First Fruits From Pondicherry, South India
By V. E. PEUGH
PONDICHERRY is a French possession lying on the seacoast south of Madras. It is a place of historical interest, having been the scene of many sieges and engagements between the English and the French. French is the official language, while the language of the natives is Tamil. This being a French settlement, Catholicism is the prevailing religion; but Hinduism is also strong among the native people. Protestant societies have been able to do but little in the line of missionary endeavor. More than two years ago Seventh-day Adventist literature began to find its way into this dark center. Some tracts fell into the hands of a Catholic man of good rank. The silent messengers of truth began to illuminate the heart of this brother, and he desired to learn more about the third angel's message. Soon we received an urgent appeal from him, asking us to send some one to teach him and his people more about the truth. Just at that time some of our workers left the field on furlough for America, which made it impossible to answer the call from Pondicherry. However, we continued to encourage this brother by writing to him and by sending literature on different phases of the message. It was not until March, 1914, that we were able to send a native catechist to Pondicherry. Brother Devasahayam, one of our faithful native workers, who was then working in connection with the Tamil journal, planned to spend every second Sabbath in Pondicherry. He found that he soon had a growing company of people who were hungering for the truth. Later on, after Brother James returned from furlough, the way opened for Mrs. Peugh and I, with our native worker, to settle in Pondicherry and develop the interest that had begun. This interest has grown until a goodly number are now keeping the Sabbath. The message has had its cleansing effect upon their lives, and they have gained victories over tobacco, beetle nut, and liquor. The women have taken off their jewels. This was a severe trial for them, but they gladly did it for Him who did so much for them. One brother, although bent and hoary with years, is strong in faith. He has destroyed his idols, and is rejoicing greatly in the truth. The joy that comes from knowing God beams upon his countenance. Another man with a family to provide for has given up a splendid position in order that he may keep the Sabbath. Now he is tilling a small plot of ground. Among the number, two are widows. Over one the shadows of a sad life are beginning to lengthen, and to her the gospel is a boon. She is watched and ridiculed by her relatives and friends, but she has tested the power of prayer and has found it an anchor to the soul. The other is an educated girl with all of life's years just opening up before her, but she has been forced to taste of the sorrows of Indian widowhood, and to her the hope of a soon-coming Saviour is sweet indeed. Brother James spent a few days with us last week, and gave very instructive talks to those who had decided to cast their lot with the people of God. On Sunday afternoon, November 22, our hearts were made glad as we saw seven of these precious souls buried with their Lord in baptism. More than as many others are keeping the Sabbath, and we hope that they, too, will soon be ready for baptism. Thank God that a few real jewels are being gathered out from among the Tamil people. We are confident that when Jesus comes to number his people, a goodly company will be gathered from among the millions of South India.