Page:A History of the Brahmo Samaj.djvu/30

CHAPTER I 7 students he had established in the year 1829 a society called the Academic Association, where the utmost freedom of discussion was allowed on all subjects, sacred or profane ; as a consequence, a new and fervent spirit which aimed at revolutionising society had been evolved. Once roused it went beyond all bounds of moderation intended by its progenitor, Mr. Derozio had received his education under one Mr. David Drummond, a Scotch adventurer, who had drunk deep the spirit of the French Revolution, and had left his country and his kith and kin on account of theological differences. The teachings of Mr. Drummond had made a deep and lasting impression on the mind of his gifted pupil, who carried the same fire into the Hindu College. The influence of his teachings on his pupil-friends was highly moral in its character. He taught them above all to be honest in their speech and conduct, laying great stress on the value of independence and moral courage; but the contagion of free-thinking extended over a far larger area than the sphere of personal influence of the teacher ; and many who had never seen or heard him professed his views. With this thoughtless portion of young Bengal, independence meant open defiance of the authority of their elders and moral courage meant contemptuous reviling of the ancient faith, together with