At this time the work in India was passing through anxious times; the French had captured Madras, and Fabricius was compelled to fly with his little flock, leaving behind the devastated mission buildings. But afterwards, when the British troops had turned the tide of war, the Lutheran missionary was invited to take charge of the church buildings at Vepery, from which the Romanists had been ejected for their treason. The call for fresh helpers was urgent and Fabricius pleaded for reinforcements. In response Professor Francke was asked to select some fit men in the University to go out and take up this work, and it is not surprising that Schwartz should have been selected and recommended. He was evidently prepared for this and readily consented, but stipulated that his father’s permission must be obtained. After much prayer, for he felt the turning point in his life had come, Schwartz hastened homeward to his native Sonnenburg. At first his reception was by no means favourable. He was the eldest son, and the whole family were looking forward to his advancement as a Lutheran clergyman at home, and even his father quite naturally hoped that, as he was getting into years, this worthy son of his would take his proper place as head of the family. It was a crisis, one which has occurred in the life of many a young missionary on the threshold of his career of divine service. At such a time we often extend to the young son a deep sympathy, which, however, in justice ought to be shared with his parent. In the case of Schwartz’s father, the decision involved so much that he took three days to consider his duty, and when this time of waiting had expired the family expected that their own views on the subject would be promptly confirmed. But the old man had taken counsel of God, and he was ready, like Abraham, to make any sacrifice in obedience thereto. He came downstairs and laid his hand upon the shoulder of his expectant son, bidding him God-speed and granting him his blessing and approval, asking him never to forget his own country and his father’s house, but to go in God’s name to win many souls for Christ. The brave old man little thought how much he was giving for the welfare of the world.