the rough quarry whence we were digged. If pride of descent should at any time elate the mind, it will be well to remember, that our ancestors were mere painted savages, without habitation, without clothing, and depending for subsistence "upon their sword and their bow." If the benefits of civilization, of knowledge, of refinement, and above all, of Christianity, which have been vouchsafed to us in so abundant a measure, should, in any instances, prove an occasion of pride instead of gratitude to Him who has made us to differ; it becomes us to repress so criminal a feeling, by calling to mind, that this favoured land was once included amongst the "dark places of the earth, which are full of the habitations of cruelty;" and that those from whom we have descended, were, during many ages, the slaves of a hideous and degrading superstition.

It was, comparatively, at a late period of the world, that the inhabitants of Britain emerged from barbarism. If this island were early inhabited, [and from its vicinity to the continent of Europe, this is more than probable,] how many ages of darkness must have rolled along, ere one ray of moral or intellectual light dawned upon its benighted shores! Yet the blessing, though long delayed, was at length imparted-" the time to favour" its idolatrous inhabitants, " yea, the set time came." At length, "through the tender mercy of our God, the day-spring from on high visited them." Should not this animate our hopes, confirm our expectations, and stimulate our efforts, in behalf of other nations, which are still "sitting in darkness, and in the region and shadow of death!" Should it not call forth our unceasing prayers, that the myriads of the human race, who are under similar delusions, may partake with us in the benefits of Christian instruction?

The wisest of men has affirmed, and experience abundantly confirms the testimony, that "for the soul to be without knowledge is not good." The view which has just been presented of the earliest state of Britain, proves, more convincingly than any arguments could do, the truth of this position. So long as man remains enveloped in ignorance, he is the degraded slave of appetite, the deluded victim of superstition; but no sooner

does knowledge beam upon him than his condition is ameliorated, and his character ennobled. He is elevated in the scale of society; is blessed himself, and becomes a source of blessings to many others. But if this remark will apply to knowledge, generally considered, how much more to Christian instruction! It was chiefly by the introduction of Christianity, that our barbarous ancestors were civilized and refined, and that, from having occupied the lowest place amongst rational beings, they gradually rose to the highest rank amongst the nations of the earth. If then, this boon were estimated alone by its present influence on the character and condition of mankind, its price would be found to be beyond rubies. But how much more precious does it appear, when considered as an expedient, devised by infinite wisdom, and executed by almighty power, for the recovery of an apostate world, for the subversion of the empire of darkness, and the preparation of the destined heirs of immortality for their eternal home. When thus contemplated, it must surely be acknowledged to be "Heaven's noblest gift to man."

If any reliance can be placed on the traditions of ancient writers relative to the Druids, it would appear that they were not wholly ignorant of the Supreme God, and were convinced of the necessity of expiatory sacrifices. Whether these notions are to be considered as portions of that law, which is "written in the hearts" of all; or whether they were feeble and distant rays, emanating from the Fountain of Revelation, and struggling through the mists and vapours of superstition, it is not easy to determine. But, from whatever source this knowledge may have been derived, how unlike were their conceptions of that being whom they ignorantly worshipped, to that pure and spiritual Being whom the scriptures reveal; and how widely different, their homicidal burntofferings, their sacrifices of blood, from that one offering which was made for sin, when the incarnate Redeemer expired upon the cross! With this sacrifice, Jehovah was well pleased; for he has himself assured us, in his most holy word, that it was of "sweet-smelling savour,"

because" without spot or blemish, or any such thing,"

IT was stated in the "History of Rome," that the administration of the Gallic and Germanic provinces of the Roman empire was held by Julius Cæsar during nine successive years. Nearly the whole of that period was occupied, either with the suppression of revolts among those nations which had been already subjugated, or with extending the limits of the empire by new conquests. It might have been expected, that the government of these turbulent provinces would have sufficiently employed the enterprising genius of this celebrated commander, without extending his ambitious projects to yet more barbarous climes. But it is as difficult to the conqueror, as to the miser, to say, "It is enough." Cæsar had scarcely reduced the Gauls and Germans to subjection, ere he 'meditated the invasion of the British islands. During his residence in Gaul, he had heard of Britain-had seen from a distance its elevated cliffs-had conversed with some of its natives-and had probably become acquainted with one or more of its chiefs. His curiosity was excited, both by what he had seen and heard of this remote and barbarous people. He coveted the honour of annexing to the unwieldy Republic, a country which had hitherto been deemed inaccessible; and of subjugating a people as yet known to the Romans but by name, and distant

report. It was, however, first necessary to devise some pretext for the enterprise. The most plausible which he could allege, was, that the Britons during the late wars in Gaul had furnished their neighbours with provisions, and had received with hospitality some, who, preferring exile to slavery, had taken refuge amongst them. On this ground alone, he rests his defence of the measure, and it must be confessed, that wars have frequently been undertaken with less appearance of justice.

As the country which he was about to invade was wholly unknown to him, Cæsar resolved on despatching C. Volusenus in an armed galley, to explore the coast, and discover its harbours; whilst preparations were making for the projected expedition. From the lateness of the season in which the attempt was made, and the com-* paratively small number of troops collected for that purpose, it may be inferred, either that Cæsar anticipated but a feeble resistance, or that he only intended to effect a landing for the purpose of obtaining some spoils and captives, which might grace his approaching triumph. The Britons, in the mean time, having heard of his design, sent ambassadors to offer submission, and solicit the friendship of the Roman commonwealth. With that duplicity which is too frequently seen both in courts and camps, Cæsar received the British envoys kindly, and promised them the powerful protection of Rome, at the same moment in which his resolution was fixed to desolate their country, and reduce them to slavery. When the British ambassadors returned to report their success, they were accompanied by Comius, a Gallic prince in Cæsar's confidence, who, under the mask of friendship, performed the office of a spy. His conduct subsequently proved, that he was instructed to sow the seeds of jealousy and dissension amongst the British tribes, and to communicate whatever information he could collect concerning the number, discipline, military resources, and movements of the enemy.

After a five days' cruise, Volusenus returned, without having ventured to land, or obtained any material information respecting the state of Britain. Cæsar, having collected two legions of infantry, immediately set sail for

the opposite coast, leaving instructions to his cavalry to follow without delay. As they drew near to the island, the Romans discovered that its cliffs were lined with warriors drawn up in order of battle, and prepared to oppose his landing. Unwilling to expose his veteran legions to so perilous a contest, Cæsar continued his voyage along the Kentish coast, till he arrived at the plain on which the town of Deal now stands, where he resolved to disembark. Thither the Britons hastened in their armed chariots, and long ere the Roman galleys could approach the shore they had arrived in incredible numbers. But the veteran legions of Rome, and their heroic commander, were not to be dismayed by dangers. In defiance of the clouds of arrows with which they were assailed, they plunged into the sea, and covering their heads with their bucklers, marched to the shore. The disciplined valour of the Romans filled the islanders with astonishment; they felt convinced that it was in vain with divided forces to attempt resistance, and therefore fled with precipitation to their entrenched woods. As it was the interest of both parties to gain time, negotiations were set on foot; the Britons promised to become tributary to the Romans, and engaged to send hostages to Cæsar's camp. The Roman general was the rather induced to listen to these proposals, as tidings had been received of the total dispersion of the fleet in which his cavalry had embarked, by a tremendous storm. At the same time, a sudden swell of the sea had either driven from their anchors, or dashed in pieces, the galleys in which his army had lately crossed the channel. But no sooner were the Britons informed of the disasters which had befallen their invaders, than they were emboldened to break off the negotiations, withhold the promised hostages, and recommence hostilities. They repeatedly attacked the Roman encampment with great fury, and cut off the foraging parties; but were invariably repulsed with great loss. The intrepidity and adroitness which the Britons had manifested in these assaults, was such as to convince Cæsar, that he could not safely winter in the island with so small an army. He therefore gladly availed himself of a second overture, made by them in a moment of alarm,