342 



angels desire to look into, the Incarnation op the Son of 

 God ! who left the realms of bliss and glory to take upon him 

 our nature, and to surfer death upon the cross for fallen man! 

 These contemplations require a soul properly prepared. The 

 brahmins seem to have some idea of this kind in their pensive 

 musings; and especially in the absorptions, or trances, of their 

 twice-born men, this expression is singular, and on a former occa- 

 sion an illustration has been attempted. Thus far at least it im- 

 plies, that a man engrossed by this world, and devoted to its plea- 

 sures, is not in a fit slate for spiritual enjoyments; but we have 

 higher authority for this assertion, a nobler motive for this delight- 

 ful preparation. In his memorable conversation with Nicodemus, 

 our Saviour says " Except a man be born again, he cannot see 

 the kingdom of God !" The learned teacher of Israel expressing his 

 surprise at such an assertion, was again assured, that " unless a man 

 be born of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God ! 

 He that believeth on the Son of God hath everlasting life: he that 

 believelh not, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on 



him !" 



Let not an ardent desire for the conversion of the Hindoos be 

 deemed a zeal without knowledge. The end is great, noble, and 

 eternal! — the means I do not enter upon. We have liberally in- 

 troduced our arts and sciences, as far as they choose to adopt them; 

 we have given them wise, just, and humane laws, assimilating as 

 much as possible with their own manners and customs; we have 

 taught them to estimate the blessings of liberty and the security 

 of property. O let us also confer upon them • the blessings of 

 true religion from the Re velations of God! 



