MASTER NEGA TIVE NO. o 81094 MICROFILMED 1993 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES/NEW YORK as part of the "Foundations of Western Civilization Preservation Project" Funded by the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES Reproductions may not be made without permission from Columbia University Library COPYRIGHT STATEMENT The copyright law of the United States - Title 17, United States Code - concerns the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or other reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copy order if, in its judgement, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law. AUTHOR: [BUTIER, CLEMENTINA] TITLE: WILLIAM BUTLER, THE FOUNDER OF TWO ... PLACE: EW YORK, CINCINNATI DA TE : 1902] COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT BIBLIOGRAPHIC MICROFORM TARCFT Master Negative # Original Material as Filmed - Existing Bibliographic Record I 930 .S B976 Restrictions on Use: [Butler, Clementina] William Butler, tlie founder of two missions of the iMethodist Ejjiscopal church, by his daughter; with an introduction by Bishop C. C. McCabe ... New York, Eaton & Mains ; Cincinnati, Jennings & Pye, 1902. 239 p. front., illus., pi., port. 21' I cm J^Butlcr, William, 1818-1899. Library of Congress . . ©1902 A40831 \^ 2-23752 t . TECHNICAL MICROFORM DATA FILM SlZE-.Kj^^^yt^^ IMAGE PLACEMENT: lA DATE nLMED:__a_'MirZ± INITIALS __vjA HLMEDBY: RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS. INC WOODDRIDGF. CT IB IIB REDUCTION RATIO: //K. c Association for information and Image Management 1100 Wayne Avenue. Suite 1100 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 301/587-8202 Centimeter 1 2 3 iij 4 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiil I I Inches T I I I I I 5 iliiii TTT 7 8 iiiiiiiiliiiiliiiiliii T^ 1.0 LI 1.25 9 10 n iiiiliiiiliiiiliiiiliiiil I I T 2.8 1^ Iff IIIIIM If ijjj 1*0 4.0 V£ 1.4 ITT 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.6 12 13 lllljll"!"" TTT 14 15 mm liiiiliiiiliiii MflNUFfiCTURED TO fillM STfiNDRRDS BY fiPPLIED IMRGE, INC. mm^ ■i^ '^yy^ l^^. -'.^g^ ^'■3?''-7*^'>'. ■^'^'^^''^0■'*'' l . THE LIBRARIES Bequest of Frederic Bancroft 1860-1945 r ^ * ) I I i wmim asutltr The Founder of Two Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church TSli i^iJS H^augfyttv With an Introduction by Bishop C. C. McCabe "/ wou/J rather found a Mission than an Empire^' — Reid. JiP New York : EATON & MAINS Cincinnati : JENNINGS & PYE • • • • • • • .. . • « * 1 J V • • • • ' • . ,• • * • 1 K J O'^V'C/vV^ I OS yt '- Copyright by EATON & MAINS, 1902. I i: To The Board of Manageri of the Missionary Society of the Church this book is respectfully dedicated • • • ' • • • CONTENTS Introduction p The Author's Word n I. Early Days ., . . je II. "Who Will Go for Us?" 31 III. The Selection of the Field 45 IV. The Mutiny ^ V. Spears into Pruning Hooks 76 VI. Mission Activities ^ VII. Led in New Paths ua VIII. Aztec Land i^ IX. The Open Bible. , i^y X. Welcome I j^* XL In the Footsteps of the Master 199 XIL Unto the Perfect Day 217 S i i' 1 M ILLUSTRATIONS Portrait Frontispiece FACING PAGB Hindu Temple jg Cathedral in Mexico City 27 Mosque at Delhi ^4 Group of Fakirs ^2 The Goddess Kali ^5 A Group of Thugs r^ Road in the Himalaya Mountains 65 Grass Rope Bridge in the Himalayas 69 Dewanee Khass 72 The Taj Mahal 75 Weapons from Lucknow 35 Child Found Buried and Garland Worn at Durbar 99 Durbar of Native Prince 108 Elephant Lifting Teak 117 Mrs. William Butler 123 The Aztec Calendar ,^^ The Virgin of Guadalupe i^ Seeking the Favor of God by Penance (Waite, photo) 147 Martyrs of the Inquisition j 52 Popocatepetl (Waite, photo) i^ President Diaz jg j Seal of Mexico ,£. Graffito from Rome jy^ A Saint of Hinduism and a Christian Saint 183 Joel the Aged """ Buddhist Temple at Samath [,...[. 201 The Horn of Rejoicing !...!..*!.*.. 214 Interior of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Mexico City! '.'. 221 A " Butler Chapel" _ 328 " Good Morning, Grandpapa I " !.!.!.. 230 Memorial Window ^,^ 234 9 INTRODUCTION MOSES was willing to stay out of heaven long enough to see the land toward which he had been leading God's people for forty years. How pathetic the prayer, "I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Leba- non" (Deut. iii, 25). His petition was denied. He went up to Nebo to die, according to the divine command. William Butler, the Founder of Missions, had just such a desire to see India. He prayed for two years that the way might be opened. One day, after listening to his wonderful lecture, I said to him, ''Dr. Butler, how would you like to go to India and see the Mission ?" He was startled. He wheeled and faced me, his countenance beaming with holy joy. "Go to India?" said he, "I would rather go to India than to go to heaven !" The way was opened. He went through the land from Lucknow to Calcutta. His prayer was answered. Later he was sent to review the work in Mexico. This great man was permitted to reap in joy, as he had been permitted to sow in tears. Not since Francis Asbury ascended to glory has Methodism produced a man whose life and work bear more clearly and more indelibly the seal of the divine approval than do the life and work of this man of God. Let this book find its way into every Christian home and into every Sabbath school. A life so great as this belongs not to any one denomination, but to all of God's people of every name in all the world. Charles C. McCabe. ■ THE AUTHOR'S WORD s. f N response to many requests for a connected account 1 of the eventful life which was so blessed of God, it has become my duty to supply this need. No one can realize my lack of ability for the task as I do, but in the hope that this short account will enable others to see the joy of a life of service the book is sent out. The first request came from an officer of the Epworth League, and much of what is here presented was written for the young people. It is not easy to sum up the characteristics of a beloved father, since the affection and tender consideration ever manifested is what one remembers most clearly. Judging from what others have written, the success of William Butler's life was due to his intense earnestness and his sublime faith in the promises of God. Never did he refuse the call of the Church, believing that God spoke through it, and that whatever the divine voice command- ed could and should be done. He was practically never despondent, so assured was he of the redemption of the world, and so fully were all his energies consecrated to this object. The thought of being honored with some service in the train of the conquering Christ enabled him to rise above thought of failure. His idea of life was that it is apprenticeship for higher service, and that the angels would be glad to do what we are privileged to attempt. II The Author's Word Others may speak of his work as I cannot. We may look at the result of his life as presented by Bishop Foss on his return from a visit to the India Mission : "Let me show you a picture. By a three days* journey I reached a beautiful spot among the mountains — itself six thousand feet above the level of the sea — Naini Tal, which means the 'Lake of the goddess Naini.' It is a wonderful lake; I know of nothing in this country to suggest it, unless it be Lake Mohonk. Naini Tal is twice as green and ten times as big, and is surrounded by mountains on whose steep sides, embowered in the green- est foliage, are seen the palatial homes of summer resi- dents and English officials, and Christian schools and churches. From one of the near heights I got my first glimpse of The Snows,* as they call them all over India — a very diminutive name for the snow-clad Himalaya Mountains ; and there I saw, one night before sunset, and the next morning at sunrise, sixty-three peaks, the high- est of them twenty-five thousand seven hundred feet in height and the lowest twenty thousand feet. As the setting sun withdrew its rays from them they seemed to withdraw themselves and to turn into sullen heaps of gray ashes as darkness quickly covered them ; but out of it the next morning, at break of day, they rose before my eyes in glorious resurrection and majestic state. It was a sight never to be described nor forgotten. But when I came down from that vision — which can never be equaled for me in this world — I had a still profounder impression. I had just seen on the slope of the Himalayas the glacier from which one of the fountains of the Ganges bursts forth. I then saw at Naini Tal a grander sight — the spot 12 The Author's Word where William Butler, at God's command, stood and, lift- ing the rod of faith, smote the rock of heathenism, and lo ! the rill and presently the river of India Methodism ! "For four days I was there watching its wondrous flow at a District Conference. Some fifty native teachers and local preachers and stewards and class leaders were present; and also — I cannot mention it without a quick heart-throb — one of the missionaries of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Miss Budden, with her forty-nine girls and women — native Christians brought to Jesus largely by her instrumentality, whom she had led nine days* march over the rough mountain paths, twelve miles each day, carrying on their heads their tents and their food and blankets — twenty-five pounds on the head of every woman, ten pounds on the head of every girl — nine days' march to be with us four days in the corner of our humble little church, and listen and wait and sing and get blessings from God, as they did in rich abundance; and nine days* march back over rough mountains to their work again. That was my first strong impression of the river flowing in India ; but I stood on its banks in many other places later on. . . . The judgment I have formed is this : That the Christian religion has so taken hold of the vast empire of India, among three hundred millions of people, as almost to enable the careful observer to see the very footprints of the ever-living Christ all over the land." These words testify of his public life. The beauty of the patient endurance of the years of suffering, what one has called "the consummate triumph" of his days, only those privileged to minister to him can realize. To 13 The Author's Word such an active temperament eight years of inaction meant a heavy trial, but no murmur was ever heard. When asked in these days if he would be lonely if all the mem- bers of the family should leave to attend church the in- variable reply was, "No, dear, I am never alone." He was often found talking quietly to the Friend who had been with him and whose promise of "unto the end'* was abundantly realized. His love for his family was deep, so that no pleasure was complete unless shared with those whom he loved. For his son in Mexico, who had taken up his work, his interest was intensely engaged. In one of his last letters he said, "I would write to you from heaven if I could." The fragrance of his character re- mains with us all in benediction and inspiration. Clementina Butler. Newton Center, Massachusetts. 14 WillUm Sutler CHAPTER I Early Days JIRap toe not belirtre tbat part of tbe h\i0 of ^ fteabetiTp lift toin be founU in tracing tbe an^tx^ to tU praperi* of ^aintlp j^oul^ tobo bate not bere ^een tbe be^ireb enb, but ttbo babe trw^cb tbe promij^e of <3obt In Dublin, Ireland, January 30, 1818, there came into the home of a family of English descent a little son who received the name of William. As he was orphaned very soon after, his great-grandmother took charge of the child and tenderly cared for his needs. She was a devout member of the Established Church (Episcopal). It was her custom, as soon as the little lad could read, to have him stand on a chair, clad in an improvised surplice, with the Prayer Book resting on the back of his temporary pul- pit, while, with a gravity becoming the subject, he read for her the lessons, collects, and prayers for the day. As the venerable saint was not able to attend church this service was a real means of grace, and she doubtless of- fered many a prayer for the future usefulness of her great-grandson. Still we can imagine how far short her expectation must have been of the reality of his life and achievements. If a vision had been granted to her that this boy whom she was thus training in her old age would be the pioneer missionary of the largest Protestant Church in two fields IS * *! I William Butler —one on either side of the world — would she not have felt that to be beyond her faith ? Not long did the child have the wise counsel and loving care of his aged relative. He remembered with startling distinctness the night, when only a little over seven years of age, he had gone out to see a display of fireworks, on the occasion of some political celebration, and being sud- denly lifted to the shoulder of a tall man who hurried him through the crowd with the explanation that the great- grandmother was dying and could not depart in peace without giving her blessing to her little lad. Several times in his life were holy hands placed on his head, but the memory of this, his first consecration, had a tender influ- ence throughout all his years. And yet he was not a prig- gish boy, but one full of mischief, healthy or sometimes otherwise, as instanced when he fell into the water and was nearly drowned as a result of fishing in forbidden places, and on another occasion when he burned oflF his eye- brows and hair from a too enthusiastic use of gunpowder while celebrating Guy Fawkes Day. His eyebrows never grew again, a defect which was seldom noticed on account of the fine prominence of his brows. Despite his great love of fun, he was not willing to torture animals. All forlorn cats and dogs found in him a champion, and the home was never without pets of some sort. A varied assortment came under this head in later years — from the monkeys in India and the Bengal tiger (which was a gift, and its reign short, since the mother of the children ob- jected to such a dangerous playmate) to the rabbits and cockatoos which enjoyed life on the roof of the cloisters in Mexico. Visitors in the home were familiar with the dignified puss which claimed a seat at his right hand at table and received certain tidbits with a most innocent air, albeit against the rule of the lady of the house. As a young man William Butler was studious and de- termined to secure an education, an ambition in which he i6 Early Days was helped by his only sister, who relinquished many of her own opportunities in order that the brother might have the advantages which were in those days less easily obtamed than now. Fiction attracted him less than poetry, of which a goodly store was laid by in his memory, to be clearly remembered even at fourscore years. Music was a great delight, especially that which satisfied the religious side of his nature, as the oratorios and anthems of the Church. An event which moved him profoundly was hearing Jenny Lind sing, at the time of her first appear- ance m this country, "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.^' He would describe her dignified entrance, the immediate outburst of glorious song, and the impression she made of feehng deeply the inspiring sentiments she so ex- quisitely voiced. The experience of the hour induced him to study the text more carefully, and upon the words he wrought out one of his most effective sermons, which was made a blessing to many souls. At another time, as he frequently narrated, he heard a hymn sung in the busy streets of London. It was at the close of a sultry after- noon, when, looking out of a window, he saw the singer, evidently a lady of gentle birth who had been reduced by misfortune to the necessity of earning her livelihood in this way. As she stood in the crowded thoroughfare she raised her head and gazed at the gathering clouds, which presaged a severe storm. People were hurrying to find shelter before it should break upon them ; still the clear voice did not falter as the flashes of lightning appeared, but went on steadily: *' My lifted eye, without a tear, The gathering storm shall see : My steadfast soul shall know no fear; That soul is stayed on Thee." He never saw the singer again, but her faith had its mfluence in building up the wonderful trust in God which 17 William Butler enabled him to accomplish his work in the face of difficul- ties which at times seemed overwhelming. Until his nineteenth year William Butler remained a member of the Church of Ireland. He was frequently rewarded for his remarkable knowledge of the Bible, and he had no doubt that he was in a satisfactory spiritual state. Afterward, however, he averred that of repent- ance, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new birth, or the witness of the Holy Spirit he knew nothing. The editor of The Christian Advocate, writing shortly after his death in an article entitled "The Evolution of a True Successor of the Apostles," stated that 'The greatest blessing God conferred on William Butler was an unmis- takable conversion having the moral force of a miracle, renewed in each successive moment of time as long as he lived." Of such an experience only his own pen could write, and the account of the great change is here given as he published it in From Boston to Bareilly. The first influence which turned him from a life of formal Christianity to one of deep consecration was the happy Christian experience of an old blind harper, a Welshman, named Lewis, who was the teacher of a lady of high posi- tion, the wife of Judge Crampton, a member of Parlia- ment from the University of Dublin. This lady was as accomplished as she was beautiful, and in order to per- fect her playing on the harp had engaged Mr. Lewis to instruct her. To quote from his own account : "This harper was one of the most unique persons I have ever seen. He was very small, entirely blind, was always dressed with scrupulous neatness, in black, with a white cravat. His hair, white as snow, hung down upon his shoulders, and he looked like what we suppose one of the ancient bards to have been. It was a beautiful picture to see him, with the harp towering above as he discoursed the sweet music to which Mrs. Crampton would listen, and then take her place and submit to his instruction. He was l8 Hindu Temple ¥ .William Butler enabled him to accomplish his work in the face of difficul- ties which at times seemed overwhelming. Until his nineteenth year William Butler remained a member of the Church of Ireland. He was frequently rewarded for his remarkable knowledge of the Bible, and he had no doubt that he was in a satisfactory spiritual state. Afterward, however, he averred that of repent- ance, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new birth, or the witness of the Holy Spirit he knew nothing. The editor of The Christian Advocate, writing shortly after his death in an article entitled 'The Evolution of a True Successor of the Apostles," stated that "The greatest blessing God conferred on William Butler was an unmis- takable conversion having the moral force of a miracle, renewed in each successive moment of time as long as he lived." Of such an experience only his own pen could write, and the account of the great change is here given as he published it in From Boston to Barcilly. The first influence which turned him from a life of formal Christianity to one of deep consecration was the happy Christian experience of an old blind harper, a Welshman, named Lewis, who was the teacher of a lady of high posi- tion, the wife of Judge Crampton, a member of Parlia- ment from the University of Dublin. This lady was as accomplished as she was beautiful, and in order to per- fect her playing on the harp had engaged ]Mr. Lewis to instruct her. To quote from his own account: "This harper was one of the most unique persons I have ever seen. He was very small, entirely blind, was always dressed with scrupulous neatness, in black, with a white cravat. His hair, white as snow, hung down upon his shoulders, and he looked like what we suppose one of the ancient bards to have been. It was a beautiful picture to see him, with the harp towering above as he discoursed the sweet music to which Mrs. Crampton would listen, and then take her place and submit to his instruction. He was i8 Jll.XXL' 'l']:.\IIM.K Early Days a saintly man, but she knew it not. He had not yet ven- tured to converse with her on the subject of rehgion, and probably had an apprehension that her High-Churchism would lead her to resent any effort of that kind as an intrusion. One Monday morning when taking her lesson she paused and said, 'O, Mr. Lewis, I heard such a mag- nificent sermon yesterday! Whom did you hear?' He hesitated, fearing his answer would not please. She insisted; so, hfting up his heart for help, he said, 'Madam, I went to the Methodist chapel and heard a Methodist preacher.' She broke out in a hearty peal of laughter, and exclaimed. The idea, Mr. Lewis, that you should go among those Methodists!' And then she overflowed again with fun at his expense, ridiculing his want of judg- ment to 'go among those Methodists.' But her curiosity was awakened, and she urged him to tell why he went among such people, since she understood that they were very ignorant and fanatical. Again he lifted his heart to God for help, and replied, 'Madam, will you listen patiently while I tell you ?' 'Certainly ; I want to know all about it.' He then told her how he had gone and had there heard, for the first time in his life, the Scripture doctrine of a conscious salvation, and how to obtain a good hope through grace. As he spoke the grateful tears flowed down his face, and he showed the joy he described. She could gaze into his sightless countenance and note his whole expression, and as she looked and listened to the wonderful story her own heart was opening to the truth. Seeing the peace of God on his countenance, she began to realize that he had found something more in the Christian religion than she had ever known. When he came to speak of his hope that ere long he would be done with the things of earth and God would open his eyes- eyes which had never looked upon this world— her tears were flowing in sympathy with his joy. Before he had finished his narration of what God had done for his soul 19 William Butler Early Days she had resolved that she must know more about the despised Methodists, and would find out if there was reasonable and scriptural justification for such confidence and happiness. "On Sunday she ordered her coachman to drive her to the Methodist chapel in Whitefriars Street. To the amazement of the frequenters of this place of worship (built by Mr. Wesley) the splendid equipage, drawn by four bay horses, stopped at the door, and the elegant lady entered and took a seat in the front of the gallery. It is probable that the preacher was the Rev. Gideon Ouseley. She had never seen a minister in the pulpit without gown and bands, nor a service conducted without the Prayer Book. There was a heartiness in the service which pleased her, and she returned home to pray to God to help her to understand. The next Sunday she drove to church with only two horses, and the following Sunday she told the footmen that she would walk to church, as she did ever after, but had a man attend her, the object being to bring him also under the sound of the Gospel. She invited the Methodist ministers to instruct her, and was ere long gloriously converted, to the great joy of the old harper. She did not rest in this, but, like Miss Frances Ridley Havergal, she was led into the enjoyment of the second blessing. Henceforth her life became one of the most lovely examples of the beauty of holiness. Her first desire was for her husband's salvation, and in a few weeks they were rejoicing as heirs together of the grace of life. A family altar was established, and all the influence of his position was thrown henceforth on the side of evangelical religion and the moral reforms of the day, including the temperance movement. ''Such was the help God was to send to me. Shortly after these events, in view of her frail health, they purchased a beautiful country home near where I lived, and there she continued her efforts to do good. One of my friends 20 said : 'St. Valori House has been purchased by one of the judges, and his wife is a great Methodist. She walks out every morning and takes tracts with her and talks to people whom she meets about religion.' This was the first time I had heard the word 'Methodist,' and I asked my friend what it meant. He sneeringly replied, 'Why, a Methodist is one who actually believes he can know his sins forgiven and be assured of the favor of God.' He uttered this to show how fanatical such people must be, but his words took singular hold on my heart and led me to reflect much upon them. I knew they did not describe my condition, and I wondered whether they truly described the condition of anyone in this world. There was a rebound, and my religious pride was alarmed. I found myself sincerely hoping that I should not be ad- dressed by her. I did not wish to be disturbed. "It was only a few mornings later when I rose earlier than usual to attend to some business, and going along the road near St. Valori, I saw her coming toward me, attended by her maid. From the description I felt as- sured this must be the lady. I at once slackened my pace in order to get time to decide what I would do to escape. The wall on either side of the road was six feet high, and I could not jump over. It looked cowardly to turn back; so I concluded I would, as we approached, step to the very outside limit of the sidewalk and leave her a wide berth to pass on. Quickening my step to carry out my purpose, as I came near I saw to my confusion that she did not intend to move off to the inside, but was going to stop in the center of the path, so gently to bar my way ! She afterward told me that before I reached her the Spirit of God seemed to say to her, 'Speak to this young man.' As she stopped I had no alternative but to do the same. How amazed I was, and ashamed as well, that I had imagined her— the Methodist— something of a hor- ror, of which I might be afraid! How sweet her face 21 Wm William Butler was, and such a smile ! She saw that I was alarmed, but she spoke in such a gentle way, and in tones that I shall never forget: 'Good morning; may I speak a few words to you ?' My trepidation at once calmed down as I looked again at that saintly face and answered, *Yes, madam, you may say what you wish.' Touching my sleeve, she said, *I want to ask you this question : Do you pray ?' Had she asked me, *Do you say your prayers?' I could have an- swered with great confidence. She did not mean or say that, though herself an Episcopalian, and well acquainted with the Prayer Book. I had never offered an extempore prayer — could not have done it. My heart had not learned to utter its own cry to God. I had only repeated the language of other people, whether it expressed my own condition or not. I saw at once what she meant, and, being too manly to tell a falsehood, I answered, *No, madam, I do not.' She drew a deep sigh, and said. Then what is to become of your soul?' Up to that hour I had supposed that my soul was all right, but her question went through my heart, and I became conscious that I was unsaved and my soul in danger. I saw myself in the sight of God a sinner, guilty and polluted. What a revelation that hour was to me ! I had nothing to say. She saw how God was helping her, and touched my arm again. How glad I am that she touched me! The Lord Jesus touched those whom he would bless. There was sym- pathy and personal appeal in it. She talked perhaps for fifteen minutes — of repentance, what it was to be born again, to have the witness of the Spirit. When she ceased I had learned more about true religion than I had gained from all the sermons I had ever heard — I realized that I was indeed a sinner, needing a change of heart, and must be saved ! She earnestly exhorted me not to lose an hour carrying out my resolution to seek the Lord, and then used these words: *God is not only able and willing to save your soul, but he is also willing to make you the 22 Early Days means of the salvation of other people/ These words startled me. Realizing, as I then did, the depth of my own unworthiness, I could not imagine that God would add personal usefulness to personal salvation. Perhaps it ministers to the joy of this faithful disciple now to know that her expectation was not disappointed. **We parted, but I was so determined to lose no time in seeking the Lord that I let the worldly business go for that morning and walked on to a gate leading into the field, and behind the wall I dropped on my knees and pleaded with God for mercy. There and then I gave myself to Christ as Saviour and Lord forever, and im- plored him to make me such a Christian as this lady had taught me I must become. That evening I called on her, and she further instructed and prayed with me. She put into my hands the same books that had helped her — Car- vosso's Life and Mrs. Rogers's Life — telling me to read them daily, with my Bible, and keep on praying earnestly; until I felt that God had converted my soul. "It was a hard conflict, and a long time elapsed ere I entered into the light and joy of salvation. No Metho- distic or evangelical ministry was within my reach. My dear friend was my only helper. The wicked scoffed at me, and some from whom better things might have been expected pointed the finger of scorn at the *New Metho- dist.' My convictions of sin were very keen. Often I could not eat or sleep. Sometimes I was so distressed that I would rise at midnight, walk the fields, and look up to the stars and cry to God above them to come to my help and grant me mercy. In this agonized condition a new difficulty was added to my burden. A person con- nected with the 'Plymouth Brethren' urged me to give up all anxiety on the ground that If you are elected to be saved God will in his own good time gather you in ; being complete in Christ, why distress yourself thus?' I thought and reasoned over those words, if I was 'elected 23 I IP' William Butler Early Days to be saved/ and shuddered as I reflected on the other side of that doctrine. I searched for ground to enable me to believe that I was one of the elect and my safety there- fore assured, but could not find it, while my very anguish of soul and the length of time I had now struggled to find peace with God seemed to prove that I was, instead, one of the nonelect ! Had I disclosed my sorrow to my pew friend she might have helped me out of it, but I feared that I was giving her too much trouble. What weary months of distraction and mental pain I passed through ere relief came! Winter arrived, and Mrs. Crampton returned to the city. After a while I followed, and on the ensuing Sabbath morning I accompanied her to the Methodist chapel. How simple and apostolic it all appeared! The hearty singing, the extempore prayers, the experimental teaching, all delighted me. I had found the very help my discouraged soul required, and it was easy to conclude at once that these people should be my people for the rest of my life. **Here I first saw the dear old harper. It was then the custom to 'line out* the hymns — that is, the preacher gave out two lines, and when the congregation had sung them the next two were given. Everyone sang, including the harper. It was inspiring to behold his glowing counte- nance as he sang. It happened that the first hymn was *0 for a thousand tongues, to sing!' The outburst of holy praise rose in ardor as the hymn proceeded, but when we came to the last verse, * Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb, Your loosened tongues employ,* I turned to see the efTect of the next two lines on the man who of all that adoring assembly could best appreciate : * Ye blind, behold your Saviour come ; And leap, ye lame, for joy ! * The old harper was thrilled ; the effect was almost over- 24 whelming. His face shone, the tears ran down his cheeks, and the sightless eyeballs were lifted in adoration of the Saviour he seemed then and there to behold. Numbers were looking at him, their tears flowing in sympathy with his joy. Blind as he was, he was beholding more than any of us were favored to see. Thank God, there are revelations in spiritual things of which the world knows not. "The memory of that blessed Sabbath remains with me to this hour. I joined a class and entered with avidity into the enjoyment of the means of grace possessed by these people. One Sunday afternoon, in the Hendrick Street Chapel, I was enabled to rest on Christ as my per- sonal Saviour. All the burden rolled off my heart, and I knew that I was saved. I rose to my feet and acknowl- edged what the Lord had done for my soul, and those present rejoiced with me. My precious friend was made happy. She urged the duty of mental culture, and, above all, the regular perusal of the word of God, with special reference to the attainment of that further state of grace to which, as a child of God, I had now become entitled. I consequently joined one of the little bands which met to pray for this blessing of purity of heart, the 'perfect love which casteth out fear.* I did not trouble myself about the definition of the doctrine any more than I did a few weeks before when God granted me the blessing of justification. Mr. Wesley's sermon on The Repentance of Believers,' and his Plain Account of Christian Perfec- tion, and also Mr. Fletcher's treatise, greatly helped me. At one meeting a peculiar spirit of earnestness for the blessing sought became manifest. We were kneeling, and one after the other prayed, and some one suggested that we should sing, as we knelt, with all the faith we had : ' O that it now from heaven might fall, And all my sins consume ! Come, Holy Ghost, for thee I call ; Spirit of burning, come ! 25 William Butler :t! * Refining fire, go through my heart ; Illuminate my soul ; Scatter thy life through every part, And sanctify the whole.' "As the singing closed all became conscious of the sur- rounding presence of the Holy Sanctifier. I can describe my own feeling very imperfectly, for this was something beyond what I had known before. It seemed to be light and life combined, resulting in ' The speechless awe that dares not move, And all the silent heaven of love.' Christ had become everything to me, while I seemed to sink at his blessed feet, lost in astonishment and love. Those in any denomination who have sought and found this grace will understand what I am trying to narrate. The effect on me was clear. I had henceforth more delight in devotion, closer intimacy with God, greater stability of heart and character, and more deadness to the world. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding,' kept my heart and mind from day to day. "Some time after this Dr. Durbin, then the President of Dickinson College, preached at Abbey Street Chapel. His text was, *A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.' Those were the days of candles in the pulpit, and in illustration of his theme of the divine tenderness toward every penitent soul he lifted the snuffers and took off the superfluous wick; then, after a moment's pause, he opened the snuffers. A tiny puff of smoke rose up out of the holder, and he stretched it out toward the audience and proceeded to show that a feeling in the human soul as weak even as that smoking flax need not be discouraged, for God would not quench it. He carried out the doctrine of the divine mercy to mankind, and showed that willful refusal, and that alone, could cause the final rejection of any human soul. In the light of this sermon the ghastly creed of an 26 Early Days \ H u o u •J < Q U arbitrary reprobation of men as men, that horrible decree which had hung over my mind like a cloud, vanished away forever. "A new and special interest for the great country which Dr. Durbin represented sprang up in my mind. Yet how far I was from imagining that evening in what interest- ing relation we were yet to stand to each other — how from the very hand which held forth that humble illus- tration I was to receive, in another pulpit beyond the Atlantic, an American passport and that commission under which I became the chosen representative of his Church, and the founder of that work in India on which his heart was so long set and to which some of his grand- est eloquence became consecrated toward the close of his public life." Bishop Thoburn has said that what a man does within a few hours after his conversion he will do for the rest of his life, and hence urges giving immediate attention to converts to teach them at once to give and to work for others. In a short time after this joyful change came to William Butler's heart he entered the cathedral in Dublin and noticed the number of persons who were kneeling before the confession boxes. His mind was so satisfied with what he had received that he looked with compassion on the kneeling penitents and on the priests who were giving absolution. He remembered that he stood in no need of the holy water— that God had sprinkled him with the blood of Jesus Christ ; nor did he need human absolu- tion, for God himself had witnessed his pardon. The candles on the altar were nothing to him, for the light of the glory of God was shining on his soul, and he realized as never before the difference between a spiritual religion and a ritualistic faith. As he passed out of the cathedral he noticed a fine-looking old lady with a motherly face, down which the tears were still streaming. Though he >vas but a youth, he was touched with sympathy, and, 27 Early Days y. x U arbitrary reprobation of men as men, that horrible decree which had hung over my mind hke a cloud, vanished away forever. '*A new and special interest for the great country which Dr. Durbin represented sprang up in my mind. Yet how far I was from imagining that evening in what interest- ing relation we were yet to stand to each other— how from the very hand which held forth that humble illus- tration I was to receive, in another pulpit beyond the Atlantic, an American passport and that commission under which I became the chosen representative of his Church, and the founder of that work in India on which his heart was so long set and to which some of his grand- est eloquence became consecrated toward the close of his public life." Bishop Thoburn has said that what a man does within a few hours after his conversion he will do for the rest of his life, and hence urges giving immediate attention to converts to teach them at once to give and to work for others. In a short time after this joyful change came to William Butler's heart he entered the cathedral in Dublin and noticed the number of persons who were kneeling before the confession boxes. His mind was so satisfied with what he had received that he looked with compassion on the kneeling penitents and on the priests who were giving absolution. He remembered that he stood in no need of the holy water— that God had sprinkled him with the blood of Jesus Christ ; nor did he need human absolu- tion, for God himself had witnessed his pardon. The candles on the altar were nothing to him, for the light of the glory of God was shining on his soul, and he realized as never before the difference between a spiritual religion and a ritualistic faith. As he passed out of the cathedral he noticed a fine-looking old lady with a motherly face, down which the tears were still streaming. Though he was but a youth, he was touched with sympathy, and, 27 William Butler addressing her as ''Mother," he inquired the cause for her sorrow. She answered frankly that she was crying for her sins. He asked what she had done to get rid of the burden, and her reply was that she had done all the priest had required, but that the weight of guilt re- mained. He then asked if she would listen to his story, and related his experience, and how three weeks before he had the same sorrow, but that God for Christ's sake had taken it all away. The message was new to the weary heart, and she asked, eagerly: "My dear, do you think he would do it for me? Would he do it for me?" With all the earnestness of his nature he pleaded with her to go to her. home and, leaving all her penance, sim- ply to rely on Christ and ask God for forgiveness. What confidence had the boy of nineteen in his Saviour to thus commend him to the heavy-laden one so much his senior I It was the habit of the young student during his resi- dence in Dublin to visit the Four Courts and there listen to the eminent jurists and lawyers of the day, among whom Daniel O'Connell was the most prominent. The following incident was one which he delighted to relate : The Rev. S. Wood, a Methodist preacher of great talent and genuine piety, had been attacked by a Roman Catho- lic and narrowly escaped death. The would-be murderer was arrested and tried. The case aroused intense inter- est. Mr. Wood, a gentleman of refined and commanding appearance, was called upon to make his statement. In- stead of condemning the prisoner he made a most tender and eloquent address in behalf of the man at the bar. The judge was astonished. He looked at Mr. Wood, who stood, hat in hand, earnestly pleading, and said, "Mr. Wood, while I look at that hat in your hand, which is riddled with bullet holes, I cannot have a doubt of the guilt of this man." "Your Lordship," said Mr. Wood, as he instantly put his hand behind his back, "you shall see that hat no more!" The judge was moved, and the jury 28 Early Days unanimously passed the verdict of not guilty. This was received with great applause, and Daniel O'Connell him- self testified his high opinion of that unpremeditated stroke of oratory, while many of those present remem- bered the source of Mr. Wood's inspiration, as he had often read from Isaiah, "Thou hast cast all my sins be- hind thy back." William Butler afterward saw Daniel O'Connell tried for treason, and witnessed the wild excitement and the pleadings for and against that remarkable man, who at the time posed as the fearless antagonist of the govern- ment of England. In preparation for his life work the future missionary was endowed with a magnificent constitution, and his stalwart frame, nearly six feet in height, with the great breadth of his shoulders, gave the impression of unusual strength. On one occasion he entered a stage, and find- ing the only space available was next to a very petite lady, he sat on the extreme edge of the seat in order not to crowd her. The lady had a view of his broad back and massive head, and finally, touching his arm to attract his attention, she looked up into his face and said, timidly, "When the God Almighty made you he made some- thing T This fine physique stood him in good stead in the labors of his after life when long journeys had to be taken on horseback and in other ways which called for endurance. He was a magnificent swimmer, and taught many people this useful accomplishment during the sum- mer vacations at Ocean Grove or at Martha's Vineyard. On one occasion, years later, he was traveling in com- pany with Bishop Simpson and Dr. Peck. The conversa- tion turned on the birthplaces of the party, and when Bishop Simpson stated that he was born only a few months after the family came to this country from Ire- land, Dr. Peck threw up his hands in feigned alarm. "O, Bishop, what a narrow escape you had of being an Irish- 29 William Butler man!" Soon after this the trio were breakfasting at a hotel in the West, when their attention was attracted to an irate traveler who was trying to secure his breakfast in time for an early train. The Irish waiter who was serving him was so slow and stupid that finally the trav- eler exclaimed, "What did God Almighty make an Irish- man for, anyway?" Dr. Peck nudged the Bishop, and he in turn touched the missionary. When the traveler had departed, with only half a breakfast, Dr. Peck turned to his neighbor and asked, "Well, Bishop, what did God make an Irishman for, anyway?" Bishop Simpson was quite ready, and the retort came quickly, "He made him to show what he could do." The life stories of these two Scotch-Irish and English-Irish preachers show what God does with the sons of this hardy, enthusiastic, warm- hearted race. 30 CHAPTER II "Who Will Go for Us?'' " Snto me, tobo am \m tban tht Icaj^t of an j^ainti^, U tW 0race 0ftjcn, tbat 31 jJboulU preacb among tjje etntiW tht m^eavchabU ricbei of Cbri^t." In 1839 William Butler crossed the Channel to Liver- pool to be present at the celebration of the centenary of Wesleyan Methodism. On Sabbath morning he went to an open-air service at St. John's Market with a friend who was a local preacher. Greatly to his amazement, at the close of the sermon his friend announced that at three o'clock in the afternoon William Butler would preach there. He was so astonished at this announcement that he had not breath left to protest. When the crowd had departed he expostulated, stating that he had but recently been converted, but the good brother replied, "You must preach the Gospel, or you will lose your religion." Some anxious hours were passed in study and prayer. At length the words, "Ye must be born again," came to his mind, and he thought, "At least I know what that is ; so I can tell them something about it and spend the rest of the time in persuading them to seek the second birth." The burden of the Lord had been laid on his shoulders, and it was very heavy. Of the first sermon he says: "My poor heart beat fast, and I cried to God for help. At length the text was uttered, 'Ye must be born again.' There was only one way for me. If I looked into the faces of the congregation I would surely become con- fused ; so I closed my eyes and dared not open them again until my poor little sermon was ended. As I was telling what God had done for me a person on the right hand said, 'Amen !' How that helped me ! I felt that some one 31 ».«£- William Butler man!" Soon after this the trio were breakfasting at a hotel in the West, when their attention was attracted to an irate traveler who was trying to secure his breakfast in time for an early train. The Irish waiter who was serving him was so slow and stupid that finally the trav- eler exclaimed, "What did God Almighty make an Irish- man for, anyway?" Dr. Peck nudged the Bishop, and he in turn touched the missionary. When the traveler had departed, with only half a breakfast, Dr. Peck turned to his neighbor and asked, *'Well, Bishop, what did God make an Irishman for, anyway?" Bishop Simpson was quite ready, and the retort came quickly, "He made him to show what he could do." The life stories of these two Scotch-Irish and English-Irish preachers show what God does with the sons of this hardy, enthusiastic, warm- hearted race. 30 CHAPTER II "Who Will Go for Us?'' "?anto me, tobo am It^ tban the Ita^t of an j^ainti^, U tbij^ grace Oitien, tbat 31 ?boulD preacb among t})t ^milt^ tbe unj^earcbable ricbei* of CbrijJt." In 1839 William Butler crossed the Channel to Liver- pool to be present at the celebration of the centenary of Wesleyan Methodism. On Sabbath morning he went to an open-air service at St. John's Market with a friend who was a local preacher. Greatly to his amazement, at the close of the sermon his friend announced that at three o'clock in the afternoon William Butler would preach there. He was so astonished at this announcement that he had not breath left to protest. When the crowd had departed he expostulated, stating that he had but recently been converted, but the good brother replied, "You must preach the Gospel, or you will lose your religion." Some anxious hours were passed in study and prayer. At length the words, "Ye must be born again," came to his mind, and he thought, "At least I know what that is ; so I can tell them something about it and spend the rest of the time in persuading them to seek the second birth." The burden of the Lord had been laid on his shoulders, and it was very heavy. Of the first sermon he says: "My poor heart beat fast, and I cried to God for help. At length the text was uttered, 'Ye must be born again.' There was only one way for me. If I looked into the faces of the congregation I would surely become con- fused ; so I closed my eyes and dared not open them again until my poor little sermon was ended. As I was telling what God had done for me a person on the right hand said, 'Amen !' How that helped me ! I felt that some one 31 William Butler (< Who Will Go for Us? i) u was being benefited. At last I concluded, and ventured to open my eyes. I prayed, and the audience was dis- missed; the dreaded ordeal was over. I said to my friend, 'I have done what you laid on me, but I shall never make another effort.' When I returned to my home I found that the news that I had been preaching had reached there before me. This was the 'sending forth' that I received, and having obtained help of God, I have continued until this day to minister the word of life as God has enabled me. Yes, and upon that weakest of all efforts the gracious God was pleased to set his own seal. I was to meet the blessed result forty-four years afterward in America, when one of my parishioners, in traveling, met a gentleman from Canada who had inquired of Methodist matters, and on the pastor being mentioned eagerly asked his Christian name, and said, with deep feeling, 'Forty-four years ago I heard that man preach at St. John's Market, in Liverpool, and under that sermon I was led to Christ.' '' In Liverpool he met Mr. Trippett, of the New York Conference, and acquired a deep interest in the work of Methodism in this country. He subscribed for The Christian Advocate, and in that way began his interest in the Church he was to serve for so many years. A short time after his conversion the young man had entered the Hardwick Street Mission Seminary and Training School in Dublin, which was established by the Wesleyans in a building which had formerly been a Jesuit college. The institution was maintained for the purpose of preparing workers and candidates for the ministry. After completing his course here he was put in charge of a mission near Lisburn, where he held some great temperance meetings in a tent, with singing temperance sailors and soldiers he brought from Belfast to aid in the meetings. An old friend writes : "He thus enrolled a host of people on the temperance side from town and country, such as the people never saw before. So great was the wave of enthusiasm he created on that subject that many of the rich and of the poor would have died for William Butler. Later he went to a mission on the west coast and worked for the fishermen and built a chapel for them, to which they gave his name, so that the first 'Butler Chapel' was a memorial to his devotion to the poor of the Donegal Circuit." Feeling the need of further prepara- tion, he went to Didsbury College, near Manchester, to take a theological course under the venerable Dr. Hannah. An incident of his life there may well illustrate the pas- sion for the salvation of souls which possessed him. It was the custom of the students to hold cottage prayer meetings in the adjacent villages. One morning a coun- tryman appeared at the seminary asking for Mr. Butler and the other students who had led the meeting in a cer- tain village the night before. He was at first refused, as it was near lecture hours, but persisted until his request was granted. The man had been in great distress of mind on account of his sins. The members of the class were called and fervently prayed for the awakened soul. So earnest were the students that they did not hear the bell which summoned them to a lecture. The second ringing was equally unheeded, but upon the third some left, and appeared in the lecture room to find an irate professor, who inquired with some acerbity about the apparent defection of the class. This was Professor Thornton, who many years afterward so charmed our General Conference in Chicago by his impressive reading of the Scriptures. When the explanation was given he replied, in a very different tone, "Go back, gentlemen; you have a task on hand more important than Greek." In the long life granted to William Butler the leading of a soul into the glorious light of a conscious salvation was the greatest work that could enlist his endeavor. On the completion of his course at Didsbury he was 33 1 ! It M ^11 William Butler invited to the pastorate of a large church in England, but feeling that his work should be, at least at first, in his old field, he returned to Ireland and was appointed to a cir- cuit under the venerable James Lynch, who had been one of the band of missionaries accompanying Dr. Coke to India in 1814. As they traveled together the junior preacher was greatly influenced by the old man's mission- ary enthusiasm. Mr. Lynch was never weary of recount- ing their experiences and telling of the trying days when, having lost their leader at sea, on landing they were with- out money, all the drafts having been made out in the name of Dr. Coke. As an appeal to England and the answer would require six months, in those days of slow communication, what should they do until money could reach them? In their distress they called upon the Gov- ernor, who received them kindly. Mr. Lynch, having told the story so many times, finally fell into a certain form of words and with the utmost unconsciousness would state : "We appealed to his Excellency, but first we went to God in prayer, and he said, 'Gentlemen, you shall have all the money you require.' " For six years the young preacher labored in the Irish Conference, where his zeal won for him many friends. The Rev. James Shaw illustrates his systematic methods of working by a characteristic incident. Having promised to exchange with him, and to preach on the subject of missions, Mr. Shaw felt some natural trepidation. Arriv- ing, however, in the town where he was to speak, he not only found his name placarded on walls and windows, and a congregation eager to listen to his words, but arrangements completed for the young people to accom- pany the preacher to the town where would be held the second service of the day. As a result of this careful planning the speaker was encouraged and the people inspired, and large collections were taken at each appointment. 34 I* c > H o r X William Butler invited to the pastorate of a large church in England, but feeling that his work should be, at least at first, in Iiis old field, he returned to Ireland and was appointed to a cir- cuit under the venerable James Lynch, who had been one of the band of missionaries accompanying Dr. Coke to India in 1814. As they traveled together the junior preacher was greatly influenced by the old man's mission- ary enthusiasm. Mr. Lynch was never weary of recount- ing their experiences and telling of the trying days when, having lost their leader at sea, on landing they were with- out money, all the drafts having been made out in the name of Dr. Coke. As an appeal to England and the answer would require six months, in those days of slow communication, what should they do until money could reach them? In their distress they called upon the Gov- ernor, who received them kindly. Mr. Lynch, having told the story so many times, finally fell into a certain form of words and with the utmost unconsciousness would state : "We appealed to his Excellency, but first we went to God in prayer, and he said, 'Gentlemen, you shall have all the money you require.' " For six years the young preacher labored in the Irish Conference, where his zeal won for him many friends. The Rev. James Shaw illustrates his systematic methods of working by a characteristic incident. Having promised to exchange with him, and to preach on the subject of missions, Mr. Shaw felt some natural trepidation. Arriv- ing, however, in the town where he was to speak, he not only found his name placarded on walls and windows, and a congregation eager to listen to his words, but arrangements completed for the young people to accom- pany the preacher to the town where would be held the second service of the day. As a result of this careful planning the speaker was encouraged and the people inspired, and large collections were taken at each appointment. 34 4 ^ 9 4 1 *xi «4 •"* — ,% a» =) II il n^ 'Who Will Go for Us?'' At Wexford, William Butler was holding a series of revival services in the chapel of which Mr. Moses Rowe was an active member. His daughter Clementina, though not a professed Christian, had just taken a class in the Sunday school. During the meetings an especial appeal was made to any who might be attempting to teach what they did not themselves know by experience. This young lady was soon afterward happily converted. This fact, and also her close resemblance to the saintly Mrs. Crampton, gave the young preacher a deep interest in the daughter of his friend. Later he visited the family when about to preach his trial sermon before the Conference, which was on the text, "The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads : they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." The sermon was of great power, arousing unusual interest in the members of the Conference. He also visited in this home with his wife, an English lady from Manchester. In 1850 certain events turned Mr. Butler's attention to the United States, and he was led to join the Methodist Church in this growing country, being received into the New York East Conference by Bishop Janes. On ac- count of a special call to the New England Conference he was transferred and stationed at Williamsburg. On the voyage over the captain of the vessel was converted through his efforts. The missionary fire in his heart was not quenched, and during his pastorate at Shelburne Falls and at Westfield he wrote several appeals for the Church papers, made a compendium of missions, preached on the subject at the Biblical Institute at Concord, New Hampshire, and prepared the article on "Methodist Mis- sions" for Newcomb's Encyclopedia. At Westfield he had hardly entered on his pastorate when his beautiful wife died suddenly, a blow by which he was almost crushed. The three little sons were tenderly cared for by the 35 William Butler parishioners, by whom Mrs. Butler had been greatly be- loved, though she had been with them but a few months. The missionary interest in the Methodist Church was rising. Dr. Alexander Duff was visiting in this country, urging upon the denomination its duty and privilege in the great land of India. Dr. Durbin, the Missionary Sec- retary, saw clearly that India was to be the leading mis- sion field of the wodd; that the great battle between Christianity on the one hand and Islam and heathenism on the other must be fought out in that empire. In 1852 an appropriation was made, and a call for a man to go as superintendent, select a field, and lay out plans was pub- lished in the Church papers. Bishop Thoburn says : "Four years elapsed, during which this appropriation of seven thousand five hundred dollars was kept standing, before anyone with proper qualifications could be found willing to assume the responsible task of founding a great Mission in India. It would surprise our people at the present day if the whole truth were told about the search for a super- intendent between 1852 and 1856. Incidentally I have heard of so many men who were asked, and who for vari- ous reasons were unable to accept the post, that I am inclined to the opinion that no other prominent post in the history of our Church was ever declined by so many nominees." Finally Dr. Durbin published an article, in May, 1855, under the heading of "The Crisis," urging the matter of the India Mission on the heart of the Church, saying that if the right person did not soon appear the proposed Mis- sion must be abandoned. William Butler watched eagerly to see if there would not be some response to this forcible plea. Meanwhile he had written to Miss Rowe, who had so attracted his attention in her father's house in Wexford, asking if she would come to aid him in his work. She consented, and sailed for Portland, Maine, where they were married, November 23, 1854. Afterward Dr. Durbin 36 "Who Will Go for Us?" wrote to him asking if he would be willing to go to the African Mission. The request came as a complete sur- prise, but he consented ; though later, on account of his children, and the fact that his constitution would not be suited to the climate of Africa, it was thought best for him not to go to that field. He became naturalized as an American citizen and expected to devote his life to the Methodist Church in this country. The call for India was on his heart, but he refrained from offering himself, think- ing that some one longer connected with the Church here, and therefore better known and more likely to command the interest of the membership for the great enterprise, would volunteer. Finally, on the tenth of October, five months after Dr. Durbin's article had appeared, as no other had been found, he oflfered himself for the post, his devoted wife being in full sympathy with his intention. Dr. Daniel Steele repeats his words in making the deci- sion : "When I consider the character of the Son of God, who made himself of no reputation and took upon him' the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of a man, who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, I cannot longer refuse to answer the call of the Missionary Secretary to go down to those dark millions and proclaim the Gospel of salva- tion through Jesus Christ." It is worth noting that at this time William Butler was pastor of the Lynn Common Church, and that a Congregational pastor of the same city, Rev. Parsons Cooke, had just published a volume in which he endeavored to prove that the Methodist Church was not a branch of the Church of Christ, because of its lack of foreign missionary endeavor ! The volunteer was gladly accepted and was appointed Superintendent of the Mission. The expected colleagues were not ready when he sailed, on the ninth of April, 1856, with his wife and two children. On the previous day he took leave of his Conference in Salem, Massachusetts, and 37 William Butler a farewell meeting was held in his own church, at which Dr. Durbin counseled him to have confidence in the divine guidance and assured him that the Church would give him large discretion in the task he was about to un- dertake. Bishop Simpson wrote instructing him to ''Lay broad and deep foundations for Methodism in India." That this behest was carried out the record of the Mission testifies. Arrangements had been made to leave the two eldest boys with friends who had promised to care for them as their own. At almost the last moment these people recon- sidered their decision, and the father was obliged to place his boys in a school at Wilton, Connecticut. This was the greatest trial which he endured on departing, and it was made the more bitter by the words of a member of the official board of his church, who upbraided him for leav- ing his children for the sake of the heathen, and asserted that if they should become wicked the blame would be on his head. What an awful thought to lay on a father's heart ! Only by trusting in the promise of God made to whosoever should leave "children for the kingdom of God's sake," and by knowing in whom he had believed and being persuaded that he was "able to keep,'* was the father upheld in this separation. The brother who re- mained at home to care for his children failed in the task, and both went far astray, while of the two boys who were left in God's care one died, but as a Christian, and the other has been for nearly thirty years in the Mexico Mis- sion, as successful in the work as was his father. Some time was spent in London in consultation with the representatives of the various societies working in India, by whom the new missionary was invariably wel- comed, and much help given in the way of showing the most needy parts of the field. The Rev. William Arthur, the author of The Tongue of Fire, entertained the American missionaries in his home, and as he had spent 38 "Who Will Go for Us?" some time in India he was able to assist them materially. One day they had gone into London to make some pur- chases and presented their letter of credit at the bank, only to be reminded that it was drawn at three days' sight. With only one shilling in pocket the missionary's situation partook of the nature of a dilemma. If the shilling were spent for luncheon there would be nothing left for omnibus fare. If they omitted luncheon, and re- turned to the home, the day would be lost for business and shopping. Finally, upon inquiry, it was learned that the president of the bank was the philanthropist Peabody. Asking for an interview, they were received most kindly. Mr. Peabody inquired for news from Salem and was pleased to find that his visitor had just come from that town. He thus satisfied himself of William Butler's identity and allowed him to draw all the money he needed. At a mass meeting held in London as a farewell to the representative of the new Mission the venerable James Lynch, who had been the means of awakening his inter- est in missionary work, was on the platform and offered the closing prayer. Thus were brought together the be- ginnings of the work of the Wesleyan Church and that of the Methodist Episcopal for the great continent of India. The delay of three years which had passed before a suit- able man could be found to open the new work was clearly seen to be providential, since entrance to the sec- tion of country finally selected as the most suitable for our Mission was accomplished at the close of the excite- ment caused by the annexation of the kingdom of Oudh and the banishment of its cruel and debased King. As the steamer bearing the first missionaries for this field started on its outward voyage it passed a sister ship of the same line having on board the Dowager Queen of Oudh, the first woman of royal line who had ever left India. The object of her journey was to persuade the British government to leave the King of Oudh in power. 39 William Butler Had her request been granted the missionaries could not have entered that kingdom. How strange that these per- sons — one the representative of a cruel despotism, the others the messengers of the Prince of Peace — should thus cross pathways! Discussions on board ship turned on the recently published theories of Bishop Colenso, who had declared that he would admit to the Church a convert from heathenism with all his wives! He defended the proposition upon alleged scriptural grounds. The pas- sengers on board the Pera were inclined to agree with Colenso's views until one asked: "If polygamy should not exclude from the Lord's table, then should poly- andry? If the privilege be allowed to a man with five wives, why not to a woman with five husbands?" (Both conditions existed in India, though the latter is not com- mon.) This view of the question changed the opinion of those who were inclined to favor the affirmative. A more rapid voyage than usual kept the steamer at Malta to await the overland mails, and the travelers were allowed the pleasure of spending some days on that interesting island. A tradition in the family asserts that, during their sightseeing, a very hungry company having gone to the hotel for luncheon, a large piece of the *'roast beef of Old England" was placed before them. Mrs. Butler had an idea that beef would not be obtainable in India, since the Hindus hold the cow as sacred, and having a fine sea appetite, she resolved to fully show her apprecia- tion of the slices of the cold roast lest she might have no second opportunity for long years. The number of help- ings was originally placed at five, but the story has grown in the teUing! The city of Valletta held many reminders of the heroic achievements of the Crusaders. The church of the Knights of St. John kept as its chief treasure the keys of the city of Jerusalem, brought by the Knights when they were expelled from Palestine. It will be remembered 40 "Who Will Go for Us?'' that Napoleon seized the great silver images of the apostles which formerly adorned this historic temple and ordered them to be turned into coin, coolly remarking that the apostles would do more good by alleviating the wants of his men than by standing silent at the altar. A silver railing was also one of the glories of this church, but some one had painted it over so that it escaped the notice of the conqueror. Of greater interest even than the sight of these objects was the ride across the island to St. Paul's Bay, which is reasonably believed to be the very spot where the great apostle was shipwrecked. William Butler took this journey in a reverent mood, and on arrival at the place where, as described in the twen- tieth chapter of Acts, "two seas met/' and where the cur- rents even now cast upon the shore any hapless vessel driven in by the storm, he went apart from his com- panions, and kneeling down on the sand, reviewed his call and commission, and pleaded with God that he might, like the apostle, be made a light unto the Gentiles to whom he was being sent. A renewal of his consecration came to him on that spot, with a blessed influence impos- sible to put into words. St. Paul had always been, next to his divine Lord, the greatest inspiration in his Chris- tian life, and it was a joy indeed to touch the spot made sacred by the feet of the great apostle. The journey was a long, weary one. The Suez Canal not having been opened, it was necessary for passengers to transship and cross from Cairo to Suez in rough carts. The mails and luggage alone required a train of seven hun- dred camels. The verdant fields of the "Land of Goshen" were delightful; but all too soon appeared the desert lands, where sand and dust and that plague of flies from which Egypt seems never to have been relieved, together with the tepid well water, made the discomfort very great. Those who have read From Boston to Bareilly will recall the description of the blessed relief the travelers experi- 41 William Butler enced when upon entering the cabin of the waiting steamer they found a great bowl piled up with ice from Wenliam Lake, near Boston, which had twice passed the equator, and water from the Ganges to slake their thirst. "Heav- en's bounty" water is called in India, where it is so pre- cious. The first stop of their ship was at Ceylon, where a visit of a few hours allowed time for a drive to the Cinnamon Gardens and a call at the Wesleyan Mission House. Just as the hour drew near for returning to the steamer the strains of a familiar hymn were heard. There was not time to visit the class meeting then in session, but a share in the Christian worship of the Cingalese brethren was given to these new missionaries as they joined in spirit in the words of ''Jesus, lover of my soul," the first Lord's song in the strange land to which they had come with their message about this same Jesus. At Madras, two days later, Mr. Butler had his greatest anxiety concerning the future of his work allayed by a conversation with a young native student. He had been longing to know if the subtle mind of the Hindus would accept Christ in the same way as he had done, and whether they would know Christ to the joy of their hearts as had been his glad experience. The student gave such clear testimony of the saving grace of God, and of his consecration to the work of the ministry in the endeavor to bring others of his countrymen to the same blessing, that the new missionary's heart was fully assured that Christ is the same satisfying portion to every heart which will open to receive his atonement. At Calcutta the missionaries were met by two Scotch merchants, Mr. Young and Mr. Stewart, who had heard by the last steamer that the American Methodists were sending representatives, and so fully did they sympathize with all who were attempting to raise the condition of the heathen about them that they welcomed this mis- sionary family, though of another denomination and na- 42 If o c r. r. William Butler enced when upon entering the cabin of the waiting steamer they found a great bowl piled up with ice from Wenhani Lake, near Boston, which had twice passed the equator, and water from the Ganges to slake tlieir thirst. *'Heav- en's bounty" water is called in India, where it is so pre- cious. The first stop of their ship was at Ceylon, where a visit of a few hours allowed time for a drive to the Cinnamon Gardens and a call at the W'esleyan Mission House. Just as the hour drew near for returning to the steamer the strains of a familiar hymn were heard. There was not time to visit the class meeting then in session, but a share in the Christian worship of the Cingalese brethren was given to these new missionaries as they joined in spirit in the words of "Jesus, lover of my soul," the first Lord's song in the strange land to which they had come with their message about this same Jesus. At Madras, two days later, Mr. Butler had his greatest anxictv conccrnint;]: the future of his work allaved bv a conversation with a young native student. He had been longing to know if the subtle mind of the Hindus would accept Christ in the same way as he had done, and whether they would know Christ to the joy of their hearts as had been his glad experience. The student gave such clear testimony of the saving grace of God, and of his consecration to the work of the ministry in the endeavor to bring others of his countrymen to the same blessing, that the new missionary's heart was fully assured that Christ is the same satisfying portion to every heart which will open to receive his atonement. At Calcutta the missionaries were met by two Scotch merchants, Mr. Young and Mr. Stewart, who had heard by the last steamer that the American Methodists were sending representatives, and so fully did they sympathize w'ith all who were attempting to raise the condition of the heathen about them that they welcomed this mis- sionary family, though of another denomination and na- 4^ iiBaiirtiftjiliwiiiwiiliM! "Who Will Go for Us^ tionality, and entertained them during their stay in the city. This was but the beginning of the kindness and sub- stantial help which the Methodist Mission has received in generous measure from Christian men in the civil and military service and from the merchants of India. The different missionary bodies in Calcutta hailed the advent of a new Mission with joy, and several fields were pressed upon the attention of the Superintendent as being each one more needy than the last mentioned. Dr. Duff, whose eloquent plea had been the inspiration for this un- dertaking, assisted in every way in his power, saying that he believed that our system of class meetings would be successful in that land. The name of this devoted and eminently successful missionary is associated with many good works for the welfare of India; still it may well be questioned if he did anything which has proved more of a blessing to the land he longed to redeem than he ac- complished by the burning words which induced the Methodist Church, with all its enthusiasm and resources, to enter the work. The college established by Dr. Duff had at this time one thousand students, young men who were not only receiving an education, but being personally influenced by the upright character of this truly great man. Here in Calcutta the American missionaries had their first view of the idolatry of Hinduism. The Dourga Poojah, or festival in honor of the goddess Kali, was in progress for a week. All the offices of the government were closed, and business was at a standstill while the masses engaged in their worship. Images of clay were made for this festival, and the priest having prayed the presence of the goddess into the images, it was then wor- shiped. Later the priest declared that Kali had departed from the figure, whereupon it was taken to the river, broken in pieces, and thrown into the rushing water. This was the sight which met the missionaries as they drove 43 William Butler 1 along the bank, watching the workings of the system which they had come to supplant. The procession in honor of the goddess was even more dreadful, for a great image of her, eight feet high, was carried through the streets ; her long tongue hung down upon her breast, her four hands held instruments of murder or skulls drip- ping with blood, and around her throat was a necklace of skulls. As the multitudes surged through the streets, mad with the idolatry which so bound their consciences, they cried out, "Victory to Kali !" This awful cry sank deep into the hearts of the newcomers. How long must they wait to hear some of these voices in glad hosannas? Would it be their privilege to lead some of these immortal souls into loyalty to the Lord of Life? Another view of Hindu practices was brought to their attention by the reply made to their admiring notice of the beautiful little nine-year-old daughter of a baboo, when they were told that she would be married the next year! No wonder that they began with eagerness to attack the language, looking for the time when they might speak against these abuses. In a letter of Mrs. Butler's, written at this time, occurs the expression, *Tndia is the land of breaking hearts." 44 CHAPTER HI The Selection of the Field *'%thm, 31 fend an angel before t|)ee, to fteep tbee in tbe toap, anb to bring tUt into tbe place tobicb 31 babe prqpareb." Of all the jewels of the Orient, India is the choicest. Her history is one long record of the efforts of warring rulers to take her as a rich prize, the wealth of "Ormuz and of Ind" being the temptation before the eyes of each world conqueror. But why has she been the great object of desire to the missionary societies of the whole Chris- tian Church ? Under the shadow of the Himalayas there have been written those epics and hymns to which the two hundred and eighty millions of Hindus listen as to in- spired teachings. No people have such a great mass of ancient literature, and these writings have a religious tone throughout. What, then, is the system that has re- sulted from these sacred books? Why did India call to the Methodist Church in 1856? For the reason that within her borders the most awful system of idolatry which has ever oppressed the minds of men has bound her people with cruel laws of caste and custom— an idolatry so exacting that its rules enter into the minutest details of their everyday life; a system which holds up for the adoration of men three hundred and thirty millions of deities, among which there is none of mercy or love for mankind ; a teaching which keeps before their minds a horror of eight million births, which may be into the bodies of animals or of demons. This overshadowing fear of transmigration is set for us in one of their songs : '* How many births are past I cannot tell ; How many yet to come I cannot say ; But this alone I know, and know full well, That pain and grief embitter all the way ! '^ A system which provides for its worshipers idols so hideous that they are loathsome to the healthy mind. The 45 William Butler pictures sold at the shrines of Kali are more or less familiar to our eyes, but let one of the sacred books de- scribe her : "Kali, who has a terrible gaping mouth and uncombed hair ; who has four hands and a splendid gar- land formed of the heads of giants she has slain, and whose blood she has drunk." Keshub Chunder Sen, the S THE GODDESS KALI. From a colored picture sold to worshipers- leader in the reform movement called the Brahmo Somaj, stated that "Idolatry is the deadly canker which has eaten into the vitals of native society;" and another Hindu writes that "Popular ideas on the subject of Kali worship by no means reach the mysterious vileness it suggests. Those inclined to dive into such filth must study the ritual." And, still, a system which advises its votaries in 46 The Selection of the Field the later books to attempt to please this evil spirit by offering human sacrifices. The Purana states: "If a devotee should scorch some member of his body the act would be very acceptable to the goddess; if he should draw some of his blood and present it it would be still more delectable ; if he should cut off some portion of his own flesh that would be the most grateful of all. But if the worshiper should present a whole burnt offering it would prove acceptable in proportion to the importance of the beings thus immolated ; by the blood of a crocodile the goddess will be pleased three months, by that of a tiger for a hundred years ; the blood of a lion or a man will delight her appetite for a thousand years, while by the blood of three men slain in sacrifice she is pleased a hundred thousand years." The followers of this book, the Thugs, made it their practice to strangle unsuspecting travelers and defenseless strangers as their offering to this modern Moloch. And, again, a system which accords to woman a place lower than she holds in any other land, for, imprisoned in a zenana, her body was not so foully wronged as is her soul by the debasing teachings of these writings. In the ninth book of the Code of Manu she has explicit teaching that she is not to be allowed to re- ceive the benefit which is supposed to be derived from the reading of the sacred books. The law is set forth in the following words : "Women have no business with the text of the Veda ; this is fully settled ; therefore, having no knowledge of the expiatory text, sinful women must be as foul as falsehood itself." "But were there no beautiful things in these sacred books?" some may ask. Let Sir Monier Williams reply, after his constant study of fifty years : "After a life-long study of the religious books of the Hindus I feel com- pelled to express publicly my opinion of them. They begin with much promise and scintillations of truth and light, and occasional sublime thoughts from the source 47 William Butler of all truth and light, but end in sad corruption and lamentable impurities." The name of the one true God had been carried to India, it is true, by th^ Mohamme- dans, but with it they took their blind worship of Mo- hammed, their fatalism, their depraved social system, and their hatred of Christ. The Koran states that Allah, in creating the race, took a mass of clay and, dividing it into two parts, threw one half into hell, saying, "These to eternal fire, and I care not," and tossing the other half upward, 'These to paradise, and I care not"— a faith which makes the quickest road to its paradise through the killing of the unbeliever. ^, . • • What ground was there to suppose that Chnstianity would have any better fate than Buddhism, which far back, almost in the days of Isaiah the prophet, arose as a reform on this popular Hinduism and for a time carried everything before it, being adopted by the King, Asoka, who not only made it the state religion, but sent mission- aries out into the countries beyond until it extended all over eastern Asia? It was a reform, but it contained no element of true life to lift the nations into an advanced civilization. "It is an outward constraint, not an inward inspiration. God is nothing; man is nothing; eternity is nothing. Hence the profound sadness of Buddhism. The only emancipation from self-love is in the perception of an infinite love. Buddhism, ignoring this infinite love, aiming at morality without religion, becomes at last the prey to the sadness of selfish isolation." Possibly Sidney Lanier is extravagant, for the Buddhist movement^ did restrain some of the most debased elements of Hinduism ; yet he is right as he sings : ♦• So, Buddha beautiful, I pardon thee That all thou didst for needy man was— nothing ; And all thy best of being was but not to be." The end and aim, then, of the three faiths which pre- dominate in southern Asia may be thus contrasted with 48 The Selection of the Field Christianity: Hinduism, to escape from evil transmigra- tions and to reach Maya — illusion ; Buddhism, so to con- sume all desire that Nirvana — extinction — may be at- tained ; Mohammedanism, to accept Kismet — fate — and to reach a paradise of earthly delights. Against these the missionary placed his Gospel with its salvation from sin and fear of transmigration ; its one "new birth" into a life of holy service and the resurrection to blessed activities in the mansions prepared in the city of our God. The Provinces of Bellary, the Deccan, Rajputana, and others, were brought to the attention of the Superintend- ent as especially needy, but after five weeks in Calcutta he determined to go to the Northwest to consider the opening in Oudh and Rohilcund. The journey was un- dertaken in the best available method, which proved to be the buying of a small wagon which could be drawn by men. A good road existed, but the rivers were un- bridged, or spanned by rude pontoons of boats. The travelers, having acquired very little of the language, met with some trying experiences, but after a while they found that the requests proffered by the coolies who drew the wagon generally amounted to a petition to be allowed to employ more men to pull them over some difficult place, so they fell into the habit of consenting to all de- mands. One evening on the bank of a river the coolies came to ask for something and were not satisfied with the nodded assent, but still continued their chatter. Finally two came to the door of the vehicle and mo- tioned to Mrs. Butler to descend. The light was failing, and she knew that the short twilight of the tropics would soon be over ; but there was nothing to do but to alight, whereupon two of the dirty, unclad fellows made a chair with their hands and motioned that she should put her arms around their necks that they might carry her across. Feeling that she was leaving all hope behind, she was borne down into the rushing water. The small boy of 49 J William Butler the party objected vigorously to such close contact with the dark-skinned natives, and his protests uttered at the top of his lungs were wafted to the distracted mother on the other side of the river. She was distressed lest these frail-looking men would not be able to carry her hus- band's weight and might drop him in the middle of the stream. Just when these thoughts were troubling her mind she remembered that it was Saturday evening, and that the ladies of the church they had left had promised to gather every Saturday evening to pray for their mis- sionaries. That memory sufficed; all fear departed, and she was able to meet the rest of the travelers on their arrival with a glad face. One of these rivers was so broad and had so many channels that it was a day's journey to cross it, and the government, recognizing this fact, had provided a rest house on either bank. Near one such place Mrs. Butler saw the dreadful sight, which, thank God, is now seldom witnessed, of women lying on the bank with their feet in the water of the sacred river wait- ing for death to relieve their sufiferings, while some man of the family watched afar oflf until the time should come to push the lifeless body into the current. There these poor women lay, as far up the river side as she could see ! The pity aroused in her heart then has never died. Wait- ing there by the river alone, and with no glorious hope of a better life and of a heaven prepared for them by One who had redeemed them with a great price ! To those who know the India of to-day, with its splen- did military roads, fine bridges, and excellent railway equipment, the civilizing force of the British govern- ment is very apparent when contrasted with the uncom- fortable means of travel in 1856. Mr. Tucker, the Com- missioner at Benares, received the missionary most cor- dially and did his utmost to induce him to settle in his territory, showing what excellent preparatory work had been done, and offering substantial aid in the form of 50 The Selection of the Field yearly subscriptions. But on looking over the ground it was seen that missionaries of the Church of England were at work, and as the instructions were, if possible, to build on no other man's foundation it did not seem best to locate in Benares. Bishop Daltry, of the English Church, was a guest at the same house and showed a brotheriy spirit rather unusual in those days toward a mmister of a non-conformist Church. He even invited the Methodist preacher to conduct the morning devotions, though his own chaplain was with him. In parting he said, "Keep to the doctrines and teachings of Wesley, and God will give you success." The Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest was at Benares to hold a great Durbar, at which the native princes were to show their loyalty. He very kindly invited the missionary to attend and have a place in the ceremony while Mrs. Butler was privileged to sit behind a screen with the English ladies. The first arrivals were the princes of Delhi, who were received with much ceremony as members of the royal line of the Moguls. They were magnificently attired and covered with blazing jewels The Governor shook hands with those highest in rank and bowed to the rest as they made their low salaams. Then a salver was brought on which was a silver bowl of attar of roses, with which the Governor touched the hand of each noble and presented him with ''pawn," a mixture of spices done up in betel leaf and silver tinsel. These marks of favor having been received, each noble retired with profuse protestations of friendship for the English None knew that the dreadful Mutiny was then being planned by these very princes. After these came the princes of Nepaul and nobles from the Punjab, wearing great fur caps and dressed in cloth of gold and silver, i hese were likewise honored. After them came a grand- son of the "Lion of the Punjab," Runjeet Singh. The youth was about thirteen years of age, and as hk educa- 51 William Butler tion had been intrusted to an Englishman he was able to address the Governor in English, which he spoke with fluency. He wished to go to England, but his mother was not willing. The Rajah of Benares was the next guest of honor and was received with a salute of thirteen giuis. He was more at home, and appeared to be amused at the thought of the English ladies being hidden behind a curtain like the ladies of a zenana. The last notable to appear was Amrut Rao, the grandson of the man who saved the life of War- ren Hastings when the people of Benares had risen against him. He arrived and was presented in a plain dress, and then claimed the privilege of going to an ante- room to don the robes of state which had been presented to him, with his title, as a reward for this action. These robes were of cloth of gold, richly ornamented, while a valuable sword and a buckler on his arm completed the array. With great pomp the Governor presented to him a riding whip and an elephant goad, to signify that out- side a beautiful charger and an elephant waited his accept- ance. A lesser noble was presented with a watch and chain to show the government's appreciation of his action in opening a school, it being their policy to encourage education by every means. This description is here given that it may be seen how utterly unsuspecting were the English of the outbreak that was so soon to follow. They imagined that these ceremonies and the show of power would attach the people to their government; yet while at this Durbar these very men, with a few splendid excep- tions, were planning for the overthrow of the government which now so highly honored them. After surveying the field the Methodist representative decided that of those localities as yet unsupplied with organized missions the Provinces of Oudh and Rohilcund were the most needy. His good friend Commissioner Tucker told him that if he remained in Benares he would 52 The Selection of the Field i C/) O a H b O o as o <1 .» find a people prepared, but if he should go to-OudK, where the Mohammedan influence was so strong and the bigotry of the people so great, he would have to "take the bull by the horns." So in the very stronghold of the enemy the Mission of the Methodist Church was estab- lished. It was understood that twenty millions of un- evangelized people were in these Provinces, which com- prise a tract nearly as long as England and contain within their territory some of the most important shrines of "the throne land of Rama." As he passed through Alla- habad the Presbyterian missionaries proved themselves true friends of the new work by giving to it a young man, educated in their schools, who could act as interpreter. This young student, Joel T. Janvier, was willing to go to the, to him, distant field, but the question arose as to whether his wife's mother could be induced to consent to the separation. The poor widow was called and the case presented. With tears in her eyes she replied, "Sahib, the Saviour came down from heaven to give him- self for me, and why should I not give my daughter to his work ?" Mr. Muir, the Commissioner at Agra, afterward Sir William Muir, Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest Provinces, had been making a special study of Moham- medanism and later published a Life of Mohammed which stands at the head of the list of works on the subject. After an honorable career in India he retired and was elected President of Edinburgh University. When the Americans arrived he welcomed them to his home and •showed great kindness, a delightful Christmas being spent under his roof. Here a friend provided a striking contrast. He took the new arrivals to see the most beau- tiful building in the world, the exquisite Taj Mahal. As it rose in its perfection in the midst of its lovely gardens it was like a bit of paradise. Immediately afterward the missionaries were escorted across the street— and in that 53 The Selection of the Field o find a people prepared, but if he should go to OudK, where the Mohammedan influence was so strong and the bigotry of the people so great, he would have to "take the bull by the horns." So in the very stronghold of the enemy the Mission of the Methodist Church was estab- lished. It was understood that twenty millions of un- evangelized people were in these Provinces, which com- prise a tract nearly as long as England and contain within their territory some of the most important shrines of ''the throne land of Rama." As he passed through Alla- habad the Presbyterian missionaries proved themselves true friends of the new work by giving to it a young man, educated in their schools, wdio could act as interpreter. This young student, Joel T. Janvier, w^as willing to go to the, to him, distant field, but the question arose as to whether his wife's mother could be induced to consent to the separation. The poor widow w'as called and the case presented. With tears in her eyes she replied, "Sahib, the Saviour came down from heaven to give him- self for me, and why should I not give my daughter to his work?" ]\Ir. ^luir, the Commissioner at Agra, afterward Sir William Muir, Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest Provinces, had been making a special study of Moham- medanism and later published a Life of Mohammed which stands at the head of the list of works on the subject. After an honorable career in India he retired and was elected President of Edinburgh University. When the Americans arrived he w^elcomed them to his home and showed great kindness, a delightful Christmas being spent under his roof. Here a friend provided a striking contrast. He took the new^ arrivals to see the most beau- tiful building in the world, the exquisite Taj Mahal. As it rose in its perfection in the midst of its lovely gardens it w^as like a bit of paradise. Immediately afterward the missionaries were escorted across the street — and in that 53 William Butler The Selection of the Field short journey they seemed to arrive at the lower regions. The sight which awaited them was that of two hundred Thugs— men who under the cloak of their religion had made it their practice, according to the Kalika Purana, before mentioned, to delight the goddess by human sacri- fices. They had made away with travelers on lonely roads, or broken into houses at night and murdered the inmates, not a child escaping. In no country boasting of any degree of civilization, save India, could such monsters claim religion as a pretext for their deeds. This religious sanction for the crimes committed by these men made it almost impossible for the native governments to cope with the evil, but the English authorities had no such scruples, and these two hundred had been imprisoned. A few days later some of them were photographed. It is well-nigh incredible that these faces here presented were of this class, but the one on the left acknowledged to thirty ^'sacrifices." During the Mutiny these men were released, and it is probable that they had a share in the awful atrocities of that period. The Province selected for the Mission comprised an area equal to all of New England without Maine, with a population four times as large as that of the whole of New England. It extended from the Himalayas to the Ganges, and contained seven hundred large towns and cities. The capital of Oudh, Lucknow, had three times the population of Boston, and Bareilly was the home of two hundred thousand souls. William Butler felt that the Almighty had ''fixed the bounds of our habitation," and that it was a field worthy of the powers of the great Methodist Church. It was the classic ground of Hinduism, and presented peculiar difficulties because of the many shrines which are found on the banks of the sacred rivers, which, as places of pilgrimage, are thronged by hundreds of thousands of worshipers every year. Oudh alone, when our Mission was founded, contained two hundred 54 ^4 I and forty-six forts with eight thousand gunners. One of the three members of the commission which had informed the King of his removal told the missionary of the painful scene when these Englishmen went without a guard to break the news to Wajid Ali Shah. The corruption of the court had been so great that Bayard Taylor long be- fore had written that 'The East India Company would be fully justified in deposing the monarch." The old King wept and threw his turban on the floor, a sign of the deepest sorrow, refusing to accept the pension which was offered and which would support him in kingly state. But his wrath was as nothing compared to that of the Dowager Queen, who stormed through the screen behind which she sat for the interview. The King was almost an imbecile, possibly from the drugs administered by those who misgoverned in his name. After his removal to Cal- cutta he occupied a place on the banks of the Hugli. There he amused himself by watching the flights of his flocks of trained pigeons rising and soaring in figures obedient to the flag signals of an attendant. The palaces and tombs of Lucknow were renowned for their splendor, the halls being filled with foreign curios as well as specimens of native art. There were costly clocks, French ornaments, and crystal chandeliers, on one of which the King was said to have spent fifty thousand dol- lars, while his needy people were neglected. The mission- ary's first view of the city was from the back of an elephant which the Commissioner had provided, insisting that it would not be safe for him to go into the streets alone. In front of the elephant went a mounted guard bearing a lance eleven feet in length to protect the Ameri- can. So great was the lawlessness that every man in the bazaar carried a weapon. This first sight of the ex- treme depravity everywhere abounding was disheartening to the missionaries as they were carried through the crowded streets. All the magnificence of the architecture 55 William Butler The Selection of the Field and the' rare beauty of the gardens were not sufficient to blind their eyes to the wickedness of the inhabitants. The splendid tomb of the great Nawab Azaf-ud-Doulah illus- trated the fascinating beauty of the fabled Orient, while the condition of the masses indicated with equal clearness the effects of the Mohammedan misrule. The mosque being erected by the mother of the King, on which it was reported that she had expended over five millions of dol- lars, was beginning to fall because of dishonest work. Poor woman, she imagined herself so powerful that if she would condescend to go to London to ask for the favor she could induce the British government to allow the King to continue this state of things. The Methodist missionary concluded that this kingdom sadly needed the Gospel of peace. In spite, therefore, of much opposition from the English officials, which was in striking contrast to the cordiality with which the mission- ary had been received elsewhere— those in Lucknow even going so far as to advise him to take the first ship back to America— he began a search for suitable headquarters. Nothing could be found adapted to his purpose ; so he reluctantly moved on to Bareilly, where two officers, Colonel Troup and Lieutenant Gowan, and Judge Robert- son welcomed the missionary and aided, him in securing a fairly good piece of property. Joel was found to be an excellent interpreter and soon afterward entered into clear experience of the converting grace of God. A class meeting was established which was attended by six per- sons, one of them being Miss Maria Bolst, a Eurasian young lady who had been converted in the Baptist mis- sion in Calcutta. She had been praying that God would send some Christian workers to Bareilly and was ready to assist Mrs. Butler to begin among the women. To- gether they went to the homes of some of the poorest of the people and begged the privilege of teaching their daughters. This was an unheard-of thing in this Province, 56 ! and no little girls could be secured to attend the school. The two Christian women could only plead with God to open the way to the hearts of their needy sisters. One man indeed said that he wished his daughter taught, but on going to his house it was soon discovered that the in- struction was not for his daughter, and that those who desired it had no intention of using it for a good end. So the first message given by the Methodist Mission in a Hindu house was to fallen women. Rumors were being circulated among the natives that the missionary had come as an agent of the British gov- ernment to make Christians of them all by some mysteri- ous method, no distinction of nationality between English and American being known. Services were opened for the English-speaking people and also in Hindustani, the first named being attended by many of the devoted offi- cers of the army. Rumors of unrest in the native forces were constantly being heard, but so sure were many of these officers of the fidelity of those men who had "eaten their salt," as the Oriental expresses loyalty, that they did not credit these mutterings. The Presbyterian mission- aries at Futtyghur learned of the real danger, and wrote to Bareilly urging that the Methodist missionaries join them, as they had prepared to leave for Calcutta at the first outbreak. Mr. Butler did not like to leave his post at the first alarm, and, while grateful for the offer, he refused to fly from his station. Stories were heard of little cakes which were being circulated in the villages, which were understood as signals for the uprising, and some fakirs were captured carrying orders to rise against the English. The officer in command at Bareilly sent all the ladies and noncombatants off to the hills, where it was hoped that they might be safe. The Mutiny broke out at Meerut on May nth, and news of the slaughter was brought to Bareilly. Immediately Lieutenant Gowan came to the Mission to inform the Superintendent, who 57 If. William Butler then broke the news to his wife, and they prayed together. In an old notebook of this date are found the words: '1 was dcHghted to hear the faith of her prayer. It was a prayer a martyr might have uttered, there was such trust in God and calm submission to his will. But she broke down when she came to pray for the innocent little chil- dren. My God, I give myself to thee. If I live may my life be more devotedly spent, but if otherwise, thy will be done. Remember my Mission; let it not die!" This was May 14. The missionaries did not feel it right to leave their work without further assurance of danger. Finally the commanding officer. Colonel Troup, came and urged them to go, saying that they could do no good, but ran a great risk by remaining, whereas by going they would be in safety and able to return when matters were adjusted. The good man, forgetting his high position, then knelt down and prayed for them and for the many who were to be ere long in such danger. After this prayer the missionaries were willing to leave, and prepara- tions were made to depart to the hills after Sunday, the seventeenth. Mr. Butler went into his library and selected a few of his most precious books and his letter of instruc- tions and passport. Only a few most necessary household things were gathered together and made ready for flight. Naini Tal is a beautiful spot on the first spurs of the Himalayas, over six thousand feet above the sea. The village is situated in a narrow valley around a lake of singular loveliness. It has been compared to Lake Mo- honk, though Naini Tal is much larger and the mountains surrounding it are fifteen thousand feet high. Their sides are covered with luxurious vegetation, and from their summits may be seen the majestic splendor of the snowy range which rises higher than any other mountains on earth. Naini Tal had been known as a sanitarium for people exhausted by the heat of the plains, and its seclu- sion inspired the hope that it might prove a safe refuge 58 I 1 The Selection of the Field till the storm of the rebellion was over. To reach this haven it was necessary to pass through the strip of land at the foot of the mountains and then ascend the six thou- sand feet by the winding road either on horseback or in rude chairs carried by the hardy mountaineers. The mountain people were not friendly to the plains folk, so there was little likelihood of their joining the mutineers. In this place it was hoped that a stand could be made until help would arrive from England. No one had an idea at this time of the long struggle which was to ensue before the rebellion was conquered. 59 The Mutiny CHAPTER IV The Mutiny "<©ob tt>m not n\\m one btop of blooD to be ^beb for bim ujitbout mahing it fruitful of eternal oooD."— Phillips Brooks. The last Sunday in Bareilly was a day of dread. Only ten persons ventured to attend the service. On Monday preparations were made by the missionary household to depart, and as all the palanquins had been taken the only conveyance available was what they managed to contrive out of native bedsteads. These light frames were turned upside down and ropes tied to each corner, through which a long pole was passed, forming a sort of flat hammock. In this a person could be carried by four men. That morning, in the midst of these preparations, the home mail arrived, and in The Christian Advocate were the words, "Pray for your lonely William Butler." No rein- forcements had reached him, though more than a year had passed, and therefore the Church was called upon to re- member its representative in the distant field. How sorely was he in need of the prayers of God's people at that time! After the preparations for flight were all completed the English judge of Bareilly came to protest. He said that the native judge. Khan Bahadur, had assured him that there was no danger, and he therefore objected to having the missionaries yield to the panic. So strong were his arguments that if the arrangements had not been fully " made his remonstrances would have prevented the de- parture of the family. Alas! this crafty Mohammedan was the chief of the traitors, and Judge Robertson was one of the first to fall by his orders. That evening, too, 60 came the news that Delhi had risen and the Europeans had been massacred. So in the darkness of that sad night the little company took their leave, intrusting to Joel the care of the mission house. The first part of the road was quickly passed, but on the second day, about midnight, in the heart of the jungle which must be traversed in order to reach the foothills, the bearers put down their burdens and deserted. There were the fugitives, in this malarial region, with no possible way of proceeding; stranded in a jungle full of beasts of prey. The nearest village was twelve miles away. The Superintendent wrote of the situation : "It was an awful time, and for a few moments my agony was unutterable. I thought I had done all I could, and now everything was on the brink of failure! How vain was the help of man ! I turned aside into the jungle and, taking off my hat, hfted my heart to God. If ever I prayed I prayed then ! I besought God in mercy to influence the minds of these men. I reminded him of the mercies that had hitherto followed us. My prayer did not last two minutes, but how much I prayed in that time 1 I returned to the light and looked. Without a word from me the men bent to their burden and started. I had known what it was to be in peril by the heathen, but the feeling of divine mercy and care rose over it all. The next day one of my fellow-travelers, who had experienced great trouble by the way, and had been obliged to give heavy bribes to induce her bearers to go on, remarked, 'What could have happened to Mrs. Butler's bearers that they started so cheerfully and arrived here so soon with- out giving her the least trouble ?' Ah, she knew not, but I knew. There is a God who heareth and answereth prayer !" The last two of the eleven miles of the journey, leading up the face of the mountain by the steep zigzag road, was undertaken at three o'clock in the morning. The fugitives arrived in their place of refuge just in time to hear the bell of the English church ringing, for that day 61 J William Butler The Mutiny had been set apart as a time of humiliation and prayer for those in grave peril on the plains below. On Sunday, May 31, the faithful Joel preached at Bareilly to the people on the text, "Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the king- dom." During the closing prayer the guns opened fire, and the awful slaughter began. The rebels went to the mission premises, set fire to the house, and expressed their regret at not finding the missionary. Miss Maria Bolst, the first woman member of our Mission in India, was beheaded by a Sepoy just as she fled to the mission house in the vain hope of safety. Her body fell under the hedge of roses which had been Mrs. Butler's especial delight, and a friendly native woman buried her there. Fully one half of those who had attended the services were mur- dered, in some cases with great cruelty. The two officers who had warned the missionaries to leave managed to escape, Colonel Troup by riding all day under the awful sun of May, and finally both reached Naini Tal in safety. The Presbyterian missionaries at Futtyghur, who had invited the Methodist missionaries to come to them for safety, were massacred, those who drove them to the place where they were killed taunting them, and asking, **Where is now your God?" The atrocities practiced by the mutineers wxre awful, and one of their first acts in several places was to liberate the criminals from the jails so that they might join in the terrible work. Even the strict oriental laws of hospitality were violated in the palace of Delhi, where gentle Englishwomen were killed by the order of the Empress. Every missionary in that part of India perished save these two newly arrived Methodist workers. It will be recalled that the founder of the Scotch Mis- sions in India, Dr. DuflF, had a most disastrous voyage when he set out in 1830. His ship went down off the coast of Africa, and he lost all he possessed, escaping 62 \ barely with his life. He was a second time shipwrecked, off Mauritius. The first Superintendent of the Wes- leyan Mission died on the voyage, and now the Superin- tendent of the Methodist Episcopal Mission was com- pelled, within ten weeks of the establishment of his work, to flee for his life and remain ten months in a place of refuge before it was possible to return to his station. In fact, so lost to the world was William Butler that Dr. Duff published an obituary of him, for the appreciative words of which the American missionary had the oppor- tunity of thanking him years later when a guest at his table. The little handful of refugees at Naini Tal were called together by the Commissioner of the Province and or- ganized into a militia company. A very ''awkward squad" it was, composed of noncombatants of every grade, from the youth of seventeen to the veteran of eighty. The situation was serious enough, but the appearance of the raw recruits brought a twinkle into the eye of the good commander as he estimated their capabilities. Each man was provided with some weapon of defense, and the mis- sionary walked home with a musket on his shoulder and his pockets full of cartridges, with every intention of using them when it should become necessary in order to protect from the rebels the helpless women and children under his charge. Upon seeing him thus accoutered his wife declared that she had married a Methodist preacher, not a soldier ; but he considered that he had taken the gun as a religious duty. The narrow path which zigzags up the mountain side to Naini Tal was cut away by the de- fenders so that in places only two could walk abreast. Great rocks were placed where they could be hurled down upon any invading party and the one small cannon planted in a position to command the road for a considerable dis- tance. When, subsequently, a large force of the Sepoy army was sent to take the temporary stronghold, and five 63 William Butler different assaults were made, the thousands of mutineers were not able to face this little band of Christian men who stood for the defense of the women and children. A congregation was gathered, and the missionary preached to them as a dying man to dying men. Before the rebellion was crushed every person in this congrega- tion save two wore some badge of mourning. The hill natives are of a different race from the plains people and would not join them, to which fact, added to the fidelity of the Nawab of Rampur, who held the other entrance into this valley, the handful of refugees owed their safety The villagers informed them that they were the last of Christian life left in India ; that from where they stood to the sea on either side every white man had been killed. Scouts were sent out from time to time, but only one re- turned, he having had his nose and ears cut off. One message was received from Mr. Edwards, who was in hiding in the plains below. The man who ventured to bring it had the little note hidden in a bamboo cane, which he broke and produced the bit of paper. Knowing what a risk he had run to carry anything, Mrs. Edwards sent her message of gladness by a pantomime. She was dressed in the deepest of mourning when he arrived, as she had believed her husband had been killed, but she withdrew and returned all in white. This was described and fully comprehended by the husband when the faithful messenger returned. Khan Bahadur, who had assumed the title of the Na- wab of Rohilcund, put a price on the head of each of the refugees, Mr. Butler's being listed at five hundred rupees. This crafty Mohammedan was the chief of traitors. Judge Robertson, who had trusted him, was the first to fall under his orders. From the Rampur side there was great danger, as a force could come up and destroy the little force at Naini Tal, but some time before the English had sustained the Nawab in his right to the throne against an 64 I The Mutiny in H Q ■< O effort to supplant him. He now displayed his gratitude for their action and refused to join the Mutiny, though urged strongly and with threats, and even sent supplies, money, and medicine to the distressed company. The utter destruction of all in Bareilly induced the Superin- tendent to write concerning the valuable library he had left in the mission house: "All is lost, save life and the grace of God. The sympathy and prayers of the Church are still ours. My library gone ; the collection of my life, the books that I had hoped might some day serve an im- portant purpose in our Mission when it would have been our privilege to have trained some of the young men of India for usefulness. Here we are, like shipwrecked mariners, grateful to have escaped with our Hves. Per- sonally I do not so much regret these things, but on ac- count of my Mission I am depressed. It is crippled. It has been covered with a cloud. Shall we give it up be- cause earth and hell have risen up against us? Nay. Greater is He that is for us than all that can be sent against us !" In constant anxiety the weeks passed until August 4, when another alarm caused the refugees to be sent thirty miles farther, to a place of greater safety. The ladies and children were dispatched first, and the Superintendent followed later in the evening ; so night overtook him in the jungle. Here occurred another escape which he remem- bered with profound gratitude to the end of his life. As he went along the narrow road in the darkness and pour- ing rain, without a light or any protection from the wild beasts, his horse slipped over the edge of the precipice. The rider succeeded in throwing himself from the saddle down upon the road without losing his hold of the reins of the poor brute, which was struggling to regain his foot- hold. Finally, with the help from the reins, the horse clambered back to the path, tearing off his hind shoes in the violence of his struggles. Seven miles the refugee 65 i The Mutiny '/i o effort to supplant him. He now displayed his gratitude for their action and refused to join the Mutiny, though urged strongly and with threats, and even sent supplies, money, and medicine to the distressed company. The utter destruction of all in Bareilly induced the Superin- tendent to write concerning the valuable library he had left in the mission house: "All is lost, save life and the grace of God. The sympathy and prayers of the Church are still ours. My library gone ; the collection of my life, the books that I had hoped might some day serve an im- portant purpose in our jMission when it would have been our privilege to have trained some of the young men of India for usefulness. Here we are, like shipwrecked mariners, grateful to have escaped with our lives. Per- sonally I do not so much regret these things, but on ac- count of my Mission I am depressed. It is crippled. It has been covered with a cloud. Shall we give it up be- cause earth and hell have risen up against us? Nay. Greater is He that is for us than all that can be sent aq'ainst us !" In constant anxiety the weeks passed until August 4, when another alarm caused the refugees to be sent thirty miles farther, to a place of greater safety. The ladies and children were dispatched first, and the Superintendent followed later in the evening ; so night overtook him in the jungle. Here occurred another escape which he remem- bered with profound gratitude to the end of his life. As he went along the narrow road in the darkness and pour- ing rain, without a light or any protection from the wild beasts, his horse slipped over the edge of the precipice. The rider succeeded in throwing himself from the saddle down upon the road without losing his hold of the reins of the poor brute, which was struggling to regain his foot- hold. Finally, with the help from the reins, the horse claml)ercd back to the path, tearing of¥ his hind shoes in the violence of his struggles. Seven miles the refugee 65 William Butler The Mutiny walked in the lonely jungle, the horse merely serving as company, as he could not be ridden — and, in fact, died from the injuries a few days later. At Almora compara- tive safety was found, and on August 1 5 they received the first news from the world. The postmaster at Bombay had found them and had managed to send a mail over the mountains outside of the disturbed area. In this mail three numbers of The Christian Advocate and three of Zions Herald came. In September their communication was again cut off. A letter written at this time by the Superintendent to Dr. Durbin says : 'This is one of the last efforts of hell to retain its relaxing grasp on India, and the issue will be for the salvation of millions. Don't be discouraged for us. If the sufferings abound so do the compensations; if I am cut off (which is not improbable) remember my Mission and sustain it.'* The safety of the little band of refugees in Naini Tal was guarded from the Nepaul side by the wise policy of the Prime Minister, Sir Jung Bahadur. When the Em- peror of Delhi sent to ask that Nepaul join in the effort to rid India of Christian rule the Minister persuaded the Rajah to allow him to send the answer. It was in one sentence. To the Great Mogul, who fancied that his power was sufficient to crush Christianity and England's influence in India, he sent only these words : *T have seen Portsmouth!" What did this message signify? *T have seen Portsmouth!" The mystery of the communication was more disheartening than a direct refusal would have been. The Delhi Emperor did not fully understand, but he realized some serious interpretation. It meant to Jung Bahadur just this: a short time before he had visited England. The British government had wisely shown him many attentions and had taken him to the naval arsenal at Portsmouth, the greatest storehouse of munitions of war in the world. The wonderful resources of England were there displayed, and the envoy from Nepaul knew 66 : that a power with such provisions for warfare could not possibly be finally defeated, so he held his master to its interests and saved Nepaul. Mr. Butler was deeply im- pressed by this incident. He was accustomed to use it in illustration of the source of faith in the Christian's heart when he has once entered into such close communion with God as to realize the almighty power. Perhaps he owed his confidence in the face of the special difficulties of his work to a revelation of this sort. In his marvelous con- version he had indeed known something of the power of God beyond the common experience, a power which never failed even in the most trying days of the Mutiny, when all Christian life around them was reported to have been destroyed. Even at that hour he begged for support for his Mission, though he might not be there to receive the reinforcements. His faith made him an optimist, and nothing aroused his enthusiasm or kindled his eye more than to speak of the triumphs already won for the cross of Christ and of those "greater things" which the Master had promised should be done by his disciples. The Church needs such a vision as this that she may not falter in the work of evangelizing the world. Pessimism is out of place in the heart of a Christian. The gun of the station was to be fired for alarms, and the refugees had each his post for the defense. Finally, after months of suspense, the roar of the cannon was heard, and the ever-alert missionary started up, seizing his musket and hurrying to take his place. But the firing continued until the "royal twenty-one" had been boomed out over the hills. It could mean only one thing: Delhi had fallen! And it may well be imagined what rapture was kindled in one heart which realized not only that it meant life for himself and his dear ones, but also the downfall of the great enemy of the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ ! Of the feelings of this missionary family and the wonderful escapes of some of their Christian friends The 67 William Butler i^ Land of the Veda relates so fully that it is not nccess:i to repeat them here. Soon after the cheering news of the fall of Delhi, the turning point in favor of the English arms, it was deemed safe to attempt to reach that city by a road over the moun- tains, requiring some eighteen days of travel. The neces- sity was urgent of gaining some English headquarters where a bill on London could be cashed. It may be well to note the way in which the little handful of refugees had been provided with the necessities of life during these seven months of siege. The money they had brouglit when they fled for their lives was soon exhausted. No mails were being received, and scarcity of food would have been a very serious addition to the anxieties of their position. The upright Christian character of the Commissioner of the Province had so impressed the people in the town that when he called the native merchants together and assured them that England would surely resume the government, and that tliey would some day be relieved even if the struggle were long and bitter, and asked them if they would take his order for the amount in the public treas- ury, to be repaid when Delhi should fall, their confidence in him was so great that they heartily consented. Henry Ramsey thus saved the lives of the refugees under his care by virtue of the record of his years of consistent liv- ing before the heathen. Through long intervals of sus- pense these orders of his constituted the only money avail- able. The longed-for news of the fall of Delhi was de- layed for five months. Even the children talked of it, and one little fellow w^as overheard saying to his brother as he gazed at a big hole in the top of his boot, "Never mind, Robbie; you shall have a new pair when Delhi falls.'* All sorts of promises w^ere made for the glad time ''when Delhi falls." Now it had fallen, and it w^as possible to journey across the mountains to that city through terri- tory under British control. The Superintendent desired 68 I in X H S !^ \ i> The Mutiny to go in order to meet the two missionary families which had landed in Calcutta in September. The trip would require seventeen days of rough travel, but the importance of the object decided him to venture. A small tent and the few necessities for comfort were secured, and with Mrs. Butler and their three months' old babe he started. The road taken wound over the mountains, by narrow paths on the edges of deep precipices, down into the valleys and across the rivers in such poor fashion that to cover ten miles was a good day's journey. Fires were built at night, not for warmth only, but to keep off the wild beasts ; still, in spite of this precaution, a tiger came one night and carried off the goat which had been taken along to furnish milk for the baby, although the poor animal had been tied to the rope of the tent. The greatest danger of the trip was in crossing the Ganges on a grass rope bridge at Teree. Here the river rushed through a rocky gorge spanned merely by this native bridge, already in the last stages of decay. A new bridge was built immediately after. But for the missionary party there was no alterna- tive. Across this swaying contrivance they must go. It was a very primitive sort of suspension bridge; it con- sisted of four ropes, two for a hand support and two be- low on which bamboos were tied for steps. Through the open spaces thus left the waters of the river could be seen tumbling on the rocks forty feet below. It seemed to Mrs. Butler that she could neither venture herself over this flimsy affair nor trust her life to the men to carry her across. But their errand was imperative, and this was the only available road ; so she closed her eyes, daring to open them only once, in the middle of the bridge, when the sight of the raging waters made her quickly close them again. The men bore her gently over, and there she watched the others in their attempt to cross. One English lady refused to trust the bearers and attempted to walk. At first she went on well, but before she was halfway 69 A The Mutiny to go in order to meet the two missionary families which had landed in Calcutta in September. The trip would require seventeen days of rough travel, but the importance of the object decided him to venture. A small tent and the few necessities for comfort were secured, and with Mrs. Butler and their three months' old babe he started. The road taken wound over the mountains, by narrow- paths on the edges of deep precipices, down into the valleys and across the rivers in such poor fashion that to cover ten miles was a good day's journey. Fires were built at night, not for warmth only, but to keep off the wild beasts ; still, in spite of this precaution, a tiger came one night and carried off the goat which had been taken along to furnish milk for the baby, although the poor animal had been tied to the rope of the tent. The greatest danger of the trip was in crossing the Ganges on a grass rope bridge at Teree. Here the river rushed through a rocky gorge spanned merely by this native bridge, already in the last stages of decay. A new bridge was built immediately after. But for the missionary party there was no alterna- tive. Across this swaying contrivance they must go. It was a very primitive sort of suspension bridge ; it con- sisted of four ropes, two for a hand support and two be- low on which bamboos were tied for steps. Through the open spaces thus left the waters of the river could be seen tumbling on the rocks forty feet below. It seemed to Mrs. Butler that she could neither venture herself over this flimsy affair nor trust her life to the men to carry her across. But their errand was imperative, and this was the only available road ; so she closed her eyes, daring to open them only once, in the middle of the bridge, when the sight of the raging waters made her quickly close them again. The men bore her gently over, and there she watched the others in their attempt to cross. One English lady refused to trust the bearers and attempted to walk. At first she went on well, but before she was halfway 69 --"- ...a^rt-Mia.JMfaMagMMiijeaha 1 William Butler over she became panic-stricken, and for a time could neither advance nor return. The bridge was swaying and the emergency terrible. The native carriers hesitated to seize her and carry her over by force, yet she was in grave danger as she stood and shrieked with terror. Not far from this miserable apology for a bridge the travelers entered the dominions of the Rajah of Teree, a friendly ruler. When he heard of the "English" passing through his state he sent gifts of money and food. The money was merely touched by the foreigners and then re- turned—this being the proper thing to do— but the food was gladly accepted. His Highness gave a musk ball to Mr. Butler, that curious article obtained from the musk deer which retains its powerful odor for years ; this ball is still strong enough to perfume a room in a few minutes after the box in which it is inclosed is uncovered. It was a pleasant incident in the long journey, and a ruler who had remained faithful in this great rebellion was indeed worthy of the respect of every Christian, since powerful means had been brought to bear on all of them to unite to destroy English life in India. At Mussoorie some of the friends whose fate had been for a long time unknown were found in safety. The good physician, who was one of those who found Christ during the days of the little class meeting in Bareilly, was so glad to see Dr. Butler that he hugged him ! Near by there was a detachment of the army under General Eckford, who sent to ask that the missionary should come to preach to his soldiers— a request which was very gladly granted. General Eckford came out to greet his guests, and before any salutation could be offered he grasped Mr. Butler's hand and expressed the great thought which was filling his soul that morning: "Thirty-four years ago this day God for Christ's sake converted my soul and pardoned all my sins! How do you do?" Naturally the missionaries were quickly at 70 I The Mutiny home with this devout member of the English Church, and remained for three days holding services for the soldiers. The road to Delhi was open, and the travelers entered at night, the white face being sufficient passport to the city, from which the natives were still excluded at night- fall. The deserted palace grounds, the empty bazaars, and the humble aspect of the people who had borne themselves with such pride only a few months before, all betokened the wonderful change that had been wrought. Passes were given all the English people to see the points of in- terest in the ruins of the city, and the missionaries visited the Juma Musjid, said to be the greatest mosque in the world save the one at Mecca, where the native troops had taken up their quarters and were cooking their food in the cloister and grand court. The ruin of the Hindu temple was pathetic. The high priest informed Mr. But- ler that he was very glad that the English '*Raj" — rule — had returned, because the Mohammedans were no sooner in power than they came and smashed the idols and dese- crated their holy places. He pointed to a heap of idols in the corner, some of them of beautiful workmanship, but all broken by the muskets of the Mohammedan soldiery. He allowed his visitor to take some of the fragments, telling him that the Mohammedans had induced the Hin- dus to join them by saying it would be **two faiths in one saddle," but he went on to say, "When they had full power we found that one must ride behind." Just twelve months before the missionary had seen some of the Delhi princes in all their splendor at the Durbar in Benares, where the gorgeousness of the Mogul line was displayed. Now as he entered Delhi he found them on trial for their lives. In front of the courthouse he came upon a gallows on which eighteen of these royal princes had just been hung, and a little later obtained permission to see the Em- peror, the last of the line of the Great Moguls, the man 71 William Butler who had thought himself equal to the task of destroying all Christian life in India. He found the descendant of Tamerlane in a small house closely guarded by an English sentry, not only to prevent his possible escape, but to pro- tect him from the violence of those who had so cruelly suffered the loss of friends that they could hardly wait for the law to inflict the proper penalty. When the Methodist missionary entered the country this Emperor was enjoy- ing an income of nine hundred thousand dollars per an- num, and was sustained in his position by the English ; now' he was about to be brought before an English military court to be sent into exile, where he would die and be buried in a foreign land without honor. Mrs Butler was allowed to see the Empress, who had shared his guilt, and was therefore also exiled to Rangoon. On Christmas Day, in the Dewanee Khass, the mag- nificent Audience Hall of the Empire, divine service was held. This Hall is said to be the most gorgeous audience room in the East. It is composed of beautiful arches of white marble, inlaid with mosaic of precious stones. This picture does scant justice to its exquisite proportions. On its walls are inscribed the words quoted by Moore in ^'Lalla Rookh :" 'Tf there be a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this." In it stood the Crystal Throne, which was afterward sent to the Queen of England. The trial of the royal prisoners took place in this apartment. Dr. Butler felt that the scene he witnessed here was the most vivid picture of the judgment day he had ever imagined. From his high station on the Mogul throne the Emperor had fallen, until now he sat before an English officer on trial for his life. One day, while listening with intense interest to the evidence in the case of the Nawab of Bullubghur, the missionary and his wife became tired of standing. Looking around for seats, they saw that none had been provided. There were few people in Delhi to come as spectators, even to such a scene as this. It seems well to 72 I mm i o > m > w m i •"-—ii--v>H -;^-'jr*-'1- Vt\^'7s'-' William Butler ^vho had thought himself equal to the task of destroying all Christian life in India. He found the descendant of Tamerlane in a small house closely guarded by an English sentry, not only to prevent his possible escape, but to pro- tect him from the violence of those who had so cruelly suffered the loss of friends that they could hardly wait for the law to inflict the proper penalty. When the Methodist missionary entered the country this Emperor was enjoy- ing an income of nine hundred thousand dollars per an- nimi and was sustained in his position by the English ; now' lie was about to be brought before an English military court to be sent into exile, where he would die and be buried in a foreign land without honor. ^Mrs Butler was allowed to see the Empress, who had shared his guilt, and was therefore also exiled to Rangoon. On Christmas Dav, in the Dewanee Khass, the mag- nificent Audience Hall of the Empire, divine service was held. This Hall is said to be the most gorgeous audience room in the East. It is composed of beautiful arches of white marble, inlaid with mosaic of precious stones. This picture does scant justice to its exquisite proportions. On its walls are inscribed the words quoted by Moore in ''Lalla Rookh :" "If there be a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this.'' In it stood the Crystal Throne, which was afterward sent to the Queen of England. The trial of the royal prisoners took place in this apartment. Dr. Butler feit that the scene he witnessed here was the most vivid picture of the judgment day he had ever imagined. From his high station on the Mogul throne the Emperor had fallen, until now he sat before an English officer on trial for his life. One dav. while listening with intense interest to the evidence in the case of the Xawab of Bullubghur, the missionarv and his wife became tired of standing. Looking around for seats, they saw that none had been provided. There were few people in Delhi to come as spectators, even to stich a scene as this. It seems well to 72 Msi^giMKUfiiijGasSiiii^uj^iiy The Mutiny I >'i\ 1 1 K |t.i1 condense his own account as given in From Boston to Bareilly: "Anxious to remain, we tried to endure the fatigue a Httle longer, but endurance soon came to an end, and we were Ukely to sink from sheer exhaustion. I gave a questioning glance at the Crystal Throne, no more to be occupied by its imperial master, and wondered if I might dare to step forward and rest on it, but the presumption of thinking that I might sit on the throne of the Great Mogul, and in such a presence! However, on reflection it did not seem like such a great impropriety, after all. I knew that the throne and its former occupant were at a great discount; that he was a criminal, and would have no right to protest at the sacrilege of an American repub- lican, nor did I suppose that the gentlemen of the court would order me to vacate it, so, gathering up all our reso- lution to take the responsibility anyhow, my wife and I sat down. The thing was done. There were a few glances and a quiet smile here and there among the gen- tlemen of the commission, and I saw a wondering glance from the Nawab of Bullubghur, the prince then on trial, who frowned, but nothing more. The seat was a very good one. It may be that I am the only Methodist preacher who has sat on a real throne, yet as I sat there I was soon as far as anyone need be from any personal vanity or self-assertion. Losing sight for the time of the trial of the prisoner, I was most wonderfully impressed with the lesson and significance of the situation. I asked, Is not this the hand of God in human history? What means this overthrow of one of earth's great dynasties; what shall be the end of these things ? To me these ques- tions had a peculiar significance. I had been doomed to be hung, with my wife and children, eight months before because we were Christian^, by a lieutenant of this Em- pire, Khan Bahadur, who did hang on a gallows at Bareilly fifteen of my Christian neighbors and military officers of the English government and then gave their 73 William Butler bodies to insult and degradation ; and now here we were, in the very palace of the fanatical Emperor who had ordered our death, sitting quietly on his throne, while he was a prisoner to be tried for his life. "My mind seemed lifted up to a view of our Mission, its requirements, and its future ; and a strong conviction of the power of God to meet all its rising wants shed its confidence over my soul. The hundred thousand Sepoys who had risen at this man's instigation to urge his inter- ests in the cruel creed of the False Prophet against Christ and his people had been dashed back defeated. Our own mission field was yet entirely in their hands, but I knew that they would all soon be overthrown. Those who sur- vived would not dare to return to their homes. What would become of their children, those left orphans and desolate? Again, famine was sure to follow the rebellion. The land would be thrown out of cultivation by the war and plunder of the Sepoys. So it was likely that within a short time thousands of destitute orphans would be left in misery and starvation within reach of our hands. The question arose whether we should avail ourselves of the opportunity to take a number of children, and not only save their lives, but also train them in the knowledge of Him who died for them, with the expectation that they would become the very helpers that we would require. There came before my mind the vision of the churches and schools of the early future, the college, the theological seminary, the cultured native agents, men and women, who would carry this blessed Gospel over the land. "The question arose, How can this be done? Without hesitancy I assumed that it could be done ; that the Church at home would stand by me if I enabled it to see the ^opportunity within our reach. I felt sure that the women of Methodism would respond for the portion of the scheme which especially contemplated the rescue and re- demption of their own sex. The impulse grew strong to 74 The Mutiny I communicate with those who could aid me ; so I drew my notebook from my pocket, and there and then, on the Crystal Throne, sketched out my appeal asking that the Church would assume the support of these orphan chil- dren at an expense of twenty-five dollars per annum. The next day I found the new Director of Public Instruction, who gave me great encouragement and promised me the. government Grant-in-aid, fifty per cent toward the sup- port of all orphans we would take ; so I wrote another letter, asking for one thousand dollars to be appropriated at once as the beginning of this work. A few days later Major Gowan, the officer who had so kindly advised us to flee from Bareilly, met me and surprised me by saying that he had the first orphan ready for me, a little fellow he had picked up (the son of a Sepoy officer who had been killed), who had been found on the back of an elephant on the field of battle. "Soon after this I received a letter from Brother Went- worth, of Foochow, inviting me to come to China, say- ing, Tf British predominance is not soon established get leave of the Board and come on here, where there is as great need as in India ;' yet he went on to remark that they were in great fear of a rebellion that would drive them from their station, stating that in case of an outbreak they were in an unfortunate condition for an escape." The long time which was required before any answer could be received from home had been shortened by the opening of the Atlantic Cable on August 5. In a letter written that fall the Superintendent rejoiced over the fact that "We get telegrams now in twenty-five or thirty days from New York." Postage was at that time thirty-five / cents on each letter and five cents for newspapers. 75 i CHAPTER V Spears into Pruning Hooks Wit\> minaret^ of marble rij^inc jstatclp from a ^ca <5f tfte barh-'feateb mango'rf foliaoe, ^treahrti bp tbe iaman tree, 4^nt miracle of tobitcnei? tbe (^aj of 3l0ra ?tanb^ Hifee no worh of buman builberj^, but a care of angel banD^. The two missionaries whose farewell meeting had been held in Boston on May 31, the day of the mas- sacre at Bareilly, arrived in September at Calcutta, and were met with the news of the Mutiny. x\t first they could hear nothing from their Superintendent and feared he was among the killed, but on the twenty-first they learned of his safety. Not until March was it deemed advisable for them to attempt to join him. The Superin- tendent came down to Agra to meet them, and as few European residences had been left standing he arranged for them to come to the Taj Mahal, where in the beautiful pavilion which stands opposite the mosque, fitly framing the lovely tomb, the joyful meeting took place. It was particularly appropriate that it should occur under the shadow of this, the most exquisite building in the world, which, erected over the body of a woman in a country where woman has been most cruelly degraded, stands in peerless beauty, forever a promise of the glorious posi- tion which the daughters of India shall yet occupy in their homes and their civilization. The efifect of the Taj on the beholder is peculiarly fascinating. It is stated that Lady Sleeman exclaimed, after long reflection, "I would die to-morrow to have such another put over me !" With- in the garden or park which surrounds this architectural gem, erected by the Emperor Shah Jehan for his Empress, Moom Taj, at a cost of what now is equivalent to sixty millions of dollars, the first band of missionaries which 76 ; > I I i The Taj Mahal i CHAPTER V Spears into Pruning Hooks ^itb minarets of marble risino statcl)? from a sea €»f tbc barh-lcalicD mango's foliage, strcahrd b? tbc laman tree, (Dne miracle of wbiteness the iCai of ilQu\ stanb^ Itihe no Tuorh of buman builDers, but a cave of angel bands. The two missionaries whose farewell meeting lia d IT. -^ O i c I -1 r. ~" ,~ -> r. r-^ c zr n> orq r* -I 3 William Butler of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.' It was literally true in the bazaar of Lucknow that they said among the heathen, 'God hath done great things for them.' "Even as I looked and laughed at the whimsical pro- posal of this half-drunken creature how vividly did God's promise come to mv mind, as 1 saw him exulting in his ability and offering to fulfill to the letter those words of Holy Writ, so true then of the race which he even in his unworthiness there represented, that 'One should chase a thousand'— nay, even more than that, for he alone offered to do the work of the two to whom a covenant God had enga-ed that they should 'put ten thousand to flight.' The thoughts of their hearts were revealed in the candid re- mark made to us one day by an elderly native as, with a sigh, he exclaimed: 'It is so, Sahib, for some reason that we do not understand. God has left us and gone over to the Christian side. :My children and grandchildren wdl probablv be of vour way of thinking, but I am too old to change.' I want to die in the faith of my fathers.' Al- ready, thank God, the blood even of the Sepoys flows in tiie veins of the :\Iethodist ministry in Oudh and Rohilcund." Sir Robert Montgomery invited Dr. Butler to see what use was ])eing made of the great number of weapons which had been collected as the population was disarmed. In a large inclosure were great heaps of these : the cannon from the manv forts of Oudh, the swords and guns of the people in the bazaars, and many curious native weapons, including the kookries and tulwars for disembowelmg or beheading. Several blacksmiths were working hard at their for-es turning all these into agricultural implements, "their swords into plowshares, and their spears into prun- ing hooks," according to the promise in Holy Writ. The Governor offered some of them as relics, and they are stdl 86 -r. X - y. I y. — / y. ■J X r. ^ 35 - r. -. 1 ~ Spears into Pruning Hooks in our possession, with the rust on them caused by the blood stains of the massacres of the Christians. Two regiments had remained faithful to the British— from mixed motives probably, but the fact that they did not join the mutineers made it advisable to honor them in the sight of all people. Accordingly they were drawn up on the parade ground at Bareilly, and all the regiments at the station, including the English officers and soldiers, marched past, each man saluting in his turn these whom the Queen delighted to honor. It was a wonderful sight to witness, the British officers saluting with raised swords these privates of a native regiment. From that time they bore the name of "The Faithful," and were justly proud of their distinction. If earthly honors count for so much in human lives what will it be to be acknowledged before the Lord God Almighty? Even the privates, those in humble rank—if they are only faithful ! Some of the English regiments were soon afterward ordered to Peshawar, a two months* march up country. These men had been through the Crimean campaign and the Persian war before they were called upon for this arduous service in the Mutiny. Many of them had en- joyed no home comforts during all this time of active service. The mission mother determined to give them one homelike entertainment; so invitation was extended for them to come to the mission for a cup of tea. Many of these men had been regular attendants at the preaching services, and some were Christians. None of them had tasted a cup of tea since they left England, years before, and their pleasure was a delight to witness. Large cal- drons of hot water were prepared, and Mrs. Butler took pleasure in serving them, in the hospitable English fashion, as only one could who realized by actual experi- ence of long peril what their name of "defenders" signi- fied. Some of them wrote subsequently from their dis- tant posts referring to the cheer of this happy occasion 87 j1 William Butler and to their appreciation of the Uttle prayer service which ended it. The incident was related by Dr. Butler in the hearing of Mrs. Emma Huntington Nason, who pub- Ushed it in the following graceful poem : The Mission Tea Party The war in the East had ended ; Its terrors were past, they said. There was peace, once more, for the living, And peace for the valiant dead. Through the splendid squares of Lucknow The Highlanders marched again ; The heroes of fortress and jungle — Brave Havelock's peerless men ! Aye, open your gates, O Lucknow ! But measure, ye guards, your breath, As ye think of those days, an hundred, When Havelock marched with death. Then welcome them back with rejoicing, O minaret, tower, and shrine ! For these are the men who saved you, Whose glory outlasteth thine ! Through the streets swept the colors of England, Borne proudly aloft on the air ; While the " throne land of Rama " reechoed The Christian's thanksgiving and prayer. Then the heart of one beautiful woman Was stirred by an impulse sweet, As she thought of the long, forced marches, The weary and blood-stained feet ; Of the pain, the hunger, the thirsting, The death in the jungle's gloom, The rescue of women and children Threatened with direful doom. And she said, " I will spread them a banquet With a touch of the homeland cheer. And the welcome their mothers would give them Afar in the heatherlands dear. •• Not for thrice twelve months have they tasted A simple cupful of tea ! I will serve it to-day for the heroes Who periled their lives for me ! 88 •t 4 Spears into Pruning Hooks *' Bid them come to the courts of the mission !** Gay awnings were hastily hung ; While on tripods of curious fashion, The teakettles merrily swung ; Swung and sung songs of the homeland ; Familiar and sweet were the tunes, As if winds of the loch and the mountain Blew soft through the Indian noons. She fastened the tartan of Scotland With the thistle-bloom over her breast ; And her own little winsome daughter In the bonny bright plaid she dressed. At the old gray gate of the mission, 'Neath turret and watchtowers high, Where the dusk-eyed Indian princess Had dreamed in the days gone by, This fair-faced, brave-hearted woman, A stranger from lands of the West, To the ancient palace and gardens Welcomed each war-worn guest. And with Highland bonnets uplifted, There under the Hindu palm, The soldiers of Havelock listened To the Hebrew's glorious psalm : ** Thou wentest before thy people. And kings of armies did flee ! " Then gratefully under the shadows They drank of the fragrant tea, Served with the grace and the bounty Of royal fete and of feast To the tattered and smoke-grimed heroes In halls of the storied East. And many a battle-scarred soldier Let fall from a glistening eye Hot tears on the hand of his hostess For whom he had thought to die. And for her was the Highlander's blessing Breathed low in that tenderer scene When the pipers, proud in their places, Played grandly " God save the Queen ! ** 89 William Butler Spears into Pruning Hooks The natives did not understand who these Highland- ers were. During the siege at Naini Tal the refugees heard the strangest rumors about them. Those soldiers had been hurried off for this great emergency without preparation for the terrible heat of the climate, in their warm red coats and heavy shakos. The natives said that some very strange people had come to fight for the Eng- lish—they were not men, and they were not women ; but they wore skirts, and their hair stood up two feet above their heads ! The, appearance of the marines, who volun- teered to bring up the cannon from Calcutta, also greatly impressed the natives. The report was circulated that a lot of great broad-shouldered men had come up, so strong that one of them could pick up a loaded cannon under each arm and run forward and fire them off, and then retreat to have them reloaded. The change in sentiment among the natives was re- markable in that they accepted British rule so quickly and were even able soon to account for it by saying that they had received a revelation from Shiva that the Euro- pean invasion was nothing more than one of his incarna- tions, which he had undertaken to prevent them from cutting each other's throats. This rumor found circula- tion in the Central Provinces. In view of the change in the attitude of the people the Superintendent felt that the time had arrived for the Methodist Church to enter, not by two, or even five, missionaries at a time, but his faith arose to the point of asking that twenty-four missionaries be sent at once, while he should raise as much as possible in India toward building houses for them. To this end, at the suggestion of the magistrate in Bareilly he pre- sented the matter to some of the Christian men in the civil and military services, who subscribed liberally. Only one who was approached was alarmed at the proposition. It was General Sir James Outram, then head of the gov- ernment in Oudh— the man who had led the cavalry in the 90 fierce struggle on crossing the Goomtee, by his valor and that of his men, completing the wonderful victory. He was given the title of "the Bayard of India," yet his cour- age failed when confronted by the proposition to attempt the assault against the strongholds of Satan. He asked if the Mission intended to provoke another Mutiny by such an invasion, and if it would not be wiser to intro- duce them quietly, one by one, so as not to alarm the kingdom. He would not give a rupee. "It's dangerous, sir; it's dangerous!" The Missionary Board agreed to send the large force desired, though not quite the full number arrived, and the peaceful conquest of the hearts of men has gone on without provoking any other rebellion. The list of contributors grew, and some interested their friends at home, so that more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars were thus given to our Mis- sion by British sympathizers from 1857 to 1871. One officer wrote to a lady in Scotland, who sent five hundred rupees and repeated the gift the next year. Not for a long time afterward did Dr. Butler know that this gener- ous friend who so substantially helped was the Countess of Aberdeen, whose generosity was well known to work- ers in many of the philanthropies of her own Church. Though modest regarding his own abilities, when the need of the precious work committed to his care was in question the Superintendent was brave as a lion. Not content with asking a few friends, he addressed letters to all the prominent officials of the British government in India, asking their personal aid in establishing the Church of Christ in the newly conquered Provinces. Even Lord Canning, the Governor General, and Sir John Lawrence received and acknowledged this appeal. Nearly all an- swered, some saying that in their official position they could not contribute to religious effort, but that they would give to the philanthropic work he had undertaken to do in providing for the orphan children; while others re- 91 i' it William Butler sponded with hearty sympathy for the reUgiotis side of the work. Not only was personal help given, but in some places grants of land for buildings and generous gifts for the schools. A part of a note from Lieutenant Gowan is here quoted to show the spirit of some of these Christian men. He says: "Please find a check for six hundred rupees. As before, I leave the entire disposal of the money to you, as the Superintendent of the Mission, feeling sure that you will seek the guidance of God's Holy Spirit in its appro- priation. I intend continuing to subscribe so long as I remain in India according to the means at my disposal, and as these will be probably materially increased very shortly, by my promotion, you may look for a corre- sponding increase in the amount of my remittances." The liberality here shown was continued even after this good friend had retired to England. Sir Henry Ramsey was probably the largest giver of money and other help. In all, during the first ten years of the Mission, about one hun- dred thousand dollars was given by those friends in India of different denominations who saw the value of the work of the Methodist Mission in elevating the people of the land, and by those who found Christ in the services held in English in the large centers from the very beginning of the Mission. 92 CHAPTER VI Mission Activities "Xift tbe jjtone anb tbou ?fjalt finb Ms; cleabe tbe tooob anb t1)nt am J." The hearty response to the plea for more mission- aries made it necessary for the Superintendent to see suitable houses erected. He was not therefore able to devote himself to the study of the language; nor were his instructions to do this, but to plan, prepare, and carry out the details of the administration of the Mis- sion, while the young men who would be sent might thus be free to devote their entire energy to the acquir- ing of the vernaculars. Five missionaries were to arrive at the close of the third year, and for these homes must be prepared. The difficulties were many, because the gov- ernment had requisitioned all the output from the brickyards, since the soldiers must have their barracks before the hot months and the heavy rains of July. In Bareilly every residence suitable for European occupancy had been destroyed save the Freemasons' Hall, which the mutineers had spared because of their superstitious feeling that it was something uncanny. Joel was stationed at Lucknow, and a Eurasian helper who had been in the Residency during the siege, Joseph Fieldbrave, was the assistant at Bareilly. He was of a keen mind, and by being early on the ground helped to secure building supplies in a way which roused the curi- osity of the chief engineer, who was seizing everything in the way of material for the barracks. Not being able to ascertain where Dr. Butler obtained his bricks, he imagined he might find out by flattering his assistant ; so he rode up to Joseph, and in a friendly manner said he would like to ask a question. Joseph very readily promised 93 William Butler Mission Activities to answer. The officer began in a confidential manner, say- ing* "Joseph, it is wonderful how your Sahib does push his work along on these houses. Why, I pass by daily, and the walls grow higher, and yet his heap of brick and timber does not seem to grow less. It is wonderful. How does he do it ? Where does he get his supplies ?" With- out any hesitancy Joseph replied, with a smile, "Don't you know. Sahib, that my Sahib is Jesus Christ's man?" "O yes, I know that; but what about the material?" "Well, Sahib, when he gets anxious sometimes about not having material enough he just goes and tells God in prayer, and asks for help, and God gives him just what he wants, and that is how he gets his supplies." It was a novel idea to the major, and gathering up his reins, he bade Joseph farewell and rode off. The worthy Joseph came and told his chief with a twinkle in his eye. As they had about sixty men employed it may be interest- ing to know just how the supplies were sent. There were some ruins of buildings destroyed in the Mutiny, of which Joseph found he could purchase the material, have it pulled down, and still secure it at less than the market prices. Thus a bountiful supply was obtained. The houses went up rapidly, and this particular one on which he was engaged is still the residence of the missionary in charge of the Theological Seminary. Sometimes the Superintendent was criticised for building too substantial and high-studded houses; but the good health of those who have occupied them, who by this seeming extrava- gance have secured sufficient air for the long hot days when all doors must be tightly closed to keep out the burning winds, and the stability which makes these homes yet serviceable after forty-five years, is sufficient justifica- tion. It pays to take good care of the health of the workers and to give them all the aid possible to withstand the rigor of the climate. Joseph was not only sagacious in business matters, but 94 at the dedication of the first church in Bareilly he took charge of the music. Not much was expected, but to the surprise of all the singing was very hearty, the words having been distributed on sheets of paper. Joseph had composed, or rather translated, hymns, and set them to native tunes, which were familiar and therefore easily taken up by the native Christians. This was really the beginning of our Methodist Hymnal, to which not only Joseph contributed, but also his son Isaac, who developed remarkable poetic talent. Some fifty of the hymns now in use were composed by Isaac Fieldbrave. Mrs. Humphrey, though in quite feeble health, rendered valuable service by her translations of our best hymns. The native tunes are very attractive to those accustomed to the oriental music. The two specimens given on the next page are great favorites. The first meeting of the Mission was held at Bareilly August 20, 1858. Three missionaries, one European helper, and two natives answered the roll. What audacity for such a number to undertake the giant task of opposing the greatest system of idolatry the worid has ever known ! How insignificant a handful to attack the stronghold of Satan ! "Not by might, nor by power," surely. Yet to William Butler was given the joy of living until he could see one hundred thousand of the people of India claiming Christ as Lord, brought into this loyalty through the agency of the Methodist Mission. The famine which had been foreseen by the Superin- tendent appeared in the land, causing great destitution in the Provinces of Oudh and Rohilcund. As the churches at home had responded generously to his appeal for sup- port for orphanages, Dr. Butler made an offer to the government to take one hundred and fifty of each sex of the destitute children who were being brought into Mora- dabad, and went with Joseph to make the selection. At- tention has been called to the fact that many of the Eng- 95 M William Butler -N- -4- -^—v—t Ka - ra ta hun tujh Se jK-m-mm—^^ ^— ^— ^K— :li=t: _^_^ il - ti ja, Yi - A-A -H 1- -# #- ^^w-^—& i shu Ma-sih fa - ri - ya - da sun. Qu - ra - ba - ra te - re ^FlNE. *s n na - ma ke, Yi - shu Ma - sih fa - ri - ya - da sun. Translation : Unto thee do I make my entreaty, O, Jesus Christ, hear my complaint I Expiation is through thy name, O, Jesus Christ, hear my complaint I Hindustani Bhajan. Jai, Jai Ishwara. Harmonized by Mrs. Emma Moore Scott. =. r:, > T » > > P "^ m t t f f t TllltirU. — -. /Ti jai sa - ba bi - dha su - kha da i, A- :il=J: ■V- t ^-T ] a tempo. P PP =3^=*=^ ^—0—m t=t t—i ^~f 1 jai. jai, Ish - wa - ra jai Pra - bhu Yi - shu, s ^ I J ;-jj ^^ 96 Mission Activities lish officers were thoroughly in sympathy with the work of the Mission, but the magistrate in Moradabad was a most unworthy exception. He absolutely refused to allow the Mission to have the children, although he was willing that any Hindu or Mohammedan (these last being par- ticularly willing to take the girls) should have all for whom they would apply. No persuasion availed to make him change his decision. Discouraged, the Superintend- ent returned to Bareilly to make this matter a subject of earnest prayer. His plea for help had been granted, a place had been prepared for these little ones, and the home Church was pledged to support them, but this un- foreseen obstacle threatened to subvert the plan. Within a few days, however, the opposing magistrate was unex- pectedly removed. This was justification for another trip to Moradabad, where the new incumbent was found to be a Christian man, who was indignant when he heard that any Englishman should have denied the petition of the missionaries. The children who had been selected were inquired for, but they could not be found. Finally it was discovered that they had been given over to some Mohammedan officials, to be brought up to a life of shame. The magistrate made a thorough investigation, and the offenders were forced to produce the children, who were then delivered to the missionaries. Large carts were loaded with the miserable, emaciated waifs, some of them mere babies and all showing the want of proper food At Bareilly they were lifted out of the carts and put down before the door of the mission, some so exhausted that they could not stand. All were filthy and wretched, and three had died on the journey. A few weeks of Christian care and cleanliness and love made a wonderful transfor- mation. To appreciate properly how precious the little girls especially were to the Mission we must recall the fact that up to this time it had been impossible to obtain access to the homes where the women were secluded, and that 97 William Butler the sacred books of the Hindus forbid a woman standing in a public assembly, so that even in the street preaching there was no opportunity to reach them with the Gospel. Some of the Hindus had taunted the Mission, saying that if it did reach a few of the young men they would not be allowed to take wives from the Hindu community ; so the work could not advance against this obstacle. The effort was constantly made to get little girls into a school, and Mrs. Butler started out accompanied by a native helper, and with great courage tried to induce some of the very poor women to allow their daughters to attend a school. So anxious was she for the success of her un- dertaking that she was willing to pay the little girls for attending. At some of the meanest houses they stood as suppliants, only to receive answers of this sort from the scowling heathen mother: "Haven't yon any children of your own? then what do you want with mine?" and the door would be shut in their faces. Her husband was equally unsuccessful in arguing with an elderly native as he tried to present the advantages of an education for the girls. The Hindu did not wish to be discourteous, since he had been approached most kindly, but he steadily refused assent, and finally the real reason was disclosed by the inquiry, 'What interest do you have in making my daughters Nautch girls ?" The only women who were supposed to need an education were these pub- lic characters, and the native man could not conceive of any others as wanting to learn. It appeared impossible to persuade them that it would be a blessing to the lives of the daughters. Dr. Duff was a brave pioneer, yet he wrote in 1830: "You might as well try to scale a wall five hundred yards high as to attempt female education in India," and he resigned the effort in despair. Later he also said: *'You might as well attempt to lift the loftiest peak of the Himalayas and throw it into the Bay of Bengal." However, the promise stands that the moun- 98 o u a y, a -J X U Mission Activities tains shall be cast into the midst of the sea, anJ this awful obstacle has been overcome by the perseverance of the saints who have prayed and toiled in the different Mis- sions in India. The first little orphan girl was sent to the Mission in November, 1858. She was pockmarked, blind of one eye, dirty and wild, yet the Superintendent brought her to Mrs. Butler as a very precious treasure, and as such she was received. A thorough washing, hair cutting, and good food soon transformed the waif into a happy child. She was named Almira Blake. Others came gradually, but now, after the famine, one hundred and fifty were given as the beginning of the splendid orphanage which has con- tinued to this day a blessing to our Mission. Since the organization of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society it has been under its care. One little one was found by a kind-hearted British soldier, who as he was passing along heard a faint cry. He found a babe only a few weeks old, apparently, buried alive, only its mouth being uncovered! A few hours longer and it must have died. Very tender care was necessary to revive the exhausted little creature. Sad are the histories of some of these waifs, but under the loving care afforded them in this institution they become happy and healthy and are trained to some useful work in the world. The boys were taken to be trained as teachers should they prove able to receive such advantages, and for those less bright useful trades were taught. From these two mstitutions the Superintendent hoped that a splendid force of Christian young men and women would go out to influence their countrymen for Christ. Patrons in the home land named these children as they assumed their support in these orphanages. The wonderful work of our Mission among the women of India had indeed a small beginning. The first record at hand is dated June, 1859, and Mrs. Butler then wrote : 99 Si U3 H H ^^'". CQ Z X y. /• ') x U Mission Activities tains shall be cast into the midst of the sea, aij this awful obstacle has been overcome by the perseverance of the saints who have prayed and toiled in the different Mis- sions in India. The first little orphan girl was sent to the Mission in November, 1858. She was pockmarked, blind of one eye, dirty and wild, yet the Superintendent brouglit her to Mrs. Butler as a very precious treasure, and as such she was received. A thorough washing, hair cutting, and good food soon transformed the waif into a happy child. She was named Almira Blake. Others came gradually, but now, after the famine, one hundred and fifty were given as the beginning of the splendid orphanage which has con- tinued to this day a blessing to our Mission. Since the organization of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society it has been under its care. One little one was found by a kind-hearted British soldier, who as he was passing along heard a faint cry. He found a babe only a few weeks old, apparently, buried alive, only its mouth being uncovered! A few hours longer and it must have died. Very tender care was necessary to revive the exhausted little creature. Sad are the histories of some of these waifs, but under the loving care afforded them in this institution they become happy and healthy and are trained to some useful work in the world. The boys were taken to be trained as teachers should they prove able to receive such advantages, and for those less bright useful trades were taught. From these two mstitutions the Superintendent hoped that a splendid force of Christian young men and women would go out to influence their countrymen for Christ. Patrons in the home land named these children as they assumed their support in these orphanages. The wonderful work of our Mission among the women of India had indeed a small beginning. The first record at hand is dated June, 1859, and Mrs. Butler then wrote: 99 William Butler "Mrs. Pierce and I paid a visit to a Hindu lady on Satur- day. There was the usual stir about ushering us into the zenana, and the ladies were decked out with a great deal of jewelry and tinsel. Mrs. Pierce is just learning how to speak to them, and she intends to visit in this way. We had Peggy with us, and she talked like a Christian to the ladies." Mrs. Butler writes again from Bareilly : ''We have commenced our little school in the bazaar, but I do think it is the hardest kind of missionary work ! We go early in the morning and sit in a close, smoky, hot, native room. We use every effort to try to coax the girls in, but they are so timid ; they say we are going to kidnap them, to send them to foreign parts. They don't seem to want to learn to read ; they don't want to learn to sew, or to get clean clothes, or to have their faces and hands washed. One day last week we had six little girls. We teach them to repeat a verse or two. Don't you think this dis- couraging? Yet this is how we must work here, our only hope and trust being on the promises God has given his dear Son that even these shall become his inheritance." The Christian world knows of the seven weary years during which Dr. Judson waited for a convert. Our Mis- sion in Foochow, China, had ten years of preparative labor. Our Mission in India had not this trial of faith, for in 1859 the Bareilly workers were encouraged by the conversion of Zahur-ul-Haqq, a fine-looking, scholarly Mohammedan who was convinced by hearing Dr. Hum- phrey relate his experience in a street service. The mis- sionary told how God, through Christ, had taken away the load of sin from his own heart. This the hearer sought for himself and found. In spite of the protests of his father, who came thirty miles to attempt to dissuade him, the confession of Christ as his Saviour was publicly made on June 15, and first as teacher, then as preacher, and finally as presiding elder, he became a faithful and successful worker for his new Master. It is sometimes 100 Mission Activities said that we cannot reach the Mohammedans. This first convert is the answer to such statements. Soon after this another convert was received. Ambica Charn was a young Hindu gentleman who had influential friends, and his conversion made a great stir in Bareilly. He was beaten by his relatives and every means used to induce him to give up his intention to be baptized, but without success. His baptism stirred the whole city and was the means of attracting the attention of thinking men to the mission. Ambica Charn wished his wife to come with him and believed that she was willing; but her friends so intimidated her that when she was brought into court in a closed conveyance, and the judge, who might not see her face, came near the palanquin in which she was, knocked three times and then asked her to say if she would go with her husband, she replied that she would not, and according to Hindu law she was thus separated from him. The man still lives to whom was given the honor of influencing these two converts, and he now rejoices over the multitudes who through our India Mission have counted Christ greater riches than the good things of this world. In August, 1859, the second company of missionaries arrived at Lucknow, including Rev. and Mrs. E. W. Parker, Rev. and Mrs. C. W. Judd, Rev. and Mrs. J. B. Downey, Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Waugh, and Rev. J. M. Thoburn; these with Dr. Humphrey, Mr. Pierce, and Mr. Knowles formed the working force. The boys' orphanage was located at Lucknow, and the girls were kept at Bareilly. The whole Church knows of the splen- did years of service given by this band, two of whom were elected as Bishops for India, and by others who have given long terms of successful labor in the field. Throughout William Butler's life he had a strong con- viction that the way to win people was to show them that you had something they wanted. Not controversy, but lOI William Butler the preaching of an experimental salvation was his advice, both in India and Mexico. The lifting up of Christ was to be the aim, and he believed that this would suffice for the pulling down of the strongholds of sin. He felt that one of our greatest advantages in our Mission work in India was the fact that we had an oriental Bible to pre- sent to the oriental mind and heart, many of its parables fitting into the scenes of their everyday life and similar in its phraseology to that which they employ. This led to the feeling that a press was necessary to provide suit- able literature. An appeal was accordingly drawn up to the members of the Mission, reminding them that the great Book Concern of our Church was founded with six hundred dollars, which was loaned for the purpose, and asking what they could do in this need of the India work. The document returned with the name of every mission- ary on the field subscribing for one hundred rupees. Thus the Publishing House was established as a great blessing to the Christian life of North India. The first printing press was made of cannon taken from the Sepoys, and was one of the first works of the government at the Rourkee shops. It was brought one hundred miles in a lumbering cart drawn by three bullocks, over roads which were mere tracks in the sands of the river beds and the paths among the ruts and stones. Its arrival at Bareilly was the occasion for great rejoicing in the Mission. Mr. Waugh had some knowledge of printing, and he agreed to train the orphan boys, thus affording them a means of livelihood. He had first to get an ink roller ; not one was available in the whole Province, so one must be made. After long search a man in the penitentiary at Bareilly was found to be able to work in brass, and under the direction of the missionary he made the cylinder for the roller. Mr. Waugh compounded a mixture which was poured in and left to cool. The next morning the Super- intendent and he were on the ground early to see the 102 [5 t i Mission Activities result. It was a perfect success, and the blessed work of the press began. This same press is still occasionally in use, after forty years, at Lucknow, to which city the Pub- lishing House was vsoon after removed. This is now the largest and most vigorous Mission Press in India; and so fully has it proved the wisdom of having an establish- ment for the printing of our own literature that three others are now in operation, at Calcutta, Madras, and Singapore, from each of which, in various languages, are being sent forth leaves of healing for the peoples of southern Asia. The great amount of travel necessary in the first days called for the endurance which the splendid constitution of the Superintendent enabled him to exhibit. In one letter he mentions that the heavy rain made the roads so bad that he was twenty-six hours in going twenty-six miles, and had no regular meals for fifty hours. Bread and jam was the stand-by on this trip, as the rain would not allow the lighting of a fire, and absolutely nothing else could be obtained. The supply of timber available was so small that it was necessary for him to go to the forestry officer and secure from him permission to have certain trees out of the jungle and then to accompany the cutters and select his trees. At the time he wrote : "The progress of the younger brethren in the language is a joy to me. They go far ahead, as they are set free entirely to devote themselves to study, while even in the *brick and mortar' of our Mission I know that I am serving Christ.'* Going early one morning in a palanquin through the wheat fields during the hot weather, he looked out, just as the day dawned, to see the heads of the wheat bowing over, each with a drop of dew hanging from its tip. The early rays of the sun made them sparkle like jewels. It would be an attractive sight in any country, but in that dry and thirsty one, where such great suffering follows the lack of rain, resulting in the horrors of famine, it was 103 William Butler Mission Activities peculiarly significant to the missionary. In the land where so many were hungering and thirsting, seeking satisfaction in dumb idols, the promise of God was that he would come down as the dew : "I will be as the dew unto Israel : he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon." In these early days the Superintendent had some amus- ing incidents in his travel. On one occasion he sat down to take his food in the shadow of a beautiful grove which happened to be near a monkey temple. The attention of the creatures was attracted to the food, and as people habitually came there with offerings of grain as an act of religious merit the monkeys appeared to take it for granted that the repast was spread for them, and were highly indignant when they were denied. They swarmed around, uttering shrill cries, and only by switching his walking stick constantly around with one hand was the missionary able to use the other in order to finish his meal. Soon after that he had some conversation with an old Brahman and asked him concerning the superstition the people felt about shooting monkeys. The old man repeated case after case of people who had been so unwise as to defy fate by killing a monkey, every one of them coming to a sad end immediately after his sacrilegious act. On another occasion, Mrs. Butler being with him, they encamped under some trees and built a little fire to cook their breakfast. Unfortunately, near by was a great colony of wild bees, which, enraged by the smoke, de- scended on the travelers in fierce attack. Some English soldiers were camping near by, having with them several elephants. The savage bees attacked these also, and their attendants immediately cut the ropes with which they were tied and fled out of the way of harm. The mis- sionaries were frightfully stung, and the horse, although taken away as quickly as possible, died from the eflFects. 104 It was near nightfall before the bees were expelled from the little carriage and the travelers were able to proceed on their way. Another time, when he was journeying alone, the at- tendant, who had gone ahead to make arrangements, wishing to glorify himself as the servant of a great man, gave out the news that the Great Lord of the Christians was about to arrive. The who'e village turned out to greet this important personage, headed by their priest, who, when the Superintendent drew near, made him a very gracious speech, in which he said that he had heard that the missionary was the great priest of his religion, and that as he was the head priest of the Hindu faith in that region they were therefore brothers. So he had come to welcome this new found brother and had brought him a present. He then produced a jar of buffalo's milk, into which he proceeded to pour a quantity of coarse sugar which he had brought tied up in one corner of the single garment which he wore, and afterward stirring the mixture with his fingers he presented it to the Great Lord. It was a difficult moment. To refuse a kindness which was meant as a great condescension would antag- onize the people and thus arouse prejudice against our Mission, but to tackle the compound after seeing it pre- pared was beyond possibility ; but remembering that with the Hindu custom is law, Mr. Butler explained, with many compliments, that it was not his ''custom" to drink buffalo's milk so early in the morning, and this, with much smiling and bowing, saved the day. In i860, at Shahjahanpur, the Superintendent came across a curious case of a wolf-reared man. A human being had been carried off when merely a babe to the den of a wolf, and her tenderness having been in some way aroused the child was spared and brought up with her cubs. He had been rescued, and an English gentleman was sheltering the poor creature in his compound. He 105 n William Butler was apparently twenty years of age when first discovered by a soldier who, passing through a road little traveled, saw in a ravine a pack of wolves and with them a human being. Reporting this to the magistrate a large number of coolies were sent out to try to rescue the man. The pack fied into a cave or den, whereupon the men began to dig, and one of them having seized one of the feet of the wild man they drew him out and succeeded in binding him and carried him to the town. He was very unwilling to wear clothing, but they had at last persuaded him to keep on a single garment. His skin had become brown by exposure to the sun and his face was wizened, his mouth pursed up and his head utterly unkempt. Efforts had been made to teach him to talk, but he never made any sound except a quiet growl. He insisted on eating his food from the ground, and at first would take nothing but raw meat. An oflfensive odor was noticed from his body, like that from the animals with which he had been associated all his life previous to his capture. Dr. Butler was particularly interested because during the building operations in Bareilly one night they were aroused by the cry of a mother who had been lying with a baby on her arm asleep. A wolf had stolen up and had clutched the child by the shoulder, trying to lift it off, but the mother, aroused in time, by her shrill cry of alarm frightened the wolf away. Cases of children being reared by wolves have been more or less frequently discovered, and in no case on record was the rescued individual, if grown to manhood, ever able to learn human speech or manners. The survivors in Naini Tal who had been saved from death during the Mutiny by the faithfulness of the Nawab of Rampore, wishing to extend to him an expression of their gratitude, joined together and ordered a magnifi- cent silver service from London, accompanied by a richly ornamented address on parchment, and the committee io6 Mission Activities informed the Nawab of their desire to visit him and pre- sent him with a token of their gratitude. A formal invita- tion was soon received from the Nawab, and in January, i860, twenty-three of the eighty-seven defenders, all who were able to gather at Rampore, met in the plain outside the city, where the servants of the Nawab had pitched tents for their use. A large durbar, or reception tent, occupied the center. At about nine o'clock in the morning a cloud of dust at the city gates and the booming of cannon announced that the royal cavalcade was on its way to the camp. The rea- son for his faithfulness to the British was that he had been protected on the throne by them against the pre- tender to whom his brother, when dying, had endeavored to transfer it. The British, in recognition of his fidelity, had enlarged his dominions. The testimonial now to be presented was merely an offering from the civilians who had been fugitives in Naini Tal. The Nawab entered the tent and was seated in state to receive each one of the sur- vivors, who were introduced and placed according to their rank. As a mark of honor he had come to receive them and escort them in person to the palace. The introduc- tions over he gave the signal to depart, and the guests were mounted in the howdahs on the backs of the great elephants from his stables. Thirty of the richly capari- soned animals formed a procession, and following them came the magnificent Arabian and Persian horses of the Nawab, his attendants, his band, the artillery, cavalry, and infantry closing the rear. The elephants moved in two lines, so close together that their backs looked like an undulating floor covered with a red carpet, so that it seemed that a man could walk from one of the brilliant processions to the other along the broad backs of the intelligent beasts. On entering the city the royal salute was fired, which was repeated on arrival at the palace. Alighting, each guest was invested with a 107, William Butler choice garland of gold and silver tinsel work adorned with jewels. This was placed around the neck, falling to the waist. This showed that they were the bidden and accepted guests of the royal master, and illustrated beautifully the custom set forth in the parable of our Lord concerning the wedding garment. It was worn all the time that the guests remained within the city, and procured for them abundant honor, the guards pre- senting arms as the wearers passed, and even the elephants having been trained to raise their trunks in salute to those bearing this sign of the favor of the Nawab. The guests were first conducted to the elaborately dec- orated throne room, where they were seated in a semicircle in front of the Nawab, and an entertainment was provided for their pleasure. First, Nautch girls, most elaborately dressed and covered with jewels, came to dance and sing ; then the court buffoons played their best antics and jokes, and a burlesque on an English court judge was presented by having criminals brought in under ridiculous charges for impossible offenses and the most absurd judgments pronounced by the worthy in the chair. This style of en- tertainment was not to the taste of the missionary, so he slipped out, in company with a friend, mounted one of the elephants and took a view of the city, returning in time for the presentation and address which was offered by Colonel, afterward Sir Henry Ramsey. The Nawab took the opportunity to confer gifts of honor upon some of his chief officers, the first in line being the commander of his army. Knowing how much they were indebted to these men, in so loyally sustaining their master's position in spite of efforts made to induce them to join the mutineers, the English honored each man with a cheer as he was presented. Cheers are not a part of the procedure of an oriental court, and at first seemed to surprise all parties, but these were very quickly understood and io8 c a > o H < n I. / i William Butler choice garland of gold and silver tinsel work adorned with jewels. This was placed around the neck, falling to the waist. This showed that they were the bidden and accepted guests of the royal master, and illustrated beatiti fully the custom set forth in the parable of our Lord concerning the wedding garment. It was worn all the time that the guests remained within the city, and procured for them abundant honor, the .canards pre- senting arms as the wearers passed, and even the elephants having been trained to raise their trunks in salute to those bearing this sign of the favor of the Nawab. The gtiests were first conducted to the elaborately dec- orated throne room, where they were seated in a semicircle in front of the Xawab, and an entertainment was provided for their pleasure. First, Xautch girls, most elaborately dressed and covered with jewels, came to dance and sing; then the court butToons played their best antics and jokes, and a burlesque on an English court judge was presented bv having criminals brought in under ridiculous charges for impossible offenses and the most absurd judgments pronounced by the worthy in the chair. This style of en- tertainment was not to the taste of the missionary, so he slipped out, in company with a friend, mounted one of the elephants and took a view of the city, returning in time for the presentation and address which was offered by Colonel, afterward Sir Henry Ramsey. The Xawab took the opportunity to confer gifts of honor upon some of his chief officers, the first in line being the commander of his army. Knowing how much they were indebted to these men. in so loyally sustaining their master's position in spite of efforts made to induce them to join the mutineers, the English honored each man with a cheer as he was presented. Cheers are not a part of the procedure of an oriental court, and at first seemed to surprise all parties, but these were very quickly understood and 1 08 X r. P3 f Mission Activities very gratefully received. Each person to be distinguished was brought in before the Nawab, an officer standing near by with a tray containing the gifts, and a short address was made by the Nawab on the special acts of devoted service for which the recipient was to be honored. The gift was in its nature significant of the profession of the person favored, the master receiving a dress of state made of cloth of gold, and the general a sword and shield of rich manufacture. An elaborate dinner was arranged for the English guests. When all were seated "the king came in to see his guests," every one of whom, of course, had retained his festive garland, and the servants standing by the chairs watched their sovereign's eye and hand as he quickly drew their attention to anything required. The ceremony ended at ten o'clock that night. This was the day of the Methodist missionary at the court of an Eastern King. The kindness shown by this Mohammedan ruler to our missionaries is especially noteworthy, as a few years later, on the arrival of Dr. Clara Swain and the establishment of the first medical mission for women in the Orient, the Nawab gave a fine piece of land and a building to be used for the first hospital for women in India. The policy of the different rulers who have succeeded him has remained unchanged in its friendliness toward our Mission. The Rajah of Rewah was another ruler who had re- mained faithful to the English cause, and during the ter- rible days of the Mutiny he heard of a number of fugi- tives, chiefly ladies and children, who were hiding in a neighboring forest. He immediately sent messengers and escorted the foreigners to comfortable quarters near his palace. They were fed and protected until the time arrived when they could be safely sent to Calcutta, and then he supplied them with the means of returning to England. This humane act had exposed him to grave 109 William Butler danger. When the news of this remarkable act reached Queen Victoria she commanded that he be invested with the newly estabhshed Order of the Star of India. A royal Durbar was proclaimed for this man whom the Queen delighted to honor. The Superintendent was in- vited to this magnificent ceremony, which was arranged in the open* plain, hundreds of tents being pitched for the occasion. The royal pavilions were gay with bright colors and glistened with gold and silver hangings, while from lofty poles floated the banner of Great Britain and those of the attendant Nawabs and Rajahs in great numbers. The Governor General occupied a chair of state in the center of the pavilion, and around him were grouped the military and civil officers according to their rank. A chair was vacant on his right hand. On the approach of the Rajah a salute of twenty-one guns was fired, and as he appeared at the entrance all rose to receive him, while, supported by his attendant, he moved slowly and with apparent difficulty up the long aisle. The Governor Gen- eral escorted him to the place of honor. The Rajah was attired in cloth of gold with a superb cashmere shawl bound about his waist and a jeweled sword hanging at his side. His white turban was covered with jewels in rich ornamentation, and chains of precious stones were about his neck. The presiding officer expressed the grati- tude of the Queen for the humane act of her faithful ally, and placed upon his breast the magnificent Star of the Order. As he stood before the assembly, the center of attraction for all eyes, he seemed a glowing embodiment of the fabled wealth of Ind. In a few words he expressed his thanks for the honor and for her Majesty's kindness, and then, with his hands muffled in the folds of his coat, passed painfully back to the entrance, where his attend- ants lifted him to the howdah of his elephant. As the brilliant assembly moved out from the pavilion Dr. Butler asked a friend, "What is the matter with the no Mission Activities Rajah, that he moves so slowly?" "Ah," came the reply, "he is a leper." This superbly attired individual was poorer than the poorest in his dominions who possessed the blessing of health; for he whose wealth and honor made him the envy of his compatriots was losing his hands and feet in the ravages of this awful disease ! Poor India! This indeed was a picture of the great country; rich, and coveted by the nations of the world, but sick with the malady of a debasing religion, with none to help until the Great Physician shall be brought to heal her sorrows and make her clean. Before the Mutiny a native who became a Christian was at a disadvantage in obtaining employment, the East India Company discriminating against him, while his heathen neighbors would neither buy from him nor give him work. The converts were in danger of starving unless taken into Mission employ. The danger of making them thus depend on foreign rupees, and so laying them open to the charge of having changed their faith for pecuniary rea- sons, was considerable. When the Mutiny had broken out Sir John Lawrence was Governor of the Punjab, and the missionaries waited upon him to say that if their public preaching in the streets of Lahore was any embarrass- ment, in the condition of the country, they were willing to pause for a season if he thought best. His reply, which will be a lasting honor to his name, was, "No, gentlemen ; prosecute your preaching and missionary enterprises just as usual," and went on to say that in his opinion "Chris- tian things done in a Christian way will never alienate the heathen." The missionaries did not preach a sermon the less in the Punjab for the rebellion. Though all India around them rose against the British, the Punjab stood firm. The East India Company was abolished, while this brave man, Sir John Lawrence, was chosen to be the Vice- roy of India and native Christians were sought for to fill good appointments. They are now found in all depart- in William Butler ments, and even the converts from the lowest castes are in positions of usefulness and honor. The delightful spirit of unity among the Missions is shown by the following letter which arrived at the time when our missionaries were in some anxiety lest the Civil War would so cripple our Missionary Society that they would not be able to sustain the work : My dear Dr. Butler : Some of us to whom the cause of Christ in connection with every branch of Christ's Church is dear are beginning to feel very anxious about the probable effects of the disastrous war in America on all Ameri- can missions. We are therefore making inquiries on the subject in order, if necessary, to apply to our friends alike in India and in Britain. We would all be saddened to see any of these valuable mis- sions curtailed in any way. Will you please therefore tell me how your Mission is likely to be affected ? Will your Board be in difl&culties ? If so, which? Do let me know without delay, as we are anxious to adopt measures to do what we can to help brethren in need. Besides the interest I feel in your Mission as a branch of service I am especially interested from having been in America — from the great kindness I experienced when there and for the generous confidence placed in me by your Society in electing me an honorary member. Have you, for instance, any orphans brought m from the famine? If so, are you likely to be in difficulty about their support ? All these, or any other details, pray send me without delay. Yours affectionately, Alexander Duff. That the Church at home sustained the work even un- der the trying circumstances of the war does not lessen the gratitude felt by the Methodist Mission for this mark of Christian generosity. The generous proposition was all the more welcome in consideration of the anxiety of some of the missionaries as to the venturesome spirit of the Superintendent in accepting the charge of so many orphan children. To their fears as to a possible bankruptcy for the Mission his faith answered, claiming these little ones for God's service. No want has ever come to them, or to 1X2 Mission Activities the Mission as a result of its care for the helpless. In fact, so marked was the hand of Providence in the early work of the Mission that an impression went abroad among the English officials that it was best to do what the Super- intendent of the Methodist Mission asked, for some who had refused help or obstructed the work, like the magi- strate who refused to give him the orphan children, had been most unexpectedly removed or had died. This was not known to him at the time, but years later he heard of it from one of the other missionaries. It was not the pel son only who impressed these onlookers, but the power so clearly seen working through him and his brethren in the Mission. 113 CHAPTER VII Led in New Paths «< 4^ Cbrij^tian ttomen, for tbe templet ^et ^btouflbout eartb'^ Hci^eit lanDj^, Ho pou forget ^be ^anctuarp curtain^ nccD pour broiberp pet 7 " Each land has its problems ; the India Mission had them in full measure. The question of admittmg a polygamist into Christian church fellowship, provided that the relation had been taken before the man was reached by Christian teaching, came early to the front In 1859 a man with two wives became a Christian and desired to be received. The matter was the more difficult to settle since the first wife, being childless, had urged her husband to take the second one, believing that without a son to officiate at his funeral ceremony he would not have a happy transmigration. The second wife had borne him five children, her eldest daughter having grown up and been married before the contact with Christianity raised the question which must now be decided. The poor man wished to do what was right, but after repeated confer- ences with the two women he could not say which should be put away. Finally the family traveled to Bareilly and put the case before the Superintendent, who naturally shrank from giving any advice on so delicate a question. He hstened to their statements, lifting his heart meanwhile to the God of Justice to make the right way plain to the distressed hearts of the company. The first wife stated her case, urging that she had been a true and faithful wife during all the years of her married life, and that though God had denied her the children she felt that her fidelity should plead for her in this hour. The second wife set forth her claims, above all that she was the mother of the 114 Led in New Paths children. No word of bitterness was uttered by either side, all spoke under the sense of the heavy sacrifice which Christianity was then demanding of them. The children looked on with sad faces. The one to whom this painful question had been referred wrote : "All the time my heart was going up in prayer for the merciful intervention of Him whose holy law was requiring the sacrifice from those who would be his followers, so that w^e might be guided wisely, and without any compromise which he would reject, from out of those intricate circumstances into which their false religion had led them. I felt a strong hope, in view of the husband's manifest anxiety to do what was right before God, that the Merciful One would not leave us in this perplexity, but would cause light to rise upon the obscurity. I could not imagine how it was to be done. * Man's extremity is God's opportunity,' and it was certainly here; for when the pleadings were ceasing, and solemn silence was over us — each heart hushed to listen for the decision which must come now to save the whole effort from confusion and a collapse that would surely sacrifice the future peace of the family and effectually impede their conversion to Christianity — then help seemed to come from heaven. The oldest daughter of the second wife, herself married, and with a babe on her bosom, stirred by an impulse which impelled her to decided action, rose to her feet and crossed the room to the sad and weeping first wife and tenderly addressing her, said, 'Mother, I have now a home of my own, and if you will only consent to be the discarded one, so that my father may be able to carry out his religious convictions, I will take you to my heart and home and I will be a lov- ing daughter to you all the days of your life.' Love solved the whole difficulty. The old woman threw her arms around the dear girl and crossed the room to sit by her side, and the matter was settled without another word being spoken. We were all in tears to see this wonderful, IT5 'i1 i William Butler merciful, and beautiful solution of one of the most unique and painful difficulties in which a number of human hearts could be entangled. The feelings of all parties were saved and honored ; God's law was obeyed, and the whole family received into Christianity and its holy relations." The high Christian standard was thus upheld in the very beginning of the work, and the need of avoiding any compromise in this matter is manifest by noting not only the habits of the people, but by reading the authority for the practice of polygamy in the sacred writings of the Hindus. Manu, the lawgiver, declares in Institutes, sec- tion 154: 'Though he be enamored of another woman or devoid of good qualities, yet a husband must constantly be revered as a god by a virtuous wife." And in the popular "Sakuntala" the young wife is exhorted to "Show due reverence to thy husband and to those whom he reveres ; though he have other wives, be rather an affectionate handmaid to them than a rival." The Koran allowing four wives or concubines, and an almost unlimited free- dom of divorce, the public opinion of the country is so low that no possible compromise could be allowed in the Christian Church. The great need for special work for the women of India led the Superintendent to ask that two single ladies should come who would be able to give their whole time to the effort. These ladies were sent, but did not long remain in the work. The need, however, did not change, and it was a burden on the heart of the founder that so little could be done to lift the curtain that separated the women in their zenanas from all opportunity to hear the glad tidings which they so sorely missed. Daughters bound by Satan, lo, these many years ! While on a visit to Calcutta in 1864 he suffered from an attack of cholera, that awful scourge of India, which left him so weak that a sea voyage was ordered by his physician as the only chance of recovering his health. It 116 i. Led in New Paths being impossible to leave for America at such short noticd passage was taken to Burmah, where the convalescent and his wife had the pleasure of seeing the work resulting from the efforts of the heroic Judson and his fellow- laborers. Kind missionary friends entertained them and escorted them to the places of greatest interest. The grave of the Emperor of Delhi was near the barracks of the soldiers, the spot where the last of the Moguls was laid being unmarked even by a headstone. His predecessors rest in those magnificent tombs which are the admiration of every traveler in the East, while all that is mortal of the last of the line lies in this obscure grave on a foreign shore. Far different were the reflections suggested as they stood at beautiful Amherst by the grave of Ann Haseltine Judson, the brave woman who shared the perils through which Dr. Judson passed and cared for him so heroically during his long and cruel imprisonment. Her name stands high on the list of those who have counted not their Hves dear unto themselves. At the head of the grave on that lonely spot of the seashore rose a tall hopia tree which could be seen twenty miles out at sea. Mrs. Judson was the first of the missionary ladies to learn the Burmese and to work for the women of the land. Her experiences while Dr. Judson was imprisoned, when she was obliged not only to care for herself but to provide him with food, are most thrillingly related in her biog- raphy. At Maulmain were Mr. and Mrs. Hough and Mr. Wade, who had experienced something of the awful treat- ment of the cruel Burman king. The two brethren had been condemned to death and brought to the public square, their heads were actually on the executioner's block wait- ing for the sword to fall, when a British war-ship, which had come up the river unobserved, threw a shell right into the square. The executioners dropped their swords and fled, while the court and the crowd of spectators followed suit. The two missionaries heard the shot and the result- 117 y y Led in New Paths being impossible to leave for \rncrica at such short notice passage was taken to Burmah, where the convalescent and his wife had the pleasure of seeing the work resulting from the efforts of the heroic Judson and his fellow- laborers. Kind missionary friends entertained them and escorted them to the places of greatest interest. The grave of the Emperor of Delhi was near the barracks of the soldiers, the spot where the last of the ^loguls was laid being unmarked even by a headstone. His predecessors rest in those magnificent tombs which are the admiration of every traveler in the East, while all that is mortal of the last of the line lies in this obscure grave on a foreign shore. Far different were the reflections suggested as they stood at beautiful Amherst by the grave of Ann Hascltine Judson, the brave woman who shared the perils through which Dr. Judson passed and cared for him so heroically during his long and cruel imprisonment. Her name stands high on the list of those who have counted not their lives dear unto themselves. At the head of the grave on that lonely spot of the seashore rose a tall hopia tree which could be seen twenty miles out at sea. Mrs. Judson was the first of the missionary ladies to learn the Burmese and to work for the women of the land. Her experiences while Dr. Judson was imprisoned, when she was obliged not only to care for herself but to provide him with food, are most thrillingly related in her biog- raphy. At ^laulmain were ^Ir. and Mrs. Hough and Mr. \\'ade, who had experienced something of the awful treat- ment of the cruel Burman king. The two brethren had been condemned to death and brought to the public square, their heads were actually on the executioner's block wait- ing for the sword to fall, when a British war-ship, which had come up the river unobserved, threw a shell right into the square. The executioners dropped their swords and fled, while the court and the crowd of spectators followed suit. The two missionaries heard the shot and the result- 117 f^MHA William Butler Led in New Paths ing commotion without knowing what it meant. When they finally dared raise their heads they were alone in the square and soon gained British protection. Judson was in prison at Ava at the time. The visiting missionary wished especially to see the work among the Karens, which up to that date was the most remarkable mission of modern times. The Baptist friends, therefore, arranged that he should accompany one of their number who was to go to a Karen village a long way off in the forest. The party started one Saturday morning in a boat, expecting to make the distance by nightfall, but as they sailed up the river the boatmen took a wrong branch, which caused such delay that night came on before they reached the place where they should change to the land conveyance. They landed at an old Buddhist temple, whose priest, learning of their predicament — for the Karen brethren had gone home, supposing that they were not to come that day — offered the hospitality of the temple. He shared his evening meal with them and al- lowed the party to sleep on the floor at the feet of the great placid image of Buddha. This was very astonishing to the missionary from India, accustomed to the touch- me-not ideas of the caste-observing Hindus, who would consider their inner sanctuaries defiled by the presence of a Christian and their food contaminated if his shadow should fall within the circle made around their cooking place. At dawn the next day the kind priest aroused them, saying that the friends from the Karen village had ar- rived. They must start soon if they would reach the service in the forest in good season. The conveyance was a rude sort of sled, rising at each end like a scow or canoe, and harnessed to an elephant. When they had taken their seats on the floor of this vehicle the elephant started off over the rice fields and hillocks, taking everything that came in his way across that wild, trackless country. When 1x8 !\ he reached a branch of the river the great creature would slide down into the water, the sled following with a splash and the passengers holding on for dear life. Sometimes he would cross forthwith and again remain in the stream and enjoy his bath, refusing to proceed until so inclined. Then, climbing up the slippery bank on the opposite side, he would bump over the next stretch of rice fields, which are almost as hummocky as our corn lands. The con- valescent missionary was wondering how much longer he could possibly endure this fearful jolting when through the depths of the forest came the clear, sweet sound of a bell. He had heard many beautiful bells, in fact had just come from Rangoon, where the imposing Shaon Dagon pagoda stands three hundred feet above the little hill on which it is erected, and from the gilt umbrella surmount- ing the structure hang hundreds of gold bells which sway in the breeze and tinkle together with a charming sound floating down as if from the skies. Great bells of some metal which gives out a clear silvery tone were found at such pagodas, but this one was sweeter than them all, for it was a Christian bell in the very heart of the Burmese forest, and, like Aaron's holy bells, was sounding before the Lord. Soon the elephant brought the weary travelers into a little clearing where, nestling under the giant trees, was a Karen village and in the center a modest church. The people were flocking into the sacred inclosure from all sides of the hamlet. The scene was one of peace and beauty. The men seated themselves on one side of the church, and the women on the other. After eight years of life in India, where the women are compelled to veil their faces and to be secluded as far as possible from the public gaze, these bright Karen women with unveiled faces and beautiful flowers twined in their luxuriant hair seemed wonderfully blessed. The women would nod their heads in approving response to the good things said from the 119 if \n William Butler pulpit, causing the bell-like flowers to shed their fragrance like incense filling the house. The missionary preached to them on the benefits of Christianity, translating his remarks for the benefit of Dr. Butler. When the Christian workers entered that vil- lage they could not get a man to listen to their words — all were drunk. They were lazy and would not work, and were poverty-stricken and unhappy. The women were compelled to do all the labor. (Vigorous nods of assent from the sisters.) "But now, look at your condition. You are all Christians, educated, industrious, and," turn- ing to his guest he said, 'There is a family altar in every house." Here, deep in the heart of a Burmese forest, was a community enjoying the delights of Christian fellow- ship. Thank God for such an example of what the Gospel can accomplish ! At Maulmain the celebrated sawmills were visited, where the intelligent elephants were stacking huge teak logs in even piles. No wonder that the Hindus place the head of an elephant on the figure of their god of wisdom, for of all animals these are the most sagacious and capable of being trained to the help of man. The great beasts would lift the teak, carefully watching the heavy timber to see if it were nicely balanced, then, walking off to the place where the logs were being piled, adjust each in its place with a nicety hardly excelled by human intelligence. A tea party for the India missionaries w^as arranged to which about one hundred and fifty of the Burmese were invited. The foreigners were given a table and the natives occupied the veranda. The latter were greatly inter- ested in the speeches made to them about their brethren and sisters in the far-away Mission — even farther away than Bengal ! At Rangoon the pastor of the church had been Dr. Judson's helper. On the Sunday passed there Dr. Butler had the privilege of joining in the service and of seeing three converts baptized. The political condition 1 20 Led in New Paths 'i of Burmah recalled the effort made by the cruel King to regain part of his territory which had been taken from him by the British. He sent an ambassador to Calcutta to interview Lord Dalhousie, then the Governor General of India. The envoy awaited his time to present his petition. The opportunity arrived one evening at the Government House, when, as Dalhousie stood by a window, the Bur- man envoy made his request. Dalhousie understood the native character, and desiring to give an answer which could not be misinterpreted he drew the ambassador out on the balcony, where the moon could be seen at its height, shining with the brilliancy known only in the tropics. Pointing up, he said to the terrified envoy, who feared some dreadful penalty about to be visited upon him for his temerity, 'Tell your master that as long as the moon rides in the heavens so long will the British flag wave over Pegu !" Whether this be true or not, the reign of the Sun of Righteousness that has begun in Burmah shall never pass away. Soon after leaving this interesting country Dr. Butler received an invitation from a leading merchant to return to open a Methodist mission, as he felt that there was room and opportunity for more laborers. Our forces were more needed elsewhere and many years passed before the Methodist Church undertook to do its part in Burmah. The work in India was extending so rapidly and such wonderful openings were manifest that a proposition was made by the Superintendent to cross the Ganges and so stretch farther the boundaries which a short time before had seemed to many to cover too great a field for our strength. This was the first intimation of the remarkable extension destined to our Church in India. Bishop Tho- burn, now the aggressive leader and prophet of our hosts in that land, states that he did not then regard the proposi- tion with favor, so heavy were the burdens already rest- ing on our Mission. Yet in the short space of seven years 121 William Butler the Ganges was crossed, and henceforth no boundaries confined the activities of the Methodist Church in India. Though partially restored by the visit to Burmah, the health of the Superintendent was not fully established. This fact, coupled with that of the splendid force of mis- sionaries now in the field, made him feel that he could leave the Mission organized into an Annual Conference. During the visit of Bishop Thomson this plan was accom- plished, the progress of the work being shown by the names of twenty-seven native workers who then received their appointments. In 1865 ^^- Butler sailed away from India, not imagining that he would ever be permitted to see his field and fellow-workers again. The account of his work there would not be complete without paying tribute, as he was glad to do, to the splendid manner in which he was sustained in all his endeavors by his de- voted wife. No complaint was heard from her lips even when they were compelled to flee for their lives to Naini Tal, where a babe was born soon after the terrible jour- ney, nor during the many migrations which changed her home eighteen times in seven years. She had married an itinerant preacher indeed! Whether living in tents, hovels, or a palace — which sounds attractive, but it was in ruins and without doors, so that the wild dogs entered at night— or in the sad days when during the absence of her husband on one of his visits of inspection she was alone with her dying child, and had to make all the ar- rangements with the native pastor for the resting place of her darling, she did not repine. Never under the most try- ing circumstances did she say, "Stay," when by his going he could advance the cause so precious to them both. A letter to a sister tells of the perplexities of life in India at this time. Her four children were all more or less af- fected by the terrible heat, a visiting missionary was ill and likewise his three recently orphaned children, and fifteen people were to be cared for in a place far from 122 Led in New Paths / 'qrn ^Iks. Wu.i.iAM LUtlkr supplies, in a climate where most of the food would not keep over night. To the unfailing courage and faith of his true ''helpmeet" the missionary joyfully accorded a full share of whatever success may have crowned his life- work. Passage was taken by way of the Cape of Good Hope in the expectation that the long sea voyage prescribed by the physician might complete his recovery. A cyclone so disabled the ship that it was obliged to stay in Cape Town for repairs, and here the returning missionary had the pleasure of meeting some of the veteran preachers. One of them had known Livingstone well. He gave to Dr. Butler some poisoned arrows, an immense pair of wild buffalo horns, an assegai and a rhinoceros club which the great explorer had brought down from the heart of the continent. These were ever cherished among his choicest treasures. Here also he learned of the utter failure of Bishop Colenso's plans for admitting polygamists into the Christian Church; the young men arguing that if their fathers might be permitted to keep their plural wives surely it was no harm for them to take a number, and disaster to the Church was the result. The long voyage, one hundred and twenty-three days, was made more tedious because the box of books which had been packed especially for this time had inadvertently been left in Calcutta. The passengers were not in sympathy with missions, in fact none of them appeared to have any interest in Christianity. The gentlemen, chiefly military officers, were, to a man, in favor of the Confederacy. Dis- cussion ran high, the missionary standing alone in favor of the Union cause. These officers were not above teasing the missionary children. They would point to a sail on the horizon and say, "Now that is Captain Semmes, on the Alabama; when he comes on board we will have to give you up, for you are only Americans and Northern- ers." Such annoyances continued until one day an officer 123 Led in New Paths .\Ik>. Wll II \M l''ITI.|-.U supplies, In a climate where 'iiost of the food would not keep over night. To the unfailing courage and faith of his true "helpmeet" the missionary joyfully accorded a full share of whatever success may have crowned his life- work. Passage was taken by way of the Cape of Good Hope in the expectation that the long sea voyage prescribed by the phvsician might complete his recovery. A cyclone so disabled the ship that it was obliged to stay in Cape Town for repairs, and here the returning missionary had the pleasure of meeting some of the veteran preachers. One of them had known Livingstone well. He gave to Dr. Butler some poisoned arrows, an immense pair of wild buffalo horns, an assegai and a rhinoceros club which the great explorer had brought down from the heart of the continent. These were ever cherished among his choicest treasures. Here also he learned of the utter failure of Bishop Colenso's plans for admitting polygamists into the Christian Church ; the young men arguing that if their fathers might be permitted to keep their plural wives surelv it was no harm for them to take a number, and disaster to the Church was the result. The long voyage, one hundred and twenty-three days, was made more tedious because the box of books which had been packed especially for this time had ii^advertently been left in Calcutta. The passengers were not in sympathy with missions, in fact none of them appeared to have any interest in Christianity. The gentlemen, chiefly military officers, were, to a man, in favor of the Confederacy. Dis- cussion ran high, the missionary standing alone in favor of the Union cause. These officers were not above teasing the missionary children. They would point to a sail on the horizon and say, ''Now that is Captain Semmes, on the Alabama; when he comes on board we will have to give you up, for you are only Americans and Northern- ers." Such annoyances continued until one day an officer 123 William Butler approached one of the brothers and asked, "What do you think of yourselves anyway ? You are only one family and all the rest of us are for the South." The youngster looked up and said, innocently, '*I think we are lambs in the midst of wolves." The rebuke raised a shout from the bystand- ers, but the officer was so greatly offended that for the sake of peace the father was obliged to assure him that he had not suggested any retort to the boy. However, after that the missionary children were unmolested. There were forty-three children on board and no place reserved for them in the crowded vessel. In order to keep our boys employed they would be perched on the edge of the bunk to do some sewing, being promised as a reward that they should each have a shilling on arriving in London. Brave- ly the two chaps stitched away, spending their shilling in imagination as if it were a fortune. One of them sud- denly awakened to thoughts of the future, and rushing to his father demanded to know who was his heir. He had probably heard the officers on board speak of the heir to some great estate in England. The father looked up in surprise. He was a missionary returning in broken health, with considerable anxiety in his mind about the future, and certainly not aware of possessing any great amount of worldly possessions, so he asked the child, ''Heir to what?" ''Why, to the boxes and things!" As the steamer approached Southampton, May i6, 1865, and took the pilot on board, the passengers, who had been shut off from news of the world's doings for four months, crowded around him eagerly asking to be informed. He replied that there was no news. "But what about the war in America ?" Then realizing how long the travelers had been without tidings he said: "The war is over. The South is defeated and Lincoln is assassinated." A hush fell over the group as they seized the papers he had brought. The British idea of the sovereignty of the ruler of a nation, and the fact that a Southerner had conde- 124 Led in New Paths scended to so mean a crime as regicide, completely changed the sentiments of a majority of the passengers, and some of them came to apologize to the Americans for their harsh criticisms of the President. The London Punch published a poem of similar purpose, from which Dr. Butler quoted with frequency as showing how nobly the English confessed their misjudgment. " You lay a wreath on murdered Lincoln's bier, Vou, who with mocking pencil wont to trace Broad for the self-complacent British sneer His length of shambling limb, his furrowed face ! •• You, whose smart pen backed up the pencil's laugh, Judging each step as though the way were plain ; Reckless, so it could point its paragraph, Of chiefs perplexity or people's pain ! "Beside this corpse that bears for winding sheet The Stars and Stripes he lived to rear anew, Between the mourners at his head and feet, Say, scurril jester, is there room for you ?" •' Yes ! He had lived to shame me for my sneer ; To lame my pencil and confute my pen : To make me own this hind of princes peer. This railsplitter — a true-born prince of men ! " When the returned missionary reached London he was invited to preach in City Road Chapel, and accounted it a great privilege to occupy Wesley's pulpit and to visit the places made sacred by their associations with the holy life of our great leader. A trip was made to greet his old friends in the Irish Conference, then in session. Bishop Janes was present, as delegate from the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and saw the missionaries enter. Coming down to meet them in the aisle he extended his hands in welcome, saying, "God sent you to India to do a great work, and you have done it!" Imagine the enthusiasm aroused in the warm-hearted members of the Conference by this speech, and the arrival of the man who had received his training in their ranks ! 125 William Butler Bishop Janes and Dr. Scott were planning to visit the Lakes of Killarney and the missionaries went with them. At one of the hotels on the way they asked for an open carriage, as a change from the jaunting car in which they had come. As they finished lunch and started to the car- riage the Bishop offered his arm to Mrs. Butler, and they walked out to be greeted with vociferous cheers by a large crowd which had gathered. No one could understand the cause of this demonstration until they discovered that this was the carriage commonly used for wedding parties and that the Bishop and the lady were supposed to be the happy couple. As they were laughing over this incident they failed to observe a thief who climbed upon the car- riage and cut the cords which held one of the pieces of luggage. When discovered the man was running down the road as fast as he could go. Dr. Scott had some im- portant papers in his baggage and did not wish to lose them, so he jumped out and ran after the thief. Bishop Janes also had some things which he prized, so he fol- lowed Dr. Scott; the India missionary possessed docu- ments of value to his work, so he ran also. These three men were supposed to be invalids, but in pursuing the rascal they made surprising time. It was a long chase, but the valuable piece of luggage was rescued. Perhaps the exercise was what all needed for their restoration to health, for certainly decided improvement was manifested soon after. Together these friends visited the rectory at Madeley, where the manuscripts, study table, and grave of the sainted Fletcher were objects of great interest. In a jour- nal of Dr. Butler's are the words : **I gathered a bunch of flowers in the garden and left with the feeling of earnest desire that God might increase my personal holiness. How little did Fletcher imagine to what an extent the Methodism he so nobly defended would grow, and that a Bishop from the West and a missionary from the East 126 Led in New Paths would one day visit his grave and thank God that he ever lived !" In order that the older children, who had been deprived of suitable educational advantages in India, might profit by the historical and other sights of the city of London more than two weeks was devoted to escorting them to all the places of greatest interest, such as the Tower, West- minster Abbey, St. Paul's, and the Houses of Parliament. At the close of these delightful excursions the young folks were made to stand in line and were asked which of all the wonderful things they had been privileged to see they had enjoyed the most. The father fondly expected to hear them declare the Abbey, or the Regalia, or some other of the truly notable spectacles of the great metropolis, but with one voice all three exclaimed, "Tom Thumb !" It is to be hoped that the disappointment of the ambitious parents was somewhat modified by later events. Upon landing in New York a great demand for Dr. Butler to give missionary addresses occupied his time until spring, when he was stationed at Walnut Street Church, Chelsea, Massachusetts. Here his son John be- gan Christian work by visiting an old colored woman, an invalid member of the church. His modest request that he might be allowed to read and pray with her so delighted the old auntie that she told her pastor on his next call of the pleasure she had received from the visit. It was a profound joy to him to learn that one of his sons was thus beginning his ministry, and he looked forward to the time when he also should preach "the glorious Gospel of the grace of God." A later pastorate at Dor- chester Street Church, South Boston, brought the family near the Perkins Institute, the world's most remarkable institution for the blind. The marvelous success achieved in the case of Laura Bridgman was attracting wide atten- tion. Dr. Butler visited her, and in order to assist her comprehension of his topic carried several idols. When 1127 William Butler she had felt them over, and was told that human beings were worshiping these bits of brass and stone, she ex- pressed her intense surprise and sorrow by a curious moan that brought tears to all eyes. There were no schools for blind girls in India except those being erected by Chris- tian missionaries. Sick animals of all sorts had endowed homes in various cities, notably in Bombay, but the little blind daughters of India had suffered without care Until aided by the Christian Church. During this pastorate Dr. and Mrs. Parker came to visit their old Superintendent. Mrs. Butler had shortly before been invited to address the ladies of the Congrega- tional churches of Boston on the subject of the condition of the women of India, and had also been present when the Woman's Board of Missions of the Congregational Church was organized. She talked with Mrs. Parker of the need for more work among the women of Methodism and they agreed as to the possibility of organizing a similar Society in our Church. Mrs. Lewis Flanders, who was present, offered to bring the matter before the meet- ing of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Tremont Street Church in Boston, to be held the next day. This she did, and a committee was appointed to invite Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Butler to address a meeting. The call was sent out, but the day proved very rainy, and only eight women braved the storm to attend. The organization was effected, however, on that day, March 23, 1869, under the name of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The time was propitious and the new Society prospered. A publication, intended to be the organ of the Society, was established, and Mrs. W. F. Warren was elected editor of The Heathen Woman's Friend. Mr. Flanders kindly promised to back the enterprise financially, but the paper paid its way from the beginning. The question was raised soon after whether two missionaries could be sent out at 128 Led in New Paths once to India ; two suitable candidates being ready. The faith of some wavered as to raising the thousand dollars necessary, but Mrs. Edward F. Porter rose and said, "Let us send the missionaries, and let the Methodist women of Boston walk the streets in calico gowns, if need be, in order to do it !" The two were sent, to begin the glorious work of the Society in India which has been so greatly blessed of God. Dr. Butler was now called to the Secretaryship of the American and Foreign Christian Union, an organization devoted to work in Papal lands. The headquarters of the Society being in New York, the family moved to Passaic, New Jersey, where Mrs. Butler soon after had the privilege of entertaining the two lady missionaries, pioneers of the host of those consecrated women who have counted not their lives dear unto themselves that they might teach among the women of heathen and pagan lands the blessed news of the Saviour's coming. Miss Isabella Thoburn went to take the school work and Dr. Clara Swain to begin medical work. The latter was the first woman physician to go to the women of the Orient. The women of Methodism should thank God that he inspired them thus to be leaders in the branch of service which has proved of such wonderful assistance in all our mis- sions. The heart of the founder of the Mission was deeply stirred as he saw these two devoted handmaidens of the Lord depart on their journey to the land where he had realized the awful need among the women and yet had never been permitted to see the face of a zenana lady or to speak one word to the hearts of any of the secluded ones. It was a joy to know that now his beloved Mission was to be reinforced by these two, before whom the bar- riers would fall as they went as sisters into the homes of the people. The look upon the faces of these dear mis- sionaries, when they stood on the deck as the steamer moved out from the w^harf, was one of joy at being sent 129 '* i William Butler to their glorious task. In England these pioneers were entertained at the home of Mrs. Butler's sister, and one of her sons volunteered to pass their baggage through the customs. Part of it was to go through to India direct, so in reply to his inquiry as to the contents of their trunks they told him to say that they contained only their per- sonal effects. The young man repeated this to the in- spector, who, however, decided to open one curious long box. When the cover was taken off a skeleton was dis- played to the astonished gaze. Word ran up and down the docks that an American lady had arrived with a corpse in her baggage ! It was some time before the matter was fully explained to the curious crowd that gathered. This same skeleton caused curious questioning in India when Dr. Swain used it in the classes of medical students, who knew enough of English to receive instruction but not to set forth their theological queries. So some of the giris went to another missionary, who had been longer in the country and understood the language well, and asked this question: "You say that you believe in the resurrection of the dead. Now, that woman died in America and her bones are here. How is she to rise ?" The resurrection of the dead is a difficult doctrine for the Hindu to accept. Transmigration he fears ; but our glorious assurance comes to his heart only when he ac- cepts Christ, and is thus made free from the fear of millions of births. In the eariy days of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society many situations arose which required the exercise of much tact. The ladies who undertook to interest the members of the churches were not accustomed to public speaking and were reluctant to appear in mixed audiences. At the Sing Sing camp meeting a service had been ar- ranged to introduce the subject to the attention of the ladies present, and Mrs. Butler was invited to make the address. She asked her husband to conduct the opening 130 Led in New Paths exercises, which he gladly did and then retired. Alas, some men insisted on remaining to see what the sisters were doing. In vain the speaker explained that she was not accustomed to addressing a public assembly, and that she could not proceed until the gentlemen departed. Still they did not stir. Finally a tall lady arose and asked if she should undertake to effect their removal, and on re- ceiving permission went out to secure a policeman to guard the door, whereupon the offending men departed. Soon Dr. Butler came around to see how the meeting was progressing, as he was naturally much interested in its success. The policeman interposed, "You cannot go in." "Why, it is my wife who is speaking!" The guardian of the law was not to be hoodwinked in that way, so he re- marked, "That is all very well, but you will move on." This rebuff was not quite as severe as that which a min- ister of the Baltimore Conference received when he in- sisted on knowing what had been done at a meeting which was announced only for the ladies. His hostess in an- swering the question looked around at the curious faces of the other ministers who sat at her table, and told them without a smile that when she entered she found the church crowded with ladies, all of whom were singing heartily, "Only man is vile." The story of the enthusiasm of Queen Isabella in selling her jewels in order that the intrepid Columbus might sail to the New World is familiar to every child. The story of the jewels which were laid on the altar in the early days of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society is known to God only, and the reward has been hidden deep in the hearts of those who denied themselves for the sake of their perishing sisters who were without knowledge of God and without hope. The demand for information from the returned mis- sionary on the subject of India finally induced him to put it into permanent form, and during the next two years he 131 William Butler prepared and published The Land of the Veda. He therein described the people and religions of India, the causes leading to the Sepoy Rebellion and his personal experiences during the conflict. The demand for the book was so great that the first edition was immediately ex- hausted. An especially bound copy was presented to Queen Victoria and the following letter received in reply from her secretary : The Rev. William Butler, D.D. Sir: I am commanded by the Queen to acknowledge your letter and the very handsome volume, entitled TAe Land of the Veda, which you have forwarded. I am to signify her Majesty's acceptance of it, and to express her thanks for placing in her hands a work of so much interest and impor- tance as regards the British Empire in the East. I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient and humble servant, Thomas Biddulph. The book has been extensively used in Sunday school libraries of other denominations as well as in our own. It is still kept as a reference volume in public libraries. In one of our Eastern cities quite recently four ladies were appointed by the leading woman's club to prepare papers on India. The first arose and read her essay, stating that she had found the material for it in The Land of the Veda. The second followed with a like statement, and all four expressed their indebtedness to the book for their ma- terial. It would be impossible to reproduce here the high commendations of friends and missionary workers who found in this work inspiration as well as information, and after thirty years it is recommended as a reference volume in the text-book on India for the United Study of Missions. 132 The Aztec Calendar \ CHAPTER VIII Aztec Land ** (Ct)e bc^ retoarb for |)abing torougbt tacH i^ to batoe more to to.'* In the quaint city of Nuremberg is the oldest globe known ; on it, far out in the Atlantic Ocean, is a bit of land with the name ''Saint Columba's Isle." This is believed to be the first representation of Mexico, to which the good saint went on his mission from lona, thus giving rise to the tradition existing among the Mexicans of a "fair God" who was to return and teach them peace and good will. That this tradition proved favorable to the Spaniards, making their conquest far more easy than it could other- wise have been, cannot well be doubted, but alas for the good will so ardently desired ! Mexico has not received from the people of the United States the attention which her brave struggle for freedom deserves. The first of the seventeen nations south of our border to follow our example in breaking away from transatlantic dominion, she has succeeded against heavier odds than those which opposed our independence. The Spaniards landed in Mexico in 15 15. The Puritans land- ed in New England in 1620. For the elevation of the people of the colony Harvard College was founded in 1636. For the oppression of the people of Mexico the Inquisition was established there in 1572. The results of the two systems are readily to be discovered. The abo- rigines of Mexico boasted of a high degree of civilization, possessing a written language, institutions of learning, arts and industries, and an elaborate system of computing time, of which the Calendar Stone is a remarkable ex- ample. It is a monolith eleven feet in diameter and is said to weigh twenty-six tons, with the carving of its symbols 133 i Tin. A/TKt Calkndau CHAPTER VIII Aztec Land " ^f)t bcifft rctuarb for baUino ujrouobt tucU i? to batoe more to to." In the quaint city of Nuremberg is the oldest globe known ; on it, far out in the Atlantic Ocean, is a bit of land with the name "Saint Columba's Isle." This is believed to be the first representation of Mexico, to which the good saint went on his mission from lona, thus giving rise to the tradition existing among the Mexicans of a "fair God" who was to return and teach them peace and good will. That this tradition proved favorable to the Spaniards, making their conquest far more easy than it could other- wise have been, cannot well be doubted, but alas for the good will so ardently desired ! Mexico has not received from the people of the United States the attention which her brave struggle for freedom deserves. The first of the seventeen nations south of our border to follow our example in breaking away from transatlantic dominion, she has succeeded against heavier odds than those which opposed our independence. The Spaniards landed in Mexico in 15 15. The Puritans land- ed in Xew England in 1620. Eor the elevation of the people of the colony Harvard College was founded in 1636. Eor the oppression of the people of Mexico the Inquisition was established there in 1572. The results of the two systems are readily to be discovered. The abo- rigines of ]\Iexico boasted of a high degree of civilization, possessing a written language, institutions of learning, arts and industries, and an elaborate system of computing time, of which the Calendar Stone is a remarkable ex- ample. It is a monolith eleven feet in diameter and is said to weigh twenty-six tons, with the carving of its symbols ^33 iriiiiMiffi iMrajAaiiiiBiwiiwMj William Butler nine inches deep. Although we cannot yet decipher much of its meaning we still know something of the Aztec method of measuring time. Their cycle was of fifty-two years, and at the expiration of this period all the house- hold utensils were broken and the fires extinguished, to be relighted with elaborate ceremonies on the first day of the new cycle. The key to the hieroglyphs on the Calendar Stone was doubtless lost to us when Archbishop Zumar- raga gathered up the parchments, on which the migrations of the tribes were set forth in elaborate picture writing, and destroyed them at an Auto da Fe in the square of the City of Mexico. These would be almost priceless to-day, but few escaped the zeal of the churchman. The value of this small number serves to show how great was the loss to the world occasioned by this act of vandalism. In one ancient book of the Maya Quiches in Yucatan is the tradition of the origin of the nations which in- habited the fertile land, being driven southward by the invasions of the Toltecs and Aztecs. It states that they came from the East across immense tracts of land and water; that they did not bow down to wood and stone idols, but lifting their eyes toward heaven adored their Creator. The account of the origin of man in this book is that, after consulting together, the gods made men of clay. These were not satisfactory, being lacking in intelligence, and so they were destroyed by water. Then the gods made men of wood; still the result was not as desired. The chronicle states that "they moved about fairly well, they peopled the world with sons and daughters, but the heart and intelligence were lacking. They held no mem- ory of their Maker and Former ; they forgot the Heart of Heaven." Then were the gods wroth and rained upon them night and day a thick resin, and the earth was dark- ened. Men went mad with terror and thus all were de- stroyed save a few, "who now exist in the woods in the 134 Aztec Land form of little apes." Once more the gods essayed to create man. Out of corn was the flesh composed. At last there were men worthy of their origin and destiny. Again the chronicle : "Verily at last did the gods look on beings who could see with their eyes, handle with their hands, and un- derstand with their hearts." In fact, those men were too perfect, and the gods were compelled to breathe a cloud over their eyes lest they should make themselves equal with their creators. "They had as yet no worship, save the breathing of their souls; only they gazed up into heaven not knowing what they had come so far to do." For this very cause, so quaintly stated in the old manu- script, the attention of the Christian world was attracted to Mexico, to the masses of the people who are still ignorant of "what they have come so far to do," as re- vealed in the Word of God, which has been a forbidden book in that land. Now the fullest liberty of conscience has been won as well as political freedom, but at a great cost of life and treasure. To Miss Melinda Rankin Mexico owes the beginning of Bible work. The reports of the eagerness with which the Gospels, Testaments, and evangelical literature were received in the vicinity of her station on the northern border awakened deep interest and led to the extension of the work of the American and Foreign Christian Union. This interdenominational society had begun work in Mexico through Dr. Henry Riley, an Englishman, born in Chile, who had a fine command of the Spanish lan- guage and an understanding of the Latin- American char- acter. The comparatively recent repulse of the foreign invasion of Mexico and the reestablishment of the excel- lent Laws of Reform under which liberty of conscience was guaranteed, made the time most opportune. "The Intervention," planned by the clericals of Mexico, Napoleon III, and the Pope, had succeeded in maintaining for the brief term of three years on the soil of Mexico a 135 William Butler foreign empire. Maximilian of Austria was induced to ac- cept the hazardous undertaking, backed by Austrian gold, French troops, and the blessing of the infallible Pius IX. In spite of the protest which reached the new ruler from loyal Mexican patriots he came and set up his court in the capital, while the Indian president, Benito Juarez, was obliged to retire to the frontier. Mexico had won her independence from Spain in 1821, but her first relief from the bondage of clerical despotism was secured in 1857, when Benito Juarez drew up the Laws of Reform which constitute Mexico's Magna Charta. Under these laws the immense property of the Church, computed at one third of all the real estate of the country, was sequestrated, and portions of it were taken for the public use in the form of schools, hospitals, and libraries. Naturally this did not meet with the approval of the hierarchy, hence the plot to place Maximilian, of the loyal Catholic house of Hapsburg, on the throne of Mexico. The French troops which forced a way for him were an offense to the American nation, but as our hands were tied by the Civil War nothing could be done until, at its conclusion, a graceful note from Secretary Seward to the French Emperor reminded him of the existence of "the Monroe Doctrine" and of its violation by the presence of foreign troops in Mexico. Some of our regiments were sent to Texas, many of the soldiers never learning the reason for this order, but Napoleon realized shortly that his position was too precarious to allow him to venture a quarrel with the victorious government of the United States. The Empress Carlotta started for Paris to beg him to continue his assistance, but failed to induce him to brave American displeasure. The French troops were accordingly withdrawn and the patriot army soon recaptured the government for their president, Benito Juarez. In Mexico in Transition is given a full account of the political situation of that epoch and the mercy exer- 136 I I Aztec Land cised by the Mexicans in ending the great struggle with 80 little bloodshed. The excitement following these events was just sub- siding^ the monasteries and nunneries were being secular- ized for the good of the nation, their occupants having been exiled, when the Protestant forces entered. The public mind was in a receptive condition, and thus the hour was propitious for the presentation of the new faith. Dr. Riley had considerable success for a time and the American and Foreign Christian Union cooperated with him in establishing places for evangelical worship. Dr. Butler's intimate knowledge of Roman Catholicism, de- rived from his contact with it during his early life and ministry, gave him great interest in this work and he would have been glad to pursue it, but after three years Bishop Harris wrote asking if he would consent to return to India to assume the superintendency of another Mis- sion, with Bombay as the center. William Taylor had been in that city and had been given access to the English- speaking people, hence it was felt that more work should be undertaken in that Presidency. This was in October, 1872. It was an important question, since Dr. Butler was now fifty-four years of age, involving as it did the giving up of the home he had built and renewed separa- tion from some of his children. Still he replied: *Tf it seems to be the mind of God and the Church that we are the persons required my wife and I are willing to go. I should appreciate the privilege of founding another Mis- sion in India, and particularly in the Bombay Presidency, while I am chiefly influenced in view of that which my wife might accomplish in zenana work in a place so soon to become the chief city of India." This invitation from the Bishop was followed by most cordial letters from some of the brethren who had come to his aid in the early days in India, and was peculiarly gratifying as a testimony to the love they bore him and i37 William Butler their appreciation of his plans for North India. How- ever, in November the Missionary Board decided that the opening in Mexico required that the Methodist Church should enter that field, and Dr. Butler was asked to under- take the superintendency of the Mission. Through his work for the American and Foreign Christian Union he was in possession of the facts concerning the political and religious situation in that land which assisted him in de- ciding to accept the position. His instructions from Bishop Simpson were to see that our Mission there kept itself wholly out of politics— the Mexican nation being weary of political interference by members of the hier- archy. Younger men were promised as aids who could acquire the language and make the necessary translations under his supervision. The best means of communication at that time was by steamers to Vera Cruz, via Havana, a ten days' trip with three weeks' intervals between the sailings. It was possi- ble, however, to go by diligencia from the Texan border, a long and expensive journey of twenty days. Bishop Haven went down to look over the field a few weeks be- fore the missionary could start. On February 4, 1873, a farewell meeting was held in New York at which Bishop Simpson gave the reasons which had led the Methodist Church to believe itself providentially called to enter Mexico at this time. We may quote a brief paragraph : "There is always an interest about the hour of farewell. Even if friends go abroad for pleasure, and but for a temporary absence, the hour comes with emotion, for we well know the contingency of time and space. If they go on some adventurous journey the interest deepens ; if they go for some high and holy mission, not for pleasure, but for toil, exposure, privation, labor for others, then the departure becomes sublime and our interest culminates in the thought, They go for God. Dr. Butler, accompanied by his wife, goes to his new field, a second time turning 138 Aztec Land his back upon home for his work's sake. . . . Look at the position of Mexico and you cannot escape the conviction that it is to be the central power among the Spanish- speaking people. . . . Seventeen years ago it was my lot to commission Dr. Butler to go to India to found our Mis- sion. He was greeted by terrible scenes. All the horror of the Sepoy Rebellion raged about him. God was with him, and he stood on the peak of the Himalayas and be- yond the midnight saw the coming glory of Gospel triumph. Faith saw then what has since come to light." Leaving two of his sons to continue their education, one in the School of Theology of Boston University, the Superintendent sailed from New York, stopping at Ha- vana, where he visited the cathedral in which the remains of Columbus were treasured. A religion of form, with the common people neglected by the spiritual leaders, held the Pearl of the Antilles in its grasp. On February 23, 1873, William Butler approached the shore of Mexico. As the vessel neared the harbor of Vera Cruz a glorious view was presented of the snow- clad peak of Orizaba towering up into the sky. The dawn broke and warmed the lofty summit into glowing light, while just above it hung a brilliant planet, hke a diadem upon its brow — beautiful vision, a token for good to his mission in this land which had been following cunningly devised fables, but for which at last the day was dawning. What was before him he did not know ; but the promises which he had tested in the past years still stood firm. The first railroad in the Republic had been opened but a few weeks before Dr. Butler arrived. It was, and is still, con- sidered a marvel of engineering, as it rises over eight thousand feet from the sea in a run of two hundred and sixty-three miles. An ordinary style of engine would not draw the train up the steep grades, so the double-ender "Fairlee" was built for the purpose. The scenery along the road curving around the peaks 139 William Butler and passing through the valleys is wonderfully beautiful. The peak of Orizaba is in sight for a large part of the ride. Starting from the tropics, with luxuriant verdure on the low levels, the gradual rise brings the traveler to the temperate region, where the character of the foliage changes to more familiar forms. One deep gorge had earned for itself the name of the "Little Hell," from the difficulty of bridging the awful chasm. The village of Maltrata lies at the foot of an abruptly rising mountain up which the train must climb by a succession of skillfully constructed zigzags. A stretch of thirteen miles is re- quired to compass the distance of two miles which sepa- rates the two stations. The Indians who offered fruits and vegetables at one station took the footpath and were found waiting at the other to smile again upon the passen- gers whose train has been winding up the steep grades. From the upper station a magnificent view was obtained of the whole valley embosoming the town, its red-domed church in the center and the humble dwellings of the In- dians clustered about it. The soil was closely cultivated and the valley green and fair. To William Butler it seemed a promised land, and he then and there claimed it for his King. At the halfway station opportunity offered to study the Mexican people and customs. It was discovered that one car in every train was filled with soldiers under arms, this being a reminder of the troublous time, so recently over, when brigandage was common and the large convoy of silver going down to the port every month for the Euro- pean steamer was a tempting prize. So rich were the mines of Mexico, and so well worked for the Spanish crown, that one third of all the silver in the world was said to have come from these Mexican hills. The menu of the restaurant proved that no loyal New Englander need suffer in Mexico for food, since the staple article of diet is first cousin to the "baked bean" of Boston. 140 Aztec Land An American lieutenant here displayed that arrogance which so justly offends the Mexican people, as he boasted in a loud voice of what he would have done if he had been in the country during the recent struggles, how he "would have thrown his sword in the balance." As neither he nor his sword was very large, the presumption was most ridiculous. The Superintendent felt that if he was to do good in Mexico he must see and appreciate the best side of the people. Their politeness and unfailing cour- tesy to strangers was illustrated by the way in which the guide tells the American visitors about the flags taken from us during the war of 1847-48. Instead of stating that these flags were captured, he speaks of them as "left by the American army," and only those well informed know that they were captured in hard fight. Some de- lightful acts of kindness were shown to the Mission by men prominent in political life, though the fanaticism of the people made it advisable for them to offer such serv- ices in a semiprivate manner. Dr. Butler's desire to treat the Mexican people with courtesy equal to their own resulted in a confusion of ideas one day when, going rapidly around a corner, he came into collision with a big Indian woman who was advancing with equal momentum on the left side of the walk. Both were to blame, but the missionary raised his hat and stammered out an apology, for which he used the only Spanish word he could com- mand at the moment. The astonishment of the poor woman at having a gentleman take pains to apologize to her was increased when she heard from his lips the word Gracias! ("Thanks!") As the Americans hurried away they could hear her hearty laughter as she recounted the incident to the admiring crowd. However, the effort to do the right thing was not lost, for it endeared the Ameri- can missionary to the people, who are quick to understand intention no matter how it may be veiled in broken language. 141 William Butler Bishop Haven was awaiting the Superintendent in Mexico City, and together they searched for suitable property for the Mission. The fanatical landlords ,ere unwilling to rent to heretics, and a house on a narrow side street was the only one obtainable ; the landlord con- senting to let it for a sum sufficiently large to purchase forgiveness for his lapse from orthodoxy. Two rooms on the ground floor were thrown together and fitted up as a schoolroom and chapel. A brave showing in the face of the finest cathedral on this side of the world ! For that of Mexico surpasses any other in this country, with its wonderful treasures of jeweled shrines and the magnifi- cent paintings on its altars. The masses of the people were found to be in the bond- age of an ignorant and superstitious form of Roman Catholicism, left without education by the priests whose immense revenues were drawn from the estates granted them at the time of the conquest. The German scientist, Humboldt, stated regarding the condition of Mexico as he observed it, that "the introduction of the Romish re- ligion had no other eflfect upon the Mexican than to sub- stitute new ceremonies and dogmas for the rites of their former worship. Dogma had not succeeded dogma, but only ceremony to ceremony. I have seen them marked, and adorned with dangling bells, perform savage dances around the altar while a monk of St. Francis elevated the Host." The immense clerical establishments had been held for the good of the occupants. It was found that only three per cent of the population could read and write, the public scribe being seen in all the large squares of the cities and towns. The chaplain who accompanied the French forces to Mexico, the Abbe Domenech, published in Paris, on his return in 1867, a severe criticism on the condition of the Catholic Church there. He states that ''the Mexican is not a Catholic ; he is simply a Christian because he has been baptized." "In all Spanish America 142 Aztec Land there are among the priests the veriest wretches — men who make an infamous traffic in religion. One of the greatest evils in Mexico is the exorbitant fee demanded for the performance of the marriage ceremony. The priests compel the poor to live without marriage by extort- ing for the nuptial benediction a sum that a Mexican me- chanic, with his limited wages, could scarcely accumulate even with the strictest economy in fifty years. This is no exaggeration. The consequences of the exorbitant de- mands for perquisites in general are as injurious to public morality as to religion. Priests who are recognized as fathers of families are by no means rare. The people only rail at the conduct of their pastors w^hen they are not con- tented with one wife. Can a clergy of such a character produce saints? Nevertheless they must not be taken for 'heretics.' " Such was the condition of the people of Mex- ico that one of the prominent political leaders said to Dr. Butler in 1875, "My people are to-day in a far worse con- dition than they were when Cortez burned his ships be- hind him in the harbor of Vera Cruz and marched to the conquest of Montezuma's Empire ; worse fed, worse clad, worse housed, and more ignorant than they were that day." The farseeing Benito Juarez, who had done so much to break up the power of the Church and turn its immense resources toward the uplifting of the nation, saw the need of a purer faith for his people. Shortly before his death he said to an intimate friend, now a government officer, who repeated it to Dr. Butler, "Upon the development of Protestantism largely depends the future happiness of our country." Into a country such as this the representative of the Methodist Church entered in 1873. The land was filled with magnificent churches; the finest cathedral on this continent, as previously mentioned, being in the capital, that containing the most elaborate interior decoration in the City of Puebla. The tradition regarding the latter is 143 William Butler that as the workmen toiled by day the angels came and built as much more by night. The chief object of adora- tion throughout the country is the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose ihrine in the suburbs of Mexico City is remark- able for its magnificent cathedral and the throngs of pil- grims who frequent the holy spot. On December I2th an The Virgin of Guadalupe. annual pilgrimage to this shrine attracts thousands of Indians from all parts of the republic. The legend con- cerning her may be briefly recounted : An Indian named Juan Diego was passing over the rocky hill on his way to the city when he was astonished by an apparition of the Virgin, who spoke kindly to him and told him that a mem- ber of his family who was lying dangerously ill would 144 I i Aztec Land recover. Another day he passed by the same plac i, grate- ful for the miraculous cure, when the Virgin appeared a second time. She then commanded him to go to the Archbishop to say that she desired a shrine built on this hill. The Indian went, but failed to impress the truth of his story on his hearers. Returning sorrowful, because of his failure, the Virgin came to him for the third time, and declaring herself the mother of the Indians, told him to gather the roses at her feet and to carry them to the Arch- bishop's palace as proof of the veracity of his statements. When the vision disappeared Juan Diego looked around, and there on the summit of the hill, where before there had been nothing but rocks and sand, were beautiful roses. These he gathered in his tilma and went to the Arch- bishop. When he opened the tilma, to show the roses, lo, instead was a painting of the blessed Virgin ! This was received as an infallible proof of his statements, and a magnificent cathedral now holds the miraculously painted picture, while on the summit of the hill a smaller church was erected. The opportuneness of the miracle can easily be seen. The Indians did not like to worship the Virgin that had been carried at the head of the conquering army which had deprived them of their freedom, and it was necessary to impress them with the idea that they pos- sessed one truly their own. So fully did the legend meet this need that the followers of the two Virgins, if they chanced to meet as they passed through the streets in their respective processions, in former days quite frequently came to blows as a result of the rivalry between the two factions. In the church on the summit of the rock are boards hung beside the different shrines, which are covered with votive offerings, many of them being small silver images representing hands and feet or eyes, or more elaborate paintings on wood on which are depicted wonderful escapes from death and disaster. Halfway up the 145 William Butler w hill is a set of sails cut in stone and erected by the captain of a vessel in gratitude for delivery from shipwreck. At the foot of the hill is a sacred well in which bubbles a very active spring of sulphur water. The grating covering it is constantly surrounded by Indians letting down their jars to secure some of the miraculous fluid to be carried to sufferers in their distant homes. Outside the cathedral, in fact, under its very porticos, are gambling booths of every description, where demoralizing play goes on beneath the shadow and under the patronage of the Church. At the time of the festival of Our Lady cock-fighting and similar sports often engage the attention of the wor- shipers who have just paid their devotions to the miracu- lous painting, the authenticity of which is often called in question. Inside the frame are straps of gold literally cov- ered with emeralds, diamonds, and pearls, yet the wealth of Our Lady of Guadalupe is small compared to that pos- sessed by Our Lady of Remedies, the image worshiped by those of Spanish birth and descent. Before the liberation from Spain she was the popular object of adoration, and her robes were so thickly embroidered with precious stones that one robe was valued at three million dollars. During the Intervention the Empress Carlotta, in order to popu- larize herself with the people, walked in the procession of Our Lady of Remedies through the streets of the capital bearing a lighted taper in her hand. The native races having now come to the front, the patroness of the Spaniards is naturally less popular, while the Virgin who appeared to the Indian is truly the idol of the hour. Un- der her picture is a sentence from the Psalms, said to hav^ been quoted by Pope Gregory on hearing of the wonder • ful apparition, "He hath not so dealt with any nation,*' and beneath one of her images the priests have even dared to place the words of our divine Saviour, *'Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you 146 ' Seeking the Favor of God ry Penance in Mexico (Photo by Waite) Aztec Land rest." A Manual for nine days' prayer to the Virgin, authorized by the members of the Chapter of Holy Mary of Guadalupe in 1885, printed in New York, uses these words : "The Holy Spirit has also made thee the dispenser of all his gifts and graces. All the three divine persons concurred to crown thee at thy glorious ascension to the heavens and then there was conferred upon thee absolute power over all created things in heaven and on earth" ! Another shrine of great fame is that at Amecameca, to which pilgrims go as to Guadalupe, sometimes on their knees up a steep road paved with rough stones, where an image of the Saviour is the chief object upon the shrine at the top of the hill. He is represented as lying in the tomb, while above is the painting of the Virgin robed in gorgeous colors, with rays of light surrounding her divine person. A dead Christ— and a living Virgin as the inter- cessor ! Here is the photograph of a devotee trying to find peace by toiling up the hard stony path on her knees. The picture of the road will show how heavy is her self- imposed task, and one does not marvel that friends are casting their garments in the way to make the journey less painful to her lacerated knees. A number of people were found who had been seeking the truth for themselves, and some of these were glad to join the Methodist congregation and to receive evangel- ical teaching. Services were opened in several places, the government affording protection according to the provi- sions of the Constitution. The need of suitable quarters became very pressing. The Superintendent went up and down the city, but wherever a desirable property was found it would mysteriously be withdrawn from sale as soon as the fact of a Protestant desiring it was discovered. The question became a serious one, as a number of orphans had been given into the care of the Mission, and with the arrival of the teachers of the Woman's Foreign 147 S'-.LKI.NG TUK F.WOK OF CiOD I'.V I ' K N A \ CK IX Mk\U<» ( IMioto l)y Waite) Aztec Land rest." A Manual for nine days' prayer to the \^irgin, authorized by the members of the Chapter of Holy Mary of Guadalupe in 1885, printed in New York, uses these words : "The Holy Spirit has also made thee the dispenser of all his gifts and graees. All the three divine persons concurred to crown thee at thy glorious ascension to the heavens and then there was conferred upon thee absolute power over all created things in heaven and on earth" ! Another shrine of great fame is that at Amccameca, to which pilgrims go as to Guadalupe, sometimes on their knees up a steep road paved with rough stones, where an image of the Saviour is the chief object upon the shrine at the top of the hill. He is represented as lying in the tomb, while above is the painting of the Virgin robed in gorgeous colors, with rays of light surrounding her divine person. A dead Christ— and a living Virgin as the inter- cessor! Here is the photograph of a devotee trying to find peace by toiling up the hard stony path on her knees. The picture of the road will show how heavy is her self- imposed task, and one does not marvel that friends are casting their garments in the way to make the journey less painful to her lacerated knees. A number of people were found who had been seeking the truth for themselves, and some of these were glad to join the :Methodist congregation and to receive evangel- ical teaching. Services were opened in several places, the government affording protection according to the provi- sions of the Constitution. The need of suitable quarters became very pressing. The Superintendent went up and down the city, but wherever a desirable property was found it would mysteriously be withdrawn from sale as soon as the fact of a Protestant desiring it was discovered. The question became a serious one, as a number of orphans had been given into the care of the Mission, and with the arrival of the teachers of the Woman's Foreign t^M- ■" .Ilia. v.*".. 4 ."artJa-j % ir^^'Xtr^M^l^a^ ^ ^'^•Jl3k-af-'wA^..AarV''Vas^ ^Jlhf€JkM William Butler Missionary Society, Miss Warner and Miss Hastings, and the increase in the congregation, larger quarters were a necessity. Finally it was learned that the Chiarini Cir- cus, in the heart of the city, had failed and the building was for sale. It would not be safe for the Protestant mis- sionary to go to look at it in the daytime, so at ten o'clock- one night he went around and knocked at the great door. The sleepy janitor opened the portal a little way only and was reluctant to admit anyone at such an hour; but a silver dollar proved sufficiently persuasive, and he escort- ed Dr. Butler over the building by the light of a smoky lantern. Although in a condition of complete disorder its adaptability for mission purposes was apparent. Inquiry was made regarding the owners and it was discovered that, among the many interested, an old lady whose signa- ture was absolutely necessary was so fanatical that she would rather see the building burned to the ground than occupied by heretics. The location was admirable and there was space enough for the accommodation of our different branches of work. For three weeks the matter was on the heart of the Superintendent, while he prayed earnestly that God would open the way by which a per- manent home might be obtained for our Mission in Mexico. His own narrative must here be presented : "I was standing at the street corner conversing with a friend, the American consul, when a gentleman passed on the other side of the street. My friend signaled just in time before he reached the corner. The stranger came over and we were introduced. During the conversation India was mentioned. *What !' said I, 'have you been in India?' *Yes, I fought under Havelock and was one of the volunteer cavalry which rode with him into Lucknow/ Instantly it flashed across my mind that here was help at last, if I could win him. I replied, 'I have done my best to immortalize you and your gallant commander.' Asking 148 ^ ' 1 •V I. ^ >; Aztec Land him to remain where we were for a few minutes I went home and took a copy of The Land of the Veda, which I opened for him at the portrait of General Havelock. He looked at it astonished, and said, 'That is indeed our illus- trious commander,' and commenced at once to read the pages that referred to the bravery of the heroes led by their devout general. I stood prayerfully and anxiously waiting. Finally, turning to me, he said, 'How much I would like to possess this book.' It was presented to him as a gift from the author. Thanking me with genuine heartiness he exclaimed, Ts there not something I can do for you to show you my gratitude ?' I had learned that he was an Irishman, and a Catholic, but Providence led me to feel that he could and would help me. So I replied, 'You are probably the only man in this city who can do something very necessary for me.' I explained the cir- cumstances, how we were anxious to secure a suitable property for our work, but that the bigoted old lady would not be willing to sell it to us and I feared to trust any brokers in the city, lest they should be induced to fail us. He asked, 'Would you trust me?' I felt free to say I would. 'Have you the money?' 'Yes, the money is already in the bank.' 'Well, say nothing until I come to you to-morrow morning and I will arrange it all for you.' I reminded him that I was a Protestant missionary and that he was a Catholic, but he said, 'What of that ? Have five hundred dollars ready for me to-morrow.' He came the next day, took the money, paid the installment, and took the receipt. The property was his and all secure. As soon as the papers in the case were ready he took me to the government office and made out a deed to me, as agent of the Missionary Society of our Church, and the Circus of Chiarini was ours. "He had, meanwhile, when his purpose leaked out, an enticing offer of five thousand dollars to be unfaithful to us, but he spurned the temptation. Surely the hearts of 149 William Butler p all men are in the hands of God. Here, when I needed it so much, after all my anxiety, was this warm-hearted Irishman brought in good time twelve thousand miles across the world, attracted to me by a common interest which that Land of the Veda represented to us both, ready to do this service that I could not safely ask any lawyer or broker or any other Roman Catholic in the City of Mexico to do." The splendid property thus providentially secured for our Mission is especially interesting because it was once part of the palace of the Emperor Montezuma. The por- tion now used as our church had a garden open to the sky surrounded by a double row of beautiful stone arches magnificently carved. Here was one of the celebrated fish gardens described by Spanish historians. After the con- quest these properties were divided and this portion be- came part of the great Franciscan convent. The magnifi- cent church of San Francisco adjoins it on the north. The Franciscans are the missionary monks of the Roman Catholic Church, and there is a certain sense of poetic jus- tice in our occupancy of a part of their great monastery to carry on the work which these Franciscan fathers should have done for the elevation and Christianization of the nation. This establishment was said to cover a space of five city blocks, and when the property was sequestrated by the government it was found that sixteen monks were enjoying all its revenues and profits, though they had a small army of followers to care for their inter- ests. When the government cut up the property, inter- secting it by two streets, this portion was sold and after a time came into the possession of a theatrical company. The odor of sanctity may have interfered with the success of the enterprise, as the company failed and the property w^as sold again, this time falling into the hands of a circus company. The last, however, of these transitions of ownership seemed to some of the Roman Catholics worst 150 \\ . * Aztec Land of all. One of the Church organs in the City of Mexico published the following notice : Each Time Worse. It is said that the Protestants have purchased the Chiarini Circus. As is known, this place is formed out of a patio of the Monastery of San Fran- cisco, the venerated saints of Balaunzaran andPinzon ! You will wander lamenting around that place which was sanctified by the presence of the sons of San Francisco and which is profaned in a descending scale by rope dancing, immoral shows, licentious balls, and the ceremonies of a dissenting sect which is the enemy of the Church. It is a real profana- tion, but it cannot be remedied, for power protects the profaners. The Superintendent writes again : "Equally remarkable was our purchase of the property secured for our work in the City of Puebla. While Mexico City is the political capital, Puebla may be considered as the ecclesiastical capital of the country. A branch of the Inquisition had been established in each city with equal powers. No Protestantism existed in any section of the country for this diabolical institution to expend its energy upon dur- ing the three hundred years of its existence. Its care, then, was directed toward its own people, and evidently extended to more than questions of religious opinion. The immense premises of the Dominican monks fell at last into the hands of the Republican forces, and the people, especially those from whose homes fathers, brothers, or sons had disappeared and of whose fate something might be learned within those walls, demanded permission to search, as did the Parisians at the Bastile. The request was granted and the excited searchers went through the whole establishment from the ground to the roof. A few survivors were found, but the majority of seekers were disappointed. Baffled and enraged, they were about to leave when some one remarked on the amazing thickness of the walls. A new trend of thought was started. The walls were struck and in places seemed to sound hollow. Openings were made, and within narrow cells were found William Butler the forms of those they sought, manacled and ghastly, not arrayed in grave vestments but in their daily clothing, as when last seen alive. These bodies of victims buried alive for their love of freedom or of Christ — or both, it may be — were tenderly lifted out into the open patio and a photographer called. A flower stand was near, and four of the skeletons, recent enough to be handled without breaking up, although not recognizable, were placed against it, and the sun painted for us the faithful and en- during proof which the Liberals of Mexico can hand down in evidence to future generations of what the Church of Rome did with their fellow-countrymen. The cells were four feet six inches on the square and seven feet high. These spaces were left open, when building, until the victim was condemned and bound in the examining chapel above and brought down to the corridor where the cells were located. Men or women, for women were among the number, were placed in the cell and a 'brother' of the order was ready to build up the entrance before their faces and leave them to a horrible death, while a coat of plaster and whitewash made all invisible. Two bodies of such sufferers may still be seen in a glass case in the National Museum in Mexico City. "When we came to Puebla to look for property (a year later than our purchase in Mexico City) people were timid about renting or selling to us. A German Jew living in Puebla had bought a portion of the Inquisition. Both in India and in Mexico I have made all sorts of pur- chases for our Society, but when we stood beside this man on the dais of the examining chapel of the Inquisition in Puebla, and realized that a Jew was actually offering the Inquisition for sale to a Methodist preacher, this seemed about the most extraordinary transaction in real estate that we had ever known. Around us were the evidences of popular vengeance that had been wreaked on the ac- cursed building. The doors, windows, and floors had been 152 •|/i f Martyrs of tiik Inouisition William litiLER the forms of those they sought, manacled and ghastly, not arrayed in grave vestments but in their daily clothing, as when last seen alive. These bodies of victims buried alive for their love of freedom or of Christ — or both, it may be — were tenderly lifted out into the open patio and a photographer called. A tlowcr stand was near, and four of the skeletons, recent enough to be handled without breaking up, although not recogniza])le, were placed against it, and the sun painted for us the faithful and en- during proof which the Lil)erals of Mexico can hand down in evidence to future generations of what the Church of Rome did with their fellow-cuuntrymen. The cells were four feet six inches on the sipiare and seven feet high. These spaces were left open, when building, until the victim was condemned and bound in the examining chapel above and brought down to the corridor where the cells were located. Men or woiuen, for women were among the number, were placed in the cell and a 'brother' of the order was ready to build up the entrance before their faces and leave them to a horrible death, while a coat of plaster and whitewash made all invisible. Two bodies of such sufferers may still be seen in a glass case in the National Museum in Mexico City. "When we came to Puebla to look for property (a year later than our purchase in Mexico City) people were timid about renting or selling to us. A German Jew living in Puebla had bought a portion of the Inquisition. Both in India and in Mexico I have made all sorts of pur- chases for our Society, but when we stocxl beside this man on the dais of the examining chapel of tlie Inquisition in Puebla. and realized that a Jew was actually offering the Inquisition for sale to a Methodist preacher, this seemed about the most extraordinary transaction in real estate that we had ever known. Around us were the evidences of popular vengeance that had been wreaked on the ac- cursed building. The doors, windows, and floors had been i=;2 -Fw— wppw^J V.s \ . . N V N • •. \ ^^ \\ \\i\\u> <•!■ I iir. I.\ I. torn open and smashed to pieces and the plaster defaced ; but all this could soon be repaired. On the upper floor was a suite of rooms which would make a comfortable parsonage, and the examining chapel could be made the first Methodist Episcopal church in Puebla. A few months later, in laying out the rooms for a theological seminary, we made an additional discovery of dead secrets. The workman in digging had come on a number of human skeletons packed together in rows. They were packed close together for about two feet in depth, the trench running the entire length of the corridor. The mayor of the city was notified to send the city carts and grant them proper burial. The people were annoyed that Protestant strangers should make such a discovery." The part of the San Franciscan monastery in Mexico City proved well adapted to our work. Its central loca- tion was a decided advantage and the audacity of its pur- chase attracted attention. A number began to attend the services, and the surprise and joy with which they heard the Gospel in their own tongue was clearly manifested. A faithful band soon gathered, of whom some were loyal church members. Among the first was an elderly woman named Tomasita, who testified that during her almost sixty years of life she had been constantly seeking for God, but had not found him until she came into these evangelical services and heard the good news of the Gos- pel proclaimed and prayers offered in a tongue which she could understand. The liberty of the Gospel into which she entered was a great joy to her heart, and in her new found privilege of uttering to God the desire of her own heart she would forget all about those who might be around her and talk with him face to face. Her prayers had a blessed influence, yet sometimes, in her simplicity and complete forgetfulness of others, sentences would occur which would cause the members of the Mission to smile; as when the dear old soul lifted up her voice in 153 William Butler meeting most fervently and ended her petition by asking the Lord to forgive her if she had not used the right language, for she never saw the inside of a spelling book, or on another occasion, when she begged him to help her to be patient with her husband, since he was not so good- natured as her first one. We may smile at her ingenuous- ness, but the dear soul had learned, after weary years of mumbling Latin prayers which she could not understand, the secret of going to God for her daily needs for body and soul. We have no mission in Mexico unless we can bring this message to the people; that through Jesus Christ as the only intercessor they may approach unto God. Tomasita lived to a venerable old age, and up to the last would walk three miles on Sunday in order to attend the service of our church. Father Rodriguez was one of the early helpers. He was a priest of a small village and apparently sincere in all his work for the people. Hearing that a cobbler in his village had a copy of the Bible the priest went down one day to remonstrate with him for reading such a book. Being a wise cobbler he merely said, "Did you ever read it yourself?" The priest was obliged to confess that he had not. The cobbler then loaned him the precious volume, which the priest read, and as a result his candid mind led him to see that he had not been teaching the truth to the people as it is taught in the Word of God. He came out from his Church ; he began to study evangelical doctrines, he soon afterward joined our Mission, and be- came one of our most successful preachers. He labored for three years and then died, after a long and trying ill- ness. The ignorant people of the City of Mexico circu- lated the report that when he died his body would turn black, because he was a priest who had broken his vows. Learning this, the Mission determined to give him a public funeral and to provide a coffin with a plate of glass, in order that his face might be seen. Our church in the 154 Aztec Land f t City of Mexico was crowded at the service by people who came to see if the rumor were really true. God granted that Father Rodriguez should die with a happy expression on his face, and as the curious crowds pressed forward for a glance they could not but be convinced that the peace of God shone on his countenance. Thus in his death this converted priest preached against the superstitiousness of the people even more effectively than in any of his sermons. There were some noble workers who were carrying on evangelical services independently; among them Father Palacios, a man of high standing, who had been one of the officiating priests at the cathedral in the capital and was also second chaplain to the so-called Emperor Maximilian. His own view of the exactions of the Church led him to feel dissatisfied with his position, and a little book entitled Nights with the Romanists opened his eyes to some of the errors in their teachings. He then surrendered his parchments and began a little service in an upper room. As a friend of President Juarez he undoubtedly influenced this great leader in the matter of providing for religious freedom. Father Palacios was at first connected with the movement under Dr. Riley, but did not feel quite satisfied, and, having withdrawn, was holding his own service when our Mission entered Mexico. For ten years he watched our methods and work before he joined our Church, but he then became one of our most loyal pastors and served successfully as a preacher in the Mexico Conference until his death. Another of our Mexican brethren told of the heart hun- ger which possessed his father, and of his going to the priest and purchasing the privilege of reading the Bible. For this permission he paid the "padre" the sum of sixty dollars, and faithfully used the concession in teaching his children. Others told of the hiding place where the precious book obtained from the American soldiers had 155 William Butler been secreted from the priest. Proclamation was issued against the *'Evangelicos," in which it was declared that our churches were "godless," ''Protestantism is the carte blanche for sin," 'They adore the devil and sing hymns in honor of Belial." These and similar expressions in the public press showed the ignorance of the masses. As a rule no notice was taken of these publications; but one penny sheet became so offensive in publishing the names and addresses of people who attended our services, in order that a universal boycott might be enforced against them, that the Superintendent called the attention of the government to its violation of the Law of Reform, and the vile language was discontinued. When some of the con- verts were persecuted, and others lost their lives through the fanaticism of mobs, Dr. Butler went to President Diaz, who received the news with sorrow and promised all the protection of the government to suppress such acts. He told the Superintendent that if ever he had reason to fear another outbreak he might come to him at once and, with- out waiting for the usual official ceremony, send up his card and the President would be with him in five minutes. And it was the pleasure of the founder of the Methodist Mission to testify that the government of Mexico invari- ably did all that was possible to protect the liberty of wor- ship which their magnificent Constitution affords. 156 i It' m i I < u UJ < as a. O T •^ \ CHAPTER IX The Open Bible " (f bcp j^tanb, tf)OsSe regal mountainj^, toitb crotoni^ of isporte?^ ^nott, iforctcr cljanortess, granb, jsublime, a? aoe^ come anb 00. €acb bai? tbe morning cometb in tbrougb tbe eastern gate ^itb traiiing robe? of pinft anb gold, anb ?tin tbcp ?tanb anb toait iPor tbat more gloriouj^ morning, for tbe more jopful ?ounb^ : Hift up pour beabj^, pc gate? of golb I ^be ifiing of ^lorp come?*" From the front windows of the Mission building in the City of Mexico the glorious view of the two volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, is ever an inspiration. Their hoary heads have looked down on wonderful changes of race, kingdom, and faith; now they are be- holding in the beautiful valley of Anahuac a people free indeed, with the open Bible and liberty of conscience for all. A pure form of Christianity is not only winning adherents, but leavening the old Church which had allowed the commandments of men to obscure the Word of God. The Superintendent had already been sped on his way by two farewell meetings ; now an opportunity arose to attend one for others. The departing ones were the Jesuits, and in August, 1873, Dr. Butler stood in the rail- way station and watched the last of the order leaving Mexico by command of the government, since it had been proved that they were instrumental in keeping the country in a state of political unrest. A few devotees were in tears, and fell on their knees to receive the parting bless- ing of the priests, but the majority of the people looked on with indiflference, if not satisfaction. A special act had been passed by the Mexican Congress, under the title of 1157 u u :£. CHAPTER IX The Oin:x Bible " (3tbt»j gtanU, tliosc rcjjai mcuntains, toitb croton^ of gpotlcss gnoto, i^orcUcr cbauQdcgs, grauD, sublime, as ages come and qo- Cad) bap tbc mornmjj conictb in tbrouab tbc eastern gate l^itb trailing robes of pink anD golD, anD still tbep ?tanli anb \uait i^or tbat more jjlorious mornintj, for tbe more lo^ful sounti?: ?lift up laoui biabs, pe gates of golb ! (jCbe l^ing of ff*i -tfwXF^ V -,0i»vnt>Jr««M4«^v^> ^riA'vn William "Butler Not long before a caricature of the crucifixion had been discovered on the wall of one of the rooms of the Praetorian Guard in tlie palace of the Cresars. The gov- ernment had it carefully removed and placed in the Kricheriano MuseuuL It was of peculiar interest as ilhis- trating the words of Paul, "to the Greeks foolishness," and as evidence of the scorn and contempt in which Chris- tianity was held hy this soldier who rudely scratched on the plaster wall uf the guardroom the figure of one of his fellow-soldiers with his arm raised in the act of adoration toward a cross on which hangs a man with the head of an ass. Underneath are the words, "Alexanenos worships his god." Through the centuries this picture has been preserved in the ruins uf th.e barracks that we migiit see how bitter was the persecution of the early Christians and against what odds they conquered in Rome. The blas- phemous opposition has been i)Ut down, and ChrLst cruci- fied, the power of God and the wisdom of God, is over- coming not only in Rome but in the uttermost parts of the earth. The wonderful Colosseum vwas \vA merely an in- teresting ruin to the devout heart of the missionary, it seemed a monument left by the divine liand to witness to the mighty conquering power of his Word. The memories clustering around its great arches were of the worst phases of the l)rutal Roman oi)position, and also of the fidelity of the Cliristians who in the vast arena laid down their lives for the despised Xazarene. Whatever obstacles the preaching of the Gospel may encounter in the future none can be so great as those which here opposed it. The victory won in the face of the wickedness and bru- tality of the Roman Empire makes it certain that no religion on earth can stand against it ; the only need is that the same spirit of sacrifice shall animate the followers of Christ; a readiness to be offered up if need be, not in the arena of conflict with v;ild beasts but in lowly service in the face of ridicule and opposition. Attendance at the 170 (ii^Mi-mt iKo.M Rome II I ¥ f III The Open Bible vesper service on Sunday at St. Peter's showed only about fifty Italians present and some seventy-five tourists. The number of clergy equaled that of the audience. Dr. Butler wrote concerning the great cathedral: ''No description can do justice to it. When the world is evangelized, and popery dead and gone, that will be the place to hold the jubilee of redemption." As his prophetic instinct had sometimes appeared almost inspired we may hope for an Ecumenical Conference of Christendom in this noble edifice in the glorious years to come. Dr. Abel Stevens was in charge of a Union English church in the city of Geneva, and he asked Dr. Butler to supply his pulpit during his absence in London, where he wished to go to attend to the publication of one of his works. So the summer was delightfully spent in this way, the service being held right in the shadow of the cathedral where Calvin's pulpit is occupied each Sabbath, and where the name of Merle D'Aubigne lingers in blessed memory. Not far away was Ferney, the home of Vol- taire. A lovely spot it is, but the indignation of the mis- sionary was aroused at the inscription over the door of the chapel' erected in the grounds, ''Erected to God by VOL- TAIRE." The name of the infidel in larger letters than those used for that of the Deity. How different the lives of these two men ! One had given his years and talents to the attempted overthrow of Christianity and the other had devoted his life to its upbuilding. Contrast their latter end, the misery of the brilliant Frenchman when illness had broken his spirit, and these words which Dr. Butler wrote at this time, though still a great sufferer: "Life was never sweeter to me for the sake of glorifying God than it is now. I look forward to more work for the Master with joy." The months in this salubrious climate brought restora- tion, and by the early fall the family returned to England to visit friends. Mr. Ewart, one of the largest linen manu- m i 111 William Butler facturers of Belfast, had some years before visited Mexico, and although a member of the Church of Eng- land he was kind enough to inspect our Mission and to make it a substantial gift. He had come to Geneva and in- sisted on a visit from the missionaries. It was a delightful week, and one impressive from the fact that this busy man, a member of Parliament and at the head of a great business, took time from his political cares and business details to hold morning prayers every day. Before the breakfast was served the household assembled, with all the servants who were Protestants, and the master of the house read the Scripture and prayers for the day. Noth- ing was allowed to interfere with this beautiful service. The rector of a neighboring church was also a guest in this hospitable home. Walking back from the service on Sunday he took the opportunity to inquire of Mrs. Butler where the Methodists found their doctrine of "Perfect Love." He appeared quite mystified when she replied that it was taken from the Bible and the Prayer Book, imtil she reminded him of the collect he had read that very morning: ''Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name." From the Religious Tract Society of London an in- creased grant for the press, and from other friends gifts amounting in all to fifteen hundred dollars, enabled the former Superintendent to show his continued interest in the press in Mexico. On his return to the United States more was secured, which enabled him to have a good hymnal with music prepared for the use of congregations. Bishop Haven was delighted to see the improvement in Dr. Butler's health, and wrote expressing the hope that he might yet have many years of usefulness wherever Providence might call him, whether to labor in his Con- ference or to plant other Missions. He then asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and superintend there 172 The Open Bible a new Mission if the Church would authorize the expendi- ture. Dr. Butler consented to this proposition, but the death of the farseeing Bishop occurring soon after, ended the matter, and our Church has not yet entered the Lord's land. Dr. Rust then impressed the returned missionary into the service of the Freedmen's Aid Society. In order to qualify himself to speak intelligently on the condition of the work he made a tour of all the schools and institutions under its care, and then visited the churches in the North to plead for donations for these worthy enterprises. A letter of his describes the enthusiasm shown by an audi- ence in a large Philadelphia church, where, as he presented the need, the collection was increased five hundred per cent over that given the previous year. The members fairly rivaled each other in providing the sum necessary for a theological education for a colored man, formerly the Lieutenant Governor of a Southern State, who had been recently converted and now desired to give his life to the preaching of the Gospel. The work was delightful, but when his Conference opened Dr. Butler preferred to take a pastorate and live the quiet life of a preacher-in-charge again. Arriving at the seat of the Conference late one morning, as he passed up the aisle cheers broke from the assembled ministers— the intention of which was a mystery to the newcomer until at last he discovered that they were honoring the returned missionary. They fur- ther signified their approval by electing him to head the General Conference delegation. His appointment was at Melrose, Massachusetts, where he passed three happy years, using his vacations to lecture at camp meetings and assemblies in behalf of his beloved Missions. A cottage at Martha's Vineyard afforded a place for rest and indul- gence in his favorite pastime, a good dip in the salt water. He was a magnificent swimmer and taught every member of his family, as well as many others, this useful art. Mrs. 173 M I: V William Butler Butler alone succeeded only in learning to float, but never- theless thoroughly enjoyed her partial accomplishment. A young evangelist who had passed through India gave an address at the tabernacle, and in the course of his remarks happened to use quite frequently the expression, **I see the widows floating down the Ganges !" No men- tion was made of their being alive or dead. One of the bright minds at the camp took this up, and when Mrs. Butler was seen wending her way to the bathing place she would be assailed on all sides with inquiries as to whether she was going to show them ''how the widows float down the Ganges !" The increasing prosperity of the India Mission, as re- ported by the Indian Witness and letters to the former Superintendent, so fired his enthusiasm that he carried his audiences with him in the inspiration of the hour. On one such occasion, at a camp meeting in Iowa, Chaplain McCabe was a listener to his glowing words, and asked at tlie close, "Brother Butler, would you like to go to India again?" The reply came instantly, "I would rather go to India than go to heaven !" Later he explained this enthu- siastic declaration by saying that he was sure that the Lord would take him to heaven some day, but that he had no idea that he would be permitted to see the work in India again while still in this life. An idea is sufficient for the warm-hearted chaplain. Without delay he began to arrange lecture courses for the missionary- and to lecture himself in furtherance of the plan. Jacob Sleeper, of Boston, Dr. Butler's lifelong friend, entered into the gentle conspiracy and made it possible for his wife and daughter to accompany him in this wonderful trip to dear India. 174 CHAPTER X Welcome! *^ nnti some dapg after paul ?aiU unto '^Jatnaba^, ^ct us 0O a0ain anD \3isit our brctbrcn in ctacrp citj? wbcrc m baUc prcacbcb tbc worD of tbc HorD, antJ sec bouj the? Ho." A FAREWELL meeting for Dr. and Mrs. Butler was held in the Washington Square Church, New York, on May 4, 1883, to speed the returning missionaries on this delight- ful journey. Chaplain McCabe, almost as happy as those about to go, led the singing. ''The Church Rallynig Song," bv Fanny Crosby, was sung for the first tniie m public. The great audience entered into the spirit of the words, "Awake, awake, the ]Master now is calling us," and all were uplifted by the spirit of the hour. Miss Crosby was present and tears ran down her sightless face as she heard her hymn so enthusiastically rendered. The Mis- sionary Secretary, Dr. J. M. Reid, gave the address from which a few remarks are here quoted: "I would rather found a Mission than an empire! Had I no higher motive than the perpetuation of my name among men the same would be my preference. You can see to-day in India the palaces and tombs of the greatest rulers of that vast empire, and many of them are in ruins, while of the dynasties which gather their fame from 'such names as Akbar and Shah Jehan not a single vestige remains. On the other hand, the waves of the Indian Ocean roll just as blue and beautiful and sing their requiem as loud and clear as when long years ago they first entombed the great and good Dr. Coke, who was on his wav to establish a Wesleyan Mission in India, and the work called into being through his heroic efforts is still living and growing. The kingdom he established 175 William Butler Butler alone succeeded only in learning to float, but never- theless thoroughly enjoyed her partial accomplishment. A young evangelist who had passed through India gave an address at the tabernacle, and in the course of his remarks happened to use quite frequently the expression, "I see the widows floating down the Ganges !" No men- tion was made of their being alive or dead. One of the bright minds at the camp took this up, and when Mrs. Butler was seen wending her way to the bathing place she would be assailed on all sides with inquiries as to whether she was going to show them "how the widows float down the Ganges !" The increasing prosperity of the India Mission, as re- ported by the Indian Witness and letters to the former Superintendent, so fired his enthusiasm that he carried his audiences with him in the inspiration of the hour. On one such occasion, at a camp meeting in Iowa, Chaplain McCabe was a listener to his glowing words, and asked at the close, "Brother Butler, would you like to go to India again?" The reply came instantly, "I would rather go to India than go to heaven !" Later he explained this enthu- siastic declaration by saying that he was sure that the Lord would take him to heaven some day, but that he had no idea that he would be permitted to see the work in India again while still in this life. An idea is sufficient for the warm-hearted chaplain. Without delay he began to arrange lecture courses for the missionary and to lecture himself in furtherance of the plan. Jacob Sleeper, of Boston, Dr. Butler's lifelong friend, entered into the gentle conspiracy and made it possible for his wife and daughter to accompany him in this wonderful trip to dear India. 174 CHAPTER X Welcome! " ?(ntJ some ba^g after |?aui ?aib unto "iJBatnaba?, %ct \x^ 00 acain anD Wit our brctbrcn in etjcrp citj? wbcrc ttjc bate prcacbcb tbc worb of tbP ItorD, anb m bouj tbo? bo." A FAREWELL meeting for Dr. and Mrs. Butler was held in the Washington Square Church, New York, on May 4, 1883, to speed the returning missionaries on this delight- ful journey. Chaplain IMcCabe, almost as happy as those about to go, led the singing. 'The Church Rallying Song," by Fanny Crosby, was sung for the first time in public. The great audience entered into the spirit of the words, "Awake, awake, the Master now is calling us," and all were uplifted by the spirit of the hour. Miss Crosby was present and tears ran down her sightless face as she heard her hymn so enthusiastically rendered. The j\Iis- sionary Secretary, Dr. J. M. Reid, gave the address, from which a few remarks are here quoted: 'T would rather found a Mission than an empire! Had I no higher motive than the perpetuation of my name among men the same would be my preference. You can see to-day in India the palaces and tombs of the greatest rulers of that vast empire, and many of them are in ruins, while of the dynasties which gather their fame from such names as Akbar and Shah Jehan not a single vestige remains. On the other hand, the waves of the Indian Ocean roll just as blue and beautiful and sing their requiem as loud and clear as when long years ago they first entombed the great and good Dr. Coke, who was on his way to establish a Wesleyan Mission in India, and the work called into being through his heroic efforts is still living and growing. The kingdom he estabHshed 175 William Butler is part of a kingdom that shall have no end. ... It is no ordinary honor that God has put on Dr. Butler in that he has permitted him to be the father of a great Mission ; still more wonderful that it should be given him to estab- lish two great Missions. The circumstances under which our dear Brother and Sister Butler leave us and enter India are very different from those which marked their departure of twenty-five years ago ; then they were going to an unknown land where they were entire strangers, and to labors and perils they could scarcely imagine. I know that these dear friends are triumphant at the giant growth of the little sapling they planted in the name of the Lord. I want them to go and see, and to come back laden with his blessings to scatter them like precious pearls among the churches of America !" After such a farewell the wonderful journey began. What a privilege! Was it ever before granted to two missionaries to return after twenty years' absence to see the marvels wrought in God's name by those who had followed in the work and carried it on to its present glorious success? The steamer bearing these veteran missionaries ran close to a great fleet of enormous icebergs on the third day out, and Dr. Butler was reminded of the "morsels" from the treasury of the Almighty to which he referred when he showed Job his utter insignificance — **Hast thou entered into the treasury of the snow, or hast thou seen the treasury of the hail?" It recalled to the memory of the missionary the incident previously related, of his first trip, when, after suffering as they crossed the desert strip from Cairo, with nothing to slake their thirst save the tepid water which was brought in skin bottles on the backs of camels all the way from the Nile, or the brackish water of the desert wells, they entered the cabin of the steamer at Suez and found there great bowls heaped with ice from Wenham Lake, near Boston, which had 176 Welcome! been brought twice under the equator in order that it might furnish relief to the travelers at Suez. It seemed to Dr. Butler that if Moses could have seen this soUdi- fied water he would have considered it almost as great a miracle as the manna given from heaven. Now the journey was to be free from the discomforts and hard- ships experienced on their first voyage. On the pier at Glasgow to welcome the travelers stood the same kind Scotch friend who had received them on their arrival in India, Mr. James Young. A delightful week in his hospitable home afforded many happy reminiscences of the time spent together in the land of their hearts' love. In this home also was Mrs. Sale — the widow of a minister of the London Mission and the honored mother-in-law of the host — who was the first missionary to establish systematic zenana work, which she did in Calcutta in 1850. She succeeded in winning the confidence of some native men and in gaining the hearts of the women in their homes. Shortly after pla- cing this work on a firm basis she was obliged to return temporarily to England, giving it into the care of Mrs. Mullens, the wife of a Baptist missionary, under whose supervision and that of her daughters the work was systematized and the zenana mission extended until all the Christian bodies engaged in India came to realize their responsibility to the women of their day. Mr. Mullens had been a guest in Dr. Butler's home in India, and he also ascribed to Mrs. Sale the credit for beginning the work. These old friends reviewed the great advance since their days of active labor when, in weakness and trembling, such tasks were undertaken in God's name. Dr. Butler arrived in Edinburgh on the very morning of the ceremonies incident to the opening of the cathedral church of St. Giles after its restoration under the care of William Chalmers. He was deeply interested in the event, 177 William Butler particularly because in his early manhood he had wit- nessed the disruption of the Church of Scotland. A friend offered to see if entrance could possibly be se- cured for him and returned with the coveted permission, but on the pass, which was the last of the three thousand issued for the ceremony, were the words, ^'No clergyman will be permitted to join the procession unless fully robed." Here was a difficulty. His outfit for revisitmg the India Mission had not included the gown and cap of a doctor of divinity, though the degree had been con- ferred on him by Dickinson College in 1861, yet as such he must appear to gain the coveted admittance. The kindness of the Scotch friend, however, supplied the lack and Dr. Butler was given a seat on the dais, where the whole impressive scene could be fully enjoyed. The chief men of Scotland, the representative of the Queen, and the government officials here bowed reverently in the sacred edifice where John Knox preached his last sermon, and which has witnessed so many changes in the political condition of Scotland, so many differences of opinion during its change from Romanism to Protes- tantism, having passed through the Covenanters' hands, to the independency of the present day. Our Mission in India had received so many generous gifts and such loyal support from the Christian Scotchmen in the civil and the military service that the former Superintendent considered it a special privilege to join in this service of praise at the conclusion of the task of restoring the cen- tral edifice of their national Church. The one hundredth psalm was sung by the congregation, led by the organ, and afterward the Hallelujah Chorus was rendered. In the same city at the same time the Free Church was dis- cussing the question whether an organ should be per- mitted in the worship of their churches ! Dr. Butler was reminded of a passage-at-arms between two good friends in India, missionaries of the Presbyterian Church of 178 Welcome ! Scotland, but of these different branches. One addressed the other, saying, "David tells us to 'Sing unto the Lord a nczv song;' but you say, *Naw; we'll sing nawthing but the auld psalms o' David !' " As soon as the heat of summer was past, and the abate- ment of the plague of cholera which was afflicting Egypt announced, the voyage was undertaken — curiously enough, in a steamer of the same name as the one which bore the travelers on their journey in 1856, the Nubia. The passage through the Suez Canal was speedy and comfortable in spite of the great heat, which compelled the passengers to sleep on deck, and contrasted delight- fully with the weary jaunt across Egypt in carts which had been the experience of the missionaries on their first journey to India. A day and a night sufficed to pass through the canal into the Red Sea, where one evening a curious phenomenon was witnessed which the captain said was very unusual. The day had been intensely sul- try, and in the evening a shower which came up had not relieved the heat but rather made it more oppressive, and when the moon rose at ten o'clock the opposite horizon was spanned by a perfect lunar rainbow of subdued but clearly defined coloring. On arrival at Bombay the first persons to board the steamer were two members of the Mission, Dr. D. O. Fox and another friend. From that time during the entire trip there was only one station where the founders of the work were not met by some Methodist Christian. Twenty-seven years ago they were alone in India; now brothers and sisters in Christ greeted them everywhere. Instead of a journey of twenty-four days in a cart drawn by men, forty-nine hours in a comfortable railway car- riage brought them to Lucknow, where the Dasserah, the English camp meeting, was about to begin. Another missionary came on board at Cawnpore, bringing a very substantial welcome, and at nine o'clock in the evening 179 m - "\ William Butler the train rolled into Lucknow. Here again Dr. Butler's own description will be presented : ''As soon as the train stopped there was a hearty burst of joyful recognition. There to welcome us stood Dr. Johnson, Dr. Waugh, and a number of the brethren. We hurried off to the home of the Woman's Foreign Mis- sionary Society. To our surprise, before we reached the last turn, where the Mission house comes into view, the carriages stopped under the trees and we were asked to alight. What does this mean? When we got out of the carriages we were put in line two by two, arm in arm. This looked rather formal, but even then the expectation of any reception was not awakened. We moved on through the dense shade until the comer was turned, then lo, all was explained, for over the gates now full in view was an arch, and from it blazed out in golden letters fifteen inches deep the word WELCOME ! while lining the avenue from the gate to the house were about three hundred native Christians, and as soon as we emerged from the shade and came into the blaze of light they sang out in their own language, but to the old, familiar tune, the glad words : " ♦ The morning light is breaking ; The darkness disappears.' "The effect was overwhelming. Who were these who were thus singing, 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord' ? Some of them were the dear orphan girls whom we had taken up in their destitution and misery twenty-five years before. The Father and Mother of the Mission' thev called us. How glad and happy they all appeared. I felt like one dazed as I tried to walk up between those rejoicing loving lines of native Christians with their pastors and teachers. At the head of the line, i8o Welcome ! on the steps of her hospitable home, stood that blessed woman. Miss Thoburn, surrounded by her staff of faith- ful helpers. What a welcome ! and what a contrast was this to our first reception at Lucknow. No common words are at all warm enough to describe the scene or to express the emotions of that glad hour, while to write what we really felt would, to those who were not there, seem to be the very extravagance of language. "It was late ere we sought rest, which did not come readily. We realized so fully that we were actually back again in Lucknow, and the mind in its excitement called up that wonderful past until we were living it all over again as if it were only a few months since we passed through those experiences. The excitement and joy of the reception of that evening contrasted so marvelously with our first experience in that city twenty-seven years before. It is not possible to appreciate it until we recall what that reception was. On the twenty-ninth of November, 1856, we first entered. Our note of introduction was to the officer then in charge of the government pending the arrival of Sir Henry Lawrence, who was coming down from the Punjab to take upon him the heavy responsi- bility of administering the affairs of this great province. For a week we were entertained at the Residency, which before another year had elapsed was to become so famous throughout the world for its wonderful defense and for its relief by General Havelock. Some of those with whom we then associated were victims of that terrible siege. Our entertainer had little sympathy with our object ; even went so far as to say that we would not be able to detach one of these people from their ancestral faith, that caste, custom, and sentiment were all too strong for us, and intimated that it would be the part of pru- dence to give up the effort, return to Calcutta, and take the first ship to Boston. It was not safe for us to go alone and unattended into the bazaar, and so he insisted 181 William Butler on furnishing us with one of the government elephants, an immense creature with a great howdah on his back, and a mounted Sepoy as a guard. This was considered essential by the English officer for my safety in that city. ''Never shall I forget the day when I first saw Luck- now. The houses are flat-roofed, and being raised on the back of the elephant I there for tlie first time saw heathen- ism and Mohammedanism as they really are. Here was not merely armed ferocity urging religious intolerance, but, worse than all, humanity fallen so low as openly to debase itself even unto hell. Truly the closing part of the first chapter of Romans might have been written in Luck- now. I returned to the Residency discouraged in mind and sick at heart. We had evidently a fearful work be- fore us in our attempt to evangelize such people as this. Could it be done? The dejection went with me to my couch and banished sleep, and my soul was filled with distress that bordered on despair of accomplishing any- thing. Bishop Heber, author of the hymn, Trom Green- land's icy mountains,' had written, after traveling through the entire length of this valley, that street preach- ing would not be safe here ; all that the missionaries can do is to teach schools, preach in their churches, and visit the houses of such persons as wish for information on religious subjects. Of Lucknow he wrote that it would not be expedient at present to send a missionary here, but they might have a schoolmaster with a stock of ser- mons to be read every Sunday. In a deeper sense than I have ever known before came the words to my mind: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord.' 'I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not ; I will help thee.' ''We were at Lucknow again at the close of a quarter of a century. We went to the English church, a beauti- ful place of worship in which a congregation of more than three hundred had gathered. In a square in the heart of 182 I •J X H (A 55 H Welcome! the city preparations were being made for the camp meet- ing to be held, permission having been granted by the city authorities, and this was in Lucknow ! At this camp meeting four hundred native Christians sat inside the tent and around them another congregation of heathen and Mohammedans, who looked on and Hstened to all said. After the sermon penitents were invited forward for prayers. Several came and, showing the good training our people had received, with each penitent one or two church members would come. The whole assembly bowed down and joined in the supplication — and this in Lucknow ! The presiding elder, anxious to have more divine unction in the meeting, rose and exhorted all to seek a richer baptism of the Holy Spirit, and proposed that we seek it. He selected the person whom he thought would best lead the audience to the throne of grace and said, 'Will Sister Caroline pray?' How evident it was that she knew how that her faith could claim the blessing and bring it down on that assembly! There was more in that pleading than a rich full voice; there was an unction in her words as she talked with God. The tone of the service rose by the blessing which came down in answer to the prayer of that native woman. "At the call of the presiding elder more than three hundred persons stood up to show that Christ had saved their souls. These in Lucknow, where a few years ago our divine Saviour had been so fiercely blasphemed and his religion trampled under foot ! The locality made the grace seem more wonderful than it could be elsewhere. "The Sabbath was one of the days of the Son of man. From seven o'clock in the morning until half past ten at night service after service at brief intervals filled the golden hours. The love feast in the morning was glori- ous. Never before had I seen so many native Christians together or heard so many of them testify. The burden of their testimony was salvation in Christ, and how they 183 n: y. y. y Y. / I Welcome! tlie city preparations were being made for the camp meet- ing to be held, permission having been granted by the city authorities, and this was in Lucknow ! At this camp meeting four hundred native Christians sat inside the tent and around them another congregation of heathen and Mohammedans, who looked on and hstened to all said. After the sermon penitents were invited forward for prayers. Several came and. showing the good training our people had received, with each penitent one or two church members would come. The whole assembly bowed down and joined in the supplication — and this in Lucknow ! The presiding elder, anxious to have more divine unction in the meeting, rose and exhorted all to seek a richer baptism of the Holy Spirit, and proposed that we seek it. He selected the person whom he thought would best lead the audience to the throne of grace and said, 'Will Sister Caroline pray?' How evident it was that she knew how that her faith could claim the blessing and bring it down on that assembly ! There was more in that pleading than a rich full voice : there was an unction in her words as she talked wath God. The tone uf the service rose by the blessing which came down in answer to the prayer of that native woman. *'At the call of the presiding elder more than three hundred persons stood up to show that Christ had saved their souls. These in Lucknow, where a few years ago our divine Saviour had been so fiercely blasphemed and his religion trampled under foot! The locality made the grace seem more wonderful than it could be elsewhere. **The Sabbath was one of the days of the Son of man. From seven o'clock in the morning until half past ten at night service after service at brief intervals filled the golden hours. The love feast in the morning was glori- ous. Never before had I seen so many native Christians together or heard so many of them testify. The burden of their testimony was salvation in Christ, and how thev 183 William Butler loved their Saviour. One venerable man who had tried Hindu rites thoroughly gave his simple experience in this fashion: 'Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva did nothing for me Satan was still in my heart till I saw Jesus. '^Our next visit, on the following morning, was to our Publishing House, on one of the principal streets. The im- portance of this agency of evangelization was manifest from the beginning of our work. In my report to the Mis- sionary Board in 1857 the subject was called to their atten- tion. Accordingly in 1861 some encouragement came from the Tract Society of our Church. A proposition was made to the members of our Mission for a contribu- tion Their earnest sympathy was enlisted and about eight hundred dollars raised to begin the enterprise. From this humble commencement has developed this in- valuable press in Lucknow, with its catalogue of works in three languages, from which our Mission is supplied Hindus and Mohammedans are thoroughly aroused and are even endowing printing presses to arrest the onward march of Christianity. We must meet them here also in the defense of our work. -We were approaching Bareilly in the railway train from Lucknow, and in tender reminiscence rose the pathetic story of the martyrdom of Maria Bolst and what had come of it. The very ground where she had resided I had secured by purchase when Havelock's victory had enabled me to return to Bareilly. The female orphanage of our Church stands on the site of her home, so that on the very ground where she used to tread, and where she so often knelt to pray for the coming of the Gospel to her country, hundreds of Christian girls were being raised up to aid the work she loved so well. We were approach- ing Bareilly, and sleep for nearly five hours that night was impossible, for our hearts were thrilling with the thought of how much the light of the next day would dis- close to our delighted vision. We had crossed the world 184 Welcome ! to reach this blessed center, and now it was close at hand — only an hour more, for it had just struck two o'clock. We had not dreamed of any reception, and especially in the middle of the night, and so I sank off into a dose, which seemed not to have lasted more than ten minutes when it was suddenly broken by the whistle of the engine and I knew we were nearing the place. The end of the platform was reached, when lo, something which seemed like a white wall about five feet high stood on the outer edge, and before I could recover from my sleepy surprise the wall began to define itself into a row of native girls in their usual white raiment, extending from one end of the platform to the other. It was our dear orphan girls. All the two hundred and eighty that were old enough, and could walk so far and keep awake so long, had re- quested Miss Sparkes to allow them to come up and wel- come once more to Bareilly the 'Father and Mother of the Mission.' Behind the girls stood the theological students, the missionary families, and a number of the members of the church. The moment they saw our faces there rose, to the tune of 'Old Hundred,' the Doxology in their own language. Not until we are hailed by the waiting ones on the golden strand shall we again behold anything as blessed as was that group of welcomers, so radiant in the lovely moonlight, with their doxology of joy rising upon the night air to heaven! No wonder that Mrs. Butler, after enthusiastically embracing every one of that long line of precious girls, stood still and wept with excess of joy and gratitude. It was all such a contrast to the days gone by when she and others, in distress of soul, made those earnest efforts to reach and teach even half a dozen girls in that city and could not do it — had to give it up in despair and weep over the failure. Now here was this happy crowd of Christian girls welcoming her to this same Bareilly with songs of joy. What hath God wrought! How grateful was the prayer we offered to 185 William Butler God that night for all the mercies of that journey and for all the joys with which it had been crowned. "The next day they had a formal reception for us in the Girls' Orphanage. It was the brightest sight that we had ever seen in India. That precious group of Chris- tian girls, all so neat and happy, together with their in- structors, the Mission families and visitors, filled the entire hall. The dark eyes of the children were lustrous with interest. The occasion was evidently an event in their lives, as it certainly was in our own. After devo- tional services they sang sweetly several of their hymns, such as, 1 need thee every hour.' It was delightful to reflect that many of them were singing these words from a heartfelt realization of their meaning. Miss Sparkes was presiding, and Mrs. Butler and I had been seated in the posts of honor. There was a hush, and it was evident tiiat something more than ordinary was about to occur. Immediately from this solemn audience one of the teachers stepped out into the center aisle. She was one of the original one hundred and fifty orphans and is re- tained as a leading teacher. How sweet and precious she looked ! Controlling her emotions she proceeded to give in her own language the address of welcome on behalf of the original number as well as of all who were then pres- ent, expressing their gratitude to God and to us for all that had been done for them, and expressing gratefully their appreciation of the tender affection which had led us, even in our old age, to cross the world to see them once more. When she had concluded there stepped out three little ones, the leader of them, perhaps nine years old or less, advancing toward her, the other two behind were bearing something covered upon a tray. The little tot advanced until she stood right before us, and then with wonderful self-command, she stated that she had been selected by the school to offer a gift because she was a ch'ld of the first orphan girl we took up. The name you 186 Welcome ! gave my mother,' said she, 'was Almira Blake. She grew up and was educated, became a Christian and married a preacher. My mother died three years ago and my father last year, and they took me in here for my mother's sake. So this was why I was selected to present their offering of love and gratitude to you and to the Mem Sahib.' (How well I recall how this first child, the mother of the little one, was received and how we rejoiced, for she was all our own to rear for Jesus and the Church. ) The lov- ing gifts of the dear girls, wrought with their own skill- ful fingers, consisted of a pair of satin sofa pillows beau- tifully embroidered. Lifting one of them on her left hand she pointed with the other at me and said, 'Now, Sahib, when you return home and feel weary you are to lay your head on this and think of us girls,' and in her simplicity she bent down her little head to the pillow to show how it was to be done; then she lifted the other pillow to my wife and repeated her directions. Worked slippers were then presented and particularized, and last of all a pair of elegant satin caps embroidered in the same style as the pillows. After speaking of mine she took up the other and told me that they remembered my love for Brother Joel, the first helper, and they had thought it w^ould gratify me if they should make one for him like mine and let me put it on his head when I should meet him at Chandausi. All this was done with a natural simplicity so charming that it won every heart. How amply repaid was the toilsome journey by the events and emotions of this glad reception." The delighted visitors provided for them the next day sweets and fireworks to rejoice their hearts. Of the original one hundred and fifty female children one hundred and twenty-four could be traced, of whom eighty-seven were in active Christian work. A most interesting day was that passed at the Theo- logical Seminary, which was established in 1872. This 187 William Butler truly precious institution shows the development of our work in India. It is educating a ministry for a popula- tion as large as one half the population of the United States and in a language spoken by one hundred millions of people. The Missionary Board supplies only the salary of the principal. Among the students Dr. Butler was delighted to find a young man from the Presbyterian Mission who had been sent there for his theological train- ing, a fitting return for the gift of Joel from that Mission. A large flag floated from the top of the staff of the semi- nary all the time the visiting missionaries were in Bareilly, bearing the words, "Welcome to the Founders of the Mission," written in three languages. Several of the native gentlemen who knew Dr. Butler in the old rebellion days came to see him. Some were present at the reception tendered to the founders of the work on the evening of the closing exercises of the Theological Semi- nary. The commanding position of our Mission premises, occupying both sides of the main street, has often been referred to by those who have visited the Mission. Some- times in years gone by the Superintendent had to meet criticism for going ahead too fast; but on this visit he heard many expressions of gratitude because he had made the Mission powerful by securing the fine locations which no money at our command could now purchase. The great mela— religious festival— at Allahabad, where the sacred rivers, the Ganges and the Jumna, meet, where hundreds of thousands, sometimes even millions, of pilgrims gather, had not apparently changed. The poor souls rushed in mad haste to bathe in the sacred waters, to prostrate themselves before the rude image made out of the mud of the river bank, which endures but for a season and then is swept away in the spring rise of the streams; they still knelt before the priests and offered their gifts, but in some respects the place was al- tered. There were more men of education than formerly i88 Welcome ! in the crowds, and one who spoke English was in attend- ance upon a very holy man whose claim to sanctity rested on the fact that for fifty years he had occupied his posi- tion on a little raised platform on the river bank, in sun and storm, never leaving it except at midnight for food and to bathe in the sacred river. When Dr. Butler en- gaged this student in conversation he stated that he was a graduate of a government college, and when asked why, knowing how foolish many of these pretensions were, he should still uphold them, he shrugged his shoulders and said that he must earn his living in some w^ay and this was a good one. The missionaries watched him as a poor woman came up to the holy man and, stooping down, kissed the hem of his ochre-colored robe, leaving her few coppers on the stand, and went away with her sorrowful face. The educated native picked up the coppers and put them in his pocket. This is what education without Christianity is doing in many hearts in the great continent of India. How good to turn from this scene back to the Mission, to the Christian College at Lucknow and the hundreds of our preparatory schools scattered over the land, where the Bible is made the best text-book. The Sabbath in Bareilly was a glorious day. Dr. But- ler wrote that "its crowded holy service contrasted so marvelously with that weary Sabbath of 1857 when we were there for the first time alone. The beautiful church, thronged this morning with a congregation of native Christians of devout and intelligent aspect, was a joy to behold. It was also good to see so many women present in the congregation, due of course to the presence of the girls from the orphanage, as well as to hear such Chris- tian singing as we had for that day. After the sermon Dr. Dease, the missionary in charge, explained that they had reserved the candidates for reception into church membership for six months so that I might have the joy and honor of receiving them and giving them the right 189 I I I William Butler hand of fellowship on behalf of the Church at home. He drew forth a list and began to read until sixty-seven names were called. What a sight it was as they came around the communion rail and stood two and three deep. More than twenty-five of them were orphan girls, and as some of them looked very young I quietly asked if all these youthful candidates had saving faith in Christ. Dr. Dease smiled, and said in reply, 'I asked the question of Miss Sparkes the day she handed me her portion of the list, and she assured me that she had held them back from joining in full until she was satisfied that each of them was a child of God.' After such assurance I gladly received them all. Then the converts from heathenism during the past quarter were presented to me to be bap- tized. Thirty-four came around the altar — and that in Bareilly! The experience this day was unique in my ministerial life. Never before had I baptized so many or received such a number to full membership in the church in one day. At home it would not be wonderful — but this was in Bareilly! Here where we experienced the loneliest Sabbath of all our history, where the outlook was then so dreadful for Christianity, even here had God brought us back to see and rejoice in the wonderful evi- dence of how he could make 'the wrath of man to praise him.' How conscious I was that the blessed Master was with me as I was honored to receive one hundred and one members into the Christian Church, nearly one half the number being women and girls." One of the points of deepest interest was the first Hospital ever built for women in all the Orient. It had been given by the Nawab of Rampore to Dr. Swain, in response to her appeal, for the work she could do for the women if she had the necessary equipments. Here ^vas the building, still used for its mission of mercy, and here was the brave woman who started upon this untried path still laboring in her blessed task. On her arrival in 1870 190 Welcome ! she found work waiting for her, and by means of an in- terpreter was able to begin at once to relieve suffering and with her ministry to the suffering body to give also balm for the burdened soul. Dr. Butler's eyes were filled with tears as he learned of her success and of the words of a heathen woman who said of her, ''Your Dr. Swain is like your Christ — she heals both the body and the soul." The young native women from our orphanage who were prepared in English so that they might study medicine under her instruction are now in different places doing like service for their sisters. How much the success of this first physician to the women of India had to do with the splendid impetus given to this class of work in nearly all the Missions, resulting in the Dufferin movement, no one now can say, but all gladly recognize the honor due the pioneer, our beloved Dr. Clara Swain. At Shahjahanpur the Boys' Orphanage was inspected and its marvelous success appreciated. It was more diffi- cult to follow the subsequent history of the original one hundred and fifty boys, but the pastor of the church was one of the number, and many others were known to be in active Christian work. Naturally the hearts and steps of the veteran mission- aries turned to Naini Tal, the place where they had been hidden until the great danger of the Sepoy Rebellion was passed. It was out of the question to pass by the spot in the jungle where during the hours of the awful night of flight God had so wonderfully intervened. William But- ler went into the forest and again, after twenty-six years, uncovered his head before the God who had cared for him and his precious ones in the hour of great need. Beautiful Naini Tal looked lovelier than ever. Instead of the sheep house chapel a beautiful stone church at one end of the lake sheltered the English congregation, and native work was carried on at the bazaar end of the vil- lage. Many of the old tradesmen came to welcome the 191 William Butler Welcome ! former Superintendent and referred gratefully to the ad- vantages which their boys had derived from our schools. Sir Henry Ramsey, the Commissioner of the Province, through whose wise judgment they had been guarded during the Mutiny, received his old friends as guests in his home, and with thankful hearts they discussed the stirring events of those bygone days. From the peak which rises as a sentinel above Naini Tal the missionary party obtained a glorious view of those lofty peaks which lift their heads so high toward heaven. A trip to Dwara- hat, once famous as a center of Himalayan Buddhism, three days' march from Naini Tal, gave the privilege of meeting with the District Conference of these mountain Christians. Forty-six workers— preachers, teachers, col- porteurs, and agents of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society — here met to report their success in the work and to build each other up in their holy faith. To appreciate properly the change one must have traveled those seven- teen days over the mountains with the refugees in 1857 and recalled the awful darkness of heathenism which then surrounded them on every side. Thirteen Buddhist tem- ples stand in ruin and decay in the valleys around this Mission station, while above are the schools and the church of the living God. At Almora, the second place of refuge, a Sabbath was now passed in blessed peace. The London Mission at this point also cares for the work in the leper asylum founded by Sir Henry Ramsey and now sustained by the govern- ment. Of the one hundred and twenty inmates at this time in the institution more than sixty regularly attended the services in the church and twenty-five were com- municants. Twenty had learned to read since entering the asylum. One remembered hearing Dr. Butler preach when he had visited the asylum during the Mutiny. On Sunday afternoon the party accompanied Mr. Budden to the place. At the hour set for the service the poor crea- 192 tures came in and ranged themselves in rows on the floor, the men on one side and the women on the other. Those of the church members who could read sat in the front rows, and it was most pathetic to see those whose fingers had been lost by the progress of the disease trying to turn the pages with the stumps of hands or arms. Dr. Butler preached from the fourth chapter of Luke, on the sym- pathy of the Lord Jesus and his willingness to cleanse them from a more deadly leprosy than any that can afflict the body. It was a touching sight, the close attention they gave to the words of the preacher, especially when he spoke of the glorious change which would be theirs, if they loved and served God, when on the resurrection morning he would change this vile body and make it like his own glorious body. He spoke of the case of Laura Bridgman, and showed how she, without sight, hearing, or speech, became a happy Christian. Deep emotion was shown on their marred faces when he asked whether, in view of the fact that they had all their senses, and could hear and speak, they had not some advantage over her for which they could be grateful ? They turned to each other and the poor faces lit up with smiles. It was a precious privilege to preach to these afflicted ones. Even here the value of the work of our orphanage was illustrated. At the front, opposite the visitors' seats, were the people who were in charge of the institution, a man and his wife, both taken in childhood and educated in our orphanages. The wife had received some instruction in medicine from Dr. Swain and when her husband was asked to come and work among the lepers he cheerfully consented and both labor together among these unfortu- nates, giving instruction and medical aid as far as it is possible to relieve their sufferings. For them it was practically a foreign mission, as their charges were of another race, using another language, and their condition being such as to require a thorough consecration on the 193 11 William Butler part of those who go to live among them. Some one in America had given the money for the training of these Christian young people for the blessed service. Coming down over the road from Almora, which had such interesting associations for these veteran mission- aries, a trip was made to Moradabad, the city where Dr. and Mrs. Parker had accomplished such splendid work and which is the center of the system of village schools established by Dr. and Mrs. Goucher. Here the church of the Mission is in a prominent location and possesses a fine tower and a clock which serves to set the time for the people in the bazaar. The generosity of the members of our Church was shown by the pledges they had given for the year. Some had promised a full week's wages and some an entire month's salary for the support of the Gospel. At Budaon the missionaries arrived in time for an interesting session of the Quarterly Conference. One of the native preachers reported that he had twenty-seven villages in his subcircuit, and Christians in every one. A woman who was in charge of Bible work had not suffi- ciently emerged from her former heathen timidity to face the audience when she stood to give her account of what she had accomplished, so modestly turning her face to the wall she made her excellent report. All workers are expected to give detailed account of their labors at these conferences, a system which results most satisfactorily. The travelers arrived at Chandausi in time for the camp meeting, where over eight hundred Methodists had come to pass a week in this feast of tabernacles. The utility of such meetings, in taking the place of the pilgrimages to which the people had been accustomed and for the deepening of the spiritual life of our membership, has been fully set forth by our missionaries in their letters to the Church papers. Certainly what was done at this Chandausi Mela was of the greatest value in the lifting of our work in that vicinity to its highest efficiency. The 194 I -1 i i Joel the Aged -.■!*'« ._^ *^js--^*ivSCS5 Welcome I meeting of the old Superintendent and his first helper, Joel, must be told in his own words as he wrote in From Boston to Bare illy: "I was delayed somewhat in reaching the camp ground and found on arrival that the service had commenced. The hymn had been sung and they were at prayer. Hurrying to the tent I heard the voice that was lead- ing the devotions within. I did not need to ask whose voice it was— it was eighteen years since I had last heard it, but how quickly I knew it and how my heart throbbed at the sound. It was Brother Joel! Enter- ing behind the pulpit I remained unobserved by any- one until he had ended. I suppose that, according to the proprieties, I should have waited until the service had concluded before hailing and saluting my dear old helper, but I could not. Before the presiding elder could give out the next hymn I had rushed across the tent to where Joel was sitting. I looked into those sightless eyes and kissed his forehead, exclaiming *Dear Joel!' I felt his frame fill with joy. He was on his feet in an instant and we were clasped in each other's arms. Nobody could sing. The elder had to wait for the hymn. Everybody was moved and the native preachers were in tears around us. Perhaps they will never forget it. Love wins and conquers hearts anywhere on earth. I sat with my arm around this 'true yokefellow' during the sermon, my mind busy with the past when he stood so faithfully by my side. The only shadow over this joyful meeting was Joel's inability to see me. He felt that if he could only look into my face for one minute he would be satisfied, but alas ! a few months before his vision had completely gone. Joel preached later from the text, Tather, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory.' It was affecting to look upon his expressive face with those sightless eyes as he dwelt on the fact that they shall 'behold' his glory." 195 . JOFL THE .\(.KI) i Welcome? meeting of the old Superintendent and his first helper, Joel, must be told in his own words as he wrote in From Boston to Bare illy: "I was delayed somewhat in reaching the camp ground and found on arrival that the service had commenced. The hymn had been sung and they were at prayer. Hurrying to the tent I heard the voice that was lead- ing the devotions within. I did not need to ask whose voice it was— it was eighteen years since I had last heard it, but how quickly 1 knew it and how my heart throbbed at the sound. It was Brother Joel! Enter- ing behind the pulpit I remained unobserved by any- one until he had ended. I suppose that, according to the proprieties, I should have waited until the service had concluded before hailing and saluting my dear old helper, but I could not. Before the presiding elder could give out the next hymn I had rushed across the tent to where Joel was sitting. I looked into those sightless eyes and kissed his forehead, exclaiming 'Dear Joel !' I felt his frame fill with joy. He was on his feet in an instant and we were clasped in each other's arms. Nobody could sing. The elder had to wait for the hymn. Everybody was moved and the native preachers were in tears around us. Perhaps they will never forget it. Love wins and conquers hearts anywhere on earth. I sat with my arm around this 'true yokefellow' during the sermon, my mind busy with the past when he stood so faithfully by my side. The only shadow over this joyful meeting was Joel's inability to see me. He felt that if he could only look into my face for one minute he would be satisfied, but alas ! a few months before his vision had completely gone. Joel preached later from the text, Tather, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory.' It was affecting to look upon his expressive face with those sightless eyes as he dwelt on the fact that they shall 'behold' his glory." 195 SS&4«S«ffll^,aS.AB™,7^-^iS--Mto., « William Butler At one of the meetings for women during the camp meeting some very touching testimonies were given. One worker arose and said, referring to the fact that they were not far from some of the sacred places where the Hindu pilgrims go to bathe in the Ganges, "My sins are all washed away in the River of Life ;" another, as she followed her daughter in testimony, "It pays a mother to be a Christian ! Indeed it pays." 'The closing scene of the camp meeting was the most enthusiastic hour which we witnessed during our visit. It was at the end of the blessed Sabbath ; souls had been saved and believers sanctified and all blessed. Before describing the termination let me refer to the usages of these people in their heathen state a few years ago. The Hindus make a practice of attending when possible one of their great yearly melas on the banks of the Ganges. One miglit call a mela an immense Hindu camp meeting, where for nearly a week hundreds of thousands of people encamp on the banks of the holy river and go through austerities and ablutions in which they seek purification from the sins of the past. These services are consum- mated by an immersion of the whole person beneath the water of the river preceded by the cry in which the whole crowd unites. The words are, 'Gunga mata ki Jai, Jai, Jai !' 'Victory, victory to mother Ganges !' So at the ending of this week of holy joy the eight hundred native Chris- tians marched out in line at ten o'clock at night and filed through the trees, singing hymns, and finally passing in front of the stand, where they shook hands with Dr. and Mrs. Butler, and then formed into a circle with clasped hands. The presiding elder asked, 'Are you ready?' and like the voice of one man the eight hundred shouted out Isa Masih ki Jai, Jai, Jai !' 'Victory, victory, victory to Jesus Christ!' The effect was thrilling; all the more so by the contrast which it suggested to their utterances of former days. I looked up into the clear heavens 196 I Welcome ! toward which their hands were pointing and felt sure that He who made those stars was looking down upon the adoring audience and that their ascription of victory to him was accepted. Thank God that such an hour has come, when these manifestations of joy are heard in India, being the outward expression of the inward peace and joy which the Gospel has implanted in the hearts of its people !" At this camp Dr. Butler listened with wondering joy to the decision of one of the native pastors to give up his salary and to cast himself on the generosity of the people to whom he had formerly ministered, when, as a teacher of Hinduism, he had gone up and dow^n in certain villages and had been sustained by the gifts of the people. Realiz- ing the necessity for a strong effort for self-support in the native Church, he took this step, and assuming again the ochre-colored robe of the devotee, he started out to preach Christ among these same villagers, trusting to them to supply his needs. A well-known missionary worker from the United States visited India not long ago. After passing some times in Benares and seeing its temples, holy men and pilgrims, the bathing in the sacred river Ganges, and the worship at its shrines, he came to Bareilly. There he saw the theological seminary, the orphanage, the hospital and schools, and the native Christians in their church. He wrote of these two cities : ''Benares and Bareilly ! One is on the heaven side of India, and the other on the side which takes hold on hell!" Our native Christians are truly on the heaven side of India and some are very near its heights. The old Superintendent was assured of this as he listened to the testimonies at the camp meetings and in the churches. After he preached at one of these on entire consecration, one of the native preachers arose to give his testimony. With the oriental grace of picture language he lifted his cap a couple of inches above his 197 ta!s?K^,sSiir«.^Sa;SS»5'ing ordeal, but she could not have experi- enced the triumphant joy to which her sister in the camp meeting had so recently referred when she exclaimed, ":\Iy sins are all washed away in the River of Life!" O, we who know this ecstasy, when shall we tell it to these heart-sore millions? Near Benares is one of the most ancient of the shrines of Buddhism, the decaying temple at Sarnath, built upon the spot where Buddha sat and meditated far back almost in the days of the prophet Isaiah, and from whence he went forth to reform the Hinduism of his age. Buddhism counts an immense number of followers, but it is not the faith that satisfies. English engineers were engaged in propping up this ancient monument, and right under its shadow a temple of Hinduism has risen as if to mock its fallen power. Benares and Sarnath — destined to decay, but these little Christian churches we had seen were part of the Kingdom which shall never end, for the Lord God of Hosts hath spoken it ! A comfortable railroad car now carried the missionaries the distance to Calcutta over which thev had been drawn by men in the pioneer days. The rivers were crossed by fine bridges and discomforts from the heat were lessened by the double roof on the cars, the blue glass in the win- dows, and all the appliances known in first-class trains in this country. The increase in the facilities for travel means increase in the efificiency of the Mission and the better chance for long-continued usefulness of the work- ers. In Calcutta the different enterprises under Dr. (now 201 William Butler Bishop) Thoburn*s charge were seen to be in a most flour- ishing state. The fine large church for Enghsh-speaking people, the Seamen's Mission, the medical work under Mrs. Thoburn's care — all had the blessing of God mani- festly upon them. Here is published the Indian Witness, the periodical which unites our English-speaking Metho- dists in all parts of southern Asia. Keshub Chunder Sen, the leader of the Brahmo Somaj, had died not long before this, and his successor, Protab Chunder Moozumdar, de- livered a memorial oration before a crowded house. The founder of the Methodist Mission attended this lecture that he might hear what could be said of the lifework of this brilliant son of India to whom was vouchsafed such a wide opportunity to influence his countrymen. The lecture was somewhat of a disappointment, but it was worthy of remark that the time had come when a Hindu could venture to write as Keshub Chunder Sen had done without forfeiting his leadership: *Tt is Christ who rules India, not the British government. None but Jesus, none but Jesus ever deserved this briglit precious diadem, India, and Jesus shall have it. . . . If to any army apper- tains the honor of holding India for England, that army is the army of Christian missionaries, headed by their invincible Captain, Jesus Christ" (Lectures, p. 280). It does not appear that he fully realized the weight of his utterances, but for a man occupying such a position to venture such a declaration was a sure indication of the great influence Christian Missions have exercised upon those who have not yet joined the Christian Church. During our stay in Calcutta the first Exposition ever held in the Orient was open, and one particular phase of it is worthy of mention. The missionaries engaged in zenana work decided to use it as a means of opening some doors which had never been left ajar to allow the women to see aught of the outside world. They petitioned the government to set apart a "Zenana Day/' during which 202 W'i» ! m»»l» sli «M W' »B ! B 5^{ g»'Jg!gWgg«!ipt, opportunity was afforded for a view of the collec- tion of mummies discovered in the royal tombs at Dier-el- Bahari, which had just been placed in the new building erected for them across the Nile from the city. The very Pharaoh of the oppression who gave hard tasks to the chil- 208 ' In the Footsteps of the Master dren of Israel was here in his wrapping before their eyes, in the same land which had borne the displeasure of God and against which the prophecies have been so marvel- ously fulfilled. If the Word of God concerning the fall of the nation refusing to accept his commands is sure, how much more confidently may we expect the fulfillment of those promises for the righteous nation that keepeth the truth and for the Church which obeys the command to go and disciple all nations. In the great mosque where is the college from which the missionaries of Mohammedan- ism go out to extend the reign of Islam, thousands of students were reciting before their masters, repeating the passages from the Koran, and thus fixing in their minds the inexorable creed which they were to carry down into the heart of Africa and back into Asia, and thereby strengthen the barriers against the religion of Christ. The opponents of the Prince of Peace are not sleeping, and the call for help for the Lord against the mighty sounded in the hearts of these veteran missionaries as they gazed on the thousands blindly following the fanat- ical teachings of this propaganda. One of the ushers of the mosque pointed out with pride that they had a great number of blind pupils who, after they had memorized the Koran, w^ould be sent out to teach it to seeing folk. Dr. Butler heard his statement and then through the inter- preter told him that the Christian nations were doing even more for those afflicted, in that we had published books for them which they could read, and that those who had lost not only this sense but hearing and speech also were being taught. This quite surprised the Moslem teacher, though he could find no reason to doubt the missionary's assertion. Near by were the Dervishes, whirling and howling in the mad belief that thus they were pleasing God. White fields everywhere for the laborer ! The school of the United Presbyterian Mission in Cairo was of interest especially because of its connection 209 Ml William Butler ! I'" 1^ with India, since the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh, the first Prince of India to become a Christian, took his wife from this school. It will be remembered that his father, the Maharajah Runjeet Singh, was the unscrupulous and despotic ruler who won for himself the title of "The Lion of the Punjab." This ambitious man had his own mother assassinated when he was only seventeen, and his whole career was marked by deceit and violence. It was by an act of treachery that he seized the famous Kohinoor, which now comes into notice in the crown of England's Queen. Runjeet Singh was a most bitter opponent of Christianity, and is said to have sworn that no missionary should ever cross the Sutlej (the river dividing his dominions from territory under the control of the Eng- lish). The measures passed by Lord William Bentinck, the Governor General, for the suppression of suttee — widow burning — were especially distasteful to him, and in his will he provided that the ancient custom should be fully and ostentatiously observed at his own funeral. A German physician who witnessed the ceremony states that the suttee was on such a scale of magnificence that it must have cost several hundred thousand dollars. The Mahara- jah had named eleven of his wives to burn with his body, the youngest being only fifteen years of age. The four successors of the "Lion" were each murdered within a few months of ascending the throne, and four Prime Ministers while in office. This state of unrest was finally ended by the British in 1849, since which time the Punjab has had peace. The youngest son of the late Run- jeet Singh was only nine years old and was unequal to the task of keeping his turbulent subjects in check. He was deposed and allowed the title of his rank and an ample pension, being placed under the care of Sir John Login, a Scotch physician in the civil service, a devout man whose character so impressed the young Maharajah that he later said^ at the time of the death of this true friend, that it 210 In the Footsteps of the Master was his uprightness and integrity which had led him to desire for himself a part in a religion which "made it pos- sible for a man to lead such a Godlike life on earth." This honorable man was not only intrusted with the safety and education of the Maharajah, but had also charge of the royal treasure and the pensions provided for the numerous relatives of the late Runjeet Singh, of whom twenty-two were widows besides the number disposed of in suttee. In the treasury was the Kohinoor. The origin of this peer- less jewel is lost in the mists of antiquity. It had fallen into the hands of the early invaders of India and finally into the possession of the Moguls. The illustrious Baber wrote of it that it was valued at half the daily expenses of the whole world. Nadir Shah wrested it from the de- scendant of Baber by oflfering to exchange turbans when the unfortunate Mogul was in such a position that he could not refuse. The Afghan took it next, and so by treachery and murder its history has been stained until this young Maharajah oflfered it as a gift to the Queen of England. It is stated that on his death bed Runjeet Singh had been almost persuaded to send it to the idol Jugger- naut, but was dissuaded by the state treasurer. At the age of seventeen Dhuleep Singh wished to be baptized as a Christian. He had been considering the matter for two years, and the consent of Lord Dalhousie, then Governor General, was obtained for the step. Soon after he went to England, and finding that he had a desire to give the famous jewel himself to the Queen a plan was made, with the sovereign's consent, that he should have it returned to him that he might approve of the recutting, after which he had the pleasure of placing it in Queen Victoria's hand. Passing through Cairo on his return to India with the body of his mother, Dhuleep Singh saw a beautiful teacher in the Mission school. She was a Copt in race and well educated. On his way back to England he married her, 211 Hi William Butler and they lived very happily near London. In later years, however, he became somewhat dissatisfied with the amount of his pension, for which feeling there was some foundation in justice. Many others also felt that it would have been more fair to increase it generously in view of the position he must maintain at court. The wonderful progress of the Mission work in the Punjab is the answer of God to the blasphemous oath of the old Maharajah, and his jewel is on the brow of the Queen of a Christian nation. When Dr. Butler reached London on his return from India he attended some of the Moody and Sankey services and there learned that the eldest son of Dhuleep Singh had experienced the saving grace of God. 'Thou art worthy ... for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us . . . out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." A trip to the Holy Land was a long-desired privilege. Easter week was passed in Jerusalem, but as the date coin- cided with that of a Moslem feast to which the most fanatical pilgrims come, the Mosque of Omar was closed to Christians, and not the combined eloquence of the party, expressed in a variety of languages, sufficed to persuade the Pasha to allow a special permit. No one, however, could shut out the view of the holy place as seen from the Mount of Olives, or mar the sacred associations of the road to Bethany, or forbid the cherishing of sweet mem- ories clustering on the fields of Bethlehem, and solemn reflections at the grave of Joseph of Arimathea. The many foolish traditions covering almost every spot in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and demanding an amount of credulity impossible to the Bible student, detracted in some degree from the interest of the church, but in view of the hoary olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane, St. Stephen's Gate, and other places outside the city, the veteran missionary pressed the very ground where the feet of the Master had been wont to tread. He wished to 212 ^^H^iMiiiiwartujlsiim .- In the Footsteps of the Master witness the worship of the Jews in their Holy City, so on their Sabbath day he went into the chief synagogue and reverently removing his hat bowed in prayer. It was always his custom to show due respect for the worship of any man, and in this place he felt that these Jews were worshiping the true God though their eyes were blinded to the great gift Jehovah had sent to them. To his sur- prise his presence caused some consternation, and an aged Jew spoke to him in earnest tones. What could be the matter ? Finally the lady of the party decided that it must be that she was oflfending by entering the part of the synagogue where the men had the exclusive privilege of worshiping, so she sought the gallery, where the daughters of Israel were meekly hidden behind a railing. Even this did not seem to satisfy the ruler of the synagogue, who stood before the missionary, clad in his ceremonial robes of blue and white with the fringed border, his arm bound with the cords of a phylactery and another on his fore- head. At length, having exhausted his entire stock of Hebrew and Yiddish, the old man picked up the mission- ary's hat and placed it on his head. The trouble was over. His absorption in the spirit of the service had caused the visitor to fail to notice that his act of respect was just the opposite to their custom. The rabbi stood and read from the roll of the Law and the congregation chanted the responses, but the ''satisfy- ing portion" did not seem to be in the formal service. The scrupulous care given to the letter of the commands of God was shown us in a Jewish house, where even on the lintel of the door was the Law, written on parchment and inclosed in a small tin phylactery. Over the sacred name which no orthodox Jew pronounces is a bit of glass, and each member of the family in passing through the door touches his lips to this. So they attempt to fulfill the command in Deuteronomy, "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind 213 ill Iff' William Butler them . . . upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. . . . And^thou shalt write them upon the doorposts of thine house." ^ On Easter Sunday in the Enghsh Church m Jerusalem the missionary's heart was gladdened by the sight of three Jews making their pubUc profession of faith m Jesus Christ as Messiah. The occurrence so kindled his enthusiasm that had he been ten years younger he would have been likely to volunteer to open a Mission for Methodism in Jerusalem, the invitation of Bishop Haven not being forgotten. In the store of one Nicodemus some interesting curios were found, a copy of tbe roll ot Esther having just passed into his hands when Adolph Sutro completed his bargain for the remainder of the stock for the San Francisco library. Any article throw- ing light on the Holy Book was especially valuable to the returning missionary, so he was thankful to be able to secure a silver horn, the article worn by the women of Israel in times of national rejoicing or family honor. It is first referred to by Hannah, when she renders thanks for the gift of a son, *'Mine horn has thou exalted ;'* then by David, and by Zacharias, when, at the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he "prophesied, saying. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David." This symbolical ornament is forbidden in the Turkish dominions at the present time, but in the province of the Lebanon, which by the requirement of the European Powers is under a governor of the Christian faith, they are still worn on special occasions by the older women. The one brought by Dr. Butler is here photographed. Later, on his arrival in England, some of these curios caused consternation in the Customhouse. It was soon after the attempt of some Irish-American anarchists to terrorize the English with dynamite explosions, and the 214 -^ j: TnK HoRx OF Rejoicing William Butler them . . . upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. . . . And thou shalt write them upon the doorposts of thine house." On Easter Sunday in the English Church m Jerusalem the missionarv-s heart was gladdened by the sight of three Jews making their public profession of faUh m Jesus Christ as Messiah. The occurrence so kmdlcd h.s enthusiasm that had he been ten years younger he would have been likely to volunteer to open a M.ssion tor Methodism in Jerusalem, the invitation of Bishop Haven not being forgotten. In the store of one N.codemus some interesting curios were found, a copy of the roll ot Esther having just passed into his hands when Adolpli Sutro completed his bargain for the remainder of the stock for the San Francisco library. Any article throw- ing light on the Holv Book was especially valuable to the returning missionarv, so he was thankful to be able to secure a silver horn, the article worn by the women of Israel in times of national rejoicing or family honor. It is first referred to bv Hannah, when she renders thanks for the gift of a son, "Mine horn has thou exalted;" then by David, and bv Zacliarias, when, at the inspiration of the Holv Ghost, he "prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David." This symbolical ornament is forbidden in the Turkish dominions at the present time, but in the province of the Lebanon, which by the requirement of the European Powers is under a governor of the Christian faith, they are still worn on special occasions by the older women. The one brought by Dr. Butler is here photographed. ' Later, on his arrival in England, some of these curios caused consternation in the Customhouse. It was soon after the attempt of some Irish-American anarchists to terrorize the English with dynamite explosions, and the 214 *^ Jl / / ^^^fc. ''Ifc ThK \\i)\i\ ()]■' Rk I OKI NT, In the Footsteps of the Master i I ilfi ■i m* I officials of Scotland Yard were on the alert for suspicious- looking Americans. A crown of thorns woven of the shrub so common in the valley of the Jordan, supposed to be the material of which the crown placed on the head of the Saviour was made, had been incased in a tin box for convenience in packing. The tinsmith had made an awkward-looking affair which was immediately pounced upon by the keen inspectors. They demanded to know what was in that. The explanation not being satisfac- tory they backed off to a safe distance and desired that it be opened. One may imagine their crestfallen coun- tenances when the contents were revealed. This shrub grows in hedges around the villages, and its thorns are so sharp and strong that the hedge forms a better protec- tion to the village than would a stone wall. Probably no more reverent pilgrim than William But- ler ever passed over the road from Jericho to the Jordan. His life had been in such close communion with his IMaster and his mind was so stored with sacred history that his realization of an almost unhoped-for privilege produced in him a holy ecstasy and filled the days with joy. He must needs bathe in the Jordan where his Saviour had humbled himself to be baptized. He must sit and look across to the purple hills of Moab and recall the wonderful history of this Jordan valley and the way in which the chosen people of God were led and how patiently had he borne with their wanderings of heart from his holy laws. He must return again to the Holy City and walk over the road to Bethany and sit on the summit of the Mount of Olives and look down on the sacred city ; he must meditate under the hoary trees of the Garden of Gethsemane and stand with bowed head at Gol- gotha. So fully did he enter into the spirit of the true pilgrim that he would have walked everywhere had strength permitted, feeling that he was on holy ground. The fields of Bethlehem were again peopled with the 215 I William Butler heavenly host, and with them he adoringly cried, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." And although he might not remam m Palestine, to devote himself to the labor of restormg this Holy Land to its rightful inheritance as the home of Christianity and to bring its people to allegiance to the Redeemer who had died for them, he longed to inspire the hearts of the young men and women in the home land to see the privileges and possibilities of this glorious mis- sionary work. 216 CHAPTER XH Unto the Perfect Day " <^ht 0Tori? if not in tht ta?fe, but in tbe bam of it for i(^im.»» On the return of William Butler to the United States the newly elected Secretary of the Missionary Society, Chaplain McCabe, at once enlisted his aid in raising the "Million for Missions" which was then the watchword of the Society. A friendly rivalry existed between him and the enthusiastic Secretary as to which should take the larger collections. Through the churches and Conferences he went, telling of the wonders he had seen in the India Mission wrought through the agency of their representa- tives. The thrilling tale aroused the heart of the Church, and the desired sum for the work was soon an assured fact. His boundless enthusiasm and complete assurance that "The omnipotent arm will never let go until Heav- en's high purpose is accomplished," his feeling that the Church needs larger views and larger liberality if the world is to be saved, and that the promise of sufficient grace is conditioned on "bring ye therefore the tithes into my storehouse," enabled him to touch the con- sciences of our membership. During these journeys from East to West the book suggested by Bishop Vin- cent, From Boston to Bareiliy, was written on trains and in hotels and the homes of friends. ^ Some people had an impression that because the Mis- sionary Superintendent had been associated with many of high rank in the countries where he had labored he held himself above others whose lives led in quieter paths. Nothing could have been further from the truth, for with all his force of character he had the simplicity of a child. He made no effort to remove this impression, 217 1 mm William Butler except by his daily life, save on one occasion. He had called on a member of the church at his place of business, a market. It was near Thanksgiving time, and some very fine turkeys were hanging there. The friend said, rather doubtfully, **I suppose you would not be willing to carry a turkey home?" He was advised to try and see. As he lifted down a big specimen Dr. Butler took it by the neck, not even waiting for it to be wrapped, and walked with it across the city, and out upon the train to his home. There was no more fear in that region that he was holding himself aloof from others. And the flavor of that turkey was delicious ! On another occasion he did manifest some natural pride. While delivering a series of missionary addresses, for which he had traveled a long distance, his shoes be- gan to wear out at the side. One of his last appointments was in the City of Washington. Here he also spoke in the church of our colored brethren, and they were greatly interested in his account of the needs of the work in India. It appeared that they were to have a social gathering the next evening, and they very cordially urged Dr. Butler to remain for the occasion. Hoping that he might be of additional service in arousing in the congregation a desire to help in spreading the Gospel, he consented, although the delay subtracted one day from his all-too-short visit in his own home. Next morning he went to have his hair cut and found that the barber recognized him. The man was talkative and at length divulged an important secret. Some of the good folk in the church, noticing the broken boot, had taken a collection after his de- parture, and had that morning bought a pair of boots which were to be presented at the entertainment. Dr. Butler could face the perils of the deep and the wrath of the heathen, but the public presentation of a pair of boots was too much for his courage. He fled, taking the first train for his home. 218 Unto the Perfect Day He delighted in a good picture, and the treasures of the Italian galleries were to him rich mines of thought and illustration. Some also of the sculptured representa- tions of the Saviour aroused in him intense emotion. Munkacsy's painting of "Christ before Pilate" was at one time on exhibition in New York, and as he stood before it one evening, studying the faces on the canvas, a gentle- man entered who had evidently been dining too luxuri- ously, as the odor of champagne indicated, as w^ell as his general condition. Attracted by the crowd in front of the masterpiece, he came up to the missionary and ad- dressing him familiarly, said, "Say, I think I will go nearer and get a better view of that affair ; shall I ?" The reply came quickly. "Yes, friend, the nearer you get to Jesus the better it will be for you." The man started, then asked, "Do you really think so. Colonel ?" "O yes, I am very sure of it." The man paused, gazed at the picture; evidently he w^as sobering. Then he asked, "Why do you think so. Judge?" With emphasis came the answer, "I knozv it is so." The poor man, thoroughly aroused by this time, asked, "Why, who are you?" This time the title was omitted and the manner of speech was earnest, so Dr. Butler replied, "I have been a follower of his for over forty-eight years, and I know him well. He accepted me lovingly, and I know he will accept you now." The man was completely broken down. He grasped the hand of his new found friend and begged him to pray for him then and there. So they remained quietly talking, unmindful of the crowds around. Seeing the intense interest manifested by the Church in Dr. Butler's account of what he found in India, the ever-loyal Chaplain McCabe proposed, in 1887, that he visit the Mexico Mission also, and assisted him to arrange lecture courses to this end. After nine years' absence William Butler again entered the Mexican Republic. On his first entrance, in 1873, it will be recalled that he was 219 \ \ William Butler obliged to take steamer via Havana, this service being only once in three weeks. Postage was then at the rate of ten cents a half ounce prepaid here, with twenty-five cents paid on the same letter on delivery in Mexico. There was only one bank in the country, one short rail- road, of less than three hundred miles ; an illiterate popu- lation, and the country in an unsettled state. Now, after fourteen years, he was able to go by rail in six days, the country already possessing ten thousand miles of well- equipped railroad; alliance in the Postal Union, with a daily mail, for two cents postage; several banks, a na- tional credit completely established, and a stable govern- ment devoting the resources of the country to education and the extension of industries. The natural resources of Mexico are probably unsurpassed by those of any other country. AH known minerals, with but one excep- tion, are found there, and the great mountain ranges are full of gold and silver ore. It is estimated that one third of all the silver in circulation at the present time has come from the rich mines of Mexico. In former days the heavy tax levied for the crown on the mines brought great wealth to Spain ; now the income from that source was employed in the development of the country. The firm policy of President Diaz had abolished brigandage, and the armed guard, which at the first entrance of Dr. Butler accompanied every train, had been rendered un- necessary. So rapid had been the advance that the vet- eran missionary praised Diaz's administration with the utmost heartiness and, indeed, regarded him as one of the grandest rulers of modern times. His irreproachable private life, his devotion to the welfare of his people, his absolute fairness in international affairs, and the full support he has given to the guarantee of liberty of con- science contained in the splendid Constitution, have made for General Porfirio Diaz an honored name among those who have been benefactors of the race. 220 ill •J i i t ' Unto the Perfect Day Reaching Mexico City in the early morning, the first delegation to greet Dr. Butler was from the Press. The head compositor made an address, assuring him that the enterprise he established in 1876 had come to be a powerful arm of our Mission work, more than twenty- four million pages of evangelical literature having been sent out from its publishing office. The Abogado Cris- tiano was circulating in all the twenty-eight States of the Union, and reaching not only the desk of President Diaz but that of every member of his Cabinet. The property which had cost him such effort to obtain, the part of the Francisco Monastery, was filled with agencies for good, and now estimated to be worth many times its purchase price in 1873. The former Superintendent found equal progress in other lines. There was a marked change in the attitude of the masses which contrasted favorably with the former fanatical opposition, a better understand- ing of the nature and purposes of Protestantism having been developed. No longer was a ''heretic" liable to in- sult if he declined to kneel in the streets as the carriage passed by in which the Host was borne, nor were the missionaries and converts molested with open violence. President Lincoln's words to President Juarez, uttered during the dark period of the French Intervention, ''Mexico shall rise again !" were being literally fulfilled. A splendid public school system had been inaugurated, by which the youth of Mexico might fit themselves for any sphere of usefulness at the government schools and colleges. The fact that our Church membership had doubled caused the heart of the former Superintendent to rejoice greatly. The weary journeys by diligencia were things of the past, nearly all the Mission centers were on the lines of railway. The beautiful Valley of Ana- huac, which Humboldt pronounced one of the loveliest spots in the world, guarded by its snow-capped sentinels on the east, had taken on new enchantment. The light 221 II II II 1 Unto the Perfect Day Reaching Mexico City In tlie early morning, the first delegation to greet Dr. Bullcr was from the Press. The head compositor made an address, assuring him that the enterprise he estabhshed in 1876 had come to be a powerful arm of our Mission work, more than twenty- four million pages of evangelical literature having been sent out from its publishing office. The Abogado Cris- tiano was circulating in all the twenty-eight States of the Union, and reaching not only the desk of President Diaz but that of every member of his Cabinet. The property which had cost him such effort to obtain, the part of the Francisco Monastery, was filled with agencies for good, and now estimated to be worth many times its purchase price in 1873. The former Superintendent found equal progress in other lines. There was a marked change in the attitude of the masses which contrasted favorably wuh the former fanatical opposition, a better understand- ing of the nature and purposes of Protestantism having been developed. Xo longer was a "heretic" liable to in- sult if he declined to kneel in the streets as the carriage passed by in which the Host was borne, nor were the missionaries and converts molested with open violence. President Lincoln's words to President Juarez, uttered during the dark period of the French Intervention, '•Mexico shall rise again !" were being literally fulfilled. A splendid public school system had been inaugurated, by which the youth of Mexico might fit themselves for any sphere of usefulness at the government schools and colleges. The fact that our Church membership had doubled caused the heart of the former Superintendent to rejoice greatly. The weary journeys by diligcncia were things of the past, nearly all the Mission centers were on the lines of railway. The beautiful Valley of Ana- huac, which Humboldt pronounced one of the loveliest spots In the world, guarded by its snow-capped sentinels on the east, had taken on new enchantment. The light 221 I William Butler of an open Bible, so long a sealed book in Mexico, was illumining the hearts of the people and the Gospel was transforming their lives into blessedness unknown in the days when prayers in an uncomprehended tongue ascend- ed to a dead intercessor. Men climb the icy heights of Popocatepetl at cost of great fatigue in order to gaze upon the beauty of the valley and the mountains beyond. William Butler had reached a height from which he be- held the glory of redeemed Mexico, the radiance there- from leading on till lost in a vision of the perfect day when the glory and honor of the nations shall be brought to the city of the Lord God Almighty ! The splendid opportunity given to the Church of Rome to elevate the Indian population had been transferred to other hands. The friars and priests of that Church had shut up the wealth contributed to religious objects in adornments for their temples while the people perished for lack of knowledge. The famous robe of the Virgin of Remedies, said to be worth three millions of dollars, may be a thing of the past, but during this visit of inspec- tion Dr. Butler found that the poor were giving of their small resources and the wealthy of their riches to raise two million dollars wherewith to place a golden crown before the painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe, especial permission having been obtained from the Pope for this meritorious act. That time failed for teaching may not be wondered at when so much was required for the many ceremonies, among which that of the blessing of the animals may still be observed in towns remote from the capital. On the feast of St. Anthony, in March, the domestic animals of faithful Catholics are decorated with colored paints, ribbon bows, and paper frills, and are then taken to the churchyard, where the priest blesses them and sprinkles each with holy water. A recent writer describes the ceremony as requiring seven hours of Father Tomas's time before the cows, goats, pigs, 222 Unto the Perfect Day dogs, chickens, turkeys, and cats had received their share of the blessing in the name of St. Anthony. The repre- sentations of Christ in the various churches are some- times such as to startle unaccustomed eyes. A friend who accompanied the missionary party into a church at Orizaba was so overcome by the sight of one such figure, showing the lacerated knees and feet of the dead Christ, where red and black paint had been used to represent mortification, that he retreated from the church in haste in order to save himself from falling in a faint. The state of the Mission at Pachuca, Puebia, Orizaba, and at other points, was found to be encouraging. At Miraflores it had so prospered that the school as it as- sembled to greet the founders of the work virtually com- prised the entire junior population of the town. Gradu- ates of our Mexico City school were the teachers in this institution, and as the children sang hymns and songs of welcome not only were the missionaries deeply moved, but the good friends from Ohio who had traveled with them felt their eyes fill as they gazed on this delightful scene in the heart of a Roman Catholic country and real- ized how much had been wrought in so short a time. From the top of the old pyramid at Cholula the mis- sionaries looked on the historic city of Puebia. Mention has already been made of the tradition which asserts that as the laborers toiled by day upon the magnificent cathe- dral the angels came and accomplished a like amount at night. This structure is the most striking object in the city. Nearer at hand rises a great tree under whose shadow is the Mission property: our Theological Semi- nary, with twenty-eight students; the school for boys, that of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, and our beautiful new church. How the old Superintendent recalled the danger under which this work was attempted and the fanaticism of the mob which threatened more than once to end our services in their holy city. 22^ ti William Butler On January 31, 1888, the first General Assembly of Evangelical Workers met in our church in Mexico City, about seventy-five representatives of the eleven denomina- tions then at work in the Republic convening to com- pare notes and to plan for the best methods. It will be remembered that the first effort on behalf of evangel- ical religion in Mexico was made by Miss Matilda Ran- kin, who about 1850 established herself on the Texan border and employed colporteurs to distribute copies of the Scriptures in Mexico. As a result of this beginning little congregations were established which Miss Rankin finally placed under the care of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. All the wonderful success reported at the Assembly had been achieved since this feeble inception. An event of great interest during the winter was the memorial service for the Emperor of Germany. When the news of his death reached Mexico our church was offered to the German Ambassador and gratefully accept- ed, and the German colony arranged an elaborate service. The colony in Mexico consists largely of wealthy merchants, and they spared no expense upon this occasion. The church was heavily draped in black with a profusion of flags and flowers, the late Emperor's favorite cornflower being conspicuous among the other blossoms. The German Ambassador issued invitations to the government and the diplomatic corps, for the members of which seats were reserved in front. An audi- ence of more than one thousand persons filled the edifice to its utmost capacity. The relations between Germany and Mexico have always been friendly, and the Mexican people were glad to show their esteem for the deceased sovereign. The German ladies came in full mourning costume. Considerable speculation had been indulged in by the newspapers as to whether President Diaz would attend this service in a Protestant church. Promptly at 224 Unto the Perfect Day the hour he appeared, escorted by the German Ambassa- dor and followed by his Cabinet and the generals of the army in full uniform. They were seated in front of the pulpit, and no one present showed more reverence and interest in the service than President Diaz. The com- ments of the press the following day were somewhat amusing. Some had the audacity to attack the President for attending service in a Protestant church; others spoke of the appropriateness of the act; still others re- marked the incident of two ministers occupying the pulpit who were father and son — Dr. William and Rev. John W. Butler being in charge of the service; this in a country of celibate priests excited much comment. The junior minister was the recipient of a fine compliment from one of the leading dailies which referred to "the eloquent address delivered by the Rev. John W. Butler." He had read the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians, which the reporters had heard read perhaps for the first time ! The work among the Indian population in the villages had steadily advanced. In one town the pastor received permission to preach in the prison and some of those con- fined there were set free from the bondage of sin, being able to say afterward, "It was good for me that I was afflicted." In another town an Indian convert purchased Wesley's Sermons in Spanish. As the people in that place had no Protestant pastor this earnest man would call the believers around him on the Sabbath and read one of the sermons, his wife meanwhile interpreting in the Indian tongue. Thus Wesley still preaches to "the Indians of America." Another Indian member of a Christian church, when dying, sent for his neighbors and testified so gloriously of the joy and peace in his heart that ten families united with the church as the result of the impression made upon their minds and hearts. The winter thus spent in Mexico thus afforded oppor- tunity for exhaustive research into the mournful condi- 225 If I i William Butler tions of the stormiest period of Mexican history, the chain of events by which the Repubhc had been estab- Hshed and foreign intervention repulsed. On Dr. But- ler's return to the United States he published a book en- titled Mexico in Transition, and had the pleasure of receiving an appreciative letter from General Diaz, to whom he had presented a copy, thanking him for the fair- ness with which he had treated the subject. Some of the daily papers of Mexico commented on his criticisms of the interference of the Roman Catholic Church in polit- ical affairs, saying that probably some learned prelate of the Church would answer the book; but though it has been constantly on sale in the capital ever since no reply has been published. It would require a stupendous effort on the part of the hierarchy to exonerate itself from the charges brought against it, not only by the book in ques- tion but also by the Liberals of Mexico. Upon his return home he continued lecturing on behalf of the "Million and a Quarter for Missions," so ardently desired by the officers of the Missionary Society, until 1892, when his health failed and he was compelled to retire to his home in Newton Center, in the suburbs of Boston. He still continued to help his beloved work by tongue and pen as occasion arose. To this home came many of the missionaries who were on furlough and in the veteran missionary they found a ready listener to their story of the triumphant march of the Christian army in every field. So fully did he sympathize with their plans and desires that his heart impelled him to try and aid each individually. His attention was particularly drawn to the appeals of the brethren in India for some help in sheltering the little congregations which are springing up all over our missionary territory. These in- gatherings of converts were greater than the Church of God had ever witnessed in the years of effort which had preceded this turning. Hundreds every month expressed 226 Unto the Perfect Day their desire to leave their idols and turn to the living God. A presiding elder wrote of one of his districts where there were five thousand Christians, scattered in one hun- dred and fifty villages, and only two chapels for their accommodation. The heart of the old Superintendent was stirred by these appeals. Though in great feebleness he set to work with his pen to place this want before our membership. Dr. Hoskins wrote to him: "We do not feel like calling a halt among the surging mass of people who are coming to Christ, but we are considerably embar- rassed by our success, for the converts are increasing at the rate of a thousand a month. Our appropriations are used for teachers and preachers, and even this demand is not adequately supplied, while we have not received any- thing for chapels. From fifty to three hundred persons will try to accommodate themselves in a private room only large enough for a dozen. Many meet under a tree or in the shade of some wall, but in the rainy season the worship is frequently interrupted by showers, and in the hot weather the dogs howl and enemies throw bricks. No Christian congregation can prosper without some place dedicated to divine worship. The converts can do something, but not all. They give labor and material, but usually from thirty to fifty dollars additional is re- quired to purchase a site and complete the building." The old Superintendent had this and similar appeals on his heart, and his statements in the Church papers re- sulted in liberal gifts for the requisite building fund. The modest Church Extension Fund raised as a result of these appeals has served to erect a large number of chapels, the Christians helping to their utmost ability. The one here shown is a fair specimen of the church homes which dot our North and Northwest India Con- ferences. Eleven thousand rupees are still at interest as a nucleus for a fund which should be established to ac- complish for our India Methodism what our own Church 22y William Butler n Extension Fund does for our new centers. The Metho- dism of this country owes a great deal to this fund, and how much the same aid is needed in India ! At one place the pastor-teacher was a man who was formerly the village priest and as such enjoyed certain privileges, such as free lands, etc. When he became a follower of Christ he gave the site for the chapel, others gave the brick, and still others labor. Finally, with the aid given from the ''Butler Chapel Fund," a neat build- ing was completed for divine service and the heart of the priest-pastor was glad. Just then some government sur- veyors came to lay out a new road. They made their survey and it was found that the route planned lay directly across the corner of the new chapel. This was a crushing blow to the little congregation, but the pastor was not to be daunted. Pointing to the cross which he had placed on the roof, as a finishing touch to the struc- ture, he asked the surveyors if they knew what that was? They were ignorant, so he informed them that it was the sign of the religion of the British government, and that if they moved it from its place it must be at their own risk. This was a serious question, and the native officials judged it prudent to make a new survey and leave the "sign" unmolested. When the missionary arrived on his visit of inspection he learned how a cross saved a church. At the last account this priest-pastor was still in posses- sion of his beloved chapel. A thrilling incident occurred at one Conference. Some one was found to be influencing the boatmen in the Cawnpore District, and it transpired that, four years be- fore, an elderly man, a religious leader among his people, was walking one day on the river bank, near the scene of the awful slaughter during the Mutiny, and saw some- thing floating on the water. Wading into the stream he found a little book which he dried and read. It was a Gospel in his own language, and his reading resulted in 228 i -^juk- ' > td c H n > m r 2; 1? William JJutllr Extension Fund does for our new centers. The Metho- dism of this country owes a great deal to this fund, and how much the same aid is needed in India ! At one place the pastor-teacher was a man who was formerly the village priest and as such enjoyed certain privileges, such as free lands, etc. When he became a follower of Christ he gave the site for the chapel, others gave the brick, and still others labor. Finally, with the aid given from the "Butler Chapel Fund," a neat build- ing was completed for divine service and the heart of the priest-pastor was glad. Just then some government sur- veyors came to lay out a new road. They made their survey and it was found that the route planned lay directly across the corner of the new chapel. This was a crushing blow to the little congregation, but the pastor was not to be daunted. Pointing to the cross which he had placed on tlie roof, as a finisliing touch to the struc- ture, he asked the surveyors if they knew what that was? They were ignorant, so he informed them that it was the sign of the religion of the British government, and that if they moved it from its place it must be at their own risk. This was a serious question, and the native officials judged it prudent to make a new survey and leave the "sign" unmolested. When the missionary arrived on his visit of inspection he learned how a cross saved a church. At the last account this priest-pastor was still in posses- sion of his beloved chapel. A thrilling incident occurred at one Conference. Some one was found to be influencing the boatmen in the Cawnpore District, and it transpired that, four years be- fore, an elderly man, a religious leader among his people, was walking one day on the river bank, near the scene of the awful slaughter during the Mutiny, and saw some- thing floating on the water. Wading into the stream he found a little book which he dried and read. It was a Gospel in his own language, and his reading resulted in 228 n Unto the Perfect Day his conversion. He had been one of those in charge of the boats during the massacre at Cawnpore, and was thus a participator in the horrible crime, as he stood there and saw the Enghshmen cut down after they were lured from their entrenchments. After his conversion he came to the missionaries and confessed his share in the treacher- ous act and offered to give himself up to justice. A gen- eral amnesty had been declared, he felt that God had for- given him, and he was soon after at work as a preacher among his own class. When this was related in the presence of the Rev. Dennis Osborne he exclaimed, *'Why, my own mother was one of that company mas- sacred as a result of this treachery.'' Now these two were brethren, fellow-workers in the same glorious cause ! The proceedings of the Parliament of Religions were followed with intense interest by the missionary who had studied in their own lands so many of the faiths repre- sented. Like many others, he feared that in our courtesy toward the various delegates we were not placing before them the claims of our Christ as the Lord of all so fully as we ought, and he therefore rejoiced particularly that the Parliament closed with the glorious Hallelujah Chorus: "The Lord God omnipotent reigneth! For he shall reign, forever and ever, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah!" In 1887 the delightful Missionary Rest Home at Old Orchard, Maine, built by Mrs. Charles Green, of Balti- more, offered a charming summer outing for Dr. and Mrs. Butler. The weeks here were made happy by the company of missionaries from various fields, among them the venerable Dr. Cyrus Hamlin, of Constantinople. The two veterans had long talks concerning the struggles of their early years. Dr. Hamlin was said to be master of sixteen professions, all of which he had put to good use in the establishment of Robert College, the institution which has been such a blessing to thousands of young men in the 229 William Butler 'i\ Turkish Empire and which is the brightest glory of that Mission. The Methodist missionary did not number quite so long a list, but in his two fields he had found a use for all his knowledge up to the time when he sketched a wheelbarrow and showed a native carpenter in India how to make one and then stood in the sun teaching the coolies how to use it. The work had been going slowly, since every bushel of earth must be carried in baskets on the heads of the coolies. The Superintendent thought that better appliances would result in more rapid prog- ress. So long as he watched them matters went well, but no sooner was his back turned than the coolies lifted the barrows and marched off with them on their heads ! When he remonstrated they at first pretended that the thing would not go the way they wished, but finally the real reason appeared as they said, '^ Sahib, our fathers carried the burdens on their heads, and what are we that we should be wiser than they?" The transformation of the Chiarini Circus into a beautiful place of Christian worship had called for many and varied talents in the missionary architect. His declining years in his home in Newton Center were made bright by visits from friends and the tender kind- ness shown by the pastors and people of the local church. Though a sufferer, his eyesight and hearing were unim- paired, and he enjoyed most thoroughly the letters and weekly newspapers from his Mission fields. In January, 1893, Butler Hall, a building for the use of the Theolog- ical Seminary at Bareilly, was dedicated, the money for its erection having been given by friends in India. Some of the missionaries present made reference to his influ- ence on their lives. Some dated their call to the reading of his letters. When such an account reached the quiet home he wrote, *T would rather be the founder of this great work than to have the wealth of the world poured into my lap." During his eight years of invalidism he 230 a o O JO > o ►13 > > William Butler Turkish Empire and which is the hrightest glory of that Mission. The .Methodist missionary did not numlxr quite so long a list, but in his two fields he had found a use for all his knowledge up to the time when he sketched a wheelbarrow and showed a native carpenter in India how to make one and then stood in the sun teaching the coolies how to use it. The work had been going slowly, since everv bushel of earth must be carried in baskets on the heads' of the coolies. The Superintendent thought that better appliances would result in more rapid prog- ress. So long as he watched them matters went well, but no sooner was his back turned than the coolies lifted the barrows and marched off with them on their heads ! When he remonstrated they at first pretended that the thing would not go the way they wished, Init finally the real reason appeared as they said, -Sahil3, our fathers carried the burdens on their heads, and wliat are we that we should be wiser than they?" The transformation of the Chiarini Circus into a beautiful place of Christian worship had called for many and varied talents in the missionarv architect. His declining years in his home in Newton Center were made l)right by visits from friends and the tender kind- ness shown by' the pastors and people of the local church. Though a su'ft'erer, his eyesight and hearing were unim- paired, and he enjoyed most thoroughly the letters and weekly newspapers from his Mission fields. In January, iSgv'l^^^^^^'^ ^^''^^' ^ building for the use of the Theolog- icaV Seminary at Dareilly. was dedicated, tb.e money for its erection having been given by friends in India. Some of the missionaries present made reference to his influ- ence on their lives. Some dated their call to the reading of his letters. When such an account reached the quiet home he wrote, 'T would rather l)e the founder of this great work than to have the wealth of the world poured into my lap." During his eight years of invalidism he 230 G o o a o o O > a > m Unto the Perfect Day raised by his pleas thousands of dollars for India, besides securing annual pledges, and had the joy of seeing seventy-three chapels erected. On his eightieth birthday a delightful reception was arranged at the parsonage in Newton Center. The study was decorated with curios which had been brought from India and Mexico, and occupying the same frame were the certificates of admission of William Butler to the New York Conference, with date of May 5, 1851, signed by Bishop Janes, and the notice of his appointment to India signed by Bishop Simpson. A large number of his friends braved the blizzard which raged that day to ex- press their congratulations. Joel wrote to him about this time as follows: My dear Dr. Butler : You are to your great joy aware of the increasing condition of our Mission. It is almost useless to talk about the difficulties we had to undergo when our Mission was a babe in our bosom, for to our joy we now see it a grown-up child, a living soul. The desire of eating the fruits of a garden, the longing to obtain the fruits of labor, is by nature ^he lot of every man. The discoverer longs to remain to rule the land he has had the courage or the foresight to discover, the inventor wishes to have the use of the thing invented, and it is a boon for a man to see a thing flour- ishing, the arduous beginning of which rested for some time upon his skill and intelligence. The Lord of Hosts has so kindly given us the oppor- tunity of seeing this widespread work consecrated for his own divine will. Though weak and feeble, worn down by the furious waves of the unfathomable ocean of time, still waiting patiently, shouting for victory and the kingdom of God, strengthened by the divine help, I find solace comfort, and joy in him, and led to the pulpit in my turn I occasionally raise my voice, trembling and feeble, to the throne of the most high God. I do not boast, but I thank my God, from whom cometh all help, that he brings out precious pearls to shine for his glory out of this sight- less mechanism, :)reaching in the old pulpit. I long to see you, but this desire cannot be accomplished, but God has given us hearts to love each other as long as we live, and that love is a part of that unfathomable love of our Father, which is not lessened nor its fire quenched with the thought of long and tiresome distance. I journey 'from this part of the world and you from the other, but our goal and destination is the same, sooner or later we will see each other face to face. Your affectionate brother in Christ, 231 Joel T. Janvier. ■i s William Butler Unto the Perfect Day The New England Conference sent this message : "The increasing multitudes of Hving churches multiplying themselves to the end of time in India and Mexico attest the divineness of your work and the benediction of God." Such praise might have unduly exalted a less humble heart than that of the old missionary, but he only thanked God and yielded to the brethren who had helped in the task their full measure of praise, saying that those who had been permitted to remain and give long years of service should not be overlooked. Once, in introducing Dr. Parker to the Preachers' Meeting in Boston, he said that he expected to be present when Dr. and Mrs. Parker should be crowned with honor for their long devotion to the India Mission. His interest in Mexico was not less deep. He sent these words to his children in the Lord in the Mexico Conference: "Now that I am old and feeble the Lord Jesus Christ is more to me than he ever was before. O, tell them to work hard for him and for the souls he died to save. It is not the good sermons they preach— important though that may be — but the souls they save by leading them to the Lord Jesus that will be their joy and crown hereafter. May God give them a great passion for souls." During the last six years of his life he experienced in- creasing disability in walking, but considered it a great privilege that he was able to go to the house of God by the use of a wheel chair. He was interested in the new edifice for the Newton Center church, and his last public appearance was at the dedication of this structure. As he sat in the pulpit with the light shining on his white hair many thought his crown would not be long with- held, and so it proved. In August, 1899, he went to the Missionary Rest Home at Old Orchard and was enjoying his visit even more than before. Weekly missionary meet- ings were held in the Home, usually addressed by some worker from the field. On Wednesday, the sixteenth, 232 he was talking with his wife concerning the service of that evening, at which she was to speak on the work for the women of India. For thirty years he had watched the growth of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society and had been intensely interested in its success abroad and the "sanctified common sense," as Bishop Foss has called it, of its administration at home, and his last words were regarding it. He said, "You could not have a more sympathetic and prayerful hearer than I would be." A very happy morning was interrupted by what seemed to be a sleep, and in two days, without consciousness or suflfering, he departed to be with the Master he had so long loved. The funeral services were held in the Newton Center church. Bishop Thoburn was present and said : "It was just forty years ago last evening when I first met Dr. Butler, at Calcutta, and he greeted us affectionately at the close of our long voyage. He will always be known as one of the historical characters of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. More than any other man he put the great missionary cause before the Church in such a way as to command attention. He believed in the cause, and while many faltered and shrank back he gave himself as an offering to the new Mission. When we went forth to the new field of India our Church was only maintaining three or four missionaries in all the heathen world. In three years Dr. Butler succeeded in rallying around him a band of a dozen missionaries, and thus lifted the missionary enterprise, as far as the Church was concerned, to a new and higher plane. When the Mission was established in India it required faith, energy, and hard work; all these qualifications were found in William Butler. We do not know how difficult it was at that time to arrest and hold public attention. Through the voice and pen of William Butler God aroused the people." On Christmas Sunday of the same year a memorial 233 1^ r?l William Butler window was unveiled at a special service in the Newton Center church, with this inscription : '*In memory of Rev. William Butler, D.D. Given by Mr. and Mrs. Alden Speare." The presentation of this window was the more beautiful as a tribute because Mr. Speare had been for years a member of the Missionary Board of our Church and was thoroughly informed of the conditions of the Missions established by the man he thus honored. Mexico was particularly well known to Mr. Speare, who visited the Mission there on several occasions and had substan- tially aided it in many ways. The window is eight feet by sixteen. The top, base, and sides are filled with orna- mental forms in varied ambers and yellows. The figure of the Saviour occupies the center of the window, seated in a position which suggests power and dignity as, with outstretched hands, he utters the words: *'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." The dedication service was also made the occasion of the mis- sionary offering of the church. Dr. Leonard making the address. A quiet spot in the Newton Cemetery shelters the precious dust, the headstone having this inscription, dic- tated by the Missionary Board : ^'William Butler, Founder of the Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church in In- dia and Mexico." At Didsbury College, in Manchester, England, in June, 1900, a memorial tablet to the students who had gone to the foreign field was unveiled. The first name of the six inscribed thereon is "William Butler." In the church in Pachuca, Mexico, is a memorial window, the gift of the members of the Conference and Mission. In the church at Old Orchard also a memorial window was placed. His monument is the work in the lands where he was permitted to labor. His last thought was for them, and his only insurance was left to be divided between the Theological Seminary at Bareilly and the Press in Mexico. 234 J W J. ■■ »^J » JJ -"» -■ J * ■ J ' ^ ■ J»l» l - V>»" IH ' JJ J T jm » WJil- ' iM I -l. , -, ^ ©0 ]jc ir.te rU the ivorU m\ prwch the X W Memorial Window in the Newton Center Church William Butler window was unveiled at a special service in the T^ewton Center church, with this inscription : "In memory of Rev. William Butler, D.D. Given by Mr. and }^lrs. Aldcn Speare." The presentation of this window was the more beautiful as a tribute because Mr. Speare had been for years a member of the Missionary Board of our Church and was thoroughly informed of the conditions of the Missions established by the man he thus honored. Mexico was particularly well known to Mr. Speare, who visited the Mission there on several occasions and had substan- tially aided it in many ways. The window is eight feet by sixteen. The top, base, and sides are filled with orna- mental forms in varied ambers and yellows. The figure of the Saviour occupies the center of the window, seated in a position which suggests power and dignity as, with outstretched hands, he utters the words: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." The dedication service was also made the occasion of the mis- sionary offering of the church. Dr. Leonard making the address. A quiet spot in the Xewton Cemetery shelters the precious dust, the headstone having this inscription, dic- tated by the Missionary Board: "William Butler, Founder of the Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church in In- dia and Mexico." At Didsbury College, in ^Manchester, England, in June, 1900, a memorial tablet to the students who had gone to the foreign field was unveiled. The first name of the six inscribed thereon is "William Butler." In the church in Pachuca, Mexico, is a memorial window, the gift of the members of the Conference and Mission. In the church at Old Orchard also a memorial window was placed. His monument is the work in the lands where he was permitted to labor. His last thought was for them, and his only insurance was left to be divided between the Theological Seminary at Bareilly and the Press in Mexico. 234 I I I \\Y<^\ ©0 ^c \\\\t d! tKf VinxW m\ pr-cd. the X / rutcuTto Mkmokmai. Window in tiik Xkwton Ckxtku Chlkcii ^j^Ji-JArf^- ..J •■■■ ± Jlm^-J^ *.'—.»■—■..•■ ■v-'ii.'it.a TjU.jl..- rf-f-ri ■.'! ..p.. J— .■-■«-iiJ.v«:«"tMJ/-i.^.»'..JIIi«.itt.w\'Svi!jif -^^^ ^^ ^ ;S^