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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 13, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 3.

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South India

By E. D. Thomas

E. D. THOMAS
On the evening of the last Sabbath in March, I had the blessed privilege of burying two persons with their Lord in baptism. That day was a day of great blessing to me. When I walked into the clear water of the beautiful lake near our mission bungalow, my heart was much impressed, and I began to review the time of my baptism in that same place, in April, 1910. At that time I had little idea that I should have this blessed privilege of baptizing my own people in the same place. I thank God for all the rich blessing he has bestowed on me since I accepted this message, and I reconsecrated myself to him and his work.
The evening before the baptism, we had a testimony service at which these two men gave very encouraging testimonies. One of them gave a full story of his past wicked life, and of the power of the gospel, which has helped him to make a thorough change in his life. I fear the space will not permit to write all that he said at that time; but I will try to express his testimony in a few words. He said:—
“I was born in a semiheathen family. My parents were members of the Hindu Christian church of this community. I had never had a liking to read in the Word of God. On the other hand, I associated with a company of friends who gave me all possible help in training me to be a confirmed drunkard. I have tasted nearly all kinds of Indian and foreign liquors. Six years ago, when Pastor James was conducting meetings on the veranda of this mission bungalow, I had the privilege of attending some of those meetings. When I went back to Ceylon to my trade, a change began to take place in my life. I bought a Bible, and began to read a portion of it every day. Whenever I read it, it always condemned me as a great sinner. And I have read all the Tamil tracts and papers published by this mission. I began to accept all the light received from them day by day. For a time I found it very hard to give up all my wicked life, but I daily grew stronger in doing the will of God. I praise the Lord that the anchor still holds. I thank him for the victories I have gained. The Bible is the most wonderful book in the world. I have just begun to learn how to study it. I never expected to see any miracle performed, but it is a wonderful miracle that I am a changed man. Praise God for the power that can keep any one from smoking, swearing, and drinking, and from bad company.”
TWO INDIAN CONVERTS
TWO INDIAN CONVERTS
I am glad for the text, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Dear brethren and sisters, kindly remember me, and the work in this part of the vineyard, before the throne of grace. The interest is still good. Many more are planning to follow our Lord in baptism before long. I hope and pray that I shall be faithful to him until the end, and would use all my strength and influence in winning my countrymen to his kingdom.