Retrospeet of Domestic Literature—Theologa Y, Ke. 
ff IIT. A Brief Histori ic View ofthe Pro-= 
gress of the Gospel in different nations 
since its first promulgation, wlustrated by 
maps, shewing its luminous tract through- 
out the world; with chronological notices 
of its duration i in particular places. The 
regions of Viahomedanism to be marked’ 
with ved aud those of Paganisin with a 
dank colour, £500. 
“ The candidates to prefix such title to 
the work as they may think fit.” 
The.determination of the prize was di- 
rected to be aunyunced on the 9th day of 
June 1807, and a copy of the work to be 
presenied by the University tothe Bung, 
A convocation being heid op the 18th 
of Deceinber 1805, it was agreed to ac- 
cept the proposal, and on the ath of June 
magi the prize was adjudged to the Rev. 
lug Pe earson M.A. oi St. John’s Col- 
lewe. 
“A better view oe the contents of the 
work can hardly be given than from the 
preface. 
*« ‘The author of the following pages is 
fully aware of the difaculry of such an in- 
vestigation, and of the imperfect manner 
in which he has couducted it. He could 
have wished that his work had been more 
worthy of the distinguished, approbation 
with which it has been honoured. He 
trusts, however, that he has evinced the 
probable desion of the Divine Provicence 
in subjecting so largea portion of Asia to 
our dominion; that he has established 
the obligation of the British Government 
to promote the propagation of the Chris- 
tian religion in that quarter of the world; 
that he has recommended the means, the 
adoption of which would eventually se- 
cure that object ; and that he has pomted 
out the beneficial consequences which - 
would probably result from its attain- 
ment. 
“‘ It_may perhaps he asked ruby, the 
author should, in one particular, have 
reversed the talen 3 in which the subjects 
were arranged by Dr. Buchanan, in pre- 
fixing, instead of subjoiwing the ‘ Brief 
Historic View of the Progress of Christia- 
nity?* In reply to such a question, it 
may be observed, that the view of the ge: 
neral propagation of the gospel from it 
first promulgation, ought naturally to sree 
cede the consideration. of any measures 
for its extension yet further in any par- 
ticular cowntry; mm order that the expe- 
rience of past ages might direct ns in the 
present, and that the means now propased 
to be adopted might be. sanctioned by 
former examples. It may, however, be 
thought, that this Historic View, though 
a 
581 
as concise as the very extensive nature of 
the subject would allow, detains the rea~ 
der unnecessarily from the subsequent 
discussions, and bears an undue pro- 
portion to the rest of the work. Suchan 
objection, the author conceives, derives 
its principal force from the extraordinary 
attention, which the question relative te 
the propagation of Christianity in India 
has lately attracted. Under other cy 
cumstances, the historic view of its pro- 
gress would have appeared sufficiently in- 
teresting to have authorized the assign- 
ment of a larger share than it at present 
occupies. 
«The author does not present the ane 
nexed chart to the public as answering 
his own wishes, or as fulfuling the inten- 
tion of Dr. Buchanan, in requiring meps 
for the illustration of the progress of the 
Gospel. Its design is to describe the 
prevalence of Christianity, Nihewfac 
dism, and Paganism, in different ages 
throughout the world, since the Christian - 
era; and by a reference to the historic 
view, every part of if may be sufhciently 
explained. It would have heen desirable - 
to have expressed the extent and pepu- 
lation of the countries, in which the reli- 
gions in question ‘severally predominate, 
But, after much ‘reflection, the author 
found, that this was an object, which’ 
could not be attained within the limits of 
the time appointed by Dr. Buchanan for 
the completion of the work. 
“ With respect to his sources of infors | 
mation, the situation of the author was, 
in general, Son He ought at 
the same me to acknowledge, shat, in 
some parts of bis dissertation, he had the 
advantage of the suggestions es one dis- . 
tinguished person, whose sentiments on. 
every point connected with oriental po- 
licy, are entitled to the highest considera 
tion. 
*¢ Tt only remains for the author, in’ 
dismissing the following sheets, to express 
his cordial wish, that they may in some 
measure be instrumental in promoting | 
the great object, which the henevoleat 
proposer of the present inguiry has in 
view; and in the accomplishment of 
which the author feels deeply interested, 
being firmly convinced that at sould be 
eminentiy conducive to the glory of God, 
the happiness of his fellow creatures, and 
the prosperity of his country.” ' 
Itis enough tor us to remark, in addi« 
tion, that sound judgment, deep reading, 
and \profound piety, have seldom been 
more happily united or more successfully 
employed. 
Mr, 
