GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY.

513

bay who had not only been in the chair of the Court of Proprietors, when Mr. Poynder's resolution was opposed, but who moved and carried counter resolutions, and who vindicated and approved of the retrograde course which the Court of Directors have pursued since 1836; and where is the confidence that we can place in such a government? How necessary is it that the religious public should watch all its movements, and not suffer liberal measures to be neutralized? important is it that the public at home should exert a greater influence in the appointment of governors, and in regulating the principles on which the administration ought to be conducted?

How

On the retirement of the Marquis of Hastings from the head of the Indian government, Mr. Canning received the appointment, and was preparing to embark for Bengal as the governor-general. The pious people in Scotland did not coincide with this nomination. Whatever might be Mr. Canning's religious principles, I know not; but these devoted men believed that they were such as would lead him to oppose the interests of missions.

on the plain of Dura, "To you it is commanded, O people, nations and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up; and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, shall the same hour be cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace."

L L

GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY.

513

bay who had not only been in the chair of the Court of Proprietors, when Mr. Poynder's resolution was opposed, but who moved and carried counter resolutions, and who vindicated and approved of the retrograde course which the Court of Directors have pursued since 1836; and where is the confidence that we can place in such a government?

How necessary is it that the religious public should watch all its movements, and not suffer liberal measures to be neutralized? How important is it that the public at home should exert a greater influence in the appointment of governors, and in regulating the principles on which the administration ought to be conducted?

On the retirement of the Marquis of Hastings from the head of the Indian government, Mr. Canning received the appointment, and was preparing to embark for Bengal as the governor-general. The pious people in Scotland did not coincide with this nomination. Whatever might be Mr. Canning's religious principles, I know not; but these devoted men believed that they were such as would lead him to oppose the interests of missions

on the plain of Dura, "To you it is commanded, O people, nations and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up; and whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, shall the same hour be cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace."

LL