In the Byways of Bengal by F. O. Raymond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 27, 1913

In the Byways of Bengal

By F. O. Raymond

THE one who goes on tour with our literature must often leave the great thoroughfares for out-of-the-way places, where honest souls may be found. This may involve considerable effort, but the compensation is ample, as I have learned on numerous occasions.

Only last week a round trip by cycle of nearly eighty miles was required to reach a district town of some importance. This was somewhat more than I had previously undertaken; but the case seemed worthy of the effort, and I resolved to make it. I therefore strapped my canvassing bag and a large packet of books and papers to the back carrier of my bicycle, while in front were secured a bottle of boiled water, a loaf of bread, a tin of granola, eggs, tinned butter, jam, and salt, with a sheet, mosquito-net, toilet requisites, writing material, changes of clothing, and an umbrella,—altogether, a very generous load.

Starting at 3 P. M., the first half of the journey over an up-grade road, in places made difficult by recent rains, was accomplished by six o'clock. Wet with perspiration, I halted for the night at a dak-bungalow. Here I drained my bottle of drinking-water, had more boiled,

took a bath, and, in change of clothing, took by candle-light my evening meal of granola, boiled eggs, bread, butter, and jam. Shortly after six the next morning I was again on the way, reaching my destination before nine. Another bath, change of clothing, simple breakfast, etc., at the dak-bungalow, and I was out calling upon as many of the people as I could find not taking their three-hour midday nap.

Next day, Sabbath, was spent in a quiet way, reading the REVIEW AND HERALD and writing missionary letters. For Sabbath dinner, I had the added luxury of boiled potatoes and salt. Tinned milk was obtainable, but I do not care for it.

At two o'clock Sunday afternoon, my work there was done, and I had mounted for return, in a drizzling rain, which continued for two hours. I fully intended to halt for the night at the halfway house; but my load was lighter, the air cooler, and more of the road down grade, so I kept right on; and though my wheel ran hard, five hours saw the thirty-nine miles completed.

Breakfast next morning was taken in simple fashion, in a third-class railway carriage, and the midday meal in the same lunch-basket style, on board a river steamer, which brought me to my next field of labor. The week is now past, and I am spending the Sabbath at the dak-bungalow in another district town, sixty miles from Calcutta.

This is a true-to-life, representative week's experience of one who in the last three years has seen much of India, and who daily praises God for his keeping power, for imparted health and strength and opportunity for continued, humble service. Various improvements in manner of living, mode of travel, etc., might be suggested; but there is no small satisfaction in so planning that the work is a little more than self-sustaining, even at the expense of much that the world in general considers indispensable. August cash receipts were $175.50.

May the Lord have a tender watch-care over the precious seeds of truth for so many years borne to India's millions by not a few faithful messengers; and may many more speedily enter the waiting harvest-field. F. O. RAYMOND.