OF BRITISH CHRISTIANS TO OTHER NATIONS IN THE PRESENT EVENTFUL PERIOD. "All things are best fulfill'd in their due time; And time there is for all things, Truth bath said."-MILTON. SECOND EDITION. LONDON: IIAMILTON, ADAMS, AND COMPANY. INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. SINCE the publication of the Annals of the English Bible, it has frequently been suggested to the Author, that some brief statement of the leading facts, which are still so little known, should be committed to the press for general circulation; but now this appears to be the more incumbent, as the recent astounding events, both in Europe at hand, and in India afar off, have, in one point of view, lent far greater importance to that general history. These events certainly have imparted peculiar and unwonted solemnity, both to the obvious duty and immediate obligation of all British Christians; while such is our singular position, that no "shaking of the Nations" as yet, need prevent us from putting forth all our strength, individually and collectively, in the direction here advised. It is however, only a very small proportion of the principal facts which could be embraced in the following pages, but these, it is presumed, are remarkably applicable to the present eventful crisis. "'Midst all the war's tumultuous noise," if the war of opinion lies at the root, the Word of God alone can finally settle the whole. Obligation to Divine Truth involves Religious Freedom. For though even in this highly favoured land, blest with substantial civil liberty above the nations around it, there have been men of strong intellect, and very laborious, who have never felt this, what does it prove but that, neglecting the fountain of Supreme wisdom, the most sagacious have missed their way? The most intelligent may become infatuated! "Ah! how the human mind wearies herself With her own wanderings, and, involved in gloom Measuring, in her folly, things divine By human; laws inscribed on adamant By laws of man's device, and counsels fixt For ever, by the hours that pass and die!" Still, with regard to the Sacred Volume itself, in our vulgar tongue, to which all parties in the kingdom profess to appeal, it |