nded from these swarming haunts to the
bathing places along the Ganges were worn every day by the footsteps of
an innumerable multitude of worshippers. The schools and temples drew
crowds of pious Hindus from every province where the Brahmanical faith
was known. Hundreds of devotees came thither every month to die, for it
was believed that a peculiarly happy fate awaited the man who should
pass from the sacred city into the sacred river. Nor was superstition
the only motive which allured strangers to that great metropolis.
Commerce had as many pilgrims as religion. All along the shores of the
venerable stream lay great fleets of vessels laden with rich
merchandise. From the looms of Benares went forth the most delicate
silks that adorned the balls of St. James's and of Versailles; and in
the bazars the muslins of Bengal and the sabres of Oude were mingled
with the jewels of Golconda and the shawls of Cashmere."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VIII.

BENARES AS A MISSION SPHERE.

Hinduism, like all other religions, has its points of contact, we may
say of agreement, with Christianity; but in its main features and
tendencies it is intensely antagonistic, and this antagonism may be
conceived to have its keenest edge and greatest force in the city from
which it has for ages maintained its sway over the millions of India. If
any religion could be considered entrenched by local advantages beyond
the possibility of overthrow, Hinduism might be declared secure at
Benares, if not against assault, at least against defeat.

People in all ages, all the world over, cling with varying degrees of
tenacity to the views and practices which have come to them from their
fathers. Jeremiah said, "Pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and
send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a
thing. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods?"
Hinduism in its present form is comparatively modern; but the people
generally know nothing of its history, and they regard it as an
inheritance from the most ancient times. It comes to them as the gifts
of gods and sages, which it would be sacrilege to reject. There is much
in the religion itself to bind the people to it. Its numerous
ceremonies, sustained by the largest promises, give the assurance of a
great reward. In discharging their religious duties they have often to
endure toil, undergo privation, and make sacrifices; but the more they
do and suffer, the gr