DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.614#0384
341
CHAPTEE XXII.
Sentiments engendered by the contemplation of the city of Benares—
Its history, the history of India.—Principles of progress at work in
the city.—Changes visible in native society.—The Brahmo Samaj.—
Diminished study of Sanskrit. — Diminished faith in idolatry, in
Benares and Northern India generally.—Influence of education on
Hindu youths.—A Martin Luther for India.—Influence and spread
of Christianity.—Priests of Pis'ach-Mochan Tank.—Literary and Re-
ligious Societies amongst the natives. — The Benares Institute —
Nature of its discussions. — Lecture of Pandit Lakshmaji — His
account of the consequences of Hinduism.—Effect of Missions and
Education on Benares, and on India.—Religious agitation in India.—
"What is the destiny of Idolatry, and of Christianity in India?—The
Future in respect of Benares.—Remarks of the Bev. Dr. Thomson,
Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States, on
the religious and social condition and future prospects of India.
The ancient and modern buildings of Benares and
its neighbourhood, about which I have been discoursing,
were constructed by a living, earnest people, who have,
for the most part, passed away, but have left these
remains behind them, illustrative of their power and
skill, of their greatness and glory. By examining these
buildings, we gain some knowledge of the people who
erected them; and this is the main object we should
have in view. Undoubtedly, there is a subtle mys-
terious pleasure awakened in the breast by the con-
templation of an old ruin; but it owes all its force
to the fact that the old ruin is associated with human
existence in a by-gone age, with the forefathers of the
CHAPTEE XXII.
Sentiments engendered by the contemplation of the city of Benares—
Its history, the history of India.—Principles of progress at work in
the city.—Changes visible in native society.—The Brahmo Samaj.—
Diminished study of Sanskrit. — Diminished faith in idolatry, in
Benares and Northern India generally.—Influence of education on
Hindu youths.—A Martin Luther for India.—Influence and spread
of Christianity.—Priests of Pis'ach-Mochan Tank.—Literary and Re-
ligious Societies amongst the natives. — The Benares Institute —
Nature of its discussions. — Lecture of Pandit Lakshmaji — His
account of the consequences of Hinduism.—Effect of Missions and
Education on Benares, and on India.—Religious agitation in India.—
"What is the destiny of Idolatry, and of Christianity in India?—The
Future in respect of Benares.—Remarks of the Bev. Dr. Thomson,
Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States, on
the religious and social condition and future prospects of India.
The ancient and modern buildings of Benares and
its neighbourhood, about which I have been discoursing,
were constructed by a living, earnest people, who have,
for the most part, passed away, but have left these
remains behind them, illustrative of their power and
skill, of their greatness and glory. By examining these
buildings, we gain some knowledge of the people who
erected them; and this is the main object we should
have in view. Undoubtedly, there is a subtle mys-
terious pleasure awakened in the breast by the con-
templation of an old ruin; but it owes all its force
to the fact that the old ruin is associated with human
existence in a by-gone age, with the forefathers of the