About the Book
This book "History of Christianity in India; with its Prospects: A Sketch Compiled from Sherring, Smith, Badley, and Reports" offers a concise account of Christianity's development and future in India. It synthesizes the works of key figures like Sherring, Smith, and Badley, along with various reports, to provide a comprehensive overview. The text highlights the challenges and successes faced by Christian missionaries and explores the religion's impact on Indian society, while also considering its potential growth and influence in the region.
Introduction
THE history of the world divides itself into two great portions: the first, BEFORE THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST; the second, AFTER HIS ASCENSION.
God created man holy and happy; but he soon fell from his original state, and brought ruin upon himself. Still, a gracious promise was given. Milton thus describes both:
"Of man's first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste Brought death into the world, and all our woe, With loss of Eden, till one greater Man Restore us, and regain the blessful seat."
Before Adam and Eve were sent out of Paradise, the promise was given that "the seed of the woman should bruise the bead of the serpent," or that One, descended from Eve, would overcome Satan. Through Him we may obtain entrance to an abode far happier than the garden of Eden, with all its delights.
In many parts of the world, there are traditions of a golden age. Besides this, Hindus also expect that at the close of the Kali Yug, Vishnu will come as the Kalki avatara on a white horse to destroy the wicked, and restore the earth to its original purity. There are glimpses of great truths in such conceptions; but in Christianity we find their true fulfilment.
The promise of a Deliverer given in Paradise was repeated in various ways during the next 4,000 years. Abraham was told that in one of his descendants all nations of the earth would be blessed. Moses told the Israelites that God would raise up a prophet among them, like himself, to whom they were to listen.
During the next thou thousand years, different prophets foretold many events connected with the promised Saviour. The time was mentioned: He was to belong to the tribe of Judah and the family of David; the place was named Bethlehem; He was to be born of a virgin; He was to have a forerunner; He was to perform wonder-ful works, yet He was to be despised, rejected and put to death; His hands and feet were to be pierced; lo garments; He was to be buried in a rich man's grave; but He was pierced; lots were to be cast for His to rise from the dead, and establish a kingdom which would have no end.
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