but one advantage accruing from our intimacy, namely, that they no longer view the professors of Christianity as idolaters.  They have learned with surprise that the Christian religion forbids idolatry,—­thus the strong barrier being sapped, I trust it may be thrown down by abler servants of our Lord; for the Mussulmauns are already bound by their religion to love and reverence Christ as the Prophet of God:  may the influence of his Holy Spirit enlighten their understandings to accept Him as their Redeemer!

Like the true Christian, they are looking forward to that period when Jesus Christ shall revisit the earth, and when all men shall be of one faith.  How that shall be accomplished, they do not pretend to understand, but still they faithfully believe it, because it has been declared by an authority they reverence, and deem conclusive.  Often, during my acquaintance with these people, have I felt obliged to applaud their fidelity, although, in some points, I could not approve of the subject on which it was displayed—­their zeal at Mahurrum, for instance, when they commemorate the martyrdom of the grandchildren of their Prophet,—­I have thought ’had they been favoured with the knowledge we possess, what zealous Christians would these people be, who thus honour the memory of mere holy men.’

The time, I trust, is not very far distant when not one nation in the whole world shall be ignorant of the Saviour’s efficacy, and His willingness to receive all who cast their burden at the foot of His cross.  My heart’s desire for the people I have dwell amongst is that which St. Paul in the Epistle to the Romans declares to be his prayer to God for Israel, ‘that they might be saved!’ and I know not any way in which I could better testify my regard for the Mussulmauns collectively, or my gratitude individually, than by recommending the whole of the tenth chapter of the Romans to the serious consideration of those persons who possess such influence, us that the gospel of peace may be preached to them effectually by well-chosen and tried servants of our Lord, who are duly prepared both in heart and speech, to make known the glad tidings to their understandings that ’God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life;’ that ’If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;’ and that ’He is the propitiation for our sins:  and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.’

Should the view I have conscientiously given of their character be the humble means of removing prejudice from the Mussulmauns of Hindoostaun, so that they may be sought and won by brotherly kindness, my humble heart will rejoice that my labours, as an observer and detailer, have been successful through the merciful orderings of Divine Providence.

[1] Ludhiana, a city, not the capital of the Panjab:  ’the land of
    five rivers’ (panj-ab).