212
MEMOIR
OF
MRS COLIN
VALENTINE
BV
3269
.V16
960
?

!
¶IT· THE UNIVERSĮ
1817
LIBRARIES
THE UNIVERS
ARTES
MICHIGAN
CHIGAN
SITY
OF
Ballantyne Press
BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO.
EDINBURGH AND LONDON
MEMOIR
OF
MRS. VALENTINE,
JEYPORE.
With a Sketch of ber Father,
JUDGE FRASER OF LUCKNOW.
BY
MRS. GEORGE CUPPLES.
LONDON:
JAMES NISBET & CO., 21 BERNERS STREET.
MDCCCLXXXII.
922/0974
2322
BV.
3269
V16
096
895729-234
CHAP.
CONTENTS.
I EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER
II. HER EARLY DAYS
III. SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS-VOYAGE TO ENG-
PAGE
I
22
LAND
35
.IV. CLOUD AND SUNSHINE
58
V. A NEW BOND
76
VI. DR COLIN VALENTINE.
85
VII. MARRIAGE-JEYPORE—THE MAHARAJAH
•
103
VIII. MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA
119
IX. SCENES IN INDIA-A VISIT HOME-HONOURS ČON-
FERRED-CARES AND ANXIETIES
·
139
X. A WOMAN'S WORK IN INDIA-ZENANA MISSION, ETC.
151
XI. BACK TO INDIA
•
170
XII, BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST
187
XIII. JOYS AND SORROWS
214
XIV. LAST DAYS
. 231
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
CHAPTER I.
EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
THE subject of our memoir, HENRIETTA SMITH ISABEL
VALENTINE, was born at Agra, in India, on the 2d
December 1849; her father, the late well-known Judge
Fraser of Lucknow, being then assistant-secretary to the
Sudder Board of Revenue, under Sir William Muir.
The only remaining child of her parents, she inherited
from her mother, who survives her, a gentle demeanour,
a warm, affectionate heart, and that thorough devoted-
ness of feeling which they both exemplified in religious
matters; at the same time she was very markedly a
counterpart of her father. She resembled him not only
in personal appearance, but in mind and in character,
having the same "strong, logical intellect, singularly
true and well-balanced judgment, unswerving rectitude,
high-toned honour, repellent to everything mean, with
a fear of God that regulated and sanctified all."
Her father, Edward Gustavus Fraser, was in many
respects a most remarkable man; so much so, that
a brief account of him here will be found fully
justified; this the more especially because of his being
mixed up with various signal occurrences in India, and
A
2
MEMOIR OF MRS, VALENTINE.
also because the hearty interest he took in mission-work
bore an influential part in moulding his daughter's
character.
He was born at the Cape of Good Hope, on the 21st
day of August 1809, of Scotch parents; his father, a
native of Inverness, who had gone to settle there, having
died soon after their arrival in Cape Town, when Edward
was quite an infant. His mother was born at Fetter-
cairn, Kincardineshire, and brought up in the small
village of Cowie, close beside the Howe-o'-the-Mearns.
In the true spirit of a brave-hearted Scotchwoman, she
worked and struggled hard to earn the bread of honest
labour for herself and her fatherless boy. She herself
"instructed him in the three R's, and afterwards, being
anxious to secure for him all the advantages education
could give, she, by much pinching and self-denial,
managed to save sufficient out of her slender means to
send him to a lady's-school." His thirst for knowledge,
even at a very early age, caused him to associate with
boys senior to himself, who were better off as regarded
worldly position and opportunities; and such good use
did he make of their help, that he soon surpassed them
in their studies. When he was nine years of age his
mother removed with him from the Cape to Calcutta,
arriving there without a single friend to whom she could
open her heart or from whom she could obtain assist-
ance. There, however, by her persistent industry, she
managed to gain a livelihood; and having married
again, she was enabled to send her boy to the "Parental
Academy," now the "Doveton College."
Edward Fraser had scarcely received more than the
elements of a plain English education when, owing to
the action of his stepfather, he was forced to leave
not only school, but his home, and to begin to work for
EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
3
his own maintenance. So anxious, however, was he to
retain what he had learnt and to increase his store of
knowledge, that he used to snatch sufficient time during
the day to go to the door of the school so as to meet
the older pupils, to talk with them and get their assist-
ance in the studies which he pursued every evening
after his daily work was over.
"He was at that time,"
says one of his old school-friends, "a fine-looking lad,
tall for his years, and stout, with a fresh countenance,
fair hair, and blue eyes. He was full of fun and frolic,
though without anything like a mischievous disposition,
and was, from his happy, cheerful temperament, a great
favourite with all around. He was always well and
neatly clothed, while giving one the impression that
he was at the same time by no means sedulous for
externals, nor was there anything whatever of undue
smartness or forward manner about him."
No sooner was he able to save up a small sum of
money, than, with a characteristic view to turn it to
good account, he purchased a boat, which, by his own
skill in juvenile handicraft, he repaired and adapted to
the kind of use for which it was required. His mother
managed to supply him with a small stock of such
articles as would find a ready sale among the planters
and residenters along the banks of the Hooghly; where-
upon he set out on his projected enterprise, his blue eyes
shining with hope, while the mother's earnest prayers
and blessing followed her brave, stout-hearted boy. The
choice quality of his goods, his own cheerful manner, his
sallies of wit and humour, added to his thorough honesty
and truthfulness, procured for the youthful merchant,
then and to the end of his life, the friendship of all who
knew him. In the evenings, as also at other odd times,
he continued his studies, always making friends with
4
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
those who were further advanced than himself, and
obtaining from them their hearty assistance.
When he was about or a little over fifteen years of
age, what with undue exposure to the sun and over-
work, he was seized with an illness which every one
believed would end fatally. The doctors held out a
faint ray of hope to the distressed mother, but agreed
that the only chance for her promising boy was entire
rest and a long sea-voyage. A kind-hearted captain,
who, no doubt, had had some business dealings with
the young trader, was found willing to take him on
board his own ship for a small sum of money and
such assistance as the lad might be able to give in the
way of writing and keeping the ship's accounts. • The
sick—and, as many supposed, the dying-boy was
carried on board when the ship set sail for China.
The rest, the regular food, and the strength-giving
breezes of the ocean, soon had a wonderful restorative
effect upon him; so much so, that he was once more
restored to his usual health and spirits. The only
thing to be regretted was that "his mother could not
see how strong he had become." In after-years he
used often to dwell upon that period of his life, as one
of the great turning-points of his history. The com-
parative leisure on board ship, so opportunely granted,
was made good use of by him in reading-nay, it
ought rather to be said devouring-the miscellaneous
books, only too few at most, that were to be had in the
vessel. He showed himself always prompt to give
active help at any requirement of ship's duty when-
ever it lay in his power; and he became such a
favourite, that the men were quite willing to pour into
his listening ear their stories of eventful life afloat, of
shipwreck undergone, and of dangers escaped, foreign
EDWARD GUSTAVUS fraser.
บา
5
climes, or strange people; and he did not fail to profit
by these opportunities.
Beyond doubt, Edward Fraser possessed uncommon.
natural gifts. His power to reproduce what he read
and to introduce it into his conversation astonished
and delighted the captain as well as the crew, conse-
quently he was looked upon by "all hands" as a
youthful prodigy. This extraordinary conversational
power was acknowledged by all his friends to be some-
thing far above the average; and it may be mentioned
here what a friend, writing on this subject, says in
regard to it: “I knew him best through his personal
talk, or perhaps I should rather say, it was thus that I
first got an avenue into his mind, so as to appreciate
its characteristic structure and acquirements; so I can
best describe him as I knew him, by speaking of him
under this aspect. As a conversationalist he was
above all I have ever known-with perhaps one ex-
ception-facile princeps. He had knowledge, freshness,
readiness, wit, sparkle, everything to make his talk not
merely interesting but memorable. And while ever
ready to pour forth in continuous stream, if need be,
as did Coleridge, he was just as much at home and
prepared for the 'give-and-take,' which forms the attic
salt of conversation. You always felt, while convers-
ing with him, that you were in contact with a man of
powerful intellect, extensive information, and unim-
peachable morality."
On his return from China he again employed him-
self in river traffic by boat, somewhat extending his
line of business to the purchase of articles from ships
that came into port at Calcutta, and then rowing from
town to town and from village to village along the
banks of the Hooghly, to dispose of his merchandise
6
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
to his now numerous customers. In the evening he
added the writing of shorthand to his other studies, and
became one of the best shorthand writers in India, in-
troducing several improvements into the systems that
existed at that time.
On the death of his stepfather, Edward Fraser, when
about seventeen years of age, went back to live with
his mother, and set himself with redoubled energy to
the object of placing her in a position of comfort
as regarded worldly means. His tenderness for his
mother from his earliest years was one of the most
notable things about him among the many that ren-
dered him conspicuous; a trait which was repeated to
quite as large a degree in his daughter; for, as one who
well knew the latter has expressed it, "one point in
her character which always touched me much, and
which is affecting to think of to this day, was the very
deep and reverential affection she bore towards her
father, She would never weary of hearing about him,
and her greatest pride was to be like him.”
Another illness ere long interrupted his plans; and
having found such benefit from the previous trip to
China, he obtained a situation as clerk in a ship trad-
ing between Calcutta, Singapore, and Burmah. By way
of salary for such office he was to receive, besides berth
and board, liberty of stowage for whatever merchandise
he inight wish to take out there. During this voyage
he learnt navigation, and soon became an expert in
everything concerning the management of a ship.
The small stock of goods he was able to bring back in
return to Calcutta was sold to such good advantage,
that he had serious thoughts of becoming a regular
trader, and with this view entered himself as second
mate on board a vessel trading to Burmah, Arracan,
EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
7
and Japan. In that capacity he made the voyage,
scrupulously attended to his duties on board ship,
also did business for the captain ashore at the various
ports, while at the same time he was careful to observe
the several countries that were touched at, their social
habits and customs, their respective facilities for trade,
and other capabilities. In acquiring this information
he freely mixed with the people, and on several occa-
sions exposed himself to dangers that might have ended
disastrously.
After having made several such trips, turning them
always to commercial account, he was thus placed in
circumstances of comparative ease, and being now un-
willing to leave his mother for any lengthened interval,
he cast about for some way by which he could earn a
competency on shore. Between times during the afore-
said period he had written newspaper articles giving
much useful information about the countries he had
visited, describing their susceptibilities for commerce,
making accurate statements concerning the political
condition, natural resources, inhabitants, &c., which
attracted much attention through the press of the day.
His trading speculations were now allowed to fall into
abeyance, and he became fully employed upon the staff
of the "Indian Gazetteer," his mother not only rejoicing
to have him thus beside her, but at his clear advance-
ment in position.
About this time his school-friend W—————- J—
J————————, who
had entered the Chief Engineer's office, again renewed
acquaintance with Edward Fraser, and these two, along
with several other young lads, attended the theatre, and
became smitten with such a desire "to strut their little
hour upon the stage," that they set themselves to collect.
money to carry out the desired end. This aid they
8
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
received liberally from the numerous indigo-planters
and others in the neighbourhood who favoured public
amusements; Mr. B, whom young J— knew,
being especially generous. The young men themselves,
with the help of native workmen, erected a theatre in
the form of a large wooden shed with cloth hangings,
capable of containing 150 or 200 people, in what was
then called "Fenouk Bazaar," Madge's Lane-after-
wards becoming "The Grosvenor" and "Royal," the
scenery being painted by the enterprising young men
with their own hands, but chiefly by J- M▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
M-
W-
W——— J——————, and Edward Fraser.
When the necessary arrangements were completed,
they opened the theatre, Edward Fraser taking the
higher comedy parts; and so popular did the entertain-
ment become, that it attracted many members of the
Civil Service at that time resident in Calcutta, among
these Mr. Siddons, a relation of the great actress, Mere-
dith Parker the poet, and Dr. Wilson the celebrated San-
scrit scholar, who to his other accomplishments added a
histrionic talent of no mean degree. The first entrance-
money was spent in the purchase of chairs and chande-
liers, those that were first used having been obtained
in loan from the Town Hall, and the after-proceeds in
adding to the comfort of the theatre and in securing
"stage-properties." This theatrical entertainment was
continued for about a couple of years, all the time
becoming more popular, until, at the end of that period,
actresses were introduced, and the original proprietors
withdrew from their connection with it, and became
scattered, many of them to fill positions of trust and
usefulness. Possibly the last survivor of this youthful
histrionic group is Mr. W. J., who, while occupying
various successive posts under the Government of the

EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
9
North-West Provinces, has spent a quiet, blameless
Christian life, and is now passing the evening of his
days at Simla. There he rendered every assistance in
his power to the work of the Anglo-Indian Christian
Mission, as well as to other benevolent enterprises.
throughout Upper India. The friendship he had formed
with young Fraser in those early Calcutta days was
continued until the death of the latter. They lived on
the most intimate terms, unitedly engaging in many
good works both in Allahabad and Agra, and to
Isabel Fraser as well as to a large circle of friends
Mr. J was familiarly known as "dear Uncle
Jack."
While employed upon the "Indian Gazetteer," the
accuracy of Edward Fraser's reports and the terseness
of his writings were observed by several members.
of the Government; markedly so by Sir Charles Tre- ;
velyan, who offered him an appointment as assist-
ant registrar for the Sudder Dewani.
This post
he accepted, the chief registrar being Welby Jackson,
C.S., and removed to Allahabad in 1834. His mother
joined him a year or two after. In 1838 he married.
Henrietta C. Smith, daughter of an indigo-planter
in Lower Bengal. Mr. Fraser started with a salary
of 300 rupees a month, afterwards raised to 400
rupees, a salary in those days very large, for Sir
George Kellner takes pride in stating that he began
his career as a public servant on 35 rupees per mensem.
Mr. Fraser entered upon the duties of his office with
such vigour as specially to attract the notice of his
superiors and to call forth their approbation. In many
nstances they availed themselves of his services in
matters that lay immediately within their respective
departments, sometimes expressly acknowledging the
fo
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
source from whence the assistance came. Though the
work was new to him, and he had been raised over the
heads of those who had been in the service for years,
his strong, well-built frame and active intellect found
the duties of his office inadequate to call out the whole
amount of energetic occupation he required. He
was enlisted as a performer in the station theatre, be-
came an enthusiastic Freemason, was made Master of
the Lodge and Principal of the Royal Arch Chapter.
He also began to contribute to the newspapers of
Upper India, under the nom de plume of X*, a series of
letters and articles, which, for the next twenty years,
extended over a vast range of subjects, and marked him
out as one of the most accomplished writers and keen
controversialists in the North-West Provinces.
It was while attending the ministrations of the Rev.
Mr. MacEwan, of the first American Presbyterian Mission
at Allahabad, that Mr. Fraser became first strongly im-
pressed with a sense of Divine realities. The doctrines.
of evangelical Christianity, the vital power of the
Gospel, the supreme importance of spiritual things,
undoubtedly then rose into the ascendant over his
mental horizon, where mere temporal concerns had
before been all-engrossing. Thenceforward the chief
force of his great mental capabilities was thrown into
religious channels. Life became too serious a thing
with him and time too precious to have any portion
of it spent under the roof of a theatre. Freemasonry
was laid altogether aside. As he had hitherto worked
for the world with all his strength and might, now that
he had chosen to be openly on the Lord's side, he felt
how much it behoved him to be up and doing his
utmost in the Master's service against the abounding
powers of evil. The more especially did this conviction


EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
seem to have been borne in upon him amidst a land
where not only were vast agencies of iniquity at work,
but where the example of so-called Christians was by
far oftenest such as to present before heathendom's
eyes a flagrant argument against the Bible itself as a
converting power. He begun a prayer and Bible meet-
ing in his house, which was attended by the missionaries.
of the American Presbyterian Mission and by the Rev.
Mr. MacIntosh of the Baptist Mission Society.
As the American missionaries had held services in
their own house, for want of a more suitable place, the
idea of building a church by subscription now took hold
of Mr. Fraser's active brain. He drew up a prospectus.
of the scheme, then set about collecting the money, in
which endeavour he was so successful that in a very
short time a sufficient sum was raised. The first Pres-
byterian church of Allahabad was thus built, he being
one of its first elders. Previous to that time, the church
had been organised by the Rev. Mr. Morrison, who gave
ît its true Presbyterian constitution, though the con-
gregation consisted of members of all Churches. In an
open space in front of the courts of justice, services had
been held both on Sabbath and week-days, Mr. Fraser
frequently conducting them; and not only was he
thus employed in building up the church, but in pull-
ng down what he may have formerly contributed to
stimulate in the way of justification for frivolous and
njurious amusement. As no one better knew the
ground or the excuse for such, so no one could more
itly, duly, and ably undertake to supply the best sub-
stitutes in so far as ordinary requirements were con-
cerned. With this view he directed his efforts towards
introducing and promoting recreations of a kind in
which instruction was made prominent, for the benefit

12
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
of young men connected with offices, clerkships, and
other posts, whether civil or military, while at the same
time youthful tastes were largely allowed for. He
formed a Scientific and Literary Society, where he him-
self delivered lectures, and got others to do the same.
Many who were then young men still speak of his lec-
tures with admiration, more especially of two, the one
"On Light," the other "On Water." He rendered
yeoman service to the Bible and Tract Society, not
only writing several tracts himself, but getting others.
induced to do so likewise, on such subjects as were
near his own heart. The whole of the expenses
connected with these publications were defrayed by
himself.
In 1842 the seat of Government of the North-West
Provinces was removed from Allahabad to Agra, when
Mr. Fraser was appointed assistant secretary to the
Sudder Board of Revenue, Sir Henry Elliot being then
chief. It may not be inappropriate to introduce the
hearty testimony of his worth and merit from the pen.
of Sir Henry Elliot's successor, Sir William Muir, who
had every opportunity of judging, he having been asso-
ciated with Mr. Fraser for many years:-
"It is a great pleasure to respond to your request,
about Mr. E. G. Fraser. I knew him well at Agra for
ten years before the Mutiny, and during half of that
period was in almost daily communication with him as
my assistant secretary on the Board of Revenue. A
vigorous, earnest, thorough man, he made his influence
felt all around him, and it was all for good. I need not
speak of his official worth, in which his integrity and
zeal kept a large office under excellent discipline. He
was ever on the alert for schemes to benefit the lower

EDWARD GUSTAVUS fraser.
13
European and Eurasian classes, who abounded at that
time in Agra, then the seat of Mr. Thomason's govern-
ment in the North-West Provinces. Similar were his
efforts to educate the young and to ameliorate the state
of the poor. He held his own views as a Presbyterian
with tenacity, but had a large heart to live and co-ope-
rate with all the followers of our Lord; and especially
in aiding missionary councils, in promoting the interests
of the Bible Society and the Tract Society (which latter
was established at Agra during the period I mention),
his assistance was invaluable. He gained, as an ardent
Christian, the confidence of all classes, from the Lieu-
tenant-Governor to the lowest clerk; and both while
my assistant and after that, I entertained the sincerest
regard for him.
"After the Mutiny (1857) I did not see much of him,
as he was transferred to Jhansi, on his promotion to the
post of Principal Sudder Ameen' (now known as Sub-
judge), held previously by Mr. Andrews, who had been
• pruelly butchered at the gate of the palace by the
Queen's own servants. Afterwards he was posted to
he responsible office of Civil Judge at Lucknow. This
yas a suitable reward for his long and faithful service,
nd I always heard that he maintained there the same
gh character, both officially and personally, as he had
Agra, and he died regretted by all.
(Signed) WILLIAM MUIR.
P.S.-He was the mainspring of the Sunday-school
Agra, a large institution, which proved of great
service to the Eurasian community, and to which many
en and women now in Upper India look back, I do.
not doubt, to this day, with thankfulness for Mr. Fraser's
untiring efforts.”

14
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
In reference to these former Agra days, the Rev
Thomas G. Clark of Odessa, writing from thence, says:
"It would afford me great pleasure if, according to
your wish, I could gather into a few paragraphs what I
recollect about the late Judge Fraser. A man very dea
to me, he was the chief figure in the first and mos
interesting part of my Indian ministry. The time o
my intercourse with him now lies far back, upwards of
a quarter of a century; but his image remains vivid in;
memory, as genial and full of expression as when we
said adieu to each other on the outskirts of Agra. The
truth is, the subject of this notice was an uncommon
man, nor could he have been even met by chance with-
out awaking interest, so attractive were, taken together,
that broad expanse of candid features, that voluble
intelligence of manner, and that high, erect, springy
form. Few indeed have struck me as comprehending
in themselves so much genuine life. In him the capa-
city of sympathy took a wide range, no human interest
being alien to him; while he had the rare faculty of
giving practical shape to his schemes, along with
speculative impulse which cast the charm of liberalit
over all of them.
"My first sight of him was characteristic. A Presby
terian church had, through his energy, been built
Agra. The plan of the church was his own, wit
light, quaint style of spire-curiously emblematic of
composite mind-rising over a polygonal body. A
minister having been arranged for with the Rev. y
Duff, on a visit made by that eminent Scotch missiona e
to the city, it was my fortune to be appointed, in tle,
spring of 1853, to take the sacred charge there. T
journey from Bombay by car over a rough. tract of eight
hundred miles tested the physical and moral forces of

EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER,
15
Mrs. Clark and myself, with hot winds already blowing,
and the terrible features of Hindu idolatry staring on
us for the first time. But all this, by the gentle and
chivalrous care of Mr. Fraser, had been considered on
our behalf, a noble solicitude of others being a promi-
nent element in his fine nature; and a stage before we
reached Agra, when passing the night in the Govern-
ment bungalow, so as to arrive early next day, we were
surprised by his appearance at dawn to welcome us,
bringing delicious fruits of every kind for our refresh-
ment; his company thenceforward into the new and
strange sphere of duty being an advantage of no slight
benefit.
At all times, from first to last, during a period of
eighteen months, our friend showed the same considera-
tion. His house was a general rendezvous in the even-
ings, when his face blandly radiated with benevolence
as time after time the mouthpiece of his bubbling
chibouque was taken from his lips, and he poured forth
his genial talk, animate with information or with
houghtful remark. Yet the chief thing perhaps which
howed his special bent was his singularly efficient
onduct of such religious meetings as are often best
resided over by Christian laymen. The voice on these
casions was lifted up with a soft pathetic tone in it;
not only was the vein of thought most devout, but
tlere breathed through the forms of illustration a
Vny mixture of the man of the world and of the
e believer's broken and contrite spirit. It comes
on me as if it had been yesterday how once,
ving out in my buggy from the manse, which was
ind the church, on a visit to a dying parishioner,
I overheard him through the open windows as he thus
harangued to an attentive audience on the worth of the

16
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
soul, the point and earnestness of his address raising
the versatile fluency of his ordinary speech into elo-
quence. A friend he was to the friendless especially.
His influence constituted to many young people, single
and married, a moral pivot, so to speak, on which their
daily lives turned in safety; and being a man of public
aims, he entered with enthusiasm into any plan of
useful intercourse, any scheme of culture, any arrange
ments for a course of popular lectures, or aught else of
a similar nature which could benefit the community
around. The conflict of race between the members of
the British Civil Service and the Eurasians, who are
of mixed blood but of quite European character in
faith and in social habit, was observed by him with
passionate interest. His efforts were never wanting to
modify it, and to soothe the chafed tempers of the
latter unprivileged class.
"Such, in general, was the father of your heroine, Isabel
Fraser. His character grew in attraction as the oppor
tunity was afforded of penetrating within the sanctuary
of his domestic life. It was natural enough that th
partner of his most hallowed social feelings should b
as she was, one less demonstrative than himself. I
his wife he had the counterpoise to his own restles
inquiring, active mind. Mrs. Fraser was there, inde
the fitting complement to what might else have beer
life even more quickly expended under those burn
skies than it was. Shy, retiring, calm, not often t
seen in mixed company with her husband-sh
a wonderful charm when she did come forth, and
ously excited a fascination over the Judge. At o
his manner changed on her appearance in the draw
room; he hovered about her, catching by side-glances
every look she dropped, and anticipated her slightest

EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
17
want with the assiduous care of a lover. On her side,
gain, in return, she had a way of fixing her eye upon
him with the deep, soft, shadowy gaze of her people-
being of Eurasian birth-and with a smile of indefinite
lelight playing on her lips. Otherwise a certain sad-
hess had been left there, no doubt caused by the great
isappointment in the loss of her first child-a boy-
dded to a somewhat delicate state of health, throwing
peculiar light of tenderness about all their intercourse,
b which local circumstances further conduced. To
omplete the picture of the man at home should be
dded the fond partiality of an aged mother, whose
buching foible it was to sing his praises the livelong
lay. During my stay at Agra the venerable old lady
lied, and on her tomb was inscribed by her devoted
son the epithet of a mother in Israel,' which had
incidentally been applied to her in the funeral sermon
preached on the occasion.
'
"To my regret now, circumstances at the time did
ot favour intimate acquaintance with the character of
he chief subject of your memoir. Mrs. Valentine
as then a mere child, usually sharing the retirement
her mother; but she flits before me with a face
which took its form from her father, and yet blended
in its expression the soft, feminine glow of the one
parent along with the sparkling, energetic intelligence
of the other. It was evident that the affections of
both father and mother revolved round this darling
child, the idol of their hearts, while a pride lurked in
the father's glance as he looked on his little 'Dottie'-
as she was familiarly called both by her father and in-
timate friends—and probably counted on the day when
she should go forth into the world to be the cynosure of
many eyes within her own circle.
B

18
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
"As Judge Fraser was the first to greet us on our
arrival, so, on our leaving for Bombay, when a call came
to a vacancy in that stirring capital of Western India,
he was the last to bid us farewell. Still he lingered
for a moment by the side of our carriage outside the
city as the crowd of our beloved flock and other friends
dropped behind with kindly tears in their eyes; and
when at length we shook hands, and he too was gone
it was impossible not to feel that we had parted from
good and a remarkable man.
"I am grateful for the opportunity afforded by your
request, of weaving this slight wreath for the tomb of
my friend Judge Fraser, and of recalling a time now
long past, but vividly linked in interest with his plea
sant memory."
The Rev. James Williamson, late of Lucknow, in
adding his tribute says: "I had frequently heard of
Mr. Fraser, before I became personally acquainted with
him at Lucknow, from members of the Allahabad con,
gregation, who had been intimately acquainted with hir
in Agra. He had been the principal support of the Pres
byterian church, the trusted counsellor of the ministe
the superintendent of the Sunday-school, which he h
brought to the highest state of efficiency; and he had
taken a very warm and helpful interest in the Bible
and Tract Society. Whenever there was any move
ment for promoting the social and spiritual welfare of
the community, his interest was always certain to give
it a helping hand. He had taken a very prominent
part in securing the valuable services of the American
Presbyterian missionaries to carry on the High School,
which was such a boon to the European and the Eura-
sian inhabitants of the North-West Provinces. Very
many young men speak most gratefully of the kindly
EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
19
couragement, warm sympathy, and judicious advice
ich they received from Mr. Fraser; his high Chris-
racter and energetic Christian effort having
them, indeed, that it was quite possible for a
be an out-and-out Christian, and at the same
occupy the highest place as a Government

en I knew Mr. Fraser at Lucknow, he was acting
Judge, and I believe that there is only one
in regard to the nature of his conduct in that
ant position, and how completely the satisfactory
r in which he performed his duties justified
ment in their departure from precedent in
ting a revenue officer to the responsible posi-
Civil Judge of Lucknow. I believe that it is
known fact that the Privy Council in London
the highest encomium upon some of his deci-
vincing, as they did, an intimate knowledge of!
ohammedan law, and that in the North-West
nces there was no judge whose decisions were
Idom challenged at home and obtained such praise.
Fraser was a most catholic-minded man, and while,
birth and connection, he was a warm Presbyterian,
was ever ready to work with any Christian who held
truth as it is in Jesus. I valued him as a friend
om it was an honour to know, and from whose con-
sation I could always benefit."
Bishop French of Lahore bears his testimony in
wing terms with regard to Mr. Fraser's warm sym-
hy and active influence with the societies and
urch missions, and remarks "how many other men
his time remember his interesting letters to the
lhi Gazette' newspaper, and speak of them as
omething wonderful, ranging as they did over such a

20
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
vast variety of subjects, all with the view of instruc
ing the large class to whom they were addressed,
assist themselves; while his suggestive idea
above the things of time and sense, pointed or
things of eternal interest."
The press, too, was not behind in paying
tribute to his memory. A correspondent of the
Gazette" at Dehra Doon thus writes:-
"You will be sorry to learn that Mr. Edwa
tavus Fraser, the well-known Civil Judge of Lu
is no more. He breathed his last at Landour of
5 (1868). On the following evening his remain
interred in our station burial-ground. Some n
ago, in prospect of the event that has taken pla
requested that on his decease his body should
side-by-side with that of the late Rev. R. S. Fu
American missionary, late of the Farrukhabad M
He had formed a strong attachment to his mis
friends years ago at Agra, and this touching trib
his undying regard for one of them has been paid
a scrupulous regard to his last wishes. Thus has pa
away from our midst a man who for the last qu
of a century has held a prominent position in
Anglo-Indian society of these provinces. His tal
his varied and extensive knowledge, his philanthr
and his genuine Christian principle, commanded
respect of all who knew him. The particular serv
to which he belonged owes him much. No man of
time did more to elevate and improve the unc
nanted Civil Service' than he did. He was its re
nised head and its chiefest ornament. Step by step
rose to a rank which had never been attained by an
his predecessors, and it is pretty well known that ha
lived a few years longer, still greater elevation awaited

EDWARD GUSTAVUS FRASER.
21.
m. On his retirement from the service some months
b, he was warmly recommended for the highest rate
pension ever awarded to 'even extraordinary merit.'
his estimate of his character as a public servant of
Government by his immediate superiors is borne out
by the opinion of all who knew him. It was, however,
as a Christian philanthropist that Mr. Fraser's character
shone brightest. In the church, in the Sunday-school,
in the sick chamber, among the dwellings of the poor,
and wherever sympathy was needed or the liberal
hand could help, there was he to be found. How many
of his countrymen he has taken by the hand and helped
into positions of usefulness and respectability, and how
generous have been his contributions to the moral im-
provement of the natives of the land, the record of our
missionary institutions all over the North-West Pro-
vinces will show. He has passed away, but his brilliant
example will long continue to stimulate others to follow
n his footsteps."
:

22
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
S
CHAPTER II.
HER EARLY DAY S.
""
IN the magnificent city of the renowned Emperor
Akbar, in the midst of her father's recognised useful-
ness, Isabel Fraser was born. That she was able to
appreciate all the gorgeous Eastern splendour of Agra,
even at a very early age, can be gathered from her own
letters, where she dwells on the happy memories and
the surpassing fairy-like beauty of "dear old Agra,
as she fondly recalls it in after-years, when telling her
children or her home-circle of friends how her early
life was spent. An account kindly given of her by he
own and her father's much-valued friend, the Rev. M
of Laurencekirk, is not without interest:-
"One summer day, many years ago," says Mr. S
"when going down-street, I met a gentleman leading
by the hand a little girl of about seven years of age
He had a grand and a noble bearing which arreste
my attention as I passed. In a short time I return
home, and not many minutes afterwards the door-b
rang, and the servant brought me a card bearing t
name of´Edward Gustavus Fraser.' I went down
receive my visitor, and found the gentleman and the
little girl whom I had observed walking along the
street. He mentioned he had come from India, that
he intended to remain in the district for some time,
and consequently had called, Indian fashion, to pay his

HER EARLY DAYS.
23
pects. We soon got into conversation, and from that
ment there began one of those few friendships which
look upon as among the great privileges of my life.
For a short time after that interview, Mr. Fraser and I
net occasionally; then, as we knew one another better,
we met frequently, and before he left Scotland we were
together every day. And certainly the impression he
left upon my mind is very vivid, both as to his power
of imprinting himself upon another and of attracting
nother to him,-a power I may call quite magnetic.
"The picture of the little daughter during that first
isit is photographed on my mind in a way that is even
yet interesting and amusing. I wish I could reproduce
it. She sat upon a low hassock with her limbs doubled
under her Hindostanee-wise. The suppleness of her
limbs, which were, nevertheless, well formed and strong,
struck me much, for they seemed all joint as she moved
them about and put them into all sorts of positions,
as if they had been flexible throughout. At other mo-
ments she would sit with body and head erect, her
clear glancing black eyes taking in everything in the
room, and at the same time showing she was intelli-
gently listening and keenly alive to all that was said.
Fron that time onward I saw a good deal of her till
her education was finished, as, with the exception of
one or two visits to India, she was for the most part
educated in England, always visiting our district during
the holidays. She regularly attended my ministry
while here, and felt towards me and treated me as her
minister and friend. When she saw me in the street,
her first act was to bound towards me, especially if she
had been away for a time. And this continued far on
into girlhood, when she began to think she was too old,
and consequently that it was not the proper thing to do."

24
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
The interview here recorded must have taken pla
about the year 1856 or 1857, when Mr. and Mrs. Frase
with their daughter, had, very fortunately for them, lef
India on a visit to Scotland. During their stay there
the Indian Mutiny broke out. Mr. Fraser's house in
Agra, like many others, was burned down, and, what
he most regretted, his very fine library and valuable
manuscripts were destroyed. "It was a night never to
be forgotten," writes a friend. "All our houses, except
those immediately contiguous to the fort, were gutte
and burnt; the greater part of our public records we
destroyed; and by the lurid light of the fires they ha
ignited might have been seen those savages, the muti-
neers, dancing with frantic delight around the wrecks
and ruins they had created."
After this time of great anxiety was nearly over, but
while the country was in a very unsettled state, we find
that Mr. Fraser returned to India alone about 1858,
going direct or almost immediately to Jhansi on his
appointment as Principal Sudder Ameen, in the room
of Mr. Andrews, who was butchered at the palace door
by the Ranee's own servants. It was no enviable posi-
tion he had to fill, nor an easy task to perform. The
story of Jhansi, as given in the third volume of "Kaye's
Sepoy War," though much abridged, is an interesting
account, and well worthy of perusal.
Although the Mutiny may be said to have quite
ended before Mr. Fraser took up his appointment, yet
mutinous bands were still moving about the country,
robbing and murdering any Europeans who came in
their way. The journey at that time was performed
by means of the palki-dâk; and as Mr. Fraser was pro-
ceeding on his way to take up his appointment, accom-
panied by several sowars or mounted policemen, a cry
1

HER EARLY DAYS.
25
s raised, "The mutineers are coming!" Sure enough
the distance a cloud of dust but too surely pro-
imed that such was the case. One of the sowars
le back to see, and came galloping up to his com-
nions to confirm the alarm, with the additional infor-
ion that he believed the force was headed by the
orious mutineer Burzor Singh,
The bearers of the palki, the cook, and the other
rvants of Mr. Fraser-one man only excepted-
gether with the sowars, all made off as quickly as
ssible. The servant who remained was Rahm Alli,
to had been in his service since a boy, and now
oved his faithfulness by entreating to be allowed to
remain with and share the fortunes of his master. Mr.
Fraser, however, would not consent to this act; he
bulled out his watch and gave it and the whole of his
money into his keeping, saying, "You are a native,
therefore more likely to escape than I am. If I fall,
ive these to my wife and daughter."
As quickly as possible they betook themselves to the
jungle, at one time escaping down the beds of dried-up
streams, through plantations of trees and thickets of
long grass. They at length arrived at a village where
the inhabitants, being friendly, sheltered and hid them
in one of their houses surrounded by a high wall, the
back of the house, in which there were no windows,
being turned to the street. In the course of an hour
or so the mutinous rabble passed through the village,
and from his hiding-place Mr. Fraser distinctly heard
them asking if an English gentleman had come to
the village. The answer was an emphatic, "No-no
Feringee had been seen there."
After remaining in his place of concealment for what
seemed a considerable time, Mr. Fraser ventured out,

26
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
to find himself in the middle of the rebel troop's cam
followers, who had lazily scattered behind. In a cor
manding tone of voice Mr. Fraser said, "Stand asid
Make room for me to pass." The people were so tak
by surprise, or so struck with his appearance, that th
made no effort to oppose his passage. This incid
well bore out what was said of him, that "his physiq
was in fine harmony with his mental structure: lar
and leonine in aspect, while genially mild at heart, I
blended power, in no common degree, with habitua
gentleness."
Again he and his faithful servant returned throu
the jungle to the palanquin, which he found had bee
plundered, but he was thankful his life had been
spared. On the return of his bearers he proceeded to
the house of the Commissioner of the district and told
him what had happened, whereupon information was
communicated to the various military posts on the road
to look after them. Several hours afterwards th
sowars arrived, and reported to the Commissioner that
they had been overtaken by Burzor Singh's force, and
how they had closed round Mr. Fraser's palki and fought
bravely in his defence, yet, seeing that they were about
to be overpowered by a superior force, they had beater
a retreat, and had ridden as hard as their horses could
carry them to get assistance, but doubtless ere it could
reach him the Sahib must have perished.
In after-years Mr. Fraser used to amuse his daughter
by telling of the foolish appearance the sowars pre-
sented when he stepped out into the verandah and
upbraided them for their cowardice.
The city of Jhansi was in a most unsettled state for
long afterwards. Near Mr. Fraser's house was a native
village, the inhabitants of which were known as regular

HER EARLY DAYS.
27
mashes-wicked people; and no sooner did Mr. Fraser
and his friends appear on the roof of his house than he
was saluted with showers of stones. On asking what
this conduct meant, he was told that "the stones pro-
ceeded from the ghosts of the murdered people." Mr.
Fraser significantly answered, "Then I shall require to
guard myself against their wickedness: so if any more.
stones are thrown, I shall instantly fire in the direc-
tion from whence they come!" The "ghosts," hearing
these words, quickly disappeared, for thenceforward
no more stones were thrown at the Ameen's house
or its inmates. It was deemed necessary for all Euro-
peans to arm themselves with a revolver, or some other
handy weapon, when going out to drive in their car-
riages. During the Mutiny and its immediate results,
en with strong faith in the protection of God con-
dered it advisable to accustom themselves to the use
of firearms.
Throughout these anxious days Mrs. Fraser and her
ittle daughter were residing in England and Scotland,
but now that the country had become once more some-
what settled, Mr. Fraser set about getting a new bunga-
low built at Agra for their reception. It bore the name
of the Kunkar Walla Koti. In various parts of the wall
which surrounded the large compound, tablets were
inserted, on which passages from the Bible were en-
graved in the native languages, so as to attract the eye
of the Munshis-native writers-as they went and
returned to the courts. It would then appear-the
new home being almost ready-that his wife and
daughter received the glad summons to turn their
faces homeward. A journal kept "for dearest papa
during the voyage from Southampton to Calcutta is
the record of that time. Here occur the first materials

28
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
we have from herself, with the exception of a sh
letter without a date, written in half-text, to her pad,
which bears the marks of his careful folding, and is
docqueted, "Answered 14th Sept. 1858." There she
makes mention of "Alick"-an adopted brother-as
having "returned from school," and that she was
<< sure
papa would be glad to know" that she herself "had
got a prize at midsummer," and "how eagerly she was
waiting for her mother's leave to go back to school,"
and how ardently she "wished her mamma might
allow her to do so soon." The Alick referred to had
been adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Fraser on the death of
their own son, a child previous to Isabel, and he thence
forth had become as one of their own family, being
treated with constant and tender affection.
The journal shows the methodical turn of her mind
as well as some degree of observation for so young
child. One marked feature is seen in the careful note
she made of the texts chosen on Sunday, and the re
marks made on them, showing both the bent of he
own mind and that she knew what would please he
father best to hear about. From a letter to “my ow
precious papa," dated 21st January (1859), we learn
that they arrived in Calcutta on the 30th of October, and
received a hearty welcome from a friend, who came t
see them ashore, and who had brought his servant to help
The homeward-bound journey had its little adventures
and was by no means uneventful, as we see by the follow-
ing letter to her father:—
"Benares, 13th February 1859.-We arrived here last
night at eight o'clock. Soon after we had crossed the
Ganges, such a hailstorm came on that we did not know
what to do. We had the horse taken out from the garree

HER EARLY DAYS.
29
put into the stables with the coachmen. The hail-
es were very large; they were as big as an egg, and it
was thundering and lightning at the same time, and we
were so frightened lest the hailstones would break into.
the garree; but at last they stopped, and we went on
to the hotel. When the gentleman belonging to the
1 otel came out to the side of our garree, we asked him
if he had a room for us. He said it had been raining
so that the water had been coming into almost every
room, but he would get one ready for us. We went
into the hotel and had our tea, then went to bed. Good-
e dear papa, and hoping to see you soon, I remain,
r precious daughter,
ISABEL."
The exact date of their arrival in Jhansi is not given,
ut it is evident Mrs. Fraser had made all the haste she
ssibly could: neither the bad weather, the rough
ads, nor the unsettled state of the country prevent-
g her, in her eagerness to rejoin her husband. Once
ore, after no slight amount of anxiety, suspense, and
anifold trials, their little home-circle became com-
ete amidst the familiar local associations, though in
new abode. There Isabel, glad to be back beside her
eloved father, took up former Indian habits with all
e returned schoolgirl's delight. She was at once
rrounded again, even more numerously, by her many
ousehold pets or their successors, those animals and
birds over whose odd ways it was her favourite occupa-
tion to take charge, and whose right management, too,
both her parents considered a useful habit for herself.
About this, as about other important duties, she had
to be always regular, punctual, and considerate: this
circumstance manifestly forming a significant one in
regard to how her youthful life at Jhansi went on.

30
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
During her sojourn there, various outward objects
pressed the young girl strongly, as they scarce co
fail to do, for not only was the town of Jhansi full of
historical relics and remembrances, but marked by
vivid tokens from the late desperate Mutiny. The
very house itself where she lived was thus branded
with signs of what had occurred. Within its enclosure.
European people had been slaughtered when the general
massacre took place. Sometimes, in stray nooks or
corners, she herself would come suddenly upon some
unmistakable fragment of human bone, if not even on
a skull. Her father, at all events, having once four
such a fragment when she was near him, took it
hand, and, leading her up to their favourite seat.on
roof of the house in the cool of the evening, talked
her of the providential care that had watched over the
own lives, then passed to speak of divine wisdom in t
structure of the human frame, which had left so pathe
a memorial there, and thus did he skilfully turn l
fear into a desire to pursue the subject further. U
there, too, on bright moonlight nights, she listened wi
intense interest to accounts of his own former life, h
childhood at the Cape, his early days in Calcutta, ar
to tales of his chequered experience when abroad
sea; or he would repeat to her pieces of poetry ar
fairy tales, many of them impromptu, which added.
her pleasure. At other times he would teach her th
names of the planets, fixed stars, and constellations, thei
size and distance from the earth; he would explain the
theories that had been advanced as to their being in-
habited, and if so, what kind of beings might most
probably inhabit them; his own idea in regard to which
was that they really were so inhabited, and for the most
part by creatures of purer natures than ours, sinless

HER EARLY DAYS.
31
ligences who had not fallen. How deeply Isabel
Ter had taken in these thoughtful experiences and
high aspirations of a powerful intellect is shown by the
fact that only a few evenings before she died, while
walking round the garden at Jeypore with her husband,
Dr. Valentine, she alluded to these pleasant days at
Jhansi, and told him how, in the midst of her lessons or
amusements, she looked forward eagerly to the coming
home of her father on these moonlight nights, when she
uld enjoy another intellectual treat.
That happy time, however, was of too short duration.
e house, being a native one, was open, and was not
ly uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it was found
Jossible to exclude the hot winds and the prevalent
gle malaria. The consequence was that Isabel was
zed with Jhansi fever, which so rapidly reduced her
ength that the doctors were of opinion she must be
t to the hills. After only a few months of such
he happiness, the family was thus once more broken
The mother and daughter went to Agra, there
remain a few weeks before proceeding to the hills.
re her strength seemed in some measure to have
arned, though much anxiety existed on her account.
in a little note from herself she writes quite cheer-
ly, it being a characteristic trait in her to make light
personal trouble or suffering, that she might not un-
ly distress her parents. 'I am busily working very
rd at a hookah-glove,” she writes to her father, "in the
ope that it may be ready and in your hands by the
21st (August)," that being his birthday; and all the
notice she takes of her weak state of health is to say,
"The doctor has put caustic to my sore, though it is no
better yet. I hope it will be soon."
поре
One letter, written evidently after he had returned

32
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
r
home from paying them a flying visit at Agra, is
only hint or shadow of any misunderstanding
having risen up between her father and herself, so far
as we can trace from the correspondence. "I am sorry,
dear papa, that you seemed displeased with me before
you left, but it was not because I loved you less, dear-
est papa, but because I was so much taken up with the
children that I did not come here as often as I ought
to have done." No doubt her father readily forgave
the seeming neglect, and rejoiced that her heart was
full of affection that she had enough for her near
friends, as well as some to spare for her little pla
mates and others. On the 20th of August she writes:

((
My own sweet papa, we are anxious to hear of y
arrival at Jhansi, and hope soon to get a letter fr
there. To-morrow will be your birthday, dear pa
and I wish you many happy returns of it. I got y
hookah-glove ready two days ago, but as dear mam
was trying to get a very pretty set of studs for y
and the man who had them having disappointed b
the parcel is still here. Even if she gets the st
now, they will not reach you in time; you must, h
ever, consider them as birthday presents whenever
get them. I have had fever since you left, and
face got worse, but I am now much better, I am hap
to say. With fond love and many sweet kisses f
yourself, I am your loving daughter,
"H. S. ISABEL FRASER.'
اور
On the 21st her father wrote a birthday letter to her,
which, however, it is to be regretted, has not been pre-
served; but one to his wife shows "how much he misses
his dear ones on this particular day." Only he knows
they are with him in spirit in his lonely house in
((

HER EARLY DAYS.
33
hsi." Then he gives a most touching account of
how, as he holds family worship, he sets a chair for his
wife and daughter, and prays for them as if they were
present. "How grateful should I be to Him who has
watched over and cared for me from my birth till the
close of half a century of years," he writes, "and to
whom I this day raise my Ebenezer of praise! How
grateful should we both be to Him who, for twenty-one-
years. and a half, has preserved us together to cheer and
comfort one another along the journey of life! With a
lot such as ours has been, how ungrateful must we be
if we ever murmur and complain! Let us look for-
ward in the exercise of faith, and hope, and love,
trusting the Redeemer at every stage, until first one
and then the other is borne by Him across Jordan
into the promised land of everlasting rest. Mean-
while, may He permit us to see our dear children
each maturity, following us in as far as we follow
m, and entering upon their duties in the world as
disciples indeed." The letter ends with reference
is wife's fears regarding Isabel. "Having stopped
to write a birthday letter to Isabel, I next deter-
ed to post it and keep this back for the chance
mail coming in from Agra; and having done so,
I did right, as your two letters have thus come, in
for me to say something in reply. The first of
e greatly alarmed me about Isabel's state of health.
had not sufficient medicine, after the fever she had
t before she left here, hence a return of it. But this
must not be overlooked. She evidently requires a
course of medicine and careful dietary. The caustic
marks will, of course, disappear. I am sure you know
that yourself. Have you not seen R's hands often
black? Yet were they so the last time
him?"
you saw
C

34
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
•
Adding, in a playful way," Silly women ought to p
their opinions on things they don't understand to them-
selves; but they don't, because they are silly women."
In this same letter her father mentions the arrange-
ments he is making to send their winter things, in
order that there might be no further delay in setting
out for the hills; and in a few days after receiving the
boxes, the mother and daughter set out for Landour,
leaving Mr. Fraser alone at Jhansi.

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
35
CHAPTER III.
SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS-VOYAGE TO
ENGLAND.
ABOUT the end of August 1860 or the beginning of Sep-
tember, Mrs. Fraser "laid her dawk"-the expression
used in India for "made her arrangements "-to start
for the hills. The mode of travelling then in vogue
was by the "dawk garree," a close carriage resembling
a cab, the luggage being placed in the bottom and
covered with a mattress and pillows, the traveller pro-
ceeding with a tolerable degree of comfort, sometimes
even managing to sleep. The horses were changed
bout every six miles, and the garree rolled along at
he rate of seven miles an hour. In this way Isabel
nd her mother journeyed from Agra to Meerut, ac-
ompanied by their faithful attendant Rahm Ali.
At the latter place they had to exchange the dawk
garree for the "palki-dawk," or palanquin, and were
carried along by four bearers at one time, four others
running by their side ready to relieve their comrades
at the end of the half-mile. A letter written many
years afterwards, when on a visit to the hills from
Jeypore, may here be inserted for the sake of con-
tinuity, as it not only serves to give her own descrip-
tion of the surrounding scenery round her home for so
many months of her early life, but the impression it
made upon her. It also shows the improvements civil-

36
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
!
isation has made in travelling in India since the date of
the letter. Writing from Landour, 1872, to children
in Scotland, she says:-
"My dear little friends, I have often thought of
writing to you, to try and interest you in things con-
nected with this great land, to which I hope many of
you will some day come to tell the poor heathen of the
way of salvation through Christ. The part of India
you have heard most about, I fancy, is Rajpootana, so
that perhaps you would like to hear a little about
another portion of it. As I am away from Jeypore
at present, high up in the Himalayas, I cannot do
better than tell you something about this place, and
the way in which we travel over the 500 miles that
separate us from Rajpootana in coming here. To begin
at home: As there is as yet no railway to Jeypore, we
have to travel the first 150 miles by what we in this
country call a 'dawk garree.' It is a close carriage
very strongly built, so as to bear heavy luggage outside
drawn by two horses, which are changed every
miles. The driver blows a horn when coming near th
place for changing the horses, so as to let the people hav
time to be ready. In this way it takes about twenty
two hours to reach Agra. I will not in this letter te
you anything of the places we pass through, but I hope
to do so some other time. From Agra to Saharampore,
a distance of about 250 miles, we have the railway;
and a great comfort it is after the jolting, dust, and
noise of the dawk garree. From Saharampore to Raj-
pore, at the foot of the hills, we have to resume the less
civilised mode of conveyance, the only difference being
that, as we have to cross the low range of the Sewalics
for twelve miles through the Mohun Pass, our carriage is
pulled by men instead of horses, about twenty or thirty

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
· 37
of them being required for the purpose. You would
be vastly amused to hear the noise they make while
going along; you would wonder what it was all about,
and think they were quarrelling; but you would not
require to be long in the country to discover that the
natives can do nothing without shouting to encourage
one another. Among these hills are found wild ele-
phants, tigers, bears, wolves, &c. They do not often
come down as far as the Mohun Pass, yet they have
been seen there; and for many years an elephant with
one tusk (the other having been broken off in some
way) was a terror to travellers. I have not heard of it
lately. At the end of the twelve miles we again get
horses, and now we drive through the valley of the
Doon, the most lovely spot in this part of India. It
is quite a natural garden, watered by numerous moun-
tain streams; the vegetation grows in rich luxuriance,
and the bamboo comes to great perfection here. The
tea-plant is largely cultivated, and the crisp-leaved
erdurous tea-gardens with their regular alleys look
very pretty. About half-way to Rajpore we pass ·
through Dehra, a beautiful little station, quite a coun-
try place, each house being situated in its own grounds;
the gardens, which are very fine, being separated from
each other by rose-hedges, and the gateways being
natural arches formed by two clumps of the bamboo
shooting up their jointed shafts on either side and
meeting at the top in sprayey plumage. A small canal
passes through the station, so that there is plenty of
water. At Rajpore we begin to ascend the Himalayas,
and as the roads are very narrow and steep, no car-
riages can be used; but we have a sort of chair called a
'jhampan,' carried by four men, four others running
alongside to relieve them at intervals. This is a very

38
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
comfortable way of getting along, but as it is slow,
many prefer riding. Our baggage is carried up either
by men or by mules. Before we have been on the
way half an hour we feel the change in the tempera-
ture, and in another hour it becomes so cold that we
are glad to draw our plaids round us.
The scenery
begins to get lovely, the hillsides being covered with
ferns and wildflowers. The higher we go the grander
it becomes, till by the time we get up here-an eleva-
tion of between 6000 and 7000 feet-it passes descrip-
tion. On the one side we see the rich Doon valley and
the plains beyond the Sewalics stretching far away in
the distance; and on the other, range upon range of high
mountains towering one above another, and beyond
them all, and higher than them all, the glorious snowy
range, the two highest peaks of which, Gungootree and
Jumnoeetru (giving their names to the Ganges and to
the Jumna, which take their rise in these mountains),
are distinctly seen from this place. The effect upon
one seeing them for the first time is very solemnising."
We pause for a moment to insert a description of
what her eyes would behold, from the pen of her nearest
and dearest friend :-
"Who can describe his first impression and feelings
the first time he looks upon the Himalayas, those bold
rugged rocks which have battled with air and water,
and have all but come off victorious, for the scars that
time has made have become beautiful glens, with flowers
of surpassing richness and beauty? And the rents are
resounding with cataracts from morning to morning
like the mountain torrents of our dear Scotland. Far
above these rugged rocks are the mountains of eternal
srow. Who can describe them? who would attempt
it? The first time I witnessed them I was speechless.

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
39
Having spent seven years in the plains of India, I was
struck with the grandeur and beauty of those glorious
mountains with their snow-capped summits, their beau-
tiful valleys and waterfalls. Breathing in life and
vigour, I could fully sympathise with my dear friend.
S of the Church Mission at Agra, who found
me one morning standing gazing upon the snow-white
mountains glittering in the sun. Ven I did com to
de hills de first time,' he said, 'I did not require to look
in my Bible, for I saw mine Gott in every mountain
top.' Yes, one felt, like my quaint old friend, that we
were above the world, and more visibly in the presence
of God than we had ever felt ourselves before."
To return to the letter. "The natives of these hills
are very different from those of the plains; they are
a stronger, more energetic race, and, I believe, when
visited in their own villages by missionaries, are found
to be far less bigoted and more teachable. There is no
fixed mission to them just in this neighbourhood, though
ear Simla and other places, mission-stations have been
tablished. The American Presbyterian missionaries,
ho have a station at Dehra, go out itinerating among
them sometimes. I must not forget to mention, that in
connection with the Dehra Mission is a large school for
the daughters of native Christians, and also an orphanage
for native girls; both of these are doing a great work.
There are also city and village schools for boys.
"Now, my dear little friends, though you are far away
from these people and places, yet you can assist them
by your prayers, and by helping to send them Bibles
and teachers. Let them not be forgotten by you."
This was the third time Isabel had been to the Hima-
layas. The first time she was but three years old, and
had been very seriously ill at Agra, and the next when
.

40
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
she was about five or six. Now when she was more
able to understand and enjoy it, more than half the
pleasure was taken away by Mr. Fraser's absence.
Several small notes were forwarded, all of them telling
how much his little daughter missed him, and how she
hoped to see him soon again. One of them ends with,
"Papa, darling, try and get leave as soon as you can,
and come up to the hills, for I want to see your darling
face again and give you kisses. Though I can send
kisses in a letter, it is not half so nice as to kiss you
myself."
In the month of September we find her enrolled as a
pupil at Woodstock school, kept by Mrs. W—, her
mother residing in the neighbourhood, and being there.
surrounded by many friends. At Woodstock, as well.
as at all the schools she ever was at, both in India
and afterwards in England, Isabel Fraser was a great
favourite. She was always happy; possessed much of
her father's love of fun and power of story-telling; and
when a difficulty or dispute arose among her com
panions, the matter was referred to her, even by the
who were very much older than herself. From t
clear and precise manner in which she gave her opi-
nions, supported by her reasons, she was playfully
known by the name of "Logical Bell."
"I watched with interest," writes a friend of her
youth, "her development as I met her from time to
time during the holidays; for it was just development,;
as I found that what was bud in the girl was afterwards
matured fruit in the woman. That very process was
in keeping with her character, one coherent, consistent.
whole, grown upward from a well-nurtured root. In
harmony with this, too, is the fact that I cannot point
to a particular stage at which she underwent the great

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
4I
spiritual change; though that she had undergone it,
her after-life was the strongest and most indisputable
testimony. I question whether she was ever aware
when that great change came. My own conviction is
that she did not know, as might be expected from hav-
ing such a father and mother. She was early told of,
and trained for, the Saviour, and my impression is that
that teaching was early blessed to be saving to her, and
hat the kingdom of God came to her 'without obser-
vation.' From that early date it had gone up through her
life, like the sap through a tree, strengthening and enrich-
ing every part of her character, child, girl, and woman."
Another friend, who had every opportunity of seeing
her as a child both in India and after she came to
reside in England, says: "It was no wonder, having
been brought up under such influences, that Isabel
Fraser should have manifested such a kindly, affec-
ionate disposition. I would say that, from her earliest
ears, she was a Christian girl, loving and trusting her
aviour always, taking delight in doing God's holy will
ways, bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit. I remem-
r her father speaking to me about her guileless spirit
arce knowing what evil was."
Isabel remained at Woodstock school till December,
he end of the session, when she accompanied her
nother to Lucknow, where Mr. Fraser had gone to
ake up his post as Judge. During the holidays she
greatly enjoyed the life they led in Lucknow. At first
they lived in one of the palaces belonging to the
late King of Oude, named the Chutter Munzil, from
being surmounted with a large copper or bronze um-
brella thickly gilt, and hence so resplendent as to be
popularly believed a dome of pure gold. The rooms.
were large and grandly decorated, uncomfortably so.

42
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
There they remained for about a year, and then removed
to a house on the other side of the river Goomtee, called
the Kabutar Walla Kotee or Pigeon-house, having
been formerly the King's pigeon-house. Here pigeons,
bought for thousands of rupees, were kept. Rascals
from all parts of the country came, pretending they
had pigeons of rare breeds and great value, so that
often as much as a thousand rupees were paid for a
pair. The pigeons had been cleverly painted, their
feathers twisted about in all directions to make them
appear rare, while all the time they were actually of
the most common kinds. The King amused himself
flying them; at other times Persian cats were let loose
among them, while the King and his nobles wagered
with each other as to whose cat would kill the greatest
number. In Calcutta, where he is now a quasi state
prisoner, he amuses himself by collecting and having
about him hundreds of the most poisonous snakes tha
can be procured.
Lucknow is one of the finest stations in Upper Indi
abounding with palaces, mosques, tombs, and towers
most gorgeous description. "As the capital of the mo
fertile and populous province of the British Empire,
will always be a place of interest, and the startlin
events of the Mutiny make it more especially attrac
tive. The occurrences of that time were such as t
make Lucknow a solemn household word in the home
of Europeans for generations to come; and, under the
wazirs and kings of Oude in previous years, it had
undergone remarkable vicissitudes and incidents of its
own, which make it equally interesting to inquiring
travellers. Indeed, in no part of the world can millions
of intelligent people dwell for several centuries with-
out a history rich in stories, and buildings more or

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
43
ess connected with them." Many of Judge Fraser's
friends, who had passed through the Mutiny, had been
shut up in the Residency, and had witnessed the relief,
first by Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram,
then by Sir Colin Campbell. From them Isabel had
heard of the terrible sufferings of the siege, and was
familiar with all the prominent positions of defence
and attack. Such was the room in which Sir Henry
Lawrence died, &c.; the Alum Bagh, a fortified garden,
which was captured by Sir Henry Havelock, and in
which his death took place, his tomb being to the north.
of the buildings; and the Secunder Bagh, a high-walled
enclosure loopholed all round, where the rebels had
held out obstinately, but where some two thousand of
them were killed and the remainder scattered on every
ide by a mere handful of European troops.
In showing friends round the town when they
sited it for the first time, she soon could point out
places of interest and describe the scenes that
been enacted during the Mutiny, with all the
rness and accuracy of an eye-witness. In her
ts to friends at Cawnpore she had made herself
quainted with all the details connected with Sir
ugh Wheeler's unfortunate position, the sufferings
the besieged, the terrible well into which Sepoy
uelty had hurled its victims, and the slaughter at
e Suttee Chowra Ghaut by order of the Nana Sahib.
he used to tell her friends and schoolmates, with
uch emotion, how her father, shortly after the events
bok place, had visited the scene of General Wheeler's
ntrenchment, and had picked up bits of ladies' dresses,
etters, and other articles still left around, and how he
aw bones of little children lying about. She was also
ble to follow and describe Sir Henry Havelock's march

44.
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
on Cawnpore, the scene of some of the worst atro
cities of the Mutiny, his crossing and recrossing the
Ganges, and his memorable stand. Her unusually
quick perception enabled her to form a distinct mental
outline of such principal places and scenes, and to fill
in the main details as they had occurred, often with
circumstantial minuteness.
Each year between 1860 and 1864 Isabel stayed at
Lucknow from the end of December, when the schools
in the hills break up, to the beginning of March, when
they reassemble, the winter cold of the hill region
being so intense as to prevent their continuance there
throughout the intermediate months. The pupils look
forward to spending their holidays at home with the
more intense delight, inasmuch as Anglo-Indian homes
are especially joyous and social, marked by fond terms
of intercourse between children and parents, not to say
by a warmth of affection that various Indian circum
stances enhance. Nothing possible in the way
domestic comfort, even of luxury, is spared to rer
the home-coming delightful. But Isabel Fraser
certainly in no respect an exception to the rule.
her, vacation-time always brought its supreme pleasu
in the getting back when their own household circ
was unbroken. Whilst at home, she still had hou
set apart each day for study, under her mother's care
ful superintendence, which were quite as much en
joyed as those passed in recreation or beside her fathe
and his friends, however attractive these latter ofter

were.
At the age of ten years Isabel was removed from
Woodstock, Landour, to Charlesville, Mussouree, a school
kept by Mrs. W, and from there and from the
houses of numerous friends her letters before us are

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
45.
ted. These Saturday letters, written from time to
me during the next three years and a half, quite
ear out what her father's friends as well as her
arterly school reports testified, that her progress
s satisfactory in mostly all the branches, and that
r conduct never varied from being good, amiable,
d attentive. Her letters are full of kind mes-
ges to her friends, anxious inquiries as to their
lth, as well as after the welfare of her pets.
in her indulgent father's charge. Only a very
w extracts from her letters during this period can
e given, and may not be without interest.
"I promised to write to you every Saturday, and I
ow do so. I received both your sweet letters.
I have
In
st returned home from school to find them.
bur first letter I received 'Gruffen (evidently a
ttle MS. fancy sketch or story). "It was very kind
f you to give up so much of your time to amuse
e, dear papa, and I am sure it did amuse me a
hole hour. Gruffen,' I suppose, will start awake
part third.
Remember you left him asleep,
nd you have promised to send me the rest some
ay soon. I like school very much. The mistresses
e all very kind and the girls very obliging, and
hink I shall get on very nicely. Laura M—
s asking why you don't come up. She says you
ised to tell her so many amusing stories, and wishes.
o hear more.
I should not like at all to have break-
ast at two, or sometimes at four o'clock, as you do.
I should think you must feel very hungry by that
ime; but, dear papa, if you do this regularly, you
vill get quite ill. Give my bhouth-bhouth salaam to
Rahim Ali and the ayah.
“... How are all my pets? Are Tiny's bucha

46
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
(young ones) grown much bigger? Dick and
must be very happy, having got two other companio
and such a nice hutch to live in. Mamma is going
start early on Monday evening. She will take me
school, leave me there, and then go down to Rajp
I shall miss my precious mamma greatly.

•
"I went to Captain R's yesterday, and co
not manage to write. Though I do not like writing
Sunday, I am obliged to do so, as I know how anxi
you and darling mamma become when you do
receive a letter from me. It has been raining th
morning, so that only few of the young ladies have gor
to church. I hope it will be a fine afternoon, becaus
then we will have to go to church. I am reading 'Th
Wide, Wide World.' It is such a nice book. No
darling papa, I think I must conclude, as Mrs. W—
might be angry if I wrote any more to-day. God ble
you, darling papa, with best love and thousands of kiss
for mamma and yourself, from your loving daught
Isabel."
"My own precious papa, this morning I recei
a letter from darling mamma, in which she says I am t
go down with Mrs. C some day next week.
darling papa, you cannot think how happy I feel, a
can hardly believe that in a fortnight's time I shall
again at home, to enjoy the pleasures of dear old Luck
now again. Perhaps I shall not spend another Saturday
here this year, so do not expect any letters from me
next week, as the examination is to come on on Mon-
day, and I shall be very busy. I must now conclude
darling papa, as I have got a great deal to do. After
writing thus far, as I came away to my drawing, who
should I see but Captain and Mrs. C-going into the
drawing-room. In a little I was sent for, and Mrs.


SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
47
told me it was all arranged for me to go with
She asked me if I had any work to do on the road,
when she asked me to work for her stall, as I had
e to do, I said I would with pleasure. I am so
py I am to go with her, because she leaves so soon.
ill take ten days altogether before I reach home.
to Roorkie, from thence to Cawnpore eight, and then
ay to Lucknow. Several of the girls are leaving
e 29th of this month. I think about six fancy!
ving on one day."
btain and Mrs. C went down the Ganges
from Roorkie to Cawnpore, taking the little girl
them. In after-years she spoke of the wonderful
ation she experienced in being thus conveyed home-
d, as their great covered boat gently dropped down
h the stream, sometimes through bridges, at other
es high above the level of the surrounding country.
ht days were required in November 1861 to travel in
manner from Roorkie to Cawnpore, whereas now the
ey can be accomplished in twelve hours by train.
was no wonder that Isabel Fraser should be so
yed at the prospect of returning home, for, apart
eing there beside her parents, she had various
res that few possess. At Lucknow her father's
was influential, and from the way in which he
ed the duties of his office, Mr. Fraser not only
the society but the friendship of some of the
officials of Oude. Many of the old retainers of
he late King called upon him, and from their conversa-
on Isabel learned much of the inner life of the King
nd of his ministers, and of the causes that led to the
anexation of his State. Maharajah Maun Sing, the
ily Rajpoot chief, was also a visitor, and from him she
eard of the difficult position he was placed in during

48
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
:
the Mutiny; how, when trying to save the Europe
that fell into his hands, he incurred the suspicion
animosity of the natives, and vice versa that of
British authorities; relating the various incidents
his boldness or of his shrewdness, how he had ventu
or how he managed to trim between both parties.
used to add with a laugh-" Without doubt, I dese
to be hanged, but by the kindness, or perhaps st
ity, of the British Government, I have been rew
with an estate !"
Ministers and missionaries of all denomination
continued to frequent Judge Fraser's house;
brought to it their friends and their most intere
visitors from other parts of India or from abroad, a
whom received a kindly welcome, and more than on
whom went away saying that their host, from
cheerful companionship, his fun and humour
encyclopædic knowledge of all conceivable subj
was not only the life of the company, but the
interesting sight in Lucknow. So much company
received, that some friend suggested the advisabi
putting up the sign of "The Red Lion" at once.
circumstances of place, position, influence, and sur
ings deserve mention, if but to show how his day
character was formed-a character which she aft
brought into the active duties of life, fitting
most prominent degree for the unique position s
called upon to occupy in the native State of J
She greatly enjoyed the visits of these friends, listene
eagerly to, and derived much pleasure and profit from
their conversation.
During the close of the year 1863 and throughout
great part of 1864, Mrs. Fraser suffered much from
nervous depression, of the same kind which has becom

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
49
so well known from the sad experience of the poet
Cowper. This was, in his case, undergone whilst
ne cherished deep and devout religious feeling, and
notwithstanding that his fervid breathings of Chris-
tian emotion have become the solace of pious minds
in a degree only surpassed by that they derive from
the Bible itself. Just so, in some measure, it was
with Mrs. Fraser, under forms, of course, modified by
her individual type of character and her special position
in life. Her state was at times most distressing, for
her extensive and intimate knowledge of Scripture
enabled her to arraign against her comforters such a
phalanx of arguments that it was at such times im-
possible to soothe her. When this passed away she
was one of the most simple-minded of Christians; all
he promises of God's Word were yea and amen in
Christ Jesus. "Those who knew her intimately,"
writes a friend, "knew what an excellent wife she was
to Mr. Fraser. She had a warm heart, did not know
what it was to harbour an unchristian thought, was
always ready to help in any good work, and was never
so happy as when she was making others happy."
This cause necessitated the closer companionship
of her little daughter; wherefore, a change of scene
having been prescribed, we find that the journeys to
the Hills and back home again are more frequent, as
well as short visits to other places. On their way to
the Hills once more, they arrived at the Cawnpore dawk-
bungalow (wayside staying-house), and while there
received much kindness from Dr. L, who, in the
true spirit of Indian hospitality of the old days, hearing
that strangers were at the bungalow, invited them over
te his house in the immediate neighbourhood; but as
Mrs. Fraser did not feel well enough, and having only
D

50
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
her travelling dress to go out in, she begged to be
excused. Then we find them at Delhi some months
before the vacation. Mrs. Fraser at the time was
suffering more than usual from one of her nervous
attacks, and Isabel was installed her chief companion.
Writing from there to her father she says: "I received
your sweet letter of yesterday to-day, and was glad to
hear from it that Dr. Douglas thought from my account
that mamma was better. I really think on the whole
that she is. We went for a drive last evening, and
when we came home we sat out on the terrace for
some time. Mamma felt so weak this morning that
she had to get up at five o'clock and ask for some sago.
She had a bad morning as usual, but we got her up
and dressed, and brought her out to breakfast. She is
feeling pretty quiet now, and, to divert her thoughts
she is trying to read a little or do some work, thoug
she cannot fix her mind on anything for any length
of time."
After Mrs. Fraser's recovery from this last attack
Isabel returned to school, where she remained till the
end of the session 1864. From the time her mother
became ill, a degree of thoughtfulness was engendered
far beyond her fourteen years, and her anxiety to
lighten her mother's rather lonely life and soothe her
depressed spirits is very apparent in her letters at this
time. They show, too, that intensely loving nature,
free from selfishness, which led many friends to say.of
her in this respect, "She thought of every one and of
everything but her own comfort." "I am so glad that
you are pleased with my letter," she writes to her
father. "Of course I will always try to write long
and nice letters, and I shall do all in my power to
keep darling mamma happy and cheerful, and not give

SCHOOL DAYS IN THE HIMALAYAS.
51
her one moment's pain or anxiety, and trust she will
continue quite well." Isabel was quite aware that her
parents suffered much anxiety on account of the boy
Alick, whom they had adopted in the room of her own
brother, who died at the early but interesting age of
two years.. Alick was a child who had come into the
hands of the American missionaries. He was trained
as the Frasers' own child, sent to Edinburgh for his
ducation, but turned out thoroughly disreputable.
ver and over again Isabel seemed determined to
make up to them by her own careful behaviour for his
want of gratitude. From the time she understood
what was the meaning of prayer, she interceded at a
throne of grace for this adopted brother, and, to the
end of his downward career, hoped against hope in his
Jeformation. “His whole life was a sad disappoint-
ment;" but no one ever knew how these good, loving
hearts were wounded by the lad's determination to
follow a foolish, debasing course of life, or how they
tried every means in their power to raise and to rouse
him to a better frame of mind. God alone knew how
sincerely Mrs. Fraser and her daughter mourned when
hews of his death reached them in 1876, for now their
earnest, loving prayers on his behalf must be laid aside,
and there was too great reason to fear his end had been
lik his reckless life.
It had been an ever-present wonder to Isabel Fraser's
mind to meditate on the lad's behaviour-he who had
been treated with all the affection of a son, and by such.
pents, who had enjoyed such privileges as few ever

-
ess, being trained by such a man as her father, of
was all "owned there was a peculiar charm about
him, and especially winning in his ways towards
young people. He had poured out upon his adopted

52
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
son and little daughter the love of his great, tender
heart, which she so fondly returned, and which the
former, by his behaviour, cast so carelessly away.
During the latter portion of this school session Isabel
was evidently most conscientious in her endeavours to
improve in her studies, and showed a degree of concern
lest her papa should not be satisfied with her improve-
ment. "Darling papa, you know," she thus writes in
the spring of 1864, "how hard I was trying for a priz
at the beginning of the year, and had the most mark
in my class; but that last time I had toothache I kept
away from my class for two or three days and lost a
great many marks, also when my eyes were sore, then
when I went to Mary's wedding, and now again I have
lost two days, so that really it is impossible to make
up the lost marks again; and as the prize goes by the
number of marks, there is no chance of me getting one
this year. You know, dear papa, how hard I tried to
please you and mamma, so that really it is not my
fault. I suppose you have long ere this received my
quarterly report. Was it a good one? I hope so."
A few days afterwards she writes: "You can ima
gine how delighted I am at the happy prospect of se
ing dear mamma to-morrow. It seems almost too good
to believe. I have heard from her at every place he
stopped at. To-day I got two letters, one from Meeut,
the other from Roorkie. You will be sorry to hear that
I have had toothache again, and my face is so much
swollen that I am obliged to keep my room. Is it not
bad—just as mamma is coming? I have been so
the whole year, and quite rosy; but, of course, n
the pain I have got rather pale. I hope this swing
will go down by the morning. I wished to ha my
tooth taken out, as there was a very clever der st up

11

VOYAGE TO england.
53
here, but Mrs. W- said she would prefer mamma to
have it done, and did not think he would be away by
the time she came; but to-day Mrs. W- told me he
has gone down. I am so sorry, for really the tooth
troubles me very much."
Owing to her mother's continued delicate state of
health, Isabel studied at home under a governess from
the beginning of 1865 to the month of May, when it
was determined to send her and her mother to Eng-
land. Judge Fraser had at first designed accompanying
hem home, but unforeseen urgent business compelled
him to remain behind. Accordingly, without his in-
tended companionship farther than Calcutta, Mrs.
Fraser and her daughter set sail from thence for Eng-
land on the 3d of May. The latter afterwards told,
with much feeling, how she saw her papa walk quickly
along the bank of the wide Hooghly, as if trying to
keep up with the steamer, and how sad she felt while
they swiftly passed down the river and left him waving
farewells. The vessel was the "Erymanthe," belong-
ing to the French line Messagerie Imperiale. The
following letter sent to her father describes a scene on
board ship:
We expect to be at Madras towards morning,
an I am trying to write a few lines, but the ship rolls
so that it is almost impossible. We have had a dread-
ful voyage as far as this, so rough and so hot; and here
is the sixth day, and we have not reached Madras. We
have all been very sick, and poor mamma is quite weak;
but of course that is to be expected when we can
scarcely eat anything. The principal food we take is
sago. Mary and I are a little better just now; we have.
to be on deck all night and day. For the first three
or foights we slept in the saloon, some on the

54
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
table, some on the floor; but last night we could not
go down; and as for going into the cabin and trying to
get out some clean clothes, why, that is quite out of
the question. All the ladies look so dirty. However,
they say after we pass Galle we shall not find it so bad.
Mamma says to tell you never to come by a French
steamer, for it is not near so comfortable as the P. and
O. The officers of the ship are so funny: they never
come to see if you want anything. Monsieur R-
and Mr. N——————— have not even once spoken to us. The
lemon syrup is very nice, and we have all enjoyed it
I wish you were with us, papa; daily we miss you ever
so much; but the time will pass away, and then we
will all be together again."
At Galle, in Ceylon, they spent a few days with old
friends who had settled on that island. At Madras
several passengers were taken on board, so that Mrs.
Fraser was caused some annoyance by a demand being
made for her cabin or a portion of it. However, after
refusing to give it up, a lady was put in to share it
and they were left quite comfortable, with very good
"This is a very
food, and very little to complain of.
different account from my last," writes Isabel, “but
then I was so sick, and everything seemed so miserable.
The officers, however, are no better than they wre,
keeping quite as much to themselves. The most won-
derful person on board is the stewardess. I never saw
such an active little body as she is; she quite puts the
stewards to shame; she is for ever on her legs, and she
never gets cross. All the ladies are perfectly satisfied
with her."
At Aden, Isabel found the post-bag had been landed
before she had time to write home, but managed
a few lines to her father, favoured by a certain

send
usieur

VOYAGE TO ENGLAND.
55
R-
who was sending his letters by a private oppor-
tunity. Here she gives an account of the great heat,
that caused them to sleep on deck; of thunderstorms
they had encountered; of the pleasant hours before.
"tiffin-time" and after, with work, books, and talk; of
the delightful evenings, when the musical gentlemen,
ever so many of them, made the hours pass so swiftly
with their songs and instrumental music; of the amus-
ing stories told by the doctor of the ship in his funny
broken English, and of the Episcopal Padre, who read
prayers on Sunday when the weather would permit.
When he cannot, it is quite dreadful to see the French
people playing cards and singing songs as usual, with
hothing to distinguish the day from any other. I often
think of our nice house, and wish I was back again; but
the time will pass away, and then you will be with us
again. It seems such an age since we left home, and
noi two months have passed yet."
Mrs. Fraser and her daughter stayed at Paris three
lays, going to the various picture galleries, which
charmed the latter so much. "Seeing so many artists
sitting copying the pictures so beautifully," she writes,
made me quite ambitious. How I wish I was able to
aint like them! You may be sure, darling papa, that
when once I am in school I shall work very hard and
try to improve very much in everything. I trust dear
mɩmma will continue quite well, for this change to
England ought quite to set her up. I shall do all in
ry power, you may be sure, to keep her happy till you
come."
Mrs. Fraser and Isabel arrived in London June 16,
where they remained for a month or two in apartments,
then proceeded to Scotland to spend some little time
with friends and relatives in Inverness and Laurence-

56
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
kirk. The impression made at this time, on one of
Isabel's friends was: "Although still in her early teens,
. she stood before you a girl of singularly well-balanced
judgment and unswerving rectitude, high-toned honour,
which repelled everything mean. She manifested a
warm, generous heart, and one that had, above all,
come already under the spiritual influence of Gospel
truth. It was very enjoyable to hear her make a state-
ment on any subject of interest, or give the grounds of
her opinion about it. In telling what she had seen
abroad, the language was so clean-cut and accurate
that everything seemed to rise up visibly before you
with almost graphic precision. But while so distinct
it had none of the pedantry too often accompanying
such a talent, for all was girl-like, all heartfelt and
heart-warm, in the eagerness shown for giving pleasure
by her vivid account of things."
A lady who had been a fellow-passenger with them
from India, and who had been an intimate friend, thus
writes: "It gives me much pleasure to tell you that I
knew Isabel Fraser from her childhood; and as our
respective parents were intimately acquainted, I had
many opportunities of seeing her during her girlhood
We were together also on the voyage home in 1865
and on several occasions during her married life. As a
child she was most affectionate and dutiful, whilst as
she grew older, this strong filial regard still showed
itself in an entire and full compliance with all their
wishes, no less than an express warmth of attachment
to their persons. She was naturally of a bright and
cheerful disposition; her ardent spirit, early submitted
under Divine influence, was soon enabled to gain full
vent in the joy of the Lord and in giving expression to
His praises. She had a most genial manner, full of all

VOYAGE TO ENGLAND.
57
kindness; was ever ready with help and sympathy for
those in need. Never was a more sincere, never a more
faithful friend. As a Christian she fully realised Whose
she was and Whom she served. Actuated by a spirit
of true consecration, the best of her mature life was
devoted to the Master's service, laying on His altar all
she was, with whatever possession had been intrusted
to her charge, whatsoever fruit she had been enabled
to produce, as a whole and unreserved burnt-offering
there."

58
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
CHAPTER IV.
CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
ON returning with her mother to England from their
short stay among friends, Isabel was entered as a pupi
with the Misses W, Arundel House. There she
was very happy, and to the end of her life always spoke
of her teachers in terms of the highest praise and affec-
tion. The letters penned during this time show how
exceedingly conscientious she was in her endeavours
to improve in all her studies, while showing at the
same time no little concern lest her father should be
dissatisfied with her progress. Telling of their exami-
nation she says: "I was second in my French division,
and Mademoiselle was very pleased. In English dic-
tation I was behind, and I had only two mistakes in
spelling. I do not as yet know my place in English
history, but in poetry I was second, and in arithmetic
(inental) second by two marks. In working of sums I
was first, although I am not so far advanced as some
others of the girls. I was first in English grammar,
and our last lesson is to be a composition on the Per-
sian War. I will, of course, try to get better on next
time, though I have tried my best this; still I shall
try to be first in those things in which I am at present
second. I have done sixteen drawings this time, and
Mr. E is satisfied. My music is also getting on;
and last night Miss Isabella spoke to me, and said she
CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
59
and her sister saw I did my very best, and they are
sure I shall be able to please you with my music,
though sometimes I feel a little discouraged when I see
girls so much younger than myself playing so much
better; but, as Miss L says, we have not all the
same talents given to us; and indeed, papa, I do try
to practise very hard. Mamma spoke to Miss W
about your wish that I should improve my speaking;
and she has kindly pointed me out some girls who she
considers speak good English well, and I will try to be
with them as much as possible and pick up their ways.
Miss W
says my accent is not at all Indian, but
Scotch! though how I have got a Scotch accent is more
than I know. I wrote to dear Mrs. W- the other
day and asked for her photograph, and to-day I received
it. She desires her love to you, and says she can imagine
how delighted we must be at the prospect of seeing you.
again so soon, for it is a joy to her who stands in the
outer court of your heart to think of your coming!"
<<
January 10.-Many happy returns of the day,
darling papa! Mamma has told me that this is the
twenty-eighth anniversary of your wedding-day. What
a long time! May God bless and spare you both to
each other and to me for many years to come! I
eceived your two sweet letters yesterday; many
thanks for them. It was so good of you to have the
school-ehildren on my birthday; and the reason I
am most glad is, that it kept you so cheerful, while
otherwise, if you had been quite alone, you might
have been sad. It seems to have been quite a success.
I was pleased with Rahim Ali's thoughtfulness in
making my birthday cake as usual, and am quite sure
the children must have enjoyed themselves. You
cannot think how delighted I am at the prospect of


60
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
seeing you in little more than three months. I could
not sleep with joy thinking of it, and I thought I
should jump out of my skin when you come; but
mamma begs me to do nothing of the kind. Salaams
to Rahm Ali."
Many extracts could be given from very interesting
letters for a girl of her age, all written with a view to
cheer her father in his loneliness, but space forbids.
Early in spring the expected visit of her father was
looked forward to with great delight; the more so that
Mrs. Fraser's health again caused all her friends much
anxiety. From Arundel House Isabel writes to her.
father, who is at the time on his way to England :-
"I received your dear letter of the 9th from Alex-
andria, and I hasten to reply to it, so that you may
receive this at Stuttgart. I was so glad to hear you
had got safe and well so far. Darling mamma is
much the same as when last I wrote, though in some
things I think she is better. As you are coming
through Germany, it would be a pity to miss so good an
opportunity of seeing the places, especially as there is
no necessity for your doing so. Of course we are both
longing to see you; but we must have patience, and
the time will pass away. Mamma thinks herself you
had better not hurry too fast, but see what is to be see.
Dr. Dwas here yesterday, and he says he does
not think mamma is half as bad as she was in Luck-
now; and the C—s, who have also seen her, say the
same. I will continue to pray earnestly to our Hear
venly Father for a speedy recovery for her; and I fel
quite sure, if mamma is not better before you come, she
will get all right as soon as you arrive. We are having
such beautiful weather, I am sure mamma pught to
get well soon and enjoy it. She is out walking two


CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
61
and three hours every day. How I do long to give you
some real kisses! I am quite tired of paper ones, but
send them with my love from your ever-fond Isabel."
Business detained Mr. Fraser on the Continent longer
than was expected, and for a time prevented him from
joining his wife and daughter. This was rendered all
the more distressing by the fact that the health of
the former continued to be in so precarious a state. In
reference to it Isabel pours out the grief of her heart
to her father in a letter which found him at Paris: “I
have no news to give of dear mamma, for she is just
about the same as when I last wrote. I do not know
what to say of your plan about taking her to the Con-
cinent. She herself is very averse to it; but if she
could have travelled to Paris alone, I would have
pegged to join you there; but really, darling papa, it
s quite impossible in her present weak state." Re-
rring to the business that detained him and the
lness of her mother together, she adds, " Yet what is
to be done I do not know. Fancy, papa, what happy
plans we had laid for the time when you should come
home, and now we have been disappointed; but as you
say, It is man that proposes but God that disposes,'
and it has pleased Him otherwise, so we must just.
sumit patiently to His will. I hope, darling papa, I
sha not by what I have said distress you, but my
hea is full, and I have no one to pour it out to. Oh,
I do wish you were here, and yet I do not wish in any
way to add to your already many troubles. I can only
pray to God to direct you, and I know you look to Him
in all things; and, if guided by Him, you cannot go
wrong That is my great comfort."
Alluding to the same circumstance in another letter,
he added: "It is very hard for you, my poor dear


62
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
papa; but it is has been directed by an all-wise Provi-
dence, and we must submit to His will, and learn from
the heart to say, 'Father, not our will, but Thine be
done.'
The very first moment possible, Judge Fraser hastened
to Brighton, and he and his wife left for a short tour in
England and Scotland, a change being considered bene-
ficial for the latter. Isabel was left at school to pursue
her studies, but every spare moment she devoted to
writing cheerful letters to her parents, many of them
showing an amount of thoughtfulness far beyond her
years. Writing to her father she says:-
"I received your dear letter, and also one from
darling mamma, for which I send you both my best lov.
Tell mamma it is very good of her to write to me;
and now she may say as often as she likes that sh
does not love me, but I never will believe her. S
you have, for the present at least, given up the idea
your Continental tour! Well, perhaps it is for th
best; for if this war does break out, and it seems very
likely it will, you might have got shut up in a foreig
land, unable to come to me or I to you; and I do think
I shall enjoy my holidays in England much more than
in Germany, for it would not seem like holidays having
to parler français et allemand tout le temps; but if pu
had gone I should have been quite as happy as long as
I was with you and mamma. Mamma said in her
letter that perhaps you would go to Scotland. I am
sure the Laurencekirk people would be delighted. I
suppose you will write and let me know what you
intend doing. Fancy only three weeks more!! What
fun ! ! ! . . . . I have got a new music piece; that is
!!!
the sixth this term, and six last, besides one or two the
I learned in India. Altogether I think I can pla


CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
63
fourteen pieces, so I hope I shall be able to amuse you
a little in the holidays. To-day is the Queen's birth-
day, but besides the fact there seems to be no interest
attached to it above all other days; everything is as
quiet as possible except the wind, which has been
making a great noise."
In another she writes: "Darling mamma must have
left ere this reaches you. I shall be glad to see you both
on Saturday. Miss Isabella says she will send me to
leep with mamma to-morrow night, so that she may not
be alone the first night she is in her lodgings. I must,
however, be back in school on Saturday morning for a few
hours, as I have a great deal to do, and not a moment to
spare. I am, this time, in the first French class, first
division, with A- P— and FB, and the
latter has learned French for eleven years. I have to work
doubly hard to keep up with them. You must not think
>
at I am proud about it, for I am not. I am only glad
nat my endeavours to please my teachers and my dear
arents have not been quite in vain. Miss W-- said I
ad worked remarkably well during the last year. I sup-
ose mamma told you I have begun to learn singing. I
quite surprised at myself. I have got a song,
ambles in a Forest.' Mr. A——— says I have not
A-
ch voice, but quite enough to be worth cultivating,
that my ear is quite correct. I know you will be
to hear this. Don't show this letter to any one, for
none but you and mamma can understand it, and any
one else would think me vain. I am afraid I did not
thank you for the beautiful stamps you sent me, but I
now send you my love and kisses for them. You are
a dear, sweet pet to take an interest in my little con-
cerns.'
Isabel made a large collection of postage-stamps by

64
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
the aid of her father, who purchased a book on the
subject and made it a regular study, arranged and
classified it according to connections, dates, sizes, and
colours, until the collection numbered upwards of 1800
specimens, many of them very valuable.
During the summer of 1866 Isabel and her parents
visited friends in England and Scotland; but unfortun-
ately Mrs. Fraser's health did not improve, and it was
deemed advisable to send her for a change to Germany
Thither accordingly she went with her husband, Isabe
being left under the charge of the Misses Wat
Brighton for the winter-time. From Arundel House
she writes to her mother, whose residence in Germany
was in the institution of Mr. Blumhardt at Bonn:-
I hope, darling, you are getting accustomed to your
new mode of life. I cannot expect you to feel at all
happy yet, but I do trust and pray, my darling, tha
you will soon feel that all your misery arose fro
physical causes, and had nothing to do with the re
moval of the favour of God. You will find it to be th
case, darling, as you have so often done before. I ar
sure you will soon be your own happy self again. Y
know how the Bible says, Wait on the Lord, be of go
courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I s
on the Lord.' Yes, we must wait, and wait patien
and without repining; for we know that 'no chaste
for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous; no
theless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of
righteousness.' How happy I shall be to see you again!
We have not long to wait, have we?-from next Thurs-
day, only three weeks to the (Christmas) holidays; so
you must cheer up. You have really nothing to make
you unhappy, for you know, 'Though your sins be
as scarlet they shall be like snow, although they are

CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
65
red as crimson they shall be white as wool.' You
believe the Bible, then you must believe this."
In another, within a few days after, she says: "You
see by this that I am at the O-s. Of course papa
has told you about his arrangement for spending my
birthday here (London) instead of at Brighton. I shall
miss you to-morrow very much; but never mind. I shall
see you soon, I hope (you know I shall still be seventeen);
and then every day is alike, and we can think of each other,
can't we, darling? Thank you very much for your sweet
little notes. Although you don't yet give cheering
accounts of yourself, you cannot think how they con-
orted me. I do trust and pray, my darling mamma, that
you may soon begin to feel returning peace and hope.
I am so glad the ladies who speak English are so kind
to you. I knew God would raise up friends for you,
though you went quite to strangers. I am sure the lady
who is especially kind to you must be very nice. I feel
quite a regard for, and very thankful to her for taking
care of my own mamma. The dear Miss W
s think
so much of you, and say they pray constantly for you.
They have both been so extremely kind to me since your
left, and so have the dear girls. I am going out with
papa, and as I have no more news to give you, I think I
will conclude this note. God bless you and hear our
prayers on your behalf. With fond love from your
lov child, Isabel."
Onl
for h
Gering
20th December, being still in London waiting
ther to join her before they proceeded to
or the remainder of the holidays, Isabel
writes er mother:
weet letter of the 17th came to hand this
morning Thank you, darling, for it. It was very
good of you to write to me separately, as papa was away
E
:

66
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
O-
in Scotland. School broke up yesterday, when Miss
W- brought most of us up to London. As papa had
not returned from Scotland, Captain O very kindly
came to meet me, and brought me here, and Mrs. O————
and M are extremely kind, and the latter has
given up her room to me. I told her I was afraid I was
putting them out very much, but she won't listen to me
at all.
•
"I am sorry, darling, I have neglected writing to you
for some time, but the reason is this. We have been
extremely busy with our examinations; yet, notwith-
standing, I would have made time to send you a letter
even if it had only been a few lines, but papa being in
Scotland, I did not know how to manage about sending
it. Now that I have left school, I shall write you nice
long letters till I come to you, which will be better than
any letters, won't it, darling? Only eleven days more to
the 31st. Miss Wtold me yesterday that though
my place in the examination was not so good, yet she
was satisfied with me, for she says I have been very
industrious and done my best; and the reason she sys
I am not so high this time is that I was away for a
fortnight nearly when you were getting ready to go to
Germany; but of course, darling, that could not be
helped, and I do not regret my not having taken a better
place when I know it was for your sake I was absent
from school. I have done twelve paintings this time, and
both Mr. E- and Miss W say I have im roved.
I shall, of course, bring my pictures to she
have brought some German schoolbooks wit
I mean to study, and I daresay I shall find
Germany who will be kind enough to help r
little difficulties I may find. Papa seems to
a nice little trip to Scotland; every one was so extremely

I
which
one in
with any
ave had

CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
67
kind to him, and all asked very lovingly for you. They
all think you will get quite well at Bonn, and indeed,
darling, I think so too. The Misses W
send their
love, and say to tell you they never let a single day go
by without thinking of you and praying for you. How
good Miss M-- seems to be! It is very kind of her to
translate Mr. Blumhardt's discourses for you every`
morning. Now, darling, I think I must begin to bring
this letter to a close, as I have no more news. I con-
tinue to pray constantly for you, and I feel assured the
answer will come in the Lord's own good time. Now,
good-bye, my precious mamma, with much fond love
from your loving child, Isabel."
table
do &
took
besid
more
ould à.
loaf
nical ef
Isabel Fraser used to amuse her friends for years
after her visit to Germany by telling amusing stories.
about the primitive simplicity of Herr Blumhardt's
establish t; how countesses and noble ladies laid the
ed dishes, and considered it an honour to
for Mr. Blumhardt. This worthy man
fancy to Mr. Fraser, and made him sit
t meals; and if there was any one sausage
flavoured than another, Mr. Blumhardt
it with him, saying, "Master Fraazar, I
!" While describing these scenes with
t, she at the same time dwelt with peculiar
that simple genuine implicit faith in the
ich pervaded Herr Blumhardt's whole be-
is family, and his household management.
Mr. Fraser had arrived in England, from the
is far from well, and the business he had had
t on the Continent, with the other anxieties
o, added much to his exhaustion. He, as
most Inuiaus do, spent his time in moving about over
various parts of the country, to visit friends or to enjoy

me
11'6
asur
io

68
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
beautiful scenery throughout both England and Scot-
land. A friend, dwelling tenderly on the last time he
saw him in life in Scotland, thus writes: I can never
forget his last visit. In the forenoon of a communion
Sabbath in December, amidst a heavy snowstorm, Mr.
Fraser, to my surprise, appeared in my church. At the
end of the sermon I sent him a note saying I should be
happy if he would join us at the table. He did so.
At the close of the service I found he had arrived late
the previous evening, and was to leave by first train
next morning. I insisted on his staying in the manse
all night, which he did. The conversation that night
I well remember. It continued until far on in the
following morning. One of the subjects which turned
up was the dispossession of the legion from the Gada-
rene demoniac, and the leave given them to enter
into the swine, followed by the destruction
He recounted cases of professed demoniaca
and dispossession he had witnessed in Ind
cussed the miracle from many points of
most arresting way. Next morning I acco
to the railway station before daylight, ar
bye to him in the darkness, as the train b
That visit stays in my memory like a picte, sad
valuable, and deeply gratifying. The onl
afterwards had directly from him was a ca
graph of himself, which, with all his ow
happy humour, he had inscribed on the bac
the compliments of the man on the other side
he herd
ssion
dis-
the
dhim

good-
ared awa
messag
ph
!1
After a short residence on the Continent, 1
again for India early in 1867, but, owing to
worries, left England in a worse physical cond
when he had arrived, leaving his wife and daughter once
more established at Brighton. On his return, his
CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
69
daughter followed him with her prayers, trying as
before to cheer his lonely Indian home by her letters.
At one time she "tries to picture him sitting in the
verandah with his table and large pile of law-papers
before him, surrounded by her pets and little friends;"
again, "rejoices that there are a number of nice Christian
friends who meet with him for prayer and reading of the
Scriptures;" while at other times she tells him of what
she is doing at school, of her visits to friends, to dear Mr.
S― of Laucekik, and how much pleased she was
rith one of sermons from the text, "My times are
in Thy hands; of visits to Aberdeen, with its granite
works, to Inve1ess, &c., &c. Speaking of the time when
he left school, she says, in a letter dated 13th August
867: "Glade Lam that my time of school is over, I some-
times feels
to think of it, for I have spent many a
happy dah
re; but all things have an end, and I have
be thankful for. Yes, darling papa, the
servi Arundel House I committed myself to
Heavenly Father, beseeching His guid-
sing; and the day I left it I did so again,
ne so repeatedly since. He has always
the past. I will trust Him for the future.”
ave appeared like an answer to his prayer,
twelfth birthday her father had written,
s gracious providence, has this day brought
beginning of your twelfth year of life. Re-
love, that the remainder of your days, so
egun, shall be devoted to His service. The
y life is the Christian life. May yours be
ly blessed."

very n me,
ay I
the c
ance
nd ha
༣༠༡
ped me
is:

after Mr. Fraser's arrival in India he began to
after his work, a most unusual thing with
for years had never know what it was to

70
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
have almost a single hour's illness. His friends observed
that he was losing flesh, that he had occasional attacks
of palpitation of the heart, and sometimes slight swell-
ings of the feet; indeed that he was not at all in a good
way. He was unlike himself except in his flow of
spirits, that never left him. Every now and again
rumours of his state reached his wife and daughter at
home from other sources, but his own letters were the
same as ever. A slight allusion to a passing indisposi-
tion was noted, but nothing serious was apprehended
until the matter could no longer be cealed. Stilf
the illness was looked at by himself in t. most hopeful
light, and a new symptom was never alluded to until it
had passed. His medical advisers recommended him to
go to the Hills during the holidays. He we to Landour,
and was most tenderly cared for by t
idow and
daughters of the Rev. Dr. Campbell of tonnerican
Presbyterian Mission. It was at this time h of report
was circulated that he had passed away el?"
tressed him not a little on account of
daughter, who were just setting sail for
being afraid they might hear the report, he
ing telegram to catch them at Galle.
He returned from the Hills much in the s
he had gone, and on visiting his old friend
spoke freely about his state and the possib
not recovering ; yet, with full confidence an
trust, he laid himself in the hands of God, as
He would do what was right.
Mrs, and Miss Fraser arrived in Calcutta on
noon of November 13, 1867, when the latter
her father as follows: "Here we are, thank G
and well, once more in dear old India. We fou
dis-
and
and
a cheer


CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
two dear letters waiting our arrival, and were indeed
glad, darling, to hear that you were somewhat better,
though I wish you could have been able to give better
accounts of yourself. Your letter at Galle distressed
us fearfully, and made. us very anxious, and when the
telegram was brought in, neither of us had the courage
to open it, not knowing what might be the news it
contained. Mrs. O—— did it for us, and read it, and
I need not say what a blessing it was to us. I am long-
ing to be with you, for us to look after and take care of
you."
ad more work for him
he would send in his
ce, spend half of his
son in the Hills, and
They hurried up to Lucknow as quickly as they
could, and were much shocked to find the strong man
rought so low. "Oh it was nothing," he said. He
as now much better; the I´
to do. Now that they had
resignation, retire from the
time in Dehra and the hot
engage as much mission-work as he was able for.
Friends Snook, their heads in doubt and fear, and,
indeed, he began to admit that he might not recover.
Still his hotful spirit, accustomed as it always had
been to look at the bright side of everything, made him
hope for life when others had ceased to do so. With
full faith in the God who had been with him all his life,
in mos childlike simplicity awaited the issue, as-
sued that if it were the Lord's will to call him away,
he would go to be "forever with the Lord."
A change to Landour was recommended by his medical
adviser, and on February 22, 1868, he set out, accom-
panied by his wife and daughter. On their way through
the various stations they met with much kindness, and
genuine sw was expressed by all at his severe ill-


72
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
ness. Loving words were spoken, earnest prayers were
offered up on their behalf, and when the farewells were
pronounced, the least affected of the company was he
whose face they were never to see again.
In passing through Dehra he committed his wife and
daughter to the care of his old and tried friend the Rev.
Mr. Woodside, adding, "If I should not come down from
the Hills again, I wish you to lay me beside my old
friend Fullerton in the Dehra graveyard. It would be
so pleasant at the resurrection to rise along with Fuller-
ton again." The Rev. Mr. Fullerton was an old friend, a
missionary of the American Presbyterian Church. To
the Rev. Dr. Morrison of the same Mission, another
friend of more than thirty years' standing, he remarked
one day, “Ay, Morrison, you and I have had a lon
race, but I am to get
Fore you.'
Writing on the 19t
>>
Eve
May 1868 from Landour te
Mr. S of Laurenkirk, Mrs. Fraser says: "And
now, what shall I tell you of our own sorrow?
since our return from England, my dear husband has
been a constant sufferer. He was never well from the
time he returned; the voyage out, in such hot weather,
tried him greatly, and then travelling up country in the
month of June and settling to the work of his cot
quite broke him down. In September he came up to
the Hills for a month. The change seemed to do
good, but returning to the plains threw him back, and e
has never improved since. For a whole month before
we reached Lucknow he was dangerously ill, so that it
was feared we should not see him again; but he rallied
a little, and when on the 20th of November we arrived
at home, we found him looking better than we expected.
But he soon got worse again, and about e end of


CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
73
December had such a bad attack that the doctors gave
him quite up, and said he could not live many days.
He rallied from that attack too, but evidently his
disease kept gaining ground on him, for he has got
gradually weaker and thinner, and is now reduced to a
most helpless state. From the very first the doctors.
have thought his case a very bad one, and now they
have no hope whatever of his recovery. For a long
time it was thought his complaint was of the heart, but
the doctor who saw him at Dehra Doon (at the foot of
the Hills), and also the one attending him now, say it is
disease of the kidneys; but whatever it is, the prospect
before us is a sad one as regards ourselves. As regards
my dear husband, I rejoice to say that he can look for-
ward with a glorious hope, trusting alone in the merits
of Him who died that we might live.
"Though reduced to a state of extreme debility, and
with so many unfavourable symptoms attending his
ase, strange to say, he still thinks he will get better;
but of thJieve there is not the least hope, humanly
fully s
gh I never forget that with God all things.
I feel at times ready to sink under this
on, but hitherto the Lord has most wonder-
ted me. My dear daughter, too, as you
may imagine, has had her young heart sorely tried, and
with this trying season of anxiety and watching, her
health, I am sorry to say, has been anything but good
lately, for almost from the time we returned to Luck-
now until we came up to Landour on the 17th March
she never had a whole night's rest. On our arrival
here we were obliged to engage two men of the 79th
Highlanders to come and sit up with my husband all
night, and thus allow us to get one night's rest. These

74
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
men were recommended by the Colonel, and we find them
nice and steady, and very attentive. They are both
Scotch. The climate up here is most delightful just
now. It was thought that Mr. Fraser could not possibly
have lived in the plains during the hot weather, so we
brought him up, though the journey was most trying for
him. His life, no doubt, has been prolonged a little by
coming up, but that is all.
"Dr. M- was with us a few weeks ago for about
ten days, and it was a great comfort to us to have him.
He was obliged to return to his station, but we hope to
have him again with us next month. You will remem-
ber seeing him at Laurencekirk some years ago. His
health has improved greatly, and though an old man of
upwards of sixty, with his hair snow-white, he seems to
have all the activity and energy of a young man.
is a most devoted missionary, and I believe his labours
have been greatly blessed in this laud. We have lef
Lucknow for good. My husband has, of course, beel
obliged to resign his appointment, and
retiring pension. It was a sad breaki..
reminding us that this is not our rest.”
He
en his
entions
We mention these circumstances chiefly
note how unwearied Miss Fraser was in he
to her father. She sat with him, read to him, became
his amanuensis, and prayed with him, preserving a
calm and ever-cheerful exterior, although bowed down
with sorrow. Several notes written by her during these
midnight vigils show the source of her strength, and
during these dark days she stood by her mothe, cheering
her loneliness, in a way that called forth the admiration
of every one who knew her. And so on the 5th of July
1868, on the Sabbath morning, surrounded by
ing
CLOUD AND SUNSHINE.
75
wife and daughter, by kind friends and by respectful
attached attendants, Judge Fraser passed away. It was
indeed to enter a more glorious rest, the "rest promised
to the people of God;" and he now lies in the Dehra
graveyard, as was his expressed wish, close beside the
grave of his "dear friend Fullerton."
76
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.

CHAPTER V.
A NEW BOND.
"POOR Mrs. and Miss Fraser," writes a friend, "most
keenly felt the last separation from their beloved one
when it came, but accepted their loss with entire Christian
submission." Early in August they went down to Dehra,
to the house of Rev. Mr. W-, for the purpose of
making arrangements to erect over the grave of Judge
Fraser a suitable monument. It so happened that at the
same time Dr. Colin Valentine arrived at the house o
their host, and after visiting the mission schools, re
turned with Mr. W to the bungalow, and was intr
duced to Mrs. and Miss Fraser. It was impossible fo
them entirely to hide their deep grief, yet they entere
into the conversation, showing a grateful interest in the
kind words of sympathy and comfort that were spoken,
Miss Fraser now and again dropping a remark so un-
mistakable in its import, that, as one of the company ex-
pressed it," you could not but feel how assuredly it came
from one who well knew the alone true source of comfort."
Dr. Valentine had come to remain some little time on
his way toward Landour Hill station, for the purpose of
arranging several missionary matters, and particularly
of speaking about the Medical Missionary Training In-
stitution, a project always foremost in his mind. Mrs.
Fraser and he having thus met for the first time on an
occasion fitted to elicit the kindliest intercourse, she gave

A NEW BOND.
77

him a cordial invitation to visit them when he came to
Mussourie, and on his arrival there soon afterwards he
accordingly at once availed himself at the first oppor-
tunity to cultivate their acquaintance. In giving an
account of those early days of friendship he says: "I
had the happiness to live in the house of the Rev. Mr.
A of the American Presbyterian Mission from
Allahabad, whence, shortly after I had arrived, Mr.
A and myself went out upon our calls, as is the
custom, leaving our cards with every one in the station
from the commandant downwards. Amongst others,
we visited Mrs. Fraser and her daughter, and found them
wonderfully cheerful under their sad bereavement. On
our return home, telling of everywhere we had been,
Mrs. A—— spoke in the highest terms of Miss Fraser
her tender care about her mother, very warmly
aising her intelligence, piety, good sense, and ami-
ility. On the Sabbath we all attended the station
urch (Church of England). At that time a very good
d able niair was officiating, in consequence of the ill-
ss of the regular chaplain, who subsequently died
ile I was there. Very sad and very solemn it was
to see the men of a Highland regiment carrying the
coffin on which the gown and surplice of their chaplain
was laid, and hear the plaintive notes of the bagpipes.
wail out some coronach that had moved the hearts of
clansmen in the days of old. There is something more.
than usually sad in the funerals of our fellow-country-
men in India. The station is small; six or seven indi-
viduals form the whole community, who are moving
about, each at his or her ordinary duties, when a report
spreads that Mr. or Mrs. so-and-so is not well-a cold,
mayhap, or slight fever; the next report is that he or
she died in the night, and is to be interred before sunrise


78
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.

in the morning. In the little graveyard they meet to
perform the last sacred duties. Earth to earth, dust
to dust,' is pronounced, and then they separate, there
being one fewer than there was yesterday. It must be
borne, and no doubt some one with a warm, kindly
heart drops in in passing upon the bereaved family,
perhaps left helpless, with children who will henceforth
miss a mother's gentle love or a father's care, as the
case may be."
In the evening there was a service held in the house.
of a Mr. W- a godly man, a member of the Baptist
Church. He had formerly been a deputy collector, but
had retired from the service, and was now living on his
pension in the Hills. He and his wife had been friends
of the Fraser family for years, the latter attending the
meetings, and greatly enjoying the occasional preach
of Mr. A- After Dr. Valentine came up, he a
Mr. A conducted the most part of the services
the end of October, many references being made
Miss Fraser's correspondence to these delightful S
bath services and other meetings. The A——————s, 1;
Dr. Valentine, had come up to the Hills for their heal
sake, and the former being desirous to make the most
of their time, arranged little parties of Christian friends
to go out to spend the day at some of the beautiful
spots in the Hills. These picnics were made profitable
as well as pleasant, for while fully enjoying the scenery.
and each other's society, they had often occasion-
several of them being missionaries, others pious laymen
-to speak of the wisdom and goodness of God in His
wonderful realm of nature, which led them together to
praise Him as sovereign over His most wonderful king-
dom of grace. At these parties Mrs. Fraser and her
daughter were occasionally induced to be present. Dr.


A.NEW BOND.
79
Valentine and the latter being often thrown together,
he was more and more led to appreciate her varied ex-
cellences. Although, amidst all, there was a pervasive
sadness, owing to her father's recent death, yet her con-
versation was cheerful; it showed she had read much,
had thought deeply, on a variety of subjects. In some
departments she had acquired marked proficiency, and
gave her own idea on these in a way that was altogether
free from affectation; while on all others, whether
wholly or only partly acquainted with them, instead
of expressing any view whatever, she would give most
patient attention to what was said by every one around,
until, perhaps, asked to state her own impression.
There were, in fact, between the pair thus favourably
thrown together, more than one topic of joint interest.
Foremost among such was a warm remembrance of their
mutual friend, Mr. S of Laurencekirk, with that of
the many pleasant days they had both spent there;
talk about Scotland, moreover, Dr. Valentine's own
birth-ground, forming a common bond of attraction.
It was found, indeed, that each had had a grandmother
among the Cowie village folks, near the Howe-o'-the-
Mearns district, so that hers must have known his.
Discoveries like these, it need scarce be said, afforded
no little satisfaction under such circumstances, where
instinctive attachment had already become clear.
The result was that early in November 1868 Miss
Fraser and Dr. Valentine, with her mother's full ap-
proval, became engaged. Writing to a friend on the
subject of her intended marriage, she said: "For some
years past my prayer to God has been that He would
mark out a sphere of usefulness for me, that I might
spend the rest of my life in His service, and that if it
was His will that I should ever marry, He might give

W
So
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
me one who would be my guide and counsellor through
life, and help me on my way heavenward."
Having spent the greater part of her life in India, she
was thoroughly acquainted with the vernaculars of the
North-West Provinces and Oude, and could speak them
as fluently and idiomatically as the natives themselves,
both in the polished style of the nobles of Lucknow,
with whom, from her father's position, she often had
come in contact, and also in the patois used by the
villagers and common people. She could also, with
considerable fluency, read Urdi in the Persian character.
Learning from the Rev. Dr. M that Hindi was
the language used in Rajputana, she placed her-
self under his instructions. Four days after she had
commenced, she, in writing to Dr. Valentine, said, “I
am getting on famously with my Hindi; I am reading
a little now. Dr. M says I am very smart, but I
am not at all sure of it." So thoroughly alive was shie
to the importance of knowing the language of the people
among whom her lot was to be cast, and so perseveringly
did she apply herself to its study, that by the time she
arrived in Jeypore, a couple of months afterwards, she
was able to read the Hindi New Testament,
sep of
Day," and other books translated for Indian use, as if
they had been printed in English.
Previous to this she had commenced to teach a little
girl of the lower caste, and alludes to it as follows:
"Do you remember my telling you I was teaching our
sweeper's little girl to read and work? She was getting
on so nicely, but her father won't let her come here any
more, as he says his friends are angry about it. I am
so sorry about this, as I had hoped to be able to do her
some good." The reading had been in Urdu in the
Persian character, the work sewing and knitting, &c. The
A NEW BOND.
Sr'
prevalent ideas in England are that caste and caste rules
are confined to the Brahmins, Rajputs, &c. But such
is far from being the case. The very lowest castes-
indeed, those who have no caste at all—are bound hand
and foot by customs and rites as grievous to be borne
and as obstructive in their way to progress, enlighten-
ment, and Christianity, as those binding upon the higher
castes; while the enactments of the Punchayet (a council
literally consisting of five members, but often of more
than thirty or forty individuals), fines of tobacco, liquor,
cloth, &c., are as greatly dreaded by these people as the
swallowing of the five excretions of the cow and a
pilgrimage to the Ganges are by those of the higher
castes. And what is even more extraordinary still,
much of the separation that exists in the artificial life.
of India among Europeans and professing Christians is
very largely regulated by the same feeling of caste.
During the period of Miss Fraser's engagement, her
letters breathe out love and gratitude to her Heavenly
Father for all the way He had led her and the pro-
spect of usefulness that was opening before her. "My
heart is overflowing with gratitude to our Heavenly
Father, and I feel as if I could not thank Him
enough for His great goodness to us." In one of
her letters of that time she says: "I long to do some-
thing for my Saviour. It is indeed a great work, and
well may any creature be proud to be engaged in such
a glorious cause."
A great cloud passed over her young life that caused
her much sorrow about this time. In the early part of
December 1868 it was resolved that she and her mother
should accompany Dr. and Miss M in their mission-
ary tour, and march by stages from Dehra to Saharum-
pore, where the annual meeting of the upper and lower
F
82
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
branches of the American Presbyterian Mission was to
be held that year. She looked forward with pleasure
to these meetings, with their religious services, and the
reunion with her own and her parents' friends, and,.
above all, to the opportunity she would have of doing
something for the Agra Medical Mission scheme, which
Dr. Valentine was at that time advocating, and through
her exertions Dr. M- brought it before the mission-
aries, who expressed their entire concurrence with it,
and also aided it by substantial pecuniary assistance.
On the 2d December she spent her nineteenth birth-.
day in Dehra; many missionary friends joined the little
party, and in all her bright prospect for the future but
one speck of trouble appeared. This lay in the anxiety
caused by the threatened illness of her mother. Writs
ing to Dr. Valentine she says: "You will be sorry to
hear that dear mamma is not very well, and says she
feels the action of her heart a good deal disturbed. I
trust she will, by the blessing of God, soon be all right
again, but still it makes me very uneasy about her, as,
poor darling, she has suffered. Pray for her that it may
pass off.”
Although Mrs. Fraser was in great suffering, it was
thought that the change might do her good, and it was
resolved that they should commence their march. The
journey between Dehra and Saharumpore was very
different in those days from what it is now, so that the
discomfort of travelling can scarcely be imagined by
those who now pass along. During the second and
third stage Mrs. Fraser grew much worse, and was
seized with severe cramp and palpitation of the heart.
In the middle of the night, believing that she was
dying, she awakened her daughter and told her so, add-
ing that if it was indeed the Lord's will to call her
A NEW BOND.
83
away, she wished her to give loving messages to friends,
and earnestly invoked a blessing on her daughter and
her intended husband.
Situated as they were at midnight in the Pass of
Mohun, where the tiger and wild elephant often ranged,
this trial was severe to one so young; and, to add to their
distress, it was found that there was not a single grain
of medicine of any kind in camp. In the course of
another day, however, Mrs. Fraser being somewhat im-
proved, the party was enabled to move slowly forward.
Writing of this anxious time she says: "Oh, it seems so
hard, just when we were so happy; but it is all for the
best. Oh that I may be able to trust Him implicitly.
The God of Jacob is our refuge." Another difficulty
was in the irregularity of communication with places
which were connected with railways, telegraphs, and
post-offices. The railway only extended to Meerut in
those days, and the mail-cart took sometimes twenty-
four hours between Jeypore and Agra, and was fre-
quently robbed en route. The mails were consequently
slow and irregular. It took nearly a week for a letter
from Jeypore to reach Saharumpore, and a telegram from
the former place had to go to Rookie, and from there be
sent by a coolie or runner to Saharumpore. Dr. Valen-
tine, who was written to for advice, sent off a parcel of
medicine immediately, which fortunately reached them
in safety. Everything during this time devolved upon
Miss Fraser, for, apart from her mother's illness, she
was greatly troubled by business matters and worries of
various kinds, causing her to feel the bitterness of her
father's loss deeply. Still she did not sit down and
make her great grief an excuse for doing nothing. She
kept on, hoping, praying, and working.
In the midst of these sore trials, she ventures to look
84
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
out on the future. "Now," she writes, "I am going to
talk of the future, which is much brighter than the
present. I picture to myself our home in Jeypore.
Oh, the very thought is bliss! Troubles may overtake
us, but we shall share them together, and, putting our.
trust in our Heavenly Father, we shall go on our way
rejoicing. Whenever I think of all the way the Lord
has led me, of the many, many mercies which He has
showered upon me, I feel as if I never could distrust
Him; but my faith is oftentimes very weak. Oh that
I could leave all in my Heavenly Father's hands.
'Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.'
What a comforting thought that is! May we realise
it through life, and be enabled to act according to its
injunctions, being supported by its gracious assurance,
'for He careth for you."" Referring to the work which
she hopes to engage in when she reaches Jeypore, she
says: "Does the Maharajah read the Bible you gave him?
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless it to his salvation. I
long to do something, and if I am spared to come to Jey-
pore, you must put me in the way of doing something
really useful in the mission cause.'
""
After leaving Saharumpore they came on to Meerut,
where there was no regular station-house, and where,
through the rudeness of one of the officials, they had
to spend the most of the night in the darkness and cold
of December. It was the 18th of the month when they
reached Agra, and on the 23d they were joined there
by Dr. Valentine, who accompanied them to Lucknow;
and after making several preparations for their present
comfort and for the future, he returned to Jeypore for
a short time, there to await his nuptial summons.
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
85
CHAPTER VI.
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
So new and remarkable was the sphere on which Miss
Fraser was about to enter-so essentially, too, was the
course of her whole after-life determined by her mar-
riage that it is desirable for the reader to have some
distinct knowledge of the position occupied by him
with whom her fortunes were to be linked, and of the
peculiar circumstances whereby he had been placed in
Jeypore at the Maharajah's court. We here give a
brief account of these facts. To few men of the present
day, even amidst the strange vicissitudes of Anglo-
Indian adventure, had it been given to pass through a
more notable series of incidents, beginning with his
own early days. There is a singular resemblance in
some points. between his self-raised prominence in
India and that of Judge Fraser himself; and there is
evident reason for thinking, that among the grounds of
strong sympathy which had drawn the Judge's daughter
towards her future husband, this marked resemblance
of character on the part of the latter to her father con-
stituted by no means the least attractive feature.
Colin Valentine was born in Montrose Street, Brechin,
on January 7, 1834; his parents being handloom wea-
vers there. Owing to their straitened circumstances,
they were thankful to give the boy up to the care of
his maternal randparents when he was a mere child,
86
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
while his two brothers remained at home. His paternal
grandfather had been a flaxdresser, an exceedingly intel-
ligent man, fond of reading, and his wife a particularly
well-educated woman for her station. On the other
hand, his maternal grandparents, with whom his youth-
ful upbringing went on, were a different kind of people
having less book-knowledge, but more truly religious.
Colin Strachan, the old man, had been in early life a
private in the Forfarshire Militia, and altogether care-
less as regarded religion; but one Sunday, when the
regiment was lying at Musselburgh, he was walking
through the churchyard whistling in a low tone, and
asking himself the question, "Shall I go in to church
or shall I not?" When passing a tombstone he paused,
seeing there a little more carving on it than ordinarily,
and was much struck with the following lines:-
"Remember, man, as thou pass by,
What thou art now, so once was I;
What I am now, so thou wilt be:
Prepare thyself to follow me."
The lines had a strange fascination for him; he read
and re-read them till they proved "an arrow of convic-
tion to his soul." He hesitated no longer; entered the
church, heard a faithful sermon, and his heart being
already touched by the spirit of the Holy Ghost, the
careless soldier left the building a new man, having
cast himself unreservedly on the love and mercy of
Christ. His wife had been in her early years much
among the Seceders, and had always been a godly
Christian woman. She had followed the regiment with
her husband, and eked out the small amount of pay by
washing and dressing the officers' linen. When the
regiment was disbanded they returned to Brechin, the
birthplace of Colin Strachan, and there they settled,
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
87
and there their children were born, one son and two
daughters, the eldest of whom was Colin Valentine's
mother. The youngest, Annie, who died in childhood,
lived in the memory of her mother to the end of the
good old woman's days. She loved to talk especially
to her grandson about this little child, and would dwell
on the dark days after little Annie was taken from
them, and then recall to mind how light broke in upon
their sadness at family worship. The passage that
came in course to be read spoke of the eternity of God
—“One day is with the Lord as a thousand years." It
was like a voice from the Father Himself to them, for
they seemed to realise how short time is with its sor-
rows, and how long eternity is with its joys, and the
old soldier returned to his work, feeling he had received
a deeper view into the things of God.
These conversations had a greater effect upon the
boy than his grandmother was aware of. Colin was a
delicate child, with a high-strung sensitive nature, and
as a child he thought much about death and eagerly
read books about heaven, Watts's "World to Come" being
a great favourite. Often after one of Grannie's stories.
he would return to a quiet corner and weep bitterly, and
pray that God would make him good, and that some
day he might be allowed to be a minister-missionary.
His very happiest moments were those spent behind
the arrangement of stools to represent a pulpit whichi
his companions placed before him to hear him—the
bishop, as they called him-sing and preach.
All the recollection of his old soldier-grandfather is
not much, as he passed away in 1841, when the boy
was seven years of age; but, as he slept with the old
people, he used to hear them repeating hymns, and quot-
ing passages of Scripture; and when they discovered he
88
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
was lying awake, although he had said his prayers before
going to bed, he was reminded "to say his gude wordies
over again before he fell asleep." And lying quietly,
too, at the back of Grannie in the early morning, on the
Sabbath more especially, he would listen to his grand-
father repeating some of his special hymns reserved for
such occasions; one particular favourite being-
"Another six days' work is done,
Another Sabbath is begun,"-
showing that to the worthy old man the Sabbath was
indeed a day of rest. And in the evening, dear old
Grannie would recall her recollections of grand sermons
she had heard "lang syne" from some old Secession
divine, perhaps on sacramental occasions, when folk
could sit listening for hours and then think the time
had been short, not one of them wishing for the bless-
ing to be pronounced even after "a double yoking," as
was the phrase for a service when two successive
sermons were preached without any mid-day interval.
After the old man died, his wife, to help her slender
income, kept a few boarders, generally weaver lads, who
were great politicians in those days, and great readers.
Though there was much in the conversation that would
have been better left unsaid before the boy Colin, still
he heard much that was useful to him, and he was
stimulated to read and think for himself. At an early
age Colin was mounted on the loom, his parents de-
termining to make a weaver of him; but being always
a sickly child, and a great sufferer from headaches, it
was soon apparent that his health was failing, and they
therefore made up their minds to give him as much
education as lay in their power, and to trust in the
Lord as to his future. Accordingly the boy, after being
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
89
.
some months longer at school, was apprenticed to a
chemist and druggist, with whom he served the usual
time. Then he went to Falkirk to a situation, and,
with his parents' approval, he began to save his money
for the purpose of proceeding to college; but the youth-
ful aspirant toward academic distinction fell ill, and
the carefully hoarded store was soon spent. There was
nothing for it but to return to Brechin, where he heard
of a small school that had become vacant in connection
With the Free Church. The school was held in a very
primitive kind of place, but there the lad carried his love
for preaching, and held prayer-meetings and delivered
addresses in his own earnest, simple fashion. In the
summer evenings he went about to the various farms
and took photographs of the people, and at the end of
the session he strapped his little camera on his back
and tramped round Loch Rannoch, taking views of the
houses and photographs of the inhabitants. He tried
hard to get near a central place by Saturday night, and
then next day, if the church was far off, or in the even-
ings, he preached to good and appreciative audiences.
Between the school fees and the photographs £25 were
saved, and, with this sum in his pocket, Colin Valentine
matriculated in Edinburgh University. It was a struggle
for all of them, for the boy who went, and for his friends
who remained at home, to keep him at college; but the
parents willingly worked early and late with this object
in view, his mother at the loom, and his father trudging
the country for miles to solicit orders when not at his
loom also. Touching as the circumstances appear, yet
this was but one in many cases of such noble effort
and patient self-denial among the honest peasantry of
Scotland.
At the end of the first session Colin Valentine did
90
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
not know if ever he would get back to college. On the
last night, after he had packed his box, he went and
looked through the college gates, the tears coming in
spite of himself to his eyes as he stood wondering if
ever he would take his place in the old classroom again.
He had heard of the Edinburgh Medical Missionary
Society, and had become acquainted with the late Dr.
Coldstream, Professor Miller, &c., and he sent in an ap-
plication to be taken in as one of their students, his
application being backed by the recommendation of
many kind friends, who were aware of the lad's deter-
mination of purpose, his industry, and indomitable
spirit. He had scarcely been at home a week when he
was asked to meet the committee, and to his great joy,
and that of his parents, he was enrolled as one of the
students. His path was thus made plain before him.
He obtained an introduction to the late Dr. Somerville,
who engaged him to read along with his son John, a
student in the same classes; receiving for this assist-
ance £2 a month, which the young man found amply
sufficient to supply his temporal wants when aided by
a periodical box of provisions from home.
For some time he resided with Dr. Burns Thomson,
in the Medical Mission House, Cowgate, as his assist-
ant, until, at length, he was chosen by the United
Presbyterian Mission Board to go out as their medical
missionary to India. On the 8th of October 1861,
Colin Valentine was married to Mary, second daughter
of Dr. Somerville, then Secretary of the Mission Board
of the United Presbyterian Church, and on the 12th of
the month they sailed for Bombay. Unfortunately his
young wife caught cold almost immediately after they
left home, which developed itself in September 1862.
She died in the house of the Rev. Dr. Wilson, Bombay.
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
91
The instructions he received on leaving for India were.
conveyed to him in the form of a letter. Therein he
found that though he was expected to attend to the
health and to see after the comfort of the missionaries,
the main object for which he was deputed was to labour
among the natives of Rajputana. "The great difficulty
which the missionary experiences is to induce the
natives, whose spiritual good he seeks, to place con-
fidence in him, to look upon him as a friend, and to
listen with interest to his message.
But when any
one removes any of their bodily pains and effects their
relief from a disease, their feelings of gratitude are ex-
cited, and they come to regard their benefactor with
favour. . . . There are thus three things which you will
keep steadily before you, and labour by divine grace to
accomplish: First, you will visit the people; and, to
enable you to do so efficiently, you will have to acquire
their language, and do what you can to heal their
bodily ailments; secondly, you will carefully and pru-
dently take advantage of your position and influence to
commend Christian truth to your patients, and, through
the channels which gratitude has opened, to drop in the
seeds of the Divine Word; thirdly, you will regard your-
self as a pioneer or herald of the ordained missionaries,
and as one whose duty it is to remove, as far as you
can, obstructions out of their path."
That Dr. Valentine carried out these instructions is
amply borne out by the testimony of his brother mis-
sionaries; and from the time he reached his station at
Benares in 1861, until he left for Jeypore in 1866, we
find him heartily engaged in the ordinary duties of the
Mission, as well as aiding, through every means at his
command, "to drop in the seeds of the Divine Word,"
according to his instructions. He gave general satis-
92
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
faction to the Rev. Mr. S, of Benares, who
found him a ready helper and agreeable companion
during itinerating tours in the neighbouring villages, as
well as by making himself generally useful as oppor-
tunity occurred.
Under Dr. Valentine's charge the medical and sur-
gical portion of the dispensary greatly increased, and
in 1864 he was appointed civil surgeon to the station
of Benares and medical officer to the Ajmere and Mair-
wara police corps, the duties of which appointments
he carried on in conjunction "with those of the Mis-
sion, handing over the whole of the emoluments derived
from the Government appointments to the funds of the
Mission. He had in town and country from 12,000 to
14.000 patients, and a larger number of surgical cases
than he ever had had in any one year before." In the
last cold season, according to the "Record" of June
1866, "he accompanied Mr. S through parts of
Mugra, Marwar, and Meywar; taught in the school for
the two months when the ordinary teacher was absent
on his tour; and in the close of that year and the be-
ginning of the next he went with the Deputy Commis-
sioner through Mairwara, preached occasionally in the
villages, vaccinated a considerable number of children,
prescribed for a large number of patients, and performed
minor surgical operations,—in one case removing suc-
cessfully a diseased upper jaw. He examined all the
Government schools, which were found to be in a
wretched condition, and drew out a plan by which they
might be regularly examined and reported on. He has
compiled a prayer and promise for every day in the
year in Hindi and Persian Urdu; written a small scien-
tific treatise for the higher school classes and teachers;
prepared a tract in Mairwara on small-pox, and another
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
93
on cholera in Mairwara and Persian Urdu; five hundred
copies of each of the two last have been circulated by
the Government. Besides these things, he has attended
the jail and regimental hospitals; written various re-
ports on public matters; induced the Government to
appoint two native vaccinators; and he has been in-
strumental in abolishing several improper customs. By
him and the two native vaccinators, who have been
placed under his direction, more than seven thousand
children have been vaccinated. How many were thus
preserved from the destructive malady will be seen
from the previous circumstance, that out of thirty chil-
dren attending the senior classes in the Todgurh and
Beawr schools, only eight had escaped having the dis-
ease, while two had each lost an eye.”
And now the time arrived when all his work must
be given up in Benares, owing to the opening up of a
still wider field in the city of Jeypore. "There are times.
when God's providence sets before a man an open door
and a great career, and calls on him to decide at once
before the opportunity passes away for ever." So wrote
Mr. S in connection with the change that took
place, adding: “Such an opportunity has been granted
to our dear brother, an opportunity which, if lost.
through indecision or delay, might never have occurred
again." The story of Dr. Valentine's going to Jeypore,
told by himself, is as follows:-
On his way to the Hills he arrived about the 10th
of April, and was very kindly received by the Political
Agent, Captain Beynon, and his wife. Captain Beynon
was the son of a missionary of the Church of England,
who had been in India for upwards of forty years
without having once visited England. Mrs. Beynon
was a daughter of General Sumner, and niece of the
94
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
then Governor-General. They were good Christian
people, lights in the surrounding darkness, who had
been long wishing and praying for the introduction of
Christianity into Jeypore. The first morning of Dr.
Valentine's visit-which he intended to be of only two
days' duration he was informed that the students of
the medical college, who had been under medical train-
ing by Dr. Burr, then surgeon to the Jeypore Residency,
were to be examined that afternoon in presence of the
Maharajah and Durbar at the palace, and he was asked
by Captain Beynon to take part in the proceedings..
Along with Dr. De Fabeck, he accepted the invita-
tion, was presented to his Highness the Maharajah, and
after a little conversation the examination commenced.·
Though suffering from a severe headache, as it was the
final examination, Dr. Valentine took the opportunity
of saying a few words to the students, reminding them
that the education they had received was a gift from
God; not for their own glorification, but for the good of
others. The Maharajah was much pleased, and then
and there took a great fancy to Dr. Valentine, urging
upon him to prolong his stay, and made him promise
to visit him in the morning. He accordingly went, and
had his photograph taken by the Maharajah himself.
In course of conversation, his Highness the Maharajah
informed Dr. Valentine that one of his queens had been
sick for upwards of a year; that she had been given
over by the native doctors, and that, although under
medical treatment, she was getting worse; that the
court physicians had said there was no hope of her
recovery, and asked him to visit and prescribe for her.
Dr. Valentine explained to the Maharajah that he was
merely passing through Jeypore; 'that if he did attend
the Maharani, it must only be along with Dr. Burr, her
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
95
medical attendant; and as Dr. De Fabeck was also in
Jeypore, he proposed that he should be asked to be
present also.
This being agreed to, a time was fixed for their
waiting upon Her Highness, when Dr. Valentine, from
his knowledge of the language of the people of Rajpu-
tana, was enabled to elicit many facts concerning the
origin and progress of the disease that had hitherto
escaped observation; and acting as interpreter to Drs.
Burr and De Fabeck, mentioned what he had discovered,
stating his opinion as to the nature of the malady from
which the lady was suffering, and sketched out what
he believed was the proper line of treatment for the
future. The other two doctors concurring in his opi-
nion, he was asked by the Maharajah to undertake the
case, and under his treatment the Maharani began to
recover. Dr. Valentine for this got much credit and re-
pute, but he himself always ascribed the praise to God.
Seeing that the Queen was recovering, and his leave
was running out, Dr. Valentine prepared to depart, and
had actually sent on his heavy luggage to Agra, when
the Maharajah sent a message by Captain Beynon, say-
ing that he wished Dr. Valentine to remain until the
Queen was restored to health, and at the same time
made overtures for permanently retaining his services.
Captain Beynon strongly advised Dr. Valentine to think
over it seriously. It was a field of no ordinary interest,
and was being opened in no ordinary manner. By
schools and college, education had made great progress.
under the enlightened reign of the present Maharajah, a
young man little more than thirty years of age, who had
been trained under the care of the British Government,
who during his minority governed the state. He was
anxious for the welfare of his people, and did what he
96
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
could to educate them as well as to develop the re-
sources of his country. Connected with the institutions,
a number of intelligent Bengalese, educated at mission
schools, had formed themselves into a society, and were
discussing such subjects as female education, the cus-
toms of the Zenana, and other questions that will sooner
or later revolutionise the whole strata of Indian society.
Captain Beynon was sure that His Highness would
place Dr. Valentine at the head of these institutions were
he to remain in Jeypore; so with all these considerations
before him, he wrote to Dr. Somerville, saying: "I need
not tell you how I felt, Beawr and our dear mission on
the one hand, Jeypore, with 150,000 heathens, on the
other, dear sweet Beawr,' as our dear Mary used to
call it. My ambition never rose beyond it. To go out
and in amongst our dear native Christians, sit with
them in their little mud-houses, rejoice in their joy,
and weep with them in their sorrow; and when the
Lord's time came, be laid in the little quiet graveyard
in the station corner: these were all my ideas.'
""
Two years after their marriage the gentle spirit of
Mary Somerville had passed away, another victim to
climate and hard work of a missionary's wife, so that
Dr. Valentine clung with all the more tenacity to his
first home in India and to his brethren of the mission.
But there was Jeypore, with its heathen, with its noble
institutions, conducted, it is true, not on Christian princi-
ples, but which when ordered aright might become such
engines for good in the whole North-West Provinces. In
the meantime, Dr. Valentine had several long and inte-
resting conversations with His Highness the Maharajah
on religious subjects, who had expressed a desire to have
and to read a copy of our Scriptures. Daily Dr. Valen-
tine became more impressed with the importance of the
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
97
field, and the time and circumstance being favourable
for mission-work. The wishes of the Maharajah being
distinctly made known to Dr. Valentine, he stated that,
as he was a missionary, he could only accept of His
Highness's proposals upon the distinct understanding
that, as such, he would be allowed without let or hind-
rance to teach the doctrines of the Christian religion.
This was acceded to, and, to the honour of His Highness
the late Maharajah, he never once departed from the
engagement which he had made with him.
The college and educational institutions were made
over to him; a grant of 10,000 Rs. was made for a
college library and philosophical instruments. The
European members of the station were formed into a
little church, the services being conducted after the
manner of the Church of England, Dr. Valentine preach-
ing or giving the address. A considerable number of
improvements were set. agoing, which they trusted, by
God's blessing, would be for good.
Dr. Valentine had taken this step on his own re-
sponsibility, it being impossible to consult the Mission
Board before the decision was made. "I have been," he
says when writing to the secretary, "forced into circum-
stances in which I have (or, at least, I have supposed)
seen the hand of God leading me to take a certain
course, without commands, and perhaps even against
commands. I have, not dreamcl of leaving the Mission.
If they will allow me to be their servant, I will be re-
joiced. Ye are not your own' are words which, for
months past, have been ringing in my ears; and my
prayer, like Paul's, has been, 'Lord, what wilt Thou have
me to do?' I have believed that He has sent me here
for some great work. Oh that His Spirit may be with
me and support me in my work!"
G
98
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
In a minute of the Foreign Committee, dated 26th
June 1866, we find that "the sub-committee, looking
at the apparently providential character of this move-
ment, and at the fact that Dr. Valentine was called
suddenly to give his decision, and could not consult
either his brethren or the committee, recommend that
the committee approve of what Dr. Valentine has done,
gladly still recognise him as one of their agents, and agree
to give him up for twelve months to the service of the
Maharajah of Jeypore."
The committee cordially approved of this recommen-
dation, and recorded "the earnest hope that this very
interesting movement will lead to the opening of the
door for the entrance of the gospel into that important
native state."
The opinion of all the members was "that the hand
of the Lord was evidently in the matter, and many
friends of the mission were not only deeply interested
in Dr. Valentine's letter, but expressed themselves
satisfied that he could not have done anything else.
than accept the offer made him;" Mr. Shoolbred, from
his station in India, stating, "that to his mind, consider-
ing the extraordinary circumstances of the case, Dr.
Valentine would have failed in his duty had he acted
otherwise than he had done.”
Strengthened by the approval of the committee, of his
brethren in India, and of friends at home, Dr. Valentine
entered upon his arduous duties. He was quite aware
that his position would have difficulties, and that there
was much need for "caution, tact, and prayer, but he
was earnest in purpose, energetic, full of plans, and not
easily appalled.”
*
DR. COLIN VALENTINE.
99
During the whole time Dr. Valentine was at Jeypore,
he enjoyed the confidence and friendship of the Maha-
rajah, and was thus enabled through him to establish
several institutions for the physical and moral advance-
ment of the people. Amongst these may be mentioned
the School of Arts, the Public Library, the Philosophical
Institute, a museum, a Medical Hall, branch dispensaries,
jail discipline, and the introduction of prison works, &c.
When Dr. Valentine went to Jeypore, the central prison
contained between 800 and 900 prisoners, many of whom
had been confined for years without ever having had
their cases looked into. On his representation many of
these unfortunates were released. All were entirely
without discipline, wandering about in a state of idle-
ness and almost perfect nudity, bartering the grain pro-
vided for their food for opium and other intoxicating
drugs. These were reduced to order. Workshops were
erected, and the prisoners taught useful trades. All
these and other institutions were established at the sug-
gestion of, and for years carried on by, Dr. Valentine.
Captain Beynon, in his report for 1868-69 says: “Dr.
Valentine is deserving of the greatest praise, not only
as being the projector of these valuable institutions,
but for the ability, zeal, and disinterestedness with which
he continues to labour for their advancement, and for the
ultimate fulfilment of their object." In explanation of
the word "disinterested," used by the writer, we may ex-
plain that for years Dr. Valentine received nothing for
his labours in connection with these institutions, simply
drawing his pay as private physician to the Maharajah.
With regard to the missionary work, the present
Bishop of Lahore says: "Dr. Valentine's work and its
results are both a precious memorial for the Church of
God of the wise and skilled working by which His
ICO
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
never-failing providence ordereth all things, and also a
signal instance of the hold a medical missionary may
obtain on a heathen prince and people. Having twice
preached at Jeypore in former years, and having had
my spirit stirred within me by seeing the city wholly
given to idolatry, I have marvelled the more at the
way in which God has made an entrance for the gospel,
and given His servants a key to the hearts of some of
the most bigoted adherents of idolatry."
As a first-fruit of this mission, two hopeful inquirers
were instructed for months by Dr. Valentine himself;
one an old man, a Gar Brahmin, one of the highest caste,
formerly a priest. He afterwards taught in one of Dr.
Valentine's schools. The other, in token of his sincerity,
broke caste by throwing away his Brahminical thread
and necklace. These two converts were baptized by
Mr. Shoolbred, one receiving a new name, Isa Das
(servant of Jesus), who exclaimed after the ceremony
was over, "Blessed be the day that I came to Jeypore
and heard of Jesus Christ. Blessed be the day that I
met with Dr. Valentine at the Maji-Kebagh." The
other, Husan Ali, had been a convert before, but had
gone back, causing much grief to the missionaries at
Beawr, who continued day by day to pray on his be-
half. An evident blessing rested on Dr. Valentine's
faithful treatment of him, so that it was with unspeak-
able satisfaction they were able at the weekly prayer-
meeting to receive him back into the Church. The Rev.
John Robson's testimony, in a letter dated 22d February
1868, was: "I was glad to find Dr. Valentine in much
better health than he was when I visited him twenty
months before. He could undertake work without seem-
ing to feel it much, and altogether he seemed in a better
state of health than I have seen him since the first

CALCUTT
ΙΟΙ
LIN VALENTINE.
years of his Resin HIGH SCHOOso progress
also
in all the departments of which he has supervision.
In the college
bere was Aeded
provement. A
good Medical Hal www.thed, and a School of
Arts established, that promises to be a boon to all Rajpu-
tana. He is thus, by his position in Jeypore, doing a great
deal of material good. But by far the most pleasing
sight that we witnessed there was the beginning of a
native church. . . . There are already at Jeypore six
church members, of a character, as far as I could judge,
to form a most hopeful nucleus of the future church
there."
The beginning of 1869 found Dr. Valentine thus
heartily engaged in his duties for the Maharajah, and as
busily in the work of the Mission. Though he received
no salary from the Mission Board from the date he
entered the Maharajah's service, he had, according to
a minute of the Foreign Mission Committee, "devoted
both time and personal funds to promote missionary
work in Jeypore;" and, as stated in the "Missionary
Record" of July 1869, "a large central school is a stand-
ing witness to the existence of our Mission, and a proof
that its object is the spread of Christianity."
We close this chapter by a quotation from the October
number of the "Record," showing that Dr. Valentine was
prospering in his mission-work, and stood high in the
estimation of all with whom he had to do.
"Few men
in India seem to be more honoured of God than our
admirable friend and missionary, Dr. Valentine. Hist
position at Jeypore is known to our readers. It has
been found for him by a Providence as gracious as it is
almighty. His labours as our missionary are entirely
gratuitous. Indeed he has expended his own funds
rather than drawn upon ours. He has founded a
102
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
native church, and already brought upwards of a thou-
sand of the native youths of Jeypore under his scheme
of instruction, which includes the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Mission Board has resolved to sustain Dr. Valen-
tine in his labours by such pecuniary aid as he may
require in erecting a place of worship and promoting
Christian education, as well as by seconding his wishes
and strengthening his hands in sending out one or more
to labour along with him. Providence seems to be
signally employing his energy, wisdom, and tact in
opening a door that promises to be 'wide and effectual."
JEYPORE.
103
CHAPTER VII.
MARRIAGE—JEYPORE—THE MAHARAJAH.
THE morning of the 20th of February 1869 did not
dawn on a more contented, happier bride than was
Isabel Fraser. Dark clouds had, for the last few
months, hung over her path, yet she was now able to
thank God for such painful experience, considering it
as one by which her trust in Him was confirmed. By
these trials devout reliance was not only intensified and
strengthened for the time being, but ever onward to the
end of her days. When alluding to this period of her
life, years afterwards, she did so with gratitude, adding,
"I know that the Lord is the hearer and answerer of
prayer." She had been strengthened with a strength
she knew not of; crooked places had been made.
straight; and the dark clouds had showed, in manifest
response to her prayers, "their silver lining." Her im-
plicit religious trust was something remarkable; it
was with her a living reality.
living reality. "It is the will of the
Lord," she writes on one occasion, "and it must be
done-the more willingly on our part; too, the better
for us-even although its performance should, mean-
while, cause as much pain as the plucking out of a
right eye or the cutting off of a right hand.”
>
We have already seen how she looked forward to
Jeypore as the scene of her life-work, and the pleasure
and honour she experienced in being able to work for
104
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
Him who had been so merciful to her. The manner in
which Jeypore had been opened to the entrance of the
gospel, the cure of the Queen, and the promise of the
Maharajah to allow Dr. Valentine to proclaim the glad
tidings of salvation (a promise, be it said, which, to the
honour of this noble Rajput prince, amidst conflicting
interests, he fully kept to the last), was looked upon by
her as another instance of the power and wisdom of the
wonder-working Jehovah.
Surrounded by a few sincerely attached friends,
Isabel Fraser was married on this 20th of February
to Dr. Colin Valentine, by the Rev. James Williamson,
a chaplain of the Church of Scotland. The ceremony
took place in the Bibiapur palace, that had been built.
by Ausuf-u-dowla for a country residence in his sport-
ing excursions. It is a two-storied building, thoroughly
in the English style, General Martin being its reputed
architect. The site is well chosen, upon a considerably
elevated spot at a bend of the river Goomty. To this
retreat the Prince-Regent was in the habit of making
excursions in a small steamboat, constructed in 1819
by an English engineer, the first steam-vessel known
in India.
Mr. Williamson had been an old and valued friend
of Mr. Fraser, and, referring to the time of the marriage,
he says: "I then thought what a pleasure it would
have been to Mr. Fraser to have handed over his daugh-
ter to a missionary who had done so much for India.”
In a few days afterwards they entered Jeypore, and
it will not be out of place to give here a brief account
of that important native Rajput city, as well as of its
ruler. It lies to the east of the province of Ajmere,
and is separated from it only by the small native State
of Kishingurh. The capital, also called Jeypore, is
JEYPORE.
105
about eighty miles east from Ajmere, situated on the
road to Agra. This city, which was built about 160
years ago by the celebrated Jai Singh,-distinguished for
his scientific attainments, especially his skill in astro-
nomy,—has a population of 150,000, and is one of the
finest native cities in India. It is two miles in length
and one in breadth; the principal street, which runs
from east to west, is 120 feet wide, intersected by
streets of equal breadth, having at each intersection a
market square. The palace, which occupies the central
part of the city, is a magnificent collection of buildings,
half a mile long, the front of which rises to the height
of seven or eight stories. It has within it several spa-
cious courts; the hall of audience, a splendid oblong
room, is built entirely of white marble, and it has
attached to it a large and richly-supplied garden. The
Maharajah Ram Singh was, at the time of Dr. Valen-
tine's arrival in Jeypore, a little more than thirty years.
of age. He had been trained under the care of the
British Government, which, during his minority, ruled
the State, and which was ever anxious for the welfare
of the people of the country, amounting to nearly three
millions. He did what he could to educate them, as
well as to develop the resources of his territory. He
was a Rajput of the Katchwai tribe,-one of the avatars
of Vishnu being a tortoise, the Sanskrit of which is
Katch, whence the tribal epithet, as the tribe of the
Katchwais are fantastically said to have sprung from
this avatar or incarnation of Vishnu.
He was born in 1833, but considerable obscurity
hangs over his birth. His father, Jai Singh, died at
the age of seventeen or eighteen. It is said that the
education of the young Maharajah was neglected, and,
106
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
•
as is usual in such cases, temptations and allurements.
were placed before him in order to draw his mind away'
from the duties of his position, and allow them to fall
into the hands of interested parties. Amongst one of
his first acts, when he came into full power, was to
appoint as Prime Minister his pundit tutor, Sheo Deen,
a Brahmin; when a struggle, similar to what often tran-
spired under our own old feudal system, took place
between the crown and chief nobles. The hereditary
officials lost their position and influence, while the
King introduced such measures in the governing of
the kingdom as he deemed best.
Sheo Deen died in 1874, but before his death he had
lost much of his power and influence in the State. It
was through him that Dr. Valentine received his intro-
duction to the Maharajah in the first instance, which
afterwards led to the opening up of Rajputana as a
mission station. It happened in this wise. Towards
the latter end of 1863 or beginning of 1864, the Maha-
rajah of Jeypore came to Ajmere, and was invested as
Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order
of the Star of India. Dr. Valentine was at Ajmere at
the time, taking the place of the civil surgeon, who had
gone on leave. The latter had been most kind in
attending the missionaries, and they all thought that, if
Dr. Valentine was to act for him, it would be a graceful
way of acknowledging his kindness. It was in this way
that Dr. Valentine met with the Prime Minister, Sheo
Deen, and in conversation told him who he was; that
he was a missionary as well as a doctor, but was acting
at present for the civil surgeon. Dr. Valentine also
informed him that he was taking advantage of his pre-
sence in Ajmere to deliver a course of lectures on natural
JEYPORE.
107
science, with experiments, in the Government College,
and on physiology in the Mission bungalow. The Prime
Minister expressed a wish to be allowed to be present
at one of the lectures in the latter place. So interested
was he in what he heard, that he cordially invited Dr.
Valentine to come to Jeypore, and took the first oppor-
tunity, before he left Ajmere, to introduce him to the
Maharajah.
At home, in Jeypore, the Maharajah was a very
simply-living man. In his dress you would not have
'been able to distinguish him from one of his attendants.
In Durbar also, that is, on state occasions, he was plainly
dressed. The only ornament or piece of jewellery he
then wore was the Star of India; many of the chiefs
on such occasions being literally laden with jewellery,
often to the amount of £20,000 or £30,000. All this
the Maharajah looked upon with contempt. He was a
man considerably below the ordinary height, being not
above 5 feet 3 or 4 inches, with a stoop, too, as he walked.
Usually he had a thoughtful, almost melancholy ex-
pression; but when pleased with anything, and lit up
with a smile, his countenance beamed with intelligence.
When indignant at any act of injustice his frown was
withering. He had great command over himself, that
is, he could bide his time rather than act upon the
impulse of the moment. He was a great judge of char-
acter, and in a very few minutes could take the measure
of a man. He acted upon the principle that to err is
human; to errors he was charitable. Those, however,
who by selfishness or deceit fell under his displeasure
were never allowed to obtain his confidence again; he
might and did use them in carrying out his measures,
but it was always apparent to themselves, as well as to
108
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALÊNTINE.
others, that they were outside his confidence. To his
friends he was a most sincere friend, the last man who
would desert a friend "under fire;" and from personal
experience Dr. Valentine could testify to this, that when
troubles overtook him and his wife from quarters the
most unexpected, the Maharajah's friendship became
more firm.
On Mrs. Valentine's arrival in Jeypore she was
enthusiastically welcomed by the members of the little
native church, the women of which, in their profusion.
of delight, clasped her feet, and called her their religious
mother. Speaking a kind word to each, she told them
that she would ever look upon them as sisters, and
hoped that they would do the same by her. They were
pleased above measure at the manner in which she
returned their greetings, and equally surprised to find
a lady who could speak to them in their own language
as one of themselves. Major Jacob, whose friendship
towards Dr. Valentine has remained unchanged from the
first day he came to Jeypore to the last, had arranged
their furniture in their new house, so that what was
required to be done was only to add those finishing-
touches which a lady's hand can alone giye.
When settled down, the day was regularly divided out,
and a time set apart for some particular work. A working
class for the women was formed, and while thus employed
Mrs. Valentine encouraged free conversation. In this
way she became acquainted with the history, character,
and temper of each, found out their good points as well
as their failings, and manifested such a genuine interest
and sympathy with each, that she quickly obtained
their confidence and love. They looked upon her as
indeed a sister in Christ, consulted her in their troubles,
JEYPORE.
109.
>
and even in the arrangement of their household matters
received her advice, encouragement, and occasional re-
bulas, in the spirit in which they were given. Gradually
the ork was extended; a reading as well as a working
class was formed for the systematic reading of the Bible
and other books. "The Peep of Day," "Women of the
Bible," "Christian Mothers," and several other book~
of this kind in Hindi, were read through and greatly
enjoyed. Her notes show how thoroughly she prepared
herself for the Bible lesson: hundreds of expressions,
ideas, forms of thought, and rules of practice, which to
those who have been all their life acquainted with
the teachings of the Scriptures are easily understood,
but present difficulties to young Indian converts to a
much greater extent than many have the least idea of,
and in many instances not being understood or appre-
ciated, are insufficiently provided for. The builder-up
of our native church in India must be one who thor-
oughly understands and appreciates the difficulties
with which he has to contend, and carefully, prayerfully,
and lovingly sits down amongst the native Christians
as one of themselves, leading their feet into the way of
holiness. Those who engage in the work in this way and
in this spirit need have no fear of "compromising their
dignity" or "demeaning themselves in the eyes of the
natives," but, on the contrary, may rejoice that they are
permitted to imitate the Saviour in His method and work.
Idioms were explained, manners and customs different
from those of the people of India were pointed out, and
the teaching of the passage illustrated and enforced by
means of parables and examples taken from every day life.
Nor were such instructions confined to those who were
avowed converts; the wives of the servants, and even
ΙΙΟ
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
women from the adjoining native village, hearing that
the new Mem Sahib loved native. women and could
speak to them in their own dialect, began to come in,
and were treated kindly. The house, with its chairs,
tables, clock, pictures, piano, &c., were never-failing
sources of wonder and delight, and the uses of each
were explained with such patience and fulness as called
forth their admiration. The virtues of cold water and
cleanliness were dwelt upon, and, above all, she directed
them to the Saviour. A friend once remarked to her,
"I cannot understand how you can possibly trouble
yourself with these people or spend so much time upon
them." Her answer was, "I love the people; I love to
point them to the blessed Jesus."
In her second year's residence at Jeypore her heart
was greatly touched by the sight of the number of poor
children growing up in a state of ignorance, and to meet
this want she commenced a school in the verandah.
Writing to her mother at this time she mentions her
plans and hopes :-
"9th November 1870.-I opened my school this
morning with eleven children, some nice bright little
things; nine came from outside, and I had Gopalia and
one of the Bhishtee boys. The mother came and said
he had learnt Hindi a little, but had forgotten it again,
and wished to be admitted, but I thought him too old
for an infant school. I am so glad to have made a be-
ginning. I have already the promise of four or five
more children. I trust by the blessing of God I may
be enabled to do them some good. First they must
learn to read, and then, by reading and being read
to, I hope they may come to a knowledge of the
truth as it is in Jesus, and by the grace of God be
JEYPORE.
III
drawn out of heathenism into the fold of the Good
Shepherd."
((
On the IIth of the same month she again reports the
progress of her school:-"My little school is increas-
ing. I have already fourteen children now. This morn-
ing I began a singing and working class for the girls."
Many touching allusions to this little school are found
scattered about in her letters to her husband, his
parents and friends. Writing 1st April 1873 she says:
I have been obliged to close my little school for a
time, as there is small-pox in the village near us, and
one of the boys has had it; but I trust before long we
shall be able to begin again. Some of the little fellows
got on so nicely, I quite miss them of a morning. We
have much need of your prayers as well as of others of
God's people. This is a large field and the seed is being
sown, but the increase must come from above."
January 15, 1872. - The new missionaries (Dr.
Somerville and Mr. Macalister) were very much inter-
ested in the school, it being the first of the kind they
had seen."
The school increased in numbers and usefulness until
it became one of the most important of her many works.
Children who had been running about in perfect igno-
rance were, before she left for Scotland in 1874, re-
markably good scholars, able to read Hindi and Urdi
with great fluency, and could go through the life of
Christ, His work, death, and resurrection, relate the
parables He spoke, the miracles He performed, and the
trials He endured, as correctly as any scholars in
Christian Scotland.
Running over, by means of her own letters, the
various objects that were appreciated by her at this
112
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
Among these may
There were several
with the Mission,
period, we find there were other forms of work which
had been commenced before her arrival, but which so
thoroughly engaged her interest and assistance that
they became practically her own.
be mentioned the Sabbath-school.
day-schools in the city connected
and the boys were brought up by their teachers on the
Sabbath morning for the purpose of going over again
the Bible lessons which they had learnt during the
week, and on the whole they were pleased to come.
After her arrival in Jeypore she threw herself heart-
and-soul into this department of the work. She had
ample resources for interesting the children by means
of tales which she composed, in which local scenes
and characters were introduced, while great truths
were explained, illustrated, and enforced. By help of
pictures, the stories of the Bible, when related by her,
possessed new attractions. Instrumental music and
singing were introduced into the service; and so inter-
ested did the children become, that in an incredibly short
time the attendance was doubled. Many who had no
connection with the week-day schools swelled the ranks
on Sunday, and on many occasions walked upwards of
a couple of miles to be present Sabbath after Sabbath.
Numbers of grown-up people were also attracted towards
the services after the introduction of native instrumental
music and the singing of native hymns.
Mr. Shoolbred, writing an account of a visit he paid
to Jeypore in the beginning of 1872, shows how fully
occupied Dr. Valentine also was in his department:-
How great a pleasure it was for me to meet, after
more than four years' separation, with my dear brother,
Dr. Valentine; to find him well and unchanged, unless,
JEYPORE.
113
perhaps, that his warm heart had grown, if possible,
warmer, and that his genial, joyous manner had mel-
lowed into still greater depth and richness of tone. As
usual, he was up to the eyes in work. Besides daily
visits to the palace to see patients in the Maharajah's
household, he had several sick people to see in different
parts of the city; had classes reading the Bible with
him, not only from his own schools, but from the
Maharajah's college as well; was giving lectures on
physiology every alternate Friday to the members,
natives and Europeans, of a society which he has formed
for the promotion of social science; was ever ready to
enter the lists of argument with the heads of the
various religious sects who flock to Jeypore as a centre
of wealth and influence; and, as if these abundant
labours were not sufficient, was conducting a discussion,
by letter, with the Roman Catholic hierarchy in India,
through the columns of the 'Delhi Gazette,' in the hope
of being able to open the eyes of some poor members
of that Church to the spiritual tyranny under which
they are living, and of leading them to seek, through
the truth of a free Bible, that liberty wherewith Christ
makes His people free."
Some months before this visit, the hearts of Dr.
Valentine and his wife had been greatly cheered by
the kindness of the Maharajah. Dr. Valentine, in a
letter to the Mission Board Secretary, says, "The Lord
has opened up the way for us here in Jeypore. A few
days ago His Highness the Maharajah granted me a
piece of ground and a well for a bungalow and garden.
The Persian Kaifiat, putting me in legal possession of
it, has also been received, and this morning I was out
seeing it measured. It consists of twelve beegas of
land, and a well, worth about 1200 to 1500 rupees
II
114
MEMOIR OF MRS. VÅLENTINE.
(£120 to £150). It is a personal gift to myself, and
it makes me one of the Jagirdars of the Rajah. Of
course I shall have very much pleasure in handing it
over to the Mission. I shall commence work at once
in the way of levelling the ground and erecting a bun-
galow. I am more thankful for this than I can tell
you, and have been praying for it for a long time; and
now I shall ask those friends who were praying for it
also to join me in thanksgiving to a covenant-keeping
God for this new mark of His favour to us and ap-
proval of our work in Jeypore."
Though sadly requiring a change, owing to an acci-
dent when out riding and an overstrain of work, Dr.
Valentine remained in Jeypore watching every oppor-
tunity to push his petition for the grant, but his heart
was abundantly cheered by the open doors he found
for mission-work during the year. The seed in much
prayer has been cast upon the waters; some one may
find it springing many days after we are gone." One of
the highest men in the State, a Mussulman, is found
asking for a copy of the Scriptures, which is read, and
a Hindu expresses a wish to have one also; and one day
Dr. Valentine is talking with the nobles in the council
chamber on the subject of caste, clean and unclean
things, his attentive audience consisting of upwards of
fifty people. Again the open door is with the Maharajahı
himself. Having to call upon him, he found him sur-
rounded by his chiefs, busy engaged telling them about
some chemical wonders Dr. Valentine had been explain-
ing to him three days before. The Maharajah re-
quested him to explain them over again, and from one
thing to another they were led to go over much the
same ground that had been gone over in the council
chamber with the nobles, as well as to speak about
JEYPORE.
115
religion, when he expounded some of the principles of
the gospel. One of his converts had meetings with
the teachers and pupils every Sabbath morning in the
school. The Sabbath-afternoon meeting at the bunga-
low was often attended by people from the city, who
would stop behind to speak with Dr. and Mrs. Valentine.
Several of the very interesting sect, which is confined to
Jeypore, named Dadu Panthis, called upon Dr. Valen-
tine, and he had long conversations with them. A
follower of Guru Nanak came, too, to the morning
service one Sabbath, and had a long and interesting
talk with the Doctor Sahib. "There is a decided spirit
of inquiry about," writes Dr. Valentine in his report for
1871. “I have been more satisfied this last year with
my native church than in some previous years. Our
agents have, on the whole, worked well, and entered
with much interest into the various questions that have
come before us. Mr. Martin was particularly pleased
with the little school my wife has got up for little boys
and girls at our bungalow. Speaking the language like
one of themselves, she has drawn them out wonderfully,
and I am sure you would be pleased with the intelli-
gence manifested by them and the zest with which they
enter into their hymn-singing."
Mrs. Valentine had laboured in this vineyard from
early youth, having, under her father's superintendence,
taught a class in a large Sunday-school, so that it was
no new thing for her to gather in the children from the
district to teach them daily to read the Bible in the ver-
nacular, simply, perseveringly, prayerfully, and lovingly,
in the work which had been so auspiciously begun.
Mrs. Valentine's work was not, however, confined to
the children alone; she engaged actively in training
the native Christian women by means of Sunday Bible
116
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
classes and meetings during the week. Not only wére
these meetings directed to Biblical instruction and de-
votional exercises, but in time were utilised for social
purposes, so that these poor women were made to feel
the sweetness of society and sacred harmony. At these
social re-unions Mrs. Valentine led the singing, and
charmed the hearts of all her hearers by the hearty way
in which she encouraged the singing of the Christian
choral bhajams or hymns, which were universally be-
loved and known by the natives. Young lads came to
her, too, entreating her to teach them English, and, after
consideration, she promised she would, on condition that
they formed themselves into a class for the study of the
Bible. They eagerly complied; and from that time
forward she held a boys' Bible class every morning in
the spacious verandah of their bungalow.
She had now two children, Nellie, born 5th April
1870, and Ettie, 8th October 1871; but though these
new ties brought fresh cares, she still continued to take
her full share in mission-work. The only alteration
made was to reduce her correspondence. This was a
great sacrifice to her, as she had a large circle of friends
and herself liked letter-writing. Her friends were
pleased to hear from her, and made common property
of her letters, circulating them among each other. One
of her last letters, after having been a round of her
friends in England, was sent to the Canaries, and then
was returned to the lady to whom it originally was
addressed. Never did a mother more wisely or tenderly
love her children than she did. Almost all her letters
contain tender and touching allusions to them, and the
progress of her life-work is noted with thankfulness.
Its difficulties draw her more closely to Christ, and
JEYPORE.
117
while praying more earnestly herself in each new dif-
ficulty or complication, she entreats all her friends to
join her in praying that God would remove them and
bless the cause which is His own.
Mrs. Valentine was not in the habit of keeping a
regular diary or journal, but frequently made entries in
the notebook she had beside her for jotting down her
daily accounts. In one of these the following entries
are found, of which we make extracts:-"I wish I
could do something every day for Christ.
'Labour on while it is day;
The world's dark night is hastening on.
Speed, speed thy work, cast sloth away;
It is not thus that crowns are won.
'Toil on, faint not, keep watch and pray ;
Be wise the erring soul to win.
Go forth into the world's highway;
Compel the wanderers to come in.
'Toil on, and in thy toil rejoice,
For toil brings rest, for each a home.
Soon shalt thou hear the welcome voice,
The midnight peal, 'Behold I come.""
The next entry is: "Just came upon this little note-
book by chance, and as we are soon going to leave home
for the Hills, I intend writing in it from time to time.
This will be our last Sabbath here for several months.
Colin leaves for Sahadabad on Monday, to attend Nawab
Irshad Ali Khan, the rest of us (D.V.) on Thursday.
"Here the parting word is spoken,
Where our hearts the closest cling,
And upon the spirit broken
Like a knell its accents ring.
118
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
There, before the Saviour's throne,
Parting is a word unknown.""
At Sahadabad Dr. Valentine had many precious op-
portunities of speaking for Christ, and there he wrote.
a good many letters that appeared in print by and by
on Roman Catholicism.
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
119
CHAPTER VIII.
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
It will thus be seen that Dr. Valentine had most con-
scientiously carried out the instructions given to him
by the Secretary of the Mission Board when he set out
for India, and that although from the time of his going
to Jeypore he received no money for mission services, he
and his brave-hearted wife still worked as laboriously
in the gospel cause as if there were no Maharajah
requiring his medical attendance. The duties of a
medical missionary were "to heal the sick and talk to
them in their own language, introducing Christian truth
at every favourable opportunity." This rule in con-
nection with Dr. Valentine was amply exemplified and
carried out, abundant testimony to the fact being re-
corded. And having laboured well alone, and the work
increasing, he was now to show that he had been for
others "a good pioneer;" in short, that the overwhelm-
ing obstructions in his path were, by his wisdom and
tact, being swept away, whilst free room was thus being
made for the ordained missionaries.
In a letter written to her father-in-law, dated June.
II, 1870, Mrs. Valentine writes: "You have heard
before now that Mr. T has not come to Jeypore.
There was no immediate opening for a missionary to
come here, that is to say, there was no house for him
to live in; and much as dear Colin would have liked
120
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
to have had him, he was obliged for the present to
remain in Bewar. However, the Maharajah has sanc-
tioned a piece of land for a Mission bungalow, and as
soon as Colin hears from the Home Board the building
will be commenced. When this is ready, some mis-
sionary will join us, though it does not seem certain
who will be sent. There is some talk of Mr. G-
coming; he is a good, earnest man, and would be well
suited for this place."
Again, in another, dated 29th October 1870, she
writes: "We are anxious that the Mission bungalow
should be begun, as Colin has got sanction from the
Mission Board to build it. I hope before long we shall
have the pleasure of having a missionary stationed
here. The work is being carried on regularly by
bazaar-preaching, bookshop, schools, &c."
Again she writes on 5th May 1871: "You will,
I am sure, be glad to hear that the Maharajah has
again repeated his promise of giving us ground for the
Mission bungalow. He has told Colin to choose a site
and let him know-says, "of course, he will give it.”
We are very hopeful, therefore, of being able to begin
work pretty soon. Colin is anxious for Mr. G—— to
come and live in our house while we are away in
Simla, to carry on the work and to get into the ways
of the people of this place; it will be very nice if this
can be managed."
It was not till the 1st of January 1872, however,
that the foundation-stone of the bungalow was laid,
in no public way either; but the occasion was noted
to call forth the gratitude of the infant church in Jey-
pore to God for His goodness in the past, to fill their
mouths with praise and thankfulness, while taking
fresh courage for the future.
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
121
As Dr. Valentine and his wife visited Simla along
with the Maharajah on several occasions, all the travel-
ling expenses being defrayed by the Maharajah, the
former was enabled to remain in India longer than he
otherwise would have been able to do. The return of
one of these journeys was taken when their second
child was scarcely a month old. A rather interesting
account of it may be inserted from the pen of Dr.
Valentine:-
“We started from Simla Nov. 7th (1871), on a long
and fatiguing journey. From Simla to Kalka is about
forty miles, and you are carried in a jampan, a sort of
chair, by four men, who have poles resting on their
shoulders. The jolting is severe and the danger immi-
nent, as the road is in many parts but a few feet broad,
and the precipices more than a thousand feet. Some-
times the turnings on the road are so sharp that the
jampan and the person in it are actually suspended
over the thousand feet. You can therefore imagine,
if one of the poles were to break, or a man were to
stumble, or a child to kick out of the chair, what the
consequences would be. Such accidents do happen,
but the Lord has hitherto preserved us, for which we
desire to be thankful. Many parts of the road between
Kalka are very steep. You will be better able to
understand this when I tell you that the distance
between Kalka and the first stage, a place called
Kussowlee, is only ten miles, and the ascent 7000 feet.
The second stage is a place called Hurreepoor, another
ten miles, and we have descended 4000 feet. Thus we
go on and rise gradually until we come to Simla. The
roads are cut along the sides of the hills, and of course
they wind about greatly. With the sun right behind
your back at starting, you will have turned right round
122
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
about several times before you have gone a mile. The
men who carry you are natives of the hills, and in
many respects very different from the natives of the
plains. They are, as a rule, not such large men as the
Rajputs, but they are more hardy. The clothes, too,
they wear are different-warmer, of course, as they
live among the snows. I rather like them; they are
more primitive and makeable than the people in cities.
Their morality is low in every way. When carrying
you they will always persist in walking upon the edge
of the precipice; when spoken to they laugh and say,
'Did you ever hear of any of us falling over; and is
it possible that we could drop your lordship or ladyship
over the cliff?' You can easily imagine that this is
not very reassuring."
These visits to the Hills were not merely spent in
idleness or in recruiting failing health, either in the
case of Dr. Valentine or his wife. On the way to or
from the Hills the former preached in Agra, Meerut,
Umbala, in English, and in Hindostani in the Mission
church of Saharimpore. At Simla he identified himself
with the mission-work of his friend the Rev. Gulzar
Shah, preaching in his church in Hindi to the Hillmen.
He presided one year at the examination of his school;
went with him and Mr. Fordyce to a large religious
mela, and there preached. He also preached in the
home church at Simla once for Dr. Murray Mitchell, and
for several successive Sabbaths for Mr. Fordyce when
he was laid aside by an accident that threatened to end
fatally. Among the audience on these occasions were
several members of the Maharajah's court.
Mrs. Valentine, too, interested herself in the work
of the Rev. Gulzar Shah, and, by mixing with mission-
alies and others, profited by their experience in the
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
123
work in which she herself was so heartily engaged.
Towards the beginning of the hot season in 1872, she
began to feel exhausted from her many labours, and
the health of the children was such that it was deemed
advisable for them to spend the season at Landour, as
the assassination of Lord Mayo had caused the Maha-
rajah to postpone his usual visit to Simla. The latter
was very much attached to Lord Mayo, who recipro-
cated the feeling warmly. Dr. Valentine having often
been the interpreter between them, had occasion to see
how truly they loved one another. The first time, after
the death of Lord Mayo, when Dr. Valentine went to
the palace, he was told the reason the Maharajah was
absent from his accustomed place was, that he was
acting grief" for the loss of his friend, but on his
appearing it was plainly to be seen the grief was sin-
cere. When he entered he asked for a newspaper, and
said, "Read that part again; by hearing it repeatedly
I will get accustomed to it, and the grief of my heart
will become less." But when some one began to read,
the Maharajah rose and left the chamber without
speaking. He erected a splendid bronze statue of Lord
Mayo in the Ram Nuwas Gardens.
<<
From Landour the daily letters of Mrs. Valentine
to her husband are full of interesting accounts of the
station, the many friends she met, the delightful ser-
vices in the Mission church, and the work in which she
was herself engaged. Like her energetic father, it was
quite impossible for her to remain idle, and even her
increasing home duties did not prevent her entering on
philanthropic work wherever her sojourn was. She
commenced a Sabbath-school for the soldiers' children,
engaged in tract distribution, and, in order to interest
the children of the Home Church in the Mission, she
124
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
made drawings of places of interest, and of the different
classes of people, with illustrations of their manners and
customs. She began, too, to sketch out short articles
for the "Juvenile Missionary Magazine," but her work
had to be laid aside by the dangerous illness of her
second child, which required all her time and attention.
T-
In writing to his wife from Agra on the 10th June,
Dr. Valentine mentions that Mr. and Mrs. T had
arrived in Jeypore on the evening of 7th June, and for
the time being, till the Mission bungalow was ready for
their reception, they took up their abode in the house of
the former. In giving an account of the different kinds of
mission-work which he found going on when he arrived,
Mr. T——————— says: "After I came to Jeypore, I frequently
went into the city with Dr. Valentine, and called with
him on the head men. I was thus introduced by the
Doctor as his brother-townsman, friend, and as their
padre. By all I was received most kindly, for his sake,
and with some soon became intimate. These visits
were most interesting; for the Doctor, having seen and
prescribed for the sick where such were, the conversa-
tion quickly turned to religion. Often, often, as we sat
in those barons' halls, surrounded by their attendants,
have we been able to speak of the cure required by the
soul, and to explain the principles of our holy religion.
These visits have been repeated at their own request,
and most interesting conversations have been held and
inquiries made. They have also visited us at our bun-
galow; books have been received and read, and the
spirit of inquiry started or strengthened."
Scarcely had the little child been restored to health.
when Dr. Valentine, who had been detained in Jeypore
on account of the delicate health of one of the queens
and a more than usually severe outbreak of cholera,
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
125
—
was also stricken down with severe illness that threat-
ened his life. On his partial recovery he was ordered
off to the Hills; and in passing through Dehra, the
medical man then gave it as his opinion that it would
be decidedly dangerous for him to remain another hot
season in the plains. During the whole of that year
he was a great sufferer in many ways, and his wife was
kept in great anxiety on his account. Dr. Valentine
was most anxious to remain if possible another year in
India to see Mr. T fairly started on his work, yet
at the same time felt it to be his duty to take advice
from the best medical authority on the subject. For
this purpose he, accompanied by his wife and family,
went to Calcutta early in 1873. On his friend Dr.
M-being consulted, the latter gave it as his
opinion that Dr. Valentine had a serious affection of
the liver; that if his remaining in India was a matter
of great necessity, he might try to remain, but if certain
symptoms, which he indicated, should set in, he must
leave the country at once at all hazards. He recom-
mended a run down the river for a few days in one of
the coasting steamers, and his advice having been taken,
they went down as far as Chandbally, the effect proving
beneficial. This decided him to return to Jeypore,
where he was enabled to do one or two things for the
Mission from his Raj connection that were not alto-
gether unimportant.
From entries in a journal kept at this period by Mrs.
Valentine we find what an anxious time it was to her,
but how nobly she struggled up to quell the gloom.
<<
November 24, 1872.-These are dark days for me.
My heart is very sore, and at times I feel as if I could
not bear it. My darling husband is ill, and he is
anxious and uneasy about himself. At times I think
126
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
there can't be much the matter with him, he looks so
well, and I remember so many persons who have lived
for many, many years with liver complaint; but then
again my heart misgives me, for he is a doctor, and
should know. Oh, my God, my Father, if it be possible.
let this cup pass from me, if it be Thy will. Lord, Thou
hast bid us cast our cares on Thee. O gracious God,
grant an attentive ear to the voice of my supplica-
tion.
((
Yesterday, after writing this, I fell on my knees
and poured out my sorrows before my Heavenly Father
I told Him all, and cried unto Him for help and com-
fort. I rededicated myself to Him, and rose a different
being. I opened the little book 'Daily Light on the
Daily Path,' and my eye fell on this page, 'I would
seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my case.
Is anything too hard for the Lord? . . . Be careful for
nothing,' &c., 'casting all your cares upon Him, for He
careth for you.' I was comforted, and enjoyed through-
out the day that peace which passeth understanding.
Praised be God! Yesterday was indeed a blessed Sab-
bath to me. Colin felt better, and took the service.
His text was Heb. xii. 1. The women's class, too, was
very interesting, Luke v. from 27. May God follow
with His blessing what was then said, and may love to
the Father increase in their midst."
"November 26.-Yesterday was the marriage of the
son of the Vizianagram Maharajah; we (the Ts,
Mrs. S―, and ourselves) drove into the city to see
S-
the procession; the whole street from the Sanganeer
gate right to the end was illuminated, and the display
of fireworks was really magnificent. We were all well
pleased with the Tamasha. The trappings of the ele-
phants were gorgeous, and seemed to astonish Mrs.
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
127
T. Dear Colin seemed so thoroughly to enjoy
himself and was in such good spirits, that it filled my
heart with gratitude to God, for I am sure it was in
answer to my prayer. He must be feeling better to be
so much more cheerful. This morning's leaf in the
'Daily Path' is so sweet, 'The Lord delighteth in thee.'
Lord, be with me throughout this day; give unto me
Thy Holy Spirit; lead me in the path of righteousness;
enable me to run in the way of Thy commandments;
give me wisdom and grace for this day's duties and
trials; bless me and make a blessing of me for Jesus'
sake. Amen."
Mrs. S dined
evening; we had music,
“November 27.—Not much to note down this morn-
ing. Yesterday was a quiet day. Colin felt his side.
less painful, and was in good spirits.
with us. The T-s spent the
and read 'David Copperfield.'
some letters; must try and set myself to it with deter-
mination, though I do not feel much inclined for letter-
writing."
To-day I wish to write
“December 1.-Here we are at the beginning of a
new month. How many mercies has God bestowed on
us during the last month, and how far short I have
fallen in my duties. This day, with God's help, I pur-
pose to spend entirely in His service. Before breakfast
I translated a portion of Children of the Bible' into
Hindi, then read over the chapter of the Pilgrim's
Progress' that will be to-day's subject in the women's
class; at eleven o'clock, service; from one to half-past
two o'clock, women's class and singing class; half-past
two to three, private reading and meditation; half-past
three, dinner; five o'clock, service. In the evening
read aloud a sermon, either Guthrie's or Spurgeon's.
<<
O Lord, grant unto me thy Holy Spirit to lead me
128
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
and teach me, and sanctify my own heart, for Jesus'
sake. Amen.
(6
'My little ones, God bless them. Oh, how I long for
them to be Christ's from their earliest infancy. Jesus,
thou Good Shepherd, do Thou take these our lambs and
carry them in thine arms; lead them by green pastures
and still waters; never leave them, O Lord, never for-
sake them. Grant that their young hearts may be early
given to Thee, that their names may even now be writ-
ten in the Lamb's book of life. Preserve them, gracious
Father, from the evil in their own hearts and from the
evil of a wicked world, and, oh, keep them pure and
unspotted from the world. If it be Thy holy will to
spare them to grow up to maturity, may their whole
life be devoted to Thy service; and when Thy wise pur-
poses are finished with them here below, take them
home, blessed Jesus, to be with Thyself in glory ever-
lasting. Give us, I would beseech of Thee, a due feel-
ing of the heavy responsibility laid upon us in having
these two little ones intrusted to our care. Grant, O
God, that grace unto us as parents that we may be
enabled, both by precept and example, to train up these
little ones in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Grant this petition, imperfect and weak as it is, for
Jesus' sake. Amen."
Writing to her father-in-law on 9th December 1872,
Mrs. Valentine says: "What a pleasant meeting that
must have been of Dr. B▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ T▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ and Dr. T-— at
B-
Brechin; but surely that wonderful description of Jey-
pore, our house, &c., was not given in public? Do you
know where it came from? The account of the city is
pretty fair, though much too highly coloured; but the
description of our house is so fearfully exaggerated that
it is difficult to see the resemblance at all, and I fear
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
129
such descriptions of our way of living would not do us
any good at home. It is true we have a very nice large
house, in a large piece of ground, which we are trying
to make into a garden, but in this country we have so
many difficulties to overcome that it makes but slow
progress; and though the house might strike a person
new from home as something grand, owing to the large-
sized rooms and verandahs, which are quite necessary
in this country owing to the heat, yet it is only what
every person has, and here we think nothing of it. In
Agra some friends of ours live in a much larger house
than ours, and pay only a nominal rent; so you see,
after all, we live in a very quiet way in an ordinary-
sized house, instead of a palace as represented. Now I
must try and give you a description of some grand
doings we had here the other night. The occasion was
the marriage of the son of the Maharajah of Vizianagran
(a very enlightened prince in the Madras Presidency)
to a daughter of one of the Jeypore nobles, some distant
relation, I believe, of our Maharajah. We heard there
was to be a marriage procession through the streets by
torchlight, so we and our friends drove into the city and
found some of Colin's native doctors had placed chairs
for us in the balcony of the third storey of a house,
giving us a splendid view of the whole street up which
the procession was to come. We had not long to wait,
when, at the farther end of the street, near the gate of
the city, a great noise commenced, and at the same
time a blaze of light; this was the rockets, fire-balloons,
and other fireworks that were being let off as the pro-
cession entered. I must not forget to mention that the
whole street was illuminated with thousands of little
native lights. The procession consisted of-first, a
handsome carriage draped with scarlet cloth, drawn by
I
130
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
two camels, and escorted by a number of women. This
was going to fetch the bride. Then came bands of
music, soldiers both on foot and mounted, camels, &c.,
and after them the royal elephant carrying the Jeypore
flag; next the bridegroom, mounted on an immense
elephant, most gorgeously caparisoned with gold, silver,
and scarlet cloth. Then other elephants almost as
grand, on one of which sat the bridegroom's father, the
Maharajah of Vizianagran. The seats or howdahs on
all these elephants were made either of solid gold or
silver. All this time the noise and glare of the fire
works were going on; the whole sight was grander than
anything of the sort I have ever seen. A day or two
after, both the Maharajahs and all the nobles of the place
were present at the distribution of the prizes, at the
college; there are over 600 students in this institution,
all receiving a good English education. Babu Keshub
Chander Sen, of whom you must of course have heard
when he was at home, was here on a visit, and delivered
a most interesting and polished address; it was quite a
treat to hear him. From the college, the other schools,
Medical Hall, and School of Arts were visited, and all
seemed to be delighted with what they saw. Another
day they had an elephant-fight. I was too late and
missed seeing this, but we stayed fully an hour watch-
ing them trying to get an elephant into his stall. It is
strange how fierce they are when let loose, and how the
moment they find themselves in the stall they will
allow a single man to manage them perfectly. The
way they have to do to get him in (for he is not at all
anxious to leave the large open plain on which he
roves) is by a great number of men on foot with spears
and four or five horsemen surrounding him at some dis-
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
131
tance; they dare not go too near him; the horsemen,
however, do sometimes venture pretty close. After
appearing not to notice any of them or to mind them
in the least, he suddenly makes a rush, and then they
have to get out of his way as quickly as possible. He
generally chases a horseman, who has to put spurs to
his horse and ride very fast to escape him. It is while
he is giving chase that the horseman makes for the
entrance of the elephant's stall, and sometimes he fol-
lows him in, when they shut the gate, and immediately
he huge creature becomes perfectly docile. The day
we saw it, the elephant rushed back from the stall
twice after getting in. It is rather dangerous sport,
however, as were any of the horses to throw their
riders, I fear they could not escape with their lives.
"There is to be a great missionary conference at
Allahabad from the 20th of this month to the Ist of
January. Missionaries of all denominations from all
parts of India are to meet; each one is deputed to pre-
pare a special paper on a special part of the work, and
these subjects are then to be discussed and settled.
Colin is preparing a paper on Medical Missions. He
is very anxious to be present and read the paper him-
self; and as Mr. Shoolbred from Beawr, and likely
Mr. Traill too, are. going, I hope Colin will be able to
go along with them. There never has been such a con-
ference, and probably such an opportunity of meeting.
and becoming acquainted with so many old and expe-
rienced men will not occur for many a long year.
"Our greatest piece of news I was nearly forgetting
to give you. We had a baptism here yesterday. The
man is a convert from Hinduism; he had first been a
Sikh and a teacher among them, then he became a
132
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
teacher to the orthodox Hindus, and was considered
a great man among them; he then became a religious
teacher to another sect of Hindus called Dadu Puntis.
'Dadu' was the name of a religious man who founded
the sect, and 'Punt' means a way or system. Dadu
Punti therefore means the sect or followers of Dadu.
He first heard the gospel in the Punjab, then from
our native catechist at our out-station Sambhur. He
came in here a short time ago to receive further in-
struction. His heart seemed really changed, and he
had such a desire to be baptized and to tell his fellow-
countrymen the good tidings of salvation, that Mr.
T-
T—————— and Colin agreed it was right to baptize him at
once, and he was received into the visible Church of
Christ at our morning service. He looks so happy
to-day, and says he has only one desire now, that is, to
bring others to a knowledge of salvation. Of the other
baptizing and mission work you will have heard from
the T——————s, so I need not here repeat it."
T-
Another extract, dated 25th December, a fortnight
after the above. "Dear Colin left with Mr. Shoolbred
and Mr. Traill on Monday afternoon for Allahabad,
where they must now be. I miss him so much; the
house seems empty and desolate without him; but he
will only be away a fortnight, and I am sure he will
enjoy himself, and, I trust, be able to speak a word for
the Master. I should have liked so much to have gone
with him, but it is a long tiresome journey between this
and Agra, and with children in the cold weather is not
safe. If the railway had been ready, I think I would
have gone. Colin intends, if there is time, taking Mr.
Shoolbred and Mr. Traill to Lucknow, to show them the
place which we are both so fond of.
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
133
"You would be amused to see how we spend a
Christmas out here. Nearly the whole day is taken
up receiving native gentlemen visitors, each of whom
brings adali,' which is a present consisting of oranges,
pomegranates, grapes, almonds, raisins, sugar-candy, &c.,
&c. So you can fancy by evening we have more than
we know what to do with. Then a number of work-
men, such as carpenters, turners, or workers in gold
embroidery, &c., bring some little things of their own
making as a present, and of course expect a present in
money in return. All the regimental bands come up
in turn and begin by playing God Save the Queen'
without the least regard to tune or time, and to get rid
of them we have to give them a present. In fact,
Christmas Day is looked upon by the natives as a day
on which 'Sahib Logue'-Europeans—are so happy,
that they delight in making others so, and they look
forward to it the whole year. Really when one sees
how a trifle will make them so thoroughly pleased, it
does one good to give it, and makes it indeed a happy
day to us.
Last evening the agent, Colonel Beynon, had a large
dinner-party; twenty-two of us sat down at table. The
Maharajah was also present. It was a very pleasant
gathering; we had some fine music and singing. This
evening there is a return dinner at the palace. I wish
dear Colin was here; but as he is not, we make up a
party and go with Mr. and Mrs. S―, that is, mamma,
S-
Mrs. T, and I. The mission-house is just about
finished, and looks quite nice; it has a large drawing
and dining room, nearly as large as ours; a large bed-
room, with dressing and bath rooms, a study and a
dressing-room for Mr. T, besides pantries, store-
134
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
rooms, &c., &c. A fine verandah goes right round the
house, and there is a staircase to the roof of the house,
where it will be pleasant to sit in the hot weather.
They have a circular flower-plot right in front of the
house, with a carriage-drive sweeping round it. When
they get up a few more trees it will be a very fine
place."
When Dr. Valentine, Mr. S, and Mr. T were
on their way to the Allahabad Conference, while passing
through the territory of Bhurtpore, and within half a
mile of one of the mounted police stations, they came
upon a number of highway robbers plundering a rich
native woman who was travelling in her palanquin.
This took place at between two and three o'clock in
the afternoon. The occupant of the palanquin was a
dancing-woman, who had been at the court of Bhurt-
pore, and was taking on with her a large quantity of
jewels and money. Her attendant came rushing up to
the missionaries' carriage, with his turban off. his head,
bleeding, and declaring that he and his mistress had
had been looted of a large sum of money, &c. The
woman, too, was screaming at the top of her voice;
whereupon, hearing and seeing all this, Dr. Valentine
stepped out and challenged them. The leader was most
insolent, and threatened to fire upon the gentlemen if
interfered with; and as the dacoits were mounted and
armed to the teeth, they were compelled to drive on,
doing all they could for the unfortunate travellers by
going to the police station to report the case. Though
the sowars got out quickly, no trace of the robbers was
found until months afterwards, when they were caught
in the Dholpore territory; but unfortunately they were
let off, there being insufficient proof brought against
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
135
them, though it was to be regretted none of the mis-
sionaries were called to identify the leader, as they
would have been able to do.
Writing on the 27th December to her husband, after
hearing of this event, Mrs. Valentine says: "Your dear
letter of Christmas Day from Agra came in last evening,
and I felt so thankful to know you were safe and well;
but oh, it set me trembling to think what a narrow
escape you had. Surely God had been near to save you!
That morning I read in the little daily book, 'Trust ye
in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is ever-
lasting strength,' and it had comforted me. I felt I
could trust you, myself, and our darlings to Him, and
I prayed very earnestly that He would be with you by
the way and protect you from every danger, and before
many hours passed He came to your rescue. But what
a dreadful thing it is that those dacoits can't be put
down, and that they should be so bold as to venture
out in broad daylight.
"We were at the palace last evening; the usual
tamashas, of course, went on; but we dined in that
little place that the Maharajah sits in during the hot
weather; the other room was fitted up most beautifully
in good taste, and everything so chaste and pretty that
it did one good to see such a fine drawing-room. The
Maharajah was more khush and affable than I have
ever seen him. We arrived before the 'Burra Sahibs,'
only Captain J— and Mr. A were before us.
The Maharajah came forward to receive us, and said to
me that we would find it cold there, but he would take
us to the drawing-room. After taking us in and hear-
ing our praises, he said he must go back to meet thé
'Burra Sahibs,' but would be back directly. I had of
J-
136
Memoir of MRS. VALENTINE.
course mentioned your encounter with the dacoits to
Colonel B——————, and the people were all talking about
B-
it. I saw the Maharajah looking from one to the other,
and then he said to me, 'Mem Sahib, I hear them say-
ing something about the Doctor Sahib; tell me what's
the matter.' When I told him, he seemed quite anxious,
and said, ‘But you have heard from Agra, have you
not? Is the Sahib all right?' Then he asked me in
whose territory it took place. Colonel Hwas in a
great state of excitement about it, asked me for full
particulars, and has sent off a number of men after them
He says he thinks he knows the ringleader, and would
like to catch him. Of course I was pleased to hear the
Maharajah also saying to Colonel B, Dr. Valen-
tine Sahib has made good arrangements for the health
of the city. He is never pleased until he has made his
arrangements complete.'
"The Maharajah showed us a splendid locket he has
just received as a present from Lady Mayo. It has on
one side a design in pearls, over which is a crown of
gold studded with pearls, and diamonds; on the other
side are the names and titles of Lord Mayo, with the
dates of his birth and death. Inside is a beautiful
coloured photo of Earl Mayo."
CC
New Year's Day.
will be in spirit.
J
29th December 1872.-Yesterday I sent you only
a wee note, as I had no time for more, so I must try to
make up for it to-day.
This will reach you on
I wish I could be with you, but I
May this be a very happy New Year
one of us. In looking back on the
past year, we have much to be thankful for as husband
and wife, and also on account of the little ones God ·
has given us. And I am sure we can say, 'Hitherto
to you and each
MISSION WORK-SCENES IN INDIA.
137
hath the Lord helped us ;" and we can trust Him for
the future with all that is dear to us, knowing that
He that hath helped us hitherto will help us all our
journey through. Wish all friends a very happy New
Year. What nice services you will have to-day. I
wonder who will preach. You will, of course, give me
all the news. The pundit conducted the service, and
I have just had the women's class. What did Mr.
Shoolbred think of my translation? I am afraid he
could not read my Hindi, and perhaps thought the
metre was not right. I read it to the women to-day,
and they are delighted with it. We have been trying
it on the piano and it goes nicely. They are all writing
it out for themselves, and say they will learn it before
next Sabbath. We are all well. Nelly came to service
this morning, and was so good all the time.”
"3d January 1872.-Your two letters of the 31st
December and New Year's Day are both in. Mrs.
Traill and I are in high spirits at the thought of
having the husbands home so soon, in spite of the
delight we showed when you left! I have missed you
much. Home is not like home without you. Yet I
am really glad you went, for I feel sure you will both
have received and conferred benefit. I am looking
forward with pleasure to seeing so many friends here.
The way I propose putting them up is this (if you
approve): Dr. Wilson, the upstairs bedroom; Mr. Wood-
side, the upstairs dressing-room, both using the one
bath-room. We will sleep in the children's room,
both the little ones sleeping with mamma.
I will use
mamma's dressing-room, and you your own bath-room.
I have a large tent, with two rooms, I believe, for
Dhanjebhoy and his daughter. Mrs. Traill insists on
138
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
having Mr. Shoolbred this time, so we are all accom-
modated. I think this a better plan than clearing out
your study; it disarranges both it and the dining-
room, and puts you to great inconvenience, not know-
ing where to find your things. How I have been
thinking of you in Lucknow, revisiting all the dear-
old places. How I wish I could have been with you;
but you must tell me all about it.”
SCENES IN INDIA.
139
CHAPTER IX.
SCENES IN INDIA—A VISIT HOME-HONOurs
HONOURS
CONFERRED-CARES AND ANXIETIES.
ANXIOUS to render all the assistance in his power to
Mr. Traill, Dr. Valentine lingered on at Jeypore, when.
again, during the hot season of 1873, he was attacked
with dysentery at a time when it was impossible to
move down to the seaside. This confirmed them in the
necessity of seeking a change at home. There is no
need to enter upon the trial which Anglo-Indians pass
through in being forced to break up their homes, and
part with neighbours rendered dear to them by many
associations. It is easier imagined than described.
Writing to her father-in-law in September 1873, Mrs.
Valentine says: "The time is hastening on, and very
soon we shall have to be preparing for our voyage to
Scotland, if all is well. It is a great pleasure to look
forward to seeing you and other friends, yet there are
thoughts of a different kind which mingle with these,
such as leaving our work, and, when returning again to
India, parting from our little darlings. But we are all
in the hands of our Heavenly Father, and as our day
our strength will be." Again in November she writes:
"The time for our homeward journey is drawing near
now, and if it is the Lord's will to spare us all till then,
what a happy meeting we shall have! It is very good
of you to make so many arrangements and preparations
to receive us and make us comfortable. I am sure
140
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
everything will be very nice; only you must be quite
sure and not make yourselves uncomfortable in the
least to accommodate us, for this would make us feel so
sorry. As to your question with regard to what garden
seeds we would like you to put down, anything and
everything you usually sow. We in India always aim
at having some home flowers and vegetables in our
gardens, but of course the best of them are not equal
to what you have, so that everything will be a treat.
We are looking forward to the gooseberries next.sum-
Colin says for a whole week he will do nothing
but lie under the bushes and eat the berries. We are
beginning to sell off our furniture, &c., preparatory to
leaving for Scotland, so now things begin to look as if
we were really going."
mer.
P.S. from Dr. Valentine.-"We have really commenced
in earnest to prepare for our long journey. I have sold
off a number of my books, and I am also busy winding up
my work. When one has been for a time connected with
any work, they begin to suppose that no one can carry it
on so well as themselves. I often think so, and have a
desire to remain and do this, that, and the other thing;
but I must really have a rest. I am twelve years older,
by time, since I left, and quite twenty years in actual
strength, but, with God's blessing, I will pick up, I hope.
It will be a joyful meeting; may it be blessed to us all.
Remember me kindly to all my friends, and say, 'Colin's
comin'!''
In another letter, written from Jeypore palace at the
end of the same month of November, he says: "My dear
parents, on Sabbath last the Maharajah was operated
on for cataract by Dr. Macnamara, Calcutta. The eye
was opened to-day, and is found to be all right. I
have been living here at the palace night and day ever
SCENES IN INDIA.
141
since. Our new missionaries and the young ladies who
have come out to marry two of our men arrived here in
Jeypore on the 12th-the very day that, twelve years
before, I arrived in India. Their marriage came off in
Nusserabad yesterday. As I was to be at the palace,
and Mrs. Fraser has gone to Agra, Lucknow, and Allaha-
bad to see her friends, I thought it would be a good
opportunity for Bell to go through to Ajmere, Nusser-
abad, Beawr, &c., be present at the marriage and meet all
our friends. I hope to be able to go for her in about
Courteen or fifteen days. I have not been down in these
parts since 1867, and I should like to revisit them before
leaving India. As the time approaches, I begin to feel
a double desire sometimes working so strongly within
me as to make me feel sad-a wish to remain and a
desire to go. And yet it appears to me to be a clear
duty for me to go and try the rest and change of climate
of home, and to leave the whole matter with God. It
is indeed a great.consolation for us to know that He is
at the helm of all our affairs, and will do that which is
best for us if we entirely leave the matter with Him.
Bell is keeping her health very. well; she is not very
strong at present, but I trust it will be all well with her.
Let your prayers be especially directed for us. The
wee lassies are as well and happy as can be; they are
to act as flower-girls at the marriages. They have com-
menced early enough at this sort of thing. It was
very mindful to think of the garden. Just put into it
everything you would like yourselves. Everything will
please us, because we know that your wish is to please
us in everything."
Dr. and Mrs. Valentine were much gratified by re-
ceiving from the Foreign Mission Committee a minute,
dated 10th June 1873, acknowledging his earnest
142
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
labours and powerful influence in Jeypore. It speaks of
him as a true missionary of the Church with which he
is connected, though accepting no salary, and farther
acknowledges that it is their belief that "in Jeypore
we exist (that is, the Mission) simply because Dr.
Valentine is there." "On reading his letter," so runs the
minute, "in which he states the circumstances in which
he visited Calcutta with the view of determining whether,
for reasons of health, he should not visit for a time this
country in order to recruit, and from which it may be
inferred that from considerations as to the needs
Jeypore more than those of his own health he had re-
turned thither to his post for some time longer, the
Sub-committee agreed that the Committee instruct
the secretary to write. in their, name to Dr. Valentine,
and to assure him of their readiness to assist in any
arrangement that can be made with any of our medical
missionaries to supply the blank in Jeypore which will
be created for a time by his visit to this country; to
suggest to him that this visit ought not to be too long
delayed; to take occasion to thank him for his long-
continued and effective services to the cause of Christ
in Jeypore, which he had rendered gratuitously; and
that the Committee, still viewing him as their mission-
ary, though, at his own desire, meanwhile unsalaried,
were prepared to charge themselves, as a matter of
justice, with his travelling expenses, and with the
wonted allowances during his absence from Jeypore."
After visiting their missionary brethren at Ajmere,
at end of 1873 they returned to Jeypore, where, on
26th March 1874, their third child, "Darling Aggie,"
was born, and on 16th April they left Jeypore en route
for England, leaving Dr. Husband, who had been
appointed by the Mission Board temporarily to fill
A VISIT HOME.
143
Dr. Valentine's place while at home. Owing to the time
occupied in preparing for their journey, &c., Mrs. Valen-
tine was unable, before leaving India, to utilise the
sketches and drawings she made, or write out the little
articles she had planned for the "Juvenile Missionary
Magazine." The book was left in India, so she looked
forward to carrying out her resolutions on her return
there, as well as to copying out a number of her father's
nicest letters to herself when she was a girl, and send-
ing them to her own little girls after she had left
them.
But, alas! the drawings are still in her portfolio, her
sketches in the outline, her father's letters carefully laid
aside but uncopied, and many other things she had pur-
posed doing were never commenced. To use her often-
quoted maxim, "Man proposes; it is God who disposes,
and He does all things well.”
They left Bombay by the last Peninsular and Oriental
steamer of April 1874, and in due time reached England
and Scotland in safety, Dr. Valentine having been absent
from his native country in the mission-field for thir-
teen years without a break. That he required a rest,
and that he had earned it, was the opinion of every
one both in and out of the Mission Board. But scarcely
had they been settled at home when the first hints
were heard of coming trouble, causing Dr. Valentine
and his wife much deep, heartfelt sorrow. Reference.
to these trials will afterwards be made. Meantime,
it may here be explained that these began with a re-
fusal on the part of the medical missionary to draw his
salary from the Mission Board, and his insisting on
drawing the allowance payable as physician of the
Maharajah.
•
It must not be supposed that during this visit to
144
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
Scotland it was all sorrow on account of these annoy-
ances having arisen. In moving about in various parts
of the country they met with an amount of kindness
rarely accorded to returned missionaries, and made
many friends, who, after their return to India, sent
out kindly remembrances in the shape of books, news-
papers, and loving, comforting letters. During the
summer, Dr. Valentine made short runs from Brechin
to Edinburgh or to Innerleithen, to visit his first wife's
father, Dr. Somerville; and as his health was causing
much anxiety to his wife and friends, he at last con
sulted Dr. Begbie. The result was a source of thank-
fulness, as the Doctor's opinion was that though there
was need for caution, and the nervous system much
exhausted, there was nothing seriously wrong, only a
necessity for taking complete rest.
But it is by no means an easy matter for a missionary
newly returned from an interesting field of labour to
hide himself under a bushel. Wherever he went, his
love for the cause in India, and his anxiety to speak a
word for its support, &c., induced him to hold meetings
in almost every place he visited. While he was at
Innerleithen, Mrs. Valentine was, at Laurencekirk, hold-
ing, to her great joy, intercourse with her old friend
Mr. S and his wife. There, too, she was present
at some interesting missionary meetings in connection
with Madagascar; and, writing on the subject, she
showed that her heart was still with the little native
church at Jeypore, for in a true missionary spirit she
says: I thought, while listening to the address, what
a grand thing it would be when the same account
could be given of Rajputana; but yet we know the
same Lord has promised to bless us too, and we must
continue to sow the seed in faith, knowing that
·
A VISIT HOME.
145
the time will come when the whole of India will be
brought to God."
As it had been in India, so it was now in Scotland;
she allowed neither her many duties nor her own per-
sonal convenience to stand in the way in her anxiety
to get the boxes for Mrs. T- despatched in good
time to Jeypore, and entered as heartily as possible into
any scheme for advocating the cause of the mission
so dear to her loving heart. They both, indeed, made it
the business of their home visit to advocate the claims.
the Agra Medical Missionary Institution, which had
enlisted the warm sympathies of Dr. Duff and the 163
missionaries at the Allahabad Conference. The month
of August 1874 was spent at Millport, and though the
season was wet and disagreeable, they enjoyed their
stay there very much; the children benefiting from the
sea-bathing as well as the out-of-door life on the sands,
as the weather permitted. They took advantage of the
many steamers that ply on the Clyde to visit the
various places of interest, one day going to Ayr, another
to Arran, &c.; but, strange to say, scarcely a time when
they went out, but, either in going or returning, they
were caught in a thunderstorm and heavy rain. From
Millport they went to Rothesay, receiving there a
greater amount of kindness, if it were possible; and,
after residing with friends, passed on to Oban and
Inverness. While there, Mrs. Valentine was sorry that
she could not visit the scenes that on former occasions
had given her so much pleasure, for, unfortunately,
being unable to throw off the cold she had caught in
Millport, she was at last really ill and forced to keep
the house.
In October, or early in November, they came on a
visit to Dr. Macgill, with the view of looking for lodg-
K
146
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
ings in Edinburgh for the winter; and having found
suitable rooms, they returned to Brechin for a short
time, and then came back with their whole party. This
included, besides Mrs. Fraser, Esther, an Indian native
Christian, who had come with them from India, and
was to have been with them all the time of their stay
at home, but unfortunately she tired of the country,
and so was sent back in the charge of some Brechin
friends who were going out. During this sojourn in
Edinburgh, Mrs. Valentine studied with Professor
Simpson in his private classes, and attended practical
demonstrations at the Royal Infirmary under Dr. Croom,
all for the purpose of assisting her to pursue Zenana-
work when she returned to India.
The year of 1875 found both Dr. and Mrs. Valentine
as eager and anxious as ever to work for the Master.
Regardless of the injunction given him to rest, Dr.
Valentine went from town to town to address those
interested in mission-work, and to form committees to
collect money for the support of the Medical Institu-
tion at Agra. When at Oban he had found Dr. Murray
Mitchell and his wife there; and while the gentlemen
addressed meetings in the Free and United Presbyterian
churches, the ladies gave interesting accounts of their.
work in India at drawing-room meetings, both there
and in Glasgow. As her health appeared to be suffer-
ing from the trying climate of Edinburgh, it was deemed
advisable to go to the South of England, and accord-
ingly they moved southwards. But even during their
journey Dr. Valentine is found along with his wife
pausing for a week or two to address public and private
meetings at Manchester and Liverpool, &c., while Mrs.
Fraser with the children proceeded to London, there to
await their arrival. Here Etty, their second child, took
A VISIT HOME.
147
scarlet fever, which caused them some days of anxiety,
but they were able " once more to give her up to the
Lord, and leave the issue of it in His hand."
After Etty's recovery from the fever they left London
in April and went down to Little Hampton, a quiet
seaside place in Sussex. They resided there for about
a month, enjoying many strolls along the fine, spacious
sandy beach, and watching the blue waters of the Eng-
lish Channel rolling along and breaking in long lines of
white spray upon the shore. It was a great treat to
escape from the bustle and sight-seeing of London to
this quiet spot; the weather being fine and warm, added
to their enjoyment. Here Dr. Valentine took, for the
first time since his arrival, the complete rest he so much
needed, “living," as he facetiously said in one of his
letters to his parents, "the life of a mushroom, a pud-
dock-stool." Here, too, they first heard of the intention
of the Sub-Committee of the Mission Board to ask the
Synod to ordain him, a circumstance that partly gave
rise to much of his subsequent trouble and distress.
The delightful rest came only too soon to an end, for
at the end of a month they had turned their faces
northwards once more, Mrs. Fraser going almost direct
to Brechin with the children, while Dr. and Mrs. Valen-
tine paid short visits to friends at Melrose, Edinburgh,
Bridge of Allan, &c., on their way thither. From
Brechin they went to Crieff Hydropathic, and spent the
month of July, an interesting journal of their visit
having been kept of the whole days they were there;
and so interested were the visitors in the two meetings
held there by Dr. Valentine and the good word spoken
by his wife, that £230 was subscribed for the Agra
Medical Mission scheme. August and September were
taken up between meetings in behalf of the Agra Medi-
148
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
cal Mission and living at Glenesk, near Brechin: Dr.
Valentine then left for Glasgow to hold a series of
meetings, his pet scheme being the subject; and gave
besides the addresses a series of magic-lantern exhibi-
tions of Indian scenes. While in Glasgow, Dr. Valen-
tine was greatly cheered by receiving a communication
from the Treasurer of the Mission Board, to the effect
that a lady had given a donation of £240 towards the
scheme for the female branch of the Agra Medical
Mission; and on answering his letter from Brechin
about it, Mrs. Valentine says: "I am delighted to hear
of the grand donation of £240. If you could find
half-a-dozen such ladies, you would not be lang in
raising the sum you require. The Lord will bring all
things to work together for our good, for we do love
and trust Him, though very imperfectly it may be at
times."
It is very evident to one reading the daily letters
that passed between Mrs. Valentine and her husband
during the years of 1875 and 1876, when he was away
from her, holding his many meetings in aid of the Agra
scheme, that a load rested on her heart. Seldom did it
make its appearance, however, unless some new occasion
manifested itself; and all throughout their correspon-
dence the large spirit of charity towards those who were
unjustly maligning her husband is the most prominent
feature." "She was often quiet, more thoughtful; even
at times sad, but, when questioned, her old, joyful, play-
ful manner was resumed, and, above all, the comfort
from God's own Word was her stand-by."
It must have been no little satisfaction to her when
the Sub-Committee of the Mission Board proposed to
the Synod to ordain Dr. Valentine as a minister of the
United Presbyterian Church, and that their Synod, after
Å VISIT HOME.
149
1
considering the question, cordially agreed to the pro-
posal of the Board, and recorded in a minute dated 22d
June 1875, that "the Synod, having ample evidence of
Dr. Colin S. Valentine's qualifications for the office of
a gospel missionary, and of the blessing which has
attended his evangelical labours in the State of Jey-
pore, authorises his ordination to the sacred office."
Accordingly, this was carried out in his native town
of Brechin on the 23d February 1876.
The month of March was spent on the Continent
along with their good friends, Rev. Mr. Morrison, of
Auchtermuchty, and his wife; this forming one of the
happiest episodes of her life, and being looked back to
with delight for many days after, even till within a few
days of her death. She had need of this respite from
the cares and anxieties of the next few months before
å suitable home could be got for the two children who
were to be left behind. This, too, .was a matter for
earnest prayer, and they were enabled to leave them
with Mrs. H-, of Dollar, with the utmost confi-
dence.
The latter months of 1876 had been occupied by Dr.
Valentine, as the months before, by way of resting, but
holding as many meetings as possible, in Glasgow, Edin-
burgh, Aberdeen; and now they were to say goodbye to
their friends-farewell in her case-and with sore-tried
hearts leave their children behind. In a joint letter to
his parents at Brechin we can see but a shadow of what
a loving father and mother have to endure when so
situated. "We have just left the lammies. They fully
realised that we were leaving, and cried very bitterly.
It has been an awful trial. Nothing like it in all our
present experiences. Still the Lord has been very
gracious. We have felt His support in answer to your
150
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
prayers, and to those, I am sure, of many, many friends.
We try to dwell on the special mercies, and do feel
ourselves and the dear ones are safe in His arms. I
am writing, because thinking, confusedly, but you can
quite understand all this."
Parting thus from them, they set sail for India, and
arrived in Calcutta on the afternoon of January 9, 1877,
after a pleasant voyage, in excellent health, the rest
having done them a great deal of good. And now
again landed on the shores of India, their desire was to
devote their lives more and more entirely to the glory
of that beloved Master who had been so good and kind
to them, hoping that the Lord, in whom they trusted,
would make a plain path before them.
ZENANA MISSION.
151
CHAPTER X.
A WOMAN'S WORK IN INDIA-ZENANA MISSION, ETC.
ON the morning of their arrival in Calcutta, the passage
for the day was noted because remarkable: "Thou
hast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may
be displayed because of the truth. Jehovah Nissi (the
Lord our banner). We will rejoice in Thy salvation,
and in the name of our God we will set up our banner.
My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of
His might; valiant for the truth, fight the Lord's
battles. Be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the
Lord, and work; . . . fear
fear ye not. Lift up your eyes,
and look on the fields; for they are white already to
harvest. Yet a little while, and He that shall come will
come, and will not tarry." This was taken by her as a
distinct message, and she wrote on the top of the page,
"WATCHWORD.”
Miss P———, of the Church of Scotland Female Orphan-
age, and superintendent of the Zenana Mission, Cal-
cu ta, kindly invited them to live with her during their
stay in that city. She was an old friend of the Frasers,
who had known and highly respected her when she was
connected with the Lucknow Girls' School. She in her
tvin loved the Frasers, so that it was with real pleasure
they had renewed her acquaintance when at home, and
now accepted of her hospitality. Writing from her
152
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
house to little Ettie, Mrs. Valentine says: “You wee
darling, we are back now once more in India, and very
thankful we feel to the good Lord who has taken care
of us by the way. We are staying with dear Miss
P. You remember she came and stayed a few
days with us in Brechin, and was so kind to you and
Nellie, dressing dolls for your Christmas-tree. She
sends much love to both of you. Num-Num (the pet
name for the old servant, Rahim Ali, who had been in
the service of her parents at the time for upwards of
thirty-eight years) came to the ship to meet us, and
was asking very many questions about you. He sends
salaams for the nice shawl you and Nellie sent him.
When we go to Jeypore, he is to write a letter to you.
Of course he can't write himself, but I will put down
what he tells me. God bless and keep you, and may
you be His own dear little ones, is the earnest prayer of
your loving Mamma.”
Miss P—— gave a number of dinner-parties during
their stay, when she invited almost all the missionaries,
European and native, to meet them, and occasionally
Hindu friends were introduced, amongst whom they
had again the pleasure of meeting Keshub Chander Sen,
and his brother, Krishto Bihari Sen.
Scarcely had they arrived in Calcutta when they were
literally deluged by the slanders that had been put in
circulation against them; one friend, who had been
recently in Jeypore and other stations, and who had
heard the state of matters there, assuring them that
they would be received with suspicion by all, and by
many, with determined opposition.
It is impossible to tell how deeply Mrs. Valentine
was grieved; sad at heart on account of the recent sepa-
ration from their children, &c., yet trying to look at the
ZENANA ‘MISSION.
153
brightest side of the matter for her husband's sake,
because, feeling perfectly satisfied with the sincerity of
their purpose to devote themselves now as before to the
glory of God, she hoped by His grace they would be
enabled to live down the slanders, and to show those
who were acting through ignorance that they had
formed a wrong opinion of them. They left Calcutta
on their up-country journey on 17th January, arriving
in Lucknow on the morning of 19th January 1877.
Writing from Agra on the 26th January to Mrs. H————
of Dollar; Mrs. Valentine says: "My husband went on
to Jeypore on Tuesday, and we hope to join him the
beginning of next week. Jeypore is only 150 miles
from this, and as we have the railway now, we think
nothing of it. We have enjoyed our journey from Cal-
cutta so much; we have friends at most of the principal
towns we pass through, and many of them we had not
seen for several years. I had not been to Lucknow for
eight years, when I left it immediately after our mar-
riage. My papa was civil judge there for nine years, so
that we had many pleasant associations connected with
the place; but what changes time has wrought! We
only found three or four of the old friends remaining.”
And in a letter written to her children by same mail,
she says:
"As soon as our house is empty, papa will
write and tell us to come. We shall be very glad to
get home again and settle down before the hot weather
comes in. There is a dear little girl here, Jessie; she is
a year younger than Nellie, and six months older than
Ettie, and she reminds me so of both of my darlings, I
feel quite fond of her. I undressed her and put her to
bed to-night, and I thought I had you back again.
She said her prayers beside me, and. this too helped me
to recall the days I had you beside me; but though I
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MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
thought much of you, yet I felt thankful to know you
were in Scotland with all its advantages of climate and
education. Dear little Aggie is well, and every one is
delighted with her. She is taking very kindly to the
natives, and can say two or three words of Hindustani,
but as yet she cannot make herself understood. Now,
my darling, good-night. I shall, I hope, find one or
two letters waiting for me from Mrs. H
at Agra,
God bless
and I trust they will contain good news.
you both most abundantly. Papa, grandmamma, and
Aggie send much love and kisses, and so does dear
MAMMA." A mother's loving heart prompting her to
mark out to the little eyes her own special name.
Dr. Valentine arrived in Jeypore on the evening of
January 23rd, and was met at the station by a large
number of native friends. That same evening, when
he went down to the palace, he received a most hearty-
welcome and Rajput embrace from the Maharajah, his
whole manner showing how heartily glad he was to see
him back again. For some days he was busily engaged
taking over his Raj institutions and getting their house
set in order; and this being done, he telegraphed for
his wife to come, and on the morning of the 2d Feb-
ruary she with her mother and little Aggie arrived at
the railway station. Quite a crowd of native friends
again met them, and most hearty and sincere was the
welcome she received. The mingled feeling of pain
and pleasure of returning to the old home is touchingly
described by her in a letter to "Pet Ettie," and will
awaken memories in many an Anglo-Indian heart that
has passed through the same experience.
"MY OWN PET ETTIE,-You see we are once again
in our old home. . It is the same house, the same fur-
niture, the same portraits, yet it is not the same to us:
ZENANA MISSION.
155
•
there are two little faces wanting that we were accus-
tomed to see running through these rooms; and as we
come across your old toys or books or clothes, our
hearts yearn for you and our eyes fill with tears. But
we know, darlings, you are better where you are, and
we rejoice to think of all the advantages you enjoy in
Scotland, of the happy home you have with Mrs. and
Miss H. You, my little darlings, will, with God's
blessing, become wise and good girls, I know. We are
very glad to be back in Jeypore. There is much to be
done here; thousands of people who have never heard
the name of Jesus, and so few of us to tell them of His
love. I have one piece of good news to give you. Your
ayah Rani, whom you remember, and to whom you
sent a sixpence, with the message that she was to buy
a Bible to learn about Jesus, is really going to become
a Christian. Her son Kesru has learnt to love Him
and has been baptized, and now Kuloo, her husband,
and all their little children, are to receive instruction,
as they wish to join the Church. The native Chris-
tians all ask lovingly for you and dear Nellie, and are
so pleased to see your pictures and hear the good
accounts we can give them of you. I am going to
begin my schools and classes again as soon as I get a
little settled down. There are a great many native
children wanting to be taught, so I shall have my
morning school in the verandah as I used to do, and in
the daytime I will teach work to a class of girls, and
while they sew or knit I will read to them."
They found that during their absence many changes
had taken place in Jeypore. The railway had been
opened, and quite a number of new houses had sprung
up. New faces were seen in the station, and old and
loved friends had left whom they had hoped to meet.
156
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
Several had gone to other stations, and others had been
removed by death. Among the number of the latter.
was Mrs. Traill, whom Mrs. Valentine deeply loved.
Other changes were also noticed, which, in some re-
spects, were more painful than death itself. Estrange-
ments had taken place, and those who were wont tc
receive them with smiles looked upon them with sus-
picion; even many of those who had been their special
friends had had their minds so disturbed by what they
had heard, that they did not know what to think,
but treated them with charity!
All these things were not easy to bear, but still they
were back in Jeypore; that in itself was a token of the
Lord's favour. There was much work to be done, and
the manifest blessing of the Lord upon the seed that
had been sown in the early days of the Mission, which
had borne fruit in the bringing to the Saviour of this
whole family, were causes for their rejoicing and re-
newed hope to work for Him. The house was speedily
put in order; the beautiful new things brought from
home were arranged in their places; pictures, lamps,
&c., were hung up; and again around the fire, when the
day's work was done, they commenced a course of
reading with the new missionary. In this way they
tried to bring back the dear old happy days, and the ·
evenings they used to spend before they went home,
and before there was the slightest jar to mar their in-.
tercourse. Alas! alas! it was soon found, however,
that bygone scenes and times can never be recalled.
Little remarks and questions reminded them how far
they had drifted from their old landmarks. Still,
making it a matter of prayer that nothing might be
allowed to come between them and those who were
engaged in the same work as themselves, they deter-
ZENANA MISSION.
157
mined to try their best to bear up in the face of much
trouble. Once more the social gatherings were com-
menced; friends from other parts of India came to
visit them; the verandah school and native Christian
women's class, which had been allowed to go down in
her absence, were reopened; and, as we have already
seen, her heart was greatly touched by the conver-
sion of the family already mentioned. A daily class
was formed for them, in which they read through the
Gospels, learnt an excellent compendium of Christianity
named Guru Gyan (a catechism), prepared by her own
and her father's friend, the Rev. Mr. Ullmann of the
American Presbyterian Church. A working class was
also formed, in which they were taught knitting, plain
sewing, the way to cut out their own clothes, em-
broidery and fancy work, while Dr. Valentine had a
daily class with the young men of the family and
others.
The school increased in numbers and interest; the
old scholars came in, and soon made up what they had
lost. A number of young men from the city came and
wished to be instructed, and were warmly received, but
only upon condition that three mornings of the week
would be devoted to reading of the Scriptures. In
these classes the assistance of her mother and husband
were enlisted, along with that of paid Christian agents.
Added to all this, a great and effectual door was
.*opened to her in the special work of Zenana missions."
This kind of work was well suited to one of her dis-
creet, firm, and kindly nature; and being so well known
and beloved in the city, once she gained access to the
homes of the people, she as surely gained their hearts.
This was a source of much joy and thankfulness to her
and her household, as it had been a subject of many
6
158
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
prayers in the years past. Once, when Nellie was a
baby, they thought the longed-for opening had come,
for on a grand state occasion, when Mrs. Valentine was
seated on the top of one of the houses to see the pro-
cession pass, she and her little baby were observed by
the queens from their screened point of yantage oppo-
site, and a messenger was sent requesting that the
Mem Sahib and baby would come to the palace at once,
as the Maharanis wished to see the child. Had the
Lord's good time come at last? No wonder their
hearts were filled with joy, for they were well aware
that if the queens would receive a European lady, the
whole State would follow their example. In no place
was the exclusion of the Zenana more strict than in
Jeypore, the women of the palace priding themselves
on the fact that no European had ever looked upon the
face of a queen of Jeypore. Through corridor after
corridor Mrs. Valentine followed her guide, but alas!
at the last door she was told the child must go in alone
while she waited without. "Would that the little one
had been able to lisp the name of Jesus, for, as she
was the first European to look upon the Maharanis of
Jeypore, so she might have been the first to bear His
message.
But in June 1877 Mrs. Fraser was able to forward
the good news to Laurencekirk: "My daughter has
also got admittance into the Zenana of one highly
respectable Hindu, and this she visits three times a
week, teaching the women and girls of the family to
read and work. She also reads the Scriptures to them.
for half an hour each visit, which they listen to very
attentively. This is a very small beginning, but it is
a beginning, and we are all very thankful for it. There
are some young ladies in Jeypore who used to visit this
ZENANA MISSION.
159
same family, but they never ventured to speak on reli-
gion. My daughter, however, said she would only
teach them to read and work on condition that they
would listen to her for half an hour while she read and
explained our Scriptures. They made no objection,
and she has been doing this for about three months.
Perhaps more doors will be opened ere long; in the
meantime, and as long as this trying hot weather lasts,
she has as much to do as her strength will allow her to
undertake."
In a letter of Mrs. Valentine's to Dr. J. Mitchell of
Glasgow (almost the last link of the old Secession
chain left) she says: "We are all very busy, and the
time passes so rapidly we can scarcely accomplish all
we would wish. I teach four hours a day, sometimes
five. In the morning I have a village school, of boys
principally. There are forty names on the roll, though
the average attendance is thirty-two. During the day
I have a class of native Christian children, and teach
Hindi, Urdu, and English, including grammar and
arithmetic, and the girls are taught plain and fancy
work. Besides this, I go to the city three times a week
to instruct some native ladies in the Zenana or female
apartments of a wealthy man's house.
All this is very
pleasant, and I feel very thankful that I have health
and strength to do some little promoting of the Master's
kingdom in this dark heathen land. . . . This kind of
work is very interesting. There are eight women con-
nected with the family one way or another, and they
are very anxious to know about our religion, and often
ask far-reaching questions, and make many wise re-
marks. We have been praying for this opening for
years, and now that it has come, we desire to be very
thankful. One house in a city containing 250,000
160
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
people is not much, but it is a beginning-the day of
small things. The mustard-seed is small, and yet the
Saviour's illustration had its power from the circum-
stance that it bore a great tree. So is it with the
Lord's work. Let us work in hope."
It is not our intention to enter into a lengthened
account of how these Hindu and Mohammedan ladies
pass their days in the seclusion of the Zenana, the
long monotonous hours, the entire stagnation of intel-
ligence, and the utter absence of any moral develop-
ment; above all, the complete blank as regards spiritual
and religious life. Ample justice has been done to the
subject by such writers as Mrs. Murray Mitchell, Mary
E. Leslie, and others, whose accounts of the sufferings
endured, especially by those left widows or childless,
has thrilled many a true womanly heart in Great Britain.
But when we think of Mrs. Valentine, how thoroughly
well suited she was for this important field of labour,
we can but grieve all the more deeply for her untimely
removal at so early an age.
An account, given by herself, of her experience as a
visitor, however, may not be out of place here. "The
first house we went to was that of one of the Maha-
rajah's priests. We were kindly received by the old
man himself, who, after seeing us comfortably seated,
retired, and soon after we were joined by the female
members of the household. I found that the daughter-
in-law of the old man, who, as his wife was dead, was
the head of the Zenana, was well educated, that is, she
could read and write Hindi well, and now expressed
herself desirous of learning English. I did not dis-
courage the idea, for although I could not see what use
it was to be to her, yet I felt that it might be the
means of gaining admittance to that house at least.
ZENANA MISSION.
161
I told her, therefore, I would gladly come and teach her
English, but, at the same time, candidly stated the only
condition on which I could do so, viz., that some part
of each visit should be spent in reading and explaining
our Scriptures to them. They said they would be very
happy indeed to hear of our religion, but that I must
ask and gain permission from the Sardarjee, as without
leave of the head of the house they could do nothing.
As soon as it was certain that the women had got quite
out of sight (for the daughter-in-law must never show
her face to her father-in-law), the old man, attended
by his sons, came in. I confess my faith was weak,
and I hardly dared hope that the permission I was
about to ask would be granted.
I told the old man at
once what I wished to do. To my great joy he smiled
and said, 'Do you think I am a fool, that I should
lose such an opportunity for my women to gain know-
ledge? Besides, when you are to be so kind as to
come two miles twice a week, do you think I would
dictate what you are to teach and what you are not?
No; the religion which prompts you to do such a
thing cannot be such a bad religion. Consider this
as your own house, and do just as you like.' I left,
promising to commence my regular visits on the fol-
lowing day. I have taught as many as fifteen women
in that house, including servants. They have gone
through the 'Peep of Day' twice, and are nearly
through the Gospel of Luke."
Mrs. Valentine was also able to get an opening among
the shopkeepers' wives. The way she used to do was
this:-She used to drive down in the carriage with
Julia (her Bible-woman) to the.mouth of the lane,
taking her little medicine-box with her. They enter
L
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MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE,
❤
a courtyard where six or eight women are employed in
grinding corn, singing in a low monotonous tone, to
keep time to the motion of their arms. The fact that a
lady moving in her position, and driving in a carriage,
had now come amongst them, was a circumstance to
attract their attention more than anything else in the
first instance. In a few minutes the courtyard was
crowded with women and children, sometimes to the
number of forty or fifty. If any, were ill, these were
brought forward first and attended to a sure thing to
gain their hearts-and when some sort of order was
obtained, Mrs. Valentine and Julia sang a Hindi hymn,
which the former afterwards explained, and then told
them some incidents in the life of our Saviour, pointing
out to them the way of salvation. "Since commencing
this form of work, I have more than ever been struck
with the necessity of female medical missionaries. It is
so little I can do for them; and if anything serious is
brought to my notice, I am obliged to tell them I can
do nothing; they must go to the hospital. If it is the
case of a child, my advice may be taken; but if it is a
woman, they would rather die than go there to be
treated by a man.”
•
The reader will see what earnestness, kindness, tact,
and perseverance this particular work needed. Morn-
ing after morning, when the sun was high and hot, she
would go through these lanes and courts, accompanied
sometimes by Julia or by a native catechist. While
Mrs. Valentine was instructing the women of the house-
holds, he would be teaching and reading to the men.
Not only did she occupy every possible moment with
Christian work, but she was ever intent upon finding
out new modes of labour.
ZENANA MISSION.
163
All seemed to be going on as she could have wished.
With a rare unselfishness which characterised her, she
threw herself heart and soul into the work, and felt
happy. The weekly letters from the children were un-
failing sources of interest, and in her turn she tried to
amuse them by telling everything about themselves,
likely to keep their memories green about their old
home, the saying and doings of little Aggie, as well as
the manners and customs of the people, and incidents
connected with her work. Particularly her letters to the
children show how incessantly she followed her little
ones and all their movements with her prayers. In a
letter to Nellie there is an account of the manner in
which her birthday was kept up in Jeypore. She had
immense resources for entertaining children, and she
was always happy when she had it in her power to
make others happy, neither sparing her own strength
nor money to attain this end. On 5th April 1877 she
writes, and it may be taken as a specimen of many
letters sent home to the two children:—
“MY OWN PRECIOUS NELLIE,—This is your seventh'
birthday, and we have been thinking of you all day
long and talking about you. May God abundantly
bless you, my pet; and as every year comes and finds
you growing bigger, may it find you getting wiser and
better. Try and love God more this year than you
have yet done; try and remember that He sees you at
all times, and always try and do those things that you
know will please Him. Our hearts have longed much
for a sight of you and dear wee Ettie to-day, but as we
could not see you, we have tried to make as many
people happy as possible. Dear grandmamma came
164
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
home this morning, after an absence of a month, so
that has added to the pleasure of the day. I am writ-
ing late at night, so as to catch the mail that goes
early to-morrow. I am very tired, but still must tell
you what papa and mamma did to keep up their seven-
year-old girl's birthday. In the morning I had my
schoolboys up, but instead of lessons they got pennies
and a holiday, and were told to come again at five
o'clock in the afternoon to see the fun. At five o'clock
a great number of children, Europeans and native
Christians, came pouring in, all dressed in their best.
Then came the schoolboys, our servants and their
families, besides a great many other persons. I am
sure we had more than 200 people. We also had some
friends to help us to amuse the children. We all sat
at one end of our large lawn, while at the other end a
juggler did some wonderful tricks. Then some men
did wonderful gymnastics on a tight rope and a tall
pole, and after they had finished, we had a man with
three performing monkeys and a performing goat. By
that time it was getting dark, and we brought the
'children in to tea. The tables and verandah were decor-
ated with garlands of flowers, and if you could have
seen the number of plates with sponge-cakes, cookies,
and biscuits, not to forget native sweets, of which
there were a great many kinds! The children seemed
to enjoy the good things, for they disappeared rapidly.
I had almost forgotten to tell you of the beautiful
cakes Num-Num had made, one large one for Nellie and
two small ones for Ettie. They looked like little castles
covered with white sugar and spangled over with gold
stars. On the top of each, coming out of a beautiful
bouquet of coloured paper flowers, was a golden flag.
ZENANA MISSION.
165
After the children's tea, we set them to playing games,
'dundan,' thread the needle, and blind-man's buff, and
we went into the drawing-room and had tea. Then
papa showed a magic lantern with all kinds of funny
figures, and last of all came a nice display of fireworks.
The party broke up at nine o'clock, and all said they
had enjoyed themselves. Ranee and Jilly put on the
nice clothes you and Ettie sent them for the first time
to-day, and all the other servants got a shilling each
as your present to them.
•. “Now, my darling Nellie, mamma's eyes are closing
with sleep, and I must be done. Kiss darling Ettie
fondly for us, and tell her our letters are intended for
her too; but as it is your birthday, they are addressed
to you."
•On the 25th April she writes again to Nellie: "We
have a young gentleman staying with us for a few
days. He has just come from England, and is very
much surprised at all he sees in this country. He
read papa's letter to Ettie about the snakes and snake-
charmers; and as he had never seen one, I gave orders
for one to be called, and a little while ago I heard a
sound not unlike that of a bagpipe. It was the snake-
charmer. He is sitting at the back of the house wait-
ing till papa and Mr. P———— come back from the city,
when he will show his tricks. . . . Well, we got the
snake-charmers to show us what they could do, and
Mr. P was very much astonished and pleased.
Four or five men came, dressed in brick-coloured clothes,
which they always wear to show that they are Yogis,
or religious men. Each man carries two baskets slung
at either end of a pole, which he balances on one
166
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
shoulder, and thus they go about. Well, do you know
what they have in their baskets? They were full of
snakes. Dear papa has told you how these men
remove the poison-bag from their snakes and thus
make them harmless, so that I don't need to tell you.
again. When we were all seated, one of these men
stood up, and throwing off a large cotton sheet he had
had over his shoulders, appeared with the upper part
of his body bare. He then commenced walking about
the lawn in an excited manner, all the while blowing
his pipe. This was supposed to attract all the snakes
in the compound. He asked us where we would like
a snake caught. Papa said, 'Out of one of the servant's
turbans.' The man came forward and sat down in the
middle of the lawn, while the snake-charmer danced
round him in a way that would have made you laugh.
Suddenly he sprang back, declaring he saw a snaké;
then throwing his pipe on the ground, he suddenly
seized the servant's turban off his head, dashed it
down, and sure enough out came a black cobra six
feet long. We next told him to take a snake out of a
rat's hole that we pointed out. In the same way he
danced round the hole, then taking up a little quantity
of sand in his right hand, he dashed it upon the hole,.
when immediately, as before, a long snake lay coiled
on the spot. Of course, all these tricks are done by
sleight-of-hand, and when the snake-charmers perform
before Europeans they generally acknowledge this;
but among the Hindus they declare they do so by
certain charms, and by the help given them by their
gods. We knew it was sleight-of-hand, but still we
were astonished at the cleverness of these men; for,
as I told you before, their arms and upper part of their
ZENANA MISSION.
167
bodies were quite bare, and they were narrowly watched
by many eyes. As all our servants and many outsiders
had gathered to see the fun, this made it very difficult
for them to avoid detection. One man did not manage
his trick quite so neatly, and one of my little school-
boys (for they, too, had remained after school to see
the "Tamasha ") cried out in perfect astonishment
and indignation that he saw the man draw the snake
from the cloth he had round him. The boy's astonish-
ment showed that he had been taught to believe the
man used charms and really caused the snake to rise
from the ground. All the boys laughed heartily at the
man being detected, and we were pleased; for we hope
that, with the lessons they are daily taught, that there
is but one true God, and with such discoveries as this
that the little boy made, they may, with the blessing
of God, lose faith in their false gods and become lambs
of Jesus Christ."
*
As may be remembered, the year 1877 was a. most
trying one.
The rains of Southern and North-Western
India completely failed. The season was one of the
hottest ever experienced. In the language of Scripture,
"the heavens above were as brass, and the earth beneath
as iron," while the heat that descended from the one and
radiated from the other was simply overpowering. The
hot winds blew night and day. Thousands of people
everywhere died of heat, apoplexy, and starvation.
During this trying time Mrs. Valentine still continued
her teaching, until it was plainly to be seen she was
taxing her strength too much, and therefore was for-
bidden to go on by her medical adviser. It gratified
her much to see the earnest faces and hear the pleading
entreaties of her pupils to continue the school when
•
168
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
the month's holiday was proposed. "I had great
trouble in getting them to go away," she writes, "and
only succeeded after yielding one point, viz., that those
who are learning English should come and get a short
lesson every day. When this was decided, they left
the verandah, but not the garden; they went and threw
themselves on the lawn, after taking off their coats
(and as they wear no shirts, the upper parts of their
black bodies were quite bare), and began playing all
sorts of antics, standing on their heads, somersaults,
leaping, wrestling, &c., and when quite exhausted they.
came to the verandah to see if I was angry. Of course,
I could not help laughing, and this was the signal for
more fun. After which they started off running as fast
as they could out of the garden gate. Poor creatures!
it is nice to see them happy and be able to contribute
to their happiness."
In another letter to little Nellie she mentions a cir-
cumstance connected with one of her scholars which
pleased her greatly. "One of the boys in my school
brought a cage with some pretty little birds and gave it
to Aggie. Grandmamma asked him if he had bought
them. He said no; he had had them a long time.
Then she said, 'Why do you give away your pets?'
He answered, 'I used to make these little birds fight
with one another; you have been teaching us that it is
wrong to make creatures fight; and as I only kept them
for this purpose, and I don't want to do what is wrong,
I have brought them for little Aggie Baba.' We were
pleased with this. It is nice to see these poor boys.
'ceasing to do evil and learning to do well.' Tell grand-
father that I am not teaching quite so much as I did.
I teach four hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and
ZENANA MISSION.
169
Thursdays, and five or five and a half on Mondays and
Fridays. Saturday is a holiday, and on Sabbath I have
just two classes of an hour each. So he need not be
afraid of my overworking myself."
This was a pretty good week's work for the middle
of the hot season, and the most trying one she ever
experienced in India.
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MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE,
CHAPTER XI.
ΒΑCΚ ΤΟ INDIΙΑ,
THE year, which had been a most eventful one to Dr.
and Mrs. Valentine in many respects, was now drawing
to a close. They had reached India at its commence-
ment, had passed through many sorrows, and had been
cheered by many instances of the Lord's approval.
Friends whom they loved had been removed by the
hand of death; many who had borne the name had
proved unfriendly; but still, as Mrs. Valentine often
said, they had reason to thank God for His mercies;
they were all spared to each other. As yet their family
circle was complete. Dr. Somerville's death, it is true,
broke a link that bound Dr. Valentine to the past, and
both he and his wife mourned his departure as a father
beloved. He had taken greatly to Mrs. Valentine; and
although an undemonstrative man, he showed, by his
kind words and even kinder actions, how much he
appreciated the successor to his own daughter Mary.
Mrs. Valentine fully returned that love, and always
spoke of him in the highest terms of admiration and
esteem.
After her return to India, apart from her teaching
others, she again went over the studies she had prose-
cuted at home with Professor Simpson, laid herself out
for the acquiring of medical knowledge in other depart-
ments, read and regularly studied physiology and the
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171
diseases of women and children. Several hours a week
were thus set apart, and her notes show how thoroughly
she entered into the spirit of the work and the progress
she had made. She had been anxious, too, to learn-
some forms of native work which she could teach in the
Zenanas and to the native Christian women connected
with the Mission; and having discovered that gold
embroidery work was always sure to meet with a ready
sale amongst wealthy natives, she determined to learn
it. A friendly man and clever workman was found;
and while arranging to pay him for his instruction, she
also hinted that, while doing her work, she would like
to talk to him on the subject of religion. The man was
pleased beyond measure. He came to the bungalow
twice a week, and then the two might be seen, she with
her frame before her, the pattern on the one side, and
her Urdu New Testament on the other, instructing him.
as she turned out the gold lines. She greatly delighted
in the man's conversation, his questions, and even his
objections. The Mem Sahib has passed away, but the
man came regularly on his Sabbath (Friday) for weeks
after, to speak to her husband of the words he had
heard from her lips, and of the happy hours that can
never return. Let us pray that some of the words she
was permitted to speak to him may yet, like good seed
sown in a good soil, spring up and bring forth an abun-
dant harvest, to the praise and glory of God.
Many meetings were arranged for, with the native
Christians, during the time of the drought and subse-
quent famine. The sufferings of the poor people were
great; and in one of her letters to the children she
mentions that cattle that would cost, in ordinary years,
thirty or forty rupees, were sold for one rupee, and even
half a rupee; that a poor man in Agra had sold a cow
172
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
and his child for eight annas (one shilling), while thou-
sands all over the North-West Provinces and Madras
were dying of starvation. Dr. Valentine suggested to
the native Christians that they should meet and each
ask the Lord to have mercy upon them and send rain,
taking as their warrant the passage James v. 17, 18.
Many references are made to these meetings in Mrs.
Valentine's letters. They met on the lawn; and when
the object became known for which they were praying,
they were joined by large numbers of people from the
surrounding villages, who most earnestly listened, add-
ing their hearty Amen.
After the famine had passed away, these meetings
for reading the Scriptures were continued for many
months. The meetings on the Wednesday evenings
were of a different description. This was for the pur-
pose of practising hymns, &c., a little "love feast," Mrs.
Valentine called it, for she used to say, "Poor things!
I am afraid they have not many comforts in their own
little homes. Let them have one bright night a week,
which they can look forward to with delight, and back
upon with pleasure." Therefore she provided tea for
them, with buns, bread-and-butter, and native sweet-
meats in abundance.
At the appointed hour the gong was sounded, and the
native Christians, bringing their whole families, came
in and took their seats, tailor fashion, upon the thick
"durree" which had been spread upon the drawing-
room floor. The blessing asked, the feast began, little
being said until the viands were disposed of, then sing-
ing and conversation filled up the time; and reports
were also given in by the regular workers, and conver-
sations with the people were narrated. Being brought
together in this way, the native Christians were kept
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173
happy with each other, feeling sure also of their host
and hostess' sympathy and affection.
The Sabbath-School Convention and the Presbyterian
Conference were to be held in Allahabad towards the
second half of December, and they resolved to accom-
.pany the Rev. Mr. Shoolbred to enjoy the meetings and
the communion of Christian friends, and, if possible, to
do something for the Agra Medical Missionary Scheme.
They left on the morning of 15th December, and in
due course reached Allahabad. All the meetings were
a treat. Friends they had not seen for years were
there, and were mutually glad to meet. Most touching
was the few minutes' walk along the platform with
their friend, the Rev. Mr. Williamson, who was soon to
go home; running over the principal events of bygone
days when her father was alive, and many dear friends
whom the Lord had taken to Himself.
They arrived at Jeypore on the last day of the year,
bringing along with them the Rev. Messrs. Rae of
Madras and Blake of Bombay, both Free Church mis-
sionaries, who had come to see Jeypore. At the rail-
way station they were met by all their servants as well
as by the boys of their school, who vied with one
another to show them attention. They all followed
them to the bungalow, and assisted in carrying the
luggage. After having been about the grounds for
some time, one of the servants told the boys to go away
as they were disturbing the Sahibs. Aggie was in
much distress when she heard this, and in great excite-
ment exclaimed, "Oh, do not send them away! Suffer
the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them
not.'" Mother-like, these words of her little girl were
noted and remembered. At worship that night they
very seriously thanked the Lord for all His kindness
174
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
during the year, and when the New Year dawned upon
them they again dedicated themselves to Him and to
His service, and entered upon it in faith and hope.
Deep shadows were hanging round them and sad-
dened their hearts, but in the midst of work, and by the
Lord's blessing, they hoped to get above them. A letter
containing good news of the children greatly cheered
them, and they took it as a token for good that it had
been received on the first day of the year. On the way
to the hospital Dr. Valentine took his friends and
guests to see the principal sights of the city; and op
the afternoon of Monday attended a Durbar, when a
very valuable portrait of the Queen was presented by
order of Her Majesty to the Maharajah. In the even-
ing Mrs. Valentine had an extra treat for their native
Christians, Dr. Valentine showing two magic-lanterns,
with views of England, Scotland, and the Continent.
On the 2d January 1878, Mrs. Valentine notes in her
journal that she had reopened her school with twenty-
five scholars, and on the 3d that thirty were present,
two being new ones and little Parsees. In her letters to
the children she tells them of the circumstance, and of
an interview which she had had with the Parsee father
himself, and the state of the children, taking occasion to
describe some of the manners and customs of these
remarkable people. "I must not forget to tell you about
two dear little Parsee girls who came to my school this
year. One's name is Dhun Bai, and the other's Dosi
Thui; ages seven and five. Their mother is dead, and
their father is a guard on the railway, and the children
are left a great deal to the care of an ayah or woman-
servant. You know the Parsees do not worship idols,
but, what is just as bad, they worship the sun and fire.
As young as these children are, they have been taught
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175
much of their false religion. Looking at an idol yester-
day, I said to Dhun Bai, 'You don't worship that?' She
said, 'Oh no, we worship the sun, and we worship fire
and we never give away a piece of fire or live coal,
because it is our god.' I said, 'Do you know who made
the sun?' She replied, 'Yes, God.' Then I said, ' Don't
you think we should worship God who made the sun,
instead of worshipping it?' She said, 'Of course we
worship God first of all, but we worship the sun and fire
also.' I hope, if they are with us long enough, to get
them to know and believe that God has said, 'Thou
shalt worship the Lord Thy God, and Him only shalt
thou serve.'”
A number of missionary and other friends visited
them at the beginning of 1878, such as Rev. Messrs. Rae,
Blake, Woodside, Dehra, Clifford, C. M. S., Calcutta,
Dr. Morrison, and Mr. Robinson, Landour. These
visits were most pleasant and enjoyable, and there is
every reason to believe their friends left them highly
gratified with what they had seen.
Mrs: Valentine had made herself thoroughly ac-
quainted with the history of Jeypore and the tradi-
tions connected with it. The wonderful observatory
of Jai Singh and the uses of its various instruments,
as well as Amber with its palace and ruined city, these
she delighted to describe. to her visitors, and more
especially took pride in pointing out the various insti-
tutions that had been founded, and the improvements
that had taken place during the time she had been in
Jeypore. As connected with all these, she never ceased
to praise the liberal spirit of the Maharajah, who,
amidst difficulties which she could fully appreciate,
had made Jeypore one of the most magnificent cities
in India. Every time she pointed out the wonders of
176
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
the place she declared that she saw it through the
eyes of those who were looking at it for the first time,
and their various opinions fully recompensed her for
any trouble she had been put to in showing them.
It was about this time that her husband noticed
how worn and weary she looked after the day's work
was done; and though he repeatedly interfered and
made her diminish the time she was giving to her
schools and classes, her day was always fully occupied;
and though she reluctantly consented to do less, she
afterwards confessed that she was the better of the
rest. On the 25th of the month, while waiting at the
station to see some friends who were passing on to
Ajmere, she got herself weighed, and her husband was
distressed to find that she was fully two stones lighter
than she was when she left for Scotland in 1874. She
had begun to lose weight while there, but the amount of
worry since, was telling on her daily. In a letter to
her children she says: "Lately I have been so busy
that I have merely sent you a few lines by each mail,
instead of nice long letters such as I would wish to
write. I generally wait till the mail comes in, to see
what news we get of you, and sometimes I get so many
letters to answer that I have no time left to write to
you. Now this week I am commencing this letter
before the mail comes in, and I hope I shall be able
to tell you things that will amuse you.
<<
Grandmamma told Ettie in her last letter that we
had a lady who had seen me when I was a baby, and
her daughter, an old school-friend, staying with us.
They are still here, and we are so glad to have them.
This morning they have gone with papa and grand-
mamma to the city to see the sun procession. It is,
of course, a heathen ceremony, but yet it is worth
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177
seeing to those who have never seen it, as it shows
what the heathen are willing to do and spend upon
their religious ceremonies, and how devoted they are
to the worship of their false gods. It is indeed a very
grand show; but papa will, I suppose, tell you all
about it in his letter. I have seen it before, so I did
not care to go; and as this is Saturday, and I have no
school, I am getting a nice quiet time to write to my
darlings, which I am enjoying very much. My little
Parsee girls have left. Their father has taken them to
a place called Bandikui, about half-way to Agra. I
am sorry they have gone, but hope they may come
back again. Last Wednesday I and my guests went
out to Amber, and had such a pleasant day. We had
two elephants. Little Carrie was very frightened and
cried at first, but afterwards she liked it. We saw
hundreds of white monkeys with black faces, and we
amused ourselves watching their antics. They are
very tame, as they are looked upon as sacred, and are
never annoyed, but are fed by the Hindus. This they
look upon as a very good act, and one which will do
away with many sins. They do not know that we can
do nothing for our own salvation, but can only get it
by trusting in Jesus.
To-day we are expecting another friend, Captain
S. He is a very good man, and goes about the
country with a large magic-lantern. This he exhibits
free to the natives, thousands of whom flock to see it.
Many of the slides are illustrations of the Bible, and
as he shows them he describes them in Hindi, so that
in this way thousands have the gospel preached to
them. On Monday evening there is to be an exhibi-
tion in the city. Dear papa has made all the arrange-
M
178
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
ments for it, and we are hoping many may gather
together both to see and hear."
"12th February.-Captain S showed his lantern
last evening to nearly 2000 people, most of them boys
of the college and other schools; the slides were beautiful,
and every one enjoyed themselves very much. Little
Aggie went, and seemed to like it very much too. The
last mail brought a kind letter from Mrs. H———, which,
as usual, gave us good news of you both, and made us
feel so thankful. Now, darlings, this is a nice long
letter. Is it not? God bless you both, and make you
His own children. Believe me your own loving mamma,
Isabel Valentine."
Captain S- was an Indian officer in H.M.S. Bengal
Army, and officiating superintendent of Native Army
Schools. He was an old friend, and having heard of
their troubles, inquired about them, and after a careful
perusal of the whole correspondence he wrote an able
defence to the Mission Board, giving at the same time a
clear statement of the work done by Dr. Valentine for
the Mission, saying, "I believe, from my experience and
knowledge of the native churches, that the Mission now
working in Jeypore owes its continued existence to
Dr. Valentine's influence with the Maharajah. I visited
Jeypore lately, preached for Dr. Valentine to the native
Christians in the morning, and to a large congregation.
of poor heathens on a grassy plot in front of the house
in the evening. In the daytime, his wife-a most
devoted Christian lady-instructed a number of native
boys in her verandah. I could not but admire the
excellent system adopted by her, as well as the perfect
control she had over so many children (probably forty).
The order and discipline that prevailed, the intelligent
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179
answers given by the boys, the way they repeated their
verses and hymns, all showed to my mind how interest-
ing is the missionary work the Valentines have on
hand. After the lessons I was asked to address these
heathen children for the Doctor. I also attended a
Bible-class, held the same evening at his bungalow.
During the week-days, Mrs. Valentine and her good
mother, Mrs. Fraser, instruct some of the Sunday-
school children in the various branches of an elemen-
tary education. . . . As the Maharajah was expected to
leave for Jodhpore that night, the Doctor called on him,
and introduced me to his Highness. I was much struck
with the cordial, informal, and familiar way in which
he was received."
On the 18th of the month, dear little Aggie had been
playing about in the front verandah, and hearing some
voices at the back of the house, she at once ran down
the steps and out into the sunshine without her hat.
The exposure was but for a moment or so, as she was
back again into the shade as fast as her little feet could
carry her, but it was sufficient, however, to affect her
injuriously, and that same evening she had a severe
attack of fever. The ordinary medicines were given,
and the disease yielded to them; still she looked pale
and lost her appetite, became restless, cross, and did not
care for play. As she was able to go out on her pony
or in her goat-carriage, or move about, though in a
languid way, so different from her usual manner, her
parents were hopeful that the sickness would pass away,
and had not the slightest suspicion that this was indeed
but the beginning of the end.
Mrs. Valentine was expecting many friends that
week. The Ws, American missionaries, were to
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MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
pass through Jeypore on their way to America, also
Mr. Z, a German missionary. When Aggie was
·told that there was quite a number of baba log (little
people) coming to spend a few days, she was exceed-
ingly pleased, and in her loving way speculated what
she would do, the toys she would show them, and the
rides she would give them in her goat-carriage, &c.; and
when she heard of Mr. Z and his funny large hat,
almost like an umbrella, she was immensely amused, ask-
ing all sorts of questions about him, and laughing to
herself at her own ideas. She said, "Can I laugh, dear
mamma, when I see the funny old gentleman and his
old hat?" The Ws and their children, accompanied
by John, a son of the Rev. Mr. F, of Lahore, came
in on March 1st. Little Aggie was anxious to go with
her papa to the railway station, as was her custom, but
it was thought more advisable to keep her at home, as
there were many children of the party to be accommo
dated in the carriages, and because, being the middle
of the day, the sun was very powerful. Mrs. Valentine,
after going into each of the rooms to see that all was
properly arranged for her expected guests, returned to
find Rani sitting on the door-step with Aggie in her
lap. A cold wind was blowing at the time, and the
child was ordered into the house, the ayah stating that
Aggie was so anxious to see the children arrive that
she had brought her out for that purpose. Mrs. Valen-
tine always believed that her little darling caught cold
at that time. When the party arrived, Aggie was so
pleased to see so many children, and followed them up
to their rooms, earnestly entreating her mamma to allow
her to remain, becoming friends at once, and distribu-
ting her toys amongst them. That same night she was
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181
carefully bathed and rolled in flannel and laid in bed,
and the next morning, on his return from the hospital
with the two missionaries, her papa was much pleased
to see the child looking as bright and beautiful as ever
in the drawing-room in the midst of her companions,
quite as ready as any of them for a game of romps.
The next night was just what the other had been, and
though the child seemed better in the morning, Dr.
Hendley was called in, and all the remedies he advised
were carefully attended to.
As Bishop Heber so truly says, "Surely there are
few lands on earth where death so daily and hourly
knocks at our doors, or where men have so constant
warning to hold themselves in readiness to meet their
Maker as India." In spite of their hopes for her re-
covery, a little before five o'clock on Monday. evening
our precious darling Aggie had gone home to be with
Jesus." So wrote her mother in a notebook, where
afterwards she jotted down as many of the child's say-
ings as she could remember. And from it and in letters
to friends we find what a peculiarly happy child she
was.
"Born on the 26th March 1874, she wanted only
twenty-two days to complete her fourth year. As her
mind unfolded and she learnt to talk, she became oh!
so dear to all who knew her. None who ever saw her
could forget her, and she was as sweet and good as she
was beautiful. She had never had a day's illness from
her birth, being stout and strong, with such a bright
colour in her cheeks. For all poor people she had great
compassion; all loafers were 'poor hungry gentlemen;"
and on one occasion, when an old man presented him-
self, she said, 'Wait, poor hungry gentleman, till my
182
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
papa comes home;' and when his wants were supplied,
she stood beside him so pleased to see him enjoying a
hearty meal. When driving through the city she
would, on hearing the temple bells ringing, say, 'Oh,
the foolish, naughty people. I will tell Hindus not to
say prayers but to gentle Jesus!' She went with me
to the Zenana one day, and showed impatience to get
to the house, her reason being Aggie going to teach
the women.' She always spoke of what she would do
when she became a little baby, the idea alone pressed
upon her of growing big as mamma distressing he
greatly. 'No, I shall never be big; I will be a little
goody baby again.' Jesus dealt very tenderly with
our lamb; she fell asleep without a struggle; it was
more a translation than a death. Aggie was not, for
God took her.' That Monday morning, as she lay in
my arms, I said, 'Oh, darling, you must get well.' She
looked at me with a look I shall never forget, and said,
'No, I won't, mamma.' Shall I ask Jesus to make my
Aggie well, darling?' 'No, don't mamma,' was the
reply. It seemed strange to me to see that active,
healthy child, laid low so suddenly, yet so perfectly
resigned and ready to go. The words went as a knell
to my heart. I felt that my darling had received the
· call, and was in haste to be gone. 'Even so, Father, for
so it seemeth good in Thy sight.' Though our hearts
are crushed and bleeding, yet we can say from the
depth of our hearts, The Lord gave, and the Lord has
taken away, blessed be His holy name.' I do not say
that we yet feel the calm of perfect resignation, for the
wound is too tender for that yet, but we do not repine.
We know our darling is a bright angel in the glorious
home above, but oh! our hearts and our home are so
(
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183.
desolate! So much has gone out with that little life,
and the stroke came so sudden. How gladly would
any of us have laid down our lives for our treasure, but
it could not be. I know you will pray for us; we need
your prayers. We are all crushed, my poor Colin most
of all. He is never strong. This last year he has had
to bear what few men are called on to bear. His heart
has been sorely tried, and now this has come over all.
His health is suffering, and I tremble for him. But we
are all in God's hands; that should be quite enough for
us. My great solace is in looking up, in picturing my
darling's joy, and in looking forward to the glorious
meeting that awaits us in our home above. Do you
know this Moravian hymn? I think it is so beauti-
ful:
'Where is this infant? It is gone.
To whom? To Christ, its Saviour tried.
What does He for it? He goes on
As He hath ever done to do.
He blesses, He embraces without end,
And to all children proves the tenderest friend.
'He loves to have the little ones
Upon His lap, quite close and near;
And thus their glass so swiftly runs,
And they so little time are here.
He gave, He takes them when He thinks it's best,
For them to come to Him and take their rest.
'Dear child! so live thou happily
In Christ, who was thy faith's beginner.
Rejoice in Him eternally
With each redeemed and happy mind.
We bury thee in hope the Lamb once slain
Will raise, and we shall see thee yet again.'
184
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
"In our sorrow we have received so many kind letters
from friends, many from friends who have passed
through a similar bereavement themselves, and have
also been able to comfort us with the comfort that they
had been comforted with of God. Yes, in the sorest
affliction we have the glorious hopes and the sweet con-
solation of the gospel, which the poor heathen, by whom
we are surrounded, know nothing of. But I have been
very much touched by the attempts even they have
made to speak comfort to us. Among the women in
the city to whom I go regularly, several have spoken
very nicely. One woman said to me, 'Mem Sahib,
don't grieve too much. This world is full of sorrow,
but don't think yours is the only sorrow. Look at me.
I had two beautiful boys; both were taken away from
me when they were between eight and nine years of
age. Then my husband died, and this little girl is all
I have left in this world. God gives them and some
He takes; those He takes were never ours, they were
His. Try and forget your sorrow for the one that has
gone, and think of those you still have.' All this was
said with the tears in her eyes. Another said, 'Grief
is a terrible thing, but life and death are in no man's
power.'
"Two or three mornings ago quite a pretty young
wonian came up to our house, bringing her old mother-
in-law with her. In trying to comfort me she told me
her own story. She was married as a child to the only
son of this old woman, who was then a widow. This man
had also another wife, by whom he had three children,
two boys and a girl. This wife and two of the children
died suddenly, and shortly after so did the man, leaving
his old widowed mother childless, and his poor child-
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185
wife a widow. By the Hindu law she can never marry
again, nor dress in any but the plainest clothes. She is
now not more than twenty-two or twenty-three, and
has been a widow for sixteen years; so these two poor
women live by themselves with this little boy. When
they talk with me in this way, I try and tell them
of Him who is the resurrection and the life; but just
now my heart is too tender to allow of my speaking
much on this subject. I go twice a week to these
women-this is in addition to the Zenana visits. They
are not exactly Purdah women, i.e., they can go out
quite freely, at the same time they would not be
allowed to attend the public preaching in the bazaar.
In the one or two houses I go to, sometimes twenty-five
to thirty women collect, and hear the word gladly.
Oh, how I wish I had some one to help me in
this work. I am not able for much; but the field is
an important one, and my prayer is that the Lord
may show us how to extend the work. The women
would like me to go to them every day, more especially
as I take my little medicine-chest and treat the simple
ailments of their children and themselves. This is a
great matter for the poor things, who find it impossible
to go to the hospital for every little thing. The more
serious cases, of course, I send to the hospital. What
a great opening this would be for a properly qualified
female medical missionary. The weather is getting
very warm. While I write, a terrific dust-storm has
come up, and we may have a shower which will cool
the air. Neither my husband nor myself are well, and
we propose going to the Hills by and by. Mamma will,
of course, go too.
"Did I tell you that our darling Aggie was laid
186.
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
beneath a mango-tree in our little graveyard on the
morning of March 5th, Mr. W conducting the
services in Hindustani, and on Sabbath, March 10th,
Colin preached her funeral sermon in the Mission
bungalow?" As it turned out, this was the last official
work Dr. Valentine performed as a missionary in con-
nection with the United Presbyterian Church.
On Aggie's tombstone Mrs. Valentine caused to be
added the favourite saying of her beloved child, “Suffer
the little children to come unto Me.”
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
187
CHAPTER XII.
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
BUSINESS called Mrs. Valentine again to Agra, from
whence she writes to her little daughter Nellie, asking
her if she remembers "her old friend Polly Paterson,
the dear little girl who was bridesmaid along with you
at Miss R's wedding, and who died soon after the
former arrived in Scotland;" adding, what was so
highly characteristic of her own strong faith: “Once
again Aggie and she are playing together so happily in
heaven. Just think of it, my darling. Heaven is a
place as really as Jeypore or Dollar, and such a happy
place, such a beautiful place. Ask dear Mrs. H—
read to you about heaven out of the Bible, and see if
you don't think it must be so very beautiful." From
the time of Aggie's death her thoughts belonged more
to that glorious home above than to the earthly.
H-
to
After her return from Agra it became perfectly
apparent that she should lay aside her active work,
and, if possible, take perfect rest. A young pundit
was engaged to assist with the secular studies of the
pupils, while Julia, her Bible-woman, taught the Bible-
class. She still continued her boys' or young men's
class for the reading of the Scriptures, who came three
times a week to read and have the passage explained
by her.
IS8
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
On the 20th April she makes the following entry in .
her notebook:
Went to the city after an absence of seven weeks,
had a class with about twenty to twenty-five women,
Sikhs' and Bunnyas' wives. Also went and taught at
B—————; only the English-reading women and servants
present. On the 30th went to city; about twenty
women. Prescribed for two fever cases, two ophthalmia,
one bronchitis, one teething; ordered woman with con-
sumption to go to hospital." In congenial work like
this, and writing many letters in answer to many from
friends about the departure of her dear child Aggie,
she tried to dissipate the gloom. Those to her children
are always bright, even though many allusions are made
to "her precious Aggie," and how she misses her. In
one of these letters she writes: "Two days ago a mad
jackal came into dear grandmamma's room. She was
lying in bed in the early morning; papa and I had gone.
out. She saw the creature's head peeping in at the
door, and on her waving her hand it ran out. The next
moment it was rushing towards some of the servants
who were standing outside, and one of them, who goes
about the garden to kill dogs, pigs, deer, &c., that
destroy the garden, had a gun in his hand and, fired at
it. It was only slightly wounded, and flew at him and
bit his hand and arm badly; the jackal then attacked
Rahamally, but did not bite him, and in a few minutes.
it was killed with sticks and stones. The poor man
who was bitten ran off to the hospital, and papa at-
tended to the bites. They are still painful, of course,
but papa thinks there is no danger.
"I think papa told you in one of his letters about the
death of an old gardener, and about his having left a
widow and two little children. The little boy is about
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
189
five years old, and is, or was, the baby you and Nellie
took clothes to. Well, his father, besides being a gar-
dener, was also a soldier. They have a custom here
that if a soldier dies and he has a son, no matter how
young he may be, he can get his father's place, if any one
interests himself for the child. Papa spoke to the com-
mander-in-chief about little Amir, and he promised to
write his name down in his father's place. The object
of this is that he will continue to get his father's pay,
and thus the poor widow will be supported. When the
child's name is written, some man has to go with him to
promise that until the child is old enough to fight he
will go in his stead in case he is required. The boy's
uncle went with him; so now little Amir is a soldier in the
Maharajah's army, and I assure you he looked very smart
with his clean white clothes, scarlet turban, and waist-
band. He is now beginning to come to school, and I
hope he may, with God's blessing, become a soldier in
Jesus' army, which would be far better than any earthly
advantage he could gain. Don't you think so?
The weather is getting very warm now, and we are
beginning to wish we could be up in the nice cool
climate of Landour. By and by, before very long, we
intend going uphill, but wish to.wait a little, so that
dear papa may be able to go also. Landour is such a
beautiful place; it is 7500 feet above the sea-level, and
the climate is charming. The highest range is some-
where over 22,000 feet high. When the rising and set-
ting sun shines on them, or by moonlight, they look so
beautiful. You have both seen them, but, I fear, re-
member nothing of them. Perhaps some day, if God
spares your lives, you may see them again.”
Both her dear children were spared to see the glorious
Himalayas, but she had gone to her eternal rest.
190
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
Describing a visit to one of her city houses, and her
reception and work, she gives an account of some of the
manners and customs, which will be found interesting.
"Yesterday morning I went to a new house in the city,
and had such a nice gathering. I think I must tell
you of the morning work, so that you may, in imagina-
tion, go along with me and enjoy it as much as I did.
About six o'clock in the morning Julia (my Bible-
woman) and I started off, having first put my little
medicine-chest in the carriage, and taken a Hindi New
Testament, a couple of hymn-books, and the 'Peep of
Day.' Sometimes I also take some nice large coloured
Scripture pictures, which the women and children enjoy
looking at very much. We drove in at the Chandpole
Gate (or Moon Gate), that being the nearest gate to our
house. After driving along for a bit, we saw a woman
with a little girl sitting at the corner of the street; they
stood up as we drove near, and, looking very pleased,
said, 'You have come.' This was Bada, the widow
woman, and her little girl Gunga, that, I think, I have
mentioned before. She had invited me to her house,
promising to get a number of women together to listen
I had made several attempts to go before, but
until yesterday I had not been able to do so. We drove
along slowly through some of the back streets to allow
the women to keep ahead of us, as we did not know the
way. At last the road got so bad that the carriage
could go no farther; so we got out and followed our
guide through the funniest little zigzag lanes you can
imagine; at last we turned into one, when the woman
said, 'This is the street I live in.'
to us.
"The little girl Gunga, whom her mother had been
carrying all the way (though you must know she is six
years old, and is to be married next winter), now
•
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
191
scrambled down and ran off ahead in great excitement,
popping her head in at the door of each house we passed,
calling out that the Mem Sahib had come, and they
were all to make haste. She did not call the women
and girls by their own names, but addressed them as
'the mother of Mahadeb,' or the 'daughter-in-law of
Buldeb,' &c., which is a funny custom they have. The
last house in the lane was Bada's. It is built of stone
and is a two-storied house. The rooms are built all
round a square which is open to the sky. I was pleased
to see she had it swept clean and made tidy. She
placed a large stool for me and Julia in the middle of
the square, and in a few moments the women came
flocking in. At first they were frightened, and some of
them, after peeping at me, went off again. However,
about a dozen sat down at my request. I told them I
was very happy to see them, and asked them if they
were all well. This pleased them immensely, both be-
cause they found I could talk to them and understand
their language, and because I took an interest in them.
One or two who had sick children brought them to me,
and after strongly advising them to use soap-and-water,"
I gave them any little medicine I thought they needed.
On seeing this, some who had not come in before, but
were peeping at me from the door, ventured nearer, and
soon I had quite a large number. I then told them I
had come to tell them of the love of God in giving His
only-begotten Son to die for them. They listened very
attentively while I told them the old, old story. I then
asked them if they ever sang. They said yes. 'Well,'
I said, 'Julia and I will sing you a Bhajan, which, I
think, you will like, and I hope you will learn to sing
it too.' I then read it over to them, explaining it as I
went on. It is a beautiful native hymn and a great
192
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
favourite; it speaks of Jesus as the only Saviour; and
invites all sinners to come to Him. After reading it,
Julia and I sang it to them, much to their delight. We
then left, promising to come back again, which they
begged might be very soon. Several of them came
along to the place where we had left the carriage. We
next drove to a Bania's (grain merchant's) house, where
I have been frequently, and where I have often from
twenty to twenty-five women, but sometimes I have a
difficulty in this house of getting the women to keep
quiet. There are so many of them, and when half the
number are sitting still, the others start off to attend to
some household duties; and you must know that natives
can never do anything quietly, so that while the room
is being swept or the brazen plates and vessels scoured,
their tongues keep time with their hands. However,
they are beginning to understand that I wish them to
be quite still for a few minutes while I talk to them,
and most of them now listen attentively. The singing
always attracts them, and some of them even join us.
I have had a good many sick women and children at
this house, to whom I have given medicine, and most
of them are now quite well, and of course are grateful.
One poor woman has been ill for five years. I hinted
to her some time ago that she should go to the hospital,
but as I saw she did not like the idea, I told papa about
her and he prescribed some medicine. She was a little
better last week; yesterday morning she was not with
the other women, and on my asking for her, the woman
of the house put her hands together and said, 'Oh,
Mem Sahib, she is so ill. She is not able to walk as
far as this, but she begged of me to ask if you would
not take pity on her and go and see her at her own
house. It is not far, but the carriage cannot go.'
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
193
'Well,' I said, 'go on and I will follow.' So she led the
way, and Julia and I had to walk pretty quick to keep
up with her. On arriving, I found the poor sick woman
very much worse. I saw there was nothing I could do.
for her but again urge her to go to the hospital. I told
her they had a ward for women only; that two nurses
were there night and day to attend to the patients, and
that she could have a woman from her own house with
her to give her food, &c., and I was hopeful, with God's
blessing, she would there get well. She listened quietly,
and then with a sad smile said, 'It is all true that you
have said. I know the arrangements are all very good,
but our customs will not allow of my going. My own
and my husband's family would look upon it as a life-
long disgrace were I to go.' I said, 'I know your customs,
but surely in a case of life and death your friends
would not care about customs.' She replied, ‘Oh, yes;
if I must choose between the hospital and death, they
would far rather I died.'
"Poor creature! my heart was sad for-her-sad to see
her suffering so much and I unable to help her, and
sad to see her and her people so tied down by their fear-
ful caste customs. I have written you a long letter,
my darling Nellie, but I do so want both my little
girls to be interested in the poor heathen in this country
that I write and tell you so much about them."
On the 24th of May Mrs. Valentine wrote from
Meerut to her little daughter Ettie, and by it we find
that she with her husband and mother were en route
for the Hills. Next day they arrived in Dehra, and
stayed at the house of their old friend the M————s, who
had been removed from the Mission station of Subathu
to Dehra. There the Sabbath was spent attending the
Hindustani service in the girls' school, conducted in the
N
194
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
morning by the Rev. Mr. H-, and in the evening by
the Rev. Dr. M—— in English. They arrived at Lan-
M-
dour in the forenoon of May 27th, in a sharp shower
of rain, with hearts full of gratitude to find themselves
once more among the glorious old hills, so full of many
happy recollections and associations. "Now, in the
dear old Hills we shall have rest and quiet, and regain
spiritual and physical strength. Thou wilt keep him
in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because
he trusteth in Thee.'
'Would you taste the tranquil scene?
Be sure your bosoms be serene:
Devoid of hate, devoid of strife,
Devoid of all that poisons life;
And much it 'vails you, in their place,
To graft the love of human race.'
> ""
Sorely as they had been tried already, there was•yet
more to be borne, for here in this quiet retreat the most
painful experience in connection with the "
Jeypore
case was passed, and, together with the sad trial of
their dear child's death, nearly broke their hearts, and
would have destroyed their peace but that their minds
were stayed on God. The decision of the Synod of the
United Presbyterian Church of 1878 is here referred to,
which reached them on 19th June 1878. It has been
truly said that nothing can quiet and ease the undefined
anxieties connected with the future like a firm trust in
the superintendence of God over everything, however
trifling. When this is the case we repose with confidence,
feeling sure that, if it is good for us, such and such happi-
ness or desires will be granted, or, if it should be ordained
otherwise, that support and comfort will come with the
trial.
It is no part of our intention in this Memoir to enter
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
195
at large into the merits of the so-called "Jeypore Case,”
or the nature of Dr. Valentine's appointment as private
physician to the Maharajah, held with the approval of
the Mission Board, as well as founder of the Jeypore
Mission, an appointment which was as, unique in its
character as it was far-reaching in its influence. That
he was the acknowledged medical missionary of the
United Presbyterian Church, their "Missionary Record”
monthly showed, no one dreaming of challenging the
fact for years; accounts of the work were there pub-
lisked; and from time to time ample testimony was
given from brethren visiting that interesting city of
the self-denying labour of Dr. Valentine and his wife.
That no missionary's wife worked harder than she did
for the cause of Christ, nor more successfully, every
one was prepared to state; and on a perusal of the old
"Records" we find no more interesting accounts were
sent home than those from Jeypore, both in the Monthly
and Children's "Records," written by Dr. and Mrs.
Valentine. It was natural, therefore, that both these
ardent workers, whom any Church might well be proud
of having, should feel "stricken with grief" when "an
attack" was made, in the public newspapers, upon the
character and status of Dr. Valentine as a missionary.
That attack was heartily and clearly refuted, not only
by the members of the United Presbyterian Mission
Board itself, by the Synod of the Church, which ratified
and approved of the Board's decision thereon, but also
by his many influential friends in India connected with
every mission having representatives in the North-West
Provinces.
Unfortunately the "Red Book," which contained all
these charges and their refutation, was not put into the
hands of all the members of Synod when the decision of
196
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
the Board came up for consideration. The Mission
Board fully exonerated Dr. Valentine, after searching
inquiry, not only from all the direct charges brought
against him, but also from those which were charac-
terised by the press as "malignant expressions by in-
dividuals." But though the Mission Board and Synod
had sanctioned his appointment as physician to the
Maharajah, and agreed to recognise him as their medical
missionary-nay, had ordained him to be a minister of
the Church-in order to avoid making a precedent, they
by a majority of two decided that after his return to
India, while he held the appointment of physician to
the Maharajah, he could not be recognised as an agent
of the Church.
After so many years of energetic labour, when success
so distinguished had been gained by him, this very
naturally was felt as a great wrong, an injustice that no
amount of mere conventional courtesy would remove.
To the members of their Church in general, and to
the public at large, the real state of the case was not
fully known. The general impression seemed to be
that some sort of a slur rested on the person who had
been thus treated. The simple fact that his time-
honoured name thenceforth ceased to appear in the
"Missionary Record" left an unpleasant void, of which
the worst was, that it never could be understood aright
by many whose opinion he valued.
Having given many years of continuous effort and
anxiety to mission-work under the Board as their re-
cognised agent, and rejoicing to consider himself such,
he felt it a cruel blow to receive the decision that he
was to be no more regarded as a missionary. He would
very much rather have thrown up his appointment
with the Maharajah than that such should be the issue.
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
197
From the Red Book it can be seen that, after some
months' residence in Jeypore, he was even desirous to do
so, thinking that he could do more work for the cause
of the gospel as a free agent, but was distinctly enjoined
by Dr. Somerville, the then Secretary of the Board, to
retain his post at the Maharajah's court, as it had
plainly been acknowledged by all at home that his
entrance to that influential position there had been a
providential dispensation, distinctly tending to the fur-
therance of Christianity in Rajputana.
By one or two mails before, they had heard the
decision of the Mission Board was in their favour by a
majority of fifteen to four. Their friends wrote out to
them rejoicing in the justice that had been shown them,
never doubting that the Synod would confirm that de-
cision. But while it did so to the fullest extent as far
as Dr. Valentine's character and status were concerned,
by a majority of two it resolved as follows:-
'I. That the Synod approves the rule ordinarily
observed in conduct of our Medical Missions, by which
the agents should derive their emoluments solely from
the funds of the society by which they are appointed,
and should pay over any fees which they may occasion-
ally or statedly receive to that society.
"II. That whatever exceptions have been made to
this rule in reference to Dr. Valentine, have been made
on grounds reflecting the highest honour upon Dr.
Valentine, and which seemed to all parties at the time
to render these exceptions advisable in the interests of
our Indian Mission.
"III. That the Synod recognise the value of the ser-
vices which Dr. Valentine has rendered, and of the
work which he has performed as a missionary, and
198
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
expresses their full confidence in his Christian character
and integrity.
"IV. That, taking into consideration the whole cir-
cumstances of the case, the Synod are of opinion that
the special interests of our mission in Rajpootana will
be promoted and the principles on which our missionary
operations are conducted will be best conserved, if the
anomalous position at present occupied by Dr. Valen-
tine is brought to an end. In ordering this decision.
to be intimated to Dr. Valentine, the Synod entertains
the opinion that he may be able in the meantime to
do more extensive good by remaining in his honour-
able and influential appointment under the Maharajah ;
express their confidence that should he resolve upon
this course, he will continue to use all the opportunities
afforded him in that position for the promotion of
Christian truth and the glory of his Master; and, at
the same time, assure him that should he be required at
any time, in fidelity to the cause of Christ, to with-
draw from his position at the court of the Maharajah,
they will cordially welcome and facilitate his return to
the position of one of their missionaries.”
At this decision there were strong and influential
dissents, both formal and informal, the latter taking
shape in the following address of sympathy:-
We, the undersigned ministers and elders of the
United Presbyterian Church, deeply regret the decision
in the Jeypore case, at which the Synod arrived on the
21st of May 1878, at a comparatively thin meeting, and
by a very narrow majority. We beg leave to express our
deep sympathy with you at this untoward result; but
at the same time congratulate you on your complete
vindication from the slanders which have been so long
directed against you, and which you have borne in such
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
199
a Christian spirit. We fully accord with the resolutions
of the Foreign Mission Board to the following effect :—
'That the arrangement of the Mission Board with Dr.
Valentine was in effect, that while he occupied the posi-
tion of private physician to the Maharajah, he should use
whatever time his duties in that position allowed, and the
opportunities it should afford him, for the introduction
of the Gospel, and the furtherance thereof in the city
and state of Jeypore, and that while he held the other
appointments referred to, his arrangement with the Mis-
sion Board remained unchanged. That Dr. Valentine
preached the Gospel regularly on the Lord's day, and as
the agent of this Board, was the earnest and zealous in-
strument of opening schools, carrying on bazaar-preach-
ing, and effecting other mission work in Jeypore; that an
infant church was gathered by him; and that his Chris-
tian influence in his official position has been most
helpful in maintaining and extending the cause of the
Redeemer in that state.' We also accord with that
portion of the Synod's decision which declares, 'The
Synod, recognises the value of the services which Dr.
Valentine has rendered, and of the work which he has.
performed as a missionary, and expresses its full con-
fidence in his Christian character and integrity.'
addition, we take occasion to express in this way our
unabated confidence in your Christian character, and
our sense of the valuable services you have already
rendered to our Church and the cause of Christ.
We
feel confident that in your future course you will keep
in view the same great objects in regard to the advance-
ment of the kingdom of Christ which we alike have
at heart, and which formed a bond of union in the
past; and we assure you that we shall follow your
course with special interest, and shall rejoice if in any
In
200
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
way we can be mutually helpful in the work of the
Lord."
This address was signed by eighty-eight leading
ministers and elders of the Church.
When the news reached them on that morning of
June 19th, Mrs. Valentine was terribly distressed on
account of her husband's grief; her logical mind saw.
the injustice of the decision of the United Presby-
terian Church; and when the final decision came, it
was as if everything in which she had placed confi-
dence in this world had been taken from underneath
her feet, causing her to cry out in her sore agony at
the time, "Is there no honour or justice left in the
Church?" It went as an arrow to her heart, and was
a wound which was never healed.
A friend writing about her at this time from India
says: "She was a woman of singularly transparent
character, with a high sense of honour; and the idea
that the missionaries in this country who testified
against her husband should have acted in the manner
they did grieved her above measure, for their own sake,
the sake of the work, as well as of the grievous injus-
tice to them."
Dr. Valentine's impulse was to send in his resigna-
tion as a minister of the Church, and he wrote home to
friends to say so; but to this Mrs. Valentine was very
much averse. She still believed matters would be righted.
"The Synod has been misled; an assembly of such
men as the professors, ministers, and members of the
United Presbyterian Church would not allow such an
unjust decision to stand." She was clearly of opinion
that they should ask the Mission-house to be handed
over to them at a valuation—the ground had been given
to Dr. Valentine as a present from the Maharajah-she
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
201
would wait and obtain funds-have the house occupied
with Zenana ladies. But one by one her hopes were
doomed to disappointment. The rest they had sought
for in coming to the Hills of course had vanished; rest-
less nights and feverish days, and the load upon their
hearts which the pure mountain air and beautiful
scenery were unable to lift away; still Mrs. Valentine
did her utmost to cheer her husband. Her hopeful spirit
rose at once, and comforting words kept it up; but the
very calmness, the exertion to sustain herself and cheer
him and her mother, told upon her already weakened
condition. They took their morning walks, mixed with
their dear Christian friends, attended the delightful
Bible-readings at private houses, and joined in the week-
day and other services in the Union Church. In every
way they used such means as they thought would
strengthen their bodies, restore their health, and draw
their hearts away from these trials and sorrows of earth,
living as much as one could in presence of that unseen
world and with the blessed Saviour.
Ever since the death of her third child, little Aggie,
Mrs. Valentine's mind wandered, if possible, more than
ever towards her two children in Scotland, and, as she
herself said, she had most intense longings at times to
clasp them in her arms; but she did her utmost to keep
down the feeling, believing that it was better for them
to be out of India. What Anglo-Indian has not ex-
perienced this difficulty with regard to his children-the
natural desire to do the best for them, and the wish to
have them beside him? Many kind friends now advised
Dr. Valentine to send for his two children, his wife's
health being in a feeble state, and their home so lonely;
and at last he became convinced that the only hope of
her recovery was either to send for the children or that
202
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
-
she should go to them. After much thought and prayer
the latter plan was agreed upon; and though at first the
excitement was almost too much for her, after a little
her spirits revived. A new object was thrown into her
life. The month of June came to a close, when they
must return to the city, where, owing to the want of
rain and famine, cholera had broken out. Still, though
feeling anything but able to face such an amount of
fatigue as would be required, Dr. Valentine returned
to his post on the 5th of July, always a sad day with
Mrs. Valentine, being the anniversary of her beloved
father's death. Committing each other and all dear
to them to the keeping of their Heavenly Father, Mrs.
Valentine accompanied her husband as far as the end.
of the Landour Bazaar, trying to talk cheerfully to each
other in spite of the weight each knew was on the
other's heart. Writing afterwards in acknowledgment
of the telegram received of Dr. Valentine's safe arrival
at Saharanpore, Mrs. Valentine says: "I have been think-
ing of you constantly since the course of the road hid
you from my sight, and my heart has been rising in
prayer to our Heavenly Father that He would protect.
you by the way, and from sickness and danger at Jey-
pore; and above all, that He would give you that joy and
peace which He alone can give, and which none can
take away. Keep up your heart; God is for us, and
none can be against us. All difficulties will be re-
moved, or we will get strength to overcome them.
'March on then right gladly,
The sea will divide :
The pathway made glorious,
With shoutings victorious,
We will join in the chorus,
The Lord will provide.'
Keep up your heart for my sake; I know you will."
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
203
The last paragraph refers to the state of matters Dr.
Valentine might and did find in Jeypore. . Writing to
her father-in-law; she says:-
"Colin returned to Jeypore last Friday, and in case
he may not be able to write you this week, I must try
and send you a letter. You will be glad to hear that
he was feeling better before he left. The news from the
Synod was a great blow to him; it made him quite ill,
and for some days I was frightened to see how low he
was, both in body and in mind.. But thank God he was
able to look a little on the bright side of things. In his
last letter to you he spoke of the possibility of my going
home this year and bringing out the children, and as
this may have made you wonder what it meant, I must
tell you all about it. You know when we were arrang-
ing to leave dear Nellie and Ettie in Scotland how
opposed you both were to it, and how Grannie, with tears
in her eyes, begged me to try and persuade Colin not.
to leave them, and how I said I would never take the
responsibility upon myself. Well, I have kept this re-
solve, but since our darling Aggie has been taken from
us, dear Colin has not been like himself. Whenever
Nellie's or Ettie's name has been mentioned his eyes
fill with tears: Since coming up here, we have seen a
great deal of an excellent school that has been estab-
lished for the express purpose of enabling missionaries
and other Christian people to keep their children in
India till they are on a bit. The school is kept by the
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. S, dear old friends of papa's and
mamma's. The governesses are all true Christian ladies,
the education given of the highest order, and all con-
ducted with a view of making the religious training the
chief aim. The Ss are Presbyterians; and as for
climate, there is not a better in the world. Well, con-
204
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
sidering all this, friends have been advising us to bring
out our children for a few years, when they are at an
age not to forget us, and when their presence has
cheered our desolate home for a while, they would then
be sent or taken back to Scotland. I feel convinced,
for dear Colin's sake especially, that this is the right
thing to do. Many of the children in the school are the
daughters of missionaries and ministers; also of officers.
and civilians who can well afford to send their children
home, but who are so satisfied with this school, and who
believe in nothing making up for parental influence and
love, that they keep their children out for some years.
After hearing the advice of friends, and seeing things
as they are, Colin was the one to propose this step, so he
is now quite changed in his opinion.
<<
Well, we have not quite (though almost) made up
our minds to get Nellie and Ettie out this year. The
question is how it is to be done? Colin suggests my
going home for them. If I went, I could only be absent
from India three months, leaving at the beginning
of October, returning by the end of the year. But
before I could go and return with the little ones, £300
would be spent, and this we can ill afford at present.
And even if we could, if there was no necessity for it,
it would be a sinful waste of money. At one time
Colin thought I would require to go home for my
health; and in that case it would have been a necessity;
but I feel better already, and I trust the stay in this
cold climate will quite set me up. We have therefore
been writing.to Mrs. O—, our friend in London, who
was long in India, and knows a great many people who
are always coming out in October or November. She
is a Christian lady, and will arrange for our children
as carefully as if they were her own. If she knows of
O-
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
205
Г
Once we do, I will
and Mrs. H
any one coming who would care for the children on the
voyage, they could be met at Bombay or Calcutta,
and with this arrangement, including even clothes,
they could reach Jeypore for £100. In a couple or
three weeks at farthest we shall have decided finally
whether they are to come or not.
write again to you, also to Mrs. O
I have already written to the latter, telling her pretty
much what. I have told you. Till you hear again don't
speak of this to any one, not even to the children.
When you write to Colin, don't allude to what I have
said about his being in low spirits; but if you approve
of our plan, write and say so to him; it will cheer him.
The one thought that makes him hesitate is its being a
trial to you. Undoubtedly it will be, but yet I know,
for all our sakes, you will approve of it. The schools
here have no summer holidays, but give three months
in winter, so every year for three months they would
be with us in Jeypore; or if we needed a change we
could come up, or if they were sick we could be with
them in a few hours. We have not thought over all
this without taking it to God in prayer; we seek His
guidance in every step; pray for us that we may be
guided aright.
“The rains have set in grandly. I trust all fears of
a famine will be averted. Dear Grannie's cheery letter
did us all good. She writes so very nicely, I wish she
would write oftener. Kiss our darlings fondly for us
if they are with you. If Mrs. O————— does not know of
any one coming out this autumn, or if we decide to
bring out the children, I shall have to come home
myself. But more of this again."
During their stay at Landour both Dr. Valentine
and his wife had been most anxious to get up Hin-
206
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
dustani services in the Landour Bazaar, and as Dr.
Valentine had to leave for the plains, Mrs. Valentine
promised to interest Mr. W in the matter. She
refers to this in the following letter:-
<
"I have not much to report since my letter of
yesterday. I have been with you in spirit this morning
picturing your arrival in Jeypore. God comfort and
support you. After tea I got in the servants and began
reading the Way of Salvation' to them. I intended
reading only a part of it and then a chapter from the
Testament, but they were so deeply interested, and I
found so much of the pure gospel in it, that I read it
right through. I would be so glad if you would make
up a nice little parcel of Hindi books, one of each
kind, and send them to me. I spoke to Mr. W-
about a Hindustani service. It seems Mr. F- of
Lahore (American Presbyterian Mission), and Rev. Dr.
R of the Landour and Mussouri U. C., held a
service on Friday evening in the bazaar somewhere.
Mrs. W is greatly in favour of our having the
children home, and has again told me of her expenses
and her life-long regrets at having parted from her
children when young. I am well and trying to be
happy, but I must confess I long much for you; and
now, since we have entertained the idea of getting out
the children, I have such a yearning for a sight of
their dear faces, that I should feel much happier and
be able to get more good from being in the Hills if this
matter were settled. I feel sure, with God's blessing,
I wouldn't need to go home on my own account. Let
me know what you think of this. I know it is as
much in your heart as mine, and we must try and bear
each other's burdens.
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
207
"I came upon such a beautiful hymn or poetry in
one of my books. One verse is-
'Hast thou within a care so deep
It chaseth from thy eyelids sleep?
To thy Redeemer take that care,
And change anxiety to prayer.'
"If we could always do that, what a world of suffering
we would ease ourselves of! Take care of yourself.
Eat well, sleep well. Trust in God; put all your cares
on Him, and He will sustain you. May His love be
ever over you, and may you feel the 'everlasting arms
supporting and the Divine voice guarding and strength-
ening you in every step you take. At the Wednesday
evening service, while we were in church, a very heavy
shower came on, but suddenly the sun shone out, and
when we stepped out of the porch my first thought
was, 'Oh, how I wish Colin could have been here to see
this and enjoy it!' The clouds were all gone from
overhead, except here and there a small flake which
stood out against the clear deep blue of the sky.
Amongst the Kuds and on the hill-tops the broken
clouds were resting. The snows were just visible here
and there through thick masses of clouds. The Doon
was almost like a sheet of water, with here and there
green patches. The sun was just setting, and threw
that peculiar golden tint over the whole scene. Over-
head on one side, and seeming to reach from the
Landour hill across to the Club, was a lovely rainbow,
and just above it the moon, nearly at its full. I wish
I had the gift of word-painting; I should like to
describe it to you as I saw it, but I can't; you must
just fancy it; I must leave it to your own imagination
to fill up the picture. We had asked the W-s to
208
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE,
tea. Mr. W
came up the hill with us, but we
found Mrs. W here asleep on the sofa when we
came in. We had a quiet, pleasant evening. Mr.
W had prayers before he left, and of course you
and your peculiar circumstances were specially remem-
bered, and you were commended to a Father's care.
After they went and I retired for the night into my
own room, our wee darling Aggie seemed to come so
vividly before me. I saw her sweet face as I have not
seen it for a long time; and such a sense of loneliness
came over me, such a yearning-but you know it all.
I was very, very sad, and lay awake a good while; but
before falling asleep I was able to look up and think
of our darling as she is, and I was comforted and had
a good sleep. To-day I feel very well. Perhaps I
should not tell you all this, but I feel when I am
writing to you that I like to tell you everything that
is in my heart, the dark as well as the bright side."
About this time Mrs. M paid Landour a visit,
a lady well known in Calcutta as an earnest worker
in connection with soldiers, and she now held Bible-
readings in the house of her friend Mrs. M-—-—, both
ladies belonging to the American Episcopal Methodist
Church. These readings became so popular that they
had afterwards to be held in the Union Church. Fre-
quent mention of these meetings is made in Mrs.
Valentine's letters to her husband, but we quote from
one to show how greatly their sympathy cheered her.
M-
'I like Mrs. M- and Mrs. M▬▬▬▬▬ very much. I
think they took my heart by storm because they spoke
so very highly of you. They had heard something of
your troubles, and as they introduced the subject, I told
them something about them. They expressed deepest
sympathy, and said they had longed to know the truth.
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
209
for they had always loved you and looked upon you as
a pattern missionary, even before they ever met you.
Mrs. M― from Calcutta said she would tell every-
body how cruelly you have been used. Then putting
her hand on my shoulder she said, 'The Lord's people
are a tried people. Dr. Valentine has been an honoured
servant of God; his whole soul is in the Lord's work.
The devil has not been able to bear to see him so
honoured and owned of God, and he has stirred up this
strife; but,' she added, 'God is stronger than he is,
and he will bring Dr. Valentine out of this trouble,
and will yet more abundantly bless him and honour
him in letting him work for Him.' I felt encouraged
by her words."
This is a typical example of how friends in their
kindness wished to know about the "Jeypore case,"
and, after hearing her clear statement of facts, were
convinced and expressed their sympathy. This, how-
ever, kept the matter constantly before her, and pre-
vented her receiving that thorough rest which she
went to the Hills to obtain.
One letter only will be inserted here from among
the many valuable testimonials-a letter that. will be
regarded both with respect as well as with mournful
interest by all members of the Church. It is from the
pen of the late Dr. Macgill, Secretary to the Mission
Board:
"9 DOUNE TERRACE,
EDINBURGH, January 14, 1880.
"MY DEAR DR. VALENTINE,-Since I saw you in the
body, I have perhaps more frequently seen you in the
spirit than you can easily realise. Your whole 'case,'
if I may refer to the circumstances which, in a very
painful way (as one sympathising with you in your
210
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
6
troubles from the hands of your adversaries I have
found it the case), had gained a sad power over my
mind,—a power utterly beyond the right of those ad-
versaries to trouble either you or me. My whole feeling
regarding the case and its wretched materials looks
infinitely smaller now to me than it did for months
before your precious wife was admitted to see it from
the heavenly side. She has seen it from that side now;
and although I can only look from the earthly side, yet
even here, seeing so much of what is mean and earthly
in it; I am truly sorry for all the reasonable distress
which it occasioned to you and me. I had not taken
for granted that either of us could have been so much
annoyed by unreasonable men.' I do not expect that
any set of men will trouble me so much again, whether
in or out of India. I hope you have finally closed the
question with them. I think I have done with them,
not in virtue of any change of mind in regard to them
or their case, for my mind has long ago been made up
on the whole of its agents and its incidents. Well may
you (not they) cast the whole history over your shoul-
der. I have a strong conviction that you can leave it
with those who have the conscience to examine fully
the case, and to record according to their truth. I am
confident your righteousness will be brought forth as
'the light and your judgment as the noonday.' The
uppermost thought in my mind when I wrote the first
line of this letter was to say, that to the pure and just
mind of precious and dear Mrs. Valentine,-now in her
pure and lofty region,-regarding that wretched Jeypore
case, is to view it in its wretched worthlessness, and to
leave it all behind, so far as you can, to the just judg-
ment of God, where, if I know it at all, you can quietly
leave it. When I think of those billows that have
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
211
passed over you in bereavement, so sad and touching
after bereavement, I would say, as a friend, Let it not
trouble you more. If they can rest, much more can you,
though I have difficulty in seeing how they can in the
face of what they know, and what others know. Mrs.
Macgill (who wrote when I could not) joins in sincerest
sympathy with yourself and dear Mrs. Fraser. I am
glad to tell you, though still idle, I am progressing.—
Ever affectionately yours,
"H. M. MACGILL.”
How gratifying, too, it must have been to know that
Dr. Valentine had the unqualified confidence of the
Maharajah, and his support; that a letter was received
from him in October 1874-" a nice, friendly letter "—
and that though he knew all about the disputes and the
honour that had been conferred upon Dr. Valentine,
namely, his ordination, he never changed towards him.
In all the schemes for the benefit of his people he
supported Dr. Valentine. He was a man much before
his time, it may be said, "being fifty years in advance
of any of the people by whom he was surrounded.”
He was wonderfully shrewd, and weighed any matter
brought before him in its pros and cons, and talked the
whole subject over with Dr. Valentine before it was
laid before the Durbar officially. He was well aware
that it required great tact and judgment on the part of
Dr. Valentine to steer clear of the two great difficulties
in his path, namely, the medical men connected with.
the Residency, who always looked upon the medical
appointments as their particular right, and the officials
about the Court, who, in the first instance, were jealous
of his influence with the Maharajah, and who dis-
approved of many of the innovations, and of the fact
212
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
that a missionary should be spreading his religion.
The last time Dr. Valentine was with the Maharajah
at the palace after the death of Mrs. Valentine, the
latter noticed how sad his physician was, and, if
possible, was more tender and considerate towards.
him than usual. "You ought not to grieve about
anything in this world," he said. "It is a bad world,
full of lies, corruption, and all manner of wickedness;
it is good for those who have gone that they are done
with it. As for you, I have always seen that those
who are God's people have not much pleasure in this
world, and they have many trials and much sorrow;
but there is a reason for this; if they had no sórrow
they would become pleased with the world, and not be
God's people at all."
This was a remarkable statement for a heathen man
to make. He was a strange combination of intelli-
gence and superstition. Though he professed not to
believe in many of the superstitions of Hinduism, yet
no one was more careful in their observance.
It had always been a great joy to Mrs. Valentine to
hear, from time to time, of the opportunity her husband
had of speaking to His Highness about Christianity; for
after Dr. Valentine presented him with a beautifully
illustrated copy of the Old and New Testaments, while
explaining the pictures, the Maharajah very soon by
that means gained an extensive and accurate acquain-
tance, not only with the historical portions of the
.Scriptures, but also with its teachings and doctrines;
and often in Durbar did he ask Dr. Valentine to
explain the Christian doctrine relating to many acts of
life. The Maharajah, showed a complimentary defe-
rence to his physician's position as an acknowledged
missionary by expressing a belief in his honesty and
BUSY WORK-FORCED TO REST.
213
truthfulness as of value amidst legislative discussion.
For often, when a difference of opinion had arisen
between himself and any members of the Durbar, he
would call to him and say, "Doctor Sahib, you have
heard our discussion; you are a Christian minister and
speak the truth, tell us what is your real opinion on
this matter."
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MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
CHAPTER XIII.
YOYS AND SORROWS.
WHEN their little child died, Dr. Valentine had been
most anxious that his wife should go home, feeling sure
the voyage and change would have done her much
good, as she was far from well. The worries of the
Jeypore case, and her arduous duties (Mission and
Zenana), occupied far more of her time and strength
than she was then able to give. There were great diffi-
culties in the way, however. Friends in India advised
against it; and after much prayer and thought, the idea
was given up, and the visit to the Hills was arranged
instead. Again Dr. Valentine urged upon her to go
home and bring the children back. There would be
the sea-voyage, and, if necessary, medical advice of the
best description to be had at the end of it, as well as
the company of the children to cheer her. But to all
this she replied, "I don't quite agree with you, and I'll
tell you why. My health is improving; every one says
I begin to look so different to what I did when I came
up. I feel stronger, and if my mind could only be at
rest, I feel certain, with God's blessing on the means
used, that by October, when I return to Jeypore, I would
be as well as you could wish me. Mrs. O's reply
will be here at the latest the middle of September; if
there is no arrangement made then, I will start off at
JOYS AND SORROWS.
215
once. In the meantime, the necessity of going home.
on my account is removed. Let us ask the Lord to make
the way clear to us."
In another letter she gives an account of how she
and her mother, as well as their friend Miss M-
connected with the American Zenana Mission, Calcutta,
who was living with them, were occupied.
"We have been to church this morning, and had a
fine sermon from Dr. R—, from Song of Solomon
i. and 7th: 'Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth,
Where thou feedest.' We are to have the Communion
this evening. We came home between the services, and I
am very glad we did so, as we have had such a delightful
time with the servants. I told Rahm Ally I wanted to
read a little to them. In a few minutes Rani came to say
all were in the verandah. I found all the Jhampaneese,
and of course Rahm Ally, Durzi, Rani, Jelly, and Isri
seated nicely, with chairs placed for us. As I sat down,
Rahm Ally asked if we might sing 'Yahan dukh ham
páte hain. Idri commenced, and it is wonderful how
well we got on, Miss M helping us with her voice,
though she does not know the Hindi words. I then
began reading a very simple 'Life of Christ' that you
sent up. The faces of the Jhampaneese were a perfect
treat; I never saw any natives more delighted. They
drew closer, and looked so earnest, every now and then
putting in a word to show they were following me.
When I had read all about the object of Christ's
coming, and then His birth and the account of the Shep-
herds, I thought I would stop, and said so. They all
looked so disappointed, and Rahm Ally said, 'Is that
all, Mem Sahib? We want to hear more!' I said,
'Well, I'll read more; but if any one would like to go,
let them.' They all said, 'Oh no, we won't go.' Miss
216
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
<
M- then sang, Art thou weary, art thou languid?'
in Bengali. Before she commenced, I read the hymn
to them in Hindi, so that they knew what she was sing-
ing about. When she was done, I read about Christ
in the Temple, and the preaching of John the Baptist,
and that finished our little meeting. I have not en-
joyed anything so much for a long time. The Paharees
say this is the first time they have ever heard of Yesu
Masih. Poor creatures! Oh, if they only felt their need
of coming to Him! While writing this letter, I was
surprised to hear somebody singing, Yesu Masih mera
jan bachariya,' so nicely. I went on writing not to dis-
turb her, and found it was Jelly sitting in the verandah
singing away to herself as happy as possible. She has
got the tune perfectly. After dinner we must start off
to church, so I must close. I hope you are having a
happy Sabbath."
“Now I must give an account of our doings yesterday.
We went straight to the A-s and spent an hour with
them. The old Colonel was very hearty. He came and
sat beside me, asking very kindly for you, and then
about your affairs, what you were doing, &c. I had a
copy of your correspondence in my pocket, which I gave
him. He expressed deep sympathy with you, and said
the clear course to him was, that the United Presby-
terian Mission should withdraw from Jeypore, &c. He
only wished they would let him decide the case. He
sent love to you, and said he was sure it would all
come right, and not to worry; but he added, 'Oh,
though I say that, I know I would do the very same
thing myself-worry my very life out. From there we
went to the A-s and took tiffin. . . . Then we went
to Dr. R's. The old man had only a few minutes to
spare, but during that time he asked all about you and
JOYS AND SORROWS.
217
your affairs. He is so charmed to hear that you are
getting support from home. He thought you did the
right thing in answering as you did. He is indignant
that the missionaries should dare to write to you object-
ing to your working independently, and he laughed
heartily at the grand way you silenced them by using
their own words when they tried to prove that your
work could hardly be termed a rival or hostile one,
seeing that, according to their previous statements, you
were no missionary,' &c. Dr. M (of. the American
Presbyterian Mission) says I am to tell you that you
need feel no restraint in the matter of baptizing con-
verts and establishing a church. He hopes the Board
will refuse to carry out the decision of the Synod, and
to carry on the matter until the Synod meets again,
when a more righteous judgment may be hoped for.
—
. . What a very interesting time you must have with
the boys. I just long sometimes to be back to my work.
Do you know I have been thinking it would be a good
thing to put up a largish Kutcha house, more like a
shed, out beyond the Malees' house. It should not cost.
more than Rs. 30 or Rs. 40 for the school. I could
superintend it quite as well as if it were in the veran-
dah, and with a good teacher, I think it would get on
better. My chief reason for wishing this is because of
our children. It would not be nice for them at their
age to see so many dirty half-naked boys sitting about
the verandah; besides, there is more or less danger of
sickness and infection. The bigger boys could always
come up to the verandah for their Bible lesson or
English-reading lesson. What do you think of this
idea?"
The work in Jeypore occupied much of her thoughts.
The verandah school had suffered by her absence, not-
218
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
withstanding that a Brahmin had been got to teach the
secular classes, while Julia, the Bible-woman, assisted
Dr. Valentine with the Bible-classes. They were
anxious to get a good Christian teacher, but experienced
the usual difficulty in doing so. No missionary is
willing to part with a good Christian.agent. Writing
to her husband on the subject, Mrs. Valentine says: "I
shall see Mr. L——— about a teacher for the school
whenever he comes up. Mr. L says we are almost
sure to get one from Futtehgurh. I do hope we will,
so as to get the school into good working order again.
I suppose we will scarcely get a good man under Rs. 16
a month. I was asking Mr. V-about Jaisree. He
thinks we might arrange for his being trained along
with his normal class as a teacher, we paying for him,
and of course he would be free to come to our Mission
when his studies were completed. I am glad Chintu
Ram is to teach the verandah school in the meantime.
It is the very thing mamma suggested, and I intended
writing to you. I am pleased to hear Nursingh Lall (a
Brahmin) joins the class with Kulloo's family; it shows
his caste prejudice is not very strong. Your New
Testament class must be very interesting. . . . Mr. L
is so nice. He has been with us for the last hour; he
spoke so very warmly about you. He admires you and
your work exceedingly; says you need no vindication
in India, for there is but one opinion of you in Mission
circles outside your own Mission; and puts down their
opposition to narrow-mindedness and jealousy.
Yesterday at the meeting our subject was patience. I
gave as my text Psalm xxxvii. and 9th, and Hebrews
xii. 1st and 2d. I had been feeling rather impatient
all the week, but yesterday, in thinking of these pas-
sages, I felt a great calm come over my spirit. I did
not feel like making any remarks, but after reading my
verses, Mrs. M- looked at me as if she expected
something, and I merely said I thought we had the
secret of patience in these verses, viz., resting on the
Lord and looking unto Jesus. I am trying to do both
to-day, but somehow I feel restless.
<<
Mrs. H
came to us last night; she seems very
pleased to be with us. She is making me read German
with her, and says I read very well. . . . Your dear wee
note, written on Sabbath, is just in. I am so thankful
that your services were so interesting. It is a fine
thing to be able to speak and work for the Master.
May He add His blessing to all you do in His name.
You will have got my envelope with the telegram."
Mrs. Valentine had written to her friend Mrs. O
about the children, who had got a lady to write to her
brother-in-law in America, asking if they could bring
out the children on their return; if so, he was to com-
municate with Mrs. O in London direct, who was
to telegraph the one word "yes" if Mr. N could
bring them. The following quotations from her letters
show the result of these arrangements, and the syste-
matic manner in which she worked, and the accuracy of
her calculations:-
"I cannot tell you how thankful I felt when the
telegram came. I told you in my letter yesterday of my
restlessness; the reason was, I had for a month past
fixed upon the 17th as the day I should receive the
telegram, much to the amusement of mamma, the
Ws, &c.; and when it actually came on that very
day, they were quite astonished. God has been very
good in opening up the way for our darlings. He is
indeed the hearer and answerer of prayer. My daily
prayer since we thought of sending for the children has
220
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
been in effect that the Lord would direct us in this;
that if it was not in accordance with His will, He.
would put obstacles in the way, and not allow us to
carry out our plan; but if it was good for us, He would
remove them, and let us indeed see that He was guid-
ing us. God has indeed removed all difficulties and.
arranged for us; let us put all doubts and fears from our
hearts. He who has helped us hitherto will help us all
our journey through. One thought comes constantly into
my mind and saddens me: it is to think how delighted
our precious Aggie would have been to see her "poor
sisters." But oh! I know this is want of faith: Our
angel child is far happier than any earthly joy could
have made her, and perhaps she knows of our plans and
rejoices with us. You know one of the last intelligible
things she said to me was, 'I am so sorry for my poor
girls, because they are in Scotland.' . . . May God
give us grace and strength to do our duty to our
remaining darlings, and may He protect them from
all evil.”
"I spent the interval between the services at the
G-s'. You will be glad to hear that the faithful
words I was enabled to speak to her some time ago are
bearing fruit. I had another long talk with her; she
seemed really seriously impressed. She goes to all Dr.
R's meetings, and seems to enjoy his sermons so
much. She has refused an invitation to a great fancy ball
that is to take place soon, and to which she was looking
forward with great pleasure. She was telling me she
would like to learn Hindi, so as to be able to read the
Bible to her ayah. Altogether I was very much pleased
with her. May the Lord grant that she may indeed
become one of His own people. . . . The G- girls
promised to come up this morning at seven o'clock
JOYS AND SORROWS.
221
to take a walk with me. I hardly expected them, but
punctually to the hour they arrived, and we walked all
the way round the big Chukker. It was a charming
morning, and they enjoyed themselves very much.
When we came in I gave L— a lesson in Hindi. I
think she will learn it very quickly."
Writing to her father-in-law on the same day, 26th
September 1878: "I was so glad to hear from your
last letter that you had entered into our plans for
our dear children so unselfishly. The two years
since we left them have been sad years, but we
feel that all our trials through which we have been
made to pass have been part of the all-things that work
together for our good. I expect dear. Colin up (D.V.)
on the 7th; it will be three months since he went down.
However, though the separation has been a great trial,
yet being up in this fine climate has been the means of
restoring my health, with God's blessing. I feel quite
strong now, and as well as I have done for years past.
I trust I may be able for more work this year. Though
Colin is not to allow me to do much teaching myself,
I will superintend what I trust may be a great work.
The weather now is charming. It is so cold I am
wearing almost as many flannels as I did in Scotland.
We had a grand fancy bazaar yesterday for our Union
Church up here, which is still considerably in debt.
We cleared £140, which we considered very good.
The bazaar was held in what is now called the Muni-
cipal Hall, where dear Mr. S of the Baptist Mission,
Cawnpore, &c., used to hold his services. My mind
wandered back to those days, and as I stood behind my
stall, I thought of all the dear ones who have since then
entered into their rest. What changes have taken
place since then! How sweet to know that they have all
222
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE..
been ordered by a loving Father, and that the unknown
future is also in the same unerring hand."
When Dr. Valentine came to spend the few days in
Landour before taking Mrs. Valentine and her mother
back to Jeypore, the rains in the Hills had ceased. The
country was at its best, greenness and grandeur every-
where around, a clear sky overhead, with a sun which
permitted them to roam about all day long. The dis-
tant mountain-tops covered with snow stood out sharp
and clear in the distant horizon, and the complete
change from the heat of the plains and the reunion
with his dear wife was an unspeakable source of thank-
fulness and joy to both. Most pleasantly did the days
pass, between the delightful morning walks round the
hills, visits to friends, a picnic to the mossy falls, the
Sabbath and week-day services in the Union Church;
and Bible-readings at the houses of friends. They re-
solved to leave on the 25th October. The morning came
all too soon. They walked all over the place,' spoke of
the Lord's kindness to them since they had come there,
and looked forward with hope and confidence to the
future. The luggage was all sent on ahead, and they
started. But first they must go up to wish their kind
friends the W-s good-bye. They lingered around
the top of the hill, feeling a greater degree of reluct-
ance to part from the old scenes and the dear old friends
than formerly, and as they passed down and waved their
adieus to friends they met by the way, this feeling
continued. Reaching Rajpore about four o'clock in
the afternoon, they discharged their Jhampanies and
drove into Dehra to their dear friends the M-s,
where they remained a few days. On the Saturday
morning the grave of her dear father was visited-the
last visit, as it proved to be. After breakfast they drove
JOYS AND SORROWS.
223
to the gardens of the Dehra Doon, spending the day at
Arcadia, where she took much interest in watching the
process of picking and preparing the tea. Sabbath was
spent in attending the Mission services in the Dehra
girls' school and .reading Farrar's "Eternal Hope."
She was deeply interested in this book, following with
clear and logical interest the various arguments ad-
vanced; deeply regretted its publication, considering
its arguments as falling invariably short of the hopes
excited,—and even if true, the general tendency of the
book, in her opinion, ignored the great argument of the
Apostle, "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having
the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to
come."
They reached Jeypore on the morning of Decem-
ber 1, and though the house and all the rooms and
everything wakened memories of her little child, she
bore up nobly. In a letter to Mrs. L she touchingly
describes this:-
"Oh! how well I can sympathise with you in the
feelings you describe with regard to the death of your
precious baby. It was a terrible trial coming back to
this house, every object in which reminds us of our
darling. Her little empty bed, her toys, her books, her
scribblings on the wall, all, all tell of joys gone, never
in this world to return; and it is only when we can
think of her as she now is that we are comforted.
None but those who have felt the loss can tell what
the blank is, what the yearning; still we know it is
our Father who has done it, and done it in love, and
that should be enough for us."
She at once, in her old energetic way, set about
gathering up the fragments of the work she had left
when compelled to leave for the Hills. The lower
224
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
classes she did not again attempt to teach. James, the
native Christian from Beawr, assisted by Julia the
Bible-woman, and Jaisree, one of the most advanced of
their scholars, carried on this department of the work.
A class of young men from the city, some from the
Maharajah's college, public offices, &c., was taken by
her, when she instructed them in English, Hindi, and
arithmetic. The Bible lessons she gave were her chief
delight, and into that she threw her heart and soul;
and by careful and prayerful reading and meditation
she prepared herself, and presented the words of life to
these lads in a form they could not fail to understand,
while her earnestness arrested their attention. One
lad, a newcomer, at first showed signs of making light
of these lessons, advancing frivolous and foolish objec-
tions; but quietly and firmly she spoke to him, telling
him, in a tone that admitted of no manner of doubt,
that the book he was reading was the very Word of
God-that it was the book which thousands of the very
wisest men who ever lived had accepted as such. The
tone, manner, and solemnity which pervaded her speech
struck the lad; he became one of the most candid of
her scholars, and while never having accepted of Chris-
tianity, he accepted the Scriptures as the Word of God.
His questions ever afterwards were marked by a sincere
desire to know exactly what was meant, and to conform
his life to its teachings, short of touching his caste and
publicly confessing Christ.
Her visits to the. Zenanas were again resumed. She
received a kindly welcome from the ladies of the old
houses, and one or two new ones were opened to her.
The work was, if possible, more interesting than for-
merly, and on her return home she had much to tell of
what she had seen and heard and been enabled to do.
JOYS AND SORROWS.
225
The humorous as well as the sad side of these visits
were related to those about her, but as the children
were now on their way back to India, they were not
committed to paper. More than ever did she become
impressed with the importance of this work, and as she
had often hoped in the past, she prayed now and longed
for the time when the present Mission-house would be
handed over to them to be occupied by one or more
Zenana lady missionaries, whose work she could open
up and superintend. Up to the very last she believed.
that the Synod would do this act of justice. Had she
lived, she would have been doomed to that disappoint-
ment which her removal spared her experiencing.
Preparations were made by her for the return of the
children, and everything for their happiness that could
be thought of was done to bring back to them and to
her the dear old days when they were all together. As
no information had been forwarded as to the name of
the vessel or time of its sailing, Mrs. Valentine and
her husband were kept very anxious, and it was only a
short time before their arrival at Bombay that they
received the particulars. But they had great comfort
in their entire trust in the wisdom and kindness of the
American missionaries, who, notwithstanding their own
large family, had kindly agreed to bring them out.
Mrs. Fraser left Jeypore on December I for Bombay
to meet the children and bring them up. She was de-
tained in Allahabad for a few days on account of sick-
ness, and after her arrival in Bombay she was unable
to find any one who could tell her when the "Cella"
had sailed or might be expected to arrive, causing
much anxiety to the poor mother.
A few days after Mrs. Fraser left, duty called Dr.
Valentine to Sambbar, and he insisted upon his wife
P
226
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
accompanying him. In the train they had the unex-
pected pleasure of meeting old friends who could.
revive pleasant memories of old Simla days and people.
They went on to Sambbar, and thoroughly enjoyed the
salt lake, that most wonderful natural phenomenon of
Upper India. Years before Mrs. Valentine haď made.
herself acquainted with the traditions and scientific
theories that had been advanced to account for its
existence; and had space permitted we would have
liked to insert these.
Notwithstanding the Synod's decision, Dr. Valentine;
though unconnected with the United Presbyterian
Church, assisted by friends at home, continued his
missionary labours. The work at Jeypore, in all its
branches, was being carried on, and matters were bright-
ening around them. The young women had been set
to do embroidery-work for the purpose of earning
something towards their support. While at Landour
Mrs. Valentine had opened up a sale for as much of
this kind of work as the young women could produce.
She had a special class for training the female Chris-
tians for Zenana-work, and occasionally took them
with her when she visited the Zenanas in the city.
Every evening the whole of the native Christians.
came up to the bungalow for the purpose of reading the
Scriptures with Dr. Valentine, who was going through
the Old Testament systematically, carefully explaining
it as they went along. They were very happy at this
time, the work going on to their satisfaction, with
the prospect of so soon seeing their children. After
the native Christians had read their chapters and gone.
to their homes, they sat around the fire and read
Farrar's "Life of Christ," that part in which he de-
scribes the examination before Pilate. The scourging
JOYS AND SORROWS.
227
and the walking through the streets manacled and
bleeding greatly touched her, and she remarked, " And
He suffered all this for us!" A week or two after,
writing to her mother, she mentions that she had to
part with her Bible-woman under rather painful cir-
cumstances, adding, "I am a little anxious about my
Zenana-work, but the Babu says Adelaide and Harriet
will carry it on in the meantime;" and still further tells
her of the progress of the work. "We are opening two
girls' schools in the city, or at least the Babu is. We
have a new inquirer, who seems very earnest. May
the Lord bless the seed that is being sown in his heart.
He eats with the Christians, and seems rather a nice
man. That Sepoy, too, who comes on Wednesdays,
declares his intention of joining us. Christiana's
brother, too, is learning, but as yet he does not seem to
be in earnest."
The Babu referred to is Babu Chintu Ram, who was
baptized by the Rev. Dr. Wilson of Bombay when on
his way up-country with Messrs. Shoolbred and Steel.
The Doctor very generously handed him over to the
new Mission, where he laboured with great earnestness
and fidelity for many months. Adelaide and Harriet
were his wife and sister-in-law. The latter in a few
weeks after Mrs. Valentine's death followed her to the
tomb.
On the 25th of December a telegram from Mrs.
Fraser was received, saying that the children had
arrived, both well, and that they would start imme-
diately for Jeypore. The parents' hearts were over-
flowing with gratitude to Almighty God for His good-
ness, and in the fulness of her heart she wrote to a
dear friend :-
"I am so glad to hear such good accounts of your
228
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
dear children. God bless the wee lambs, and long spare.
them to be a blessing to you and the world! Our
darlings are not with us yet, but we had the joy of
receiving a telegram from dear mamma yesterday, say-
ing that they arrived safe and well. We hope to have
them with us on Monday evening. I cannot pretend
to say what our feelings are at the prospect of seeing
them again. My heart is too full to write of it. As I
look over this last year, with all the varied way the
Lord has led us, I am constrained through my tears to
say, 'He hath done all things well.' With regard to
the dear children coming out, we have been led step by
step in a most wonderful manner, and I don't think in
all my experience I have had such a manifest sense of
God's guiding and overruling providence."
On Saturday the 28th December Dr. Valentine went
to Agra to meet the children, and stayed with his dear
friends the V-s of the Church Mission, and was,
while there, permitted to be of service to them, as Mr.
V was then in a dying state. On Monday the
30th, the children arrived, and met their father at the
railway station, "Nellie boisterous with delight, and
little Ettie looking shy, and not very sure that it really
was her father after all. Though they had grown greatly
and were much taller, yet the dear faces were the same."
Starting from Agra,-after bidding, as it turned out,
farewell to the Rev. Mr. V at the station,-as they
came along in the train, their merry voices and loud
laughter made him feel that they were the same
dear old children, taking a lively interest in all the
strange sights they saw, animals, men, houses, &c.
Little Ettie had no recollection of Jeypore, but Nellie
remembered many things about the house and com-
pound, servants, and circumstances that had taken
JOYS AND SORROWS.
229
place so long before, that the accuracy of her memory
surprised her father greatly.
At one of the usual stations for being detained,
Dr. Valentine telegraphed to his wife that they were
coming along; and as they walked about the platform,
he could not help recalling to mind how just a year
before, according to the day, he and Mrs. Valentine had
returned from Allahabad when little Aggie was with
them, and how she ran into the refreshment-room and
enjoyed choti hazari.
•On their arrival at Jeypore, about nine o'clock at
night, there was Mrs. Valentine walking along the plat-
form looking out for them. She had soon spied them
out, and, in a moment more, mother and children were
locked in each other's embrace. Tears of joy poured
down her face as she kissed them over and over again.
When home was reached, she hastened with them to
the light, saying, "Let me see your dear wee faces. Oh,
yes," she exclaimed, "you are my own dear children,
the same dear children." Writing to an intimate friend
a few days after, she says: "You can imagine with
what feelings we clasped our darlings to our hearts
after an absence of two years, especially as we had in
the interval had a season of such deep sorrow. Oh,
the gratitude that filled our hearts that night as we
drew round the family altar!"
Next morning the whole family were astir by day-
light, and rambled through the garden and grounds,
Nellie amusing her parents greatly by her recollection
of the old places, recalling many circumstances in con-
nection with them that had escaped their memories
completely. For several days, the children themselves,
and the arranging of their clothes, occupied most of ·
their mother's time, but once these were arranged she
230
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
again continued her regular work. The hours after the
native Christians had read their chapter and had gone
home were devoted to the children. Music, hymn-
singing, and games made them feel, as if life were
indeed beginning again. Many old íriends paid visits
at this time, and many happy scenes connected with
past days were recalled, of school-fellows who had been
scattered all over the world, and many of them who
had passed away for ever
LAST DAYS.
231
CHAPTER XIV.
LAST DAYS.
› MRS. VALENTINE was greatly cheered at this time by a
visit from Rev. Dr. R and his wife; she enjoyed
beyond anything the services he conducted in the
verandah and drawing-room to crowded audiences,
many educated and English-speaking native gentlemen
being present. It was a constant source of delight to
her to have the dear old man in her own home, and to
hear him speak so lovingly and earnestly for Christ.
These were the last English services she was permitted
to join in.
Another circumstance greatly pleased her. Two of
the native Christians, James and Kaisri, had expressed
a wish to get married. Mrs. Valentine wrote to the
lady-superintendent of the Dehra Mission School in-
forming her of the circumstance, and stating the kind
of wives it would be good for them to have, viz., those
who had given evidence of truly loving the Lord Jesus
Christ, and who had manifested a desire for engaging
in mission-work, and explaining how anxious she was
to employ the young women in Zenana and Mission
work. After some little correspondence the matter was
arranged, and the young men proceeded to Dehra Doon,
were married, and returned with their wives on the
16th February (1879). On their arrival, every one was
232
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
greatly pleased with the brides, Mrs. Valentine's heart
in particular overflowing with gratitude. She took
this as a renewed token of the Lord's favour in her
work, and as a blessing to Jeypore.
On the afternoon of the 19th she prepared a feast
for the native Christians in honour of the arrival of
their new friends. Everything was arranged by her
in the most tasteful manner, her interest in the welfare
of the native Christians being real and genuine. She
rejoiced with them in their joy, wept and sympathised
with them in their sorrows. They were all her children;
she loved them as such, and rejoiced, too, that she was
in a position to assist them in their necessities. The
marriage feast was but another expression of that love
which she felt for them, and the young wives were at
once placed upon the same footing as the older Christians
in her sympathy and love.
In the evening they had a magic-lantern exhibition,
and after several hymns were sung, they were committed
by Dr. Valentine to the love and care of our Heavenly
Father, and they returned to their own homes, feeling
that they had in her found a loving friend, upon whom
they could with perfect confidence rely. Bukshi, who
had been married to the native Christian Kaisree, lived
in Dr. Valentine's compound, so that Mrs. Valentine
had many opportunities of seeing and conversing with
her. She found out what she had been taught, and in
what department of the work she could take part.
Annie Peters, the wife of James, lived with her hus-
band in the city, but she spent the day frequently at
the bungalow. In this way, Mrs. Valentine became
thoroughly acquainted with them, and they with her;
and she assisted them in many ways when assistance
was greatly needed. She was delighted to find Annie
LAST DAYS.
233
Peters an accomplished girl; she could not only read
and speak English remarkably well, but she could play
the harmonium, sing both English and Hindustani
tunes, and was clever with her needle. Her companion,
Bukshi, although not so far advanced, had excellences
in her character peculiar to herself, which qualified her
for carrying on, under careful superintendence, mission-
work. As Hindi was the language in which the work
in Jeypore was carried on, they were at once set to
learn it, and they soon became proficient in its use.
The verandah school was removed to the city, James
teaching the boys, while his wife taught the girls in
another room. The children of the compound, who were
not able to go so far, remained under Mrs. Valentine's
care, as well as the young men, who still came to her
for instruction. The school, however, taught by James,
was visited by Mrs. Valentine twice a week, when
she took the classes herself, explained to Annie any
difficulties connected with the strange Jeypore lan-
guage of the children, and the manner and subjects in
which she wished them to be instructed. Bukshi and
her husband's sister were posted to a large school in
another part of the city.
This was a most interesting school. Arrangements
could be made for converting it into a regular Zenana,
into which twenty or twenty-five purda women could
be gathered, and to whom Mrs. Valentine explained
the Scriptures until the sun was high in the heavens.
The Wednesday-evening meetings increased in interest.
Mrs. Valentine had an immense fund of Hindustani
maxims, stories in prose and rhyme, which she repeated
and entertained the people, extracting from them many
a moral lesson. The arrival of the children had so
brightened her life that she felt encouraged in her own
•
234
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
particular work. Several inquirers of a superior class
were coming to the bungalow to talk with her husband,
and there was everything at the present moment to
cheer them, causing them to be thankful and happy.
This was apparent all over her work and life. She
was pleased with her children; they were a great source
of comfort to her. Enthusiastic little Nellie enjoyed
the fun of sitting down with the native Christians
on the floor, tailor-fashion, while the staid, wise, in-
dustrious Ettie, whose little busy fingers were never
idle, equally enjoyed the scene from her position by
the table where she stood with her fancy-work, only
stopping to inquire the point of some story that had
amused the company. The newly-married friends had
brought with them quite a number of new native tunes,
which greatly added to the enjoyment of the meetings.
The time passed pleasantly away.
It had been resolved to send the children to the
Woodstock Girls' School, Landour, an institution which
owes its origin to the Rev. Mr. Woodside, and, like
other large-hearted schemes instituted by him, is cal-
culated to influence, for good, generations yet unborn.
The preparations for their departure occupied a good
deal of Mrs. Valentine's time as well as Mrs. Fraser's;
but when all was ready, she insisted that, though the
change would no doubt do her good, she could not
spend the summer at Landour, holding her strong ideas
about wifely duty, that a wife's place was by her
husband's side; that she must first think of him, next
her children, and lastly herself. No; so long as her
health did not necessitate a change, her clear duty was
to remain in Jeypore for her husband's and the work's
sake. Looking forward hopefully to the pleasure that
awaited them in spending the month of October in the
LAST DAYS.
235
Hills, when the children would again return, she sent
them away under care of her mother on the morning
of the 25th March (1879). Any one seeing her face
could guess how deeply her heart was touched at the
parting; but, brushing the tears away that welled up
into her eyes, she parted with them with a loving
smile, remarking, "Poor wee things! they will be very
happy at school I am sure, and it will be such a plea-
sure to see them again in October." Poor wee things
indeed! The kiss that rested on their lips was the
last they ever received from their loving mother. In-
stead of good-bye, it was farewell for ever in this
world; though her little darling Ettie and she are
united now.
The indisposition of one of the children kept Mrs.
Fraser away much longer than she intended, though
she was most anxious to be back in Jeypore to look
after her daughter, who required her assistance doubly,
as another little child was expected soon. It was with
great reluctance that Mrs. Valentine gave up for the
time her school-visiting and Zenana-work. The hot
season was coming on, and she and her husband
enjoyed long drives in the moonlight after the evening
Bible-class was dismissed. These moonlight drives
were continued each month to the end. "How de-
lightful they were!" writes Dr. Valentine. "What a
number of things we talked about!-her childhood, old
Agra, Jhansi, Mussourie, dear papa, his sayings and
doings. With deep emotion she spoke of this and that
friend who had left this world, but with joy mentioning
all whom she believed had gone to be with Jesus.
Gratitude for the past and hope for the future of time
and eternity, were themes she dwelt upon again and
again."
236
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
To a dear Indian friend, now living in London, she
writes, giving an account of the work at that present
time:-
"JEYPORE, 32 April 1879.-... You ask about
our work. I am thankful to say it is getting on en-
couragingly. We have now five schools in the city.
and one at our own house. Three of these are for
girls as well as boys. The average attendance, on the
whole, is two hundred and fifty. Of course, all the
children are receiving daily religious instruction. Then
I have gatherings of women in the city, to whom either
I myself or one of my Bible-women go and talk and
sing Bhajans. I also have a little Zenana-work,
though just at present, owing to some peculiar con-
junction of the planets, or stars, or something, most
of my houses are closed. I believe the heavenly
bodies will soon be in a more propitious state, and
then I hope to get on again. My husband's work is
also being blessed, I am thankful to say. I think I told
you he baptized six persons at the end of last year.
Since then two new inquirers have been with us; one
is now urgent for baptism, and we hope before long to
see him admitted into the Church. All we want is
peace to carry on the Lord's work in this field where
He has placed us.
•
"We have a large Sabbath-school at our house for
heathen children; the average attendance is a hun-
dred and ten. This is very good, considering we are
more than a mile from the city, where the scholars live.
We have a prayer-meeting in the city every Friday,
attended by Hindus and Mohammedans. The Maha-
rajah is as friendly as ever. A few weeks ago he pre-
sented my husband with his photo; later on, he drove
him home in his own carriage, going out of his way to
LAST DAYS.
237
do so.
Ten or twelve days after, Colin prescribed for
him, and at the present time one of the Maharanis is
under his treatment. I mention these facts in case a
report, that has been widely spread, should come to
your ears, but one that is untrue, namely, that 'Dr.
Valentine is no longer physician to the Maharajah;
for although his pay is going on as usual, the Maha-
rajah does not avail himself of his medical advice,
having fallen out with him.' This report has been
widely spread by our so-called friends, and arose, I
suppose, on the strength of the fact that the Maharani
who died persisted in having native doctors, in spite
of the Maharajah's advice, as she believed all English
medicines were adulterated with cows' flesh and blood.
You see, however, in spite of this evil report, the
Maharajah is as friendly as ever."
●There was one thing that grieved her more than
even the bitter persecutions through the newspapers
and otherwise, more than the personal insults to which
they were subjected from those who had been kindly
and hospitably treated, and who, before the days of
strife, had acknowledged their work to be a great and
good work, and that was the harm that all this dis-
peace was doing to the native Church, and the attitude
she and her husband were compelled to take with their
missionary brethren. She never got over the injustice
they had done them; it ate into her very soul, dis-
turbed her mind, and spoiled her usefulness.
<<
Oh, how happy we might have all been!" she used
often to say; "how mutually helpful we might have
been to each other! It is terrible to feel that men
who ought to stand side by side should have such
feelings and destroy each other's work. But, painful
as it is, we must accept of the situation."
238
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
During the time that Mrs. Fraser was at the Hills,
Mrs. Valentine and her husband were greatly cheered
and encouraged in their work by the progress made.
by the inquirers and the earnestness displayed by the
native Church in volunteering to assist in the work.
Dr. Valentine had on all occasions tried to impress upon
the native Christians that the very highest object that
they could set before themselves was to work for Christ,
at such times and in such a manner as to convince the
heathen by whom they were surrounded that they were
doing so from love to Him who had done so much for
them. He also carefully pointed out that it was neces-
sary to have paid agents, and that they who ministered
in holy things were entitled to be supported, and sug-
gested the advisability of having regular collections on
the Lord's day. This scheme was heartily entered into,
and was a source of much thanksgiving.
Mrs. Fraser returned from the Hills about the begin-
ning of May, and, as previously, assisted in the morning
classes of lads from the city, which greatly relieved her
daughter. Another circumstance occurred at this time
which caused her much satisfaction, and was made the
subject of much thankfulness. In writing to a friend
she says: "This is our meeting in the city. Colin will
go. I never attempt to go now, but shall drive over
and see the poor B————s, and perhaps call to inquire
for Major J. You will be glad to hear that we
have to-day bought the house in the city out and out.
Will you please bring me a quantity of steel knitting-
pins? I am getting the girls in the school taught to knit,
and shall require a good quantity, say a couple of rupees'
worth."
Friends at home, feeling strongly the injustice the
Synod had done Dr. Valentine, resolved to support
LAST DAYS.
239
him in his work in Jeypore. They wished him to
build a church in Jeypore, but this was a much more
difficult thing to do than they had any idea of, the
chief difficulty being in obtaining ground. Besides,
Dr. Valentine was convinced that the best way to
influence the city was to have a house within the
city itself. On various occasions he had attempted to
obtain this, as will be seen by the minutes of the Mis-
sion Board, but he was not then able to accomplish
the desired object.
●Shortly after returning from the Hills, a large house
that the proprietors wished to sell was heard about,
most conveniently situated for their purpose. It was
discovered, however, that the house was deeply mort-
gaged, and months were spent in collecting the creditors
together and arranging their claims before the title-
deeds were signed and the house actually came into
Dr. Valentine's possession. All through these negotia-
tions the exertions of Babu Chintu Ram were simply
invaluable. During the time the arrangements were
being made for the transfer of the property, Mrs. Valen-
tine paid many visits to the house. She fixed upon the
various rooms in which the different kinds of work could
be carried on. The Zenana rooms, the girls' school, the
church, &c., &c. To her it was granted to see the pur-
chase completed, but on the Sabbath it was intimated
to open it for public worship, she lay on her death-bed.
One sows, another reaps,
The meeting referred to in her letter was held in
the house of Babu Chintu Ram, where popular lectures.
were delivered to educated native gentlemen. The sub-
ject of religion was always introduced, and most pleasant
and profitable conversations took place, oftentimes con-
240
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
tinuing until a late hour. Though Mrs. Valentine was
cut off from active bodily work for a time, she was by
no means idle, for we find her writing to friends to
enlist their aid and sympathy for some children who
required to be placed at school, clothing them and send-
ing them on their way. At another time it is to collect
clothes for soldiers' children going home. Her heart
was touched at the thought of their being forced to go
from the warm climate of India to the cold of England
very badly protected against the change. Again she
is to be found in the beautiful fern-house in the public
garden, which she and her husband took such an in-
terest in, they having brought from the Hills a large
collection of ferns for it, besides four fern-trees from
Darjeeling. As it was on the way to the hospital, and
as Mrs. Valentine drove there with her husband every
morning, returning home by herself, they would turn
in to the fern-house to admire its artificial beauty,
bubbling fountains, &c., &c. The wonderful things in
the house caused a great attraction to the city people,
who came in large numbers to see it, and in the morn-
ing many women of the city took advantage to visit it.
Scarcely a morning passed but Mrs. Valentine had an
opportunity of speaking a word for Christ to them. It
may be truly said of her that she lost no opportunity,
that she was
"Sowing the seed by the dawnlight fair,
Sowing the seed by the noonday glare,
Sowing the seed by the fading light,
Sowing the seed in the solemn night."
At one time.it was a holiday in the city, and the
women, from ten to twenty of them, came out in the
early morning dressed in their best clothes, singing
LAST DAYS.
241
their uncouth wild songs. They landed in the fern-
house. A Mem Sahib was there; they stood at a
distance, drawing their veils more tightly over their
faces, and peeping at her through an opening formed by
the fingers of the hand. To their surprise the Mem
Sahib advances and enters into kindly conversation
with them, learning much about themselves and their
homes that was exceedingly interesting. More espe-
cially she inquired what were their hopes as to eternity,
and managed to tell the simple story of the woman of
Samaria, directing them to Jesus. When she turned to
leave, most profound were their salaams. On another
occasion it was a number of women from some distant
village; they formed part of a wedding party, and many
of them had never seen a Mem Sahib before. They
were indeed very much surprised when she not only
spoke to them, but did so in their native language, and
some of them said they thought that all the Sahibs
and their ladies were so full of anger towards them
that they would not speak to them. Two very intelli-
gent women among them said they were well acquainted
with the Mem Log (English ladies), as several of them
taught a school in their town. On inquiring what town
they came from, she found they were inhabitants of
Rewari, and that the ladies were the Zenana ladies of
the Delhi Mission. This led her to ask them what the
ladies had taught them. "Oh, they teach sewing and
knitting," was the answer, and the ladies are full of
love." "But don't they teach anything out of a book?
What book is it, do you know ?" inquired Mrs. Valentine.
"Who knows?" was the reply, "but they say it is their
religious book." This led her to repeat the old, old
story of Jesus and His love in her own clear, graphic
way, a theme which, instant in season and out of season,
Q
242
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
she was delighted to tell, and her heart was gladdened.
by the exclamation from these women who heard the
story for the first time, "How sweet and full of love
all this is !"
She asked those of them who lived in Jeypore if they
would not like to hear more about this loving Jesus,
offering to instruct them. They at onte gave their ad-
dress and the name of their house; but after sending
some of their people to look for it, she was unable to
find it out. The bread, however, was that day cast
upon the waters, and may yet be found. On returning
to the bungalow, Mrs. Valentine had her New Testa-
ment class in the verandah with the young men who
came from the city. The native Christians now met on
the lawn in front of the house to read their evening
chapter, and to engage in the evening devotions. They
read regularly through the Old Testament from the
beginning, and by means of the various aids at their
disposal had entered somewhat minutely into an exa-
mination of the passages read. These inquirers were
increased in number. They had been enabled to in-
troduce what they had long been trying to do-native
instrumental music. One of the converts had quite a
genius for composing and singing native hymns, and
they were looking forward to the coming cold season
with delight, when they would be enabled to send him
out, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Isa Das, Dr.
Valentine's first convert, to the surrounding villages to
preach and sing the songs of Jesus.
Mrs. Valentine was very cheerful at this time, her
children at the Hills occupying much of her thoughts;
delighting to think of their return home, and above all
that they were growing in knowledge, in grace, and in
favour both with God and man. She had herself been
LAST DAYS.
243
at the same school, and knew every foot of the walks,
khuds, and streams, and was able to picture to herself
their gathering wild flowers and ferns in the spots where
years before she had played. She looked forward to
spending the month of October in Landour, and she
loved to think how delightful it would be to have the
children with them, to take them out walks in their
holidays, and have one or two nice picnics to some of
the beautiful waterfalls she and her husband had visited
together in past years. The children's home-life for the
cold season was all marked out, and it was to be "so
happy." In these moonlight drives she often dwelt
upon the memory of her parents, friends, their doings
and sayings, of the delightful meetings in her father's
house for the reading of the Bible. The fresh and some-
times peculiar, yet always devout, views of Divine truth
that were advanced by the missionaries of different de-
nominations, as well as laymen, who, unfettered with
the theology of the schools, viewed the Word of God in
the light of their own experience, had been greatly
enjoyed by her, and, young girl as she was at the time,
she gained an amount of systematic theological know-
ledge that is rarely acquired by one so young. The
instructions thus received had been of the most incal-
culable value to her when systematically teaching the
Bible to her women's class, or combating the captious
opposition advanced by the Hindi or Mohammedan
friends who visited them.
We have already seen what a hopeful temperament
she had, and her implicit faith in the guidance and
goodness of God was something quite remarkable.
She delighted more than ever at this time in quoting
hymns and recalling the happy hours spent one delightful
autumn evening with Dr. R of Irvine in the house
244
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
of a friend there. When a temporary doubt took pos-
session of her or any of her friends, she delighted to
repeat a verse of some appropriate hymn; and during
many sleepless nights she would be over and over again
heard repeating-
"O Lord, how happy we should be
If we could cast our care on Thee!" &c.
From extracts from letters preserved we are enabled
to relate some of the things that occupied her attention
during these last months. The infant child of Babu
Chintu Ram was continually ill. with fever in the city,
and finding that the only hope for the child's life was
purer air, Mrs. Valentine insisted upon the whole family
coming up to the bungalow for a couple of months.
By the blessing of God and the means used, the child
recovered, and she had the pleasure of seeing them
return to their home with the child well and hearty.
Then there was a girl aged seventeen in very delicate
health, hopelessly ill indeed with consumption, to. whom
Mrs. Valentine daily ministered many comforts, and
who lived to see her dear patron laid in the tomb,
though she only survived her a few weeks. She was, too,
gratified to study the character and conduct of Chintu
Ram's wife, and to see how she gathered her whole
family round her at night and held family worship
with them in the most solemn manner. She sympa-
thised with the native Christians in all their relations
of life, was sure that their lot was in many respects a
harder one than many believed, therefore every red-
letter day in her family was taken advantage of to
provide some little treat for them, "something that
would bring them all together and make them happy
something that would be pleasant and profitable at the
LAST DAYS.
245
time, and to which they could look back with delight."
The expense of getting up these little treats was not
much, except when little presents were.given; but the
amount of forethought and labour was sometimes con-
siderable in arranging that everything should pass off
without a hitch. In a letter to the children dated 11th
June she descfibes one of these little treats, given on
the occasion of Dr. Valentine's birthday. She was more
than usually anxious about this love-feast, as she felt it
would be the last she would be able to give for some
time to come. Alas! alas! it was indeed the last she
was ever able to provide and superintend.
It proved more than usually successful. Thirty-four
native Christians were present. When the European
friends had left, the meeting became less formal, and it
was kept up until a late hour of the evening. Daniel,
one of the native Christians, delighted all of them by.
singing his own hymns. For the first time he sang his
hymn," Speak for Jesus." Mrs. Valentine was so de-
lighted with the sentiment it conveyed and the tune to
which it was sung, that she requested him to sing it
over again, when she and the whole of the company
caught up the chorus and accompanied him. The hymn
henceforward became a great favourite, and the last
meeting that she was present at on the Wednesday even-
ing (9th July), she sang it with the composer with more
than her usual vigour, suggesting at the close one or
two verbal alterations, which she considered would be
an improvement. All through their married life she
had kept the birthdays of herself, her husband, and
children, giving presents to each and receiving from
them in return, and on this last birthday she presented
her husband with a beautiful copy of the Scriptures,
published at the Oxford University Press. She said,
246
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
I have had a difficulty to know what to give you this
time, but thought of this as the best present for a birth-
day. The references, &c., will assist you in your Bible
class."
Their dear friend, Mr. J——— of Simla, sent Dr. Valen-
tine a small book entitled "Daniel Quorum and his Re-
ligious Notions," by Mr. L. Pearse. This book he read
aloud to her more than once right through. She was
greatly delighted with its keen quiet humour, its strong
common sense, and above all the thorough practical
way in which the doctrines of our holy religion were
expounded and enforced, often remarking, "This is a
book as nearly as possible a model for dealing with our
people here."
As the hot season went on, Mrs. Valentine used
often to sit for an hour in the interval of work and
read a chapter or two of the book with great delight;
her remark to her husband was, "Let us have a talk
with our dear good friend Daniel; it will do us good."
It is consoling for her friends to remember, on looking
back, how the very last days of her life were spent;
how many sweet seasons of intercourse they had with
her, and how it was so apparent to all there was a calm
restfulness about her, that she was indeed filled with
the peace which passeth all understanding. Her ex-
alted Christianity was the most impressive of lessons
to all around; her brightness, her sweetness, her utter
unselfishness alone, made more than one wish to serve
God as she served Him. There are no sermons to be
compared with those which a long consistent happy
Christian life preaches. God's will, was indeed hers;
in the midst of many vexations and worries, one could
yet see she trusted in Him, that she was at rest. There
was no prating of patience and resignation, and gloomy
LAST DAYS.
247
looks. No; she waited His good time for a deliverance
from it all, and abounded in interest .in the earthly
life that still lay around her, doing her part in the
world in one way if not in another, and entering into
even the very smallest details if it was to give pleasure
to those who were near and dear to her.
Several years before, two mechanical speaking dolls
had been bought for the children, but in some way or
other the arrangement had got out of order. She took
them to pieces, and thoroughly repaired them, and at
her leisure moments re-dressed them. She bought a
number of new pets for the children, and taught them
some clever tricks, quite pleased to think of the plea-
sure it would give her darlings when they returned in
the cold season. She also arranged that a small plot
of ground should be allotted to each, that they them-
selves might tend and care for it, and had it planted
with flowers and vegetables, picturing to herself the
pleasure it would give them to present a bouquet of
flowers or a dish of vegetables from their very own
gardens. She was greatly gratified to see that quite a
number of school and other children, both in the com-
pound and the neighbouring village, had learnt a num-
ber of new hymns, which they sang very correctly and
sweetly. After the lessons were over; three or four of
them went and sat in the north side of the verandah,
and sang these for about half an hour before returning
to their homes.
•
But now her working days were drawing to a close;
and the well-laid plans that she had formed for the
future, she was not permitted to carry out in this world.
As the day of her trial approached, her friends felt some
little anxiety on her account, but she herself was full
of hope that the same God who had been with her in
248.
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
the past would lead her safely through the present
trouble. She dismissed her classes for ten days; she
arranged the various articles in the rooms with her
own hands, as she would like to have them; her whole
house was set in order; her servants and bazaar bills
were paid, and her account-books made up as correctly
and neatly as before. The places where she wished
several flowering-trees to be planted were pointed out
and the trees put down. On. Wednesday. the 9th of
July their love-feast was held as usual on the lawn,
and she was more than usually interested in the pro-
ceedings, joining in the singing of the native hymns
with much vigour. The meeting broke up; it was the
last time she was to preside among them, for when
another Wednesday came round her gentle spirit. was
in the land of eternal day.
"For a month or two," writes Dr. Valentine, "I had,
Indian fashion, been sleeping outside on the lawn, and
got up at the first streak of light, dressed, and took a
walk round the garden. My wife also got quickly out
of her room, and joined me generally about 5 or 5.30,
and took a short turn round the garden with me.
Then choti hazari was brought, and, along with our
little Daily Bread Book,' as we called it, we read
and talked together over the passages read. On the
morning of the 10th July we took, as usual, a drive
round the Ramnarvas Gardens, and as I had a call to
make in the city that morning, I was unable to drive
home with her, as I had done the two preceding
evenings. On returning to the bungalow, I found her
with her boys reading the New Testament. After
they had been dismissed the other scholars sang
one of their beautiful native hymns, which de-
lighted her greatly. . After breakfast and worship,
.
LAST DAYS.
249
2
she came into my study, and we had a talk about some
new forms of work she was most anxious to see intro-
duced, and, because it was greatly in her mind, she
talked once more of the Agra Medical Mission Train-
ing Institution, and the necessity, as soon as we again
heard from Dr. H- of calling a meeting and trying
to get it set a-going. She longed to see this agency com-
menced, knowing practically the value of it, and then
and there a plan was drawn out for both schemes, and
each of us went to our several duties. In the evening,
as I had to make a call in the city, she drove out with
her mother to pay a visit to the tomb of her darling
Aggie, which was now finished, but which she had
never seen. She was wonderfully composed and self-
collected, went and wiped off some leaves and sand
that had gathered over it, and laid down some fresh
flowers. With the tears still wet on her cheek she
gave the keeper some directions about the training of
the roses that had been planted, and left. When I
returned home, she and her mother were seated on the
lawn, and she was reading aloud several passages which
she had selected from the book 'Daniel Quorum.' She
continued reading for a few minutes longer, when the
book was laid aside, and we talked about it and passed
on to other subjects. She seemed more than usually
happy, spoke of our trip on the Continent, laughed
heartily at several amusing incidents that had taken
place, till the twilight deepened into night, and after
tea we called up the native Christians to read with
them, the chapter happening to be the fourth of Deu-
teronomy, where Moses reminds the children of Israel
of all the way the Lord had led them. We were later
that evening than usual, and after every one had
retired to rest we two sat for some time afterwards
•
250
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
talking of the way the Lord had led us, and enjoying
the coolness.
"On the morning of the 11th I saw her descending
the steps of the verandah earlier than usual. She said
this would be the last time she would walk round the
garden for some days to come, remarking that when
she came again she would see a great difference in the
young trees just planted. As the atmosphere was close
and steaming, we had the tea-tray for choti hazari taken
to the south side of the bungalow, where there was a
slightly cool breath of air. There we sat while she
pointed out the passage in the little text-book with a
smile: July 11-I am with thee to save thee.'
our
"As we read the precious promises we applied them
to ourselves and our present circumstances, assured
that He who had perfected His strength in her weak-
ness in the past would be with her still and make
hearts rejoice. Promise after promise and assurance
after assurance coming in rapid succession on the gaze
was as a voice from heaven saying unto us, Fear thou
not.' She had no fear, and we believed that in the
course of an hour or two it would be all over and well
with her. But before returning to the house she
expressed a wish to visit our native Christians for
the last time: She asked, with more than her usual
tenderness, after those who happened to be sick, said a
kind word to each of them, and on leaving gave them
her salaam; Kulloo, who had been in our service for
ten years, poor old Kulloo offering up a prayer for her
safety as she left them, never to return.
•
<
"The day passed wearily away. The trials of the
previous years, and the effects that they had produced
on her nervous system, now made their appearance.
At last baby was born, and she was able to rejoice in
LAST DAYS.
251
the knowledge that though this new little daughter
was small, it was healthy and lifelike.' She spent a
restless night, and, not liking her appearance, I tele-
graphed on Saturday for Dr. M————, but unfortunately
M-
the telegram was kept in the office, about a couple of
hundred yards from Dr. M's bungalow, for five
hours before delivery, so that he lost the train. High
as the pulse had been all night, it became still higher,
so that it was with difficulty I could count it. Exces-
sive prostration set in, and I began to fear that the
end had come; but, by means of stimulants and strong
soup, she revived. Taking in the whole position, she
asked me about herself. I answered, 'Not so well as
we should like. you to be, but after this nourishment
and a good sleep I am very hopeful you will wake
better.' She looked hard at me as if scanning my
every expression and would see into my heart. Tell
me what you think about me. You know I am not
afraid to go, if it is the Lord's will.' Feeling her pulse
herself she observed how high it was, adding, 'This is
all so sudden.'
"I endeavoured to look calm and collected, and tried
to soothe her, reminding her of the portion we had read
that morning in the little daily text-book,. My times
are in Thy hands; fear not,' &c. 'Oh, yes,' she answered,
'I know all that, and that the Lord of hosts is with us.'
The nurse now entered the room with a pleasant
countenance, and my wife said to her, 'Nurse, I am
not well, I am very ill; I am going away to be with
Jesus.' The nurse tried her best to soothe her also, and
I urged upon her that the most important thing for her
was rest, entreating her to be quiet, and to compose her
mind and try to fall asleep. When I had prayed with
her shortly, she said, 'That is all right now. We are all
252
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
in God's hands; we will leave ourselves with Him. I
will now take the nourishment, and anything you think
right. But if you think I am dying, do not give me
any stimulants or anything.that will make me in-
sensible, for I wish to deliver, up my spirit into the
hands of God with all my senses about me. 'Nurse,'
she continued, 'you must not think that I am afraid to
die. Jesus is my Saviour; I will go to be with Him.'
'Oh, yes,' we both answered, but we hope you have
many days of usefulness before you.' She was very
patient, took whatever was given to her without a
moment's hesitation, and, tried to compose herself to
sleep; but the sickness again returned; she became
nervous and sleepless, which gave her much concern.
After I had prayed with her, she said she would like
to pray also, and in a firm quiet tone, evidently, how-
ever, with suppressed emotion, she began, 'O Lord, I
should like to live for the sake of my darling husband,
my poor old mother, and my children; they are very
young yet, and need a mother's care and a mother's
love. But not my will, but Thy will be done. Perhaps
this is the way Thou intendest to draw their hearts more
closely to Thyself.' She continued in prayer for some
time, and having finished, added, 'Now we must leave
the issue with God. Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for
Thou art with me.'
"I had given her a little more medicine to promote
sleep, mentally praying that it might produce the
desired effect, but it proved the opposite; she became
excited and would not be kept from talking. No, she
had one or two things she wished to say so long as she
was able. The missionaries have treated us cruelly,'
she said; and when I urged her not to think of them
LAST DAYS.
253
now, she answered, 'No, darling; I merely mentioned
it to say how it grieved us that Christian men should
have acted as they have done. But tell them that I
forgive them-forgive them from the bottom of my.
heart.' Speaking to the nurse, she said, 'Do you know,
I think I shall recover, and I will tell you why. God
has visited me in thought, and said you will have a
little girl in place of Aggie. I loved Aggie so much,
O so much! But with regard to Aggie there are things
that I deeply regret. I think sometimes I did not do
my duty to her as I ought to have done. The Lord has
given me this little girl just as one other trial, to see if
I would do better, and for this reason I think I shall
get well again.' 'Oh, darling,' I remarked, 'what more
could you have done for Aggie than you did? But the
Lord has given you this little one, and we all believe
that you have many days before you to love it and train
it for Jesus. If you would only try and get rest; it is
so important.'
"She said, 'Well, then, read me some of the hymns the
children sing so sweetly.' Thinking it would soothe her,
I did so. She repeated many of the lines after me, add-
ing 'That is one dear Nellie sings, and that is wee Ettie's
favourite, dear children!' The beautiful hymn that
she loved to repeat, and which had given her so much
comfort in her times of trial and sorrow, 'Take it to
the Lord in prayer,' was joined in by her with much
earnestness; sometimes she repeated the line once or
twice, 'Take it to the Lord in prayer.' In this way
I went on reading, noticing that she was becoming
drowsy and gradually lowered my voice, and was glad
to see that at last she had fallen asleep; but so light was
it, that though I rose as gently as possible, she noticed
me and cried out, 'Don't leave me; take hold of my
254
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
•
hand.' I did so, and in a few minutes more she fell
into a deep sleep. This continued for perhaps a couple
of hours, and she awoke refreshed. We expected Dr.
. M early in the morning, and though the pulse and
temperature were still alarmingly high, we all thought
her better; and when the Doctor arrived, he too was
hopeful that the worst was past.
The Sabbath hours passed away, but she remembered
that it was the day on which we had intended to open
the new Mission-house in the city, and she thought of
her seventy girls, while we tried to encourage her by
remarking that we believed she would have many, many
happy Sabbaths with them and 'her women' in the
same house. The thought evidently gave her pleasure,
adding to our words, 'If it is the Lord's will.' And yet
there was a feeling that all might not be well with her,
for she at one time appeared anxious that her mother
should take rest, saying, 'Perhaps you will require to
look after the children, and must keep yourself strong;'
and at another saying to me, 'If I go away, you will
know what I would like to say to all my friends.' She
slept a good deal during the night, and on Monday
morning said she felt better than she had yet been, and
Dr. M left, hoping all was well. The weary hours
of that day passed away full of hopes and fears, and at
night she fell asleep. I was sitting beside her listening
to her quick breathing, when she started in her sleep
and looked wildly in my face, exclaiming in terror,
What was that?' I said, 'Nothing, dear; you have had
such a nice sleep, for which I have been so thankful.'
She looked wildly about for a minute, then screamed
out, 'Oh, my God!'
"Immediately fits of shivering set in, so severe that the
bed shook under her, and her mother had the greatest dif-
LAST DAYS.
255
ficulty in keeping her in her arms. While she continued
to scream out, 'Oh, my God, my God!' Everything we
could think of was done to promote heat, and in the
end it was followed by profuse perspiration, which
literally poured from her. She became quieter, took the
medicine and nourishment we offered her most eagerly,
crying out, Pay for sleep-just sleep.' It was not
until about three o'clock in the morning that sleep came,
but then it was not natural. She breathed heavily, and
the pulse could not be counted. When the morning
light had broken in we changed her clothes and pillows
to make her more comfortable. She moved about so as
to adapt herself to them, saying, 'Oh, this is so pleasant.
It was impossible not to see that the end was near.
She continued quite conscious until about two o'clock
in the afternoon. Several of the native Christians and
servants wished to see her for the last time, and were
permitted to do so. Our dear and sincere friend Major
J————— also came in, and seeing how near the end was,
knelt down and prayed. She breathed and moaned
heavily. At last it ceased, her eyes opened, and, with-
out a struggle, she breathed out her gentle spirit into
the hands of God who gave it.
"After she had been laid out, I went into the room to
see her once more. There was a sweet smile playing over
the lower part of the face, but the painful contraction
of the eyebrows told of the struggle she had passed
through. The contraction spoke of earth, the smile of
heaven. In an hour or two afterwards the contracted
look had smoothed out and she lay as if in a pleasant
sleep.
"Those who gazed on the quiet brow and saw the look
of perfect peace there, thought involuntarily of the
sacred words, 'So He giveth His beloved sleep."
256
MEMOIR OF MRS. VALENTINE.
·
Thus passed away one of the best of wives, best of
daughters, most loving of mothers, and as devoted and
devout a Christian, with a true missionary spirit, as ever
entered the realms of bliss. Her friends could in sin-
cerity thank God for her sweet life, and all its blessed
teachings, and for her holy dying. Hers was no dead
faith, contenting itself with mere words, grace had been
given her to live out all the lessons. She herself thought
the truths she held were living truths, not mere lifeless
doctrines. Death is a cruel spoiler to those who are
left sorrowing the loss of departed friends, but thanks
be to God, who giveth us the victory through. Jesus
Christ our Lord.
On the morning of Wednesday, about seven o'clock,
she was carried in her coffin into the drawing-room,
where Dr. Valentine read the latter part of the 7th
chapter of Revelation in Hindi, and said a few words
both in English and Hindi. Babu Chintu Ram offered
up a prayer in Hindi, and then the procession was
formed, a great concourse of native friends and her
scholars following, and as they passed the houses of the
servants, the poor women whom she had so often as-
sisted manifested their grief in the usual vehement
The native Christians had wished to carry
the body all the way to the graveyard, but when this
was not allowed, they lifted the remains tenderly from
the carriage at the gate and bore it to the tomb. The
Rev. A. S, of Ajmere, read the funeral service of the
Church of England, after which Dr. Valentine again
read the same part of the 9th chapter of Revelation,
and said a few words in Hindi. The native Christians
then sang one of her favourite hymns, "Agur Main
farishta hoti." Their last flowers were thrown on the
manner.
LAST DAYS.
257
coffin, the slabs of the tomb adjusted, and the mourners
turned sorrowfully away.
Her whole life may be fitly summed up in the follow-
ing beautiful lines, she having fulfilled every sentiment
contained in it :-
"My Lord, in me Thy mighty power exert;
Enlighten, comfort, sanctify my heart,
Sweeten my temper, and subdue my will;
Make me like Jesus, with Thy spirit fill.
I want to live on earth a life of faith;
I want to credit all the Bible saith;
I want to imitate my Saviour's life,
Avoiding lightness, gloom, and sinful strife.
I want to bring poor sinners to Thy throne;
I want to love and honour Christ alone;
I want to feel the Spirit's inward power,
And stand prepared for death's important hour.
I want a meek, a gentle, quiet frame,
A heart that glows with love to Jesus' name;
I want a living sacrifice to be
To Him who died a sacrifice for me.
I want to do whatever God requires;
I want a heart to burn with pure desires;
I want to be what Christ my Lord commands,
And leave myself, my all, in His dear hands.
O Lord, pour out Thy spirit on my soul,
My will, my temper, and my tongue control;
Lead me through life, to glorify Thy grace,
And after death to see Thee face to face."
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MY DOGGIE AND I.
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LIVING TRUTHS FOR HEAD AND HEART.
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A SUMMER IN THE LIFE OF TWO LITTLE
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