6 APRIL 1872, Page 3

The Times' correspondent gives an account of a new religions

teacher who has appeared in the Puttiala territory, and who declares himself an avatar or incarnation of Christ. He teaches holy life and proscribes caste, but has as yet made but few fol- lowers, principally Sikhs. The Sikhs sit very loosely to their creed, and have a proclivity towards Christianity, which in 1859-60 excited some attention. It was stated then, on no mean authority, that their leaders had resolved if they met with any encourage- ment from Government to embrace Christianity en masse, as the creed of the future ruling caste, but Government rather discounte- nanced the idea. It is quite within the probabilities that the first man who makes a serious impression in India iu favour of Christ- ianity will be some one pretending to a divine mission, and exact- ing implicit obedience in consequence.