Eurasians -- Fiction; India -- History -- British occupation, 1765-1947 -- Fiction
It is said that one of the great characteristics of Charles Darwin was
his interest in the littles of every day life, and besides he was one of
the most courteous of men. One statement of his, has given me great
satisfaction. In a letter he says: “As for myself I believe that I have
acted rightly in steadily following and devoting my life to science. I
feel no remorse from having committed any great sin, but have often
regretted that I have not done more direct good to my fellow-creatures.”
The tank, well filled with clean water, I stocked with the best of fish
of which the villagers soon had a plentiful supply. I am surprised that
the distinguished officers of government who write so learnedly about
relieving the poor of India, do not look after such a cheap and
excellent means of supplying food for the people. Yet as this might
become another article for taxation my prudence suggests silence.
I gave and also received, illustrating the Spanish proverb, “He who
would bring home the wealth of the Indies must carry the wealth of the
Indies with him.”
I became very fond of these people, and I know they had great regard for
me, and the children, especially the little girls, chattering, laughing,
playful things always around me, and they were rewarded. As I looked at
them I thought of that little sister of mine, would I ever find her?
One thing I recalled years afterward, and that was, I never once talked
to the people about their religion or referred to mine, for heathen as I
am, I have a religion. I never once spoke to them of the Bible or the
Shasters, nor gave them any creed or catechism. I often spoke to them
about God, pointing upwards, as to the One above, and explained what I
thought He would be pleased to have us do, and with what He would be
displeased. I am sure they came to reverence Him with a desire to obey
Him, for they paid less and less attention to their old idolatries.
One day one of the men came to me with a question. He first stated his
case, and then asked “Sahib, do you think Permeshwar, God, would be
pleased to have me do that?” “No” I replied, “I don’t think He would.”
“Then,” said he, “I will not do it.” I felt that good seed had been
planted in their hearts as in their fields, and I would let it grow and
ripen, cared for by God himself.
For some time I enjoyed this pleasant labor, as it diverted my thoughts
from my desolate home. I have long since come to the conclusion that
when a man becomes tired of himself, or is down in the mouth or heart,
the best remedy is to try and benefit his fellow men.
Said Rowland Hill: “I would give nothing for that man’s religion whose
very dog and cat are not the better for it.”
I left the villages to themselves for awhile and engaged in other
matters.
CHAPTER XVII.
One day, starting on a journey, I entered an apartment on the train in
which there was a lady and gentleman. They were very reserved as all
English people are.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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