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ductive of another good, new and extraordinary in its nature; not confined to this country, nor to the present time; but extending to remote nations and distant ages.

Christianity hath again, after a lapse of many ages, assumed its true character as "the "LIGHT of the world." We now behold it animated by its original spirit, which was to extend its blessings "to ALL NATIONS." The Scriptures are preparing in almost every language, and preachers are going forth into al-. most every clime. Within the period of which we speak, men have heard the Gospel" in "their own tongue, wherein they were born," in INDIA, throughout many of its provinces; in different parts of AFRICA; in the interior of ASIA; in the western parts of AMERICA; in NEW HOLLAND, and in the isles of the PACIFIC SEA; in the WEST INDIES, and in the northern regions of GREENLAND and LABRADOR. MALAYS, CHINESE, PERSIANS, and ARABIANS, begin how to hear, or read, in "their own tongues the wonderful works of * God." Acts ii. 11.

III. It is with propriety then that we distinguish the present period as a THIRD Era of Light in the Christian Dispensation. Yes, it is true, that while INFIDELITY, like the pillar of the cloud hanging over the Egyptians, Exod. xiv. 20.) is rising in awful form, threat

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ening to involve the earth in darkness; the religion of Christ, on the other side, like "

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pillar of Fire," is giving light to the world. While Infidelity is prostrating thrones, and forging chains for mankind, the religion of the Messiah is diffusing its pure and free spirit, like a copious stream, into the hearts of men; constraining them not only to cultivate its moral and benevolent principles in their own country (whereby they resist Infidelity with the best weapons), but to communicate them to others; and to enrich, with higher blessings than those of commerce, the most distant climes and nations.

Is it asked why this spirit for diffusing religious knowledge did not sooner appear in this nation; for it seems scarcely to have been thought of at the era of the Reformation? The desire was not given, because we had not the MEANS. Our commerce had not extended to the uttermost parts of the earth. We had no Empire in the East. Another reason was, The Romish Church held the world in chains. Its superstition had supplanted us in almost every region. But by the revolution of events, this obstacle is now nearly removed.

It was an opinion delivered by Sir Isaac Newton, after the study of the prophetical books, that the power of Superstition, which had so long enslaved the world, would at last

be broken by the strong arm of Infidelity. And we have just seen this "strong arm" give the last blow to the temporal power of Rome. This loosens her hold upon remote nations. Now then the fulness of time for enlightening the Gentiles seems to be come, for the obstructions are nearly removed, and the means are granted. And no sooner are the means granted, than the DESIRE is given; and thus, in every age, the great designs of the Almighty are executed by the Sons of

men.

But let us now inquire by wнOM it is that the Light of Christianity is diffused throughout the heathen world? To whom has been assigned the honour of leading the way in this undertaking?

Our own Church acknowledged the object a hundred years ago, and LED THE WAY. Two Societies were incorporated for the purpose by the Royal Sanction; and Letters were written by the KING of Great Britain and by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the humble Missionaries in the East, to animate, strengthen, and encourage them in their important work. *

These Societies still exist, and prosecute the primary objects of their institution. A

* See Letters in Christian Researches.

mission in India has been supported by "the "Society for promoting Christian Knowledge” with eminent success; for it was under its patronage that the apostolic SWARTZ preached the Gospel to men of " different tongues, kin"dreds, and nations."

But it is evident that, at the present time, missions are conducted to a greater extent by other societies than by our own.

When the

Gospel was first preached to the heathen, our Saviour gave the commission to INDIVIDUALS; that is, they were not associated by any power of temporal empire. And it would appear as if it were to be promulgated to the Gentiles a second time, by the same means. But this is a subject which will occupy the serious attention of our Church.

The Church of Rome certainly considered it to be HER duty, as the Church of Christ, "to teach all nations." Now it has been so

ordered that the Church of England should possess at this time a greater facility of access to the remotest nations, than Rome ever had in the plenitude of her power. While therefore we contemplate with a benignant eye the laudable exertions of the subordinate societies, it would well accord with the dignity and character of the Church of England, to RESUME the lead in this work; and, standing as she does like a Pharos among the nations, to be

herself the Great Instrument of Light to the world. *

Let this nation understand the voice of that Providence which hath exalted her to such a height in the view of mankind. It saith in the words of the text, "LET THERE BE "LIGHT."-But when we speak of the na tion, we mean the CHURCH; and the Voice of the Church is to be heard at the UNIVER SITIES. Is not this the University that gives the light of SCIENCE to the world? Let it also give the light of Religion. We are proud to acknowledge that this Seat of Learning hath already begun to diffuse the truth of Revelation in the heathen world. Some of its members have already gone forth to the East. Men of your own body, who had acquired the very highest honours in science, are now in that country engaged in translating the Scriptures into the Oriental Languages. And it would give new ardour to their undertaking, to know that it meets with your countenance and approbation.

But it will be proper to give some account of the DARKNESS which exists in heathen lands, that our nation may feel it her duty to send forth the Light. For it has been asserted by

* "Ye shine as Lights of the world, HOLDING FORTH the word of Life," Phil. ii. 16.

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