As many kinds of wreaths can be made from a heap of flowers, so many good things may be achieved by a mortal when once he is born. - Friedrich Max Müller

आर्य जाति के पूर्वज जो हमारे शब्दों के पहले निर्माता थे, हमारे चिन्तन के पहले कवि थे, हमारे पहले विधि निर्माता थे, हमारे देवताओं के पहले पैगम्बर थे और उस ईश्वर के थे जो सभी देवताओं का परमेश्वर है।

I do not wish by what I have said to raise any exaggerated expectations as to the worth of these ancient hymns of the Veda, and the character of that religion which they indicate rather than fully describe. The historical importance of the Veda can hardly be exaggerated; but its intrinsic merit, and particularly the beauty or elevation of its sentiments, have by many been rated far too high. Large numbers of the Vedic hymns are childish in the extreme: tedious, low, commonplace. The gods are constantly inyoked to protect their worshippers, to grant them food, large flocks, large families, and a long life; for all which benefits they are to be rewarded by the praises and sacrifices offered day after day, or at certain seasons of the year. But hidden in this rubbish there are precious stones.

The missionaries have done far more than they themselves seem to be aware of, nay, much of the work which is theirs they would probably disclaim. The Christianity of our nineteenth century will hardly be the Christianity of India. But the ancient religion of India is doomed- and if Christianity does not step in, whose fault it be?