Scientific Tourists, too often chargeable with folly and cruelty- Duty of Missionary Labour at length recognised - The object of Christian Missions compared with that of Howard-Sub- ject of rejoicing, that the light of Christianity is returning to RESEARCHES IN GREECE AND THE LEVANT. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. THE Ottoman Empire has long comprised within its borders the most interesting countries in the world. To some persons, these countries present claims of interest, from the beauties of Nature, and the superiority of climate which they boast. Nor are these pretensions wholly groundless. Who can survey the spacious plains, the magnificent mountains, the extensive forests, the multitude of islands washed by the blue and transparent waves, and survey them through a most brilliant atmosphere, without being convinced that he has before him some of the most striking scenes which the human eye can behold? "The plains of Asia Minor seem ready to start into fertility with a single touch: but, B alas! that touch is wanting." This was the language of an English Traveller, in regard to one of these objects; and an imagination equally vivid would give equal colouring to other Levantine scenes. The Sacred Writings style the most remarkable of these districts, a land flowing with milk and honey-the glory of all lands: and this language is almost applicable to the entire territory which is now denominated Turkey. To others, these lands are interesting, from the classical recollections which they furnish. "Here," they reflect, "the light of civilization shone with brightness, whilst the rest of the world was involved in barbarism. Here were born those distinguished individuals who are considered to this hour as having been rarely equalled, and perhaps never surpassed, for efforts of genius, for refinement of arts, and for deeds of heroism." What a perpetual tribute of respect is paid to Ancient Greece, by the study which is given to her language! The mind of youth is moulded and formed by the models of Greek Literature which are left us; and, in this manner, the influence of Greece is co-extensive with the magnitude, and will perhaps be perpetual as the duration, of the world. But for Christians, various parts of the Turkish |