PREFACE. THE Author of these Lectures has been honoured to engage in nine years' active service in the cause of the Redeemer in Western India. During that period, he made himself intimately acquainted with the people by the nearest converse, and the closest associations which their exclusive habits would admit. These Lectures were substantially delivered in February 1849. In preparing the First Lecture, the Author has availed himself of the aid of "Elphinstone." In preparing the Second, he took advantage of several articles in the "Oriental Christian Spectator," written respectively by Rev. Drs. Stevenson and Wilson, of Bombay.* To these writers, therefore, as well as all from whose works he may have derived any assistance, he tenders his grateful acknowledgments. He does not apologize for adding to the present store of publications. Infinitely more than he can say is required on behalf of Indian Missions. He only trembles, lest what he writes should be found destitute of that energy and spiritual power which alone can produce an impression on the Churches, and lest, thus, by its very weakness, it should injure the cause. Amidst many voices, he seeks to lift up his voice in a cause wherein all voices are required. Amidst many advocates, he seeks to fulfil a part where all advocacy is demanded. Amidst many witnesses, he desires to give his testi * A Summary of the "Oriental Christian Spectator" is procurable monthly, from Richardson & Co., Cornhill. mony to great facts and solemn claims; and thereby add one link to the chain of agency which God has raised up to plead the cause of India. That mighty country demands a thousand advocates to speak her spiritual woes, and plead with Christians for a more ample supply of the great and sovereign remedy. A population, comprising from a fifth to a sixth of the whole human race, might well lay claim to the tongues of not merely a few missionaries, but of "angels and of men,” to plead for the mission to them of the glorious gospel of the blessed God, on a scale commensurate with their woful exigences. Neither the pulpit, nor the platform, nor the press can utter a voice too loud; nor can that voice reach too far and wide, to set forth the spiritual condition of the two hundred millions of souls which are to be found in Continental India, and urge measures for its relief. The Author expects that, in the course of a few months after the circulation of this Work, he will again be in the domains of Hinduism, grappling with its metaphysical and mythological forms, and carrying on the Christian conflict among the natives of India. He will then be unable to make his voice heard in Britain, either from the pulpit or the press. He therefore solemnly commends this great cause to his honoured and beloved brethren at home; and especially to the Directors of Missionary Societies, whose peculiar office it is to urge on the Churches the claims of the whole heathen world. WM. CLARKSON, Missionary of the London Missionary Society. CAMBERWELL, March 15th, 1850. |