That Mighty Name by Congregationalist

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 1, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 37.

That Mighty Name.

By Congregationalist

MR. WILLIAM REYNOLDS, of Peoria, Ill., the well-known Sunday-school worker, tells the following touching story, which he had from the lips of the missionary himself:—

Rev. E. P. Scott, while laboring as a missionary in India, saw on the street one of the strangest-looking heathen his eyes had seen. On inquiry, he found that he was representative of one of the inland tribes that live away in the mountain districts, and that came down once a year to trade. Upon further investigation, he found that the gospel had never been preached to them, and that it was very hazardous to venture among them, because of their murderous propensities. He was stirred with earnest desires to break unto them the bread of life. He went to his lodging-place, fell on his knees, and pleaded for divine direction. Arising from his knees, he packed his valise, took his violin, with which he was accustomed to sing, and his pilgrim staff, and started in the direction of the Macedonian cry.

As he bade his fellow-missionaries farewell, they said, "We shall never see you again. It is madness for you to go." But he said, "I must preach Jesus to them."

For two days he traveled, scarcely meeting a human being, until at last he found himself in the mountains and suddenly surrounded by a crowd of savages. Every spear was instantly pointed at his heart. He expected that every moment would be his last. Not knowing of any other resource, he tried the power of singing the name of Jesus to them. Drawing forth his violin, he began with closed eyes to sing and play:—

"All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him Lord of all."

Being afraid to open his eyes, he sang on till the third verse, and while singing the stanza, "Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, And crown him Lord of all,"

He opened his eyes to see what they were going to do, when, lo, the spears had dropped from their hands, and the big tears were falling from their eyes!

They afterward invited him to their homes. He spent two and a half years among them. His labors were so richly rewarded that when he was compelled to leave them because of impaired health, and return to this country, they followed him for thirty miles. "O missionary," they said, "come back to us again! There are tribes beyond that never heard the gospel." He could not resist their entreaties. After visiting America, he went back again to continue his labors till he sank into the grave among them. Missionaries are often the bravest men on earth.