Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 2.djvu/322

S7^ StATE OF CHRISTIANITY all the western inhabitants of the Archipelago, to the very people who, in other periods of their his- tory, bestowed — laws, — language,- — and civilization upon them. They not only excel these, but the more advanced nations of Hindustan, as well in energy of character, as in intrepidity and intelli- gence. A well known fact will place this beyond the reach of doubt. In the intercolonial naviga- tion of all the nations of Europe in the Indies, the natives of Manila are almost universally employ- ed as gunners and steersmen; that is, in those offices tvhere it is necessary to combine skill and firmness with mere physical labour and agility. It is an acknowledged fact, that the natives of Hindustan, with their present character, are bwapahle of being bred to fill such offices. The natives of Amboyna, who are Christians, are much superior, both in morals and intelligence, to their countrymen who are Mahomedans, and not- withstanding all the oppression they have endured, are a peaceable and most inoffensive race of men. In the Dutch armies, they ranked above all the other Asiatic troops, and. were paid, equipped, and considered on this scale of merit. Without venturing at present to decide upon our right to impose our religion upon the people of this portion of India, or our claim to arbitrate for them in a matter of conscience, it will be fair to view Christianity in its influence as a mere instrument