A VISIT TO THE PRISON AT GRANADA—THE DEPUTATION OF THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE
IT was arranged by our loving Heavenly Father, that in the spring of 1863, and about two years and nine months after our beloved brother had been imprisoned at Barcelona, I was enabled to pay him a visit in the prison at Granada. A short time before this his confinement had been made a little less irksome by the goodness of God, who, as in the case of Joseph, caused the jailor to become favorable to him. It appears that the wife of the jailor was very sick, and in his trouble the husband came and humbled himself to Matamoros, who, touched by his sorrowful story, promised to pray for the poor woman. The Lord graciously heard the prayer, and she was soon restored to health. This occurrence was the means of bringing about a great change in his conduct to Matamoros, who from this time had liberty within the prison. The prisoners used to take off their hats to him when he passed, and he was respected and beloved by all, but by none more than by the jailor himself, who, desirous of showing him some special act of favor, offered to give him any one of the prisoners as a servant to wait on him in prison. He chose one of the greatest criminals for this service, and before long this man, who was imprisoned for murder, heard from the martyr's lips the wondrous story of the love of Jesus, which touched his hard heart, and he became a believer in that blood that cleanseth from sin, even when of the deepest dye, and he was from that time not only a happy man himself, and enabled unmoved to look forward to his severe punishment at the galleys, but he also became a faithful and loving attendant on our afflicted brother, and relieved the tedium of his solitude.
On arriving at the prison I was at once admitted to the cell of Matamoros, whom I now saw for the first time, after a correspondence which had lasted nearly three years. The time that we spent in that never-to-be-forgotten cell was, as can be well imagined, a period of extreme joy to us both. We were soon in each other's arms, experiencing the happiness that loving hearts feel under such circumstances—hearts joined and made one in Jesus, brought to know each other through the agency of God's Holy Spirit, and sustained in that relation by the same Spirit.
Through the kindness of English Christians, I had had the pleasure of alleviating his sufferings; and large sums of money had been sent for him and the other prisoners at Granada and Malaga by myself and other friends. This amount during the long period of their imprisonment cannot have been less than two thousand pounds, and was intended also to pay a part of the law expenses, and to help the families of the persecuted.
Knowing as I did, that this money had all passed through Manuel's hands, I was prepared to find in the prison some few comforts; but in this I was quite mistaken. I pictured to myself our Christians in England, who many of them are in affluent circumstances, and in many cases surrounded by luxuries; but, thank God, the religion of Matamoros was more in conformity with the type presented to us by the Christ of the Evangelists. His beautiful hair was neglected; his trousers, which had been much worn at the knees through kneeling on the rough flags of his cell, were mended by his own hands; there was no sofa, no easy chair. On a small table was a huge pile of letters, papers, etc. Seldom have I been in a more melancholy apartment, yet never in a more hallowed one. All I saw was more apostolic than anything that I have witnessed before or since, and preached a sermon not easily to be effaced from my mind.
When, afterward, I asked the families of the persecuted if they had received sufficient for their wants, they quickly replied—
“Oh, we have all had enough. You do not know Don Manuel; he has given all to us, and kept nothing for himself.”
I am constrained to say, that in all his ways he more closely imitated the blessed Savior than did any other man I ever knew. Let us thank God that He has permitted us, in these days of formality and deadness, when selfishness seems to have taken such a strong hold on our hearts' best affections, to see, in this dear disciple, some few living traits and characteristics of Him who said, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.”
The short time that I was enabled to be with him in the prison was most precious and profitable to us both. I found out that he scarcely ever ate anything with appetite. His tears were his meat day and night. I fancied that if I could join him at his dinner he might eat with more comfort. I therefore had some food brought from the hotel, and, after a long and most interesting morning of sweetest communion, we sat down to the table which our blessed Father had spread for us in this memorable spot. How it rejoiced my heart to see this dear afflicted one forget for a time his sorrow, and eat, as he told me, with more appetite and relish than he had done for many a day before. I am one who believes in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the life everlasting. I believe and enjoy all these things now.
After this, our time was spent in going all over the prison, speaking with many of the prisoners, visiting the cells of Alhama and Trigo, and seeing in the upper part of the prison the place where Matamoros had spent such weeks of terrible solitary confinement as nearly cost him his life. He paused long in telling me all about this; impressing on me what it was for one like him, with a heart full of love, to be shut out for weeks from all who were dear to him; to have his correspondence intercepted; to be seized with a burning fever, and have no doctor to attend, no friend to soothe, no one to give even a cup of cold water. But such was his lot, and he dragged this chain for many weeks alone. No Silas was with him during this period, but One was there who more than supplied his place, even Jesus, the Faithful Promiser, who has said, "Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end," and who kept his word.
While here, and in great bitterness of spirit, Matamoros wrote on the wall some verses of poetry, which I read with deep interest. They had the fire, the zeal, and the talent that characterized all his correspondence, and many times since have I regretted that I did not take a copy of them. Alas! what is our life but a great blank of duties neglected, of sympathies unheeded and refused, of dry eyes where tears were called for, and of hard stony hearts when tenderness was needed! Alas, alas! what unprofitable servants we are, and how far, O Jesus, from the standard of Thy bright loving example!
We were permitted to have Alhama and Trigo, Matamoros's mother, and two others, with us in our brother's cell. We read the Scriptures together, and he prayed with extraordinary fervor. Prayer with him appeared to be a mighty struggle, a continued supplication, into which he threw the full powers of his mind, and soon convinced the friends who were present of the immense difference there was between it and the formal petitions which many of us offer; as, indeed, there is also between our lukewarm lives and his burning, unceasing zeal and activity. Our chapter on this occasion was Rom. 8, which was his favorite portion, and on which he seemed to feed continually. We obeyed our dear Lord's command at the same time, and, in remembrance of his love to us, celebrated his supper.
On the whole, the two days I spent here were delightful to myself, and most profitable to dear Matamoros and to all; but my visit was short, for, from prudential motives as well as from other causes, my time was limited; but I had seen the man whom I loved and admired so much, and truly there is nothing like seeing. God keeps this great joy in store for us, to see Jesus, whom having not seen we love, and to see Himself and the lovely place He has prepared for us.
After the last loving embrace, we parted, and as I descended the hill from the prison, I saw this dear witness for Jesus stretching out his arms between the bars of his window to wave to me his last farewell. Oh, how indelibly is impressed upon my memory that noble countenance, beaming with love, from behind that grim, lugubrious grating. The contrast will be all the more striking to those who have come out at such great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple." God shall indeed "wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
LETTER RECEIVED FROM DR. CAPPADOSE, OF HOLLAND.
“To Mr. W. Greene.
“The Hague, 25 March, 1863.
“DEAR BROTHER IN HIM WHO IS OUR LIFE AND HOPE,
“Tomorrow, please God, I leave with my dear wife this city, and make a journey into Spain. But I will tell you regularly the antecedents. I expressed my anxiety that a deputation might be formed, and the London Committee of the Evangelical Alliance was in the same feeling. On both sides we made some exertions. Here I called many friends of the good cause together, and exposed to them at length the whole history of Matamoros and his companions, communicating to them the blessing God had given to us some years ago on our efforts in a similar case in Sweden, when some female members of the Catholic church have been oppressed, and filially banished, in accordance with the then and still existing law of the land, and how by our efforts and deputation they have not only been recalled and liberated from all punishment, but after a lapse of several months, this persecuting law is set aside, and since freedom of conscience is introduced into Sweden. My narration to them was a complete success; the great majority of the assembly entered into my views as to the necessity of a deputation, and it was decided on the election of deputies there and then.
“By acclamation three gentlemen then present were elected, and I myself first. But our English friends have taken a resolution that the deputation should wait till the final sentence was known. I, for my part, fearing that perhaps in this case I could no more see our friend Matamoros, so resolved to go before to Granada. Tomorrow then I hope, under the lovely experience of the presence of my true Conductor, whose face I constantly and ardently seek, to depart for Neuchatel, in Switzerland, in order to remain there under the roof of my oldest friend, and then through Geneva, Lyons, Marseilles, to Malaga, and so to Granada, a long and fatiguing voyage for my age and constitution—bodily; but I am in the hands of my Lord, and go with confidence. The advocate of M. wrote to me that once at Granada I can see Matamoros every day. Now this is one of my great desires.
“From Granada, I hope to go to Madrid, in order to join the great deputation; but I suppose a pretty long time will be taken by the judges in preparatory work, so that I fear the case will not be decided before the end of April.
“It is uncertain if the Queen will admit the deputation, and perhaps she will defer time after time.
“However, it may be that the very presence of the deputation will strengthen the public opinion, which begins to be more and more favorable to our cause. I have heard that the Queen has received more than one note from other queens appealing to the royal privilege of pardon. I hope, my dear friend, you will have received a copy of the two little pamphlets I published on this subject. You have seen that I have dedicated the second to yourself, as the constant friend and benefactor of our dear Matamoros. The sale of the first publication is still continuing. I have been so happy as to transmit a new sum of £30 as proceeds from the sale for the needy families.
“Now, dear brother, you will be so kind as to follow me with your prayers. Oh that the blessed Lord, whose glory I seek in all things, may sustain us with the right hand of His strength, and may His spirit also be with you and all the children of God.
“Most faithfully in the Lord,
“DR. CAPPADOSE."
The Deputation of the Evangelical Alliance
The Evangelical Alliance, finding that the efforts of the British Parliament had no effect in obtaining from the Queen of Spain the liberation of Matamoros and his companions, and that the mission of General Alexander was alike unproductive of fruit, determined on sending to Madrid a European deputation, composed of some of the leading Christian men from the following countries, whose names are affixed below:—
NAMES OF DEPUTIES.
AUSTRIA Baron Von Riese Stallburg.
BAVARIA Pastor W. Tretzel.
DENMARK M. A. L. Brandt.
ENGLAND Samuel Gurney, Col. J. G. Walker, John
Hodgkin, Esq., R. W. Fox, Esq., John Finch, Esq., Joseph Cooper, Esq., Rev.
Dr. Steane, Rev. H, Schmettau.
PRANCE Count Edmond de Pourtales, Pastor G. Monod,
M. George Andre, Baron L. Bussiere.
HOLLAND Baron K. F. de Lynden, Dr. A. Cappadose,
M. Van Loon.
PRUSSIA Capt. Von Kluber, Henry XIII. Prince R cuss,
Count Von Behr Negendauk.
SWITZERLAND M. Adrien Naville.
SWEDEN Baron Hans Essen.
But before reaching this stage in its organization months were consumed in meetings, consultations, and the interchange of communications between the committees of the Protestant and Evangelical Alliances, until at length the time drew on when the case would be finally disposed of by the Spanish Judges. About this time, the Rev. Dr. Steane addressed to Major-General Alexander a remarkable letter entitled "The Persecution in Spain," which was published by Messrs. Nisbet, and which increased the sympathies of many in this interesting Mission. The local committees of the Evangelical Alliance at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Carlisle, Dublin, etc., met and sent resolutions to the London committee, protesting against further delay. The Foreign Secretary, the Rev. H. Schmettau, whose unwearied diligence in corresponding with individuals and committees in almost all parts of the Continent entitles him to the highest praise, was continually receiving letters to the same effect, showing that foreign Protestants were everywhere expecting the summons, and holding themselves in readiness to obey it. And it was at this period, that Sir Culling Eardley published his letter to the Earl of Roden, in which he explained the cause of the delay, and the course intended to be pursued. That course was at length adopted, and it was determined to organize the deputation. A special committee was appointed to carry the resolution into effect, Sir Culling Eardley being the chairman, Lord Calthorpe treasurer, Revs. Dr. Steane and H. Schmettau its secretaries, and everything was done which the emergency required.
This work was commenced and carried on through all its stages with prayer. Often the difficulties were so formidable and the discouragements so great, that the only hope which could be indulged, lay in the belief that importunate and united prayer would not be offered in vain. It was not forgotten that it was while the church was praying that Peter was liberated, and as that fact stands in the sacred page to show to the followers of Christ in all ages where, amidst the furious persecutions of the ungodly, their great strength lies, so let the story which these pages record find a place for the same blessed end, and as a further testimony to the glory of God, in the annals of the modern Church.
On Tuesday, May 19, 1863, with the single exception of the Earl of Aberdeen, the English members of the deputation had all arrived at Madrid, as also had the majority of the deputies from the other European nations. The English members lost no time in waiting upon Mr. Edwards, the Charge d'Affaires at the British Embassy, Sir John Crampton, the English ambassador, being then absent. The strong impression left by the interview was, that the deputation had little to expect from this quarter, and it was afterward found to be shared by the deputation of "Friends," to whom Mr. Edwards had also stated his strong disapproval of the course which the prisoners had taken, that of appealing against their sentence—and especially of the independent tone with which, in their appeal, they had commented on the persecuting laws of Spain.
Two of the deputies had also a private interview with the Duke de Montpensier, who gave them some good advice as to the best course to pursue, and who said that he himself was an advocate for religious liberty, and that in consequence of his conduct in this business, he had been charged by his friends about the court with being a Protestant. He was nevertheless a sincere Roman Catholic, but as in England, which is a Protestant country, he himself enjoyed perfect liberty of public worship, and was treated with full consideration in all that affected his faith both by Queen Victoria and by her subjects, so he desired that Protestants in a Catholic country might enjoy like privileges.
Soon after this the deputation met to consider the propriety of seeking an audience with the Queen of Spain, and also as to the mode of making their desire known to her Majesty. On the latter point, the meeting was much guided by Count Stallburgh, Chamberlain to the Emperor of Austria, and Baron Von Lynden, Chamberlain to the King of Holland, who stated the usages of their courts; and as there seemed little probability that an audience would be asked for the deputation through diplomatic channels, it was resolved to ask for it through the Queen's Major Domo. On this very evening, however, as M. H. Schmettau was returning home, hearing an evening paper called La Correspondencia cried in the streets, he bought one, and there read the announcement that the Government had commuted the sentence on Matamoros and his companions to banishment, for the same length of time as the prisoners had been condemned to imprisonment with hard labor.
On finding this sudden and remarkable change in the sentence, much discussion arose as to what should be the line of action now taken by the deputies, and they decided that first an address to the Queen should be prepared, to be signed by all the members of the deputation, stating, that while they felt thankful to God that Her Majesty had mitigated the sentence under which our brethren were suffering, they had much more to claim respectfully at her hands, and that they begged to be allowed to leave with Her Majesty the petitions they had brought with them, in which the views and principles of the large bodies of Christians, in the different countries of Europe who had sent them, would be found deferentially and explicitly stated. Secondly, that a letter should be written, in the name of the deputation, to Matamoros and his fellow-sufferers, congratulating them on the mitigation of the terrible punishment to which they had been sentenced, and offering them affectionate and Christian counsel and sympathy. Dr. Cappadose and the Rev. H. Schmettau were requested to draft a letter to Matamoros, and M. A. Naville, M. Van Loon, Count Kanitz, Pastor William Monod, and Dr. Steane, were appointed to prepare the address to the Queen.
After the meeting broke up at which these measures were adopted, a telegram was received, communicating the distressing intelligence of the death of Sir Culling Eardley, president of the Evangelical Alliance, who from the first had taken the deepest interest in the case. It is as impossible, as it is unnecessary, to describe the deep gloom which this event threw over the deputation. Many tears of sincere affection and sorrow were shed; many prayers of profound submission to the holy will of God, and of sympathy with the bereaved family were offered up; and the subsequent meetings for business and for devotion were all shaded as with the solemnities of the eternal world, and saddened with the sense of an irreparable loss.
At the next meeting the draft-letter for the Queen was produced, carefully considered, and approved, as well as the one for Matamoros, which was ordered to be forwarded to him. Just at this crisis, Count Edmond de Pourtales and Baron de Bussike arrived as deputies from Paris. These noblemen waited at once on the French Ambassador, and placed the whole matter of the deputation before him. He undertook the difficult and delicate mission of presenting the letter to the Queen. Thus the last difficulty was in a most unexpected manner removed. Nothing could have been more opportune than the coming of the two French noblemen just when they did; and it will always stand as one remarkable proof, among many others, of God's gracious smile on that errand of love which had taken the deputation to Spain, and of his providential guidance of their measures.
The Prussian members of the deputation had been in communication with the Government on the subject of their being admitted to the royal presence to deliver the message and letter from the King of Prussia, and from the Prussian Queen Dowager, and in this they ultimately succeeded, though under restrictions as to any reference to the object of the deputation. They mentioned that when, during the interview, Prince Reuss seemed as if approaching the obnoxious subject, the Marquis of Miraflores immediately interposed, and turned the conversation to another topic. It appeared also that the commutation of the sentence had been hastened, in order that it might be accomplished before the presentation of these distinguished persons to the Queen could take place. It should further be stated that as a token of respect to the deputies, and as at least an implied recognition of their part in the matter, the act of commutation, signed by the Queen herself, was sent by the Premier to the Prussian Deputies for their more entire satisfaction in reference to the attainment of the object of their mission. They were also assured that the prisoners at Malaga, as well as those in the city of Granada, were included in the mitigated sentence.
Soon after this the letter of the deputation to the Queen was conveyed by Baron de Bussieres and the Count de Pourtales to the Marquis of Miraflores at Aranjuez. He promised to lay it before her Majesty, and consented to receive at his house at Madrid the various petitions and addresses from different countries, and to inform the Queen of their contents. A copy of the letter to the Queen appeared in The Times of June 3. In the meetings for worship held by the deputation at Madrid, and scarcely less in those for the transaction of business, they were often constrained to acknowledge the manifest presence of the promised Comforter, for to his divine power alone could they ascribe it, that their hearts were so drawn together, that their embarrassments were so gently cleared away, and that their conclusions, though previously discussed with unrestrained liberty of opinion and of speech, were ultimately adopted with perfect unanimity. And as they thus met in the charity of the Gospel, so they at length parted with augmented mutual respect, and cherishing that love for each other which is the greatest of the Christian graces, and the most precious because the most enduring fruit of the Spirit. Nor, finally, can the fact be suppressed, that they were thus enabled to realize and to manifest in Spain, that most intolerant of the Papal nations, and in the face of the whole observant hierarchy of Rome, the true unity of the Church of Christ-a unity not more blessed in itself than it will ultimately be seen to be powerful, when in that universal manifestation which it is one day destined to attain, it shall overthrow every antagonistic force and hold forth the crowning demonstration that Jesus is the Christ until, in His own words, "the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.”
It was eminently characteristic of dear Manuel's large-hearted unselfishness that when the news of his own safety from his severe sentence was telegraphed to him, he instantly flashed back the question— "And the brothers at Malaga?”