SEVERAL years ago, a Hindu young man began to visit our mission in East Bengal. He became interested in Christianity, but although almost persuaded, never took his stand fully for Christ.
I recently visited the place where this young man lived, and inquired about the interested ones. But, oh, the sad news!
ONE OF THE GREAT IRRIGATING CANALS OF THE PUNJAB
This young man had died. And sadder still, he had left his young wife to meet the sorrowful fate of a Hindu widow.
One day, this poor widow, whose picture is given at the top of the opposite page, came to visit us. In a very pathetic way she told of her misfortune.
"My poor husband died after just three days' sickness, without any medical help," she said. "The villagers asked him to have faith in the village god for healing, although my husband repeatedly told them that he had no faith in a dumb idol. But what could I do alone, with no one to help? I saw my poor husband breathe his last without any medical help, simply depending on the mercy of the Hindu gods.
"And now shall I put confidence in such gods for both my soul and my body? — Never any more! I have learned a very sad lesson. I want to accept Christ, about whom my husband used to teach me, after having instruction from you from time to time. My husband did not openly accept Christianity, although he wanted to do so. But I want to fulfill his desire and become a Christian."
Reader, what can you do toward saving from oppression and degradation such helpless widows in India? We have a girls' school in Calcutta, where such dear souls may be rescued from heathenism. Two and a half dollars a month will wholly support a girl widow in our school. Will you provide for one?
