REV. J. H. WYCKOFF, D.D., of the Arcot Mission of the Reformed Church in America, reports from Vellore, India, to the American Tract Society a new alignment of forces on the field, and asks that the Christian line of defense and attack be doubled in the supplies of literature. He writes:
Foochow, China
“Never was there a time when the printed word had such a mission in India as to-day. Education has spread so rapidly that newspapers and periodicals in both English and the vernacular are numbered by the hundreds. Madras has three daily newspapers in English and one in Tamil, all edited by Hindus; while a new weekly or monthly organ is so common as not to excite attention. Children of the lowest class are studying English, and native presses are sending forth a perfect flood of literature of every kind and description.
“Christian missions must be alert if the great tide of anti-Christian teaching is to be met and stemmed. The old-line tract with its exposure of folly and idolatry, superstition and caste, is no longer sufficient. The conflict now centers round the fundamental principles that separate Christianity from Hinduism. The nature of God, the doctrine of sin, the way of redemption, the future of the soul—these and other basal13truths must be presented from the Christian standpoint, and it must be shown where they antagonize Hinduism.
“Theosophy, which is a sort of refined paganism, is exerting no little influence on the educated mind. It makes much of the Hindu belief in reincarnation, and with its doctrine of karma proclaims a salvation by works well-pleasing to the carnal mind. Not a few Indians, in their escape from Western materialism, have become infatuated with theosophy, the humbling doctrine of the Cross being an offense to them. Its subtle errors must be exposed, and this can only be done through the Christian press.
“There is also a revival of Mohammedanism, and the priests of Islam are especially active in the propagation of their faith. Tracts and books attacking the Christian religion, and supporting the claims of Mohammed, are being disseminated in various vernaculars. The erection of a mosque in London, and the pampering of Islam by interested Europeans, have done much to flatter the pride of Mohammedans and quicken their zeal for a time.
“God is thus shaking the nations, and the way for the establishment of His kingdom is being prepared. Can you not double the amount of your remittance this year? We have a good printing-press in connection with our Industrial School, and if we had the funds we could do something in the way of publication.”
