Storia do Mogor 172.4

172.4

Here let me briefly inform Europeans that the Hindus of Hindustan are wedded to their religion for no other reason than that their ancestors observed it. Nor do they approve of its being said of their sons and grandsons that they have abandoned the customs of their old folk. Although this is reasoning unworthy of attention, still, it is so riveted into their heads, that it is impossible to convert them to any other religion, unless God endows them with powerful grace or it be done by force of arms. Otherwise they can never be made to change their religion. The padre Busde, of whom I have spoken (I. 259; II. 117), a man well acquainted with the people of India, used to say that the way to preach in Hindustan, whether to the Mahomedans or to the Hindus, was with a well-sharpened sword.