Page:Bengal Celebrities.djvu/51

Rh era in the history of Bengali literature, and under the able editorship of Akshoy Kumar Dutt it began to impart new ideas and gave an impetus to the cultivation of knowledge. It thus paved the way for higher criticism and culture and thus afterwards enabled Bankim Chundra and others to start high-class periodicals like the Bangodarsana and Nabajivan.

Debendranath was the religious master of the great Keshab Chundra Sen, but he could not long hold his influence over his eminent disciple, who, disliking his Preceptor's conservatism, broke away at last. As a theological speaker, Debendranath was scarcely equalled. His sermons are masterpieces of that true eloquence which, fraught with sincerity and piety, comes from the heart and goes to the heart. They did more to reclaim sinners than any system of ethics, however skilfully constructed, would have done. His piety and moral courage were quite exceptional. When the Union Bank failed, Debendranath lost much; moreever, what added to his embarrassements was that he took on his own shoulders the liabilities of the firm, which he could easily have repudiated as not being personal. This involved him heavily in debts, but by economy and good management he cleared off all his debts and increased his income. This integrity and uprightness had their reward. He came to be highly respected even by those who did not sympathise with his views, while by his followers he was simply adored. The great popularity which he had among his countrymen was shown when they conferred on him the title of Maharshi (or great Rishi)—a title never won by any person in modern times. Until his death he befriended many young men who profited by his teachings and were inspired by his example. Debendranath was also singularly fortunate in his private life.

For truthfulness, honesty, simplicity and uprightness, Dwarkanath Tagore was one of the most remarkable men of his time, and a pillar of strength to the Bramo Samaj, to which he gave as it were, a new life.