India by W. W. Miller

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1908

India

By W. W. Miller

Lucknow.—Three weeks ago I removed to Lucknow, having been released from my former burdens in the work, and left free to do real missionary work. This is headquarters for the Methodists. They have one hundred twenty-five native young men in their school. I met one of them yesterday, a very intelligent man, who said he was preparing for the ministry.

I have made the slight acquaintance of about eighty families. All seem quite friendly, and anxious to get the Family Bible Teacher and Signs of the Times leaflets. I have found some who have our books, and are interested in what they teach. One man had loaned “Daniel and Revelation” to several of his friends. A man seventy-four years old told me that the time of Christ’s coming was drawing near. I asked him what made him think so, and he then related many of the signs which have taken place. My servant, a native who has been with me three years, has begun to keep the Sabbath since coming here, and is selling and giving away Hindi tracts. He seems very much in earnest. He also interprets for me as best he can.

The other day I was surprised to meet a man who said that he was very much interested in the twenty-three-hundred-day prophecy, and had been studying it for some time. He was a native preacher, speaks English well, and has read “Here and Hereafter.”

This message has sounded much farther than we have any idea. Yesterday I was visiting a native man who is sick. Two other natives were present. One of them did not seem to be much interested in what I was talking about, but when I started away, he followed me out, and invited me to his house. I went, and found his wife well educated in English. He said that if I would come and talk to a company of people in his house, his wife would interpret for me.

I went to a house yesterday, but did not see any way whereby I could approach the people; yet I felt that I must, and so stood still for a while. Finally a little boy came out, and through him I reached two families. It pays to stand still sometimes, and see the Lord open the way.

Many more experiences I might relate, but these will suffice to show that the work is opening in Lucknow. But what is one missionary in the fourth city in India? This city just swarms with natives. I never felt so deeply in all my life that the people are responsible if they will not hear, and that I am responsible if I do not give them an opportunity. This thought strengthens me to go forward, no matter what the opposition may be.

Mrs. Miller is getting the language so she can do medical work among the natives. I have been in India over three years now, and I like it better all the time. The Lord has kept us in health and good courage, and we feel very thankful to him. W. W. MILLER.