The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c24.132

v1.c24.132

12. After having seen the relatively great success obtained by Fr. de Nobili, it may be of interest to know what his way of preaching was. He explains this in one of his letters: "The advice given in the *Exodus*, says he, "'Do not speak against the gods', applies even to pagan divinities; not that these divinities are not despicable, but because speaking against them, instead of doing good, prevents the conversion of souls. When we wish to drive darkness out of a room, we do not waste our time creating a great stir and trying to expel it with brooms; we light a taper, and darkness vanishes by itself. Reach the pagan heart by winning its esteem and affection, and then bring in the taper of truth, and all the darkness of idolatry will vanish without trouble" ¹.