An Unexpected Answer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 28, 1910

An Unexpected Answer

In the hill country of southern Rajputana there was in 1909 an earthquake of sufficient magnitude to occasion much anxiety among the people, easily moved to superstitious fears. What does it mean? they asked. What calamities are impending? What can we do to prevent them? Many answers were given, but no one could speak with authority. Messages were sent from village to village, calling on the men of wisdom, the religious guides and teachers of the people. Among those called was a village guru named Chimman, who had come under the influence of a Christian woman, and whose boy she had taught to read.

At the place appointed some four hundred persons assembled, among them half a hundred gurus of repute. For several hours they gave their opinions. At length one called on Chimman to speak. He said, “I can not read well, but my boy has with him the Book of God.” The lad, only thirteen years of age, stood up before them all. He opened his Bible, and read in the Hindu version our Saviour’s words, as given in the twenty-first chapter of Luke: “For these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.”

“In your patience possess ye your souls.” Then the judgments of the latter days; the coming of the Son of man from heaven with power and great glory; and the assuring promise, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.”

A great hush came over the people as these words were read. It was as if a divine answer had come to the perplexities and questionings of men, and a solution was found for the mysteries of earth and heaven.

Then one said, “Chimman, you can pray. Pray to Jesus Christ for us.” And Chimman, who could not read very well, lifted his voice in prayer, while Hindu and Mussulman, guru and cheda, bowed the head in reverence: “Jesus, Lord, have mercy on us. Wash us in thy precious blood. Make us fit to stand before thee, accepted in thy kingdom of righteousness and peace.”—Selected.