links in that chain of events upon which the stupendous designs of Jehovah are suspended, they assume an importance, with which no other consideration can invest them. We may instance the successive rise and fall of the Chaldean, the Persian, the Grecian, and the Roman Monarchies; compared with the Sacred Prediction, and actual accomplishment of designs, which were fulfilled, without the intention, or even knowledge, of the immediate agents employed, by a wise and all-controlling Providence, to carry them into execution! Let us instance, also, the universal success of the Roman arms in the reign of Augustus, so evidently intended to tranquillize the world, and prepare it for the Advent of the Prince of Peace! Every one conversant with the history of the British Empire in India will know, that the acquisition of territory has long ceased to be the object (if indeed it ever were the object) of the English in waging war with the Native Powers. Self-defence alone seems to have called them into the field, against the French, Hyder, Tippoo, and other formidable enemies. At the close of the last Mahratta War, the Marquis of Hastings publicly and distinctly avowed thus much, in reference to that campaign: and I know not of a single instance upon record, wherein the British have taken up arms for the purpose of molesting an unoffending Prince, however insignificant and defenceless, much less of despoiling him of his dominions. Sir John Malcolm*, speaking of the extension of the British Empire in India, says, "We have been reluctantly compelled, by events far beyond our power to controul, to assume the duties of Lord-paramount of that great Continent." "Increase of territory will, in spite of all our efforts, come too rapidly. The cause which has compelled, and will continue, beyond all others, to compel us to increase our dominion, lies deep in the character of our powert." This he proceeds to explain: but it shall suffice here to remark, that God has often seemed to permit the Wicked Spirit (as in Ahab's case, 2 Chron. xviii. 18-22.) to inspire the Counsellors of Native Princes with the spirit of infatuation which has urged them on to provoke hostilities against themselves, until the British have had no alternative, but to deprive them of all power in future to disturb` their peace. In this way has the major part of our Indian Territory been transferred to our t * Memoir of Central India, vol. II. p. 264. hands, contrary to our expectations, and often against our wish. For what purpose, I ask, has the Almighty conferred upon a Company of British Merchants a more extensive dominion than any earthly Monarch governs? Can it be for their personal aggrandizement ?-to enrich our nation, and indulge us with exotic luxuries? No; there is not the shadow of a reason to conclude that His object is different from what it has generally been, in permitting one nation to triumph over another. That object is, to prepare a way for the Ambassadors of Peace, and to extend the boundaries and blessings of His Kingdom. To deny this, or to suppose that the case of the British Power in India forms an exception to the Almighty's general design, is to provoke Him to subvert that mighty Empire. We glory in the achievements of our arms: but soon will their splendour be tarnished, soon shall our Indian Possessions be taken from us, and given to a Nation more zealous for the honour of our God, unless we inscribe on our banners, "Holiness to the Lord," and follow up our successes by rendering them subservient to the promotion of His glory in the East. How vast then, how tremendous, the responsibility of our Indian Government! I tremble for the mortal that shall presume to endeavour, either to extenuate its magnitude, or, by word or action, to divert the Rulers of our Eastern Empire from discharging that debt which they owe to The Lord of Hosts! He has given them an opportunity to acquire a more splendid renown than ever rewarded the hero of the field. If they avail themselves of it, by diffusing the light of Revelation wherever they bear sway, then, when hereafter they shall see countless myriads flocking from the East to meet the Ransomed from the West, they themselves will enter with the throng into the realms of unfading glory. But, if they use no means to promote this object, still it shall be accomplished-for it is the Almighty's purpose: and He hath declared, "I will work; and who shall let it (turn it back)?" "My counsel shall stand; and I will do all My pleasure." No hostility or inactivity of man shall prevent the achievement of the Redeemer's triumphs in the East: and if those, who are instrumental in effecting those conquests, shall find their future joys proportionably increased, the remorse of every opponent to the work, when he shall witness its completion, can neither be described nor conceived! Often has it been objected, that the propa gation of Christianity in India is a measure fraught with imminent danger to our Eastern Possessions. Suppose, for the sake of argument, we allow the possibility of the thing: yet will any man, of right understanding, and impressed with a moderate degree of reverence for the authority and holiness of the Supreme Being, urge this as a sufficient reason for the omission of so sacred, so obvious a duty? Shall secular interest be allowed to stand in competition with the performance of that duty? No!Will not such an one say, Let our Indian Empire go to its natural owners, to any one, rather than retain it on condition that we withhold therefrom the Light of Revelation, and thereby incur the Almighty's displeasure!--What is the wealth of the Indies, without the favour of God? we should soon find it more worthless than dross. If, in order to preserve our Eastern Dominions, we deny to the millions of our Indian Subjects, that "Light" which was revealed for the express purpose of enlightening the Gentiles-the God who has bestowed upon us the vast Continent of Hindoostan, may soon be provoked to recall that costly acquisition. An able officer, already named, (Sir John Malcolm) argues, upon principles not dissi |