Norwich bulletin., 1915-09-20

At the First Congregational church Sunday morning Rev. William M Zumbro, president of Madura college, Madura, India, outlined clearly the work of the college and showed the influence it is having in the recon struction of the religious belief of India The response of India to the call of war has been splendid, he be- gan. People are loyal to the British throne and large contributions of money and clothing have been made. India as a result of her part in the war will be accorded by the English nation larger powers in her own self government than before. Englands government over India is the finest l ever saw. The splendid rule of the present v1ceroy and the recent visit of royalty have lessened the political un- rest
 The South India United church, or ganized seven years ago, has been in creasing in numbers. This union in- cludes two missions Of the American Board, the Madura. and Ceylon mis- sions; two of Great Britain; a mission of the Presbyterian Dutch Reformed, and a Scotch mission. The Wesleyan is to unite. according to present plan, also the German mission, unless the war makes changed conditions. With in a few years denominational differ ences will doubtless have disappeared and the South India church be ready to advance in an organized body. Eight years ago the students in Ma dura college numbered 50; now there are 300; the high school from 400 has increased to 500 students. Students entering the college come from 35 dif- ferent high schools all over southern India Syrian Christian boys come from the west coast of India. This is an interesting mission founded five or six hundred years before Christ. They
 have kept their faith in the midst of the Hindus. Students come from the Brahim caste, the shepherd caste, one boy from the potter's caste others of | the 60 different castes are represented; {; 1 25 per cent. of the boys are Christians. | This college is affiliated with Madras | university.
 Nearly all the modem courses of study are pursued in Madura college.
 The teaching staff has been increased; 1; | of the 19 on the faculty, 13 are Indian | professors. The campus contains IS | acres. on which is located one fine main building, two dormitories and a
 science hall now in construction.
 The Christian college is helping in 1 the remaking of India A new day is
 coming; the past is going as in other | Oriental countries. The college is tC | help conserve out of the past religion | of India the good there is in that past | First, their consciousness of God ir | everything about them; second, that | religion requires sac,ihce. In the self | inflicted sufferinss and the long. jour- | neys under the hot sun of the Gndiar ascetic, is there not a lesson of sacri- flee for us for our religion?
 The Christian college is helping tc get rid of some of the evils which have | come down from the past, the evils oi
 caste. The social spirit among thu 1 students is accomplishing the doing | away of caste feeling. The idea of fa;,
 Is one of the evil influences, also su. perstitions.
 in new ideas from the west; the recog. milton of truth as a reality and the
 obligation of truth; the idea of God ir Christ redeeming the world Indis
 needs this message.
 | Impressively the large results O. missions in India were summed up There are constant calls from villagerl
 for teachers which cannot be met be,
 cause of lack of funds.