learned and sound reasoner, and, what is far better, a good pious Christian. DR. DUNCAN, senior, of Edinburgh, is preparing for the Press, a new edition of his Observations on the distinguishing Symptoms of Three different Species of Pulmonary Consumption, the Catarrhal, the Apostematous, and the Tuberculous. The Appendix, in which he gave some Account of an Opiate Medicine, prepared from common Garden Lettuce, and which he has denominated Lactucarium, will be considerably enlarged, with Observations communicated to him by several of his Friends who have employed it in Practice. Mr, C. S. Gilbert will soon publish, in two royal quarto volumes, a Historical Survey of Cornwall, illustrated by numerous engravings, from drawings by Mr. H. Parker, jun. The Rev. And. Thompson, of Edinburgh, has nearly ready for publication, Lectures, Expository and Practical, on Select Portions of Scripture, in two octavo volumes. The Rev. Dr. T. D. Whitaker, Vicar of Whalley, is preparing a General History of the County of York, which will form seven or eight volumes in folio. Dr. Adam Dods, of Worcester, has in the press, the Physician's Practical Companion, arranged in alphabetical dissertations, in an octavo volume. Mr. J. T. James is printing a Journal of a Tour on the Continent, in 1813-14; comprising descriptions of Berlin, Stockholm, Petersburg, Moscow, &c. The Fourth Volume of the Antiquities of Athens, &c, by Stuart and Revett, edi ted by Mr. Joseph Woods, is nearly ready for publication. Mr. Scoresby has in the press, the History of East and West Greenland, and the Northern Whale Fishery. Mr. Wm. Wilkins, Architect, will soon publish in an octavo volume, with plates, Atheniensia, or Remarks on the Buildings and Topography of Athens. The Seventh and Eighth Volumes of Campbell's Lives of the Admirals, commenced by the late Henry Redhead Yorke, are now in the press, and will complete that work early in the ensuing summer. Dr. P. Kelly will soon publish, an Essay on Weights and Measures, ancient and modern, with remarks on the principles and provisions of the bill now before parliament, od Dr. Adams is preparing for the press, Memoirs of the Life, Doctrine, and Opis nions of the late John Hunter, founder of the Hunterian Museum, at the College of Surgeons in London. Asiatic Journ.-No. V. The Remains of James Dusautoy, late of Emanuel college, Cambridge, with an Introduction by Robert Southey, Esq. is preparing for publication. The Memoirs of Dr. Matthew Stuart, Dr. James Hutton, and Professor John Robinson, read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh, with some additional notes by Professor Playfair, will soon appear in an octavo volume. Mr. Wm. Mariner has in the press, in two octavo volumes, an Account of the People of the Tonga Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Mr. Booth, author of an Analytical Introduction to the English Language, will soon publish a volume of Poems. Memoirs of the late Thomas Holcroft, written by himself, and continued to the time of his death, from his diary, notes, and other papers, will soon appear in three duodecimo volumes. Mr. William Playfair will soon publish, a Supplemental Volume of Political Portraits in this new era. Memoirs of Oliver Cromwell and his Children, supposed to be written by himself, will soon appear in three duodecimo volumes. Mr. Windham, of Glasgow, has in the press, Unitarianism incapable of Vindication, in reply to the Rev. J. Yates' Vindication of Unitarianism. A new edition of a Collection of Fare wel Sermons, by Nonconformist Divines, in an octavo volume, is nearly ready... Mr. Ravizotti's Italian Grammar is reprinting, with considerable improvements. Mr. Pratt has in the press, a new edi tion of the late Rev. R. Cecil's Works, in three octavo volumes. A new edition of Dr. Pinkard's Notes on the West Indies, with additional letters, and a plan for the emancipation of the slaves, is in the press. The Rev. T. Malthus is preparing a new edition of his Essay on Population, with important additions and emendations. An edition of Gray's Works, wish some variations in the principal poems, from his own hand writing, and many letters hitherto unpublished, edited by Mitford, is in the press. A new and corrected edition of the Rev. Harvey Marriott's Course of Practical Sermons, will appear in a few days. The MS Pentateuch noticed last month had its length erroneously stated, the two volumes, or double roll, being 159 1 long and it is in excellent preservation. Ar a late meeting of the Geological Sol ciety, a paper by professor Esmack, of VOL. I. 30 |
