The 67th are now all here. The number of their sick makes the
hospital congregation very considerable, so that if I had no
natives, translations, etc., to think of, there is call enough
for my labours and prayers among all these Europeans. The
general at my request has determined to make the whole body of
troops attend in three divisions; and yesterday morning the
Company's European, and two companies of the King's, came to
church in great pomp, with a fine band of music playing. The
King's officers, according to their custom, have declared their
intention not to call upon the Company's; therefore I mean to
call upon them. I believe I told you that 900 of the 67th are
Roman Catholics. It seemed an uncommonly splendid Mohurrum here
also. Mr. H., an assistant judge lately appointed to Patna,
joined the procession in a Hindustani dress, and went about
beating his breast, etc. This is a place remarkable for such
folly. The old judge, you know, has built a mosque here, and the
other judge issued an order that no marriage nor any feasting
should be held during the season of Mohammedan grief. A
remarkably sensible young man called on me yesterday with the
Colonel; they both seem well disposed to religion. I receive
many gratifying testimonies to the change apparently taking
place among the English in religious matters in India;
testimonies, I mean, from the mouths of the people, for I
confess I do not observe much myself.
Having translated the Church Service into Hindustani, Henry Martyn was
ready publicly to minister to the native women belonging to the
soldiers of the Company's European regiment. From such unions, rarely
lawful, sprang the now great and important Eurasian community, many of
whom have done good service to the Church and the Empire. 'The Colonel
approved, but told me that it was my business to find them an order,
and not his.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account