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Show 16 The Missionary Herald January have hung for guidance, as he said: "I have missed the true way to God. Before, I never felt I needed anything, but now I feel hungry in my soul." His repentance for his past was very real and impressive. At one point, reverently kneeling down on the veranda before us, he showed us how he had been accustomed to pray and to worship. Taking out of a little box a piece of camphor about the size of a pea, he put it on the metal cover of the box and lighted it. It gave off quite a good flame, and as he sat beside it with clasped hands he became absorbed in meditation and prayer. It was a demonstration of the profound reverence and contemplation of a devout Oriental. He told us he prayed that just as the flame rose to heaven so might his soul rise to God; just as it burned itself out, leaving no trace of ash behind, so might he be absolutely devoted to God, with no trace of earthliness left. It was very striking and indeed helpful. I could not help thinking of the great treasure of devotion that India's millions will pour out at the Saviour's feet when those millions have been won. I arranged for another conversation with him, fixing date and time. Fortunately, the following day I had an appointment to meet two experienced Indian pastors, with whom I took counsel about Chokoba, who was well known to them both. "Baptize him at once," was their urgent counsel, "for he knows quite sufficient about Christian truth." In my next talk with him I found him ready and willing for baptism. One request only he made: " I want to go and give my son a farewell kis3 and tell him I am dead," and as he said it the big tears ran down his face. The following Saturday afternoon I sent the evangelist Sudoba to Karda for work there over the Sunday, and with him a voluntary band of workers formed out of a new theological class I have recently started, along with a few Christian Endeavor members-a good and useful band. On their arrival at Karda they were welcomed by Chokoba into his Hindu preaching hall. In place of heathen gods the gospel of the living Christ and of a present salvation was preached, and the people heard their own guru announce his purpose of becoming a Christian. He had already begun to witness the good confession. The confusion that ensued in the town in the next few days I cannot well describe, nor could any Western reader understand. Suffice it to say that Chokoba remained steadfast in his purpose, fiery though the trial was of his being left alone there for several days. Some might have thought it a risky proceeding to leave him thus exposed to the great temptation of beating a retreat because of the entreaties of disciples; but I felt that if he could not withstand them before baptism neither could he afterwards. Moreover, I had the full cooperation and help of my experienced catechist, Sudoba. Chokoba's son, a fine, strong man, left his father at home and came all the way alone to plead with me for delay. He pointed out his father's position and influence in the caste and showed me a long, printed petition to government from six Mahar leaders, representing over half a million Mahars in these parts, his father's name among the six. He reminded me of the splendid tomb already built for Chokoba by his devotees, ready for his death. He pleaded with me to postpone the matter in kind consideration of the heartbroken disciples. Looking into his strong, manly face, written over with anxiety, I told him I myself would do all I could with government on behalf of the Mahars and their rights; that we ourselves would insure Chokoba a worthy burial when that unfortunate necessity arose; and that as for the disciples, it was the duty of disciples to follow their Master and not to expect him to consult them. I ended a very difficult interview by advising this anxious son, as lovingly as I could, not to place any hindrance in his father's way. He gave me his word of honor and he kept it. On the |