India by Mr. J. C. Little; Mrs. J. C. Little

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 2, 1905

India

By Mr. J. C. Little; Mrs. J. C. Little

CALCUTTA.—December 25 finds us in India, where we have longed to be, for some time. It is hard to realize that this beautiful weather, almost uncomfortably warm, belongs to the Christmas season, and that to-day is Christmas. We almost feel as though we were in a different world, things are so changed. Still, after all, how much alike is every part of this old world, when we look at it from the standpoint of humanity and our message for this time. I could not help thinking of this as we were down in the city to-day. Everywhere we could see the bustle and clang of city life. And while everything bears the mark of Orientalism, yet how alike is all the world in the main details of life.

We had a very pleasant voyage from London to Calcutta. Through the Red Sea, where it is often so excessively warm, it was cool, and also in the Indian Ocean. We had a little rough weather at different times, but not enough to make us very sick at any time. Of course we were thankful for this mark of God's favor, for it surely was to us an evidence of his leading. The people were a most agreeable company, and we made a number of friends while on the boat. A few of these showed an interest in points of our faith.

We met none of our people until we reached Colombo, Ceylon. Here Brother and Sister Armstrong met us, and conducted us to their bungalow. This island, we all agreed, was the most beautiful place we ever saw. The only thing that mars the general perfection of every natural thing is sin,—“Only man is vile.” Brother and Sister Armstrong are doing a good work on this island, but their hands need strengthening. It was here we had our first jinrikisha ride.

At Aden we received word from Elder Shaw that the regular annual meeting of the workers of India is to be held from December 30 to January 8. So from Colombo we had Brother Armstrong's company. It was refreshing, after our long voyage, to associate with one of like precious faith. We can not tell you how much good it did us to get the news that we were arriving in India just in time for the regular yearly meeting. It will place us in touch with our work here in a way that nothing else could.

Another thing that did our hearts good was to greet the smiling faces of the laborers at the dock as we came into Calcutta. When we see their glad faces,

we begin to realize what it means to the foreign worker to see re-enforcements coming. Surely it is good to be here.

Our week of prayer begins to-day. We are looking for a rich blessing from God during this time. Most of the workers are here already, in view of the coming conference, and they are alive with the Spirit of God and field experiences.

Pray for us in our work here. So little has been done for these natives! O that God will give us wisdom to deal with these darkened minds!

MR. AND MRS. J. C. LITTLE.