Ramsay, Mrs Vienna & (Morrect)} PUBLISHED BY THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. William Burr....Printer. 1848. PREFACE. The writer does not claim the honor of having produced an original work. The facts and anecdotes, which form a large part of the following pages, have been collected from various works; but most of them, for the sake of brevity, have been re-written. There are many persons who have not the opportunity for extensive reading, to whom the writer hopes this imperfect little volume may be acceptable; and that it may excite attention to the subjects of which it treats, and create a desire for further information. If it may be the means of awakening in the hearts of Christians a deeper sympathy for those who are perishing in the darkness of heathenism, and a stronger faith in the promises of God-a faith accompanied by an active zeal for carrying forward His cause on the earth-her labor will be well rewarded. 110-24 42 FACTS AND REFLECTIONS. CHAPTER I. The Physical Degradation and Misery of the If we look abroad on the earth, we behold it full of sin and misery. A darkness deeper than that of midnight, and more fearfully felt than that which rested on the land of Egypt, enshrouds the larger part of it—a moral darkness, from the midst of which we hear myriad voices uniting in a cry of wo. Millions perishing for lack of knowledge-miserable in the present, and hopeless as it regards the future-millions on whose path no sunbeam falls, lift up their eyes imploringly and ask for light-light that they may be able to understand the object of their present existence, and correctly to anticipate their future destiny. What the sun is to the natural world, the gospel of Jesus Christ is to the human soul; and without this, man struggles in vain amid the mysteries and the gloom which surround him. The forest cannot put forth foliage in winter, nor the flowers spring from the frozen bosom of the earth, neither can the noble principles which support society, nor the gentle virtues which adorn it, spring from the human heart, except they are produced by the truths of our holy religion. The present condition of heathen nations proves that "man by wisdom can not find out God," and that without the revelation of Divine truth, he is physically, mentally, and morally degraded, and miserable. When we appeal to those who profess to be the friends of Jesus, for assistance to send them the gospel, and are repulsed with the answer that the heathen are as well, or better off in their ignorance tlian they would be with the knowledge of God, we conclude that such persons not only undervalue the privileges they enjoy, but that they are grossly ignorant of the real condition of the heathen world. In the first place, we remark, that their physical condition is miserable, and that the gospel would benefit them vastly in this respect. That this proposition is true, there is abundant proof. Let us look at India, the strong hold of idolatry, where for many centuries satan reigned with undisturbed authority, and where he still firmly clings to his crumbling throne. If there is aught in the multiplied forms of heathenism to ameliorate the condition of man, it may surely be found here. Let us imagine ourselves on that sunny shore, where the broad banian spreads its leafy shade, and the tall palm tree rises in princely beauty. The scene is fair, and the air is sweet with the breath of a thous and flowers. But hark! What means that groan and the wailing sound of infant voices? There by the way-side a poor woman has fallen and is dying of disease and want. But no one heeds her groan; -no heart is moved to sympathy;-no hand is extended to relieve her ;-no soothing tones of love or pity sustain her in this last and dreadful hour; no one cares for the poor children, made orphans by her death. But see, she has expired, and even the last kind office which humanity demands, is denied her, and dogs and vultures are contending for their prey. But this is not a solitary case. The road is strown with the dead and dying, and a |