Rev. Daniel S. Butrick’s "Indian Antiquities"

This is the story of an obsessed reverend who embarked on a mission to champion the cause of the Cherokee whom he perceived to be lost Israelites. His advocacy on their behalf represents one of the finer moments in Indian mission history. Rev. Butrick’s expression of faith stood in sharp contrast to the version of Christianity practiced by his fellow Americans. He advocated against his compatriot’s abuse and neglect of the Indians by choosing to live a life characterized by a deep love and respect for the Cherokee. He sought to prove that Indians were descendants of the lost ten tribes of Israel as an expression of his hope for their spiritual restoration. I have appreciated Butrick’s writings for his honesty about his personal failures and his persistence to do what he knew was right when none of his fellows would. His struggles and disappointments spoke to me about what it means to hope for redemption amidst seemingly lost causes.