been speaking, or on account
of other very formidable obstacles which oppose us. To do so would be to
act a craven part. Agents must be found for the prosecution of the work,
and we must hope with the improved advantages of an Indian career the
failures will be fewer than in the past; but whatever they may be, the
Christian Church must go forward. One obvious inference from the facts I
have stated, is the extreme desirableness of a native agency. The
natives of the land, when found fit for the work, have always been
highly prized. Many of this class are now labouring in different parts
of India, and there is every reason to hope that in coming years the
native agency will grow largely in extent and efficiency.

[Sidenote: IMPRESSION OF THE SECOND YEAR.]

During my second year in Benares I entered on every department of
mission work, and had many opportunities for intercourse with the
people. In my turn I preached to the native Christian congregation, went
with the missionaries and catechists to the city, and engaged in
teaching the boys attending our primary schools. I saw the great
gatherings of the people at their religious festivals, and realized
their character, and the nature of the work to which I had devoted my
life, more than I had previously done. Instead of following
chronological order, my object in these reminiscences will be best
attained by endeavouring to present to my readers those aspects of
Indian and mission life which, during my second year, made a deep
impression on my mind, an impression which was deepened by subsequent
experience.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER X.

THE RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS OF THE HINDUS.

Crowds pass through the temples of Benares every day, pay obeisance, and
present offerings; but on ordinary occasions there is no combined act of
worship conducted by a leader, as is common in Christian assemblies. On
occasions of special urgency--the failure of rain, its unseasonable
fall, the fear of famine, or the dread of a great calamity coming on the
community in some other form--sacrifices are offered up by priests in
the presence of great multitudes, in which all present unite. These are
very special and occasional services, for, as a rule, all over India
persons and families act apart.

Hindus are, however, eminently social, and in their religious services
full play is given to the social feeling. This is shown by their melas,
or religious gatherings, which are held all over the