Your ShelfYour Projects

Intemperance in India

25%

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 25, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 45.

Read the full edition

Intemperance in India.

THE following is an extract of a recent letter from a missionary in India:—
'One thing has grieved me considerably, namely, the growing amount of intoxication among the natives. The English have much to answer for; they nearly all drink, have some for their servants, and barrels of liquor come from England and elsewhere to Madras, and thence all over this land. Civilization brings the Bible, but it also brings the cup. The native character is weak, and having tasted, they cannot be restrained. It came very close to us a few weeks ago, when I found my matie drunk; he begged off, saying that he had left the English service in order to get away from liquor, and for me to try him once more. He is a very smart and efficient man, and it would be hard to fill his place; but I told him that a second occasion would cause me to discharge him.
'You know how weak man is at home in America, when surrounded by all the restraining influences of relatives, friends, and public opinion; you, then, can understand how hard it is for these poor fellows, who have generations of heathendom running in their veins, and have only just come out of idolatry and darkness. Oh, it is a cruel, cruel crime for the nations whom God has so richly blessed to come here with that beverage of hell, and Satan's greatest weapon! But the English are brought up to drink, and do not see the harm. As a lady said the other day: 'I do wish my cook would not get drunk before dinner; it is awkward. I don't care how much he drinks after dinner.' And so with them all; many leave a little in bottles, so that the servants can have a little and feel in good humor. It is marvelous to me how active the devil is in this world, and his workings are seen so manifestly in this country. Surely Peter did not exaggerate when he called him 'a roaring lion, going about seeking whom he may devour.''—Christian Secretary.