“We began, in great poverty but in firm trust and confidence in God, to build in a great heathen street in the city, and though we did not know how we should bring the work to a conclusion, God so strengthened our faith amidst obstacles, that we spent upon it all we could save from our salaries and whatever we had laid up before. Many mocked us but some were moved to pity and to help us. Thus this house of assembly was carried on with all speed, thirty persons, who were all heathens, working on it daily. On the 4th of August, 1707 (exactly two months after laying the first stone), it was consecrated in both languages, in the presence of a great number of Christians, Mohammedans and heathen, and the church received the name of New Jerusalem.” Wherever he went he entered into conversation with the people on the subject of religion and was bold in declaring that their idols were naught. It was also his custom to gather at Negatapatam the learned Brahmins for a discussion sometimes lasting for five hours, and on one occasion one of these declared that the Supreme Being had revealed Himself to Europeans in one way and to Hindus in another; they might believe in Jesus Christ, but the Hindus were equally right in worshipping idols; a virtuous life was the one thing needful. “My friend,” said Ziegenbalg, “no man can lead such a life but by the help of Christ, but it is not in my power to make you perceive this; go home and bow down humbly before the supreme Lord of All and ask Him to show you how it is necessary to believe in Jesus Christ and own Him for your Redeemer.” His greatest difficulty seems to have been with the civil authorities, and Hassius, the governor of Tranquebar, an ill-conditioned Jack-in-office, actually struck the missionary on the breast during an outburst of passion and had him arrested on some frivolous pretext and conducted from his study just as he was, in dressing gown and slippers, through the streets under an armed escort. For four months he was immured in a dark cell, deprived of pen and paper and books, the governor thereby hoping to break his spirit so that his prisoner might beg for release and return to Europe. But he had mistaken the mettle of his man. The answer of Ziegenbalg to this insolent suggestion was: “I bear you no ill will, but you may see that I do not fear you in the least.” Meanwhile, crowds outside clamoured for his release, even the natives who did not accept his religion holding him in deep respect and honour. When he eventually returned to his work he found the Christians all scattered by persecution, his schools closed, and, to add to his troubles, the ship which was bringing him money and supplies had foundered at sea. Soon afterwards, however, a letter came to him from the King of Denmark, and three brethren, Gründler, Bövingh and Jordan, arrived to strengthen his hands.