138 THE CHRISTIAN NATURALIST. 



has so long been poured down upon this island de- 

 mands an adequate return. England, we believe, has 

 been permitted to take its high rank among the nations, 

 in order that like Israel of old, the ark of God's testi- 

 mony might be preserved within her, and that her 

 name migjht be a tower of strength to the cause of 

 Protestant Christianity throughout the world. If by 

 any infidelity to her heavenly master, she betrays the 

 sacred cause with which she is entrusted, then also it is 

 no difficult matter to predict that her rank and glory 

 will soon be forfeited. "The kingdom will be taken 

 from her, and given to a nation bringing forth the 

 fruits thereof." 



It should also be remembered, that combining in one as 

 this country does, the most valuable gifts of agriculture 

 and commerce, it possesses advantages which no nation 

 has hitherto enjoyed ; at least in the same degree. 

 Truly it may be said of us in the language of the Seer 

 ©f old, " How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy 

 tabernacles, O Israel." " As the valleys are they 

 spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees 

 of lign-aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar 

 trees beside the waters.* lie shall pour the water 



* This metaphor seems to refer to the practice of profuse 



