I showed them this order, and asked them what they thought it meant? They read it over and stated they really could not understand it. One of them said, “Do you really mean to say, sir, that this holy tree is changed?” I informed them that it was changed every year; and further, that the one they were going to worship that evening would be changed before morning, and I would prove it to them if they would allow me. To my astonishment they assented to it. The pass to the Sergeant of the Guard had opened their eyes a little. By this time the pilgrims had all cleared out of the Fort, and I led my friends up to the Shrine, having previously sent word to the High Priest (or head rogue) that a party of native gentlemen were coming up. On approaching the Shrine they were ordered by the priests, as usual, to take off their boots. I went in with them, but no notice was taken of me, as I was an infidel. My friends did all they had to do as faithful Hindoos. Being gentlemen, a piece of silver had to be deposited by each of them at the foot of each stone god, until they came to this wonderful tree, and then the priests would not be satisfied nor bless them until they had each deposited ten rupees—or one pound—at the roots of the tree. As soon as the ceremony was over, and the priests gone, I took my friends into the Shrine again—but we all kept our boots on this time. I took them straight up to the tree; and, at my suggestion, they marked it in various ways. I then took them to where I knew the new tree was deposited (in the precincts of the works of the Fort). All was quiet, and no one near it. They examined it minutely, and also marked it in such a way that the priests in the dark would not notice it. I then requested them to come up on the following evening at the same hour, which they did. As good Hindoos, they went through the same formalities as on the previous night. After the priests had cleared out, they examined the tree which they had been informed had budded and sprouted during the night for the benefit of their sins; but they found the marks which they had placed upon the new tree on the preceding night. Thus far they were convinced. I then took them to a spot close to where the new tree had laid on the preceding night. Here lay the old tree. They examined it, and discovered their marks upon it. I found they had each cut their initials, with the date, and broken small twigs off each tree, which they had no difficulty in fitting into their respective places. They thanked me for my trouble and kindness, and declared they would never go near the Shrine any more; and I believe they kept their word, for they often afterwards joked me about it. Long before I left Allahabad I learnt that they had embraced Christianity. Three of them joined the Wesleyan denomination and the remainder the Baptists, proving themselves (in the strength which God bestows) steadfast against all persecution. For the information of my readers I would here state that all Natives embracing Christianity become total outcasts from their families and former friends, and are treated by them worse than dogs.
There were between thirty and forty priests attached to this Shrine; and one of the most intelligent of them, an old man, told me one day (in his own language) that his trade was fast slipping out of his hands. “I am an old man” said he “and shall be dead in a short time, and a very good job too, for I should have no work and no bread. Sahib,” continued the poor old man, “if you would send two or three hundred thousand men into the country, with arms in their hands, they would not do our trade half the mischief that your padres do. I can see every day men that used to come to my Shrine going to your churches and chapels, and their children will follow them. One hundred years hence there will not be one hundred Hindoos in India. Your padres get up at the corners of our streets with a small book in their hands, and they have got plenty of tongue, and soon all men will believe them.” I believe the old man is not far out, for our Lord Jesus shall reign until He hath put “all enemies under his feet.”
When the Prince of Wales was in India, he visited this sacred shrine, and I had the honour of escorting him into it, but on this occasion the priests waived the ceremony of taking off boots.
LIEUT.-GEN. SIR JOHN ELLEY, K.C.B.
The career of this worthy Briton is a proof that merit will sometimes thrive even under the cold shadow of aristocracy, and that occasionally the English private, like our gallant neighbours, the French, may carry a marshal’s baton in his knapsack. We trace this noble soldier, for he was not at all ashamed of his great captain, from the humble position of a private in the Royal Horse Guards Blue to the honourable position of a Lieut.-General in our army, and a Knight Companion of the Bath. His superior ability and attention to his duties early secured for him the approbation of his superiors. Elley rose rapidly from private to corporal, from corporal to sergeant, until he obtained a commission in his own regiment in 1791. Thus thrown into the society of men who enjoyed the advantage of birth, wealth, and education, he continued to win their esteem by his admirable conduct. Mr. Elley served in the campaigns of 1793-4-5, in the Netherlands, and every battle brought him into more prominent notice. His courage knew no bounds, and was backed by Christian piety. He was a model soldier. In 1806 he was promoted to a Lieut.-Colonelcy, and during the Peninsular War acted as Assistant Adjutant-General of the British cavalry to the entire satisfaction of his Grace the Duke of Wellington. Colonel Elley was present at the crowning victory of Waterloo. On that occasion his valour came out in all its lustre as a trooper and general, and several of Napoleon’s Cuirassiers were cleft to the chin by Elley’s stalwart arm. He died full of years and honours a Lieut.-General and K.C.B. in 1839.
[CHAPTER XII.]
General Sir Henry Havelock, K.C.B.—Stories of his Boyhood—Joins the Army—His Military Career—Promotion a long time in coming—His merits gradually being recognised—Employed in various important affairs—The Christian Commander and his Regiment of “Saints”—His Advance to the Capture of Cawnpore—The Horrible Atrocities that were Committed by the Mutineers—The Heavy Losses of the Avenging Army—The Relief of Lucknow—The Closing Scene—“See How a Christian can Die”—His Death-bed Advice to his Son—Reflections—The Lessons to be Learned from the Life of such a Christian Hero—The Loss to the Country—Lines “In Memoriam”—A Favourite Hymn—“The Christian’s Battle”—“The Martyr’s Victory”—“Medals.”
