A. L. O. E.

[1] A kind of large Oriental pipe.

[2] One of the difficulties experienced in writing for natives is the selection of names. The Hindus, Sikhs, and Mohammedans have all quite different sets of names; and to give one member of a family a Mohammedan, and another a Hindu name, would be a very serious mistake in an author. A government inspector of schools has very kindly supplied A. L. O. E. with carefully arranged lists of names.

[3] An enormous kind of fan swung across the room, the motion of which renders the heat more supportable.

[4] A rupee is worth less than two shillings.

[5] A name for the houses of European gentlemen.

[6] A name commonly given to missionaries.

[7] English gentleman.

[8] The common form of greeting, meaning, “Peace be to you.”

[9] Note.

[10] As not even the missionaries knew in what manner a woman of good family would address her husband, a native was consulted on the question. In Amritsar we have the advantage of having a converted Brahman on the one side, and a converted Mohammedan of position on the other, from whom we can gather information on such matters.

[11] Husbandmen.

[12] A small copper coin.

[13] A very beautiful marble building in Agra.

[14] The pugree worn by natives in the Punjaub, both old and young, is often formed of many yards of a very light material, wrapped round and round so as to form a turban. The pugree worn by Europeans as a protection from the heat is much smaller, and worn in a different manner.

[15] A moonshee is a teacher of languages. The moonshee employed by A. L. O. E. on her first arrival in Amritsar was a convert from Mohammedanism, and a noble specimen of the class.

[16] A baboo is one of an upper class; the title in this part of India somewhat resembles our “Mr.”

[17] This is no fictitious picture of the trials of some of the converts.

[18] A very common word used to describe any grand show or scene of excitement.

[19] Yuhanna (John) is a Christian name. On receiving baptism, sometimes a new name is adopted; sometimes, as with Hassan, the old one is retained.

[20] Title given to a native lady.

[21] Groom.

[22] Native pony.

[23] The natives of India like to expend large sums on such occasions, even if they plunge themselves deep into debt to defray the expenses.

[24] Custom; a word which has far more force in India than in England.

[25] A kind of bracelet.

[26] The love of Indian women for ornaments must not be measured by that of English maidens. There is nothing very remarkable here in the sight of a woman wearing at one time twelve ear-rings, at least as many bracelets, besides necklace, nose-ring, anklets, and silver plates on her toes! Converts do not wear so many.

[27] The chaddar (literally sheet) is a garment not worn in all parts of India, but very commonly in the Punjaub. It is something like a large veil, made of muslin or some other light material, and is worn in the house as well as out of it. Anything more graceful, picturesque, and modest-looking can hardly be imagined.

[28] English lady.

[29] Those conversant with India need not be told that a fearful want of truthfulness prevails amongst the natives. Against this evil the attention of missionaries has been earnestly directed, and in some cases with great success. A. L. O. E. heard since her arrival a story of a school in Calcutta (she believes, however, that it was a Eurasian school). A prize was offered in it for truthfulness, and as it would have been almost impossible for a teacher to have adjudged the prize to the satisfaction of all, to the girls themselves the decision was left. All the children fixed upon one of their companions as the most truthful girl in the school. The wisdom of their choice was shown by the conscientious girl’s declining to accept the prize, for she did not think herself truthful enough to deserve it!

[30] The first native of India who saw the translation of this little story—a refined and educated man—was much struck by the new view presented to him of his parental duty. He actually, very shortly afterwards, punished his child for telling a lie. The little boy was probably surprised at receiving chastisement for what is usually deemed such a very trifling offence; but the punishment (not a severe one) seemed to have made an impression on his young mind. Soon afterwards, on his sister asking him whether something which he had said were true, the child, with a new sense of the evil of falsehood, said, “Do you not know that God is angry when we tell lies?”

[31] The worshippers of various heathen deities may be distinguished by differently shaped marks on their foreheads.

[32] The Ganges is regarded as a peculiarly sacred river.

[33] In India, as in France, it is very uncourteous to use the third person singular Where I am, even servants are addressed as “you.”

[34] In happy England, the difficulty of crossing the river of Baptism to many converts in India can hardly be appreciated. To do so is to pass the Rubicon, to cut the tie which connects the believer with all that was dear upon earth, to cast away honour, friendship, enjoyment; it is indeed to take up the Cross! One of our noblest Punjaubi Christians lingered five years before he was given courage to cross the river. One youth was brought into court to declare whether it was his deliberate choice to become a Christian. His mother drew forth a knife, and told her son that if he were baptized she would plunge it into her own bosom! I have seen another youth who could well bear witness to the sharpness of the thorns of Persecution. His own father made him stand in boiling oil, till the skin was burnt off his poor feet! But he has crossed the river.

[35] A tendency to fatalism in the Oriental character is one of the great difficulties with which missionaries have to contend. It gives to the timid convert an excuse for indolence and apathy. “If it be God’s will, I shall have the blessing,” he thinks or professes to think “without making any struggle to obtain it.”

[36] Oriental pipe.

[37] Probably at least a dozen.

[38] The sin which doth so easily beset us.—Heb. xii. 1.

[39] Let not the meaning of my little parable be misunderstood. Even the true believer must expect many assaults of Temptation, many a struggle with besetting sin. The pearl, Purity, is perfected only in a brighter world. Nevertheless, not only Christ’s imputed righteousness, but a growing likeness to Him who said, “Learn of Me,” is one of God’s free gifts to His children through the indwelling of His Spirit. It is particularly necessary to enforce this truth in a land like India, where even sincere converts find it very hard to lead consistent lives, after having been brought up in the paths of sin.

[40] Native Christian parents are here intended, some of whom send their children to schools conducted by missionaries.

[41] The character of Ghuldasta has been drawn from Indian life; some of our little British maidens may, however, find that some of its features are by no means confined to girls of Hindostan.

[42] This hymn (translated) is a great favourite in this country. Even heathen and Mohammedan children like to sing it, as well as native Christians.

[43] This is a natural view to be taken by one half persuaded, who would make the inconsistencies of professed believers an excuse for not joining their ranks. It is but fair, however, to the native Christians, for whom this tale was specially written, to say that their standard of morality is much higher than that which is adopted by their heathen neighbours.

[44] An anna is about three half-pence. There are twelve pies in an anna.

[45] The quantity of ornaments worn by women even of the humbler classes is at first surprising to a European. A woman will in one ear wear eight or ten rings, and as many bracelets on each arm. Her feet, also, are frequently adorned.

[46] It will be observed by those who know the East that Hossein was a Mohammedan, and not an idolatrous Hindu. In India there are different religions, not only varying from, but actually opposed to each other. Many Mohammedans in India have a considerable amount of religious knowledge.

[47] Abbas was, of course, a native Christian.

[48] These melas afford grand opportunities to the missionary, both for preaching and selling books.

[49] A. L. O. E. has herself heard a Mohammedan speak of Christian converts as his friends. She is on terms of affectionate intercourse with Mohammedan ladies.

[50] Not to do so is a mark of great disrespect. A native on entering a gentleman’s house leaves his slippers at the door.

[51] Moses is reverenced by Mohammedans as well as by Christians.

[52] When my friend Mrs. E. was staying in a Punjaubi village, she was shocked to hear of one of the natives having beaten his mother. When she said that in England such a sin would be punished, her observation excited general amusement. Why should she be shocked at an event of such common occurrence?

[53] The convert probably restrained himself lest his mother should refuse to accept from his polluted touch even food needful to save her from starvation. But with the blind woman nature was too strong even for Hindu prejudice.

[54] Offering the hookah (a kind of pipe) was an alteration suggested by one who has intimate acquaintance with Oriental customs. The words originally stood: “Held out his hand; and Tara Chund grasped it,” &c. This would have made the whole story unnatural.

[55] This little story is founded on what really happened in a village not very far from Amritsar, but the words which produced a reconciliation were really spoken by one of the four who had quarrelled. A. L. O. E. heard a graphic account of the scene from a gentleman who had been present. That the reconciliation was not merely outward, seems to be proved by the fact that some little time afterwards the four Christian villagers came in a body and partook of the Holy Communion in the mission church of Amritsar.

[56] Pronounced purdah.

[57] Robber.

[58] Female attendant.

Favourite Stories, etc., by A. L. O. E.

The Blacksmith of Boniface Lane. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.

A tale having an historical basis. Its hero is John Badby, the Lollard blacksmith, who perished at the stake. The incidents and characters are portrayed with all the freshness and picturesqueness common to A. L. O. E.’s works.

Beyond the Black Waters. A Tale. Post 8vo, cl. ex. 2s. 6d.

A story illustrating the truth that “sorrow tracketh wrong,” and that there can be no peace of conscience till sin has been confessed both to God and man, and forgiveness obtained. The scene is laid chiefly in British Burmah.

Harold’s Bride. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

An interesting story, written in the author’s characteristic style, and affording instructive glimpses of the hardships and dangers of missionary life in the rural districts of India.

Pride and His Prisoners. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A tale for the young, partly allegorical, to show the fatal effects of pride on character and happiness.

Rambles of a Rat. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. Price 2s. 6d.

A rat telling his own story, with many facts of the natural history and habits of rats.

The Robbers’ Cave. A Story of Italy. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. 2s. 6d.

A tale for the young. The adventures of an English youth among Italian brigands. With tinted illustrations.

The Triumph over Midian. With Frontispiece and Vignette. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A tale for the young, illustrative of the Scripture history of Gideon.

Fairy Know-a-Bit; or, A Nutshell of Knowledge. With upwards of 40 Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

Fairy Frisket; or, Peeps at Insect Life. With upwards of 50 Engravings. Post 8vo, cl. ex. 2s.

Fairy teachers (a sequel to “Fairy Know-a-Bit”), and lessons from insect life and natural history.

The Holiday Chaplet of Stories. With Eight Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

Thirty-eight short stories for the young.

My Neighbour’s Shoes; or, Feeling for Others. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 1s.

A fairy tale, enforcing the duty and happiness of kindness and sympathy towards all around us.

Old Friends with New Faces. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cl. ex. 1s.

A tale for children, in which some old favourite stories—Bluebeard, the Fisherman and the Genii, etc.—are introduced in an allegorical form, with incidents that illustrate them.

Parliament in the Playroom; or, Law and Order made Amusing. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

The Sunday Chaplet of Stories. With Eight Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

The thirty-two stories in this volume are suitable for Sunday reading. Christian principles are taught in them without heaviness or dulness. It is a good book for the home circle, or for the Sunday school.

The Golden Fleece; or, Who Wins the Prize? New Edition. Foolscap 8vo, cloth extra. 1s. 6d.

The Story of a Needle. Illustrated. Foolscap 8vo, cloth extra. Price 1s. 6d.

A tale for the young, interwoven with a description of the manufacture, uses, and adventures of a needle.

Stories of Home and School Life.

Stepping Heavenward. A Tale of Home Life. By the Author of “The Flower of the Family,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A tale of girlhood and early married life, with discipline and trials, all resulting in good at last. Every girl should read this remarkably truthful and fascinating book.

Ever Heavenward; or, A Mother’s Influence. By the Author of “Stepping Heavenward,” “The Flower of the Family,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A tale of home life, with its ordinary joys and sorrows, under the guidance of its leading spirit,—a wise, loving, pious mother.

The Flower of the Family. A Tale of Domestic Life. By the Author of “Stepping Heavenward,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A tale of home life,—the central figure being an unselfish, devoted, pious eldest daughter.

Changed Scenes; or, The Castle and the Cottage. By Lady Hope, Author of “Our Coffee House,” “A Maiden’s Work,” “Sunny Footsteps,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

An interesting story for girls, of two English orphans and their guardian, in the course of which valuable moral and religious lessons are conveyed by some pleasing allegories.

Almost a Hero; or, School Days at Ashcombe. By Robert Richardson, Author of “The Story of the Niger,” “Ralph’s Year in Russia,” etc. With Seven Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A Thorny Way. By Mary Bradford Whiting. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A very interesting story, in which the character-sketches show no little discernment.

A True Hero; or, The Story of Amos Huntingdon. A Tale of Moral Courage. By Rev. T. P. Wilson, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham; Author of “Frank Oldfield,” “True to His Colours,” etc. Small crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A tale illustrative of moral courage, with examples taken from real life.

Aunt Judith. The Story of a Loving Life. By Grace Beaumont. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A simple and touching story of the blessed influence exerted by a Christ-like life (Aunt Judith’s) on all who came in contact with it.

Edith Raymond, and the Story of Huldah Brent’s Will. A Tale. By S. S. Robbins. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A curious story of the forging of a will, in his own interest, by an avaricious lawyer, of the immediate consequences of the deed, and of the peculiar way in which it was discovered, and the humiliation of the forger.

Follow the Right. A Tale for Boys. By G. E. Wyatt, Author of “Archie Digby,” “Lionel Harcourt,” “Harry Bertram,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

The hero of this story is an Etonian who is possessed of a moral nature remarkable for its strength and power; and the book is written with sprightliness and vigour.

Prize Temperance Tales.

ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.

Frank Oldfield; or, Lost and Found. By the Rev. T. P. Wilson, M.A. With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.

An interesting prize temperance tale; the scene partly in Lancashire, partly in Australia.

ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.

Sought and Saved. By M. A. Paull, Author of “Tim’s Troubles; or, Tried and True.” With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.

A prize temperance tale for the young. With illustrative engravings.

ONE HUNDRED POUND PRIZE TALE.

Through Storm to Sunshine. By William J. Lacey, Author of “A Life’s Motto,” “The Captain’s Plot,” etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 3s. 6d.

This interesting tale was selected by the Band of Hope Union last year, from among thirty-seven others, as worthy of the £100 prize. It now forms a beautiful volume, with six good illustrations.

FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.

Tim’s Troubles; or, Tried and True. By M. A. Paull. With Five Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.

A prize temperance tale for young persons, the hero an Irish boy, who owes everything in after life to having joined a Band of Hope in boyhood.

FIFTY POUND PRIZE TALE.

Lionel Franklin’s Victory. By E. Van Sommer. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.

An interesting prize temperance tale for the young, with illustrative engravings.

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The Naresborough Victory. A Story in Five Parts. By the Rev. T. Keyworth, Author of “Dick the Newsboy,” “Green and Grey,” etc., etc. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s. 6d.

“In construction the story is good, in style it is excellent, and it is certain to be a general favourite.”—Manchester Examiner.

“Attractive in its incidents and forcible in its lessons.”—Liverpool Albion.

SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.

Owen’s Hobby; or, Strength in Weakness. A Tale. By Elmer Burleigh. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

Replete with touching, often saddening, and frequently amusing incidents.

SPECIAL PRIZE TALE.

Every-Day Doings. By Hellena Richardson. With Six Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

A prize temperance tale, “written for an earnest purpose,” and consisting almost entirely of facts.

By Uphill Paths; or, Waiting and Winning. A Story of Work to be Done. By E. Van Sommer, Author of “Lionel Franklin’s Victory.” Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. 6d.

True to His Colours; or, The Life that Wears Best. By the Rev. T. P. Wilson, M.A., Vicar of Pavenham, Author of “Frank Oldfield,” etc. With Six Engravings. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 3s. 6d.

An interesting tale—the scene laid in England—illustrating the influence over others for good of one consistent Christian man and temperance advocate.

The Girls’ Own Library.

FIVE BOOKS BY “PANSY.”

A New Graft on the Family Tree. By Pansy. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

A young wife goes with her husband to his father’s country home, and by her tact and religious influence brings a blessing there.

Esther Reid. By Pansy, Author of “A Hedge Fence,” “Side by Side,” “A New Graft on the Family Tree,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

Following Heavenward; or, The Story of Alfred Reid. By Pansy, Author of “A New Graft on the Family Tree,” “Esther Reid,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s.

Out in the World. By Pansy, Author of “A New Graft on the Family Tree,” “A Hedge Fence,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s.

Workers Together; or, An Endless Chain. By Pansy, Author of “Esther Reid,” “A New Graft on the Family Tree,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

“The reader will find it hard to resist the skill of their dramatic narrative style, and their vivid presentment of various types of character. There are two distinct impressions which ‘Pansy’s’ stories will leave on most people—those of the intense earnestness of her own convictions, and of her sense of the need of bringing religion into all the details of every-day life.”—Scottish Leader.

Anna Lee. The Maiden—The Wife—The Mother. By T. S. Arthur. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

A tale. Fidelity to the duties of one relation prepares for happiness in the next: a good daughter will be a good wife and mother.

Annie Donaldson; or, Evenings in a Happy Home. By Miss M’Intosh. A Tale. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

Christmas holidays in a country-house, each evening enlivened by a story, connected with one of a series of drawings from the portfolio of an artist visitor.

Georgie Merton; or, Only a Girl. By Florence Harrington. With Illustrations. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

A most interesting tale for young people, with admirable etched illustrations. The heroine, “only a girl,” is a noble example of courage, spirit, and fortitude.

Little Susy’s Six Birthdays, and Other Stories. By the Author of “Stepping Heavenward,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s.

A beautiful new edition of Mrs. Prentiss’s well-known and charming stories for children. It contains “Six Birthdays,” “Six Teachers,” and “Little Servants,” in one volume.

Not Thrown Away, but Given; or, The Story of Marion’s Hero. By Mrs. G. S. Reaney, Author of “Daisy Snowflake’s Secret,” etc. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s.

A clever and instructive story of self-sacrifice, illustrated in a mother becoming a teetotaler in order to save her son, and a talented young man devoting his life to lay-mission work among the poor of a low district in London.

Willing to be Useful; or, Principle and Duty Illustrated in the Story of Edith Allison. Illustrated. Post 8vo, cloth extra. 2s.

This story contains the varied experiences of a young lady, who, anxious to be of use to others, interests herself in Sunday-school and other similar work. It is an incentive to persistent continuance in well-doing.

T. NELSON AND SONS, LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK.