Inca Indians by E. E. Maxwell

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, Nos. 39, 40, Harvest Ingathering Number

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Inca Indians

By E. E. Maxwell

From Lapland to Punta Arenas

An Island Family Their Tent in Background

Inca Indians

BY E. E. MAXWELL.

ABOUT half way down the western slope of the Peruvian Andes, hanging hammock-like between two of the massive spurs that jut out from the rugged Cordillera, is the beautiful terraced valley of Otao. Its Indian population, with the quaint dress and personal customs of other centuries, calls to mind the rule of the Incas, before the bloody hand of the “Conquerors” had spread death and destruction through the fairest parts of the great Inca Indian empire.

The effect of the advent of the European in Peru was the same as elsewhere in the new West. He offered the Indian his religion, and the Indian acquired his language, his vices, and his lust for gold. Awe-stricken by his military trappings and prowess, the Indian ceased to resist, and became the white man’s slave; and the progress of nearly four hundred years has served to ameliorate but slightly his condition.

We began gospel work in the valley of Otao a few years ago, and its effect has been surprising. A working-church has been organized, with all its departments. A temperance society, which includes in its membership the best elements of the population of the valley, was organized, and drunkenness is nearly abolished. A chapel, the first of its kind in the republic, built by evangelical Peruvians for evangelical Peruvians, is in process of erection. Offensive customs that since the conquest have bound the people to offensive religious-ethical practices, have been successfully resisted. Those who profited most by the performance of these onerous practices, have not yielded without a contest, and the courts have been called on a number of times to enforce the civil rights guaranteed by the constitution of the country. Not only have our own brethren profited by these decisions, sweeping as they were in many cases, but the whole Indian population of the country has gladly accepted the emancipation offered.

Peruvian Indians Waiting for the Light of the Gospel of the Coming Christ

Five millions more in this ancient empire of the “Children of the Sun” are stretching out their hands for help. Shall we answer the call?

Lima, Peru.