life. Then, when the text of the sermon was announced, she would repeat the words to herself as they were read, and perhaps retain a portion in her memory. While the truths and lessons it taught were being unfolded, if she could comprehend the meaning, a shake of her head would show how much she enjoyed the sentiments expressed. Sometimes the theme of the preacher would be the love of Christ and the suffering which He endured for the sake of those who were His enemies; then might be seen the tears trickling down her face as her heart was touched by the words spoken. The teacher was now no longer driven away from her cottage, but warmly welcomed as one who would tell her more about Jesus. As a Hindoo female, she had, of course, never been taught to read; but now she was determined to try to learn that she might be able to search out for herself from the Bible all its grand truths. After many fruitless efforts she gave up the attempt, for she was then more than forty years old; still she persevered in committing to memory many texts and portions of God's word. On the Sabbath, as before mentioned, she would repeat the text of the sermon after the preacher, and when she could not remember it all she would ask some child returning from school during the days of the week to read the verse to her, and when the little one was tired would dismiss him and watch for another scholar, whom, perhaps, she might persuade to write the verse upon an olei, or palmyra leaf, so that any one who visited her and could read might help to teach her. Sometimes the children would rather go to play, but the promise of sweetmeats induced them to help her, so eager was she to learn the Scriptures. What at first was a time easier, and her mind was soon stored with more Scripture than those of many who could read. As she gained knowledge her love for Christ grew stronger, and as her happiness increased so did her desire that others, too, might share in it. In order to accomplish this she began to speak of Christ to those with whom she came in contact, and would repeat the texts she had learnt, to prove that what she said was true. Not satisfied with this, she wished to have larger opportunities of proclaiming the love of her Saviour, so she visited the markets and bazaars held in the neighbourhood; and, though it is not the custom of her country for females to speak to men who are strangers, she broke through the barrier, and told the haughty Brahmin, or the Sudra, or any one else great difficulty became in a short who came in her came to earth to seek the lost and save all those who put their trust in Him. Scorn or reproach did not deter her, way, of a Saviour who left heaven and for the love rolled on her of Christ constrained her. And as years zeal did not abate, nor her love to Christ live in the atmosphere of prayer. In her On this-she was a woman of prayer. Her spirit seemed grow cold; and the secret of her strength, I think, lay in house, or under the shade of some large tree, or in some quiet corner, she would hold communion with God. When it was placed in her arms she raised her of the Missionary and requested to see the little baby. one occasion, not to be forgotten, she visited the house eyes to Heaven and poured forth earnest supplications to her Saviour to guide and guard His lamb and to train him for future service in His vineyard, as those before him had been engaged. In her own village, Annamutthu was the good Samari tan-visiting the sick and praying with them, sharing with the poor her own scant allowance: to those who were careless, speaking a word of warning; to the erring, giving counsel and reproof; teaching the ignorant ; season and out of season striving to do her Master's work. But from all I have said you must not think that Annamutthu was without fault. "There is none righteous; no, not one." She was a woman of strong feelings, and often it was difficult to persuade her that she had misjudged those against whom she had some prejudice, and to lead her to exercise Christian charity towards them. Every one, however, acknowledged her as a Christian in deed as well as in word. Heathens looked upon her as a burning and a shining light, and respected her Christian consistency. As old age, with weakness and disease, came upon her, she did not relax her efforts to do good. With the help of a staff she would still go about and speak of Jesus. At last she was unable to leave her house, but she was patient and submissive to her Father's will; never repining, but joyful in anticipation of coming glory. When the native teacher who visited her sympathizingly spoke of her sufferings, her reply was, "I am waiting to go to my other home." and then, with joy beaming in her face, added, Our mansion is in heaven; there our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, awaits our coming." after, and she entered into the joy of her Lord. The summons came soon Imitate, dear children, good Annamutthu in her love to Jesus. May her happy and useful service for Christ for more than thirty years lead you to try to do more for Him; and do not forget to be like her in her prayerful Spirit. While the prevailing colour in the men's dresses is white the women are almost always clad in bright colours orange, red, crimson, and violet S are the fa vourite hues. The dress appears to be composed of a long piece of thin cloth or cashmere; this is wound round the waist and falls to below the knee, while one end is brought over the bead. Sometimes it is wrapped round and round the legs, leav ing them free. is only a which does very Above the waist BOMBAY. NO. IL S. W. Nothing can be imagined more scanty jacket, the other garment and is gene ot reach down to rally made of coloured silk. Heaven and poured forth Saviour to guide and guard His for future service in His viney had been engaged. the joy of her Lord. ming" The summons came soon there our Lord and Saviour, Jesus ood Annamutthu in her love useful service for Christ, to try to do more for In her own village, Ann tan-visiting the sick ar with the poor her owr were careless, speakin giving counsel and season and out c work. But from al Annamutthu righteous; r feelings, an she had r SCENES IN BOMBAY. |