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The contest between the partisans of these two opposing 
philosophies must be regarded, by all reflecting minds, as a 
most serious one. 
The prize contended for, though not likely to be gained by 
either party, is nothing less than the empire of the world ; for 
to whomsoever should fall the exclusive privilege of instructing 
the minds of the rising generation would belong the preroga- 
tive of guiding, and even dominating, those minds when once 
matured. 
The position which I occupy is favourable to impartial ex- 
amination of the claims of either party, and also to call forth 
my sympathy with both. 
It has been considered expedient, that the Address should 
this year be delivered by a layman ; and in intrusting mo 
in so far with the defence of those principles to which we are 
pledged, the council have shown that it is no question of eccle- 
siastical authority or of additional theology for which we are 
contending, but for Christianity itself. 
This will become more evident when I explain that for two 
hundred years my ancestors belonged to a sect having no 
connection with any “ Church,” and that my present posi- 
tion is subsequent to and the result of my reception of the 
Faith itself. 
I feel somewhat as the hero of the Indian poem,* who 
causes his chariot to be driven between the two opposing 
hosts on the eve of the great battle which is to decide the 
empire of the East. “ He looked at both the armies, and be- 
held on either side none but grandsires, uncles, cousins, tutors, 
sons and brothers, near relations, or bosom friends ; and when 
he had gazed for a while and beheld such friends as these pre- 
pared for the fight, he was seized with extreme pity and com- 
punction, and uttered his sorrow” to his celestial guide, who 
nerves him to the combat by a full display of mystical 
philosophy — a philosophy, let me observe, which is well worth 
the study of those who would comprehend the character of 
the Indian mind. 
* The Bliagvat-Glta. — The presentation of this work to H.K.H. the 
Prince of Wales shows the estimation in which it is still held. Man con- 
sciously needs some philosophy which can support him under the difficul- 
ties of life and enable him to face death with fortitude. The courage of the 
ancient Britons was sustained by thoughts respecting their future destiny, of 
the same kind, perhaps even identical with, those displayed by Krishna 
before the mind of Arjoon in the very ancient poem alluded to. It is an 
episodical extract from the Mahabharat, which together with the four Vedas 
are the most authentic original scriptures of the religion of Brahma. So at 
least we are told by C. Wilkins, Esq., the translator and editor of the 
Bhagvat-Gita ; the copy in my possession bearing date the year 1785. 
