[37] Probably at least a dozen.
[38] The sin which doth so easily beset us.—Heb. xii. 1.
[39] Let not the meaning of my little parable be misunderstood. Even the true believer must expect many assaults of Temptation, many a struggle with besetting sin. The pearl, Purity, is perfected only in a brighter world. Nevertheless, not only Christ’s imputed righteousness, but a growing likeness to Him who said, “Learn of Me,” is one of God’s free gifts to His children through the indwelling of His Spirit. It is particularly necessary to enforce this truth in a land like India, where even sincere converts find it very hard to lead consistent lives, after having been brought up in the paths of sin.
[40] Native Christian parents are here intended, some of whom send their children to schools conducted by missionaries.
[41] The character of Ghuldasta has been drawn from Indian life; some of our little British maidens may, however, find that some of its features are by no means confined to girls of Hindostan.
[42] This hymn (translated) is a great favourite in this country. Even heathen and Mohammedan children like to sing it, as well as native Christians.
[43] This is a natural view to be taken by one half persuaded, who would make the inconsistencies of professed believers an excuse for not joining their ranks. It is but fair, however, to the native Christians, for whom this tale was specially written, to say that their standard of morality is much higher than that which is adopted by their heathen neighbours.
[44] An anna is about three half-pence. There are twelve pies in an anna.
[45] The quantity of ornaments worn by women even of the humbler classes is at first surprising to a European. A woman will in one ear wear eight or ten rings, and as many bracelets on each arm. Her feet, also, are frequently adorned.
[46] It will be observed by those who know the East that Hossein was a Mohammedan, and not an idolatrous Hindu. In India there are different religions, not only varying from, but actually opposed to each other. Many Mohammedans in India have a considerable amount of religious knowledge.