When they arrived at Cuddalore the brethren in the mission received them with thankfulness, and during their short stay they took part in the weekly conference which was founded by Ziegenbalg. He had established it upon lines of simple and practical wisdom with these words: “The weekly conference which we hold every Friday with all the labourers is of the greatest utility in keeping the mission work in order. For on that day, in the forenoon, we pray to God for wisdom and counsel and each relates how he has been employed or what has occurred in the congregations and schools and in the printing and bookbinding offices and in the private houses. Here everything that might occasion disorder or detriment is adjusted and those means are adopted which may best promote the general good. The conference being over the Portuguese and Tamil assistants make a report of their labours and of whatever may be wanting, that as far as possible it may be supplied.” It is interesting to note that this excellent arrangement continued for about a hundred years after the death of Ziegenbalg, a testimony to his wise administration. In addition to this meeting Schwartz held what they called a “colloquium biblicum,” reading together those striking verses in the tenth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles where St. Peter declares the great missionary mandate that “God is no respecter of persons but in every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness is accepted with Him.” There was something very Apostolic about the visit of Schwartz and his companion to this mission station, the gatherings together for prayer and exposition of the Scriptures, the gracious influence which broke down all barriers and cheered every heart in mutual love, then finally the solemn covenant before God to bear one another’s burdens and preach the Gospel to the heathen around. Schwartz with his hands outstretched gave them his blessing: “Now the Lord has heard what we have spoken before Him. May He give us life, strength, and prosperity!” The brethren accompany their visitors a little way on their road back and then bid them farewell. They journey homewards with thankful spirits for all they have seen and been permitted to do and in due time come within sight of Tranquebar, where one of the brethren hastens forward to bid them welcome home. As they get near to the mission house the Tamil school children come slowly forward singing the metrical version of Ecclesiasticus l. 22-24: “Now let us praise the Lord,” their sweet childish voices bringing a smile to the faces of the returning missionaries. Then the other brethren come forward and the Danish soldiers stationed at the place join in the welcome. Schwartz lifts up his voice in prayer and praise.