Benjamin Rice, Or, Fifty Years in the Master's Service (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888* Excerpt: ... fingered. Some relative of his had just died, and he described the way in which they had treated him, stuffing the pancha-gavya into his mouth, etc., probably hastening his death.1 Aprit 29. Went to see Sankarappa, who, I had heard, was very ill. Found him very thin and ill, not having tasted food for many days. Disease--inflammation of the lungs. He seemed aware of his situation, said that he trusted in God, and seemed earnest in saying that he depended on the Saviour, clasping his hands together when this was referred to. When I came away, he asked me to pray for him. I talked to many who were standing round. Their minds seemed very dark. The doctor said he must put a blister on. This alarmed them much, but Sankarappa made no objection. He said he left his poor body entirely in the doctor's hands. May 3. Visited Sankarappa again; found him evidently worse. Talked to him on his prospects for another world. He decidedly and steadfastly expressed his disbelief in Hinduism, and his trust in Christ, --said he did not feel fear, but peace in resting in Christ. I prayed with him. He was very earnest during the prayer. I told him he ought 1 The pancha-gavya is a mixture of the five products of the cow. This pleasant mixture is believed to have great cleansing efficacy. A small quantity is administered on all occasions when caste defilement has to be removed, --e.g., on restoration to caste after excommunication or after a visit to England. It is also always administered to the dying, and corresponds, in this respect, to extreme unction among the Roman Catholics. to admonish his household of the truth of Christianity, and the insufficency of Hinduism to sustain the soul at such a time. He said he had done so often, but none would hear. I was struck with the cold, .