old days evangelistic activity could reach only the very lowest castes, to-day there is an upward movement of opportunity, so that Christian missionaries now are securing a hearing in castes a grade or two higher than these. Some authorities on the field predict that this is to be the program whereby at last the high-caste Brahman is to be reached. The nature of the mass-movement revivals now under way in portions of north and south India also seems to lend weight to this opinion.

A MARRIAGE OF CHILDREN

One of the gravest consequences of the caste system of India is child-marriage, which in thousands of instances has resulted in untold misery. Of late years reforms tending to raise the minimum age limit for the contracting parties has modified the evil, but even to-day these improved laws are constantly violated in the name of religion.

On one of our visitation trips in the native state of Baroda by accident we came across a wedding in one of the villages. The affair was at its height in an open space under several spreading trees, where, besides members of the immediate families concerned, numerous other relatives and friends had gathered to enjoy the festivities of the day. A professional poet standing in the midst was reciting a production of his own composition, much to the delight of his audience, judged by the

nodding of heads and the exchange of smiles. The bridegroom, a mere lad of twelve, was there also, evidently enjoying his position as the center of attraction. We were at once made welcome and took our places with the invited guests. The bride, however, was not to be seen anywhere, and in reply to our inquiries we were informed that she was a child of only four years and had been left at home. With fine Oriental consideration, however, the mother hastened away to secure the little maiden, that the visitors might pay the proper respects. Like the American bride, some time spent in dressing elapsed before she emerged, in her father's arms. She was an exceedingly shy child and scarcely knew what to make of the unusual proceedings, especially when she was asked to "look pleasant" during the taking of her photograph. Child-marriage is one of the most difficult problems of India, for there are said to be twelve million married and five hundred thousand widowed children between the ages of four and fourteen in the country to-day. It ought, however, in justice to be explained that child marriage really amounts merely to a betrothal, and that the children thus engaged return to their own homes and remain there until they reach their teens. Likewise it should be pointed out that the fearful consequences, as Indian society is now constituted, of the failure to "marry off" a girl during her childhood presents a most trying situation for those who would do away

And yet this custom

with this institution. violates one of the most sacred of Christian ideals. The solution of the problem is deeply involved with the whole question of caste, which in turn, as we have seen, roots in the central doctrine of Hinduism. It will probably, therefore, be many years before the institution of child-marriage finally will yield to the onward march of modern civilization.

THE HOLY CITY OF INDIA

Benares is Hinduism in miniature, for in this ancient city are to be found the best and the worst of the faith. During no one knows how many centuries it has been the goal toward which countless multitudes have bent their steps and other less fortunate millions have turned their hopes. It is the holy city of India, probably the most sacred spot in the empire. Here we meet some of the most learned priests and the most saintly ascetics. Here are splendid temples and elaborate bathing ghats. Here also strange rites and ceremonies find constant expression. It is not surprising, therefore, that a traveler reaches a state of almost hopeless mental bewilderment as he tries to visit the points of interest and understand the meaning of the ever-shifting scenes that pass before his eyes. In the famous Monkey Temple the doctrine of reincarnation is given concrete expression, for over its sacred walls climb a host of these animals, grinning, chattering, and quarrel