our appointed time, until our change come; looking for the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls.

world, are yet so occupied with || but for a moment, worketh for us a the cares and pleasures of this life far more exceeding and eternal as to take no notice of the rapid weight of glory, while we look not movement of time, but allow them-at the things which are seen, but selves to be borne on its stream at the things which are not seen; without one serious thought, until for the things which are seen are at last, a future world opening upon temporal, but the things which are them, finds them altogether unpre-not seen are eternal." If, then, pared. we have our minds justly impressed The folly of the rich man, de- with the transitory nature of every scribed by our Saviour, consisted in thing on earth, we shall neither be his inordinate attachment to this unduly elated by prosperity, nor world. He is not accused of impi- cast down by adversity. Whatevety or licentiousness. His sin coner may be our griefs, we shall wait sisted in calculating on mere world-with tranquillity all the days of ly happiness in future years, without feeling any desire to please God or to attend to the salvation of his soul. When the apostle was urging the exercise of contentment, he derived a powerful argument from a consideration of the end of human life. "We brought nothing," says he," into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and raiment, let using time. The future will be the therewith be content." And on season of harvest. And it is reanother occasion, having dwelt at corded for our instruction and adlarge on some relative duties, as if monition, "As a man soweth so he knew there was great danger of shall he reap. He that soweth these connexions usurping too large sparingly shall reap sparingly, and a place in our hearts, he says, 1 Cor. he that soweth bountifully shall vii. 29-31. "But this I say, breth-reap bountifully. He that soweth ren, the time is short: it remaineth that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away."

This should also reconcile us to the afflictions of life. "We spend our years as a tale that is told." Our trials will therefore soon pass over. At the longest, they can only continue a few years. And while they are experienced, they are working for our good. In the anticipation of a better world, the apostle could triumphantly exclaim, "For our light affliction, which is

Our temporary stay on earth should incite us to greater activity in the cause of piety and benevolence. The present is the only period in which we can do good to our fellow men. This is our sow

to the flesh shall reap corruption, and he that soweth to the Spirit shall reap life everlasting. Therefore, whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest."

Perhaps it may not be necessary to add, it should lead us to serious inquiries as to our religious character and hopes. It will be well for us all solemnly to ask ourselves, Are we prepared for that change which inevitably awaits us? The Bible tells us that we must be born again; that we must repent of our sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are we born again? Have we with humble penitence and faith approached the footstool of mercy?

It greatly concerns us that we should give a right answer, and that this answer should be in the affirmative. For unless we are renewed in the spirit of our mind, unless like the publican we have prayed, God be inerciful to us sinners,and unless like the Ethiopean Eunuch we have been made to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our state is such as to excite the greatest alarm,

These are momentous questions. || stretches along its eastern verge, and the west is terminated by the Tiperah mountains and the river Nauf. The number of square miles comprised in this empire is estimated at 194,000, (exclusive of Assam) containing Ava, Arracan, Pegu, Martabau, Tenasserim, Junkseylon, Mergni, Tabay, Yunshan, Lowashan, and Cassay. It is said to contain 8000 cities, towns and villages, without including Arracan. The population has been estimated by Colonel Symes at 17 millions ; but Captain Cox, who succeed him at the Birman Court, estimates it at only half that number. The chief rivers are the Irawaddy, the Kenduem, the Lokiang, and the Pegu; and the chief towns, Ummerapoor, the capital; Ava, the ancient capital; Manchaboo, the birth

Before the first day of another year arrives, some of us may be numbered with the dead. Long indeed, before that period we may be cut off. If we are found in a state of impenitence, we must perish. Our Saviour has said, "Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. He that believeth on the Son hath everlast-place of Alompra; Pegu, Rangoon, ing life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Christians! have you resolved at the commencement of this year to be more watchful, prayerful and vigilant? Be exhorted to gird up the loins of your minds, and to let your lights shine with a brighter lustre than in days that are past. It is high time, brethren, to awake out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. JANUARY 1, 1826.

SKETCHES OF INDIA.

THE Birman Empire, the most extensive government in India, which is subject to one sovereign authority, includes (taking Assam into the account) 1750 geographical miles in length, and 600 in breadth, extending from the 9th to the 28th degrees of north latitude, and from the 92d to the 104th of east longitude. On the north, it is bounded by Tibet; on the south, by the Indian Ocean and the territory of Siam; the Empire of China skirts its north-east frontier; Cambodia

Syriam, Prome, Negrais, Persaim, and Chagaing. The climate is healthy, the seasons being regular, and extremes of heat and cold seldom experienced. The intense heat which precedes the rains is so very short in its continuance, that the inconvenience is trifling. In many parts, the soil is fertile. Rice, in the south, yields abundant crops; and in the north, wheat, and the various kinds of small grain, and leguines which grow in Hindostan, Hlourish. Sugar canes, tobacco, indigo, cotton, and the different tropical fruits, are indigenous. Although the tea-plant flourishes near Ummerapoor, it yields scarcely any flavor. The teak tree grows here in great abundance, and also every other kind of timber which grows in India. There are mines of gold and silver, rubies and sapphires, iron, tin, lead, antimony, arsenic, sulphur, &c, Amethysts, garnets, beautiful chrysolites, jasper, amber, and marble, are also found here; and the wells are here which produce petroleum oil.

With China, the Birmans carry on an extensive trade. Cotton, amber, ivory, precious stones, bet

elnut, and edible nests are trans-ly rich. Every man in the kingdom ported up the river Irawaddy, in is held liable to military duty when farge boats, as far as Bamoo, where called upon; but the standing army they are bartered at the jee or mart, in time of peace has been very with the Chinese merchants, for small. It is evident, however, from raw and wrought silks, velvets, the numbers they have brought into gold-leaf, preserves, paper, and the field during the war now existsome utensils of hard ware. The ing, that they can swell their army British in India have been in the to a very considerable force. Of practice of importing to Madras war boats, the Emperor is said to and Calcutta, from the Birman do- || have 500, carrying each from 40 to minions, teak timber to the amount 50 rowers, 30 soldiers with muskets, of nearly a million of dollars annu- and a piece of ordnance on the ally, which they have paid for in prow. English broad-cloth, hard ware, coarse Bengal muslins, glass, Cossimbazar silks, cocoa nuts, &c. The Birmans, like the Chinese, have no coin; silver in bullion, and lead, being the currency of the country; and the value of these being regulated by artificial standards, fluctuates so continually, that foreigners are obliged to entrust their affairs to native bankers. The value of rice at the capital is 56 cents for 84 lbs.; but at Rangoon, 250lbs, may be purchased for that sum.

There is a great contrast between the Birmans and the natives of India; the former being lively, inquis itive, active, irascible, and impatient; while their Bengal neighbours are exactly the reverse of all these. In Ava, the females are not concealed from the sight of men: but they are treated in a manner irreconcileable either with delicacy or humanity. Their women are sold to strangers, but this purchase does not authorise the carrying of them out of the country; they are never permitted to emigrate. The men pluck out their beards by the roots, and both sexes colour their teeth, their eye-lashes, and the edges of their eye-lids, black. Polygamy is prohibited by law, but concubinage, to an unlimited extent, is admitted. The Birmans bury their dead; they are in their food gross and uncleanly; even reptiles being eaten by the lower classes. The sitting posture is considered the most respectful. Their houses are raised on wooden posts, or bamboos, generally composed of bamboos and mats, and but indifferently thatched; but their temples are splendid fabrics, glittering with gold. There is one of these splendid erections, built on a

There is said to exist a great similarity between the courts of Ava and Pekin, especially as regards title and ostentatious splendour. The Birman Emperor, like the sovereign of China, acknowledges no equal. Amongst his titles arethe Sovereign of the Earth, the Emperor of Emperors, Sovereign esteemed for Riches and Happiness, the Monarch of Elephants and Horses and all good things, the Lord of high-built Palaces, of Gold, &c. &c. There are no hereditary dignities, but rank is designated by the number of gold chains which are worn. The king wears 24 chains, and his prime minister 12; and other nobles created for life, or during office, wear different num-rising ground above Rangoon, which bers, down to 3, which denotes the lowest order of nobility. One tenth of all produce is exacted as the revenue of the crown; but the amount varies so much that no average can be estimated. The Emperor, however, is understood to be immenseFEB. 1826.

is ascended by 100 magnificent steps. Terraces are cut round the summit of the hill, and planted with rows of trees, whose rich foliage gives a fine effect to the lofty spires of the temple which rise above it. The centre spire, which is the tall

8

est, is crowned at the top with a the weight of his dress. He liter sort of cap, in the form of an um-ally appeared to be cased in gold, brella, which, as well as the spire with a wing of the same metal on itself, is richly gilt, and glitters each shoulder. His crown was a beautifully in the sunshine. The high cap, richly studded with pregreat temple at Pegu has no less cious stones, and his fingers were than 100 tall spires, all richly gilt, covered with rings. Four priests and at a distance, they seem like a in long robes chaunted a song at forest of gold; whence the temple the foot of the throne, and the nuderives its name, being called the merous officers of state were dresGolden Temple. The centre spire, sed in rich silks. His Majesty is with the cap, or umbrella, is 56 the sole proprietor of all the elefeet in circumference. It is called phants in his dominions. It is a the Tee; and round its rims are great honour to be permitted to ride hung numerous small bells, which on one. Male elephants are prized keep up such a continual sound, beyond females in Ava, although that the Tee is heard, night and in Hindostan the females are in day, at a considerable distance. more estimation, on account of their superior docility. The henza, a wild fowl, called in India the Brahmany goose, is the symbol of the Birman nation, as the eagle is of

Gold is, indeed, the type of excellence among the Birmans. Every thing belonging to the sovereign has the word SHOE, or gold, prefixed to it. When a subject means to affirm that the king has heard

ours.

In Ava, Pegu, and Siam, the Pali

any thing, he says" "It has reach-language, which is derived from

nose."

ed the golden ears;" he who has Sanscrit, constitutes the sacred obtained admittance to the royal text. The character in common use presence, has been at "the golden is a round nagari, formed from the feet;" what pleases the sight, is square pali. It runs in circles, and delightful to the golden eye;" segments of circles, variously disand what gratifies the sense of smel- posed, and is written from left to ling, is pleasing to "the golden right. Their common books are The palace of the Empe- composed of the palmira leaf, on ror, in the city of Ummerapoor, is which the letters are engraved with a large stone building, with four styles. The laws of the Birmans gates. Its east entrance is called are of Hindoo origin. Their code the golden gate; its west, the gate is founded on the Dharma Sastra, of favour; its south, the gate of which is a commentary on Menu; justice; and its north, the gate of it prescribes specific punishments state. When the English ambas- for almost every species of crime sadors went there, they entered at that can be committed. Their laws the golden gate, and passed through are described as wise, and pregnant different superb apartments to the with sound morality; and their pohall of audience, which was support- lice is better regulated than in most ed by seventy-seven pillars. At countries. There are no distincthe end of it is a high gilted lattice, tions of caste amongst them, nor which conceals the throne. On his are they restricted to hereditary Majesty's arrival, the folding doors occupations, nor forbidden from parof this lattice were thrown open. ticipating with strangers in every The throne is richly carved and social bond. It is said that every gilded; and two tables stand near person can read and write the vulit, covered with vessels and orna-gar tongue; all their monasteries ments of gold. The Emperor seem- being seminaries, where youths of ed scarcely able to ascend the flight all descriptions are educated gratis of steps that leads to his seat, from by the rhaans or monks, who never

It

buy, sell, or accept money. They || terwards, rescued his country from are fond of poetry and music. In her degradation, drove out the Pethe king's library, which was shown guers, and founded the present dyto Col. Symes, the books were in- nasty. In these wars, the French numerable, kept in boxes, ranged favoured the Peguers, and the Enwith great regularity, the contents glish assisted the Birmans. Alomof each chest being written in gold pra died in 1760, after most extenletters on the lid. sive conquests, and the display of The Birmans are followers of most profound wisdom, leaving the Budha, and acknowledge to have empire to his eldest son, Namdogee received their religion from Cey- Praw. In 1767, or 1131 of the lon. Their priests wear yellow Birman era, the Chinese sent an clothing; they have a long loose army of 50,000 men against the cloak of that colour which they Birmans. But the whole of this wrap round them, so as to cover army was destroyed, except about most part of their bodies. Their 2,500 men, who were sent in fetters Kioums, or convents, resemble the to the capital, where they were architecture of the Chinese; are forced to marry Birman wives, and entirely made of wood, and consist were afterwards encouraged to conof one large hall, open at all sides. sider themselves as Birmans. There are no apartments for the appears that all strangers are inviprivate recreations of the monks or ted to marry Birman women. This priests; publicity is the prevailing custom, in the east, is singular; system of Birman conduct. They for women are, in almost all secadmit of no secrets either in church tions of the east, degraded by interor state. Their priests profess cel-course with strangers. Minderaibacy, and abstain from every sen- gee Praw, the fourth son of the sual pleasure; they receive no sal- great Alompra, ascended the throne aries; never dress their own food, in 1782. He founded the new me but receive the contributions of the tropolis of Ammerapoor, to which laity ready dressed. These con- the seat of government was removtributions they collect in daily per-ed from Ava; since which period ambulations, at the dawn of day. During these walks they never raise their eyes from the ground, nor stop to solicit any donations; the provisions being thrown into a lackered box, which they carry on the arm. They eat but once a day, and distribute the surplus provisions among those who are in want. Nunneries have been abolished by law, as injurious to population.

There is but little known of the early history of the Birman Empire. When the Portuguese arms were triumphant in India, they interfered in a war which then raged between the Birmans and the Peguers, but there was little known of the interior of Birmah. In 1752, the sovereign of Pegu conquered the king of Ava, which is the country of the ancient Birmans. But Alompra, a man of low origin, rose up soon af

the Birman power has been gradually increasing, until the commencement of the present war with Great Britain, which bids fair to reduce it once more to a mere dependency.

A REMARK OF CECIL.

I have often had occasion to observe, that a warm blundering man does more for the world than a frigid wise man. A man, who gets into the habit of inquiring about proprieties and expediencies and occasions, often spends his life without doing any thing to purpose. The state of the world is such, and so much depends on action, that every thing seems to say loudly to every man, "Do something" do it" ❝ do it."