He thus writes to his mother:–"Sept. 23d, 1865.–I am able–still very imperfectly, it is true–to tell the poor Kashmiris of God's overflowing love to sinners. The sinful heart is hard, but I firmly believe that, if anything will break it, and soften it, and make it holy and loving, it is the exhibition of God's infinite love to lost man. In speaking to others of Jesus and His unutterable love, I feel my own soul glowing and going out towards God in yearning desires for greater holiness, greater likeness to my blessed Redeemer, and for a complete consecration to His service. My heart's most earnest desire is, next to my own salvation, that God would honour me to lead many to the Saviour before I die, and I am hopeful of one or two of those among whom I labour. Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but it is God alone who can give the increase. Pray for the increase, dearest mother.
"I have good news to tell you; the chaplain here, the Rev. Mr. Cowie, is going home, and as he purposes visiting Aberdeen, he has kindly promised to call on you, and tell you all about me and the mission work. He has given me his horse and saddle–this horse was the property of Sir Colin Campbell during the mutiny. I forgot to tell you that a native gentleman has had a handsome signet ring made for me as a mark of his gratitude for my having cured him of a chronic and painful disease. My work goes on steadily; no spiritual fruit as yet; but, perhaps, I should not say this, for a Kashmiri, who fearlessly declared his faith in Christ in an open bazaar yesterday, endured a terrible beating from his fellow-countrymen, and still seems to stand fast. I had fifty patients this morning. They always listen attentively, but I can see by the countenances of many, that the word is not received with gladness. It would indeed be a miracle if it were, for the gospel strikes at the root of all that those benighted people look to for happiness in the next world or in this, and reproves them with a voice of thunder for the wicked life they live now. I have now no hope of being allowed to remain during the winter. Dear mother, pray that the Lord may mollify the Maharajah's heart.
"24th.–To-day had sixty patients. Oh, dear mother, that we could wholly live to God and for others! How happy, truly happy, we should both be now and on the other side. Pray for me, dear mother. The devil would fain tempt me to think that this is fruitless work, and that I am a fool for not living for the present world, with its honours and wealth. Lord, we believe, help Thou our unbelief. Blessings on you, dear mother! Let us think more of Jesus, and of heaven, and of the life beyond! then we shall certainly be happy.
"25th Sept.–Heard glad news to-day from the catechist, to the effect that my Kashmiri pundit had declared to him that he firmly believed the gospel was true, but that he was afraid to make a public profession of his faith in Jesus for fear of the consequences. He is but a Nicodemus in faith. Lord strengthen him. I was not at all surprised at this news, for the pundit generally spent his Sundays with us in reading the New Testament, and speaking about Christianity.
"29th Sept.–Long conversation to-day with my servants on divine things. We spoke of baptism; its import, and what makes a man a true Christian. My pundit, a sepoy, a merchant, and native doctor, listened with manifest interest.
"6th Oct.–Was called to see the Maharajah's chief military officer in Kashmir. He confirmed the report formerly spoken of. I could not help jocularly saying, that according to our European notions, the Maharajah's army must be in a state of insubordination from the colonel downwards.
"16th Oct.–Was requested by the Brahmin, who is at the head of financial affairs in Kashmir, and on whom I had operated a short time before, to go with him and see one of the female members of his family who had sore eyes, according to his account. I was only too glad to go with him, in order to get an entrance into this Hindu family.
"17th Oct.–To-day left Srinagar. The Brahmin of yesterday accompanied me out of the town, and expressed how grateful he felt for the benefit he had received from the Medical Missionary Dispensary. I purpose returning to the Punjaub by the Pir Panjal, and following the same plan as I did on my way into the valley, i.e., of having receptions and addresses at each of the resting-places."
Before starting with Dr. Elmslie on his return to Amritsar, the following testimonies to the value of his work in Kashmir, and of Medical Missions in general, may be suitably introduced:–
The Bishop of Calcutta entered the following remarks in the visitors' book:–"During my present stay in Kashmir I have twice been present at Dr. Elmslie's reception of patients, and bear willing testimony to the great interest and practical usefulness, as well as to the wise and Christian character of his proceedings. He presents Christianity to the people in its most obviously beneficent aspect; and for this union of care for men's souls with the healing of their bodies the gospel narrative furnishes us with the very highest justification and precedent. It is but little that we can, at present, do to make known to the people of this country the blessings of Christ's salvation; but I quite believe that Dr. Elmslie is knocking at the one door which may, through God's help, be opened for the truth to enter in. I heard two Hindustani sermons from his catechist, addressed to the sufferers from various maladies, who were gathered in the verandah, one on the Lord's prayer, and the other on the parable of the sower. Both were excellent, simple, unpretending, suited to the hearers, placing before them plain Christian truth, and without any offensive remarks on their own religions, or the very slightest political allusion. The fact that there are not (and, under present circumstances, apparently cannot be) any properly educated doctors in Kashmir, makes Dr. Elmslie's presence here an act of Christian benevolence, quite apart from its missionary character; and I cannot but hope that this, joined to the quiet efforts of the chaplain to keep alive in English travellers a feeling of Christian faith and responsibility, will at least remove from the minds of the people any prejudice against the Gospel which may, I fear, have been excited by the too frequent misconduct of Englishmen visiting the valley. On all accounts I heartily commend Dr. Elmslie's efforts to the sympathy of all thoughtful persons, and I feel sure that he will be guided by prudence, as well as zeal, and will not forget what is due to the wishes of the Government of the country, while, at the same time, he will of course maintain the directly Christian character of his work."
The subjoined was written by the Rev. W. G. Cowie, M.D., chaplain on duty in Kashmir:–"Dr. Elmslie has asked me to state here any suggestions I may have to offer respecting the system pursued by him at his daily receptions of patients. I have been present on several occasions during the last four months, and much pleased each time by what I saw and heard. I frequently ask natives of Kashmir what they think about the Medical Mission, and am invariably told by them that they consider Dr. Elmslie's work a great blessing to the poor of Srinagar, and of the valley in general. I am not acquainted with the working of any other mission whose system I consider so hopeful as that adopted by Dr. Elmslie; and during my expected sojourn in England and Scotland (in 1866-67), it will afford me the greatest pleasure to advocate the claims of the mission on the Christian public in every way I can."
One more testimony may be introduced, by the Rev. G. Yeates, M.A., missionary, Moultan:–"As a brother missionary, I feel great pleasure in adding my testimony to the value of the Medical Mission in Kashmir, as conducted by Dr. Elmslie. While in Srinagar, I have frequently been present at his receptions of patients, as also at Islamabad, when he visited that town, and have enjoyed the meetings very much. I have seldom heard gospel truths more faithfully preached than in the addresses to the patients, which, along with the prayer that followed each, could not have been better suited to the audience. The spirit of love was manifested in all that was said, while the more tangible appeal to the senses which followed, in the way of medicines and advice, afforded a strong proof of the intention to benefit them which, under God's blessing, cannot but result in good."
In India Dr. Elmslie had two homes–if indeed he had a home at all, for he spoke of himself as being like Noah's dove, without a resting place for the sole of his foot–two homes and three spheres of labour. For six months in the year he lived and worked, as we have seen, in Kashmir. Then going each season to and from this, his main centre of action, he had no home whatever–sometimes like his Divine Master he had no place to lay his head–but he had a precious sphere of usefulness in wayside ministries amongst the sick and suffering, of which he gladly availed himself; and then for a few months in the year, in Amritsar, or some other city, he opened a dispensary and carried on his Medical Missionary operations. Leaving the beautiful valley we shall accompany him as he moves by the Pir Panjal towards Amritsar, exemplifying as he goes the heaven-appointed plan of missions–HEAL AND PREACH.
"Journal, October 20th, 1865.–Road to Haripur rough, but the scenery more and more beautiful, reminding me of the dear Scotch Highlands. No shelter at Haripur, so breakfasted on the path-side and set out for Aliabad Serai, which is near the very highest point to which we ascend the Himalayas. Road all precipitous and rough, a pony indispensable for comfort, but not quite free of danger, for as I was urging my tuttoo up one of the knotty points of the mountain he fell back. I threw myself to one side and escaped all injury, but the pony went rolling down the rocks for some distance. The scenery from Haripur to Aliabad is very grand; the towering mountains are covered with magnificent pines, and deep down in the ravine below, there dashes a wild river, its course fretted by many a boulder. About five P.M. I reached the Serai, tired and longing to rest, very hungry, but my servants had not arrived. The night was bitterly cold, and I had to spend it without even a blanket to cover me, for my servants had stayed at the foot of the last ascent and did not arrive till morning."
"A little beyond Aliabad Serai the traveller reaches the summit of the pass, about 12,000 feet above sea level. On it there stands a watch-tower, inhabited by the guardian of the pass. The view is inconceivably grand, it entrances one, making one forget all the fatigues of the journey and rejoice in the glories of God's creation. India's plains lie stretched before you, with an intervening foreground of marvellously verdant mountains, while towering above and around are the thousand snowy peaks of the Himalayas. The descent is not so easy as it seems at first. The paths are precipitous, and often dangerous, and always lonely. The marches from one Serai to another are sixteen miles." On arriving, tired and footsore, Dr. Elmslie often found that his servants were far behind him, and he was thankful to accept the hospitality of the natives, and to partake of milk and chipatties gladly supplied by them. At every resting place he called the sick, and did what he could to relieve their sufferings, while his catechist addressed them from the Word. He writes, "I am delighted to be able to follow Qadir Bakhsh in his addresses now: his similes are always apt; for instance, to-day when speaking of faith he said, 'Faith is like a seed which the Holy Spirit takes and sows in the heart; from the seed grows the Christian tree, and the fruit of the tree is good works.' Though tired, I felt impelled to say a word or two about God's unspeakable love. The people listened with marked attention." Again he writes:–"October 25th.–Soon after leaving Rajaori we saluted a company of Chinese Mussulmans on their way to Mecca, and again we met in the Serai at Sialsui–a wretched mud building in which I took refuge from a thunderstorm. Qadir Bakhsh told me he had had a long conversation with one of them, and it had ended in his asking him for a Testament. He could read and speak Persian, he said, so I called him and had some conversation. I learned that he came from Foochow, one of four Mussulman cities in China, and, anxious to show his repentance for sin, he had set out on the pilgrimage to Mecca. I tried to show him the utter impossibility of any man obtaining eternal life through mere repentance without an atoning sacrifice, such a sacrifice as our blessed Saviour had offered up. He listened to Qadir Bakhsh and me silently, and again expressed his desire to possess a copy of the 'Injil.' Not having any with me in Persian, we gave him a copy of the Old Testament, and he was much pleased. He read the Decalogue with great interest. Poor fellow, he said he had been nine months on his pilgrimage already. What a lesson in earnestness! Lord, bless thine own word to this deluded follower of the false prophet.
"While conversing with him, the Kotwal of the village and his followers had come in. Afterwards we had a remarkably interesting conversation with a very intelligent Kashmiri, who had been listening attentively to all that was said to the Chinaman.
"October 28th.–One of our Chinese friends who follow in our track, has an attack of tonsillitis, for which he applied for medicine, which he got, along with a few words intended to reach the seat of the spiritual disease. This is my Indian birthday. Help me, Lord, to do more in the coming year, towards spreading the news of Thy marvellous love to lost men!
"31st October, near Thāh.–Crossed the Chenab by a rudely constructed ferryboat; the road to Thāh comparatively good, but long and broken by tributaries of the Chenab. There is a wonderful difference between the cultivation of the neighbouring country compared to that of the territory through which I have come. An extensive system of irrigation is carried on by the native farmers. About three o'clock I arrived alone at Thāh, where I was intending to pass the night, but found that the 'Sahib Log' went to a village at some distance. So at least the rogue of a bombardār informed me. After a ride of ten minutes, I reached the said village and dismounted under the shade of a clump of trees, requesting my conductor, the son of said bombardār, to go back to Thāh and send me some milk and fruit, also some grain for my horse, as I feared my servants would not arrive till late. His promises of a speedy return with all I wanted were not fulfilled, and I sat there alone, tired with my journey, from four till seven o'clock, when Qadir Bakhsh arrived, much to my joy. He at once set out to forage, but without success. Having tasted nothing since early morning, and seeing no prospect of dinner, I set out with Qadir Bakhsh to see what we could effect by our combined forces. I shall never forget the furious rage dear old Qadir Bakhsh acted, greatly to the terror of all who came near him. When no one was looking he turned round and laughed heartily to me. It was an amusing scene even to a hungry man as I was, and as the fruit of it, one woman brought us, partly from fear, partly from pity, some milk, a charpae and some straw, and with these we had to be content for the night. I drank my milk, thanking God for all His goodness during the day, and went to sleep under the shade of the trees. In the morning found my followers had arrived through the night. Walked most of the way to Sealkote with a mussulman, and told him about Jesus and His great salvation.
"November 5th.–Early this morning arrived at Amritsar. Busy preparing house in city for dispensary, &c. Mean to live there in order to be near my patients.
"Amritsar, 20th November, 1865.–My ever dearest mother,–Since my return from Kashmir I have had a very sorrowful work to perform; one of the young missionaries connected with the work here, had had an attack of dysentery, and had been ordered off to Dalhousie in hope of benefiting from the mountain air. But he became worse and worse. I went up to this hill station in order to help his poor young wife in nursing him, and if possible, to bring him down to the plains again, but it was too late; he died three hours before I arrived. You can imagine the scene of sorrow. Mr. Watkin was a very promising young missionary, and we all feel deeply our loss in his death. After a few days my friend and his, Mr. R., came down, bringing Mrs. W. with us.
"3d January, 1866.–God continues to give me in His great goodness an ordinary quantum of health and spirits. I know nothing so conducive to both, as the assurance that God is reconciled to you, and you to God, through the precious blood of Jesus. How is your soul prospering? Is Jesus becoming more and more precious, and is the world becoming more like a wilderness to you? We have been taught this lesson very solemnly of late. Another of our number has been summoned home. The Rev. W. Stevenson of Peshawur died some days ago of fever. Mr. Clark's fine little boy too has been taken away. These events solemnize us greatly, while they remind us also of God's great mercy in sparing us a little while longer. Yet St. Paul is right when he says that to depart and be with Christ is far better than to remain here in this sinful imperfect world. My work is slowly progressing in Amritsar. Yesterday I had twenty-nine patients, all of whom listened attentively to the word read and explained. You will be happy to hear that I am now able to read the native language, and to make short comments on the passages of Scripture, and also to close our meetings with extempore prayer. I have four assistants here besides the native doctor, and for these lads I have begun two classes,–one for the study of materia medica, and another for anatomy. I find the people here more bigoted than in Kashmir. They would much rather pay a small fee than listen to the address and prayer, although they love money ardently. Next week I hope to open a class for chemistry, in hope of gathering some of the lads in the city who speak English, and who intend taking a degree in the University. It is said I shall have a large class, and I think I may thus come into closer relationship with many young men.
"You express a hope that we may be found in Jesus. Why should we doubt it? Jesus is ready to receive us. We know He is more willing to bless than we are to receive the blessing. The Father has constructed a stupendous machinery for the express purpose of bringing us to Him; we will go to Jesus and dwell where He dwells.
"February 19th, 1866.–Did I tell you that I had commenced a course of lectures on chemistry? There are twenty-six names on the list, and I trust my object may be realized in counteracting some of the evil influences of much of our scientific literature.
"July 19th, 1866.–As the Lieutenant Governor, with his court, is expected to be present at the Durbār, which will be held here next week, we purpose having a meeting of our Medical Mission Committee, when a new Secretary and Treasurer is to be appointed. I trust I shall not be called on to undertake this work, for I feel sure it would hinder me from doing so much direct mission work as I should be able to do if free of all money matters and correspondence. They say in Amritsar that I am to meet with much opposition from Government this season in Kashmir. If the work is the Lord's, then all things must ultimately work together for His glory. He can restrain the fury of men, saying to them, as He did to the great deep, 'Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further.' I am often with you in spirit, often with you, dearest mother, at the throne of grace, breathing out desires for a blessing on you. How very near we are in Christ.
"I had a visit from three priests of the golden temple to-day, who presented me with a quantity of sweetmeats and flowers, and after the usual civilities, we entered into conversation about 'Namak Sahib' and the Grunth; I trying to tell them something of the gospel. They were, however, bent on something else. After telling me of the liberal bakhshish so many great sahibs had given them, they at last, provoked at my not taking the hint, asked me point blank what I would give them. I replied in some such words as Peter, 'Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee,' and assured them of my willingness to give them medicine for body and for soul. They gathered up the sweetmeats and flowers, and stalked off, not a little disappointed.
"January 23d, 1866.–To Dr. Cleghorn.–It would have afforded me unbounded pleasure to have met you, and talked over with you the concerns and prospects of the mission, of which you have the honour of being the father, and I that of being the agent....
"We had a most delightful week of prayer the week before last. We felt indeed that the Lord was in our midst. We shall expect great blessings after such united supplications on the part of God's people, according to His own gracious promise. On the 31st inst. we are to have another day for prayer on behalf of medical missions, according to the appointment of the home society. Would that God would pour out His Holy Spirit on our Universities, that men may come and offer themselves for this glorious work!
"March 6th, 1866.–To be ready! What does this imply? Does it require some great effort or labour on my part to become ready for the coming of the Son of Man? Nay, I have only to believe in Jesus; He is my righteousness. In Him is all the Father requires. Blessed Jesus, how very very precious Thou art to me! Why should I ever hunger or thirst, when in Thee is fulness of all I need. Why should any perish, seeing that Jesus has done and suffered so much that we might have life. Let me, with humble, thankful, loving, joyful, and faithful heart, take this full salvation, and even now feast upon it, even now become rich through it, even now rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory!" This precious thought regarding our completeness in Christ came out in an interesting form during his student days in Edinburgh. A patient of his was subject to attacks of cramp, and on one occasion fainted from the severity of the pain. When the sufferer emerged from unconsciousness, he found the hand of the young doctor resting gently on his clammy brow and exclaimed, 'Oh, doctor, to be ready, and to get away from this terrible suffering!' The doctor answered softly, 'You are always ready in Jesus, you will never be ready out of Him.'
"March 7th, 1866.–Still labouring away in Amritsar, but intend to close my dispensary soon, and to pack up for the journey over the mountains. I continue to enjoy excellent health, and am very happy in soul. Jesus, my Saviour, becomes dearer and dearer to me every day. My faith in Him is growing stronger, and my delight in my work is also increasing. I am persuaded that to labour for Christ in this world is the greatest honour and the surest and speediest way to becoming strong and happy in the Lord.
"Last week we had a series of grand meetings here. Numbers of Europeans and native gentlemen met together for the purpose of discussing many points bearing on the social condition of this province. The first day was devoted to the delivery of speeches, and reading of addresses on different social questions. We met in a large tent, and the brilliant colouring of the dresses worn by the natives made the scene a most picturesque one. On the second day, prizes were given to all who had distinguished themselves at the recent examinations. The third day was the crowning one, because the wise and noble Governor of the province (a Scotchman, Mr. M‛Leod) honoured the meeting with his presence. On that day and on the next, I had the honour of dining with the Lieutenant Governor. On Thursday, he kindly offered to drive me to a conversazione, given to the native gentlemen. He made me sit by him in the carriage on his right hand, and spoke to me of Scotland. But now, dearest mother, I must stop short. My message for you is Genesis xv. 1, a lovely, true, and comforting word. Pray for me and for poor Kashmir. O may God richly bless you in soul and body.–Your ever loving son, Willie.
"April 2d, 1866.–To Dr. Cleghorn.–I brought my operations here to a close a short time ago, just immediately before we had our last meeting of committee. One day, while I was engaged in giving my lecture on chemistry, which I continued to do till the last, two of the honorary Magistrates of Amritsar waited on me, as a deputation from (what we should call) the Town Council, to request me to prolong my stay in Amritsar. I need not say that this was exceedingly gratifying to me, as a doctor and as a Christian; and my heart was filled with gratitude to our heavenly Father, who had graciously granted me such favour with the very people whose temporal and spiritual welfare are so dear to my heart. Thinking that I was connected with the Government, and that I was about to leave Amritsar on account of a Government order, the deputation said that they were prepared to draw up a petition to Mr. Egerton, the commissioner, and to have it signed, soliciting him to use his influence in getting the order for my departure cancelled. I explained all to them, and expressed my sorrow at not being able to be in two places at the same time; but that I felt it to be my duty to go to Kashmir, where my proper work lay. The time may be near when we shall see a large Medical Mission Hospital in Amritsar. There is room and need for it.... Just another item of news about our pet, and I must have done. Sir John Lawrence has sent a message to Mr. Macleod, the Lieutenant-Governer of the Punjaub, to request the Resident, this year, to inform the Maharajah of Kashmir, that his hostility to Christianity is not neutrality, and that his policy towards missions is unworthy of a prince of his enlightened views. This is the spirit of the message, but not the very words. 'The Lord reigneth!'
"Lahore, 3d April, 1866.–Once more I am on my way to Kashmir, to delight in its beauty, and to cope with its sin and wretchedness.
"We had our annual meeting of the Kashmir Medical Mission a few days ago, and to me it was a very great pleasure to find that all the members were satisfied with the manner in which I had conducted the work in Kashmir. I need not tell you how glad I am for this, not so much on my own account as on account of the work I have so much at heart. 'If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth liberally and upbraideth not.' God is my wisdom; the constant cry of my inmost heart is, 'Make me truly wise to win souls, keep me from doing a right thing in a wrong fashion.' It does cheer me to remember that you, at least, are praying for me; we have to fight against a strong foe; the devil and his emissaries have long held the fort in Kashmir–poor perishing Kashmir, for whom I could weep all day. I have made my first attempt at Report-writing, and, like all my works, it displeases me: I suppose I never shall be pleased with anything I attempt to do or be, till I stand before God, clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ; then I shall be perfectly satisfied.
"I have sent off my servants and luggage to the borders of Kashmir, and, God willing, hope to set out myself about the 5th inst. I am well, and enabled to lay hold with a firmer grasp on the precious promises of God.
"By-the-bye, if you have not read 'God's Way of Peace,' and 'God's Way of Holiness,' do get them. They have helped me wonderfully. Ever praying that the God of grace and comfort may be with you, I remain your ever loving son, Willie."
"April 9, 1866.–To-day left the hospitable roof of my friend and joint Secretary, Dr. Gray, and set off on the journey to Rawal Pindee. Had a long time alone for prayer, that God would greatly prosper my own soul, making it spiritually fragrant and verdant, that thus I might be enabled to serve Him more truly. Oh, that He would grant to me and all who work with me a double portion of His Spirit, without whose vitalising influence no eternal good can accrue from our efforts. My beloved Saviour, in Thy strength I go up–strong in Thee. I enter an enemy's country to fight with Thy weapons the common foe.
"10th.–A military man is my fellow traveller. Wishing to unfurl my colours, I asked a blessing aloud at breakfast. He did not like my doing so. My soul is very sun-shiny just now. God be praised.
"13th.–Long march to Haripur. Sat down under a clump of trees and read Schönberg-Cotta Family. The female characters in it are beautifully drawn. The approaching campaign in Kashmir much in my thoughts to-day, and I have had great joy and peace in making over the care of it all to the great Care-bearer. Blessed Jesus, go with me!
"April 16th.–I look on no trial now in the same light as formerly, when I had not tested fully how good the Lord is! The child of God is lifted above the world when there subsists between him and his Saviour a vital union–the union of faith. This union makes the believer invincible. He may be cast down, but he will speedily rise again, to become stronger than before. This is the effect of the divine schooling. It educates the man for the battle of this life, as well as for the life which is to come.
"18th.–Left Abbottabad with the Rev. Mr. Wade of Peshawur. Road to Manserah very beautiful, passing through extensive pine forests, scenery more and more grand. Reached the Jhelum about 3 P.M., and crossed it by the rope bridge. The current is rapid and the river eighty yards across at this point.
"19th.–Busy all morning with sick people who had obeyed my summons in great numbers. Qadir Bakhsh addressed them on the opening verses of our Lord's Sermon on the Mount. Journey from Muzufferabad to Do Patta long, and our ponies insufferably bad. About half way my animal stumbled, and down he went. The severity of the blow fell on my right shoulder and side, and at first I really thought some part of the bony apparatus had been fractured. It was some time before I could move, but at last remounted and rode till I could bear the excruciating pain no longer. Walked slowly to the resting place.
"20th.–Spent to-day in bed, resting my arm and doctoring myself. Qadir Bakhsh addressed the sick, and the native doctor prescribed so far as he could.
"April 21st.–Starting at 7 A.M., reached Khanda at 1 P.M., having walked all the way. Very much better to-day. The Nawab of the district sent to ask me for two bottles of wine for his horse. Had some doubt that the article was for himself, not for the horse, and was glad to be able to say I had no wine with me. The chief men of this village confirm my suspicions that the wine was for himself, although he is a Mussulman. Told the people, who came to pay their respects to us, something of God's love to fallen man, and gave notice of a reception of the sick to-morrow morning.
"22d, Sunday.–Early this morning had a gathering of the sick. Twenty-three came, and Qadir Bakhsh addressed them. The Rev. J. R. Wade held service in the afternoon. Another reception of sick in the evening.
"24th.–Much hawthorn on the way to-day, the fragrance of which was delicious. Visited the tomb of a Mussulman, and was allowed to enter. Within the court a square building of trellis-work, which we entered, and then within a screen, we saw the tomb.
In the evening saw twenty sick people, and addressed them from John iii. 15. Gave two men who could read, copies of St. John's Gospel. Lord, water this seed sown!
"April 25th, 1866, Gingal.–Terrible thunder storm overtook us on our march to-day, saw a splendid trough cut out of the solid rock. Reception of patients as usual.
"26th.–Scenery on the way from Gingal to Baramula perfectly sublime. The proud mountains bearing their glistening crowns of snow, the nearer ones clothed with dark-coloured majestic pines. Passed some very ancient ruins, which we thought bore traces of Buddhist origin. Immediately on our arrival here, engaged four large boats for ourselves, servants, and luggage. After tea loosed our moorings and sailed away up the river, which, on account of the melting of snow, is much larger than usual.
"27th.–What a rest after the toils of the journey this delicious sailing is! Spent the day in admiring the surpassingly beautiful scenery of this fairest portion of God's earth, and in prayer for its spiritual emancipation. One cannot help seeing that the marvellous capabilities of the country are but partially developed, the cultivation is very imperfect, the buildings seem everywhere to be falling into ruins, and the people are rendered indolent and heartless by oppressive taxation."
It is our privilege, during another season, through means of his journal and letters, to accompany Dr. Elmslie in his Medical Missionary services in Kashmir.
"Journal, April 28, 1866.–Reached Srinagar to-day. Committed my work to the God of missions, and felt calm, trustful, hopeful.
"On reaching the bungalow I had rented last year, found I could not have it again. Disappointed, I sailed up the river and at last secured a bungalow, which I think may do as a make-shift. It is the most remote of the houses set apart for bachelors, and I chose it because there is plenty of ground round it for my patients (if God grant me any) to assemble, without annoying the other visitors. The house needs repair, so Wade and I resolved to pitch our tents till it is ready. Dined outside our tents; weather most beautiful; mountains still covered with snow....
"Here I am once more in this sinful country, for the very purpose of exhibiting some of the loving power of the Gospel. Oh, be pleased to bless and quicken me, and to pour out Thy quickening Spirit on this people, that they may undergo a spiritual resurrection, and live henceforth to the glory of Thy name. Be pleased, O Father, to direct me in all my plans; may souls be converted; this is my one great desire; but, dear and loving and wise heavenly Father, if it should seem good to Thee to withhold from me this great honour and joy, help me to say from the heart, Not my will but Thine be done! In Thy strength I resolve to be more diligent than ever I have yet been, laying hold of every opportunity of doing good both to the souls and bodies of men, and in prosecuting my linguistic studies.
"30th.–Heard to-day that the man who rented me his house last year is forbidden to do so again, as it is too near the city!
"Whilst engaged in treating a poor sepoy this morning, was waited on by a messenger from the Diwan. After common civilities, we spoke of everything except my mission. Was this wise? Or should I speak out? God guide me, for I know not what is best. The pundit, who taught me Kashmiri last season, brought me to-day the translation of the Gospel of St. John, which I had engaged him to make.
"I find, after much inquiry, that there is no special Kashmiri character, and that the religious books of the Hindu people living in the country are written in Sanscrit, which most of them can read. Kashmiri is always expressed by the Persian character; and Persian itself is specially the language of the Mussulman portion of the community.
"May 2d.–Busy arranging bungalow, and hope fairly to begin operations to-morrow. Relish Leighton's work very much: his spirit is Christ-like, full of love and good will to men. Blessed Jesus, give me this likeness to Thyself. My patience is greatly tried with the slowness of the work-people. Had I come here merely for my own pleasure it would be bearable, but when my work is hindered by it then my wrath is roused. Had actually to write to the Baboo to-day about supplies of food,–so helpless is an Englishman, ay, and a Scotchman too, in the hands of the Kashmiris.
"3d.–The fruit trees are now laden with blossom. Busy getting ready a tent for the sick to assemble in to hear the Gospel before coming to the dispensary. Have taken the outside of a large Swiss tent, and by means of chicks and poles have formed a kind of pavilion, likely to prove serviceable.
"Wade and I had a long walk after dinner, and on our way home took it into our heads to count the trees on both sides of the long Poplar Avenue. On Wade's side he counted 8 chinars and 882 poplars, and on my side there were 7 chinars and 788 poplars. There are great gaps to be seen among them, and many more must speedily die, as they have been barked. In the evening read Persian with Wade.
"4th.–In our walk to-day intimated to all we met that our dispensary will be opened to-morrow. Examined some guns at the Fort, and found them perforated and unfit for use.
"5th.–Opened dispensary to-day. Mr. Wade, Qadir Bakhsh, Jewan Lal, Thomas, and Benjamin, met me in the lower room of the little house we are now occupying, and we together prayed God to command His blessing on the work we were about to begin. We then adjourned to the tent, and Q. B. addressed the few patients who had come. My blessed Saviour, I delight to think Thou wilt one day reign here, and this land shall then be inhabited by men wise unto salvation: now, how ignorant, deluded, superstitious this people is!
"Afterwards Wade and I went to the top of Takht-i-Suliman, said to be 800 feet high, and I verily believe it, for the ascent is by no means easy. The formation is trap, like the Edinburgh Castle Hill or Arthur's Seat. Near the summit sheep and cattle were grazing, and on the very top there are two poplar and several fruit trees in a thriving condition. Met with some fine specimens of the Iridaceæ; those Irises cover the graves of all Mussulmans buried in the valley, some are pure white, others are violet. Read Cunningham's essay, describing the wonderful temple which crowns this hill.
"6th.–Fourteen new patients to-day; one a case requiring a serious operation. I have offered him a bed in my tent till he recovers, and all he requires. He promises to return, but I cannot be sure, as patients often profess to acquiesce and depart never to re-appear. Qadir Bakhsh had a long and interesting conversation with some pundits to-day, on the subject of "God manifest in the flesh." Finished reading Dr. Coldstream's life. Lord make me like him in all in which he resembled Christ.
"Qadir Bakhsh informed us that three men had declared that they would become Christians but for fear of the consequences to their families.
"8th.–Two sepoys have been set to watch my house, and a Kashmiri, whom they saw conversing with Qadir Bakhsh, was beaten and driven away.
"Began my Materia Medica class with Benjamin and Thomas, and resumed lessons with my native doctor in ophthalmic surgery. Qadir Bakhsh told me to-day that the Maharajah coins new money every two years and issues it, receiving that of the previous years at about half its value.
"11th.–Took my moonshee in the morning to-day, but fear this plan won't do, for it interferes with my study of God's Holy Word, and I must allow nothing to come between me and the words of everlasting life.
"Visited a merchant from Cabul, who had had his ribs fractured in a quarrel. Several men were in attendance, but no woman. On his arms were two massive golden rings. A man's ornaments are like banked money; on a rainy day they are pawned or sold.
"Saw the man who bakes for the English, and, noticing the dirty state of his garments, expostulated. He said he dare not wear clean clothes, for if he did, he would be thought wealthy, and more taxes would be required of him.
"Friendly and quiet discussion with some Mullahs from the city to-day. Water with Thy Holy Spirit, Lord!
"12th.–One hundred maunds of silk are produced annually in Kashmir. The mulberry tree grows very freely here, and the silk-worm is largely cultivated.
"13th.–The Resident informed me to-day that I must not have the sick people so near the sahibs' dwellings. I explained my case, and he said he would give orders at once for a house to be built or provided for my dispensary near the city. This is just what I wish. The catechist has been busy all day with inquirers about Jesus Christ and the gospel. Mr. Wade conducted worship to-day, and seven strangers attended; my pundit was one of them.
"14th.–Oh, for more of the Spirit of God, and more of the gifts of the Spirit, that I may be able to hold up Christ to this people. No fewer than seventy-four patients present to-day, and all listened to the gospel message. God bless it to them! My lithotomy case ran away this morning, so I am baulked of my operation. Heard from Dr. Gray to-day. He tells me that the Supreme Government have despatched a minute to the Maharajah of Kashmir, giving him to understand that they do not expect him to aid in the propagation of the Christian religion, but that they do expect him to remain neutral. The Resident called to-day, and asked many questions. I have made it a rule never to discuss Kashmir affairs except with those whom I know to be on the Lord's side. I listen to all that is said, but say little in reply.
"16th.–Eighty patients present to-day; excised a fibrous tumour from behind right ear. Tent crowded, and the word attentively listened to. For last four days a mullah from the city has come to converse about divine things. At first showed temper, but to-day he listened very quietly.
"18th.–To-day, because a carpenter had come to repair a boat for us without informing the Baboo, orders were given for his being beaten; lashed on the spot he was, and hurried off to prison.
"19th.–Eighty-nine patients. Went to see the house which the Resident said was nearly ready for my dispensary, but could not find it.
"20th.–Informed by civil surgeon that the Europeans who have lately come to the valley object to my having my patients near their quarters. The ways of approach do not interfere in the least with the other bungalows, and it is my opinion that there is not the slightest danger from infection to the lives of those who occupy the other houses. I told Dr. R. that Mr. Cooper had kindly given orders for a dispensary to be built, and that I am now waiting for its completion, as I am most anxious to do all I can to please every one. Dr. Ray wished me to promise to pitch my tent in another part of the valley, there to carry on operations; that I refused to do. To remove my instruments, medicines, tents, and everything elsewhere would damage my work to a great extent, besides causing me a great deal of inconvenience. I said, however, that if Mr. Cooper gave an official order for me to do so, having first proved that my remaining was injurious to the Europeans, I should obey. He has power to provide me with twenty houses if he chooses, and why he is so dilatory about this one dispensary, I cannot tell. Father, I need wisdom; graciously grant it me!
"23d.–A great crowd of people present. Ninety-five patients, besides their friends. Attention to the word great. Operated on a case of soft cataract. Went to see frost-bitten pundit in the city; the entrance to the house where he lay shamefully dirty. Removed a large portion of one foot which was almost severed from the affected part.
"24th.–One hundred and five patients to-day.
"23d.–Heard from Dr. L. that my lithotomy case at Rawal Pindee did well; patient quite recovered. To-day a poor cowherd from Gingal arrived, having walked all the way from Abbottabad to Baramula. On examination, found him to be suffering from stone. Gave him a dose of castor oil, and in due time I removed the stone. (He had chloroform.) It weighed four drachms and four grains. After the operation there was a little oozing, and as cold had not the desired effect in stopping it, I soaked a piece of lint in a solution of alum (strong), and introduced it gently into the wound with the happy result of arresting the hæmorrhage. I had the poor man placed in my own tent. I feel very much now the want of an hospital, both for the success of the medical part of my work, and for the prosperity of the missionary element, but I must wait patiently on Thee, dear Father, for this.
"24th.–Lithotomy patient doing well.
"25th.–To-day my poor lithotomy patient died from gradual sinking. I fear this may interfere with my medical success, but all things are in God's hands, and there I leave this.
"26th.–Killed two non-venomous snakes, one 5 feet 10 inches long by 4¾ in circumference. Measured a chinar tree on my way home from a visit to the picturesque ruins at Pandrenton: at about 3 feet from the ground its circumference was 38 feet. Spent a pleasant evening at Mr. S.'s, practising singing for church. Ninety-four patients to-day.
"28th.–Very tired to-night. Another lithotomy case came this morning, and I operated.... Lord, if it be Thy will, prosper this case! much depends on it. Heard sad news to-day from Col. Rothney, under whose kind care I had left my assistant Sikandar at Abbottabad, because he was ill of fever. He gradually grew worse after my leaving him, and died on the 20th inst. He was a good lad, and I doubt not is now with Christ in glory.
To-day the Resident, Mr. Cooper, promised the chaplain the proceeds of a large wager if he gained it, on condition that it should not go to the Kashmir Medical Mission. Yet he every other day receives medicines from my dispensary.
"29th.–Lithotomy case doing well. Ninety-nine patients present. Had a number of surgical operations.
"May 31st, 1866.–Yesterday, I began the translation of St. John's Gospel into Kashmiri, and earnestly pray that God may grant me the efficient help of His Holy Spirit, that I may be enabled to execute this work intelligently. To-day, there were 134 patients.
"June 3d.–Partook of the Holy Communion. Jesus is mine, and I am His!
"4th.–At this morning's reception, 150 patients were treated. I expected a lithotomy case, as a poor sepoy, who came yesterday, was suffering much from the disease, and promised to return for operation to-day. He did not come, so I sent my native doctor to inquire what had become of him, and ascertained that the Diwan had forbidden him to come to me. No surgery is done in the native dispensaries, so the poor fellow must continue to suffer from his enemy.
"5th.–Numberless boats went up the river to-day, filled with worshippers, on their way to Martand. Those boats are in form like Venetian gondolas, on a large scale. They are divided into three compartments, in one of which the boatman himself lives with his family and assistants; in the second, or middle compartment, the passengers sleep, cook their food, and eat it; and the third division may be called the verandah of the floating house. Those boats are literally crowded with human beings, men, women, children, all congregated in the height of merriment, and dressed in their gayest garments. Those who can afford it, hire boats for their private use, and in such cases, the inner compartment is carefully enclosed with matting, so as to form a regular zenana. But the poorer people are not particular about privacy. This festival will continue for some days, during which the people take a complete holiday.
"The number of patients to-day was 139. A French shawl merchant called on me to-day, to ask me to visit a sick man in the city. Mr. Wade and I went with him, and found the sufferer lying on a mat on the floor, surrounded by friends. On examination, I found that he was suffering from disease in the left lung–consumption. The native doctors had bled and purged him. I offered to undertake the case; he said he would consult his friends and let me know his decision. On returning home, we met Mr. C., who told me that the Maharajah had not yet allotted a site for my dispensary!
"I wrote to Dr. H. at Lahore to-day about the establishment of a Medical Missionary Bursary in the college there.
"7th.–One hundred and ten patients were present to-day. Lithotomy case is quite well. I was grieved to hear this evening that the poor man in the city, whom I went to see, died two hours afterwards. The hakims had heard what I said as to the seat of the disease being in the lungs, and at once applied leeches: the poor fellow sank from loss of blood.
8th.–One hundred and forty-nine patients present. The numbers of surgical cases give me anxious work. To-day, I removed a cystic tumour from the outer angle of the right eyelid. Performed the operation, by depression, for cataract, for the first time to-day. Early this morning, my assistant came to tell me that the sepoy, before mentioned, had obtained leave from the Maharajah to come to me, and he had been brought to my tent on a charpae (native bed). I arranged to operate on him to-morrow morning. To-day, being Saturday, Mr. Wade, our assistants, and I, sailed to the Dal Lake, in order to visit Hazrat Bal, the scene of last year's assault. The temple there is considered a peculiarly sacred place, being the shrine of a hair of Mohammed's beard. It stands at a little distance from the shore of the lake; before it is a grassy slope, which might correspond to a village green in Scotland, and there worshippers annually congregate from all parts of the country. Behind the temple, and extending to some distance, is the straggling village. We walked through the bazaars, intimating a reception of the sick, but the remembrance of last year is evidently lingering among the people still, for we were told there were no sick there! We sailed to the other side of the lake, through the lovely floating gardens to the Nishat Bagh, where preparations are being made for the approaching visit of the Maharajah. It is a beautiful place, its buildings, gardens, groves, and fountains, give evidence of an age far beyond this era in Kashmir, in point of art. The architect and landscape gardener of the Nishat Bagh, was Asaf Khan, who lived in the reign of the Mogul Emperor, Shah Jehan.
"10th.–This morning removed a stone from the poor sepoy, which weighed 3 oz. 6 drs.
"12th.–To-day I sent a subscription-list round the station, and received 145 rupees for the mission. O Lord, Thou art very gracious. Bless the mission spiritually also.
"15th.–Yesterday his Highness the Maharajah entered the capital, accompanied by the Resident and a number of Europeans. Twenty-one guns were fired in his honour.
17th.–Heard to-day of the failure of the Agra Bank, in which I had placed my money. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. I fear the mission suffers in this failure. I dined to-day, after a pleasant sail to the Shalimar Gardens, with ––, who has lost £8000 in the Agra Bank. Poor old man, he is in the dark. Lord, give him Thy light! What a good thing it is to have our treasure in the Bank of Heaven, where there is no stoppage of payment, but where all is sure as God Himself.
"I requested the Baboo to arrange an interview with the Maharajah for Mr. Wade and me, but have received no answer.
"The Rev. Mr. Brinckman brought me 38 rupees to-day for the mission, being the proceeds of four copies of his book, 'The Rifle in Kashmir.' He has resolved to devote all profits from the second edition to the Medical Mission here.
"21st.–There were 152 patients present to-day. We were invited, along with all other residents in Srinagar, to a great dinner, given by the Maharajah: but, hearing that there was to be one of the objectionable 'naches' afterwards, we did not accept the invitation.
"23d.–To-day 163 patients were treated.
"14th July.–I received a letter from Mr. C., informing me that his Excellency the Viceroy of India had sent him 200 rupees for the benefit of the Medical Mission in Kashmir. How God is reassuring me that He will provide!
"15th.–A few days ago a gentleman invited me to dine with him. I went. He drew attention to some of the most vital truths in Christianity, and, to my sorrow, I found him at heart an enemy to the cause of Christ. I thank God He enabled me to bear clear testimony to my precious Saviour.
"During dinner my host informed me that the Maharajah was prepared to give me 1000 rupees a month if I would give up the missionary element of my work, and enter his service. Should such an arrangement ever be proposed, God helping me, I will not agree to such terms, true though it be that for my dear old mother's sake I should be glad to have a little more money at my disposal. To cease to labour for Christ for the sake of a few perishable rupees would be, Judas-like, to forsake and to betray my Lord; rather far be poor as a beggar than that.
"I suppose this idea has been suggested to the Maharajah by what I heard had happened in his dispensary a few weeks ago. The native doctor being annoyed that most of his patients were leaving him for the Mission Dispensary, on account of the superior surgery, in an evil hour for himself and his patient, thought he would try his hand at surgery. He proceeded to open a boil in the groin of a sepoy; in doing so he cut into the femoral artery, and his unfortunate patient bled to death. I am told that the doctor was at once dismissed. Colonel Gardiner, an Englishman, or rather, I believe, a Canadian, who is in the pay of his Highness, came to ask me to vaccinate his little child. He told me the people have now the greatest confidence in my surgery and medicine, but that they dislike the missionary element in my work, the feature of it which I love the most. For some Sabbaths I have missed my pundit at our little services. On inquiry to-day Qadir Bakhsh told me that some men had become aware of his attending, and had threatened to report to the native authorities if he did not desist, so my Nicodemus has drawn back.
"22d.–My pundit, who has been deterred from attending our religious services, returned to-day, much to my delight. I think the truth is leavening this man's heart, and that though his faith does not as yet prove strong enough to make him come out on the Lord's side, it will, nevertheless, suffice to unite him to the Fountainhead of Life.
"23d.–I have at last obtained a copy of the Kashmir alphabet, along with the Sanscrit equivalent.
"The Resident informed me to-day that the long-promised dispensary was ready, and asked if he could obtain anything else that I required. I wrote in reply that I felt most grateful for his having got the dispensary for me, and that, as he kindly offered to help me still further, I ventured to propose that a rude hospital might be prepared for the accommodation of those patients who come from a distance. He received the proposal graciously, and wrote again in the evening to say that he had spoken to his Highness about it, and that he had been pleased to grant permission for the erection of an additional shed."
When Dr. Elmslie went to take possession of the building proposed for a dispensary, he found it quite unfit for the purpose, the building being of wood so roughly put together as to admit rain freely. The second building was never erected.
Srinagar, August 11, 1866.–He writes to his mother:–
"... You will be happy to hear that, in a medical point of view, at least, my work in Kashmir is prospering. In spite of opposition on the part of the local authorities, the work continues to progress. A few days ago I had as many as one hundred and eighty-three patients, and at this moment a fine-looking elderly Mussulman of rank, from the east end of the valley, has called to ask my advice. Many of my patients come from a great distance; and never a day passes without one or two surgical operations. The result is, that I am becoming more and more expert in this department. At present three men are living in my tent who were totally blind, but now they see. As to spiritual fruit, I wish I had something more definite to say. The people listen most attentively to our expositions of the divine Word, and receive our religious books gladly. Two Hindoos profess to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but, as yet, lack courage to come out; and until they do confess Him openly, one cannot feel sure of their profession. I long, above all things, to see souls turning to Christ. What honour can be compared to that of leading a soul to Jesus, the Fountain of Life? You will be grieved to hear that the Kashmir Medical Mission has lost every farthing it possessed, through the failure of the Agra Bank; but, against this bit of bad news, we must lay this pleasant fact, that Sir John Lawrence has sent me the donation of 200 rupees for the benefit of the mission. I continue in very good health, although exceedingly hard wrought, having at present, in addition to my regular missionary work, that of the doctor of the station, who is now in another part of the valley. Remember me kindly to all my Aberdeen friends,–I never forget them. And give my brotherly love to Stewart, who is now, I hope, with you, cheering your heart by his presence, and helping you to church on his good, strong arm.
"17th.–I find that the Maharajah has placed sepoys at the different avenues leading to my house to prevent the people from coming to me. I have also heard that the Diwan has issued an order that the pundits are not to frequent my dispensary, but to attend the dispensary which the Maharajah has opened for them in the city. The pundits held a meeting yesterday, and deputed some of their number to represent to the Diwan that no one was ever benefited from going to the native dispensary, but that, if the Maharajah prohibited them from going to the Padre doctor's, they were willing to obey."
"Srinagar, Kashmir, 25th August 1866.–My dear Thomson,– ... When I tell you that I have really been overwhelmed with work ever since I entered upon the discharge of my proper duties in Kashmir, I am sure you will excuse me, and rejoice that I am so engaged. I am greatly indebted to you for the notice of the Kashmir Medical Mission, which appeared in the 'Medical Missionary Journal' you kindly sent me. Our little friend is always a very welcome visitor in this far-out-of-the-way corner of the world. The news that the Medical Mission principle is steadily making progress at home delights me much. God grant that it may continue to do so, till every mission station in heathendom shall have its Christian Medical Missionary. I am extremely happy to communicate a similar pleasure, by telling you that in this Indian province, which our heavenly Father has so highly favoured by bestowing on it Christian rulers, medical missions are becoming more and more recognised as a powerful adjuvant in the evangelisation of the heathen. Within the past year several applications to the Punjaub Medical Mission Society have been made for Medical Missionaries, or for pecuniary assistance, to enable the applicants to apply to the parent society at home for men to occupy the existing vacancies. My dear Thomson, it makes one's heart bleed to think that so few young men are willing to devote themselves to this glorious work, and that our societies have comparatively so small funds at their disposal. Oh, that God would again raise up such men as the brothers Haldane were, to make a spiritual invasion of our universities and schools of learning to awaken the sleepy souls of our young men to a recognition of their duty, and an appreciation of the dignity and blessedness of denying one's self in the service of our blessed Redeemer. When will men be wise? When will they cease to be like the dog in the fable, which lost the substance for the shadow? It augurs badly for the religious future of our beloved native land that such men as Carlyle and Mill are the Rectors of two of our four universities. It made my heart sad to think, when reading the rectorial address of Mr. Carlyle, that so many young plastic, loving, and enthusiastic hearts were being fed with husks instead of the children's bread. Earnestness! unless it spring from love to God and man in our divine Saviour, Jesus Christ, is but the quintessence of selfishness and of all that we shall contemn as most hateful when we get to the other side, and stand before God. The man who tells his fellow men to be earnest in their worldly pursuits, is doing a superfluous work. The selfish, worldly, sensual, mammon worshipping, God-hating heart of man, as it is by nature, does not require to be told–be earnest as doctors, as lawyers, as merchants, as soldiers, for the prizes are only to the earnest, and it is the prizes that the natural man longs and lives for. But man–we, whoever we are–requires to be told to trample with an iron heel upon his indigenous selfishness and worldliness. He does require to be told of the matchless love of God, as exhibited in the marvellous gift of His only begotten and well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ. He does require to be told of the endless claims that God has upon him. We do require to be told what is real truth and wisdom for us poor frail dying mortals. When one thinks of the vast power–moral, intellectual, and religious–being prepared and developed within the walls of our universities, how unspeakably important that every influence for good should be brought to bear upon our students. It strikes me we have not yet done all we ought to and might have done to them. My dear Thomson, can't you discover some way by which students may be more impressed, and have the claims of God and a perishing world forced upon their notice. In your letter you lament the want of men to fill existing vacancies in the medical mission field. Manifestly we must pray more faithfully and importunately to the great Lord of the harvest to send more labourers into His harvest. Why, if you had men, there are at least three openings in the Punjaub alone at the present time. It occurs to me that perhaps our heavenly Father may be teaching us, who are labouring in the foreign field, to put forth more strenuous efforts to rear as quickly as possible a native agency,–a native medical mission agency. Ever since I gave missions my serious and prayerful consideration, I have been convinced that one of the very first things a Christian Missionary ought to direct his attention and energies to, is the educating of a band of natives to carry on the various departments of evangelistic work among their fellow countrymen. I left home with this conviction, and now my plan is ready, having surveyed what materials lie ready to our hands. It is very remarkable that at the very time I was writing a paper, which I intend reading at a Missionary Conference, to be held in Amritsar in November next, I should have received your letter bearing upon the same most important subject.... At present it would take me too long to give you all the details of my plan. Suffice it to say I propose having after a time, if possible, a Medical Missionary stationed at Lahore, the political capital of the Punjaub, where there is a very well equipped Medical College. The Principal and Professors I know well. They all take a lively interest in our Medical Mission, and what is more, one of the professors is at present engaged in collecting funds to be given as scholarships or bursaries to the medical mission students. The students are to be supplied by the various mission stations throughout the province, and from what I have heard, I am led to believe that there is scarcely a station which could not supply at least one promising young lad. But, God willing, we shall soon see. Another point which I intend bringing before the conference, is the training of native midwives, both for the native Christians, and to act as Bible women among the heathen. I will send you a copy of my paper, and shall be happy to receive any hints which may occur to you after perusal. Dr. Young will get a warm welcome from us on his arrival. May God bless him in himself and to India. Recruits!–the very name cheers and encourages one,–send more–send all you can. Love is unconquerable–the Christian's love. O God, fill us with love–fill us with Thyself, for Thou art Love. Fight, and toil on, my dear Thomson, hopefully, faithfully, joyfully, and lovingly too. We shall win the day, and follow Gentle to the other side–to the better land, to be for ever with our adorable and most precious Saviour."...
To his friend, Mrs. Cleghorn, he writes:–"Srinagar, Sept. 5, 1866.–... I have had my own difficulties since arriving in Srinagar in carrying on my work. They would not let the bungalow I occupied last year. I was obliged, in consequence, to go to a distance from the city, and was very much afraid that this would materially interfere with the poor sick people coming to me. But no, I expect there will be but few short of double the number of patients we had last year. We have had more quiet discussion this year than last. Many copies of the Gospels have been sought, and gladly received. As to my pundit, he is still with me. His spirit is like that of a Christian, but he has not yet had the courage to declare himself on the Lord's side. It is only the fear of the consequences of such a decided step that deters him from making a public profession of Christianity.
"The Rajah of Chamba has just made the handsome offer of 200 rupees a month, a free house, dispensary, and hospital buildings, with current expenses, to the Punjaub Medical Mission Committee, to induce them to begin a medical mission in his Highness's territory, similar to that in Kashmir. This offer ought to make our hearts rejoice. The committee are thinking of sending me to Chamba during the ensuing cold season, and during my compulsory absence from Kashmir, to initiate the work while the Rajah is favourable. Let us, with all our hearts, return thanks to God for this great opening."
"Srinagar, 10th October, 1866.–My ever dear Mother,–I was delighted to hear how much you had enjoyed your stay at Ballater. I wish I could have been with you, to behold once more the beautiful scenery around our Queen's Scotch home, but I look forward to having that pleasure, after three years more of work in this land of my adoption.
"Another season has passed away. Much has been done this year in Kashmir, to commend Christ, our divine and precious, precious Saviour, to its ignorant and bigoted inhabitants. But the ground is very dry and thirsty, and although apparently the seed which has fallen has been very abundant, nevertheless it has sunk without producing any apparent spiritual verdure. Yet although this seems to be the case, God's own word will not return unto Him void. He will make it accomplish that whereto He sent it.
"This season my health and spirits have kept up well, although I have had not a few things to trouble me, and make me anxious at times. There has been and is, deep, deep down below the ruffling on the surface, such a serene and delightful calm, springing from faith in my beloved Saviour, and partly perhaps, from being devoted entirely to His exalted and holy service, that I enjoy in my heart of hearts much of that peace and joy of which a world, out of Christ, knows nothing. The devil has been tempting me much this past season. You know that India is in many respects an excellent field for a good doctor. He is sure to have a large income very soon if he acquire a good name by his professional skill. During this season through the blessing of God I have been remarkably successful in one or two cases. The result has been that the Maharajah, at the instigation of the British Resident, has made me an offer of £100 a month, if I will enter his service. This of itself was not to be condemned, but it was stipulated that I was on no account to make any effort to spread the knowledge of Christ among his people,–that is to say, I was to forsake my Saviour's service, and enter the Maharajah's. Ah dearest mother, although we would perhaps be the better of a little more money, £300 a year with Jesus, is better, ten thousandfold, than £1,200 without Him. It gladdens my heart to be able to give up some worldly advantage for Christ's sake. Oh what is money, or worldly glory, and a passing name, when all here below is transient, and unsatisfying, and God, and Jesus, and heaven, with all its indescribable felicities and glories, alone are stable, eternal, and satisfying.–Your loving son, Willie."
Referring to the same subject in a letter to the Rev. Mr. Mallett, of date 11th May 1866, he writes, "The Rajah is prepared to give me the princely sum of 1000 rupees per month; but what are the conditions? To enter his service and give up speaking for Jesus. Heavy conditions; too heavy for me. My dear Mallett, Jesus, blessed be His name, is too precious to me personally to be sold for a thousand pieces of silver. Ah, Mallett, there is of a truth that which overcomes the world–our faith, and blessed be God, He has given us some of it. Doubtless we should not be sorry to have a little more money; but heaven is ours, and our Father's promise is better than the Rajah's cash down."