Missionary Progress in Southern India
By Rev. J. Colton
WHAT HAVE MISSIONS ACCOMPLISHED IN THE MADURA DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN INDIA?
BY REV. J. COLTON, NATIVE PASTOR AT DINDIGUL. LET me first of all make note of some of the formidable obstacles to the spread of the gospel in this benighted country:— (1) The powerful ancient system of the Brahmans, who declare that even the gods are under their control and incantations; (2) the deep-seated belief of the Hindus in their superstitions, Shastras, and Puranas; (3) stereotyped customs and manners; (4) baneful caste distinctions; (5) godless education given by the government; (6) infidel literature and intemperance imported from abroad; (7) the undermining influence and stratagems of the Jesuits; (8) revival of Hinduism. In spite of these strong barriers, the gospel preaching has been "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 1. The minds of the people have been enlightened and prepared to a great extent for the better reception of the truth as it is in Jesus, through the instruction and training imparted by the mission schools. As the clarifying nut is used by the women of this country to purify muddy water, so the minds of the people have been refined, as it were, through the medium of mission schools for the boys and girls. All my countrymen, on the whole, whether Hindus or Christians, have always looked upon the mission system of education as a great boon. Many native officials, both in high and low positions, testify, with gratitude, that they owe what they are to the instruction and impression received from mission schools. Many of them, having been disabused of their ancient superstitious notions, are real friends to the mission schools and congregations. Beyond this there have been quite a number of real conversions among Hindu students taught in our boarding schools and in the seminary. I would select only one, out of numerous instances, a son of a famous heathen poet, of a respectable family, who was brought up in the boarding school and in the seminary, where Christian and Hindu lads were instructed promiscuously. He was hopefully converted while in the Pasumalai Seminary. He, in his turn, put forth efforts with prayer and zeal for the conversion of his schoolmates. After laboring in the mission several years, with faithfulness and success, he has entered into his eternal rest. Similarly I could quote several instances of the conversion of girls and their subsequent labors in the mission. One of them, after finishing her course, returned to her village, and was the main instrument of bringing fifty of her heathen relatives to the feet of Jesus and to the marvelous light of the gospel. 2. Results of the zenana work. Not long ago a Brahman official declared to the missionaries: "Through your schools you have secured the minds of our children, through your Bible women you have won our homes, and through your benevolent doctors and dispensaries you have touched our hearts." From the time of "Mother" Capron, this department of the mission has received fresh impulse and considerable attention. A very hopeful future is before us, and we expect, through the blessing of the Holy Spirit, a new era to dawn upon this line of evangelistic work. 3. Growth of congregations and churches. In spite of the terrible obstacles already mentioned, especially the caste system, whose magic power is unknown in other lands, thousands of converts have been won from Hinduism. One hundred years ago there were no native Christians in India, but according to the government census taken in 1891, there were more than two millions, while many others are secret believers in Christianity. These results are not confined to the lower classes, but some from all castes, Brahmans, Chetties, Mudals, Vellalas, Sudras, etc. In my country if a person becomes a Christian, it means generally that he or she has to lose parents, brothers and sisters, and property. As the case is such, numbers alone cannot adequately indicate the growth of congregations and the triumphs of the gospel. When a convert was questioned by a Hindu official as to the profit he gained, he declared: "Before my conversion I was a drunkard and a debtor; but, ah! now, my Saviour has made me a sober man, and besides I am now free from debt." Some of the churches have already become self-supporting; some are aided in part by the native Evangelical Society, and none of our mission churches and pastors receive help from home funds. Cheering news of the new accessions comes from different parts of the country. 4. The facts that some of the congregations have built their own churches and schools, and that several volunteer workers have arisen here and there to proclaim the gospel to their countrymen, are other encouraging features and results. This sort of spiritual, healthy emulation is on the increase. We can exclaim with special gratitude, in view of what has been done in India through the American Board and the other mission boards, What hath God wrought?—Missionary Herald.