India by Georgia A. Burgess

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 13, 1908

India

By Georgia A. Burgess

In his annual examination of the Hindu girls’ school in a certain town under his charge, the presiding elder of a Methodist mission was very much surprised a short time ago, on questioning the girls on the fourth commandment, to have them, in answer to his question, “Which day is the Sabbath?” unanimously reply, “Saturday.” On investigating the matter, it was found that the native missionary in charge of the work in that place had so instructed the children, he himself having become convinced that the Word of God means just what it says.

For several months we have been corresponding with this young man, and sending him literature on the Sabbath and other points of present truth. A few weeks ago it was our privilege to meet him and spend a few days in study with him and his family. It was truly refreshing to see them drink in the message.

For three years this man had been troubled over the Sabbath question,—long before he had ever heard of Seventh-day Adventists. Hearing in some way of our work in Dehra Dun last summer, he decided to send his younger brother, who was just out of school, to Dehra to hear more of this teaching. This brother spent several months with us, accepted the truth fully, was baptized, and has since been engaged in the work. On returning to his home, he taught his brother and father-in-law what he had learned, and put them into correspondence with us. For about two months they with their families have been keeping the Sabbath, and selling and distributing our literature, though still retaining their connection with the Methodist mission.

On the occasion of the annual conference of the Methodists in that district, a short time ago, the presiding elder stated in an open meeting that he regretted that some of the workers were being led away by the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventists, and that something would have to be done about it. This brother (to whom, of course, reference had been made) arose, and asked for the names of those who were thus being deceived. The presiding elder stated that he did not wish to make them public, as it might bring pressure to bear upon them in the conference. Immediately this brother arose and said, “Here is one of them,” and requested them to set him right if he were going astray.

Strenuous efforts have been made to keep him from severing his connection with his former mission. Twice since the beginning of the year his salary has been raised, and a bicycle has been given him for his village work; but he told them plainly that he did not care for their money. It was the truth he wanted.

On the occasion of our visit with them a few weeks ago, after studying the message more fully, the young man and his father-in-law decided to sever their connection with the Methodist people, in order that they might be free to devote their whole time to this work. A few days ago we had a letter from them,

stating that they had sent in their resignation, and were now working as Seventh-day Adventists; and though they were meeting with much opposition, they were rejoicing in the truth. This, to them, is truly a step of faith, as they have received no promise whatever of support from us, and both of them have large families dependent upon them. But we know that the One who has led them thus far, and given them courage to step out on his promise, will continue to open the way before them, that they may be free to devote their time to the spread of this message among the Hindustani people.

It is truly wonderful the way the message is spreading among these people. Only a few days ago we learned of twelve young men in a school who had given up the use of meat, and had begun to keep the Sabbath through reading some of our Hindustani literature. One of these young men had written to his father, telling him of the step that he had taken, but when the letter reached the father, it found him, the mother, and another younger brother keeping the Sabbath. They also had received some literature and teaching on this subject through one of our native workers. It was a great privilege to meet with this gray-headed father, and hear his expressions of thanksgiving for this precious truth that has found him in his old age. He is eagerly looking forward to the time when he will have the privilege of being baptized and uniting fully with God’s remnant people. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”

GEORGIA A. BURGESS.