For a new work to get a start in a country is a slow process indeed. But as it is a fact that changes in commerce, education, transport, etc., all serve as levers to break up established tracks, the truth may take advantage of these; so in India the way of the Lord is being prepared. The advent of the gospel by Dr. Carey was the signal of the last warning. The righteous God can not proceed to judge his creatures till he has given them fair notice. The ultimate end of all true missionary work is a preparation to stand in the great day. Many missionaries do not see the truth as we do, and do not wish to see it, but desire to help in some line of reform. Whatever they sincerely do, they will be rewarded for. What they fail to do, some one else must do.
After one of our workers — Sister Burgess — had been for a while quietly studying the Bengali language, other workers came to India. At first the work went very slowly. Then God sent an earthquake. The laborers improved the opportunity, and read publicly the scripture showing that this was a sign of the end. To this day we find people who were then impressed for the first time in regard to the truth. Some decided in its favor, some have since done so, and others are still in the valley of decision; while some have decided against the counsel of God, by rejecting it.
The ministerial, the medical, the canvassing, and the educational work have been pressed into service, and inasmuch as there has been harmonious effort, the work has progressed.
The climate has been a drawback. To remove from a temperate zone to the tropics, subjects one's system to very great changes, which it is sometimes difficult to cope with successfully. But it was said in heaven, “They loved not their lives unto the death.” He that is mindful of us does not forget faithful service, nor its cost.
Opposition has not been wanting in India. There are always men and women who have time to oppose the truth. Extracts from books and writings in the home land have been multiplied here, with additions, both in India and Burma. But it is a remarkable fact that many of the voices heard, not long ago, opposing the truth, are to-day silent.
This year has been one of unusual stir in these parts. The terrible war has agitated the indefinite mind of the East. The earthquake in India this summer was of a most arousing nature. And the ravages of the plague here in Burma, where the vigilance was so great, have caused fear and dread. These things have led people to exclaim, “We must have reached the last days!” And the very Scriptural exposition has been invariably assented to as the only answer to all these terrible signs.
What is now needed in India is more direct attention to the native need of the gospel in the various languages. So far our work has been chiefly among Europeans and English-speaking peoples. But we are learning to address direct efforts to special classes. We have a school in Karmatar, where young people are trained, of whom we hope a great deal. The influence of our medical work is spreading among natives, and more attention should be given to this effort.
AN INDIAN SHOEMAKER
The printing-press is a powerful auxiliary; for it can work, though the missionary may be prostrated with heat and work or fever. Tracts are steadily flowing out in Bengali, Hindi, and Burmese. The latter are printed in Burma, however.
The English literature has always had a kind reception, but this last year we have met with some opposition, and the subscription list among the readers of our missionary paper has somewhat decreased. Our health paper — the London Good Health — is taking very well, and only the lack of canvassers keeps it from having a large circulation.
A brother in Calcutta who has been bedridden for twelve years has been stirred to solicit donations from his numerous friends, and is translating tracts on his own responsibility. In his last letter he said he had hopes of printing ten thousand copies a month. This effort is the most forcible experience of missionary enterprise, and it has encouraged us all greatly.
We need strong men to study the language and carry the message by training and working with native talent, in the several great languages of India. The effort among the Santals is very encouraging, and offers solution for others. In Burma, likewise, direct effort for the language and the people is very promising.
