The English Work in Mussoorie, India
By Percy C. Poley
THE Lord has afforded a unique opportunity for presenting the Sabbath truth in Mussoorie, and we are all praising him for the victory that has been gained. Situated at an elevation of 6,500 feet above sea-level, on some of the lower heights of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is one of the three largest hill stations and summer resorts for missionaries in northern India. A good hall was secured for this season's effort in the heart of Mussoorie. It is on the much-frequented main thoroughfare, where the English business firms have their establishments. Brother Pettit, and Sisters Pettit, Shaw, and Jones have labored untiringly, visiting the homes in the station. The attendance at our meetings aroused opposition, and posters were displayed announcing that a lecture would be given, entitled "The Saturday Sabbath, a Jewish Heresy." Our brethren counseled together, and sent the speaker an invitation to give in the course of his lecture three Bible texts setting forth, respectively, the example of Christ for first-day observance, a first-day commandment, and the abolishment of the seventh-day Sabbath. A printed post-card was then sent to every address in the station, stating what had been our request, and inviting all members of our congregation to be present. The speaker had therefore a good attendance, and proved himself to be a speaker of good ability. He did not produce the Scripture texts our people had called for, but spent much time in heaping ridicule and accusation upon seventh-day observers, and used some mirth-provoking anecdotes to illustrate the faults of ignorance and prejudice which he professed to see in them. Many an inexactness was launched upon the credulity of those who were willing to hear any representations which would seem to excuse them in a wrong course of action. He concluded by challenging our brethren to answer sixteen propositions. Ten minutes were then offered to our brethren to make any statement they might wish. Elder J. L. Shaw arose, and was invited to the platform. There was intensity in the few moments' silence, and people leaned forward in their seats. In a calm and impressive manner, Brother Shaw said that, after listening to the arguments which had been made, he still believed that the seventh day was the Sabbath. He took up some of the arguments presented, and showed that they were unsustained by Scripture. He appealed to the infallible Word of God, the Christian's sole guide. Brother Shaw's well-chosen remarks made a deep impression. It is probable that never before has such a testimony been given in India to a congregation in which were present so many learned missionaries of other societies. It was good to see the expressions of joy and confidence in the faces of some who had recently begun the observance of the Sabbath. It seemed as if a passing gale had swept over the edifice of eternal truth, and examination had shown that not only were the ancient pillars standing, but every pin and fastening was in place. Believers have been strengthened for harder opposition in the future. Our own meeting two days later for the review of the lecture was well attended. Brother Shaw replied to the charge that Seventh-day Adventists were not engaged in a soul-saving ministry of the gospel. He gave a grand review of our work, aims, and the results accomplished by our denomination since its origin. It fell to Elders Pettit and Enoch to reply to the sixteen propositions with which we had been challenged. Both of the brethren made constant use of their Bibles. The Lord helped them in a wonderful manner. We felt that the cause of truth had been strengthened, and our denominational prestige raised in the eyes of a number of excellent and intelligent persons who were present. Our opponent was allowed ten minutes, but failed to make any points. His influence had already been injured by his denial that the world was created in six literal days. He had given the impression that the Bible is unreliable. When that comfortless position is taken, the gospel does not come with assurance and power. The Sabbath question is a live issue in Mussoorie to-day, and minds are being exercised over the things which have lately come to pass.