Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/375

Rh most able, devoted, and successful missionaries of modern times, removed from Madras to Tinnevelly, and commenced vigorous efforts for the spread of the truth among its eight hundred thousand inhabitants. His labours were remarkably blessed. Village after village renounced heathenism to put itself under the superintendence and instruction of the mission. In 1852, there were, under the care of two missionary societies, in this district alone, more than thirty-five thousand native Christians. Although this work has embraced all castes, it has been most widely extended among the Shanars. Many a pey-covil (devil-temple) has been torn down to make way for the schoolhouse; and walls and images have been used in the construction of Christian churches. A single missionary will have under his care two, three, four, or even five thousand persons, who, though not all converted, nor all admitted to the Lord's supper, have cast away their idols, received the Bible as their guide, and become, in name and outward life, Christians. As these communities are scattered in fifty or sixty villages, one missionary cannot suffice for the instruction of all. Catechists, or native preachers and teachers, are therefore appointed, one or