Christian India

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

It is somewhat discouraging to observe, how many of our best efforts for the benefit of mankind prove ineffectual. Money is given away in alms, and the object of our charity is afterwards found to have been not a proper one: institutions are set on foot for the instruction of the poor, many of whom use their knowledge to a mischievous purpose: measures are taken for the propagation of the Gospel, yet many of the schemes come to nothing.

What then? Are we to sit still, and not act, till we are sure of all the success that we wish for? Let us look at the husbandman: he scatters the seed: some falls by the way-side, and the birds eat it — some, where there is not earth enough, and when it groMs u|.% is scorched.

414 TWtXTIETH SF.UMOX.

and withers — some among- thonis, which springup and choke it: a part onlj’ falls into good ground; and, of that part, it is but a small quantity that brings forth a hundred-fold: yet, in the hope of a harvest of some kind, he works on. So let us work — acting to the best of our judgment, and putting forth our strength; because, whatever be the success of our plans in this world, we shall not lose our reward in the next.

It is upon the certainty of a future reward, that St. Paul grounds the exhortation of the text: In due season ive shall leap, if we faint not: therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men.

This is the duty which we must first inculcate: next in order, though not in importance, is the duty of paying particular attention to the Household of Faith.

I. Of the DUTY OF DOING GOOD UNTO ALL MEN, -we have heard a great deal more than enough of late years, under the name of Philanthropy, or universal benevolence.

There is certainly something imposing in the idea of an ardent charity, which, disdaining the narrow limits of personal relation, is impatient to have its energies felt at the extremities of the system. But the misfortune is, that it is but an idea, the nature of things presenting an insurmountable barrier to its ever being realized in practice: for the world is evidently so constituted, that we cannot act upon things remote, except through the medium of that which is near: indeed, it is impossible to conceive, how any being of limited powers can act immediately upon any thing but that which is contiguous to it: our experience, at least, is entirely against the probability of the existence of such a ]3ower; every thing that we see being a system, each part of which can act only upon its neighbour. In the human frame, in the body politic, in the material world, effects are for the most part produced by a process: an impulse is given to one part, which is communicated to the rest in succession, and then comes out the result. And though this mode of operation appears tedious to those who cannot keep more than one end in viev*^ at the same moment, it is wisely appointed by God; for, in this way, all the parts of his vast system come into use in their turn, and nothing is so insignificant as that it may be dispensed with.

Such, then, being the constitution of things, it is trifling to talk about doing good to all men, if the nearer relations in which we stand to others are overlooked: and if such be all that is meant by Philanthropy, it is worse than

410 TWENTIETH SERMO^f.

Bigotry. The Bigot does do good in his little circle; but the Philanthrophist, by attempting too much, does nothing.

From these observations it will be seen how properly the Apostle has qualified the precept of universal beneficence. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men. With equal accuracy is the great Christian Precept expressed — Love thy neighbour as thyself; since it directs to that which is really practicable in the theory of universal benevolence, and to no more. For who is our neis:hhour? every one that comes within the sphere of our action, our observation, our knowledge: all beyond are as though they were not. If there be any thing of which we form no idea, we cannot be affected with love or hatred to it.

It may be here allowed us to remark, that human systems of morality, constructed on a plan apparently more large and liberal than that of the Gospel, deserve very little attention; for what is really to the purpose in them, was found in the Gospel, long before: all the rest is most probably crude, imposed only upon inexperience; and is so far from arguing any superiority of mind, that the love of such theories rather proves a mediocrity of intellectual power: for all extremes, while they have a grandeur which captivates, are simple; on which account minds of a narrow span comprehend tlicm easily. Hence it is, that the yonng- and weak are pleased with romances, where the coincidences are exact and the events extravagant. Hence, alsop arise many of those stru,i»gles in states, which keep the workl in perpetual agitation: for the commonalty, who will neither reason themselves nor profit by the experience of others, are ever hurrying to extremes: dissatisfied with monarchical government, they rush at once to anarchy: w eary of this, they go all the way back again to slavery. Thus weak man is like the restless ocean, w hich is but for a moment at its proper level; or like the tremulous needle, which requires time and a steady hand, before it lies true. The same species of imbecility is apparent in all our intercourse with one another: disliking one or two parts of a person’s character, we condemn him altogether for the sake of as many good qualities, we bestow upon him unqualified praise.

To avoid extremes, is the part of wisdom. A child can lay his hand on the ends of things, but to find the middle requires reasoning. The wise will check the precipitation of the foolish — will except against sweeping changes — and, considering that nothing on earth is so bad but there is some good in it, and nothing human so good but it has something bad in it will perceive, that to destroy a whole system because some parts are out of order, is the way to leave us no good at all; and that to construct new ones, without noticing the possibilities of things and the state of imperfection in which we are, is only to waste time and make room for disappointment.

Happy are we in the possession of that Book of Wisdom, which marks its superiority to the flimsy productions of visionaries, by adapting itself to the circumstances of real life, and pointing out a certain and intelligible method of attaining perfection.

Let that precept of it, which, though somewhat resembling the inapplicable rule of theorists, differs widely from it in reality, be now attended to.

Do good unto all men. Let your charity begin at home, but do not let it end there. Do good to your family and connections; and, if you please, to your party: but, after that, look abroad. Look at the universal Church, and, forgetting its divisions, be a Catholic Christian — look at your country, and be a patriot — look at the nations of the earth, and be a philanthropist.

Against the possibility of assisting any but their friends, some will plead their penury:

CHillSTIAN INDIA. 419

the stream of their bounty is too scantily supplied to flow beyond the limits of their own ground. Be it so. May it refresh and fertilize all within! God neither requires impossibilities, nor loves disorder. On the contrary, he would have us adhere to his own arrangements; and, if we cannot do all that we would, is satisfied if we do all that we can.

To those who really have no opportunity, we do not speak — to the rest, we do. Your wealth is itself an opportunity; and unless, from the desire of aggrandizing your families, you prefer to let it accumulate at home, you have it in your power to bless many around you: you may conti’ibute to the support of Hospitals, Schools, and other Benevolent Institutions here or at home, making the selection in favour of those which promise to be most extensively useful.

But it may be right to suggest to all, that, as the happiness of man is more connected with the state of his mind than his body, you may, by seasonable advice and consolation, do infinitely more to make him happy, than by improving his temporal circumstances. Hence those, to whom age and experience have given wisdom, should notice the young and unprotected; especially those, who, on their first arrival in this country, find themselves without

E E 2 a guide. Persons who have many dependants or whose influence over others is extensive,* and those who live in the neighbourhood of large bodies of men or are in the way of meeting with a variety of persons, and those who have knowledge of different languages or might easily acquire them, should remember that they perform an acceptable service to God and man, if they make use of their opportunities by communicating religious knowledge. Let themp know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from deaths and shall hide a midtitude of sins (James v. 20). They that he wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever (Dan. xii. 3).

Animated by the promise of these high rewards, let us be instant in season and out of season, with benevolent assiduity; watching for opportunities of doing good; and exercising our minds in considering, in what way our means may be employed with the best effect.

The intelligent Christian will perceive the advantage which accrues from the combination of strength, and will gladly embrace the opportunity of acting in conjunction with others: for the power of Associated Bodies is incalculably greater, than the aggregate of the powers of the component parts; because wisdom and strength are lprouspht together in them.

On this ground, we recommend your becoming members of some of the various Associations for benevolent purposes, by which the commencement of the Nineteenth Century is distinguished. Among these, the British and Foreign Bible Society undoubtedly holds the most distinguished place; whether we consider the simplicity of the means which it uses, or the grandeur of its object.

The reasons which exist for such a Society, the specific object which it embraces, and the principles by which its operations are directed, will be best explained by their own Advertisement: —

*’The reasons which call for such an Institution, chiefly refer to the prevalence of ignorance, superstition, and idolatry, over so large a portion of the world — the limited nature of the respectable Societies now in existence, and their acknowledged insufficiency to supply the demand for Bibles in the United Kingdom and Foreign Countries — and the recent attempts, which have been made on the part of Infidelity, to discredit the evidence, vilify the character, and destroy the influence of Christianity. 7’he exclusive object of this Society is, to diftuse the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, by cir-

422 TWENTIETH SEIiMON.

culating them in the different languages throughout Great Britain and Ireland; and, also, according to the extent of its funds, by promoting the printing of them in foreign languages and the distribution of them in foreign countries. The principles upon which this undertaking will be conducted, are as comprehensive as the nature of the object suggests that they should be: in the execution of the plan, it is proposed to embrace the common support of Christians at large; and to invite the concurrence of persons of every description, who profess to regard the Scripture as the proper standard of faith.”

In this statement, there are two things to which it will be proper to call your attention.

The first is, that the exclusive object of the Society is, to promote the Circulation of the Scriptures: they neither disperse Religious Tracts, nor are connected with any Missionary Society: their only wish is to put the Sacred Text within the reach of every human being. You may be assured, that they will not depart from this rule, because the very existence of the Society depends upon their adherence to it. The certainty that nothing will be given but the Bible, and that without note or comment, is the only principle upon which Christians of all denominations will unite in it, or could do so legitimately.

You will observe, secondly, that they profess to BEGIN with their native country; and to PROCEED, as their funds shall admit, to the distribution of the Scriptures in foreign lands.

The friends of the Bible Society in India, acting upon the same principle, have endeavoured to ascertain the order of the respective claims of the various classes of persons in India — claims arising from their relation to us, or their own wants.

The European Regiments, now in the country, having been already supplied with the English Scriptures, it became a duty to consider to whom next they should direct their attention.

This point was soon determined, and they feel no doubt, that the British Pubhc in India will entirely agree with them, in considering the state of the Native Christians, as requiring immediate attention.

Their present object being of considerable magnitude, they feel themselves justified in requesting assistance; and, from a view of its obvious propriety, they have no hesitation in believing, that their countrymen will cordially co-operate with them in the execution of their plan.

Let me be allowed to exhort you to this good work, while I prosecute my subject.

II. We are commanded to do good unto all men, but especially to them who are of the HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.

We should, indeed, be always superior to those petty prejudices and partialities, which confine and cramp the energies of many; and should imitate the grace of Him, who maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matt. V. 45).

But we shall also be following the method of his grace, by doing good, more especially, to the Household of Faith. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works (Ps. cxlv. 9); but, The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Ps. lxxxvii. 2). And so ought we. The Household of Faith should be our peculiar care.

The consideration of this duty we proposed to make the second part of our subject.

The household of faith means all those, who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, and are baptized in his name. All these are one; united to one another in him, as the Lord hath said, I in them and thou in me, that they may he made perfect in one (John xvii. 23). Li this their united capacity, they are often compared to a Body, of which Christ is the Head; sometimes to a Building, of which he is the Foundation; but, here, to a Family, of which God is the Father. The last representation was the most appropriate in this place; for, because we are naturally disposed to benefit our own families, it was proper to remind us that all believers in Christ are a part of the same family as ourselves. The account which we have of this family in the Word of God is, that they were once strangers and foreigners but are now become the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. They receive the Spirit of adoption, and are led by him; and, being children they are heirs, heirs cf God and joint-heirs with Christ (Ephes. ii. 19. Gal. iii. 26. Rom. viii. 14 — 17).

The individuals which compose the family are connected with one another, by bonds more indissoluble far than the tie of consanguinity. In earthly families, the father dies, and the children separate; and they are seldom cordially united, though they live together: they neither form one body, nor are animated by one spirit, nor pursue the same ends, nor correspond in taste and inclination, nor serve the same master; but, choosing each a different profession, they leave their home as fast as opportunities are afforded them, and at last seem almost to forget that thov ever lived under

426 TWENTIETH SEllMON.

the same roof. Not so the Family of Faith: there, there is one body and one spirit; as they are called also in one hope of their calling; one Lord, 07ie faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in them all (Eph. iv. 4 — 6): bomicl thus together by every tie, are we not affectionately exclaiming with the Psalmist, Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces! For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say. Peace be within thee? (Psal. cxxii. 7, 8).

We will take it for granted that this is the sentiment of your hearts.

Only two things, therefore, remain to be considered: first, Where is this family to be found? and, secondly, What can be done for them?

The first question we have already answered: you need not go out of India to look for the family: they dwell in the land, and are natives of it: and the only favour which we ask for them is, the present of a bible.

The Native Christians of India may be arranged, according to their languages, in four divisions: —

1. The PORTUGUESE, of whom there are
about 50,000.

On the Malabar Coast alone, there are

36,000 ;* at Calcutta, 7000; in Ceylon, 5000. Besides these, there are settlements of Portuguese all along- the coast, from Madras to Cape Comorin; and families of them are to be found in all the principal towns on the Ganges and Jumna. They are more or less mixed with the Natives; and their language has, in consequence, lost much of its purity: but there is no reason to believe that the Version of the Scriptures, in the pure Portuguese, would not be perfectly intelligible and highly acceptable to them. Copies of the Portuguese Scriptures could be procured immediately from England: and they might be put into circulation without difficulty; because here, as well as in Europe, the Roman Catholic Priests are no longer averse to the translation and dispersion of the Scriptures. t

* Adam’s Religious World Displayed, Vol. i. p. 211. + Extract of a Letter from Dr. John, dated Tranqucbar, 15th November, 1809: — “The Portuguese Old and New Testament would be most acceptable, and a blessing, not only to Porlu. guese Protestants, but also to many Roman-Catholic Padres and Christians, at Madras, St. Thome, Sadras, Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Porto Novo, Tranquebar, Tanjore, Manaar, Ceylon, and in short at all the other chief places, as far as Goa and Bombay. Many of the Roman Catholics are not so averse to the reading of the Bible as before, and many even request them from us.” To which I add, that Antonio, a Roman-Catholic Missionary, at Boglepoor, on the Ganges, has translated the Gospels and the Acts into the dialect of the people of that district. Sebastiani, late a Mit-sionary in Persia, has almost finished a Version of the New Testament, in Persian.

42B TW’EXTIETII SEilMoy.

2. The next class of Christians to be noticed are those of tanjoue, who were converted to the Christian Faith, chiefly by the labours of Swartz.

They are in mimber about 12,000, and speak the Tamul. A Version of the Scriptures, in this language, was made lon;^ ago by Fabricius, one of the Danish Missionaries, who devoted his whole life to the work.*

These people are all Protestants: every one of them can read the Bible+: and their desire

* The excellence of his Version, is thus attested: — Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Marniaduke Thompson, Madras. “In answer to your question, ‘Did Fabricius translate and print the Old Testament, or any part of it?’ I am happy to tell you, (considcrinj; his univer’ally acknowledged talents, as a Tamul Scholar) he translated the wnoLE. The translation was executed with the greatest care. Mr. Fabricius, having carefully prepared his translation, sent it, sheet by sheet, to the ?Jissionaries at Cuddalore, Gericke and Hutteman, for examination and correction: from them, it passed to the Danish Missionaries, who were then numerous, and of most respectable talents; and, from them, to the Native Translator to the Danish Government; and then returned, with their notes, corrections, &c. to Mr. Fabricius, by whom it was completely revised and sent to Tranquebar to be printed, under the especial care of two Missionaries, of whom Dr. Rottler was one; and they spared, he tells me, no pains to have it executed most correctly, which it is generally thought to be. Dr. John writes me, that the late Mr. Fabricius was, in respect of the Tamul Language, superior to his coteinporary brethren, especially in writing, in which he was engaged at home, the greatest part of his life* Fiilii ifiiis died at the age of 80.”

i I?r. B’iichanar/^ Letters from the Coast.

to be more fully supplied with tlic Scriptures, appears from a Letter sent by the IMissioiiaries who superintend them.*

Lust year, at (he present season, these circumstances were stated to you; and, with a

* Extract of a Letter from Messrs. Kohloff and llorsl to Mr. Brown: — “With the most lively emotion of Joy and gratitude, we adore the Ioviii<:f-kindnossand mercy of our dear Lord, who hath dispo’^ed the rcspcctfd Bible Society to afford us thei benign assistance for diffusing the divine light of the Holy Scriptures, among so many thousand souls, who are perishing for lack of knowledje. May the Lord crown the pious designs of that worthy Society with the most ample success, and Ihcniselvcs with righteousness, life, and glory everlasting!

“We are in the utmost want of Tamul Bible-s; and likewise of Portuguese, though not to the same extent.

“The number of Native Protestants belonging to the Tanjore TNIission alone, including the Tiimcvelly District, amounts nearly to twelve thousand; none of whom (the Native Teachers excepted) has any Old Testament, and not one in two or three hundred has even the New Testament. Almost all the men, particularly to the south of Tanjore, know how to read, and are very eager after books. If only every tenth person amont; them had a copy of the Holy Scriptures, we should soon see the Word of Christ dwelling in them richly in all wisdom, and his saving knowledge spread among their Heathen and Popish Neighbours.

“Our Portuguese Chrislins are likewise in great want of Bibles.

“The Madras edition of the Tamul New Testament ought to be our standard, it being the work of that unparalleled Tamul Scholar and Poet, Mr. Fabricius; whose diction is much more classical and elegant than that of the Tranquebar Translators, though their translation is faithful enoi:gh. Mr. Fabriciuoi was likewise an excellent Portuguese Scholar and Poet.”

readiness and affection which will long be remembered, you came forward at once to assist your brethren. The donations of a few individuals were deemed sufficient to supply their immediate wants; but we are persuaded that still greater exertions would have been made, had the occasion required them. I am now authorised to inform you, that 600 Old Testaments, 400 New, and 300 Psalters, in Tamul; 200 Old Testaments, 150 New, and 500 Psalters, in Portuguese — have been purchased and distributed.*

That we may be able to render them further assistance and anticipate their future wants, a new edition of the Scriptures in Tamul should be instantly prepared, and for this nothing is

* The receipt of these is thus acknowledged by the TVfissionaries, Kohloff and Horst, (in a Letter dated Tanjore, 21st April, 1810), with the most fervent gratitude: — “We, and those among our Christians that have been apprised of it, acknowledge and revere the pious solicitude of your worthy Committee, for the spiritual welfare of our flocks and for the conversion of the Gentiles on the coast, which hath prompted you so liberally to dispense unto those poor Natives the invaluable treasures of the Word of God. Rest assured. Worthy Sir, that this generous contribution for relieving the spiritual wants of the Tamulers, hitherto unparalleled among the European Gentlemen in India, will be amply repaid by the acquisition of many souls to the Kingdom of Christ; and by the heavenly joy which the pious and liberal contributors will feel, when so many saints brought to Jesus by the Divine Word of Salvation, distributed to them by your Committee, shall hail them and you as the authors of their everlasting bliss.” wanting but funds. There are Tamul presses at Tranquebar and Vepery, and persons to superintend them.

3. The third class of Christians are those who speak the malayalim, or Malabar.

These are, first, the Roman Catholics, in number 150,000; composed partly of converts from Heathenism, and partly of proselytes from the Syrian church! *

And, secondly, the Syrians, who retain their ancient Form of Worship. No estimate has been made of their population, but the number of their Churches is ascertained to be fifty-five. There are then, perhaps, not fewer than 200,000 Christians who use the Malabar Language.f A Translation of the Scriptures into it was undertaken, four years ago, by their Bishop, assisted by some of his Clergy; and it is presumed, that the work is going on.:y; The Four Gospels are in the Press, at Bombay; and nearly printed ofF.§ Syriac being formerly spoken by these

* Adam’s Religious World Displayed, Vol. I. p. 211.

+ Rev. Dr. Buchanan’s Letters from the Coast.

‘^ In Cordiner’s Description of Ceylon, page 156, it is said, that all the New, and great part of the Old Testament, in Malabar, were printed and published by the Dutch Clergy, at Columbo: but by the Malabar is probably meant the Taniul.

The Four Gospels were submitted to the judgment of Dr. Robert Drumraond, of the Presidency of Bombay, Author of the Malabar Grammar; who reported that he considered it to be a faithful version of the Sacred Original, and intelligible to the common people.

mountaineers, their Liturgy and Scriptures are in that hmguage. “The Priests occasionally expound the Scriptures in the Malayalim to the people; but this good custom, like many others, is gradually falling into disuse. Some of the people understand the Syrian PrayeVs, but the Syrian Language is not used in common discourse. Some of the Elders of the Church were asked, whether they were willing to diffuse the Malayalim Scriptures, if they were aided in the expense: * We are most willing,’ they said: one of them added, ‘The truth is, that in former times, ail our people understood the Syriac; but, in the lapse of ages, the language of the country superseded it: a Malayalim Translation ought certainly to have been made, before now; but we have had, in later times, neither learned men nor competent means: our Three Colleges have been destroyed: and, being often left without a Bishop, Ruler, or Representative, we have suffered, from time to time, from the exactions of the Rajah’s Ministers: nothing could have saved us, but the peaceful demeanor and Christian conduct of our people: as to your proposal of circulating the Scriptures in the vernacular tongue, all the Fathers of our Church will unite with me in declaring, that we will most cheerfully do it, if we have the means to effect so good a work.’ One of the Elders stepped forward, and said, * To convince you of our earnest desire to have the Bible in the Malayalim Tongue, 1 need only mention, that I have lately translated the Gospel of St. Matthew, for the benefit of my own children: it is often borrowed by the other families: it is not in fine language, but the people love to read it.’ It was then proposed to them, that a standard translation of the Malayalim should be prepared and sent to each of the Fifty-five Churches, on condition that each Church should multiply the copies and circulate them among the people: ‘We accept your offer,’ said the Priests, ’ with thankfulness.’ One, in particular, said, ‘I engage for the heads of families in this parish, that every man who can write, will be happy to make a copy of the Scriptures for his own family.’ “*

It was before mentioned, that 150,000 Roman-Catholic Christians use the same language; to which it may be here added, that the Romish Bishop, the Vicar Apostolic of the Pope in India, has consented to the circulation of the Scriptures throughout his Diocese; so that there are upward of 200,000 persons who are ready to receive the Malayalim -Bible.

4. We come now to the fourth and last class of Native Christians, the Cingalese.

* Rev. Dr. Buchanan’s Letters from the Coast. F F

In the Island of Ceylon, in the year 1 80 1, the number of Native Schools amounted to one hundred and seventy; and the number of Native Protestant Christians exceeded 1^2,000. The Christians professing’ the religion of the Church of Rome, are supposed to be still more numerous.*

No part of India offers such encouragements to attempts at moral improvement, as Ceylon. t

The New Testament has been translated into Cingalese, and printed at Columbo at the charge of Government, for the purpose of sup-

* At Columbo, the highest ranks of Natives profess Christianity; and such of them, as have received the benefit of a good education, are more conscientious and resj-.eclalle than their Heathen Neighbours. Cordinev’s Deiscriptir,n of Ceilon.

t The state of religion in Cej Ion is lery dltFercnl from that of any country on the Continent of India. Here, the ancient form of worship is almost totally forgotten; and the ii.habilaiits lile in uninvtru ted ignorance, perfectly free both from prejudice and bigotry. They have so long wandered in darkness, that they gladly follow the least glimmerings of light. The first openings of religious knowledge are received by them with transport; and they look up with adoration, to any person who bestows pains in endeavouring to leach them. The arguments, therefore, which have been advanced against attcmptiisg to introduce Chrisljanity amongst the more polished natioi.s of the East, are entirely void, when applied to the uncullilaled people of this Island. There is no doubt, that if ever the Goxernment of England pay attention to this subject, the Religion of Christ will become as clearly understood and as well priiclised in Ceylon, as in anv part of the King’s dominions. Ibid.

plying the Natives professing- Christianity. For this information, the Bible Society, from whose Icist Report we have obtained it, profess themselves indebted to Sir Alexander Johnstone, late Chief Justice in that Island; and, in consequence of his representation, they have determined to appropriate as nmch as can be spared from the expenses necessarily attending the execution of their vast plans, to promote the circulation of the Cingalese Scriptures.

But must this be suffered? Do we not blush at the offers of assistance from home, w here funds are raised with such difficulty, not for want of good-will in the people but from the unexampled pressure of the times; and where also ail that is raised may be employed with such effect, in benefiting the other three quarters of the globe? Asia must be our care; or, if not Asia, INDIA at least must look to none but us. Honour calls, as well as duty: your reputation for liberality requires, that you render their assistance unnecessary. Let us make haste, then, and anticipate their supplies; and thus prove to our friends and the world, that the Mother Country need never be ashamed of her sons in India.

What a splendid spectacle does she present! Standing firm amidst the overthrow of the nations, and spreading wide the shadow of her wings for the protection of all, she finds herself at leisure, amidst the tumult of war, to form benevolent projects for the best interests of mankind. Her Generals and Admirals have caused the thunder of her power to be heard throughout the earth: now her Ministers of Keligion perform their part; and endeavour to fulfil the high destinies of heaven in favour of their country. They called on their fellow-citizens to cheer the desponding nations, with the Book of the Promises of Eternal Life; and thus afford them that consolation from the prospect of a happier world, which they have little expectation of finding amidst the disasters and calamities of this. The summons was obeyed. As fast as the nature of the undertaking became understood, and was perceived to be clearly distinct from all party business and visionary project, great numbers, of all ranks in society and of all persuasions in religion, joined, with one heart and one soul, and ])egan to impart freely to all men that which, next to the Saviour, is God’s best gift to man.

The example first set by a few has produced, as you will perceive by their Report, a holy emulation through the land. Auxiliary Societies are forming from town to town, to take charge of their respective vicinities, and to aid the Parent Institution. It is now time that

WE should step forward. Shall every town and hamlet in England engage in the glorious cause, and the mighty empire of India do nothing? Will not our wealth and dignity be our disgrace, if we do not employ it for God and our fellow -creatures? What plan could l)e proposed, so little open to objections, and so becoming our national character and religion — so simple and practicable, yet so extensively beneficial — as that of giving’ the Word of God to the Christian Part of our Native Subjects? Nothing of a questionable shape has been brought before you: we contend for nothing, the propriety of which can be disputed. We call you to the discharge of an acknowledged duty — the duty of being charitable to Christians. There are, as you have seen, no less than 900,000 Christians close at hand. Many of them are relapsing fast to idolatry, and are already indeed little better than Heathens:*

* At Aughoor, near Trichinopoly, there is a union of Romish Ceremonies and Pagan Superstitions. They have their rutt, or car. I examined the rutt. It is built in the usual manner, with their cables to pull it; only that, instead of the Hindoo Devices, it has got Hell and the Devils on the lower part, Heaven and the Blessed in the higher, and, above all, the Pope and Cardinals! The Priest is so ignorant, that he did not seem conscious of any impropriety in having the rutt. I asked him how many thousands of Christians attended the festival: he said generally about 10,000, which number corresponds with the Report of the Collector of the District.

At Manaar, I embarked in an open boat for Ramisseram.

A storm

438 TWENTIETH SKRMO^T.

yet they are for ever broken off from their parent stock: they have left then- castes: they cannot be received back a.’jjain, and have none to whom they can look but us. Are we then to cast them back? — or, which is nearly the samep to continue to neglect them? — and thus exhibit, as we have too long done, to their Heathen and Mahomedan Neighbours, a dreadful specimen of what Christianity would do for them; for, of all the Christians whom they see, they must observe, that the greater number know nothing about their religion, and that those who have light have no love. It was truly said by St. Paul concerning him who on any pretence did not provide for his own, and especially for them of his own house, that he had denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (I Tim. v. 8). Truly, if we provide not for these, we shall be “worse than the Mahomedans, who consider

A storm arose, and I went on shore al a fishing village, situated near the north-west extremity of the island ISIanaar. They were all Romish Christians, and I slept in their Church. The Priest was absent, and his Catechist had never heard that there was such a book as the Bible. My own boatmen were Christians, but had never heard of the Bible.

The rult is attached to the Church of Tutycorin, as at Au- boor. The Priest told me he walked before it in procession. la the Hindoo Temples it is usual to ring bells and strike gongs, the moment the idol is unveiled. In analogy to this, bells are rung and drums beat at Tutycorin when tho Virgin Mary is unveiled. — fley. Tir. Budianan”* Lelleri from the Coast.

their proselytes as entitled to their regard: we shall be reversing the Christian Rule; and, instead of loving’ our enemies, shall he hating; our friends.

Permit us to plead their cause: we beg that you will love and help them, as branches of your own family.

Mention not their meanness: it is yours to raise them* from degradation. Despise not their inferiority, nor reproach them for their errors: they cannot get a bible to read: had they been blessed with your advantages, they would have been perhaps more worthy of your respect. It has been said, with too much truth, that they scarcely deserve the name of Christians: how is it possible that it should be otherwise, without the Bible; when it is considered how little oral instruction they receive! If the Jews, with all the care that was taken of them, and the discipline to which they were subjected, could not escape the contagion to which their situation exposed them, is it to be expected that these poor people, whom any man may trample on, should? Can the unenlightened and uninformed be proof against the sediTCtions of idolatry? The ridiculous ceremonies of the Heathen Worship, the tawdry splendor of their exhibitions, their songs and their flowers and their festivities, though exciting in

US only aversion and disgust, have a mighty importance in the mind of a feeble Indian; and always will have, till the tone of sentiment be raised. The Bible would elevate his views: and there seems no other way of doing it; for it must be recollected, that these persons have no books, as we have, to supply, in some measure, the want of the Bible — books interspersed with passages of Scripture, pointing out the way to eternal life.

“But have not they teachers?” you will ask. Yes, here and there one is to be found; but the nutnber hardly deserves notice, when the wants of the people are considered. And how can Europe continue to send Missionaries to a population continually increasing? Besides, Missionaries have done their work: it was for them to bring the Gospel to Hindoostan, and they did it. It is now time for the converts to have their Ministers and Pastors of themselves. But men can never become qualified for the Ministry, without studying the Bible. On the other hand, there is every reason to believe, that, if they had fi’ee access to the Scriptures, some would be soon found competent to teach others. It has always been so in every country: they were first called and directed by the Missionary; and, after a little time, went on by themselves. If the Indians have not yet done

SO, it is because of their peculiar circumstances: the former possessors of the country have been generally their enemies: their degradation paralyzes them. Do you make a great eftbrt, and lift them but a little, and you will soon find that they will awake dind put on their strength: they will shake themselves from the dust and arise (Is. lii. 1,2): they will advance rapidly in knowledge, and go on without your aid.* Should we, however, be deceived in our hope of seeing them organized, and regular Pastors administering the Holy Ordinances, it is at all events impossible to believe, that the people, with the Scripture in their possession, would long remain in their present deplorable condition: they would read it in their houses: they would teach it their children: they would talk of it in the way; and men who can do this, have ceased to be contemptible.

Come then. Beloved Brethren: begin the year well. Before many more returns of the present day, you will, many of you, have left the country: if this opportunity be neglected, you will not perhaps have the satisfaction of recollecting, that you ever did any thing for the good of India. You must also reflect, and it is

* This, however, ;is dubious. Swartz and Gericke, as well as the Roman-Catholic Priests, were of opinion, that European Teachers would be always necessary.

a proper reflection for the beginning of the year, that death will soon put a period to your opportunities: your wealth will soon he of no use to you: therefore, while life lasts, make it the instrument of happiness to thousands.

There is no room for apprehension that you will excite a commotion. The persons for whom we plead call our Lord theirs, and hold his Word in the same veneration as we do. They will not eye with suspicion the Sacred Volume; but seize it with delight, as a book which they have often longed to see.

The undertaking, in which we ru*ge you to engage, has nothing in the nature of it, at which any one can reasonably demur. The means of accomplishing the desired purpose are unexceptionable: the success is certain; for God himself hath declared concerning the word which goeth forth out of his mouth, that it shall not return void: it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (is. Iv. 1 1). The frame of heaven may pass away — much more then the schemes of men: but my words, said Christ, shall not pass away (Matt. xxiv. 35).

You may also be assured of their gratitude and attachment. Even now, though they are kept at. such a distance from us that they, girarcelv darf rn]l u? F»rethrf’n, it is a secret satisfaction to them, that their Governors are Christians: how desirable that the attachment of these harmless people should be made of importance !* But this is a topic which it is not our province to enlar-je upon: we rather exhort you to be instrumental in saving souls. While we are preaching, they are perishing: therefore, lose no time.

Let us reflect a moment upon the unhappy state of those who live without a Bible, but especially of those who die without one. Imagine the sad situation of a sick or dying Christian, who has just heard enough of eternity to be afraid of death, and not enough of a Saviour to look beyond it with hope: he cannot call for a Bible to look for something to support him, or ask his wife or child to read him a consolatory chapter: the Bible, alas! is a treasure, which they never had the happiness to possess. Oh pity their distress You, who have

*Therewasan insurrection of the Nayrs ill Travancore, in the year 1806, against the Rajah. Three baltaiionsof his Nayr Body Guards rexolted, and sought to kill the British Kesidenl; and the Kajah and the present Minister, Co ougI M., fled to Cochin. The Rajah called the Christian Fishermen from the coast, to defend him ayainst the Nayrs. They assembled at Travandram, in immense numbers, each man armed with a short bludgeon. The bowmen from the hills afpeared, at the same time, in the Rajah’s behalf; and the Nayrs laid down their arms and fled. About fifty of the ringleaders were seized and hanged. Dr. Bttchavan$ Let ler« from the Coasi.

hearts to feel for the miseries of your fellow-creatures — you, who have discernment to see, that a wounded spirit is far more agonizing than any earth-begotten woes — you, who know that you too must one day die — Oh give unto him, what may comfort him in a dying hour! The Lord who loves our brethren, who gave his life for them and for you, who gave you the Bible before them, and now wills that they should receive it from you — He will reward you. They cannot recompense you; but you shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. The King Himself will say to you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.