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INTRODUCTION BY philosophy and religion of the Hindoos; and with the approbation of his Provincial, and the benediction of the Archbishop of Cranganore, he proceeded to put in practice the plan he had devised. Avoiding the society of Europeans, he adopted the customs and dress of the Brahmins; declared himself of an illustrious caste; assumed the name of Tatouva Podagar Swami; and, by adapting himself to the prejudices and traditions of the people, he soon acquired their reverence, and respectful attention, By such means, De Nobili was wonderfully successful in ingrafting an outward profession of Christianity upon the stock of heathenism: in a short time, seventy Brahmins had been baptized and become followers of the new Gooroo. In spite of the expressed disapprobation of many influential membars of his own Church, and "a letter full of reproaches" from his Uncle, the Cardinal, he still persisted in the plan he had entered on; and after having, according to some authorities, converted "nearly one hundred thousand" persons to the Faith, he died, "venerated as a Saint" at the age of seventy-six. Stimulated by this extraordinary example, Beschi, after full consideration, determined to pursue the same method. He studied the languages, science and religion of the people; familiarised himself with their modes of thought; entered in to their prejudices; and, after full preparation, assuming the name of Viramamuni, he adopted their habits, and imitated their customs, and costume. As regards the latter, well knowing the influence of outward impressions on simple.
