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THE KING’S BUSINESS
been good to get news of the Bene Israel man through Soonderbai. She writes to say he is very earnest in seeking to win his own people to Christ, and one day when a friend came to visit him, he asked that two of our girls might be allowed to go and sing hymns for them. But his guest was not at- all pleased and exclaimed, “What has come to you—you are always speaking of Jesus Christ, can’t you keep quiet?” “How can I?” he answered, “He is the true Messiah, He is Creator and God, He is Lord of all and King of Kings.” He was very anxious to have family worship in
stay here and learn much more.” Her father thought we were coercing her, so we left them alone together while we went into another room to pray. He coaxed, offering the usual bribes of pretty saries, bangles, etc., and picturing the happy (?) life she would have if married; then find ing her still obdurate, he threatened and stormed, but all to no purpose. He went away very angry, and even got the mis sionary from his station to write and plead his cause, that he might be saved from shame before those to whom he had talked and boasted of this match. But when we
Group of Hindu Girls at Zanana Home, Poonah, India
his home, and sent to ask that some one would come and teach him how to conduct it. Some months ago, one of our younger girls, Pudmee, was brought face to face with a great temptation. Unknown to us, her father arranged a marriage for her and came to take her away—much to our disap pointment as she was only 14. Yet we had no power to interfere, as her father was her lawful guardian. To our surprise, she absolutely refused and came to us asking that she might not be sent away. “I am too little to marry,” she said, “I want to
found it was not the girl’s wish to marry we were determined she should not be' forced, and how thankful we were later on for her escape—two months later, the man who would have married her went blind and shortly after died! So our little Pudmee has been saved from much misery and sor row, and we trust may live to do service for Jesus Christ to whom she belongs. There is much more I could write about, but space forbids. Continue to pray for us, dear friends; and praise too for the priv ilege and joy which is ours in this service for Christ.
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