ares, crowds have
heard it, and no hand has been raised against the preacher. In the
memoirs of the Rev. William Smith, of the Church Mission, who was
indefatigable in evangelistic labour, than whom none was better known in
Benares, it is mentioned that on a few occasions mud was thrown at him,
but it did him no harm. On one occasion, after a very keen discussion,
when my Hindu opponents had been extremely angry, on coming out from the
place a native Christian by my side was struck on the head by a stone,
which was evidently intended for me. Happily the young man speedily
recovered from the blow. The night was dark, and the act was not brought
home to any one. The people present expressed indignation at the deed.
On another occasion a man drew his sword half-way out of the scabbard
(it was the fashion of the time to go about armed), and said he would
gladly cut off my head, because I was trying to turn away his people
from their religion; but he knew if he did he would be hanged, and as he
wished to live a little longer he restrained himself. He gave me a
scowl, which showed how ready he was for the crime if he could commit it
with impunity. On another occasion most vigorous drumming was carried on
above our heads, which made speaking and hearing impossible. As after
many years spent in Benares I cannot recollect any more violent acts
than those I have mentioned, the reader may infer how little reason we
have to complain of danger to life or limb.

[Sidenote: POSITION OF THE MISSIONARY IN BENARES.]

Nothing approaching the treatment of Dr. Kalley by the Popish priests of
Madeira has been ever experienced by any missionary in Benares at the
hand of Hindu priests. The perfect security, with which in ordinary
times we went about our work, is in marked contrast to the experience of
many a labourer in the home mission-field, not only in the early days of
Methodism, but down to our own time, to say nothing of the violence to
which the Salvation Army has been exposed. The fact that we belong to
the ruling race, and that it is understood by all an attack on us will
be promptly and severely punished, has had, no doubt, much to do in
enabling us to carry on our operations so quietly and safely. There has
been an ebullition at times on the occasion of baptisms, but it has
soon subsided. Gradually the people have come to understand us
sufficiently to be convinced we are bent on promoting their good, and
they regard us in consequen