Tens of thousands of India's devotees wash in the Ganges to purify themselves from sin and dedicate themselves anew to their idols. They count themselves happy if they die on its banks. People who have the Bible and profess to be Christians send out missionaries to teach them the folly of idolatry, and bring them to a knowledge of Christ.
A Brahmin student, who had vainly sought rest to his soul in the sacred rites of his religion, was brought under the Gospel's sound preached at a festival, and procured a copy of the Bible in the Telugu language. Reading it alone and apart from any human instrumentality, the Spirit of God convinced him of his sinfulness and showed him the way of salvation through faith in Christ alone. He believed the Gospel, was saved and confessed Jesus as his Savior and Lord, renouncing his "caste," and was disowned by friends and companions for the Gospel's sake.
On a visit to this land where Christianity is supposed to be everybody's religion, he was amazed to find that many were not much further advanced than the idolaters of India who bathe in the Ganges to cleanse themselves from sin. He found some trusting in their baptism, others in their churches, and many in their works as' the procuring cause of their salvation, while others were denying the Bible they had sent out to convert the people of India. The converted Brahmin was amazed, and lifting up his voice he testified, "I solemnly say it is not the water but the blood that cleanses from sin; not man's works but Christ's that justify sinners before God; not human religion but regeneration by the Spirit that fits a soul for heaven. Nothing saves but Christ. The knowledge of my sin and of His cleansing blood brought me to God. The Gospel is the power of God to save a pagan like me, and religious people like, you. There is only one Savior, one salvation, one way. Your learned men deny the Bible, I receive it. I have proved its truth, I know its power. It has an eternal charm for me. It has brought life to my soul, joy to my heart, rest to my spirit. I commend Jesus Christ to one and all. His blood alone to cleanse; His power to save.”