of that secular prudence, in which the children of this world' are stated to excel, we forbore to propose rules of conduct to others, while we ourselves consciously furnished so lamentable a proof of their inefficacy. Like the lepers in the Syrian camp, we ate, and drank, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment; and we held our peace!' Having enumerated some eligible meaus and pressing motives to urge the payment of our moral debt to India, Mr. Wrangham describes the advantages under which we shall commence our labours in that extensive country; and concludes, that it will be necessary to embrace these nine distinct versions for the single supply of Hindustan : - The Bengalee, the Urija, the Tamel, the Canara, the Telinga, the Mahratta, the Penjabi, the Persian, and the Hindustane. Enforcing, too, the importance of a thorough acquaintance with the Sanscrit and Arabic, he thus expresses himself on the high obligations of a Biblical translator: It is not a superficial acquaintance with : the mere tone and utterance of a Sountry, which qualifies any one for the high function of the translator its his duty, universally, to consult his author's manner, to copy his air and gesture, and to preserve the very fashion, simple or splendid, of his garb. How awfully is this duty incumbent upon him, where his text is the word of God,binding him, by special and most solemn obligations, neither to add unto these things, nor to take away! This, surely, exacts a perfect know ledge of the language, into which the translation is to be made. These dialects, therefore, must be thoroughly acquired, not barely as the media of conversation, of traffic, or even of ordinary literature; but for the purpose of transferring with the utmost practicable purity to millions, now the mere idolia of men, that spark of heavenly fire which will kindle them into moral animation; of breathing into them, as little vitiated as possible by its earthly conveyance, that breath of life, which will make them living souls. The persons invested with this dread commission must not indolently acquiesce in current barbarisms, or in commercial jargon. Aloof equally from slovenliness and from affectation, from "the frippery of Montanus and the finery of Castalio," for the purposes of faithful, though not servile, translation, they must seize the niceties of Oriental Etymology, and the refinements of Oriental Grammar; and these they will best apprehead by studying the parent-language of india, the Sauscrit.' - On the subject of the second enquiry, the author decides in favour of publishing the Scriptures in successive portions; for, desirable as it would be to present them to the inhabitants of the east in their collective form, yet the exigence of the demand, the length of time requisite to prepare and perfect the several versions, the policy of not exposing at once too large a front to the aggression' of the subtle brahmins; above all, the view of millions of idolaters passing into eternity while we are completing our translations,' combine to point out the necessity, as well as expediency, of providing them, as early as possible, with a supply of that knowledge which is calculated to avert their everlasting perdition. Mr. W. recommends the translators to begin with select portions of the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of the narratives and epistles of the New.' In the last division of his discourse, he expresses a conviction, that the authorized English version should be the text from which the Oriental Translation is made. Tho' he speaks of it in the highest terms of commendation, yei, he laudably' suggests the propriety of correcting the slight errors and mistakes which at present exist in our Biblical Philology. While he admits that the most learned munshis should be selected for the purposes of correction, he also pleads for the revision of their labours by some Protestant scholars, whose knowledge as linguists, to qualify them for this important scrutiny, must be equally profound with that of those whom they are employed to review.’ It may be asked, continues our author, where shall we find talents, intellectual or pecuniary, for these arduous and expensive translations? I answer, Mæcenases will ever create Maros. The princely writer on Dæmonology, by a single rescript, could elicit an host of scholars, who in little more than two years completed a version, in which, during the course of 200, has been found almost every thing to commend, and nothing material to impeach. Consecrate but the stream of royal patronage to this holy purpose, and guard it sacredly from the open absorption of the great and the base mining of the little, from the lip of the supple and of the noisy worshipper of power, and modern Hebraists will not shrink from comparison with those who, under the influence of contemporary prejudices, trembled at a spell. Again I point to our established homecharities, which shed a glory over the age, as well as the land we live in, to those prodigal contributions which, on every emergency, almost outrun calamity, to our bounties showered down upon the victims of French republicanism in England, of French treachery in Switzerland, of French rapacity in Germany. A commercial nation, alive to its own genuine interests, will never by a wretched and ruinous economy withhold its support from those who are engaged in the promotion of religious knowledge. if, 2000 years ago, a Feathen sovereign of Egypt gladly effected, at an enormous expence, and for the use of a part only of his handful of subjects, a translation, which, however incidentally, raised the Gentiles above the middle wall of partition, and enabled them to look into the inner court of the temple of God, what consequences ought we not to anticipate, what d.sbursements ought we to decline, in the prosecution of a plan which, in its outset, comprehends not fewer than fifty millions; and, in its issue, may embrace more than half the popu lation of the globe!'-We will take the liberty of adding, Who can withhold their fervent prayers, that a plentiful supply of the Spirit's influences may be poured out, to qualify agents and prepare instruments for so momentous a project!' Highly creditable as this discourse is to the talents and evangelical sentiments of the writer, yet it exhibits some glaring imperfections. In mauy places, he seems to be studious of quaint and singular expressions, and to have gone back to the reign of James the Second, in search of models of composition. On the 220 page, we met with a complete solecism, where mention is made of an insensible exfoliation of old particles, which changes their form, without affecting their identity.” — We were also at a loss to discover the full meaning of the author in the following sentence: We neither court nor accept sudden conversions; for we do not, like some of the sectaries of our own church, rely upon either their sincerity or their stability,' &c. were Appended to the sermon are forty-three explanatory and illustralive Notes; in which we gratified to observe the candour with which talent, industry, and zeal are acknowledged in their existence and exercise among different denominations of Christians. On the whole, we express our high satisfaction, that the attention of the enlightened and affluent parts of the community, is drawn to so glorious an object as the Translation of the Holy Scriptures for the Welfare of our Fellow-c.eatures on the Indian Continent. Every one who has been taught to prize that sacred volume, who has felt the influence of iis truths, or contem-. plated the salutary effects produced by them on society at large, must rejoice in the projected extension of their beneficial knowledge; and we ardently hope, that the united ef forts of the several societies and individuals who are, or may hereafter be, engaged in the admirable undertaking, will both facilitate and expedite its complete accomplish ment. THE greater part of this pamphlet consists of extracts from the last Annual Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and from Dr. Buchanan's Memoir, concerning an Ecclesiastical Establishment in India. The writer, poor man! is alarmed, exceedingly alarmed indeed, to discover, as he has lately done, that there is a set of men in Britain desirous of promoting the knowledge of Christ in our settlements in India; and he is sure, very sure, that the effect of their endeavours will be nothing less than the total loss of all our possessions in that country!-the extermination of our eastern sovereignty. He is, therefore, determined, in concurrence with many most respectable proprietors,' to bring this dreadful design, this spiritual plot, under the consideration of a General Court, which he hopes will effectually restrain these enthusiastic crusaders, and permit the natives quietly to enjoy their own religious absurdities, until it shall please the Omnipotent Power of Heaven' (in spite of Mr. T. and his associates) to lead them into the paths of light and truth.' 6 We know not where Mr. Twining has spent all his days, for it should seem that he never, till very lately, heard of these pious projects. Did he never hear of the Catholic Missionaries in India, who, for 200 years past, have been exerting themselves to convert the natives (especially on the western coast of the peninsula) to their faith? Did he never hear of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, patronized by the Clergy, Bishops, and Princes of this country, for more than an hundred years past? Did he never hear of the venerable Swartz and his apostolic labours in India, or of the honour lately done to his memory, by the East India Company, by sending out a monuMr. T. resided some years in India, ment to perpetuate it? Surely, if he must have been very intent on other objects, if no notice of these things came to his ears! But he is of a conspiracy in his native land suddenly alarmed with the discovery to promote Christianity, to interfere with the religious opinions of the Hindoos, to oblige them (which we never heard of) to become Christians; and he is so terrified, that he cannot even cut open all the leaves of these sanguinary books!' before he calls on the Company 'seriously to reflect on the recent catastrophes at Buenos Ayres, Rosetta, and Vellore:' for he foresees, that ere long, 50 millions of armed natives will arise to avenge the quarrel of their gods, and drive the British from their shores, with as much ease as the sand of the desert is driven by the wind.' 6 · Such is the substance (or the flatulency rather) of Mr. Twining's Letter: but we hope few persons are so ignorant as to be misled by it, The Bible Society is free from blame. What have they done? Agreeably to their first article, they have encouraged a wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures,' and they have encouraged the translation of the Bible into the eastern languages. This is all they have done in India. They have not even taken any means for their circulation: that they leave 'to local wants and facilities,' to be purchased as an article of commerce, or bestowed as a gift of piety; and yet this is construed by Mr. T. to be such an interference in the religious opinions of the natives,' as is likely to issue in the extermination of our eastern sovereignty !' Mr. T. has also discovered, that there are Protestant Missionaries in India; but who they are he knows not. Had he read the Account of the College at Fort William, he might have discovered that a Mr. Carey, who is at the head of the mission at Serampore, is an intelligent man, a professor of foreign languages in that Institution. le might also, without difficulty, have found that there are several worthy in India will not subside until we convince them by acts, not by words, that we never did entertain the wild idea of compelling them to embrace Christianity; and still further, that we have not a WISH to convert them.' To men who can express such a sentiment as this, what can we say y? Are they Christians? Certainly not. This is Infidelity without disguise! it is the language of Satan himself! The Destroyer of mankind cannot wish for a proposal more friendly to his interests. But we hope there are righteous men enough, even in our Sodom, to repel measures so inimical to the kingdom of our glo rious Redeemer. Happily for the cause of religion, this writer contradicts himself in the most explicit manner. The Preparatory Remarks' directly contradict the Observations.' After what we have quoted concerning the danger to be dreaded from Missionaries, the author says (p. 14) Missionaries can do no mischief in India, if they are treated as formerly, neither encouraged nor oppressed. Again, in page 22, The Missionaries now in India, or those who may go thither in future, should be treated by our Government as they formerly were by the native princes. In that case they may be as zealous as possible, without doing mischief.' He adds, If the Gospels were translated and distributed at the expence of the Bible Society, &c. the measure was laudable; the only evil, he states to be the encouragement given to these measures by Government. Surely, this cannot make the whole difference between the laudable efforts of pious men, and the dangerous zeal of madmen. In the one case, they can do no harm; in the other, they are so dreadful, that India will be lost for ever, if the Bible be not suppressed, every Missionary recalled, and India convinced that we have not a wish for its conversion! -Our limits will not allow a fuller consideration of this and other pamphlets on the subject, which will probably occupy a larger portion of our attention hereafter. Thoughts on a general and explicit WITH pleasure we observe the increase of zeal and of generous exertion in the Christian World. The numerous societies and institutions which have recently been formed for promoting the interests of morality and religion, and consequently the highest good of our of Jehovah's presence and approspecies, are encouraging indications bation. These objects we recognize in the projected Union of British Congregational Ministers and Churches. We have noticed, with high gratification, a striking and impressive coincidence between this and a nearly similar Institution, which we understand was planned at the very same period, and on an extensive scale, in North America. The pamphlet before us originated in the request expressed by the London Committee, in their late Circular Address, for additional information and advice from their brethren in the country, for the perfecting of their plan. We entered with pleasure on its examination, especially as being the production of a professed, and from its contents, we believe a real friend to the Union. When our author advances an opinion, he supports it by a reason ; and when he raises an objection, he shews the impropriety of what he A Sermon preached in the Dissenting Chapel in Church Street, Preston, Lancashire, July 12, 1807. By W. M. Walker. THIS is an appropriate and faithful farewellsermon, preached on measure which he condescends to defend (for, surely, to Christians it can need no defence) on principles of justice and gratitude. Mr. Owen justly complains that Mr. T. has asserted much, predicted much, threatened much;' but, he asks, Where are his facts? -has the Bible Society excited any alarm in Hindostan ? who then has been alarmed? — has it given any offence? who then has been offended? - has it produced any remonstrance?-from what quarter has that remonstrance come? what Rajah or Sultan, what Brahmin or Priest, what Hindoo or Mahometan, has audibly complained that his Shaster or his Koran are in danger? we hear of none: then where, Sir, I repeat, are Mr. Twining's facts? 6 Why truly, Sir, they are at Buenos Ayres, at Rosetta, and at Vellore. What, then, were the expeditions to Egypt and South America undertaken for the propagation of religion? Doubtless, the Turks liked us the less for being Christians, and the Spaniards for being Protestants; but, is it probable that, going as we did, with arms in our hands, we should have shared a better fate, had we planted the Crescent on the shores of Egypt, or the Cross on those of South America and, was the propagation of the Christian faith the object of shaving the upper lip of the native troops at Vellore, and forcibly effacing from their bodies the sacred mark of cast?" Mr. Owen concludes with the following just and pious sentiments: -Finally, Sir, I have ventured to take it for granted, considering who would be my judges, and in what an awful crisis I write, that the Bible is the only book which contains the revealed will of God; that the sooner it supersedes the Shaster and the Koran, the sooner will the happiness of India be consummated; and that the more we contribute as a nation and as individ nals, to promote this end by lawful means, the greater blessings we shail draw down upon our commerce and our arms, upon ourrelves and our posterity.' WE have long abstained from taking any notice, in this Work, of those unfounded jealousies and suspicions which have threatened to impede the progress of the gospel in India; but Mr. Twining's painphlet has brought the subject fairly before the public, and has afforded the friends of the gospel an opportunity to vindicate their proceedings from any just ground of alarm or offence. Our enlightened countrymen will, we trust, on all proper occasions, discover their regard to the glorious gospel, with which we have been for many ages, so highly favoured, and their readiness, by every prudent measure, to promote its extension in foreign lands, and especially in those which Providence has subjected to the dominion of Britain. Observations on the Present State of with the East India Company; Prefutory Remarks on the alarming Intelligence lately received from Madras, &c. Third Edition, Price 5s, THIS pamphlet is anonymous; but is intended for the same purpose as Mr. Twining's. The author, however, enters more fully into the subject, and with more ability. His aim is to show, that the attachment of the Hindoos to their religious opinions, is invincible; that it is madness and folly to altempt to convert them; that not one real convert was ever made; and that it is inconsistent with our engagements with them to attempt to convert them; that the mutiny at Vellore was a religious mutiny, to which the people had been stirred up by the apprehension of being forced to be Christians. He, therefore, concludes, that if India be worth preserving, we must regain the coufidence of the natives, by the misiediate recall of every English Missionary; and by prohibiting every person in the Company's service. rom taking a part in circulat, the Holy Scriptures in Hindostan. lle calls the Missionaries 6 illiterate, ignorant Enthusiasts, and mischievous Madmen ;" and insists upon it, that the alarm which is excited |