Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/576

504 favour in the eyes of the rich, the great, and the powerful. Immoralities once openly practised must now be renounced or hid from the public eye. Formerly, Englishmen high in station made offerings at heathen shrines, built temples, joined in idolatrous processions, and even worshipped idols. Such things now would not be tolerated by the public sentiment of the English in India. The remaining links by which the government is united with idolatry will, it is expected, soon be severed, and heathenism be left to take care of itself. In no country will you meet men of more ardent zeal for the glory of God, of more devoted piety, or of more deep spirituality, than are some of the gentlemen of the East India Company's service. Were it proper, the names of many, high in rank, both in the civil and military branches, might be adduced as examples of what a Christian gentleman should be, and may do. To have the counsel, aid, prayers, and sympathies of such men when in a heathen land, is a great and delightful privilege. In the presidency of Madras, especially, is the religious element in society strong, decided, and advantageous to the cause of Christ.

The native part of the city lies to the north