Now, thanks be to GOD, how altered is the scene; the legislature of our country has awarded religious freedom to India; and now the missionary may go through the length and breadth of that mighty empire, testifying to the Mussulman and idolator “repentance towards GOD, and faith towards our LORD JESUS CHRIST,” unmolested by the natives, and befriended by his countrymen. If the early friends of missions excluded from the millions of India, turned their attention to the colonies of the west; there the curse of slavery rested with all its unmitigated horrors. And whilst christian compassion wept over the lacerated body, or the more tortured spirit of the deeply injured negro; the stern voice of the oppressor forbade the application of the balm that might have soothed and healed his bleeding heart. In the judgment of the slave-holder to instruct the negro in the mild principles of Christianity, was an offence not to be forgiven, an evil pregnant with every conceivable danger; and of all men, the missionary was the man most to be dreaded and detested. But the spirit of justice, philanthropy, and religion, maintained the hard fought contest, till the spirit of oppression though unchanged, was compelled to yield; and amidst the scenes where Smith was martyred as the friend of the slave—where the sanctuaries of GOD were pillaged and destroyed—where faithful brethren were seized, imprisoned, and threatened with death, _there_ liberty has been proclaimed to the captive, and _there_ the glorious gospel of the blessed GOD has gladdened and governed the hearts of thousands. In Southern Africa also where the arms of our country had triumphed, British power was exerted for the support of slavery, and the discouragement of christian missions. The feelings of the colonists in general, were well expressed by the Dutch farmer, who in reply to the proposal of Robert Moffat to preach the gospel to his servants, exclaimed with a voice of thunder!—“preach to the Hottentots—preach to the dogs.” But _now_, thanks be to the GOD of missions, the Hottentot is free; the Caffre is protected, and the wandering and hostile tribes of the desert enjoy the advantages of liberty, order, and peace; sanctified and enhanced by the blessings of religion. But surpassing all other wonders of a gracious providence on behalf of missions—China, which from time immemorial barred her gates against the stranger; which ten years ago appeared equally impregnable for ages to come. _China itself is open_! Opened to an extent far beyond our power of occupation. Already the faithful evangelist proclaims the gospel of salvation in her crowded cities, none making him afraid, and many giving welcome to his message.