INTRODUCTION. WHEN We consider the rank which Russia holds among the nations of the earth, and the important position she occupies in the present contest-when we realize that she sits like the eagle upon her mountains, watching for her prey, both far and near-when we understand the long-cherished policy of the nation, we are not surprised that the eyes of the whole world are upon her. Her growing power-her immense resources-her extensive domains, added to her supposed ambitious schemes, have made Russia an object of alarm-of jealousy and watchfulness, not only by Turkey and Circassia, but by all Western Europe. All her diplomatic operations are closely scrutinized; the strength and power of her armies and every movement thereof and the result of every battle is anxiously sought for and carefully noticed, and every word of her Ruler's is considered of the highest importance. T. G. KOHL, Esq., who visited Russia in '42, after having examined her warlike preparations, observes :Russia is laboring for the future. The veil which shrouds the future history of Europe, and the evils which threaten it are impenetrable, and the West think with alarm on the moment when it shall be lifted. What stage will then present itself what will then be performed by the actors.? Where will be the field of Mars that shall witness the effect of these mighty engines of destruction? Where will be the soil that shall be made drunk with the blood of the slain? Where is the bombarded city which they will lay in ashes-and when will they enter Vienna, Berlin and Paris triumphant? Speaking of the Russian arsenals, he says:-The balls piled up here are immense, and as carelessly as the Russian sentinel marches to and fro, among them, so anxiously does the Turk, the Circassian, the German, the Bucharian, and the French anxiously ask themselves to what region are they destined to roll. The face of the ball is black, and no spirit possessing the knowledge of future events has written on it, "the 18-, to appear in the Market Place of Olmutz," or "with the Spring of 18-, to awaken the first swallow in the gardens of Constantinople," or "to salute the Parisian on Christmas eve." Yes, he says, Russia is laboring for futurity. Her view extends over the whole surface of the globe. She anticipates many a conflict with near and distant times. of These were the ideas that forced themselves on the mind of one who visited Russia in 1842, and who well understood the political aspect of Europe. These reflections, based upon stubborn facts and corresponding with the true history of Russia, show very clearly that she is destined to act an important part in the occupied before the days of Peter the great drama of the world. It is well understood that this war is not the result of a fit of passion, or of a sudden hatched up scheme, and that its effects will not be of a temporary nature. But that it is the carrying out of a long since established national policy, and of the firm and universal faith of the Russian people, and that its results will be felt in nations yet unborn. The question to be decided is of no small importance to the world-it extends itself to all time and involves in it the liberty and safety of all nations. Great. This would, no doubt, gratify the feelings and accord with the ambition of a Bonaparte. He remembers the decisive blow that his uncle, BonaparteFirst, received from Russia. No doubt he would not only be glad to put a lasting check to her growing power, but also to see her severely chastised, as she was the chief instrument, under Providence,. of preventing his Uncle from obtaining universal dominion. But the desires and designs of man are often frustrated. Man can calculate and appoint, but God may disappoint. If, therefore, any reliable information It is true, when we look at the comcan be obtained concerning the "Future parative strength of the two belligerent of Russia,"—if the veil can be lifted-parties, or in reasoning altogether upon if through God's servants, the prophets, who spake as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and whose words have been written for our profit, and learning upon whom the ends of the world is come, we can penetrate the dark cloud that hangs over Europe and descry thereby her future destiny, no doubt it would be a source of gratification to the anxious and those who speculate and opine on these matters; but it might also be useful to those more immediately interested. Many and various are the opinions on this subject, but the most popular one in Western Europe and America is that the combined powers of Turkey and her Allies will not only be able to maintain the safety and integrity of Turkey, but that they will also be able to so far humble the proud Autocrat of all the Russias as to cause him to sue for Peace and accept it on their own terms. The new Map of Europe, supposed to be the work of Napoleon III. seems to anticipate great changes in the landmarks and boundaries of nations in Europe, and if consummated, would throw Russia back nearly to the position she natural principles, or from cause to effect, one might suppose that Russia was altogether at the mercy of her numerous and powerful enemies; but the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong. The King of Persia with an army of two millions of fighting men. and a million of attendants, was as confident when he crossed the Hellespont, that he should subdue Greece, as Napoleon III. and Johnny Bull are that they shall humble the Czar. But the Greeks,. with only about thirty thousand, put them to rout, and drove them back to their own country. Pharaoh, King of Egypt, who in his rage had followed Israel, when he saw that they were closely hemmed in between the sea and inaccessible mountains, and his mighty host in his rear, was as sure he would be. avenged on the Hebrews, as Western Europe is that they shall bring Russia to their own terms. But Pharaoh knew not the thoughts of the Lord, neither did he understand his power. He that setteth bounds to the nations had determined otherwise. He commanded, and the sea obeyed him. The waters of the great deep made a path for his chosen people. | built for the house of my glory by mine The waves thereof rolled up on high, Napoleon First when he entered Moscow, or saw it in his power, was as confident that he should conquer Russia, as the Allies are that they shall cause her to succomb to their dictation. But the own power, a voice said unto him, thy kingdom is departed from thee, and thou shalt be driven from among men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, until thou knowest that the Most High ruleth over the kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whomsoever He will. This is a lesson that proud and ambitious Princes are apt to forget.Indeed, this enlightened age, although they believe that God interposed His special power in raising up and putting down nations, yet now He has left the lighted torch that Count Rosterchpin threw into his own rich and splendid mansion destroyed as it were in a moment all his proud schemes of universal dominion. The king of Babylon and his nobles, while in their drunken and blas-world to chance and fate. But ere long phemous revelry, were as confident of they will find that there is a God yet the strength and safety of their city, even while Cyrus was entering between the "two laved gates" as the most zealous advocate of the Allies can be of their final success. But God is not dependant on the efficient, or inefficient means of man, to accomplish His purposes. He commands and the sea obeys him. He inspires a Cyrus with wisdom, a Russian nobleman with patriotic zeal. Clouds and tempests are instruments of His wrathhail-stones the weapons of His hot displeasure. The famine and the pestilence go forth at His word and burning fevers wait His stern command. He turneth the wisdom of rulers into folly and their councils into confusion. And if He has ordained that Russia should extend her Empire and increase her dominion-if He has designed to raise her up, that he might show forth His mighty power in her final overthrow and has revealed it His servants, the prophets, it will surely be accomplished. Mankind, and espepecially the Rulers, seem to have forgotten that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Nebuchednezzar, while complimenting himself, saying, is not this great Babylon, which I have who is the arbiter of nations and the avenger of the blood of the innocent and the God of the down-trodden and oppressed. It is true that to the superficial observer, who is under the strong prejudice that prevails against Russia and the popular sympathy for the Allies, and who is unacquainted with the internal conditions of Russia, would conclude that . there is but little chance for the success of her arms, and that instead of filling the Bosphorus with a fleet sufficient to cope with all Europe and making herself dictator on the waters of the Mediterranean, she would be glad of a few ports on the shores of the Euxine-or instead of making the ancient Capitol of the Byzantine Empire her Capitol, she would be glad even of a national existence. But one who is not under these popular prejudices and sympathies, and who understands what Russia is, and what she has been-who is acquainted with her present condition, her resources, her people and her Princes, might, by reasoning upon purely natural principles, add many strong arguments in favor of Russia's finally becoming triumphant... In the first place, the Czar of Russia rules over twice as much territory as all Europe combined. Her people number between 'sixty and seventy millions. Her internal resources and means of national independence are equal to her extent of territory, and the wants of her people, and they are ever ready to sacrifice for the safety of their country. It is folly to talk of Russia's being conquered, though all the rest of Europe should combine against her, unless the Almighty should interpose in their behalf. Bonaparte's Russian campaign may teach us a lesson on this point. Napoleon First, supposed to be the greatest warrior the world ever produced, with an army of six hundred thousand of the best troops of Europe, and nearly all the nations of Europe at his heels-his troops had the most unbounded confidence in their leader's attempts, the conquest of Russia. And what was the result? Instead of conquering Russia, he was conquered himself. It is true he led his army far into the interior of Russia-he conquered Moscow-but Moscow was not Russia. The safety of Russia lay in that spirit of patriotism and devotion to their country that wrapped in flames that wealthy and splendid city. That spirit still exists. Once, in ancient times, it drove out Darius and his mighty host, when he attempted to subdue what was then called Scythia. The motto of the ancient Scythians is, "to burn what we cannot defend." The same motto is still in vogue, though they are now called Russians. The bleak winds and drifting snows of Russia still come in their accustomed seasons, and as Menschikoff wisely said, Generals January, February and March, will fight our battles better than we can. Hence says the poet, "the burly old Bruin your efforts will mock." Her cold dens of the North will forever protect her. Again, strong arguments may be adduced in favor of Russia by applying to the subject the old motto, "Union is streugth." It is highly important especially in all great undertakings, that there should be unity amongst those who are to act together. This bond of union should be sufficient to outweigh all other considerations. The most important item in constituting and maintaining such a union is to have an acknowledged head. There is another saying applicable to this subject, "what is everybody's business is nobody's. No community of people can act efficiently, either religiously or politically, without a head in whom they have confidence to direct or superintend their affairs-much less can they in the business of war. Even in the family circle the want or the absence of such a head leads to confusion and destruction. Again, in order to constitute an effectual and enduring union, there must be a union of interests. The mighty power self will demand and claim its right in all circumstances and departments of life. If matters of a religious character are connected with this union the faith, hopes and objects of all should be one. A want or lack of either of these important constituents, parts of an effectual union, would lead to fatal results. We find that the enemics of Russia are lacking in all those most essential things to constitute an enduring union. In the first place they have no head. They have not, nor is it likely thev will do it, confide the supreme control of the operations to any one individual or to any one nation. Here a want of concentration and energetic action will necessarily follow. Each nation has its separate interests to subserve and its nation's glory to promote and sustain. It is not very probable these nations who have till of late |