A Forward Move in India
By J. L. SHAW
For several years our efforts in India have consisted largely of vernacular work, and it has seemed well-nigh impossible to give the attention and help to the English work that it has deserved. The study of the different languages, the starting of mission stations with their schools and dispensaries, and the literature work have together taken our time and strength. But our missionaries in India have not been unmindful of the responsibility that rests upon them to give the message for to-day to those who know their mother tongue. Many prayers have ascended, and earnest appeals have been sent to the Mission Board and to our people in America, and we thank God they have not been in vain. The following workers have responded to the call and are now in the field, enthusiastically at work: Pastors G. W. Pettit and J. M. Comer, with their wives, Sister Rachel Jones, and Brother Peter Rick. Pastor Comer writes from Rangoon, Burma, that the work is moving forward in an encouraging manner. The attendance at his English services ranges from one hundred to one hundred fifty on Sunday nights. A number of young men are deeply interested, some of whom have decided to obey God. Brother William Carratt, who is devoting his time to the sale of our publications at Rangoon and adjacent stations, is having unusual success, and finds many interested in the books and papers, and willing to buy. His sales are averaging about seventy dollars a week. At Lonavla Pastors G. F. Enoch and S. A. Wellman began an effort in English the first of April. Lonavla is a summer hill station three or four hours by train from Bombay. At this season of the year, while the heat is oppressive in Bombay, people go to Lonavla, which is somewhat cooler. These brethren report a favorable beginning. At their lantern services about one hundred are attending. At other services the attendance is much less. But considering the size of the station, the number coming to the meetings is larger than was expected. The tent has proved too small for the lantern services, so a splendid hall in the Railway Institute has been procured. Brethren Wellman and Kelsey have made a number of slides for future lantern lectures. This effort at Lonavla may prove an entrance into Bombay. For years we have had our attention directed toward that great city. Some attempts have been made, but nothing permanent or successful has resulted. There is every reason to believe that the message of present truth should take permanent root at the gateway of India, and shine forth in the districts surrounding it. Pastor Pettit and his wife, and Sister Rachel Jones, and the writer are undertaking an effort in Mussoorie, a hill station in the Himalayas. The best season for work has scarcely arrived. No effort will be spared to reach the people either in their homes or at public services. A strong effort is contemplated in Calcutta, beginning in June. Pastors Pettit and Comer will both begin work in that city, with such other help as may be associated with them. The members of the little church in that great city now feel that their call for help has not been in vain. A hall is being procured, and arrangements are being made for a steady, determined effort in this metropolis of the Indian empire. The English journals Oriental Watchman and Herald of Health bid fair to double their circulation the coming year. Brother Rick, who is devoting his efforts to these journals, is having exceptionally good success. During March he registered 197 subscriptions, most of them being annual. Brother F. O. Raymond, who during the past year has been going from station to station through south India and Ceylon, has disposed of a large variety of religious literature. His efforts have been incessant. Early and late he has worked in the sun and heat, until the condition of his health has made necessary a change to the Himalayas. Brother P. C. Poley has been selling books and registering orders for our periodicals in north India. Some of the most successful workers in India, both in the vernacular and in English, have been raised up by means of English work, and we feel certain that, with God's blessing, the forward move in English will be for the advancement of the work in India, both in English and in many other tongues. The prayers of God's children for this work are needed, and earnestly invited.