Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/377

Rh so divided, that both the stationary missionaries and the native preachers have many opportunities which they improve for making known to them the way of salvation. And, moreover, without any direct effort on their part, native Christians, and even little children from the schools, scatter the seed in neighbouring communities, and thus lead others to unite with the Christian body. A similar and deeply interesting work is going forward in the adjoining districts of Travancore and Madura, under the labours of English and American missionaries.

It will be seen at a glance, that as those who apply for instruction in Christianity are usually heathen men, their motives must be often of a mixed character. They hear the truth, and feel its great superiority to their own debasing idolatry; or they perceive that Christian communities near them are increasing in worldly comforts and education; or they conclude that the new religion is to prevail; and thus, from a variety of reasons, are led to apply for a teacher, and to engage to renounce idolatry and heathenism. A movement commencing with a few individuals will sometimes in the end embrace a large number, who unite with