విదేశీ మిషన్ ఫీల్డ్ ఎంపిక

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CHAPTER 1V

THE SELECTION THE FOREIGN MISSION FIELD INDIA

Tue Telugus, among whom Heyer had been directed establish the American Evangelical Lutheran Mission India, inhabit that part the peninsula which extends north- ward from the city Madras along the coast the bay Bengal almost far the Mahanadi River, the confines of Bengal, and far inland into the heart the Dekkan, cover- ing territory somewhat larger than Spain. The Telugu country lies the tropical zone between 13° and 20° north latitude, line with Central America, the southern part Mexico and the islands Jamaica, Hayti and Porto Rico. Two large rivers, the Godavery and the Kistna, flow through the Telugu country. The delta-land the Godavery very fertile, numerous canals irrigating the soil and furnishing also means travel and traffic. The chief products this country are rice, sugar, cotton and indigo. Among the tropical fruits which are cultivated the mango especially prized. "What the apple the American people the mango the people India. grows everywhere. Often large mango trees line both sides public road occupy waste ground near villages, and being free the poor, these become great boon during the fruitage season. " Palm trees all kinds are numerous; the teak the native forests used the con- 14This tract country comprehends the British districts Ganjam, Vizagapatam, Godavery, Kistna and Nellore, the greater portion the Nizam's territory, the districts Kurnool and Cuddapa, the northern and eastern portions Bellary and the eastern parts Mysore and North Arcot. " - Arden's "Telugu Grammar. " "The Telugu Tenugu nation (which foreigners call Telinga) fills country larger than Spain the west and north Madras town. some English books called Telingana Golconda. contained circles which may describe the map around Kadapa, Rajahmundry and Kondapilli, the radius extending Madras; also one round Visakhapatnam reaching Gan- jam toward Puri (Paory) Kattack, often called Jagannath. "-Introduction to "Brown's English and Telugu Dictionary, " Part I. 42

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struction the better class houses; and the Indian banyan, noted throughout the world, familiar object the natives. The Telugus are one the most numerous the Dravidian tribes which were forced down from the high plateaus North India into the southern plains the invasion the Aryans through the passes the Himalaya Mountains. According to the census 1gor the Telugus numbered 20,696,872; all Dravidians, 56,000,000. To-day the number the Telugus may about 23,000,000. Compared with the Aryans North India, the Dravidians have darker complexion, longer heads, flatter noses, more irregular features, and are shorter stature. lieu physical strength and vigor they possess, marked degree, the power patient endurance. By the side highly developed mystical sense there exists very low standard morality, both being largely the products of the prevailing religion. Like all India, the Telugu country land villages. "Ninety per cent. the population lives towns villages, which, although differing size, not vary much general appearance. " Cases moral nature are decided the headman the village, assisted clerk and council four elders. town overgrown village and has mag- istrate and petty court manage its judicial affairs. The cultivated land around the villages frequently owned absentee landlords, called zemindars, whose bond-servants the farmers usually are. The homes wealthy natives are large bungalows with capacious verandas; those the middle and lower classes are gloomy and unattractive, usually consisting of one two rooms, earthen floor, mud walls and thatched roof palm leaves. Little furniture used, and many homes cows, calves, buffaloes and bullocks are received on intimate terms. few brass plates, cups mugs, earthen cooking vessels and water-jars, knife but forks are the ordinary kitchen utensils. They are kept scrupulously clean lest the food should defiled and the caste broken. The Christian home, know it, unknown the Hindu, "there being equivalent for the word any Indian language. " The young husband brings his wife his father's

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house, where she becomes subject her mother-in-law. She never appears public the company any man, not even of her husband. son born the wedlock, the husband does not, usually, seek second wife, but the wife who has son sometimes cast off or, least, treated with contempt. Only small percentage the high caste Hindu women are secluded zenanas. Betrothal takes place when the bride mere child even helpless babe; and the husband be- trothed dies, the baby-wife becomes widow and may never remarry. widower, however, may marry again. Many marriages are merely mercenary transactions. The legal age of actual marriages was raised from ten twelve years the "Age Consent Bill" 18gr1. ! The ordinary daily food the people rice with curry, some form millet. Their clothing scant, and, rule, children wear clothing until they are four five years age. The passion the people for jewelry, the love dis- play, feasting weddings and festivals, and the litigation which they are often involved, frequently leave them for years the clutches the money-lender. The prevailing religion the Telugus Modern Hindu- ism, undefinable religious composite gross polytheism and underlying pantheism, with absurd superstitions, innu- merable deities, low moral standards, foolish ceremonies and a tyrannical caste system. The divisions and sub-divisions of caste are altogether too numerous mention; but, general, may distinguish between the Brahmins priests, the Sudras middle-class, the Panchamas (fifth class) outcasts. The following are the principle rules caste: Intermarriage forbidden; occupation hereditary; per- sons different caste may not eat together nor drink out of the same vessel; man inferior caste may touch the food enter the cook-room; the higher caste-man a vegetarian; ocean voyage beyond the confines India is prohibited. The caste system has for ages strangled am- bition, choked aspiration, and held back progress. has made Tn 1901 the widows India numbered 25,891,036, whom 391,147 were under fifteen years age.

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unity thought, purpose action for the common good practical impossibility, and has fostered suspicion, jealousy, and selfishness. has preserved the position and power the Brahmins the religious autocrats India and has been the greatest impediment the work Christian missions. To this land and these people, the Telugus, Heyer was sent preach the Gospel and establish the Church Jesus Christ. Other Protestant missionaries had been there before he came and had begun missions. will let him tell the history these earlier missions the time his arrival in India: "The Rev. Dr. Schultze, one the early Halle-Danish Lutheran missionaries, was the first turn his attention the Telugu people. large number the people Madras are Telugus, also called Gunturs. For their benefit Telugu schools were established Schultze. ! also translated the Bible into Telugu, but, having yet means printing in Madras, took Halle his return Germany. The manuscript was sent London, where still found in one the museums. stated that Dr. Schultze's munshi or Telugu teacher became true Christian and may con- sidered the firstfruits Christ among the Telugu people. "In 18053 the first settled mission the Telugus was com- menced the London Missionary Society Vizagapatam, where Messrs. Cran and Desgrange were appointed labor. These missionaries were much encouraged the aid fur- nished them Telugu Brahmin, who had been baptized the Romanists and afterward was received into the Lutheran mission Tranquebar. ? "The second mission among the Telugus was founded ! Schultze began work Christian missionary Madras 1726. 2 Heyer continues the history this first Protestant mission among the Telugus follows: "Mr. Cran died 180g; Mr. Desgrange, 1810. The London Missionary Society sent out Messrs. Gordon and Lee continue the work Vizagapatam. They were soon joined Mr. Pritchett, who had been compelled leave his mission Rangoon. Mr. Lee left 1818 and Mr. Dawson arrived the same year and took his place. The translation the New Testament was completed and put into circulation before Mr. Pritchett's death 1820. "

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Cuddapah 1822 (London Missionary Society). Until 1836 Vizagapatam and Cuddapah were the only missions among the Telugus. The next station was established Narsapur by Messrs. Bowden and Beer 1836. These laborers for Christ, who had come India anxious carry missionary work while supporting themselves their trades, were two young tradesmen from Barnstable, England. The latter part of their scheme failed does elsewhere, but Christian friends took their cause and sent them support. Both succeeded in learning the language well and became very useful the region the country which they occupied. "The London Society established 1839, Chicacole, an- other mission, which was offshoot Vizagapatam. The Church Missionary Society was the next come into the field. Two their agents, Messrs. Noble and Fox, arrived at Masulipatam 1840. Since that time the station has been well managed and well supplied and is, perhaps, one the most efficient missions the Telugu country. Nellore was occupied the American Baptists 1840, the Rev. Messrs. Jewell and Douglass now being the missionaries. ''! Reaching Madras April 16, 1842, Heyer was welcomed and hospitably entertained several American, English, and Scotch missionaries laboring that city. They advised him remain number months the city and devote himself the study Telugu. decided follow their advice. '""The number Telugu people residing Madras, " wrote Heyer, "is estimated 100,000, and will endeavor during stay this place become acquainted with some of them. have engaged young Brahmin teacher who is instruct Telugu. Telugu Brahmin who can speak some English called see the afternoon. Among other things desired know name. Being told that it was Heyer, smiled, and said, 'I not mean your office, but your name. " Pointing himself, continued, "I am Eyer (i. e. , priest, Brahmin); your name, sir! " ! Quoted from letter written the Sunday School the First English Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, and published "The Lutheran Observer, " July 11, 1856.

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was turn now explain. had already been told that Heyer signifies priest, Brahmin, and, therefore, remarked that was both name and office. thought was rather strange coincidence, and may appear others, that the first Lutheran missionary the Telugus should a priest, Brahmin, name and office. " After month study Heyer's desire find, soon possible, suitable location for the mission had been sent to establish, impelled him leave Madras. Early the morning May 19th was his way Nellore, making the first stage the journey, Sulurpet, open boat, '"'depending the palankeen for shelter from the direct rays of the sun. " was hasty and hazardous step, for May the hottest all months southeastern India. his eagerness to accomplish something, Heyer scorned the danger and for- tunately remained unharmed. Arriving Nellore May 23d, he met the American Baptist missionaries, Day and Van Husen, the former lying bed sickness. Here remained until the hot season was over, meanwhile visiting the schools the mission, diligently continuing his study Telugu, which heard the Gospel preached Nel- lore, accompanying the Rev. Mr. Van Husen and his native helpers their rounds mission work and preaching few times English the families the missionaries and other English and American residents. one occasion visited a heathen festival Ianavada, and besides witnessing the dis- gusting scenes heathen celebration had oppor- tunity noting, also, how such gatherings idolaters may be improved the interest mission work. ! 14"Tn the afternoon, " wrote Heyer, "I ascended mountain about two miles distant, where large pagoda had been erected honor Narahsimhadu. The number people who gather this annual festival this mountain said amount 20,000. The Brahmins tell the people that Lakshmi, one the wives Vishnu, having become dissatisfied with him account his in- continency, attempted escape from him; but being overtaken this moun- tain quarrel took place between them. one the rocks stone surrounded by brick wall shown, which said contain the mark Lackshmi's footstep, made her stamping violently the rock. But this case, with many the popish relics, the thing contradicts itself, for instead indentation the rock, the shape large foot appears about inch and half above the level of the stone; and instead the under part the foot, the upper part showing the nails represented. "

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Through interpreter preached his first sermon Telugu congregation Nellore June 12, 1842. Just before leaving this station and after having witnessed the horrible practice the swinging festival which gave graphic description, wrote these significant words: "You may think must easy thing convince these deluded people their folly, but. . . they are joined their idols. . . . fear many years will elapse before the strongholds the devil these regions can destroyed and the Redeemer's Kingdom built upon the ruins thereof; unless professing Christians bestir themselves more days come than they have done times past. " After having studied the situation from Nellore, point vantage, Heyer selected three towns places where he might establish his mission, namely, Ongole, eighty miles north Nellore; Guntur, seventy miles north Ongole; and Ellore, sixty miles north Guntur. The Rev. Mr. Van Husen accompanied him his tour inspection. They left Nellore July. "We came Ongole, " wrote Heyer, 'where formerly some government officials with their families had resided. The bungalows which they had occupied, found a dilapidated condition; but they might have been repaired for the accommodation missionary. conclusion was that would settle down Ongole, the up-country did not offer more favorable station. went our way from village village until reached Guntur, July 31, 1842. Here met with very kind reception from H. Stokes, Esq. , an ardent friend missions and missionaries, well very exemplary Christian gentleman. The inducements which Mr. Stokes held out and the kind offers assistance which made, were far preferable anything could ex- pect Ongole. Hence decided favor Guntur, and after prayerful consideration concluded commence mission operations forthwith. " Henry Stokes, Esq. , Collector the Guntur District, had long been anxious secure resident missionary for Guntur. As member the Church England had addressed several appeals the Church Missionary Society, asking that

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one its missionaries stationed Guntur, but the Society felt itself unable comply. After Heyer had introduced himself the Collector, Stokes inquired The Church Mis- sionary Society missionaries the Telugu country, whether was the intention the Society occupy Guntur, and re- ceived negative reply. Moreover, The Church Missionary Society missionaries advised Stokes persuade Heyer re- main Guntur. Therefore Stokes offered Heyer the use building his compound dwelling and, early September, 1842, formally transferred him the English-Telugu school which for some years had been conducted under the patron- age the Collectors and other English residents the town. The actual beginning the Guntur Mission, however, may fixed somewhat earlier than the date the formal transfer the English-Telugu school. The work was really inaugurated on the first Sunday August, 1842, when the schoolhouse in the Collector's compound service was held, which ser- mons were preached the Rev. Mr. Van Husen who had accompanied Heyer Guntur, and the Rev. Mr. Porter the London Missionary Society, who had stopped over his way from Vizagapatam Cuddapah. Thereafter Heyer con- ducted service every Lord's Day, preaching the Telugus through interpreter. This the true story the selection Guntur the American Evangelical Lutheran Mission field India. Like many another story has been embellished, but the embel- lishments are fictitious. After having selected Guntur the mission field, the most interesting, not say the most romantic period Heyer's life began. Imagine man nearly fifty years old, pos- sessing burning zeal, large experience, firm faith God, deep devotion duty, great strength purpose and inde- fatigable activity, entering upon entirely new and untried sphere labor foreign land among people whose lan- guage, mode life, habits thought, customs and religion were alien him. less courageous spirit would have shrunk from the task. And what was the task? Nothing less than the inauguration movement which should change 4

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the world the natives' ideas and ideals-their conception the Supreme Being above them, the earth under their feet, of their fellow-men around them, life and death and eter- nity; change them completely, that the transformation would re-birth souls, lives, communities, tribes, of the whole nation. Heyer's ministerial experience Amer- ica, rich and varied had been, could avail but little the performance the task christianizing heathen commun- ity. Though was zealous, his zeal pioneer foreign missionary had kept high pressure order prevent his spirit from flagging. Though was vigorous mind and body, needed guard his health with scrupulous care and devote himself his daily duties with unquestioning fidelity and unabating hope, his single-handed labor was result the permanent establishment the Mission. Without doubt Heyer was chosen God the first foreign missionary the Evangelical Lutheran Church America; and was providential that such man Mr. Henry Stokes, the highest official the district, man Christian faith and unblemished life, noble self-denial, unselfish liberality and ardent missionary zeal, should have welcomed Heyer Guntur and given the Mission its infancy his personal interest and most cordial support.