Nor was it only the poor outcast Indians he sought to benefit, but his own country-folk of every rank to whom he had access in sickness or in health. Cases have been noted, and here is just one more:–"In the year 1867, in Kashmir," writes a young officer, "Dr. Elmslie spoke words to me which, through the blessing of the Holy Ghost, threw a flood of light on my dark soul, and made me perceive the love of God in Christ. 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin': These were the words blessed of God to my conversion, and I ought surely to love dear Elmslie for the good that he was in God's hand the means of doing me. For himself, dear fellow, I am comforted, and feel him to be even nearer to me (in England) than he was when present in the body in India. You will, perhaps, wonder what I mean by this, but I mean simply that he is with Jesus, and it is only a narrow boundary–that of death–which separates the Lord from them who are to be with Him hereafter."
"From the time of Dr. Elmslie's first arrival," writes the Rev. Mr. Clark, "we could not fail to notice his true missionary spirit, which led him to give himself at once to the work for which he had come to India. He began to acquire the language, and quickly commenced his medical labours amongst the people. He divided his time with great method and tact, so as to make the most of every opportunity. We quickly observed his great conscientiousness, and the fidelity with which he engaged both in his professional and other duties. His judgment was very good, and it was at once seen that he was one who could be consulted in difficulties and emergencies, as they arose. He soon acquired influence, not only amongst the natives, but amongst his missionary brethren, to whom he endeared himself by his gentle and loving spirit; and his presence was ever felt to be an acquisition in our missionary conferences. He was known to be a firm friend to everything that was good, and a staunch opponent to error and evil, in every form. He could not 'bear that which was evil,' but boldly exposed it, and often in the strongest language denounced it. Above all, we noticed his habitual tone of earnestness, and genuine Christian spirit of devotion, which continued with him in the midst of many occupations throughout the day. Continually did he renew his strength by communion with God, through prayer and the study of His Word; for he knew that (especially in this heathen atmosphere, so lowering and antagonistic to the hidden life) even daily duties eat out the missionary's strength and neutralize his efforts, unless men hourly walk in the strength of that meat, with which God feeds His people in this wilderness world."
But it is of Amritsar, and of Dr. Elmslie's annual visit to my own mission, that I would especially speak. "The natives looked forward to his visits with great expectation, and both Christians and heathen used to think much of his approach. Some had perhaps an operation to be performed; others wished to consult him about their own health, or that of their children. All knew that in him they would find a sympathising friend. He generally arrived without any announcement beforehand, and appeared some morning almost unexpectedly in our midst; for no letters could be despatched on the march to tell of his approach, and when he emerged from the hills into English territory, he travelled almost as fast as letters could come. There was not one member of our native congregation who did not at once know when Dr. Elmslie had arrived; and there were few perhaps amongst the 1000 boys and 350 girls in the mission schools who had not seen or heard of him. The orphans in the orphanages felt the benefit of his presence; and the poor who throng around the catechist or the missionary when they preach in the bazaars, spoke of the Doctor Padre who had come to live amongst them for their good. The rich also knew him, and appreciated his labours, for they once petitioned Government that he might be allowed to remain amongst them. He had access to houses and families where the English cannot generally go; and his kind, loving manner, and his professional skill, presented our missionary work to the people in altogether a new light. It was sometimes difficult for them to see from our direct missionary labours that we really desired their welfare; for every now and then some young man from the schools, or some parent from a happy home, would sever themselves suddenly, and in one moment, from every past association: when swords would pierce through breasts, and the secret thoughts of hearts would be revealed. Such anguish was then caused, such division amongst families, such ruin of hopes, that they sometimes terminated in death. But the Doctor Sahib was, at any rate, the friend of the people. Though a Christian and a missionary, he cured their ailments, and set their broken bones."
From the very commencement of his labours in Kashmir, Dr. Elmslie ceased not to work and pray for the abrogation of the iniquitous law to whose operation he eventually fell a sacrifice. He felt that the truly beneficent character of his services gave him a vantage ground from which to make his appeal. It is touching to note that the law was abolished the very day after his death. The Rev. Mr. Wade writes thus on the subject from Lahore (Nov. 27th).–"How mysterious God's ways often are, the very object which Dr. E. so much desired, and laboured, and prayed so much to obtain, was thought by him to have been lost entirely; but a letter, dated the day after his death, was received by Mrs. Elmslie, immediately on her arrival at Lahore, granting permission to those who are not Government servants to remain in Kashmir all the year. It says, 'His Excellency desires me to inform you that, so far as the British Government is concerned, there are no objections to Europeans, who are not in the service of Government, proceeding to, or remaining in the territories of the Maharajah of Kashmir at any time, so long as they conduct themselves with propriety, and submit to the laws of the country.' This is all that Dr. Elmslie wanted. The country is now open, and missionaries may remain there the whole year."
But the doctor was not only largely instrumental in thus opening the door to that beautiful country, but he has also provided a key to it, in the shape of a valuable vocabulary of the Kashmiri language. This work occupied much of his time during the two years he was at home, and no doubt he worked at it too assiduously. Strange it is that he was denied the pleasure of seeing this work in its completed state. The Dictionary had reached Amritsar to await his arrival,–but he never arrived.
Extract from the Proceedings of the Eleventh Conference of the Church Mission Society Missionaries in the Punjaub,–18th December 1872.
II. Proposed by Mr. Clark, and seconded by Mr. Wade, That this Conference, whilst sorrowfully lamenting the removal from their midst of their dear brother and fellow-labourer, Dr. Elmslie, by an early death, desire to bow with reverence and resignation before the mysterious Providence which has called him away from his important missionary work in Kashmir, at the very moment when, for the first time in its history, it has become completely opened to missionary effort.
That this Conference desire to bear testimony to the devotion and singleness of purpose with which the beloved brother, for a series of years, carried on his work with great ability and success, to the alleviation of sickness and sorrow amongst the people, as well as to the making known of the gospel of Christ.
That they desire also to express their sincere sympathy with Mrs. Elmslie, who has thus been called to pass through such deep affliction at so early a period in her missionary life; and in the event of her remaining to engage in missionary work amongst the females of this country, they assure her, as a Conference, of a hearty welcome, and all such help as they are able to give. That this Conference request their secretary to write to the Home Committee of the Church Missionary Society to urge the Church Missionary Society to maintain the Kashmir Mission in full efficiency, believing that the opening up of that country in answer to prayer is a sign that God has purposes of mercy to that unhappy land. And they pray that God will raise up other labourers of like spirit to him whose death they now mourn, to carry on this work, which is one of no ordinary difficulty, and not unattended with danger.
Carried nem. con.–Signed and certified by