Page:Notes on Indian Affairs (Vol. II).djvu/474

Rh whatever was done for them by Government would conciliate their affection, and diminish their dislike to the British rule. Even direct attempts at conversion, by individuals, if accompanied with delicacy and mildness of argument, so far from offending them, would only raise us in their estimation, as affording evidence that we were sincere in the belief of our own religion; particularly if our conduct were consistent with our professions, and our practice proved the efficacy of our faith. Those missionaries and clergy who are good linguists, who treat the people with civility and consideration, and who argue with temper and forbearance, are highly respected by the people. Mr. T., at Delhi, is one of this character. I have seen him at the fair, surrounded by natives from all parts of India, both of our own and of foreign territories, and was quite surprised and delighted to observe the respect with which he was treated. Instead of making him the salutation which is usual to a temporal superior, the greater number, on approaching him, performed the dandwut (mode of salutation to a Brahmin). Some of the established clergy, who have pursued the proper means to attain this end, have been equally respected by them. It would, perhaps, be a prudent precaution to prohibit any direct attempts at conversion, in the schools established by Government, nor should the study of religious works be compulsory as school books. Such books should, however, be placed within their reach, for all who chose to consult them. There would be no necessity to extend this prohibition to the schools established by missionaries or private individuals with their own funds, nor should any check be given to the attempts at conversion made by those gentlemen: there is not much fear, in the present day, of their running into extravagances which formerly were too common; if they do, they will lose, instead of gaining ground. They may be safely left to their own discretion, and all that is required from Government is non-interference either way, not to be ashamed of acknowledging that the English have a religion, and, above all things, not to persecute those natives who become converts to that which we profess.

It is probable that a more judicious selection of books on  2H