The Passing Glory What a contrast to the poverty of the villagers was the palace of the maharajah at Mysore which we went through on our return to Bangalore! In some ways, this edifice rivals the temples of Siam for beauty and magnificence. The doors and throne are of solid silver, the knives and forks of solid gold. The howdah, or canopied chair in which the maharajah rides on his elephant on state occasions, is also of gold; and there are Oriental rugs 400 feet long, all woven in one piece. The jewels on display were gorgeous but they only represented a small portion of those in vaults. The entire palace is illuminated at night so that it can be seen - for miles around. What- an illustration of the transient glory of this world! “ Only what’s done for Christ will last.” The souls brought to Christ out of the darkness of heathenism are the real trophies and the glory that will shine throughout the ages of eternity. I could not resist a ride on one of the maharajah’s ele phants, but when he rose after I mounted him, I ignominious- ly tumbled off, to the amusement of the missionaries. I be lieve other means of transportation are more suitable for me! I’m sure the elephant thought so too! The Top of the World A t Darjeeling, where we visited Mr. and Mrs. Paul Miller, we saw the most magnificent scenery we have ever beheld. Just seventy miles away from their place, snow-capped Mt. Everest rises to 29,000 ft., and alongside of it are four other great peaks nearly as high, with a lower range of peaks averaging 12,000 feet. Our Mt. Whitney, Baldy and Shasta would be but foothills there. The sunrise and sunset turns those mountains into a breath-taking panorama of colors im possible to descr'be. But here, as elsewhere, the natural beauty only shows up more vividly the vileness and corrup tion of men without God. The Seeking Sikh Back in Calcutta, Dr. Bauman and I again preached for Youth for Christ, but there were not as many decisions as before due to the fact that many of the unsaved were fright ened away by the threats of the communists, who were hold ing a rally across the street. We were told to be prepared for tear bombs, or anything, but the Lord gave us a peaceful time, although there was cons derabls tension. After the meeting we had a very interesting interview with a young Sikh, a disciple of Sikhism, wh:ch is a Hindu sect founded by Guru Nanak about 1500 A.D. in the Punjab. Thoy bel'eve in one god, prohibit idolatry, refuse caste, and deny the Brahmanical supremacy. This young fellow was of impressive appearance with his magnificent phy ique, typical of his class; he wore a spotless light blue turban with just a bit of scarlet showing in the center of his forehead, and his beard was neatly trimmed. Because they are such fine physical specimens, the Sikhs are chosen for soldiers, police, guards, etc. This young Sikh reminded me of the rich young ruler or Nicodemus. He seemed very earnest in his inquiries. He of course believed that Guru Nanak was sinless, but Dr. Bauman pointed out to him that Nanak himself had confessed his im perfections. Then he was told that Jesus not only claimed to be holy, but proved His claims by His life. The Sikh stated that he saw no reason why there should not be many saviours, and could not understand why we insisted that there should be but One. Dr. Bauman quoted from John 7:17: “ If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God,” and he asked the young seeker if he were willing to accept Christ as ^he way, the truth, and the l:fe, if Christ were to reveal Himself to him as such. He said, “ Yes,” and so Dr. Bauman, Mr. Mitchell, the Sikh and I knelt in prayer. I was moved with his evi dent sincerity. Pray for his salvation. There are thousands of intellectuals like him in India, ever seeking, but seldom coming to the knowledge of the truth. J A N U A R Y , 1 9 5 0
Palace of Maharajah at Mysore.
It was a real pull to leave India. I wish I could spend months at each mission station. We hope to be in Bethlehem for Christmas Eve; then a little while in Egypt, Italy, Greece and Spa n, and God willing, in a month we shall be home. We return with an enlarged vision of the mission fields and a deeper understanding of the missionary’s problems. May God give each one of you a fruitful New Year for Christ! This may be the year when the Bridegroom will return. “ Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Meantime let us be about our Father’s business, praying, sacrificing, and telling the story, that we may not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
A MISSIONARY CRY A hundred thousand souls a day, Are passing one by one away, In Christless guilt .and gloom, Without one ray of hope or light, With future dark as endless night, They're passing to their doom. They're passing to their doom. O Holy Ghost, Thy people move, Baptize their hearts with faith and love, And consecrate their gold. At Jesus' feet their millions pour, And all their ranks unite once more,
As in the days of old. As in the days of old.
The Master's coming draweth near, The Son of Man will soon appear, His Kingdom is at hand. But ere that glorious day can be, This Gospel of the Kingdom, we
Must preach in ev'ry land. Must preach in ev'ry land.
— A. B. Simpson
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