capable of producing genuine and exalted virtue, peace of conscience, and a wellgrounded hope of eternal happiness. With respect to his own undertaking, the Author has only to state, that he engaged in it at the request of the family and friends of Dr. Buchanan. They were, doubtless, induced to place this task in his hands from the circumstance of his having some years since had occasion to consider the great subject to which the life of that excellent man was devoted, which led to a subsequent acquaintance with him. And though he has to regret that his intercourse with Dr. Buchanan was less frequent and intimate than he wished, it tended greatly to increase that lively interest in his character, which the previous knowledge of his history had excited. He felt also that he owed a debt of gratitude and service to his memory, as one of those who had benefited by his munificent proposals to the University of which he is a Member, which he was anxious to have an opportunity of discharging; and however inadequately he may have acquitted himself of this obligation, he trusts that his intention will be approved; and that the following work, thus designed to record the excellencies of a benefactor and a friend, to adopt the affectionate apology of a Roman biographer, "Professione pietatis aut laudatus erit, aut excusatus." The Author cannot close this Preface without shortly adverting to the subject which is so frequently brought under review in the following Memoirs, the promotion of Christianity in the East. Much as Dr. Buchanan was permitted to effect towards that great and important work, much yet remains to be accomplished. The foundation of our Episcopal Establishment has indeed been laid in India: but it requires to be strengthened and enlarged, and a more goodly and majestic superstructure to be erected upon it. Churches are still wanting at the different European stations, and a considérable increase in the number of chaplains. The translation of the Scriptures, and of useful tracts, into the oriental languages should be encouraged and pursued. Schools should be instituted for the instruction of the young, more particularly in the knowledge of the English language; and the native Christians, a Tac. in vit. Agric. instead of being, as hitherto, neglected, and even repressed, should be accredited and supported. These are but brief and imperfect suggestions, which it must be left to others, better qualified for the task, to expand and realize. The Author would only, therefore, add, that it is for those who survive the lamented subject of these volumes, and who deeply feel the value of his various labours, to study to repair his loss, to rescue from neglect or failure the plans which he conceived, and to continue that which he so successfully began. In the mean time, may the following record of his pious and disinterested exertions excite the zeal and strengthen the resolution of others to follow him in his benevolent career; and prove, under that Divine blessing which its Author fervently implores, in some degree, the means of confirming and extending the kingdom of Christ, not only in India, but throughout the world at large. St. Giles's, Oxford, March 8, 1817. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Early life and education of Mr. Buchanan in Scotland. His journey to England. Employment in the law, and Mr. Buchanan's wish to enter the Church. His intro- duction to Mr. H. Thornton, and admission at Queen's Mr. Buchanan's voyage to India. His arrival at Calcutta in March 1797. Appointment as chaplain at Barrack- pore, and residence there till November 1799. Mar- riage of Mr. Buchanan in the spring of that year. Ap- pointment as one of the chaplains of the Presidency. Institution of the College of Fort William, and appoint- Progress of the College. Official and clerical engagements of Mr. Buchanan. Voyage of Mrs. Buchanan to Eng- land. College disputations and examinations. Speeches of Governor General as Visitor. Orders of the Court of Directors for its abolition. Defence of that institu- tion by the Marquis Wellesley; and by Mr. Buchanan. Return of Mrs. Buchanan to Bengal. Mr. Obeck. His character and death. First series of Prizes offered by Mr. Buchanan to the Universities and public Schools of the United Kingdom. Mr. Buchanan's Sermon at Order from the Court of Directors for the continuance of |