Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/16

4 usages. There is no record of the first marriage but he was married for the second and third time when he was only nine years old. His father, zealous and devoted, from the first continually instructed him in the religious observances of his faith, while his mother having accepted her husband's beliefs showed all the enthusiasm of a convert. It is thus evident that from his earliest years nothing but the most orthodox influences surrounded the future reformer. How great a hold they retained over him through all his schemes for advancement and reform his future actions show. The sacred Brahmanical thread was worn by him till the end, being found upon him after his death in England fifty years later.

Yet so eager had been his thirst for knowledge that before he had reached his sixteenth year he was able to discuss religious matters on an equality with his father. Gradually the discussions, grew into arguments, respectful always on Ram Mohan's side yet none the less determined and sincere, until at last father and son realised that they differed fundamentally and hopelessly on matters of belief. It was a terrible blow to Ram Mohan's orthodox parents and relations. Hinduism, as they practised it, he regarded as overlaid with superstition and idolatry. Already his studies in the sacred books of his faith had led him to regard the modern practice of it as a false and degenerate