however, been obliterated; but a large debt of reparation is still due from that journal, to a cause which is that of the whole human race, as well as to a people who form the wisest, the most virtuous and philanthropic portion of mankind, who are now counted by millions, and are spread among all nations. It is to be hoped that the learned conductor feels a conviction of the justice of this debt. There can be no doubt of it. In proof, I rejoice to acknowledge that he has honourably paid one instalment of it in his review of the Voyages and Travels of Tyerman and Bennet, deputed from the London Missionary Society to visit their various stations in the South Sea islands, China, India, Africa, and other places, between the years 1821 and 1829. In that just article there are concessions made which, on its appearance, multitudes of right-minded men read with much satisfaction, and which go far to furnish an antidote to the malignant virus of the adverse articles already quoted. It is there stated that the volumes "relate some very remarkable phenomena in the history and condition of rude nations, and give a more striking view of the existing state of the heathen world, and of its dawning day of civilization, science, and religion, than has been furnished from any other quarter; and that the account of the islands of the South Sea is peculiarly interesting, as offering to our view some of the most remarkable moral improvements that the world has seen since the early diffusion of Christianity." The article concludes with the declaration, that the Deputation "accomplished one of the most varied, interesting, and instructive expeditions of which we have any record."* Sir, the whole missionary community estimate * Vol. lvii. pp. 80-95. these concessions at their due value. They set the greatest store by them. Such acknowledgments, from such a quarter, it is scarcely possible too highly to appreciate. That community, moreover, take them as an earnest of something more, and of something still better. I say better, for, although the opinions just recited are highly flattering, still they are but opinions. The article is merely a mass of extracts, with a few connecting sentences. There is a total remission of that intellectual might, profound research, and amplified discussion, which, upon all great questions of a literary, scientific, or political order, characterise the Edinburgh Review. The writer appears to have merely lounged, wondered, and admired, while he read the marvellous record of the Deputation, without once arousing himself to reflection. or to inquiry. What labour, what vigour, what brilliancy, the Review has from time to time displayed in articles upon romance, poetry, and party strife! Yes; and often upon subjects of little general interest, and of absolutely no intrinsic importance. It will be a bright day for letters, for science, for jurisprudence, and for all that is dear to man, when the literature of missions shall become a reverend subject of intense and constant attention in all the great organs of literature. I do fervently hope that the Edinburgh Review will quickly set forth and take the lead in this most urgent and laudable of all intellectual labours. In this walk, it may yet earn laurels inexpressibly more glorious than those which it has already reaped. It merits the attention of the Edinburgh reviewers, that the business of Christian missions is fast becoming a national matter. Men of all classes, from the peasant to the peer, and Christians of all sects, from the Esta blished churches to the Plymouth brethren, are becoming engrossed by its consideration. Even the heads and chiefs of the literary world have not only begun to look with favour upon the undertaking, but are lending their powerful aid to promote its success. That great national work, the ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA, has done itself lasting credit by the insertion of a valuable article upon the subject. The Quarterly Review, also, -which, notwithstanding difference of opinion on certain points, must, I think, be allowed to have done immense service to letters, science, humanity, and religion,-is boldly putting forth its great power in behalf of this cause. It has already done excellent service by its articles on missionary works. The question of the general principle of missions, in fact, is carried among the ruling minds of the empire. It is, therefore, every hour assuming a more practical aspect. In this highest enterprise of philanthropy, as in every thing appertaining to civilization, the first place is held by England. May our beloved country continue to be in the cause of missions what she so long was in the cause of Mars! To adopt the words of a youthful writer, the gifted son of a gifted sire: 66 : Rule-but, Britain, rule no more, As thou didst in days of yore, With fierce war, with battle dire, Bow, and sword, and cannon's fire; Shed no more thy richest blood O'er Earth's plains, on Ocean's flood; But let war's dominion cease, In thy last, long reign of peace. Then, when the flag of peace unfurl'd Shall freely wave o'er all the world, The warrior's sword, with flowers enwreathed, Rest undisturb'd, unhandled, sheathed; The bloodless spear, the broken bow, Shall still her march triumphant keep; To you, Sir, are entrusted powers which, perhaps, beyond those of any other living writer, may be rendered instrumental in awakening the learned world and the great world to the claims of the missionary character, and to the beneficence and glory of the missionary enterprise! By consecrating to this object your genius, your talents, and your attainments, you, Sir, will treasure up no bitterness for that hour which is now on the wing, and which will soon arrive, both to the friends and to the enemies of revelation and of missions. To this may the hand of Heaven direct your energies! long spared, and abundantly prospered in May you be all your en deavours to enlighten, to elevate, and bless mankind! T |