It must be acknowledged that there is but a step between
the teachings of Plato, which have substantially been adopted
alike by many Christians, and those of nnjre modern heathen
philosophers upon this point; but between the true Biblical
doctrine and the vagaries of philosophy, so-called, there is a
gulf so wide and deep that there can be no confounding them.
Another serious obstacle to the Hindus' receiving Christi-
anity is the fact that those who profess the latter kill and eat
the sacred cattle. All cattle are sacred to them, consequently
to kill a cow is a crime compared to which the killing of a man
of the poorer classes is but an insignificant offense. And to eat
the flesh, is, if possible, still worse. Not infrequently the
missionary gathers a crowd of listeners, when a. priest
comina' alone will cry out, "This man eats the cow and swine;
why do you hear him ? " That is enough ; his crowd melts
away, and they hear him no more. Now the fact is, that
after a long period of history, we find permission given in the
Bible for the eating of certain aninaals ; it was. however, not
in the original plan, nor is it taught or advised by the Bible.
Had sin never entered, none would ever have shed blood to



270 ADIEU INDIA.
obtain food. Nor is it a necessity now ; and if Christian
teacliers in India wonid adojit and teaeli ve2:etai'ian princi[>]es,
there is no donbt that their intlnenee for good wonhl be greatly
enhanced. It would in tliat climate be beneficial to themselves,
as well as disarm the strongest jirejudice against Christianity
that exists.
