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dence of the human race,-the fairest and most fertile spots on the surface of the globe, which have returned to deserts under the influence of human misrule, -we cannot but hope that it is part of the designs of Providence that, sooner or later, a new crusade, under happier auspices and in a more enlightened spirit than the former, may diffuse happiness and intelligence among nations which have been wasted by tyranny and ignorance. In this enterprise, however it may be conducted, when we look to the position now occupied by the British power in Asia, we may reasonably expect that Britain will be a main agent; and we may hope that the benefits silently and steadily conferred on the natives of India by British justice, science, and art, dispensed under the guidance, and secured by the obligations of Christianity, may be the chief instrument in the hands of Providence for this regeneration of lost and nearly forgotten nations.

It is not assigning too much importance to Medical science or to the Medical art to assert, that of the temporal benefits which must thus precede and attend the extension of Christianity over the world, their influence on social happiness must be one of the surest and most powerful. In order that those who are enabled to dispense these benefits in all parts of the world may feel the importance and dig

nity of their position, it is desirable that they should learn, and that they should be accustomed to reflect upon, what has already been done in some parts of the world, and may, and as we hope will, ultimately be done in all, by the spirit of the Gospel, animating the possessors of political power and of scientific knowledge ;-not teaching them to despise or reject the aid of human reason or experience, which are essential elements of their success,—but continually telling them that, under the good providence of God, there are objects and rewards for human exertion, in comparison of which any which can be assigned in this world, as the prize of human ambition, are but as dust in the balance.

Even in our own country, it is but too certain that the influence of the spirit of the Gospel, both on the conduct of individuals and on the regulations of the State, is very partial; and many medical men, who are sincere and earnest Christians, naturally think it part of their duty to supply this deficiency to the best of their judgment and ability. Many others, however, thinking that the means of obtaining religious instruction abound among us, both distrust their own powers, and doubt the advantage of their making the attempt, to act as instructors in Religion; and believe that they testify to the sincerity of their faith more effectually, merely by humbly

striving to conform to the precepts of the Gospel in their own conduct, and in any influence which their circumstances enable them to exercise over the conduct of others, or the regulations of the State. But in other countries, where similar means of instruction do not exist, a medical man who is impressed with religious convictions, and anxious to bear hist part in that great work of Christian charity, which has here been feebly explained, will often find it incumbent on him to undertake, to the best of his ability, the office of Christian instructor; and to such a one it is hoped that the contents of this volume may prove an encouragement, and, to a certain degree, an assistance.

WILLIAM P. ALISON.

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE.

BY

JAMES MILLER, F.R.S.E. F.R.C.S.E.

SURGEON IN ORDINARY, FOR SCOTLAND, TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, AND TO HIS R. H. PRINCE ALBERT; PROFESSOR OF SURGERY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH; SENIOR SURGEON TO THE ROYAL INFIRMARY, ETC. KTC.

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