Died in the Faith in an Indian Prison by L. J. BURGESS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 7, 1911

Died in the Faith in an Indian Prison

By L. J. BURGESS

L. J. BURGESS

WE are sad to be obliged to relate the circumstances of the unexpected death of one of our most zealous Indian preachers, Brother John Last, who died in the jail at Patiala, India, on May 10. The circumstances of his arrest and death were given me by one well acquainted with the matter, and are as follows:—

As is the custom here in India, Brother Last used to preach on the streets of the city in which he lives, Patiala, the capital of an independent native state. His neighbors, becoming annoyed by his preaching and warnings to repent in view of the judgment, had him arrested and taken to jail. But as no charge could be brought against him, he was released. Not long after this, he had a presentiment, by dream or otherwise, that he would again be seized by the Mohammedans, and that his life would be ended by beating and poisoning. He told a number of his friends about this, and asked forgiveness of his neighbors if he had disturbed or annoyed them in any way, telling them that he never expected to return to their street.

Brother Last lived in a two-story building, in the upper flat of which a Mohammedan lives. A sick woman, relative of Mohammed Hosain, who lives in the upper room, came to Patiala for medical attention. Within a few days she became worse, and finally died. At the time of her death Brother Last was up on the terrace, or roof. Mohammed Hosain, hearing the wailing of the women, came hurrying up to the room, and seeing Brother Last on the terrace, supposed him to be to blame for the disturbance. Without investigating the matter, he called his neighbors, and had Brother Last bound and taken off to the police station, where he was stripped of his clothes and beaten, then placed in a solitary cell in the jail compound. No one but the Lord and those concerned know how he was treated there. His wife went to see him three successive days, and seeing that he would die from the effect of the abuse he had received, tried to secure his release, which was denied. On the fifth day of his confinement Brother Last expired, before having been given a trial, and was buried by the jail authorities.

Brother Last was formerly a Hindu of high caste, but was converted to Christ a number of years ago, and from that time devoted his life to the Master's service, most of the time supporting himself by his own efforts, and preaching the gospel to Hindus and Mohammedans. We became acquainted with Brother Last in 1907, at which time he became interested in the message of the Sabbath and the second coming of our Lord, to which he soon accepted with his whole heart. He was baptized in Mussoorie the following year, and has since been a zealous herald of the soon coming of the Lord. During the past two years he has traveled and preached at his own expense, with the help of donations received.

JOHN LAST, WHO SUFFERED DEATH AT THE HANDS OF FANATICAL MOHAMMEDANS IN NORTH INDIA

All who became acquainted with Brother Last were impressed with his earnestness and integrity. He was never contented except when going about preaching the message to his people, and warning them to flee from the wrath to come. Our hearts are grieved at his sad death; but it may be that the blood of this martyr for Christ may water the seed he has so earnestly sown, and bring forth a harvest of souls in Patiala. We hope the time is near when this message may become established in the Punjab, and we may find that the work begun by Brother Last has not been in vain.

Garhwal.