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An Interesting Letter From a Brahman Boy

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 49.

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An Interesting Letter From a Brahman Boy

By L. J. Burgess

L. J. BURGESS
FATEH RAM was one of the first boys who came to our school in Garhwal about four years ago. He is the son of a Brahman, is now about sixteen years of age, has bright black eyes and a pleasant, intelligent face. His ancestors have known no god but their idols of wood and stone. Since entering the school, Fateh Ram has taken a lively interest in the Bible studies, and has heard forthe first time the story of his Saviour.
I received a letter from this boy a few days ago, showing the interest he is taking in the school. It pleased me so much that I want the readers of the REVIEW to share it with me. I will send it just as he wrote it in English:—
“RESPECTED SIR: I am quite well here. I hope you will be the same by the grace of Almighty. I found your kind letter on the first of September. By reading this letter I felt so as if I saw you. It gives me a great pleasure and comfort. The work is going on all right, and the study is going well. Here are seven teachers and seventy boys in this school. The first moulvi [Urdu teacher] has left here and went away. Now we have another moulvi; he came from Najibabad. Now we have fees in our school. Some of the boys give fees and some work. I work for two hours, and by this I get a great power. We should not fear work. When the Adam was made, there was also work for him to do. We read Bible every day. This year we are learning about the resurrection.
“I will not go from this school. I will live here up to two or three years more, if you will be here. I love this true study of this school. Day by day the weather is growing cold. Our examination will be in the month of December. We will get vacation from the last December to last February.
“Now, sir, will you kindly tell my compliment to mem-sahib [madam]. I am looking forward, when I will see you again. I hope that very day will come soon when you will be with us. We are waiting for your arrival, as we are waiting for the arrival of Jesus. Please let me know exactly when you will come in India at Garhwal. I have a great longing to see you again. When you will be with us I will understand so, that I am in the new earth. I hope you will remember me in your true prayer. Good-by, sir, good-by.
“Your most obedient pupil, “FATEH RAM, Student VII class.”
Brother C. C. Belgrave is in charge of the Garhwal school at present. The rest of the teachers are Indians. Instruction is given in Urdu, Hindi, and English. The writer of the above letter has a fair knowledge of Hindi and Urdu and is now taking English. Let us hope and pray that he may give himself to the service of Christ to witness for him in the mountain villages of Garhwal.
Sanitarium, Cal.