And is it not again most remarkable that this trust was given to Protestant England? There were other nations which preceded us in India, but to us was the stewardship given. It was entrusted to the care of no Romish people, of Spain, or France, or Austria, for none of those nations had the great qualification for the trust. Not holding the truth themselves they were disqualified from the high commission. In England there was the profession of Scriptural truth. In England the light of the Reformation burnt steadier than in any other nation. In England there was a larger circulation of the Scriptures than in any country in the world, and therefore to England was the great trust given. Can there then be any doubt as to the real character of England’s stewardship? Can we suppose that such a trust was given simply in order to enrich our merchants, or to find employment for our sons? Can we believe that these 160,000,000 immortal heathens were placed under our care in order that the wealth and luxury of the East might be transferred to our little island? and that our merchant princes might return to erect palaces, and spend their latter days in luxurious ease? Was it not rather given in order that England’s light might shine in India’s darkness; that heathen Asia might have Christianity presented to its view, and that the millions of that vast empire might be brought under the blessing of a Christian government, and favoured with that which is the highest gift within the reach of man, the clear exhibition of Christian truth? I believe it may be safely said, that throughout the history of the world no nation was ever yet favoured with so noble an opportunity, or intrusted with so high a stewardship. We have had both light and power, and with this double qualification in our hands we have had a vast empire for a whole century placed under our care. No wonder then that God now says to us at the close of the hundred years, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” * * * * * II. And now let us consider England’s account. And here it is a joy to acknowledge that a vast amount of good has been done for India, and that our rule has been productive of great social and moral improvement. Roads have been made and canals formed; justice has been administered to an extent never known previously; Thuggism, Sutteeism, and child murder have been abolished, and on the whole there has been a vast and increasing amount of just and beneficial legislation. All this we most freely and thankfully acknowledge. Why then, it may be asked, is there need for humiliation? If so much good has been done, what reason is there to be humbled for our sin?