Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/355

Rh tion, they derive elegance and self-possession in manners.

But the golden age of the Brahmins is passed. As they now sorrowfully say, “All men are free.” Under British rule, and through the influence of Christian missions, caste has ceased fully to define the position of men in society. If the Sudra has merit and education, he will be advanced. Even Pariahs now acquire education and wealth. Though caste is still an iron band upon the people, the Brahmins, as a priesthood, are losing power. The superstitious reverence and fear of the lower castes for their spiritual lords is diminishing. Nothing pleases them more than to see the Brahmins worsted in a debate by those who do not dread their tyranny or their curse.

The power of the gospel to change the heart has been signally manifested in the conversion of men from this proud and depraved race, who have become able preachers of the truth and exemplars of the spirit of Christianity. When truly converted, their rank, mental culture, and intelligence make them valuable as evangelists to their idolatrous countrymen. But now, as in days of old, “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are