circumstances in which Hinduism is placed, the elements
of a formidable problem, a problem which is being pro-
posed, at the same time, it is true, all over Asia, but
nowhere with more directness than here. The material
civilisation, in the hands of a sprinkling of strangers,
who are dreaded for their power, sometimes honoured for
their moral superiority, but in nowise loved, is over-
running it with the rapidity of steam and electricity,
while the moral civilisation stands absolutely still. For
the last dozen years especially the Colonial Government
has done much for the multiplication of schools of every
grade. But India is a poor country, its revenue is defi-
cient, and the resources of the state are insionificant in
the presence of the enormous wants there are to satisfy.
The Government is obliged, besides, to take its first steps
with caution, so as not to rouse, in these easily excitable
masses, feelings of distrust, which it would afterwards find
it difficult to allay. But suppose India possesses a system
of school instruction as effective as heart could wish, it
will be impossible on that account to suppress a question
which is pressing for answer, and to which we see no re^^ly :
What will the faith of India be on the day Avhen her old
religions, condemned to die but determined to live, shall
have finally given way?
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