Thirdly. It is necessary, in our intercourse with the Hindus, that, as far as we are able, we abstain from those things which would increase their prejudices against the Gospel. Those parts of English manners which are most offensive to them should be kept out of sight as much as possible.

> We should avoid every degree of cruelty to animals.
> Nor is it advisable at once to attack their prejudices by exhibiting with acrimony the sins of their gods;
> Neither should we upon any account do violence to their images,
> nor interrupt their worship.

The real conquests of the Gospel are those of love: “And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me” (John 12:32). In this respect, let us be continually fearful, lest one unguarded word, or one unnecessary display of the difference betwixt us, in manners, etc., should set the natives at a greater distance from us.

Paul’s readiness to become all things to all men, that he might by any means save some, and his disposition to abstain even from necessary comforts that he might not offend the weak, are circumstances worthy of our particular notice (see Romans 14 etc). This line of conduct we may be sure was founded on the wisest principles.
Placed amidst a people very much like the hearers of the Apostle, in many respects, we may now perceive the solid wisdom which guided him as a Missionary.

The mild manners of the Moravians and also of the Quakers towards the North American Indians have in many instances gained the affections and confidence of heathens in a wonderful manner. He who is too proud to stoop to others in order to draw them to him, though he may know that they are in many respects inferior to himself, is ill qualified to become a missionary.

The words of a most successful preacher of the Gospel still living, “that he would not care if the people trampled him under their feet, if he might become useful to their souls,” are expressive of the very temper we should always cultivate.

Modern English version:
Thirdly, when interacting with Hindus, we should do our best to avoid actions that would reinforce their prejudices against the Gospel. We need to keep the aspects of English culture that they find most offensive out of sight as much as possible.

We should avoid any cruelty to animals. It’s also not wise to confront their beliefs harshly by criticizing their gods. We must never disrespect their images or interrupt their worship.
The true power of the Gospel comes from love: “And I, if I am lifted up, will draw all people to Myself” (John 12:32). We should always be cautious, as one careless word or unnecessary display of our differences could push them further away from us.

We can learn from Paul’s willingness to adapt to different cultures to save some people, and his choice to give up comforts so he wouldn’t offend the weak. This approach was based on wise principles. Just like Paul, we find ourselves among people who share many similarities with his audience, and we can see the wisdom that guided him as a missionary.

The gentle ways of the Moravians and Quakers toward North American Indians have often won the trust and affection of those they served. Missionaries who are too proud to connect with others, because they believe themselves to be superior, are not fit to be missionaries.

A successful missionary once said that he wouldn’t mind if people trampled on him as long as he could help their souls; this is the kind of attitude we should strive to maintain.

Read Romans chapter 14 and other passages that define Paul’s approach to this problem.