cast anchor at Calcutta. I hastened on shore, called on Mr. Stewart, and learned the joyful tidings of your escape to Nynee Tal. Our interest was all concentrated in the question, ‘Are Brother Butler and family safe?’ When we learned this, our gratitude and gladness were such that we scarcely thought, for the time, of your losses and sufferings: it seemed enough that you were saved. ‘O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!’ I returned to the ship; then were we glad, thanked God, and took courage.”
It seems a singular coincidence that the English and American Methodist missions to India should both have commenced their labors under afflictive circumstances connected in each case with their superintendent.
On the 3d of May, 1814, the leader of the first band of Wesleyan missionaries, Dr. Coke, suddenly died, almost within sight of India. His brethren, deprived of their zealous and devoted superintendent, landed in grief and sadness.
On the 19th of September, 1857, another ship neared the coast of India, this time bearing, not English, but American, Methodist missionaries. They also are the first band that this Church has sent to India; and they, too, are in anxiety and distress, for they fear that their superintendent has been murdered.
But this is not all. On Dr. Coke's death, the Rev. James Lynch was appointed to the superintendency. He labored nearly thirty years, and then returned to his native land, and was appointed to the Comber Circuit. Being feeble, the writer was sent to assist him. We traveled and labored together; God was with us, and sinners were converted. During the Sepoy Rebellion he was calmly awaiting his departure to a better world, full of years and the grace of God, while the boy preacher, whom he so kindly cherished and prayed for fifteen years before, was in that very India, and superintendent of the first American Methodist Mission established there!
The journey across to Landour was a wonderful one. We climbed mountains, forded rivers, clambered round frightful preci-
