means of mental improvement to many, who by the influence of their moral and intellectual character, by their preaching and holy lives, or by their writings, may prove eminently useful to their countrymen. These hints we suggest, and leave them for your consideration, with our united and sincere thanks for your liberal contributions to the Mysore Mission College, and with prayers for a return of better blessings, and that you and we may remember the words of Scripture-" Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest." We are, Dear Sir,

With affection and great sincerity yours,

Bangalore, Sept. 1, 1826.

STEPHEN LAIDLER,

JAMES W. MASSIE.

Besides what is contained in the prefatory Letter, one remark only is necessary to introduce to the British public the following paper. At the time it was drawn up, practical operations were carried on as far as means would permit. The students are still under a course of instruction, and are receiving support. The completion of the whole plan, subject to such modifications as may be deemed requisite, is yet dependent upon an adequate provision which remains to be secured, and upon arrangements which may result from the degree of countenance rendered in this country to the Institution. The establishment of the College therefore is still to be considered as a proposal. S. L. J. W. M.

October 1827.

THE

PLAN OF A COLLEGE,

COMMENCED AT

BANGALORE,

&c.

IN whatever country the principles of true religion have been embraced, the study of true learning has been pursued and encouraged; and this has proceeded from the harmony which exists between them. Wherever Christianity is promulgated and received, all the blessings which it is destined to bestow upon the human race, will of necessity be widely diffused among the people, and numbers who do not yield their hearts to its supreme and ennobling influence, will yet to a certain extent be benefited.

In a large proportion of the world, darkness still covers the earth and gross darkness the people. This is the consequence of sin, man's departure from God, and his rejection of the offered terms of reconciliation. The sable wings of spiritual death are spread over this moral wilderness and conceal the light of heaven from its crowded population; consequently an icy

coldness, a dead-like stillness, a mental stagnation, pervade the general mass. Heathen philosophers, for ages, laboured to meliorate the condition of their fellow-mortals. Their efforts were praiseworthy, and many of their maxims, so far as they extended, were good. By them an impetus was given to the instinctive principles of our nature, and the social bands were strengthened; by diffusing knowledge they softened and humanized man; by the cultivation of arts they contributed to his domestic comforts; and by giving security to life and property, they preserved him in many instances from herding with the beasts and prowling as the savage in the desert. They attempted to define the bounds of society, to strengthen the sacred ties of social life, and enforce a regard to reciprocal obligations.

All these are benefits, and it is readily conceded, have been partially retained with, or bestowed on, many of our race by the cultivation of science, the arts and literature, independently of Christianity. They are the gifts of natural religion and human culture: and let those whose names and efforts are recorded in the historic page, receive their merited reward. Were we born only for time, and desirous to enjoy our little span as our only portion, then would we with profound reverence turn our eyes to these sages and sit at their feet to receive their word. But we feel we possess a living, an immortal principle, which will burst forth from this body as from a prison, when it shall return to its kindred element; and this

principle which, properly speaking, is man's self, will, thus released, instantly enter a state where every power it possesses will be invigorated, perfected, and rendered much more capable of enduring that pain or enjoying that pleasure, which the Creator will award as the consequence of present desires and pursuits.

Viewing ourselves therefore as probationers for another and more perfect state of existence, in vain we turn our eyes to those sages of antiquity, or listen to the dictates of more modern heathen instructors. Measuring their widest maxims by a correct moral standard, we find that they are not calculated to raise this immortal principle within, to the full enjoyment of light and blessedness. Comparing the light which they shed with the life-giving rays of the Sun of Righteousness, we find it is the flickerings of sparks which men have kindled, as of thorns under a pot, around which we might sport and dance till the close of life's short dream: but this should we have from the hand of the Lord, we should be laid down in sorrow and never see the light of any morning. We would therefore hail Christianity as alone possessing a sovereign and heart-cheering remedy for every moral. evil, and rejoice that the author of our being has bestowed this infinitely valuable boon on man. The Christian religion has always preceded, laid the foundation of, and encouraged, as well as taught the manner of pursuing, truly general, useful, and correct speculations. Nor is there one principle of universal knowledge, or one discovery in science, we will not