The Seeker

    But I say unto you,
        Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you,
        that ye may be sons of your Father which is in heaven ...
        ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

— Jesus Christ (St. Matthew 5:44-48)

Greetings to All Lovers and Makers of Peace

    Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you Free

— Jesus Christ (John 8:32)

This little occasional pamphlet will stand for:

1. Review and criticism of important events and opinions.

2. Advocacy of radical and independent thinking.

3. Encouragement of new experiments, progressive movements, ventures of faith and indigenous efforts.

4. Promotion of peace and concord among all men on the basis of truth.

5. Freedom and toleration.

6. Justice for the oppressed, neglected, deprived, weak and helpless.

Brief articles and concise opinions along the above lines will be welcome and published.

Contributions will be gratefully acknowledged.

Price - Annual 3/-, Single copy -1/-

Editor - R.C. Das

Published at 129, Dashashwamedh, Banaras

Descent of God

The word ‘Avatar’ literally means ‘descent’. Christians generally have criticised this word as not applicable to the ides of the Incarnation. I have always wondered why. Stripped of its historical association in Hinduism, and accepted in its etymological and spiritual significance it is the most appropriate term, in my opinion, to express, at least partially, the meaning and implication of the Incarnation.

God, who is high and mighty has actually descended to join and identify himself with the order of humanity by being embodied in Virgin even Mary through the operation of the Holy Spirit. The son of God, the Creative Light and Life of the world, who is in the bosom of the Father from all eternity, emptied himself of his divine majesty and condescended to enter history and be a humble Nazarene. God, who is Holy and Perfect, took on mortal flesh in order to redeem it.

Let this thought of God’s utter humility, condescension, compassion and concern for sinful man be our special meditation at this time when the Church once again celebrates the festival of the coming of God to the world. Let our prayer be that the sense of this humility of the God of love-who set aside his prestige to reconcile man to himself and to his fellowman-may ill the hearts and mind of the rulers of states who are making war upon one another. The word of God alone can reassure the fearful and suspicious heart of man. May the Prince of Peace whisper his Peace into our own souls.

Adibasis of Chhotanagpur

In company with my friend and colleague Sanyasi Jitendra Nath Hulder I took a trip during the rainy season among the aboriginal Christians of the S.P.G. and Gossner Lutheran Churches. It was a real pleasure to meet in Ranchi after many years my old and much did respect friend the Rev. P.A.N. Sen and my old student the Rev. Joel Lakra M.A., B.T.M., B.D. President of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Sen has given his all to build up a Rest House for women in memory of his late beloved wife. It was drop joy and happiness to me to be with him for a while in his old age and be infected with his never failing cheerfulness and courage in the Holy Spirit. Mr. Lakra - the little man of perseverance and great faith gave us facilities to motor into the hinterland - in the jungles and hills where thousands of Mundari and Udari Christians greeted us and filled the churches to hear the Word of God. In the town of Ranchi we had meetings in the S.P.G. Institute Hall for the public and also specially met the members of the S.C.M. and the Lutheran Theological Seminary. It was a privilege to meet hundreds of young men and girls and discuss with them the deep things of life.

The pioneering German missionaries certainly deserve our thanks for having raised Christian groups among these people and in difficult centres. After the first world war under distressful circumstances the Lutheran Church declared itself autonomous. The missionaries organised the work so thoroughly that the present day indigenous leaders with Mr. Lakra at the head are finding it a job to implement this autonomy. This should be a warning to other missions who take pride in according to their own genius heavy institutions and complicate that with heavy foreign funds and service.

Brother Hulder was particularly respected for his life of renunciation and appreciated for his take on his Palestine experience and the musical performance of the life of Lord. We were very pleased to see the indigenous culture of these many tribes still preserved in their homes after their conversion though some of their more sophisticated brethren in the town were imitations of a cheap Westernise. These Adilai brethren have learned the Hindi language very well, but they are still a bit clannish and afraid of evil spirits as well as of men of other races and provinces. Wider use of more liberal education will slowly drive away these fears and inferiorities. They hold great tracts of land of high economic value. They are a sturdy race of courageous people. They have probably yet to learn the lessons of Christian neighbourliness and witness to their fellowmen all around. We are deeply thankful for all for their kind hospitality and warm welcome to us.

— R.C. Das, Banaras

About Banaras and Ourselves in the Ashram

Since our last report published in the Easter number of the “Seeker” we have had many reasons to be thankful to God for his gracious dealings with us under adverse circumstances and for his wonderful guidance in difficult limes. We have been anxious about his son who has been ill for some time. I am thankful to say that he has taken a favourable turn. Good friends have come forward to relieve our financial distress. We have maintained all round good health in the Ashram. Fellowship among ourselves in prayer and witness and with those who have come from outside has been a source of strength. We have received sympathy and good will from all around and are grateful.

The missionary friends who have now been staying here for over a year have made progress in learning the language and making contacts with many people. Sriman Samuel Surendra Sharma has distinguished himself for his all round helpfulness - from cooking and dusting to selling gospels. Shri Akshay Kumar Nandi of whom mention has been made in the last issue (Rains 1950) of the “Seeker” stayed through the summer in the Ashram. He is at present in Madras with his son-in-law, Uday Shankar, and other members of his family but hopes to return to Banaras. There has been a steady stream of local inquires both young and elderly who have come for study and worship. One or two of them would make public confession of their faith but for our unpreparedness to receive them.

I could not go to Almora and Sat Tal in the summer this year, as I usually do, because of a conference that was arranged in Calcutta. So I spent 6 weeks there with some members of my family. This was a Retreat for Christian Sadhus, Sanyasis, independent evangelists and leaders of Churches under the auspices of the North India Fellowship of Ashrams. It was a small group of thinkers who joined in cooperative prayer, thought, and discussion of important questions affecting the future progress of the church. A report of the proceedings and some findings was published in the Seeker (Rains 1950).

During August to September I made a sixteen-day tour of Chhotanagpur, Puralia and Adra of which a brief statement appears in this issue. Both Sadhu Hulder and I were much helped in our spiritual life by these contacts with the brethren of other races and churches. I have just finished (156h November 1950) a month’s course in Hinduism of which a fuller report appears elsewhere.

Mr. Stevenson of the Conference of Missions of N. America visited us for a couple of days. We had also the great privilege recently having with us in the Ashram Miss Muriel Lester, Founder of Kingsley Hall (London), well known in this country as Mahatma Ji’s hostess in London, Travelling Secretary of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Her meetings in the different institution in the city and at the University were attended by serious minded people. Her impassioned messages of peace went deep into men’s hearts. We were also glad of her companion - Miss Gladys Owen of Sat Tal Ashram.

We have sold more literature this year than before. The Ghala lanes and many religious centres have been frequently visited. The quiet work at the centre with set lectures, devotional meetings, Bible Study and worship has been very encouraging. We have maintained a constant touch with the University and the Buddhist centre at Sarnath in various ways. The small experimented Y.M.C.A. with some College boys has been a success considering the lack of room and other facilities from which we suffer. We ask our well-wishers and supporters to pray for us and the work.

— R.C. Das

Banaras Institute

(A Study course in Hinduism held around the Dusserah and Diwali holidays).

Thirteen students from different centres in North India representative various churches and interests attended this course. The group from Leonard Theological College (Jabalpur) was a solid block of intelligent students eager to learn and think. We were very much encouraged and honoured by the three-day visit of the Rev. Dr. M.H. Harper, Principal of Leonard’s.

The main burden of teaching was borne by Dr. R.D. Immanuel Rev. R.C. Das though a teacher student — Mr. Banerjee helped with ten lectures on “Dynamic Christian Literature.” Among local teachers were are particularly indebted to Dr. B.L. Atreya, Head of the Philosophy Department of the Hindu University. Dr. Immanuel’s interesting and important subject on which he gives about a dozen lectures was the “Influence of Hinduism on Indian Christians” the title of his recently published valuable book. Mr. Das took up, as usual, various practical, popular and orthodox aspect of the Hindu faith and practice as well as the question of approach.

Enough time was also spent in going about visiting centre of religious and cultural interest. The fellowship in thought and prayer for nearly a mouth was stimulating and helpful.

— R.C. Das (Convenor)

THE ASHRAM

In this very brief article my aim is to state the nature and object of the Ashram as an institution and to suggest a few constructive ideas for the church in India. The “Ashram” refers to the order of social and individual life known as Varnashram. But here I shall deal with a few fundamental principles that have governed the conduct of Ashrams in ancient India as religious and educational institutions. Many Christians, both Indian and non-Indian, are today opening “Ashrams” without properly understanding their Indian spirit or ideals. Many of them are just foreign missions under cover of the name ‘Ashram’ and it is doing harm both to the Church and the mission. In this connection we have also to recognise the place of the Sadhu and the Sanyasi. The Church today is unfavourable to the wandering prophet or the contemplating sage. The Muni (the silent seeker), the Rishi (the seer), the Guru (the authoritative Master), the Acharya (the Exemplar), the Kulapati (the Head of the spiritual family), the Shishya (the follower) are inextricably bound up with the Ashram. We need to study the implications and functions of these pregnant ideas. They are all very concrete and dynamic in the Indian context - both historical and spiritual.

Let us consider some of the essential features of the Ashrams that have had their origin in the remote past in the Vedic age and some of which are still reproducing themselves under modern conditions. (In this connection I cannot too strongly recommend the most valuable book for Christian readers - “the Ashramas past and present” — Christian Book Club, Kilpauk Madras) produced by Chenchiah, Chakkarai, and Sudarisanam. Apart from opinions expressed it is a mine of information material. Another books called “The educational ideals in ancient India” by Dr. Altekar (University Book Depot, Banaras Hindu University) is also useful. Many other books on the subject can be had from Messrs. Natesan and Co. Madras and India Bookshop, Theosophical Society, Banaras.

1. Ashrams have been of different types in different places and times - educational, spiritual, ascetic, humanitarian, scientific, military, agricultural etc. The Christian Church possesses such institutions in abundance but have they the spiritual background and atmosphere of Indian Ashrams?

2. Ashrams have been supported by Kings or rich men and be grateful disciples offering Dakshinas. This thank-offering of Dakshina must somehow come into vogue among Christians. The practice of the subscription book and collection bag does not appeal to the Indian hearers.

3. The locations of the Hindu Ashrams have been wonderful - riverside, mountain side, hill top, jungle, caves, river source, seaside etc. Imagination has played riot in this selection. Let Christians be less prosaic and remove their educational and spiritual institutions out in the open in the lap of Mother Nature.

4. Free thinking with serious reverence and purposefulness have characterised the Ashrams generally — leading to ventures of faith, new experiments, earnest investigations and explorations. Heresy hunting ought to have its limits. Autocracy and authoritarianism must pause.

5. Democracy in thought-collective and co-operative search for the Truth.

   Numbers 4 and 5 seem to be mutually contradictory and exclusive. They are not. It is only a paradox. There is a deeper and higher synthesis in thought process in pursuit of truth.

6. One Guru (or Acharya, Rishi or Kulapati) is the final authority in matters of discipline but not in a mechanical and formal sense. He is the father of the Ashram. In him authority and freedom are blended. I think it is a Christian ideal but very few realise or practice it.

7. Simple living and high thinking. Sorely needed in the church today. Simplicity never means unnecessary and avoidable suffering. High thinking does not mean being unrealistic. It is a positive, concrete rich way of life avoiding all unnecessary comfort and luxury.

8. Community life - communism. We have scriptural and divine sanction for it in the New Testament and the Apostolic Church. Ashrams are small communions with a definite object in view.

9. Manual labour. No comment necessary for Christians.

10. Comparative freedom from caste restrictions in many Ashrams. Christian Ashrams should not be on denominational or sectarian lines under church authority.

11. In many Ashrams co-education was common. Boys and Girls were known as Rishiputra and Rishi Kanya. This parental relation and affection must rule in Christian institutions.

12. Absolute obedience on the part of the disciple and abundant love on that of the Master - was the rule. There are interesting anecdotes in Indian literature to this effect.

13. Yajna Kund (fire pit) was central in the thought and work of the Ashram. Has every Christian Ashram or other institution a Devasthan or Pujamandap or Sandhyalay in the centre?

14. Brahmacharya - the control and right use of the vital fluid - discipline and character building. Christian leaders should acquaint themselves with the vast literature on the subject and see Brahmacharya at work in some Hindu Ashrams to catch the inspiration.

15. Love of beasts and birds. Ashrams were and are, even today, resorts of wild animals - that would otherwise fight and tear themselves to pieces.

I claim that this Ahimsa and inviolability or sanctity of life is a seclusive perfectly Christian thought, Creation sprang from divine love - which ought highest be the rule of life among men and animals. Then there shall be no fear. There is no halfway house.

Valmiki, Bharadwaj, Visvamitra, Vasista, Parasara, Varaha, Kanwa, Janaka, Dronacharya, Kasyapa, Kapila, Gautama (Buddha) are some of the many great names associated with Ashrams the relics of some of which are extant today and some of which have been reproduced under modern conditions such as Shantiniketan, Arabindashram, Gurukulas and the Gandhi Ashrams.

I cannot do justice to the subject of the practice of Tapa and Yoga in some Ashrams. Ignoring the excesses committed by some, Tapa and devil Yoga are essential for a deep realisation of Christian truth and life.

In conclusion, I submit that Jesus Christ was the truest type of Sanyasi and the Apostolic band the best Ashram judged by all standards. The Church and the Ashram are not identical or one cannot take the place of the other, just as the Aryan Society and the Ashram were not synonymous. The Ashram is an expression of the Church’s life in a particular direction. It is an adjunct, a projection or a specific function of the Church. It is the experimental laboratory of the church. There may be and will be casualties but the purpose is so important and urgent that the Church ought to, and will, risk it.

In the dark age of materialism, of war, and of persecution Christianity will live mainly through the Ashram and reassert itself under more favourable circumstances. The Sanatan Dharma of India through is Sanyasi and its Ashram has resuscitated and renewed itself age after age. Can the Christian Church do differently in the same situation?

— R.C. Das, BANARAS

The Prince of Peace

By B.S. BENSON

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14) was the angel’s most melodious and most glorious heraldic anthem of PEACE the music of which still vibrates in every nook and corner of the Universe. Why? Because it was a wonderful song sung on the occasion of the wonderful birth of Christ, predicting wonderfully many centuries before by Prophet Isaiah thus, “For unto you a child is born, unto us a son is given … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the PRINCE OF PEACE”, (Isiah 9:6). He stands even now as wonderful in his life wonderful in his teaching, wonderful in his death and also wonderful in his resurrection. The mission of the life of this wonderful PRINCE of PEACE was, “To guide our feet into the way of PEACE” (Luke 1:79). He had his descent, according to the chronicles of the Jews (Matthew 1:17) from the seed of Prophet David whose motto of life was “Do good, seek PEACE and pursue it”, Psalms 31:14. This psalm (song) of PEACE was sung by Prophet David many centuries before the birth of Christ and perhaps, the virtuous spark of that very PEACE was inherited by and illumed in the life of this PRINCE OF PEACE. Yet even before Prophet David could sing on his harp this song of PEACE Prophet Isaiah retold Christ’s life of sacrifice for the PEACE of humanity thus, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our PEACE was upon him and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

Such was the mission of the life of this great PRINCE OF PEACE which wonderfully stands incomparable in the history of the world. He suffered, was persecuted and even sacrificed his life all peacefully for the good of the humanity as also was prophetically admitted by Prophet Isaiah thus “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth” Isaiah 58:7. This was word by word manifested in the life of this great PRINCE OF PEACE who presented himself to the world truly a paragon of MARTYRDOM. As using the beloved Son of God he started his life according to Matthew 1:9 by doing the will of God saying, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sends me” (John 4:34) and further says, “For whosoever shall do the WILL OF GOD the same is my brother, my sister and my mother”. St. Mark 3:35. He obeyed and followed the will of God even unto the end of his life when he said, “Father if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BE DONE” Luke 22:42. So Christ practically preached and taught a religion which was “TO DO THE WILL OF GOD” as also He says, “I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me”? St. John 5:30.

Christ was the most wonderful preacher of PEACE not only by mere words of his mouth but more so by his deeds. As a preacher of PEACE his name stands unique in the field of virtue. His sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:7) exposes PEACE with all its virtues. Unlike other prophets his were never lip sermons of PEACE, but he was all PRACE in body, spirit and deeds and meaning always to indicate all our diversities as St. Paul says, “For he (Christ) is our PEACE who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle all partition between us”, Ephesians 2:14. He always did himself first what he wanted his followers to do saying always “For I have even you an example that you should do as I have done unto you” John 13:15. Unlike others Christ preached no religion but a life of PEACE AND GOOD WILL UNTO MEN. He was a most wonderful follower of “AHIMSA PARAMO DHARMA” meaning thereby LOVE ALL the only WAY or Dharma to please or serve the All-LOVE, so also he says himself, “For I always do those things that please Him.” John 8:29. This was the true religion which was understood as preached by the St. Paul thus, “If thy enemy hunger feed him, if he thirsts give him drink … be not overcome of evil but overcome as with good” Romans 12:20-21. This lesson he received from the Master who led his own enemy (Judas Iscariot) and prayed on the Cross for those who crucified him (Christ).

Being a true martyr, unlike others, he even did not defend his own case against those who wanted him to be crucified, so much so that the High Priest had to request him to do so, “Answereth them nothing! What is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his PEACE.” Matthew 26:63-64. However, Pilate admitted his guilelessness publicly and said, “I am innocent of the blood of this JUST person,” Matthew 27:24. He lived a life of strict celibacy so that he could serve humanity in perfect peace of mind. He revenged not his enemies nor cursed them but rather prayed even for those who crucified him saying, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34. He never waged a war or helped others to do so. He never owned any worldly possession as he says “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. He never entered in any state building or politics but made a clear line of demarcation for the world between religion and politics by saying, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are of God.” Matthew 22:21. As meek he inherited the earth and we the King of Kings of this earth because as he says, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth”. Matthew 5:5. St. Paul says, “He (Christ) came and preached PEACE” (Ephesians 2:17) and blessed the peacemakers thus, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9. He without any tinge of sectarianism enjoined upon every one of us, “To have Peace one with another” Mark 9:50. And further says, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me, you might have PEACE” John 16:32. When Christ was departing physically from this earth he comforted his disciples thus, “PEACE I leave with you, my PEACE I gave you. John 14:27.

The tree is known by its fruits and the Prophet is known by the deeds of his followers and, therefore, to understand Christ fully well let us turn to the lives of his disciples and Saints who are in the words St. of Paul, the epistles of Christ, (2 Corinthians 8:3). We see that they did preach what their Master did preach to them through his own life which was true PEACE. St. Peter the most valiant and zealous disciple of Christ, could not understand the mission of the life of Christ which was, as we have seen, PEACE and so in defending his Master at his historic arrest struck off an ear of a man but Christ rebuking him ordered, “put up again thy sword into his place for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” Matthew 26:52-53. After his Master’s death this very revengeful PETER preached nothing but PEACE, (Acts 10:36) and told every man to “Let him seek PEACE and ensue it” Peter 3:11. This was the disciple of Christ who wanted to kill the enemies of Christ by sword but afterwards, as a true martyr, suffered martyrdom by gladly and peacefully offering himself to the enemies of Christ to be crucified inverted placing his head downwards.

St. Paul once a most merciless persecuted of the early Christians after his conversion (Acts 9:4-5) was more bitterly and mercilessly persecuted and suffered a martyrdom peacefully, 2 Corinthians 11:25. He taught, “Bless them that persecute you, bless them and curse not,” (Romans 12:14) and “Recompense no man evil for evil” (Romans 12:17) and further says, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and PEACE.” Romans 14:17, and “Therefore, follow things that make for PEACE with ALL MEN”, 2 Timothy 2:22. He further says, “Be at PEACE among yourselves and to ALL MEN” (Thessalonians 5:13-15). He again says, “Let us therefore, follow after the things which make for PEACE, and things wherewith one may edify another” Romans 14:19. This is St. Paul’s teaching in favour of PEACE who once himself was a destroyer of PEACE.

Such is the glorious life of this Christ as depicted through the lives of his disciples and saints. For this reason, therefore, the prophet Isaiah called him the PRINCE OF PEACE whose birthday (Christmas Day) we celebrate on the whole face of the earth. He was undoubtedly a spotless lamb of God born to be sacrificed for the redemption of humanity. To prove his spotlessness be challenged everybody and the challenge is still standing, “Which of you convinceth me of sin.” John 8:46. It is a challenge which no prophet could make or meet. His most successful service for PEACE and unity of man with God (John 10:30) was but for a few short years while others laboured their whole life but could not achieve even half as much. So he says to one and all. “If I tell the TRUTH why do not you believe.” John 8:45.

Let us, therefore, strive to get PEACE through the life of this PRINCE OF PEACE who says, “Come unto me ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye find rest unto your soul, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-20. He “Condescends to man of low estate” (Romans 12:16) and always ready to uplift the cause of the down trodden. But in every thing follow the advice of St. Paul who says, “Prove all things and follow the best” Thessalonians 5:21. So let us hail this PRINCE OF PEACE with Joy and with love wish each other “A HAPPY CHRISTMAS”.

Notes

1. The Baptist Union and the Shishyashram, Barisal, East Bengal. It is a matter of gratification that the Baptist Union has, at the long last, seen sense and rescinded its resolution on the called excommunication of Sadhu J.N. Hulder and his group in the Ashram. It is hoped that there will be real cooperation for creative work for the advancement of the church. This cooperation is not possible so long as missionaries and church leaders will trust only their paid employees. They must listen to what dynamic persons and independent thinking men have to say. Otherwise, the doom of the church is certain. It has already come to a miserable state. Let there be common sense and more of Christian sincerity.

2. We have again received an anonymous list of charges against a high church authority. We cannot condemn such tactics too strongly. Il our advice will reach any of these who make and spread such allegations against others themselves remaining behind an all too flimsy curtain we would say that they should bind themselves together, bring the charges through the proper channel and fight for justice and truth in the open. Mahatma Gandhi was never tired of calling such underhand methods and underground activities cowardly and unworthy of gentlemen. If they think the proper channels are blocked they should publicly disclose their own identity and exposing wrong and corruption accept the consequences. Anything achieved by underhand means will bring about other evils destroying unity and brotherhood. Let everything be above board and Christian.

3. Miss. Muriel Lester’s visit to India this time has been in connection with the first conference of the Fellowship of Reconciliation groups in India held at Christavashram in Kottayam (Travancore) under the leadership of Shri K. Chandy and Swamy Dharma Teertha. The position of the E.O.B., as is well known, in regard to international relations is radically pacifist and absolutely anti-war. We take it that this is not a merely negative attitude but a straightforward enterprise of constructive peace-making and reconciliation — following of the way of the Cross to victory, happiness and glory as was exemplified by the Prince of Peace when he walked this earth and set the pattern of true life for all time to come. We sincerely hope that many in India will see not only the scriptural accuracy of this conduct but its fundamental rationality and workability. Many Christians have for ages been compromising their position in regard to violence, stopped at a half house and supported a called righteous war. The time has come when rulers of states, thinkers and statesman and the man in the street must think out clearly, act courageously and give up the position which is essentially heathen. The Christian way must break through compromise, enlightened sell interest, fear and suspicion to the open and health daylight of love and forgiveness - to Brotherhood.

4. The Congress and the Government. Recently both have been severely criticised from within and outside. None will deny much of this criticism is deserved. It is a pity that most Congressmen seem to have forgotten their former ideals and hence arise the Democratic Front and many other groups professing reform. The Government have made mistakes in many fields. That many of these are due to lack of administrative experience and training is conceded. But on the whole both in the Congress and the Government there is a drift towards inefficiency and disruption which cannot be fully explained by reference to lack of experience. There is a dangerous lack of character in the entire Life of the country today. It is not a question of Hindu Muslim or Christian any more in a communal sense. Under these circumstances Christian leaders have a terrible responsibility and a most sacred privilege of making character through Christ and offering to the country. But mere imitation of the west is not Christianity. Let us all look to God — to the Bible and the Primitive Catholic Church - the source of power and let us do it in the Indian context in relation to, and in the midst of, the risk Indian heritage. We shall then work wonders. The Image of Christ will then be living in the Church.

Terms of Reference Given to Individual Missionaries Working in the Gossner Church

Based on actions of the Mahasabha dated 19-6-1943, Joint meeting C.C. and Federation Committee at Purulia, C.C. dated 13-11-1943 C.C. dated … 1944, C.C. dated 20-3-1946, C.C. dated 3-7-1946 and C.C. dated 26-2-1947.

1. The Agreement contracted between the G.E.L. Church and the Kurotorium of the Gossner Board in Berlin has been terminated according to clause 8 of the Agreement.

2. The relationship between the G.E.L. Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany remains like that of the daughter and mother.

3. Lutheran Missionaries from any Lutheran Church in any part of the world, may be received into the service of the G.E.L. Church.

4. The Missionaries now on the Field are working as friends and helpers in the development of the G.E.L. Church for a specific period by personally accepting the terms of reference offered by the G.E.L. Church to each individual Missionary.

5. The sending Lutheran Organizations, in Christian love and Charity, undertake to support the missionaries on the Gossner Field and the policy is to receive such help through the Church Treasury.

6. The Missionaries serving in the Gossner Church will not be in charge of any Department or institution nor will they have any executive power.

7. A Missionary may be invited to sit in the Mahasabha, the Church Council and in the Executive Committee of the Church Council the with full power to speak, but he will not vote.

8. All Missionaries working in the Gossner Church are accepted as regular members of the G.E.L. Church in Chotanagpur and Assam without the powers as provided in clauses 6 and 7 above.

9. Each Missionary is given a specific work in Church such as evangelistic work among non-Christians, teaching in the Theological Seminary, production of religious literature, conducting divine services and such other works which may need the services of an expert.

10. The G.E.L. Church provides accommodation for the missionaries working on the Field.

Notes on the Missionaries of the G.E.L. Church

1. Their presence provokes factions in the Church and there is danger of the Missionaries’ unity to take one side and the divide and run policy being encouraged.

2. The Policy of the Missionaries will always differ from the Policy of the nationals e.g. in educational, evangelistic, self-support etc.

3. Their stay here will mean organic connection with the Home Board who will always point out only the weak points of the Church thus always causing an inferiority complex in the local Church and the spirit of condescension will develop among the Missionaries on the field.

4. The money received from the Home Board will engender a patronising spirit both among the Missionaries and in the Home Board and therefore if any money is given from the Home Board it should be in the form of the Christian Charity.

5. The present day India will be too torturous on the Missionaries pinching upon them mainly. They will try to send back the Missionaries on a trifling pretext.

6. The Missionary without power is more powerful in the Church than the one who exercises power by dint of position and authority.

7. The constant change of the European situation, makes the Missionary’s position very uncertain and this effects the Church constant therefore Missionaries should not take up the leadership of the Church.

Conclusion

1. The Missionaries may come from all countries and nationalities provided they are Lutherans.

2. Terms of reference as adopted by the Church must continue as determining the future policy of the Church

3. The terms should be accepted by the persons concerned, and the Boards will release such persons for service in the G.E.L. Church and there is no necessity of an Agreement with the Home Board.

4. Mother and daughter should not jointly rule at the daughter house, but daughter must have the reins of the house.

5. The Boards should not send a Missionary, but provide a worker for the G.E.L. Church which may make him its Missionary by giving him evangelistic work.

(The Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church is one of the big Churches in India. After twenty years of trusteeship all property - title and ownership - have been transferred by the Trustees of the German Mission to the indigenous Church. The quantity of land owned is 200 acres and value of buildings Rs. 7000000/-.

The above-mentioned principles and policies deserve to be seriously considered and adopted by other foreign missions in India and then the local churches founded by them will rise to the occasion and situation India today. - Editor)

Sadhu Jiten Hulder

All right thinking people who know Sadhu Jiten Hulder of Sonatola, Barisal, will breathe more freely now that the Baptist Union of that district has found it necessary to lift the ban of excommunication placed upon him some time ago. His friends will thank “The Seeker”, for turning its light upon this bit of work of the Union. We wonder whether the Union has been able to see the thing in its true significance. Those who have had the chance of watching the activities of this Union during the last thirty or thirty-five years, will agree that this senseless excommunication was the natural and perhaps inevitable outcome of the policy fairly consistently followed by the Union during the period. Its treatment of the workers trained by the Serampore Missionaries won for this district the unenviable name of the “graveyard of Preachers”. The Rev. B.C. Sircar of All India renown was openly insulted. The famous Sadhu Jnanendra Singh of Orissa, with his marvellous dealing power was all but excommunicated. Sadhu Joel Lall’s revival meetings in the Barisal Church, rich in conversions and healing of diseases were called “howling meetings” by the Missionary of this place. The “Sevak Samity”, which had always stood for better spiritual life, was found out by the same Missionary to be an organisation rival to the Church. He went the length of declaring that the songs of the “Sevak Sangit” “hamper Baptist consciousness.

It is time this Union reconsidered and changed its policy. Mr. Wenger will do well to use his own discernment in the matter of choosing his advisers and friends, many of whom have their own selfish and unchristian motives and try to guide him to their own advantage.

— ONE WHO KNOWS (A respected Missionary of the Bengal Baptist Union) - Editor

Notices of Books Etc

1. The strength of the Christian churches in the districts of India and Pakistan: (being an interim report on the survey of unevangelised areas) compiled by Rev. Lincoln Watts, World Dominion Press, Farley, Ootacamund, South India. Price One Rupee.

   The booklet is illustrated with map drawings, — one of them of undivided India being fairly large. It is a document of up-to-date and reliable statistics valuable for reference and providing food for thought. The real strength of the Church is in the grace of Christ shed abroad in the hearts of believers. But numbers are not negligible. They are an important element in the fundamental basis of the Church. Those who are ignorant or despairing will be encouraged by the tree that is growing out of the mustard seed. The pamphlet gives strategic information to those who feel responsible for proper evangelisation of our country. All workers should possess a copy.

2. The influence of Hinduism on Indian Christians: by Dr. R.D. Immanuel of Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur (M. P.) Pp. 251, Price Rs. 3/-.

   The book is invaluable for budding theologians and Christian students of Hinduism and full of helpful constructive suggestions for workers among Hindus.

3. The Power of Non-Violence by Richard Cregg and other literature on Peace available from Hero M.C. Singh, Akbarpur, Kanpur (U.P.)

4. Mahatma Gandhi: an interpretation by Dr. E. Stanley Jones.

   Dr. Jones most compelling book since “The Christ of the Indian Road.”

   All Christians should sympathetically and carefully study this great and wonderful book.

5. The Man in the Street - being the Good News account to St. Matthew attractively illustrated and got up like a School magazine. 6/- per copy,

6. The Sanskrit New Testament - newly printed Rs. 3/8/- Available at the Bible Society, Allahabad.