Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-05-20
THE HINDU BRAHMAN.

The misery which knowledge useful as II is
---brings on mankind. is finely illustrated by the
following touching tale, which we take from the
last number of Bentley's Miscellany. The
story happened in the career of Clarke, a
missionary, who. one day learned to his great
Joy. that Brahmin Of the very first rank had
arrived in the metropolis, Determined 10
bring matters 10 an issue, Clark wrote to him,
and begged him to meet him on acertain day,
when he undertook to convince him (ihe Hin
doc priesD Of The errors Of his faith. To this
the Brahmin concented, and at the time APP
pointed the Heather and Christian champion
met TO discuss, 10 the presence Of several wit
nesses, the merits Of their respective creeds.
As is usual in polemical discussions. the
controversy was opened by several inconse-
quential queries aud answers. For half an
hour neither party had put forth a startling pro.
position; The willy Indian taking care to con-
fine himself TO the defensive. Tired al length
by This scene, Clarke suddenly and abruptly
asked him.
Are YOU forbidden 10 eat anything in which
animal life exis,sr Il am
Have you ever broken through this awF
Never
MAY you not unconsiously have been led
into rrinel Impossible!
viii you swear TO III Mos, solemly
do
DO you ever eat pomegranaiesN Daily
Bring me some fruit, then rejoined Clarke,
turning TO q servant. His orders were com
piled with; the pomegranaies were brought
Choose one The Bfahmin did so. Cut
il in two With this direction he complied.
place il here and Clarke assisted him 10 put
il beueaih microscope: Now look at it,
Ths Bfahmin did So; but 10 sooner did he
apply his eye. than he started back with af-
fright. The fruit was perfectly alive with an
indlcnla. The puzzled lindoo drew out
the pomegranate (Which, perhaps. my readers
are not aware is more closely filled with insects
than any other fruiI,) looked al H. examined IL.
and again beheld the myriads Of living crea-
lures with which i, was rife. He felt II with
his hand, to convince him that there was no
trick in the affair. Then suddenly drawing
himself up, he slowly uttered Bus such hi.'
.Enongh-it is true.'
You acknow ledge. then thaiyou have sinned
unconsiously7 That every thing being filled
with animalcule. invisible 10 the naked eye,
YOU can neither eat or drink without commit
ting a crmrP
The sbAshed Hndoo bowed.
shall show YOU how iuIl Of similar insects
every drop of water ISL No have seen e.
nough.'
DO you desire further proof Il have IA
vor 10 ask
VIVA, is ill III can I'll grant it,
Give me your microscope Icsnnoi boy II;
give it me-
Clarke paused for moment, for he had that
morning paid ten gnineas for 1t; and being
a poor man. he could III aff"rd to part with
il. But as the Indian was urgent. almost TO
in,reaty he aiiengih. especially as he thought
the other would offord him IN return some Gu
rio.i,y of equal value! aud presented u TO
bin.
The Brahman TOOK It gave one look OF tn
.umpb rntind the hail.. and suddenly raising his
arm, dashed it into a thousand ATOMS on the
marbls floor. -
What do you mean by thisl' exclaimed
CLARKE. in usdisguised as,onishmeni.
1T means. Sir Christian replied the Hin
doc IN a cold grave tone. III means that was
happy. a good. proud man. BY means of
wonder instrument you have robbed me Of all
future happiness. You have condemned me
TO. descend 10 my grave wreichsd and missr-
able.
With these words the unfortunate B'ahnn
quilted The ball, and soon aher retired up me
country.