tihxaxy of t:he trheolo^ical ^^minavy
PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY
PURCHASED BY THE
TTATl/TTTT TV/TTGCTn M A P V TTTTND
BV 2848 .J2 D9 1849
Duncan, Peter, 1798-1862.
A narrative of the Wesleyan
mission to Jamaica
JUN 4 1975
NARRATIVE \%oe/CAL bf«^
WESLEYAN MISSION
TO
JAMAICA;
OCCASIONAL REMARKS ON THE STATE OF
SOCIETY IN THAT COLONY.
REV. PETER DUNCAN,
WESLEYAN MINISTER.
And behold the bush burned with fire and the bush was not consumed."
Exodus iii. 2.
LONDON:
PARTRIDGE AND OAIvEY, PATERNOSTER ROW
SOLD BY J. MASON, CITY ROAD AND PATERNOSTER ROW.
1849.
Clapliam; Printed by G. P. Measbn,
THOMAS FARMER, ESQUIRE,
OF GUNNERSBURY HOUSE, MIDDLESEX,
W^i^ Walumt
IS INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR,
AS AN
EXPRESSION OF HIGH RESPECT FOR HIS PERSONAL CHARACTER,
AND ESPECIALLY EOR
HIS GENEROUS AND UNWEARIED EXERTIONS
IN
PROMOTING THE OBJECTS OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
C O N T E N T S.
CHAPTER I.
Introductory remarks — The Rev. Dr. Coke A-isits Jamaica and preaches
in Kingston — Disgraceful interruption of one of the Services — Rev.
Mr. Ilammett, the first Missionary sent out— The first Wesleyan
Society is formed — A short accoimt of its Members — The first
Chapel obtained and opened in Kingston — Opposition to Mr. Ilam-
mett's Ministry — The Chapel presented at the (iuarter Sessions as
a "nuisance" — Mrs. Wilkinson — Preaching in the town of Port
Royal — Attempts to destroy the Kingston Chapel .... 1 — 21
CHAPTER II.
Arrival of the Rev. Mr. Brazier — Dr. Coke again visits Jamaica along
M'ith Mr. Wcrrill, another Missionary — Failure of Mr. Hammett's
health, who leaves the Island with Dr. Coke — Mr. Bra/ier's health
also fails, and he goes to America— Death of Mr. Werrill — Tempo-
rary return of Mr. Brazier— Arrival of the Rev. W. Fish — Of Mr.
McVean — Mr. Fish removes to Montego Bay, and laboui's with suc-
cess— Death of John H. Constant— Preaching in the parishes of
St. George and St. Thomas in the East — Mr. Fish returns to Kings-
ton— A contribution to assist Great Britain in defrapng the ex-
penses of the War — Ai-rival of Missionaries — They extend their la-
bours, but with little success — Chapel-house violently broken into
at Midnight — Mission Premises seized by the Militia during ^Nlar-
tial Law — Number of Members 22 — 42
CHAPTER III.
Commencement of the Work in Morant Bay — Hon. Simon Taylor—
Inquiry into the Laws of Jamaica respecting Religious Toleration —
Intolerant Law of 1802 — Imprisonment of Mr. John Williams in Mo-
rant Bay — Imprisonment of Rev. Mr. Campbell— Case of Mr. Camp-
bell brought before the Kingston Assizes— Mr. Fish applies for " Li-
cense" at the Kingston Quarter Sessions — Mr. Campbell afterwards
applies— They visit Morant Bay for a similar purpose, but their ap-
plication is rejected — A warrant for Mr. Campbell's Arrest issued by
the Magistrates — He is compelled to leave the Island — Law of 1802
disallowed by the King 66
CHAPTER IV.
Arrival of the Rev. ;Mcssrs. Bradnack and Gilgrass— Departure of
Mr. Fish— Building of a Chapel in Morant Bay— Preaching in tlu'
Parish of St. Mary — Morant Bay Chapel opened — State of the
Kingston Society — Copy of an Ordinance enacted by the Common
X CONTENTS.
Council of that City — Consolidated Slave law of 1807 — Imprisonment
of Mr. Gilgrass — The Chapels are shut up — Arrival of Rev. Messrs.
Wiggins and Johnston — Proceedings of the Kingston Corporation —
His Majesty disallows the new Slave Law — Mr. Johnston preaches
in Morant Bay, but soon afterwards leaves the Island — Act of 1810
— Imprisonment of Mr, Wiggins — State of the Society — Arrival and
death of Mr. Davies — Anival of Rev. Messrs. Shipman and Burgar
— Morant Bay Chapel re-opened — Mr. Shipman obtains " License"
in Kingston 67 — 105
CHAPTER V.
State of the work in Kingston and Morant Bay on the re -opening of
the Chapels — A Society formed in the Parish of St. David's — Death
of Mr. Bm-gar — Premises purchased in Spanish Towoi — Grateful
Hill Circuit — Memorials to the Governor and Assembly — First Dis-
trict Meeting — Grateful Hill Chapel opened — Stephen Drew^ Esq. —
Arrival of Missionaries — District Meeting of 1818 — Premises pur-
chased for a second Chapel in Kingston — A Society formed in Man-
chioneal — Preaching in Bath — Unsuccessful application at the
Quarter Sessions of Port Antonio — Mr. Shipman preaches in Fal-
mouth— A Society formed in Montego Bay — Death of Mr. William
Carver — District of 1819 — Death of Rev. O. Adams — District of
1820 — Death of Rev. Mr. Hartley — A Petition to the Magistrates and
Vestry of St. Thomas in the East 102—130
CHAPTER VI.
District Meeting of 1821 — Opening of the Bath Chapel — Success at
Manchioneal — Sickness and death of Rev. J. E. Underhill — Death
and character of the Rev. George Johnston — District of 1822 —
Opening of a new Chapel in Manchioneal — Prosperity of the King-
ston Societies — Preaclung at Stoney Hill and Port Royal — State of
the Work in St. Anus and Montego Bay — District of 1823— Open-
ing of a Chapel at Bellemont — Purchase of premises on Yallahs Bay
— Opening of AVesley- Chapel in Kingston — District of 1824 — Arri-
val of Missionaries — Death of Mr. Allen — Prosperity of the Work
on the Stoney Hill Circuit pp. 131 — 155
CHAPTER VII.
Opposition in 1824 — District Meeting of 1825 — Simday Schools —
Preaching in Falmouth — Missionary Societies foiined — District of
1826 — Formation of the Auxiliary Missionary Society for the Ja-
maica District — Death and Character of Miss llacster — Week-night
services in Kingston — Arrival and departui'C of Missionaries — A So-
ciety formed in Port Antonio — Intolerant clauses in the Slave-law
of 1826 156—180
CHAPTER VIII.
Opposition in St. Ann's — Disgraceful outrage at St. Ann's Bay — Death
of S. Drew Esq. — Outrage in St. Ann's brought before Parliament
by Dr. Lushington — An official "Despatch" — Termination of pro-
CONTENTS. XI
ceedings relating to " the affaii-" at St. Ann's Bay — District of 1827
— Visit to the Maroons — State of the Mission in Spanish Town and
Falmouth — lievival of lleligion in St. Ann's — Trial and imprison-
ment of the Hev. Mr. (jrimsdall — Last illness and death of the
Kev. "W. llatelifFe — Death of Mr. Parkin — Mr. Grimsdall again ap-
prehended and Mr. Robert Watkis — Messrs. Grimsdall and Watkis,
together Avith Miss Catherine Jarvis, are tried at the Court of Quarter
Sessions — Commencement of a thii-d Chapel in Kingston — Death and
character of Mr. Grimsdall 181—207
CHAPTER IX.
The Slave-law of 1826 is disallowed — The " Sectarian Committee" ap-
pointed by the House of Assembly — District of 1828 — Opposition in
St. Ann — A bill of Indictment foimd agamst Mr. Whitehouse at
the Quarter-sessions of that parish — Missionary Meeting in King-
ston— Imprisonment of Rev. Messrs. Whitehouse and Orton — They
are released by order of the Chief Justice — Magistrates deprived of
their Commission by Sir. John Keane — iUhdavits tiled in the Crown
Office, agamst the Rev. Messrs. Barry, Duncan and Orton, charging
them with " Wilful and corrupt Perjury" — Trial of Mr. Orton —
Indictment against Mr. A\Tiitehouse, removed to the Supreme Court
and quashed — Death of the Rev. Messrs. Morgan and Harrison —
New Chapels opened in Spanish Town and Kingston . . 208 — 236
CHAPTER X.
Session of the Legislatm-e in 1828 — Report of the " Sectarian Com-
mittee"— Slave-law of 1826 passes the Assembly and Council, but is
rejected by Su-. John Keane — District-meeting of 1829 — An action
for Libel at the Kingston Assizes against the Rev. Mr. Barry — He is
accquitcd — The disallowed Slave-law again passes the Lcgislatui'e
and is sanctioned by the Earl of Belmore — A Missionary stationed
in Port Royal — A new Chapel opened in the Town of Montego Bay
— Correspondence between Mr. W^hitehouse and the Governor's
Secretary — Slave-law disallowed by his Majesty William the fom-th
—Death of the Rev. Messrs. Vowles, Penman, and Saxton— Death
of Mr. Robertson, the Steward of the Morant Bay Cu-cuit — District-
meeting of 1831 — Prosperity of the Mission — Number of Members, as
reported in January, 1832 237 — 268
CHAPTER XI.
Insurrection of the Slaves in December, 1831 — Extracts from Colonial
Publications — Arrest of the Rev. William Box — State of the So-
ciety in Montego Bay — Rev. Messrs. Kerr and Wood visit Ocho
Rios and are arrested — Ai-rest of Miss Jarvis — Colonial Church
Union — Extraordinary fidelity of the Wesleyan Negroes during the
InsuiTCCtion — Demolition of Chapels in Falmouth, St. Ann's and
Oracabessa — State of Kingston — Intended attack on tlie new Clia])cl
prevented — Proclamation of tlie Mayor — Sufferings of the Wesleyan
Negroes on the north-side of the Island — Robert Laniont — Jolui
Baillie — Execution of John Davidson — Sentence of deatli passed on
James Malcolm — Sufferings of Ilemy Williams — Brutal assault on
XU CONTENTS.
Rev. Henry Bleby in Falmoutli — Meeting of the Legislature — Re-
port of the " Rebellion Committee" — Resolutions of the AVesleyans
against it — Rev. Messrs. Wood and Greenwood Adsit fSt. Ann's —
Letter of the Gustos of that Parish — The Earl of Belmore leaves the
Island — Chapel Destroyers prosecuted at the Supreme Court — The
Grand Jury return the Bill " Ignoramus" — Rioters at Falmouth pro-
secuted but the Grand Jury also ignore the Bill — Trial of the Editor
of the Watchman for Libel — Rev. Mr. Greenwood preaches in
Port Maria, and is twice imprisoned — Writ of Habeas Corpus for
his release refused — Arrest of the Rev. James Rowden and his sub-
sequent Imprisonment at Morant Bay — Montego Bay Chapel shut
up by order of the Quarter Sessions 269 — 334
CHAPTER, XIL
The Earl of Mulgrave appointed Governor of Jamaica — Friendly reply
of his Excellency to the Address of the Missionaries — Meeting of
the Legislature — His Excellency's dignified answer to the Address
of the Assembly — Determined energy of the Governor — Royal
Proclamation for dissolving the Colonial Church Union — Magis-
trates in St. Ami's dismissed from their office — John BaHlie and
James Malcolm are liberated by order of the Governor — Rev. Mr.
Barr arrested at Manchioneal — Incident at Morant Bay — Imprison-
ment of the Rev. Mr. Murray — Decision of the Supreme Coiu't on
the Acts of Toleration — Daring outrage at the Coru't-house of St.
Ann's — Colonial Church Union entirely broken up — A Bill for the
Abolition of Slavery passes the Imperial Parliament — Extraordinary
changes in Jamaica — Missionaries retiu'n to Falmouth and St.
-Ann's and worship in peace — A Bill for the Emancipation of the
Slaves passes the Colonial Legislature — Death of the Rev. Richard
Watson — Proceedings of the Missionary Committee — The Earl of
Mulgrave leaves the Island — He is succeeded by the Marquis of
SHgo— First of August, 1834 335—362
CHAPTER XHI.
Extraordinary change in the state of public feeling. — Remarks on
Colonial Society — Management of Estates — Agents in London —
Governors of Jamaica — Correspondence of the Colonial Office —
Favourable Changes accounted for — Altered aspect of the Mission
— Rev. Valentine Ward sent out as the special Representative of
the Conference and Missionary Committee — District Meeting of
1835 — Death of Mr. Ward and five other Missionaries — Unprece-
dented Prosperity of the Mission — Establishment of Day Schools —
Temporary Agitation — Erection of a new Chapel m Kingston — Ju-
bilee of the Mission — New !Marriage Act passes the Legislature —
Enlightened Liberality of the House of Assembly and of his Excel-
lency Sir Charles Metcalfe — Report on the state of the Mission —
— Visit of the Rev. Robert Young — Great depression of Colonial
Interests — ^The present *' transition state" of Jamaica Society — The
present state of the Mission— Concluding remarks . . 363—399
ADVERTISEMENT.
The Wesleyan Mission to the Island of Jamaica fur-
nishes a chapter of some interest to the great vohime of
Ecclesiastical History. Few Missions undertaken in
modern times by the Church of Christ have been more
successful, and not one has been attended with a greater
number of those collateral advantages which accompany
the diffusion of genuine Christianity. The reader of
the following pages will remark, that in almost every
stage of its progress, until the passing of the act for the
abolition of slavery, its history is characterized by a
fierce and determined opposition. Infuriated mobs have
sought its destruction ; intolerant laws have been enacted
against it ; its agents, in not a few instances, have had to
suffer bonds and imprisonment for the sake of Christ ;
and many of their people have had to endure " a great
fight of afflictions." But though the bush was burning it
has not been consumed. The cause of truth has "^reath
VI ADVERTISEMENT.
triumphed, and thousands have felt the gospel to be
" the power of God unto salvation."
Much of what appfears in this Narrative will be new
to the generality of British readers, and indeed a con-
siderable part of it has never been published before in
any form whatsoever; but the writer has endeavoured
to obtain the most accurate information on every event
he records, and his opportunities for this have been of
the most favourable description. It was his lot to be
employed as a missionary in Jamaica between eleven
and twelve years, and having arrived early in 1821, he
became personally acquainted with several who had
witnessed the progress of the work from its very com- .
mencement, and with whom he often conversed on
almost every point recorded in the earlier periods of the
history. But the greater part of the volume is occupied
with events which transpired during his own term of
residence, or with such as were immediately connected
with them. Of those not a few came under his own
observation, while the knowledge of others was conveyed
by his brethren with whom he was in constant inter-
course. In addition to these sources of information, he
has availed himself of the help afforded by the publica-
tions of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, as well as
the early notices of the Mission in Dr. Coke's History of
ADVERTISEMENT. Vll
the West Indies : and it also affords him great pleasure
to acknowledge his obligations to the Rev. Dr. Beecham
and the Rev. Elijah Hoole, two of the General Secreta-
ries, not merely for their countenance and approval of
this undertaking, but also for their valuable suggestions
which he has been most happy to adopt. He does not
indeed assume that he has fallen into no mistakes, but
be trusts he may affirm that they are neither very nu-
merous nor very important. He now commends this
Narrative, such as it is, to the kind attention of the
reader, and above all to the special blessing of Almighty
God.
8, Spital Square, London,
November 16th, 1848.
CHAPTER I.
Introductory remarks — The E-ev. Dr. Coke visits Jamaica and preaches
in Kingston — Disgraceful interruption of one of the Services — E,ev»
Mr. Hammett, the first Missionary sent out — The first Wesleyan
Society is formed — A short account of its Members — The first
Chapel obtained and opened in Kingston — Opposition to Mr. Ham-
mett's Ministry — The Chapel presented at the Quarter Sessions as
a "nuisance" — Mrs. Wilkinson — Preaching in the town of Port
Royal— Attempts to destroy the Kingston Chapel.
The island of Jamaica, the most valuable of the British
possessions in the West Indies, is situated between 17^
44^ and 18° 34^ north latitude, and between 75° 55^ and
78° 48^ west longitude. Its general aspect is rough and
mountainous ; but it abounds with fertile valleys, and
almost every part is covered with vegetation. Its name
in the language of the aborigines is s^id to signify the
" Land of springs," a designation highly expressive and
appropriate. Its valleys are watered and refreshed by
numerous streams flowing in every direction, and the
whole landscape presents the eye of the spectator with
scenery of extraordinary variety, magnificence and beauty.
Jamaica was discovered by Columbus in the year 1494>
and for 160 years it continued in the possession of
Spain. In 1655, the English, under Penn and Venables,
having failed in their designs in St. Domingo, made an
attempt on Jamaica. They landed at Passage Fort on
B
2 DESCRIPTION OF JAMAICA.
the Port Royal Harbour, and the Spaniards flying before
them, they made an easy conquest of the whole island.
Since that period it has continued an appendage to the
crown of Great Britain.
The island is divided into three counties, namely,
Middlesex, Surrey, and Cornwall, in each of which the
Supreme or Assize Courts are held at regular terms.
These are again subdivided into parishes, and it is in the
parochial subdivisions in which the resemblance to coun-
ties in the mother country is seen chiefly to consist.
With the exception of Kingston, they are as large as
many of the counties at home, and are regulated in a
manner nearly similar. Each has not only its vestry,
but in general its separate establishment of magistrates,
under a Custos Rotulorum, and its courts of Quarter
Sessions and Common Pleas ; and until very recently the
Custos always presided in those Courts when he was
present.*
The towns of Jamaica are not numerous, and, with the
exception of Kingston, are neither large nor populous.
The capital is St. Jago de la Vega, generally known by
the name of Spanish Town. Its situation is in the parish
of St. Catherine, and about 13 miles to the westward of
Kingston. The oflicial residence of the governor is in
Spanish Town, which is also the seat of the Colonial
Legislature and the supreme Court of Judicature ; but
* The only exceptions to this arrangement are found where two or
more parishes are conjoined so as to form a " Precinct." Of those
there are however only two on the island ; the one consisting of the
parishes of St. Catherine, St. Dorothy, St. John, and St. Thomas in
the Vale ; and tlie other of the two parishes of St. Thomas in the
East and St. David's.
ITS PRINCIPAL TOWNS. 3
besides the square formed by the public buiklings, it is a
place of little elegance, and little business. By far the
most important town on the island is Kingston, in the
county of Surrey. It contains a population of upwards of
30,000 inhabitants ; and towards the harbour, the bustle
of ordinary traffic and the activity of mercantile and
commercial pursuits cannot fail to arrest the attention of
every visitor. About the begining of the present century
the freeholders were constituted a body corporate by the
style of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the
city of Kingston ; and all elected as members of the Com-
mon Council are invested with powers and prerogatives
similar to those exercised by justices of the peace. It is
the only town in the British West Indies enjoying mu-
nicipal institutions ; but they have not hitherto proved so
beneficial to the community as might have been reason-
ably anticipated. The next in importance is Montego
Bay, which is situated on the north side of the island, at
about 120 miles distance from Kingston. It is the chief
town of the county of Cornwall. It is handsome and well
built, containing about as many inhabitants as Spanish
Town, but, being a considerable seaport, it far surpasses
it in commerce and activity. Falmouth, which stands
about twenty-one miles eastward from Montego Bay, and
in the adjoining parish of TrelaAvney, is next to it in re-
spectability. Besides those there are Port Royal, Sa-
vannah la Mar, Port Antonio, Lucia, Morant Bay, and a
few others, of which no particular description is neces-
sary.
The political constitution of the island bears a strong
b2
4 POLITICAL CONSTITUTION.
resemblance to that of the parent state. The three
branches of the legislature consist of the Governor, the
Council, and House of Assembly. The governor is of
course appointed by the crown, and represents the sove-
reign. The council consists of twelve members, who
are also appointed by the crown, and act both as a Privy
Council, and in the time of the session of the legislature,
as its second branch, answering to the House of Lords in
Great Britain. The members of assembly are returned
by the freeholders of the respective parishes, of whom each
of the parishes of Kingston, Port Royal, and St. Cathe-
rine elect three, and each of the others only two.
During the period embraced by this narrative, the paro-
chial divisions, including the city of Kingston, amounted
■to twenty-one ; which, according to the above mentioned
arrangement, returned forty-five representatives, who
constituted the third branch of the legislature.* For-
merly the number of persons possessing the elective
franchise was very small, none but whites with a certain
property qualification, having been allowed to exercise it ;
but from the year 1830 the privilege has been greatly
extended, all persons of colour having been then admit-
ted to equal rights and privileges with the others. It
may just be observed that all matters of internal legisla-
tion are within the jurisdiction of the Colonial Legis-
lature,— that any bill passing the Council and Assembly,
and receiving the consent of the Governor, becomes law
from the time specified in the act itself; but any act
* A very few years since an additional parish was fomicd, giving
two more members to the House of Assembly.
LEGAL INSTITUTIONS. O
passed in Jamaica, may afterwards be disallowed by the
sovereign, in which case it becomes null and void to all
intents and purposes whatsoever.
The legal institutions of Jamaica have also been formed
somewhat after the model of the mother country, though
in some of their details exhibiting a very important dif-
ference. It has been observed that the seat of the
Supreme Court is Spanish Town, but that assizes are
held besides in the other counties of Surrey and Corn-
wall, at which all business is transacted competent to
such courts in England. The chief justice was always
a member of the legal profession ; but by a monstrous
anomaly, the assistant judges were appointed without
any reference to it, and were frequently taken from the
most influential of the planters and merchants, who
sometimes scarcely understood the technical language of
the counsel pleading at their bar. A few of the senior
assistant judges were salaried ; but the others, who were
numerous, had to give their services gratuitously. The
reader will see in the course of this narrative, several of
the baneful eflects resulting from so pernicious a system;
but within the last few years this also has been altered
for the better. The chief justice is now assisted by two
gentlemen taken from the bar ; those have adequate
salaries, and the dignity and impartiality of the bench
have been greatly elevated. The courts of Quarter Ses-
sions very much resemble similar institutions at home ;
parishes being understood as holding the place of coun-
ties. Formerly the custos presided assisted by local
magistrates, but in this department also great improve-
b POPULATION.
ments have been effected. A standing chairman, with a
competent salary and duly qualified for the office, pre-
sides, assisted by the stipendiary and local magistrates.
The same parties also sit as judges in the parochial
courts of Common Pleas, at which civil transactions of
small amount are adjudicated ; but in most cases an
appeal to the Supreme Court lies against their decisions.
It is not the object of the writer to enter at any length
into the political and civil constitution of Jamaica.
The foregoing observations are made with the view of
enabling the reader more clearly to understand many of
those events connected with the Wesleyan mission here-
after to be recorded ; and not to convey information on
matters beyond the limits of this work. It will be seen
that the mission and its agents were often connected
with legislative and judicial proceedings, and the pre-
ceding remarks became necessary that such transactions
might be seen in their proper light.
It need only further be observed that the population
of Jamaica may be estimated at about 420,000 souls ;
of whom it is reckoned that not more than 30,000 are
whites, and the remainder coloured and black. Of the
latter upwards of 300,000 were formerly in a state of
slavery.
The eye of Christian sympathy has been seldom
directed in modern times to any place which stood more
in need of the gospel than the island of Jamaica. The
early British settlers partook too much of the character
of those roving barbarians from Spain and other Eu-
ropean states, who about two centuries ago frequented
ARRIVAL OF DR. COKE. 4
the West India islands in search of wealth. The constant
importation of negroes from Africa, introduced the de-
basing ignorance and wretchedness of heathenism.
Slavery was accompanied with all those vices of which
it is the fruitful parent. The sacred institution of mar-
riage was almost unknown ; and in the few instances in
which its forms were celebrated, its obligations were, on
the part of the husband, totally disregarded. Thus very
few traces of Christianity were to be seen. An unbridled
licentiousness, unchecked by public censure, prevailed ;
and the inhabitants were living without "hope and
without God in the world."
It was on the 19th of January, 1789, that the late
venerable Dr. Coke first arrived in Jamaica, and com-
menced that work which has been since carried on by
the Wesleyan Missionary Society. It has proved a
memorable day. The island had then been under British
government for upwards of a century, yet scarcely any
thing had been done for the souls of the people. The
habits of the whites had indeed become much more
settled. They were friendly and hospitable in their in-
tercourse with each other, and had improved in many of
the external civilities of modern refinement, but the
hallowed restraints of religion were as much unknown
as ever. They were strangers to the enjoyments of the
domestic circle, and throughout the whole country the
standard of morals was deplorably low. It is true, emi-
grants from Great Britain were constantly arriving, but
they left their profession of Christianity behind, and
were soon assimilated to the corrupt mass by whom they
8
STATE OF RELIGION."
were preceded. The ordinances of religion in many
parts were rarely administered. There was a famine of
the bread of life. There was indeed a church in almost
every parish, but many of the benefices were generally
vacant ; and excepting on the occasion of funerals, the
churches in the country parishes were seldom open for
divine service, even upon the Lord's Day. Numbers of
the clergy were living openly in concubinage and were
otherwise unblushingly immoral ; and it may be fairly
questioned whether before 1789 that sabbath ever dawned
upon Jamaica, which witnessed five hundred persons in
all the places of worship put together, out of a popula-
tion of between four and five hundred thousand souls.
Besides the clergy of the establishment, a few of the
Moravian brethren had been a short time on the island.
They acted merely as chaplains on certain estates, but
their labours were utterly unsuccessful. Several negroes
also of the Baptist denomination had arrived from
America about the close of the revolutionary war, but
they were little qualified for evangelizing Jamaica. Be-
fore 1789 the immense mass of heathenism was absolutely
untouched, and the gross darkness which covered the
minds of the people, was unmitigated and unbroken.
On the first visit of Dr. Coke he remained but for a
very short period, but by preaching a few times in the
city of Kingston he opened a door of usefulness which
none of the adversaries have been able entirely to shut.
He hired a large concert room for preaching, and a pro-
ceeding so extraordinary drew many to hear him ; but
the enemies were not idle. On one occasion while
VIOLENT OPPOSITION. 9
preachin<i^ from " Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her
hands unto God," he was rudely interrupted by a
number of white persons calling themselves gentlemen,
who, hating the message of mercy to the perishing hea-
then, pressed through the congregation to drag him
from his place. It appears that the mob were igreatly
infuriated ; and no one who knows any thing of the state
of Jamaica at that time will deny, that, humanly speak-
ing, the life of that eminent man was in the greatest
danger; but God interposed in behalf of his servant, and
delivered him from wicked and unreasonable men. A
gentleman, at whose house he lodged, stood by him as
his friend ; but it was chiefly through the intrepidity of
Mrs. Smith, a white lady, that the riot was quelled.
Perceiving the designs of the mob, she stepped between
them and the preacher, and mildly entreated them to de-
sist from their purpose. She remonstrated with them on
the impropriety of their conduct ; but it was of no avail,
they only grew more and more outrageous, and she her-
self became exposed to no small peril. Finding that all
gentle means were utterly ineffectual, she boldly assumed
a threatening attitude, and drawing out a pair of scissors
she exclaimed to the rioters, " You may now do as you
please, but the first man who lays a violent hand upon
him shall have these scissors thrust into his heart."
They saw that this was no empty threat, and therefore
they escaped as fast as possible, actually boasting of their
great courage while they were running down stairs. The
noise and tumult occasioned by this interruption were
excessive. An old acquaintance of the Avriter once
10 FIRST METHODIST SOCIETY.
observed to him, "When I entered the room, it was
just at the moment the rioters were quitting it : so much
bustle and confusion I never saw. The doctor only was
calm, and unmoved. He seemed to me to be like an
angel." After the noise subsided, he took another text
and quietly finished the service.
Notwithstanding the uproar which took place as has
been related, he found a considerable number who heard
him attentively, and a few who appeared desirous to " flee
from the wrath to come." On his return to England he
lost no time in obtaining a suitable missionary for Ja-
maica. The person he selected was the Rev. William
Hammett, a man of superior talents, and who appeared
to be every way well qualified for the important under-
taking. He arrived on the island in the month of Au-
gust that same year ; and was gladly welcomed by Mr.
and Mrs. Lungren, who for a time received him into their
house. He immediately rented a house for preaching in
a very populous, though obscure part of the town, and
formed a small class of eight persons, who constituted
the first Methodist Society in Jamaica. Their names
were as follow, viz. — Daniel Coe, James Fead, Mary
Ann Able Smith, Peter Lewis, Mary Lewis, Catherine
Dawson, William Harris, and Venus Harris. To those
were almost immediately added the names of the hos-
pitable host and hostess of Mr. Hammett, Mr. and Mrs.
Fishly, of Port Royal ; and Messrs. Cook and Bull of
Kingston.
Of the eight persons who formed the first class, Mrs.
Smith was for many years highly honoured as the
MRS. SMITH. 11
mother of Methodism in Jamaica. She was born in the
United States of America when they were British colo-
nies; but was descended from a Scottish family, and some
of her ancestors had suffered martyrdom in the cause of
Christ. She came from America to Jamaica about the
time of the war which separated the States from the mo-
ther country. It appears that she had been favoured
with a religious education ; and from the manner in
Avhich she stood up in defence of Dr. Coke, it is evident
that she highly esteemed the messengers of salvation.
Shortly after the formation of the society she was ap-
pointed to take charge of a class of females, and con-
tinued in that office to the great spiritual benefit of many,
until the time of her death. The writer first saw her on
his arrival in Jamaica, early in 1821. She was then far
advanced in life, and was so feeble as scarcely to be able
to walk about the room without assistance ; but her mind
had lost but little of that energy for which in her early
days she had been so remarkable, and her eyes seemed
to sparkle with the fire of youth, while she related the
manner of Dr. Coke's first reception in Kingston.
Nearly the last time he had the happiness of seeing
her, was at the close of the annual district meeting in
January, 1822 ; when the missionaries met a few of the
friends to inform them of the progress of the work on
their circuits through the preceding year. It was a sea-
son not to be forgotten by those who were present. When
it was reported that the increase of members was upwards
of 600, and that the whole number on the island amounted
to nearly 8000, Mrs. Smith raised her hands to heaven,
12 WILLIAM HARRIS.
and with streaming eyes expressed her gratitude to God
for what he had spared her to witness. " I was once/'
she said, " one of eight, but God has permitted me to live
to see the little one become a thousand." Shortly after-
wards, she became confined to her room, but lived until
the 4th of March, 1823, when her spirit took its flight
to the paradise of God, having lived about eighty years
in the house of her pilgrimage. Her death was noticed
in the Wesley an Magazine for May, 1823; and it is a re-
markable circumstance that the death of the excellent
wife of the late Rev. Daniel Campbell, is also recorded
in the same list. She also was among the first-fruits of
missionary toil in Jamaica, and, until her marriage, she
had resided for years in the same house with Mrs. Smith,
and loved and honoured her as a true mother in Israel.
For about twenty years they had been separated in body
yet not in affection, and are now re-united in the king-
dom of God, where they rest from their labours and have
been followed by their works.
Of the others, William Harris deserves also to be par-
ticularly mentioned. He was a free black man, also a
native of America, and arrived in Jamaica about the same
time as Mrs. Smith. He was a person of a remarkably
amiable and cheerful disposition, and his animated
and pleasing countenance will not soon be forgotten
by those who knew him. He was a great loyalist, and
was passionately attached to every thing that was
truly British. On one occasion when he was asked why
he had left his native country to come to Jamaica,
he replied with intense feeling, " I remained in my
MR. COE. 13
country, until my countrymen rebelled against their
king ; then I left it, for it is my principle, — the king is
the chief man in the nation, and the minister the chief
man in the church." He was eminently a man of peace,
and from the time in which he became vmited to the
people of God, he maintained his steadfastness to the last.
For many years he was useful as leader of a large class ;
and was also long employed in superintending certain
arrangements for the numerous funerals connected with
the Kingston congregations. He died at a very great
age towards the close of the year 1839. His late wife,
Venus Harris, was also a person of a meek and quiet
spirit, and a steady member from the beginning until her
death. For a long period she was the leader of a class
of females; and died in great peace in 1830, highly
esteemed by all who knew her.
Respecting the others, there is comparatively little
known to record. Mr. Coe, from whom the first preach-
ing house was rented, did not long continue with the So-
ciety. It appears that he had been pious in the days of
his youth ; but on arriving in Jamaica, he fell into the
sinful practices of the country, into which it is to be
feared he afterwards relapsed. Peter Lewis also grew
weary of the way and forsook it. Mary Lewis, his wife,
lived but a short time after the Society was formed. She
died in peace in one of the apartments belonging to the
chapel- premises not very long after they were obtained.
Mr. Fead was spoken of by the old members, as a man
of a very amiable disposition, of deep piety, but of very
retiring and vmobtrusive habits. He died united with
14 CHAPEL OPENED.
the people of God, in February, 1803. Catherine Daw-
son came to the island along with William and Venus
Harris, and was for thirty-six years a modest and con-
sistent Christian. She died in hope of the glory of God
in 1825 ; and her remains were committed to the dust by
the writer of this narrative, amidst a vast concourse of
sorrowing friends, by whom she was highly respected.
It may only further be observed that of those eight per-
sons, Messrs. Coe and Fead, and Mrs. Smith, were whites ;
the others were all free blacks and natives of America.
The society being formed, Mr. Hammett continued to
exercise his ministry with success. Many among the
coloured people and blacks listened attentively to the
word of life, which, by the power of God, was made ef-
fectual to their salvation. But the house they occupied
being small, the increasing congregation soon became
much incommoded for want of sufficient room; and a
more suitable place was earnestly desired and sought
for. About that time a large building, which had been
erected for a spacious dwelling-house, was offered for
sale. It was situated on the east side of the great square
in the centre of the town called the Parade, and appeared
to be every way eligible for the purpose required by the
Society. After Dr. Coke had been consulted upon the
subject, it was purchased ; and the whole plan meeting
with his entire approbation, considerable enlargements
were made at great expense, but before the close of the
year 1790 every thing was finished and the chapel was
opened for the worship of God.
The building thus obtained and consecrated to the
DR. coke's liberality. 15
service of God, measured 72 feet by 40 feet, exclusive of a
covered balcony on the west end. The lower part afforded
the missionaries a comfortable residence, besides a large
room, called the " band room," where various meetings,
connected with the society, were occasionally held.
The upper part was the chapel, which was galleried on
three sides, and so fitted up as to accommodate from
twelve to thirteen hundred hearers. Great efforts were
made to obtain pecuniary contributions for this under-
taking, and considerable sums were also lent to the trus-
tees by Dr. Coke. Those were afterwards partly repaid ;
but it deserves to be recorded as another instance of his
generosity, that before he received the whole, he volun-
tarily and cheerfully gave up a considerable part of what
was due to himself, under the pretext of repaying the
Kingston society certain expenses which had been in-
curred for keeping of horses, that the missionaries might
preach the gospel in other parts of the island. Thus
did God so prosper his work in the hands of his servants,
as that in the space of a year, they obtained one of the
best edifices for a chapel at that time in the town, and
standing in the very best situation which could have
been selected for the purpose.
While the Methodists continued to worship in the small
and obscure house which they first obtained, they met
with but little interruption ; but having been brought
out of their obscurity by their commodious and well situ-
ated chapel, and the number of their hearers rapidly in-
creasing, the jealousy of their enemies was awakened, and
every means were resorted to, to bring them into con-
16 SINGULAR DOCUMENT.
empt, and at the same time to call forth the most determi-
ned opposition against them. Abusive and slanderous let-
ters appeared in the public papers, and the congregations
were almost incessantly annoyed by persons who attended
for the very purpose of creating disturbance. It deserves
also to be mentioned that before the chapel had been
opened for more than two or three months, the Grand
Jury of Kingston thought proper to present it to the
court of Quarter Sessions as a nuisance. This present-
ment was made in November, 1790, a copy of which is
here inserted: —
" Kingston Sessions.
" The Grand Jury charged and sworn in behalf of our said
lord the King, and for the body of the said town and parish,
on their oaths do present and say that the two papers here-
with delivered, and hereunto annexed, marked with the letters
A. and B., purporting to be the affidavits of Robert Sinclair,
William Taylor, Robert Elliott, Archibald M'Neal, George
Waterhouse, jointly, and Robert Sinclair, separately, are in
their opinions and belief a ground for presenting a house in
the Parade, known by the name of the Methodist meeting, in
which William Hammett preaches and delivers his doctrines
therein, as injurious to the general peace and quiet of the in-
habitants of the said town. In further support of their opinion
they examined Samuel Yates, James Clarke, and Joseph
Watson, inhabitants of the said town, whose testimony leads
to prove what is above set forth." Signed by the Grand
Jury.*
* ** Clement's Exposition of Laws, &c., in Jamaica." A small pub-
lication printed at Kingston in the year 1828.
ATTACK ON THE CHAPEL. 17
The affidavits connected with this document are not
to be found, nor has the writer been able to learn Avhat
was done in the Court on this presentment of the grand
jury. It does not appear that the magistrates as yet
gave any countenance to the proceedings of those
who disturbed and annoyed the Methodists ; but neither
does it appear \hat they exerted their authority to check
them. There were indeed a few of the influential part
of the community who highly respected Mr. Hammett.
It has been already intimated that he was a man of un-
common talents ; and in their exercise he happily blended
such a mixture of zeal and prudence as could hardly
fail to command esteem. But it does not appear that
those gentlemen who respected him were friendly to
the object he had in view. To a certain extent they
esteemed the man, but they cared nothing about his
work ; consequently nothing was done to protect the con-
gregations from insult and violence, which (perhaps
arising in a great degree from the failure of the grand jury
scheme) continued to increase, rather than diminish.
At last the destruction of the mission-premises was re-
solved upon, on the part of the mob; and some of the
most active of our friends had to guard them to prevent
their being pulled to the ground. But notwithstanding
all their precautions, the rioters were determined if pos-
sible to effect their purpose ; and on one occasion, about
the hour of midnight, they succeeded in breaking down
the chapel-gates. This called forth the interference of
some of the magistrates, and a few of them were prose-
cuted ; but they were acquitted by the jury. After some
c
18 A FEMALE CONVERT.
time Mr. Hammett was obliged so far to yield to the
storm, as to suspend the evening services ; a measure
which was adopted with extreme reluctance, as it was
only in the evenings the slaves could command time for
attending the house of God. Those events occurred in
1791.
Notwithstanding all the opposition which the Society
met with at this early period of its history, the work of
God continued to prosper ; and among those who joined
themselves to his people at that time, there is one name
which ought to be recorded ; and a brief account of that
person may be allowed for a little to interrupt the re-
gular course of our narrative. The person alluded to was
S. Burnett, afterwards Mrs. Wilkinson, a respectable
coloured female, who for about fifty years adorned the
doctrine of God our Saviour.
When Dr. Coke first visited Jamaica, Mrs. Wilkinson
(whose name was then S. Burnett,) resided on Manchio-
neal Bay, in the extensive parish of St. Thomas in the
East, and nearly sixty miles from Kingston. The cir-
cumstance of a minister preaching the gospel to
negroes and people of colour, was at that time so re-
markable as speedily to obtain very extensive circulation ;
but the uproar connected with that event, caused it to be
noised abroad to the very extremities of the island. She
had been informed of two principal duties which had
been taught, namely, that the people ought to meet to-
gether to pray to God, and, that instead of living as they
were doing, they ought to get decently married. Her
views of prayer were at first so crude and defective, that
HER EFFORTS. 19
they can hardly be related with gravity, but according
to the light she then had (which was indeed but little),
she assembled a few of her neighbours, and they per-
formed their religious exercises as well as they could.
But what was to be done for the solemnization of mar-
riages ? Negro marriages there, had never been heard of.
The parish church was also between twenty and thirty
miles distant; and no messenger of mercy had ever
visited the extensive district of Manchioneal. In this
emergency, she saw no way but to perform the duties of
the clergyman herself, and she actually married several
couples, which were amongst the first negro marriages
solemnized on the island. On account of frequent in-
tercourse with Kingston, and the spread of religious
knowledge there, her ardent mind became more and more
enlightened; and wishing to do all the good she was
able, as she received the knowledge of religious truths
herself, so she communicated them to others. For this
purpose she met as many as were willing to attend, in a
house which, thirty years afterwards, was occupied by the
missionaries for preaching the gospel. These humble
efforts on the part of this sincere woman soon excited the
suspicions of the principal inhabitants ; who became so in-
censed against her, that at last she had to escape to
Kingston for her life. On her arrival, she immediately
joined the Society. She was diligent in attending the
various means of grace, and her profiting appeared to all.
During the period in which the Kingston Chapel was
afterwards shut up, which was between 1807 and 1815,
she regularly attended divine service in the parish
c2
20
church, and at the close of each service, she converted
the church into a Wesleyan class-room, by going from
seat to seat, conversing with many who tarried to receive
her instructions. The greater part of those were Me-
thodists, but some became members of the Established
Church, and were known by the appellation of " Church
lights." This community afterwards spread into several
parts of the island, and numbered persons among them
of decided piety.
Mrs. Wilkinson was a Christian of no common kind.
She was zealous in the cause of God, and her whole life
was consistent with her Christian profession. She
greatly honoured the missionaries, " esteeming them
highly in love for their work's sake ;" and some of them
can never forget her visits at the chapel-house, during
the sitting of the District Meetings ; nor the earnest
ejaculations she offered up to God on their behalf. She
was called to that rest which she had long and ardently
desired, only in the commencement of the year 1840,
having lived, it is presumed, little short of ninety years.
As might be expected, her last end was peace.
The labours of Mr. Hammett were not exclusively
confined to Kingston. Two or three neighbouring
estates were opened to him, and some of the slaves gave
evident proofs of a sincere desire to obtain the salvation
of the gospel. He also regularly preached in the town
of Port Royal, which lies only about six miles by water
from Kingston. This is a place of considerable historic
fame. It has been desolated alternately by the fearful
judgments of God, by earthquake, hurricanes, and fire ;
LUDICROUS ALARM. 21
but the inhabitants were long proverbial for their wicked-
ness all over the island. At first Mr. H. was favoured
with the use of the court-house, but this privilege was
soon withdrawn. He then preached in the house of Mr.
Fishley, who was a master shipwright in the royal
dock-yard ; but only few attended ; there was but little
outward persecution, and there was nearly as little suc-
cess.
The discontinuance of the evening service in Kingston
was the means of somewhat abating the persecution
there ; but it is plain that the opposers were still bent
upon the destruction of the chapel. One morning after
the guard had been dispensed with, a quantity of burnt
coals were found on the chapel floor, leaving no doubt
but that an attempt had been made to set the premises
on fire. Another instance of intended violence, which
termin atedin a ludicrous manner, is related by Dr. Coke.
He says, " A large party of the sons of Belial had on
a dark night beset the chapel ; but before they could ac-
complish their purpose, two very large and dreadful beings
like globes of fire were seen moving towards them with
majestic pace; which struck them with such terror and
dismay, that they hastily fled to provide for their own
safety. Those horrid appearances proved to be only two
harmless lamps affixed to a lady's chariot." Thus " the
wicked flee when no man pursueth."
CHAPTER II.
Arrival of the Rev. Mr. Brazier — Dr. Coke again visits Jamaica along
with Mr. Werrill, another Missionary — Failure of Mr. Hammett's
health, who leaves the Island with Dr. Coke — Mr. Brazier's health
also fails, and he goes to America — Death of Mr. Werrill — ^Tempo-
rary retmn of Mr. Brazier — Arrival of the Rev. W. Fish — Of Mr.
McVean — Mr. Fish removes to Montego Bay, and labours with suc-
cess— Death of John H. Constant — Preachiiig in the parishes of
St. George and St. Thomas in the East — Mr. Fish retxims to Kings-
ton— A contribution to assist Great Britain in defraying the ex-
penses of the War — Arrival of Missionaries — They extend their la-
bours, but with little success — Chapel-house violently broken into
at Midnight — Mission Premises seized by the Militia during Mar-
tial Law — Nxmiber of Members.
In the beginning of the year 1791, Mr. Brazier arrived
to the assistance of Mr. Hammett, and in a few days
afterwards the venerable founder of the Mission again
visited Jamaica, bringing along with him Mr. Werrill,
another missionary. After remaining a few days at
Montego Bay, where they landed, they proceeded to
Kingston, a distance of about one hundred and twenty
miles. It appears they performed this long journey on
horseback, a more serious undertaking than can be well
conceived by persons who are unacquainted with a tro-
pical climate ; especially as the roads were then much
injured by recent heavy rains. But, says the Doctor,
"notwithstanding our trials, the novelty, beauty, and
grandeur of the different prospects we met ^Wth in
our way, and perhaps a peculiar turn of mind for ex-
tracting out of those innocent transitory things much of
ARRIVAL OF MR. BRAZIER. 23
that sweetness which they are capable of yielding, to-
gether with the approving smile of Heaven, made our
journey very agreeable : but who can count the various
beauties of those prolific regions ! Abundance and variety
strive together for the mastery, and alternately appeal to
the judgment and the senses. The contemplative mind
is overwhelmed with a profusion of beauties. But the
power and goodness of God are conspicuous in all."
On his arrival in Kingston Dr. Coke, attempted to
restore the evening services, but the behaviour of many
was so rude that he found himself under the necessity of
giving them up. At this time he visited Spanish Town,
which is only thirteen miles distant. There also he at-
tempted to preach, but he was excessively disturbed by
the white " getitleme7i^^ who assembled for that purpose ;
but notwithstanding those discouragements, thinking he
saw the prospect of usefulness, he hired a small house
and left Mr. Werrill to follow up the opening. The an-
noyance on the part of the whites abated, and Mr. W.
was diligent and persevering, but not successful ; the
house in which he preached was small and incommo-
dious, and few of the people seemed to care for their
salvation. This was exceedingly discouraging. In
Kingston the servants of God cheerfully bore up under
the persecutions of their enemies, for there the word of
the Lord was glorified, but the deadly apathy of Port
Royal and Spanish Town, was worse than the fiercest
persecution. It was a trial indeed.
After Dr. Coke had remained a short time on the
island and preached in various places, he took his pas-
24 DECLENSION OF A MISSIONARY.
sage in a vessel bound for Charleston in South Carolina,
taking Mr. Hammett along with him, who had been
completely worn down by intermittent fevers, as well as
by his laborious efforts to extend the gospel. It was
intended that Mr. Hammett's removal should be but
temporary, as it was every way probable that a short re-
sidence in a colder climate would fully re-establish his
health. But how short-sighted is man. He had only
been a very little time in Charleston, when he headed a
schism which occurred amongst the Methodists in that
city. Those who separated from their brethren erected
for him a large and spacious chapel, and for some time
he was very popular. In a very few years, however, the
congregation dwindled away, Mr. Hammett purchased
slaves, settled a plantation, and became a man of the
world. It is exceedingly painful to narrate these events,
and to reflect, that his removal from Jamaica, which on
the part of Dr. Coke was dictated by the purest benevo-
lence, should have been the occasion of the ruin of one
who had been truly a "great and useful minister."
The Societies were now left to the care of Messrs.
Brazier and Werrill, but the health of the former soon
became so much impaired as to render it necessary for
him to quit the island, and in the month of August he
left for the continent of America. The burden of the
Societies now rested upon the latter, and having ceased
to visit Spanish Town, he concentrated his energies in
the service of Kingston and its more immediate vicinity,
and his labours were owned of God in an uncommon
manner. But the great head of his Church was pleased
DEATH or MR. WERRILL. 25
to try his little flock with severer exercises than any
through which they had been heretofore called to pass.
Mr. Brazier had only taken his departure about three
months, when Mr. Werrill was called away by death.
This melancholy event occurred on the 15th of No-
vember, 1791, and no language can do justice to the
feelings of the bereaved Society. They were not only
left as sheep without a shepherd, but also as sheep in
the midst of wolves. A few days after this occurrence
Mrs. Smith wrote to Dr. Coke on the subject, and as
she describes the last moments of the first Wesleyan
missionary who fell by death in the island of Jamaica,
and as the reader may also learn something of the state
of the work at the time, no apology need be made for
inserting a part of her letter.
After briefly stating the fact of his death, she observes,
" He has, I think, fallen a martyr to his indefatigable
labours in his Master's vineyard. He constantly
preached five nights in the week, and almost every morn-
ing, and led five classes, besides his Sabbath duties.
Though he was not successful either at Spanish Town
or Port Royal, yet in Kingston the work has spread and
deepened in a remarkable manner ; and I fear that we
shall never have a minister better calculated to estabhsh
and build up a church in this part of the world, than he
was. While he preached the most plain and forcible
doctrines, he strove by the most loving deportment to
gain souls. Oh may I be enabled to follow him, as he
followed Christ.
" On the 6th instant he preached in the forenoon on
Zb EXTRACT FROM A LETTER.
those words, ' Fear not, little flock^ &c. The hearers
were much affected, and at the sacrament, the Lord was
present indeed. Our dear friend was overcome with
fatigue, and was very feverish ; but on lying down and
getting an hour's sleep, he was so far strengthened, as to
preach in the afternoon, on * Fight the good fight/ to a
very large and serious congregation. Notwithstanding
his indisposition he was drawn out to a greater length
than usual, and assuredly preached by the power of the
Holy Ghost. He met the Society ; and on Monday
morning early, he preached again, and was seemingly
much better. But at noon his fever came on with great
strength. In the evening he sent for me. I went, and
prevailed upon him to send for a physician, whose every
effort was exerted ineffectually. His afflicted friends
paid him the greatest attention. He wanted nothing
that either love or money could procure. But, alas, all
was in vain.
" On Thursday his soul was as much racked as his
body; and the enemy continued his fierce assaults through
the night. On Friday morning he requested I would
pray with him. This he knew was laying a hard task
upon me ; but blessed be God, I found uncommon free-
dom, and the Lord gave us his blessing. He broke out
in raptures of praise and thanksgiving, and prayed him
self for some moments. In the evening on giving him
some nourishment he said, ' Sister, how true is that
saying, As iron sliarpeneth iron so doth the countenance
of a man his friend. I never felt that so forcibly ex-
emplified as under your prayer this morning. Glory be
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER. 21
to God, my soul has ever since been so filled with love
and joy that my cup runneth over.' "
In that happy state of mind he continued to the last,
but on the night of the following Monday, she adds " He
was so low that we thought him expiring. I said, ^ I
trust you now feel that God is love.' His pulse which
had left him returned, and he exclaimed, ' Blessed be
God I do.' I answered, ^ And you find his strong arm
supporting you in these strong conflicts.' He said,
' Indeed I do, I have the assurance that Christ is my
righteousness, and full and perfect salvation !' A few
minutes before seven in the evening he sweetly fell asleep,
for surely death had no sting to him. Though the room
was filled with weeping friends, not one of them thought
him dead, till I cried out, (my soul being filled with
grateful transport to God for so wonderfully supporting
my much valued friend,)
' Happy soul, thy days are ended,
All thy mourning days below ;
Go, by angel guards attended,
To the sight of Jesus, go.'
It was then found difficult to restrain the outcries of our
friends ; for I do not think there ever was in this town a
death lamented by so many sincere souls as his was.
" As soon as they were calmed we sung a hymn, and
went to prayer, praising God for his dealings to our pas-
tor and entreating his protection and support to ourselves.
You, sir, will feel for us, sheep without a shepherd.
Will not the wolf take advantage of our situation and
tear, and rend, and slay ? May God of his infinite mercy
send us another Wefrill! "
SJO BURIAL OF MR. WERRTLL.
Thus died Mr. Wernll,on the 15th November, 1791.
He was interred the following evening in the Wesleyan
burying ground, which lies on the east end of the town
and about a mile from the Parade Chapel. When a
vast concourse of people were attending the remains of
the departed missionary to the tomb, a circumstance oc-
curred worthy of notice. "A gentleman and his lady were
riding swiftly in their phaeton ; but the driver observ-
ing the danger some of our friends were in of being hurt
by his horses, attempted to rein them in. Immediately
the master cruelly cried out ^ Drive, on they are all going
to hell ;' when instantly, though on smooth ground, the
phaeton overset and the lady was taken up for dead.
Some negroes who had been standing by, and who it ap-
pears had in this instance learned to scoff at serious per-
sons, were suddenly checked, and cried out, * There now,
God Almighty do that.' Thus the eyes of the blind
were opened to see the hand of God."
The writer will be excused for dwelling so long on the
above mournful event. He himself laboured many years
afterwards on the same field which was cultivated by the
first Wesleyan missionaries. He has often visited that
solemn spot where the ashes of some of his predecessors
repose, and amongst others he has bent over the grave
of Werrill. While he writes, he thinks of no fewer than
eleven of his fellow-labourers who, duiing the period of
his sojourn in Jamaica, fell by the hand of the last
enemy. It was the field of arduous conflict, but it was
the field of victory. God has indeed " buried many of
his workmen but he has carried on his work." Their
ARRIVAL OF MR. FISH. 29
spirits, resting from their hard toil, are now happy with
the Lord. Hundreds of their spiritual children have also
overtaken them, and both he who sowed and they who
reaped are rejoicing together.
The Society being now without a pastor, the fears
which appear to have been entertained by Mrs. Smith
were to some extent painfully realized. Unhappy dis-
putes and contentions began to arise : but through her
instrumentality, and that of John Constant, a free black
man and leader, who was afterwards known in the So-
ciety by the name of the " Peace-maker," the evil was in
some measure restrained. Yet, notwithstanding their
pious and prudent endeavours, the society was on the
point of being divided, when Mr. Brazier suddenly re-
turned from America. The guilty stood reproved, and
peace was eifectually restored. Since that time to the
present, a period of more than half a century, the island
of Jamaica has never been without one or more Wesleyan
missionaries.
In the month of May, 1792, the hearts of the people
were gladdened by the arrival of the Rev. William Fish,
a man to whom, under God, the cause of religion in Ja-
maica owes much. He came at a very needful time, for
Mr. Brazier, whose constitution was entirely unsuited to
a tropical climate, was then confined by sickness. On re-
covering a little, (but seeing no hope of being able to
labour,) he, in a few weeks, finally left the island. Mr.
Fish was thus left alone, and it appears that at first he
entered on his work with much fear and trembling. But
though the ciicumstances of the Society had been most
30 SUCCESS IN KINGSTON.
unfavourable, yet he found it, on the whole, in a much
better state than he had expected. The number of mem-
bers was one hundred and seventy-six, including some
who lived on three or four plantations which had been
visited with the light of the gospel.
From the departure of Mr. Brazier, Mr. Fish was
without the assistance of any other missionary until July,
1794. He was able, however, to pay attention to Port
Royal as well as Kingston ; but, as in the case of his
predecessors, his efforts there, were attended with but
little success. The people who had disregarded the di-
vine judgments, and would not learn righteousness by
them, appeared to be as unwilling to receive the message
of mercy. But in Kingston it was otherwise. The work
of the Lord prospered in the hand of his servant, and a
considerable number were added to the Society. The
disgraceful interruptions of the public worship became
much less frequent, and when they did occur they were
discountenanced by the magistracy, to whom applications
for redress were not always made in vain. On one oc-
casion Mr. Fish obtained warrants against certain persons
who disturbed a prayer meeting, and so well known was
the sentiments of some of the leading magistrates, that
they were glad to compromise the matter by paying all
costs ; on which the prosecution was dropped. At the
June visitation, in 1794, the number of members
amounted to 280 ; so that through the active exertions of
Mr. Fish, the increase during the two years he laboured
alone, was no less than 110. It is to be hoped that these
persons were not only united to us, but also to the Lord.
MR. FISH VISITS MONTEGO BAY, ol
On the arrival of Mr. Mc Vean, Mr. Fish left the So-
ciety in Kingston, and hastened to Montego Bay. This
large town is situated in the parish of St. James, on the
north side of the island ; and in its population is perhaps
exceeded only by Kingston. Dr. Coke on two of his
visits, had already preached there, namely in 1792, and
also in 1798, which was the last time he visited the is-
land. And although he was interrupted as usual by some
of his congregation, yet there were a few in the place
who shewed him great kindness, which, together with
the numbers who attended his ministry, encouraged him
to hope for success. Mr. Fish lost no time in acquaint-
ing the magistrates with the design of his coming and
soliciting their protection in the discharge of his duties.
They consulted together on the subject, and without
much hesitation, it was agreed that he should preach.
A large apartment which was used as an assembly-room,
in which Dr. Coke had preached before, was immediately
obtained. In this place he had large congregations,
many even of the principal inhabitants attended, and all
behaved with becoming decency.
After Mr. Fish had laboured for the greater part of a
year in Montego Bay, a lamentable event occurred which
partly occasioned his removal from the place. On the
6th of July, 1795, a dreadful fire broke out near the
centre of the town. Most of the houses being framed or
wooden buildings, the fire, which was fanned by a brisk
wind, raged with the most destructive violence, and a
great part of the town was speedily laid in ashes.
Although, by the singular providence of God, none of the
32 MR. FISH RETURNS TO KINGSTON.
houses of the Methodists were consumed, yet after this
calamity no suitable place could be obtained for preach-
ing ; the assembly-room having been destroyed in the
conflagration. At that time also, the Maroon war com-
menced in that neighbourhood, and Montego Bay was
constantly exposed to danger. " These events," says Dr.
Coke, "were unfriendly to the interests of the gospel. The
attention of the inhabitants was entirely engrossed with
retrospection and anticipation, behind them they saw the
fire and before them the sword. The consequence was,
that the congregation dwindled away, almost every mind
seemed wholly absorbed in these disasters. Om- worthy
missionary therefore, after labouring among them a con-
siderable time almost in vain, returned to Kingston,
according to the discretionary powers entrusted to him."
It must not, however, be supposed that the seed which
was thus sown by Mr. Fish was entirely lost. He had
some seals to his ministry, who will be the crown of his
rejoicing in the day of the Lord. A Society was formed
consisting of twenty-three persons, and though no mis-
sionary was permanently settled in the place for twenty
years afterwards, yet even to that time a few of the
original members remained. Those joyfully hailed the
return of a minister, and they constituted the giound-
work of that large and flourishing Society which con-
tinues to this day.
During the residence of Mr. Fish in Montego Bay, the
Kingston Society sustained a very great loss in the death
of John H. Constant, already mentioned as having re-
ceived the appellation of the Peace-maker. He was a
DEATH OF MR. J. H. CONSTANT. S6
native of the island of Antigua ; a black man^ but born in
freedom. His mother was a member of the Methodist
Society there, under the care of the Messrs. Gilbert, with
one of whom he himself lived as a hired servant. His
master taught him to read and write, and in early life he
was under very serious impressions. Those impressions
afterwards wore off, and he entered into the service of a
gentleman in the navy, with whom he came to Jamaica,
where he remained. He soon became conformed to the
sinful customs of the country, but being brought under
the ministry of Mr. Hammett, he was seized with deep
convictions of his sinfulness and danger. Soon after this
he obtained peace with God through believing, and was
a steady member of the Society to the time of his death.
His wife with whom he lived pre\dous to his marriage,
was, it is believed, the daughter of an African chief, who
had been stolen from her parents, and was a slave at the
time he was married to her ; but on that event he pur-
chased her freedom, although the price he had to pay
for it Avas one hundred pounds sterling.
He was a useful class leader for the space of five years.
He was also frequently employed as an exhorter ; and
was listened to on the part of the people with pleasure
and profit. He was a Serjeant in the Colonial Militia,
which was composed of the greater part of the free per-
sons resident on the Island. Being on permanent duty
and engaged in the Maroon war, he had to endure greater
fatigues than his constitution could sustain, which laid
the foundation of that illness which terminated in his
death. In his last sickness his afflictions were great ;
D
34 PREACHING IN THE PARISHES
but his consolations abounded. On the evening of his
departure, he desired that all who were in the house
might be called into his room ; on which he prayed with
them with great fervour. Having concluded, he clapped
his hands, and with an air of triumph he twice exclaimed,
" Glory be to God ; " and then quietly "fell asleep."
While Mr. Fish was in Montego Bay, his colleague
took frequent excursions into the country with the view
of obtaining permission to preach to the negroes on their
respective estates. The Honorable Henry Shirley, at
that time the Gustos of St. George's parish, and an ex-
tensive proprietor, having been friendly to the religious
instruction of the slaves, readily permitted him to visit
his estates of Spring Garden and Petersfield. On going
to the former, he was much discouraged, as the white
people turned into ridicule the idea of preaching the
gospel to the negroes ; yet having obtained permission
of the proprietor, he was nevertheless determined to ac-
complish his object. But his way was made far more
plain than his fears had anticipated. A gentleman of
great influence and respectability, namely, the Honor-
able John Scott, one of the members of the Council, hap-
pened to be there on a temporary visit, and having
expressed his desire to hear the missionary, he preached
in the great hall to all the white people on the property,
and as many of the negroes as it would contain. The
example having been set by Mr. Scott, the utmost de-
corum prevailed throughout the service ; all knelt at
prayer, and appeared to listen to the truths delivered in
the sermon with becoming attention. He afterwards made
OF ST. GEORGE AND ST. THOMAS IN THE EAST. S5
repeated visits both to Spring Garden and Petersfield,
and many of the negroes evinced a work of grace begun
in their hearts. In May, 1797, which was only about
ten months after his first visit, he was enabled to report
fifty members on the former, and a considerably greater
number on the latter. This was the first establishment
of the work in St. Thomas in the East, a parish in which
since that period the advantages of missionary labour
have been so extensively diffused.
It is pleasing to record such instances of kindness and
good-will to the Mission, as were manifested at this early
stage of its history, on the part of the Honorable
Messrs. Shirley and Scott. The former gentleman, in
addition to his estates in St. Thomas in the East, and St.
George's, possessed two in the distant parish of Trelaw-
ney ; and such was his concern for the instruction of the
negroes belonging to them, that he generously offered
to build a chapel, a house for the missionary, and to give
£ 100 per annum for his support, in order to accomplish
this benevolent object. Those offers were sincerely made,
and they aflforded encouraging prospects for the time, but
they were not realized. After this the higher classes
became either decidedly hostile or totally indifferent to
the labours of the missionaries. What led to this
change shall be afterwards related.
In the month of August, 1797, Mr. Fish, who still re-
mained at Montego Bay, received letters from Kingston,
giving an account of the severe illness of his fellow-
labourer, and earnestly requesting his immediate return.
It has been already mentioned that several events
b2
86 STATE OF THE KINGSTON SOCIETY.
occurred which put an end to his flattering prospects
where he was ; and though he remained for two years
after the fire, yet he saw but little fruit of his labours, so
that the application from Kingston left him no room to
doubt as to the path of duty. He earnestly advised the
free coloured and black members of Society, to go along
with him, but they found themselves unable to do so.
After giving them such advice and exhortation as were
suited to their circumstances, he took an affectionate leave
of them, commending them to the care of Him who was
able to keep them from falling. This was a painful
parting on both sides, but it was unavoidable.
On his arrival in Kingston, he found that during his
absence his colleague had added about 190 members to
the Society, exclusive of deaths, removals, &c,, making
the whole number in the town and neighbourhood to be
370. But at the quarterly visitation in September, he
found that discipline had not been strictly exercised, and
that many unworthy persons had been admitted and
were suffered to remain. His fellow-labourer was
zealous, but he did not possess the judgment and dis-
crimination of Mr. Fish, and his frequent absence from the
town on his laborious and successful visitations to many
places in the country, might account for those irregula-
rites. Mr. Fish was however forced to expel no fewer
than fifty-one, of whom the greater part had neglected
to attend the means of grace, but there were some who
were also immoral in their lives.
The labours of this faithful missionary, were very
severe. The reader may form some idea of them from a
AN EXPRESSION OF LOYALTY. 37
letter to Dr. Coke, which was written about the end of
September. Pie says : — " My regard for the people of
Kingston is such, that I could rejoice in spending my
last breath among them. Though I have so much work,
that sometimes I scarcely know what to do first, yet it is
all pleasant and delightful : and though constantly en-
gaged in public or private, abroad or at home, from four
in the morning until ten at night, I bless God I
scarcely know what weariness is ; so graciously has the
Lord renewed my strength during my voyage from
Montego Bay, and since my arrival here." Much of
those excessive labours no doubt arose out of the peculiar
circumstances of the Society at the time ; for in such a
climate as that of Jamaica, it would have been impossible
for any European to have persevered in them to any
lengthened period.
A pleasing feature in the character of the Kingston
Society was manifested at that time, and deserves to be
distinctly noticed. A contribution having been com-
menced on the Island with the view of assisting the
Mother Country in that arduous struggle in which she
was then engaged against France and other European
powers, the Methodists were alsodesu'ous to do something
in that cause. But they were far from being affluents
and their individual subscriptions could only at best
appear but small in comparison with those of many of
their more opulent neighbours. They therefore united
their efforts, and by that means cheerfully raised the sum
of £ 150, which they presented to the common object.
Thus at this early period, they begun to shew that at-
38 ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES.
tachment to their Sovereign and to Great Britain for
which they have been distinguished ever since.
About this period there seems to have been some
hopes of success even at Port Koyal, and some time
before^ Mr. Fishley wrote to Dr. Coke as follows : — " I
trust, through your assistance and advice, our present
worthy minister will be able to give a happy account
of his mission. He is in my opinion well adapted to it;
as he is simple, loving, persevering with all faithfulness ;
sparing not himself. I hope he will soon have work
enough to employ two or three more, for there are daily
invitations for him to preach to the poor blacks from
those who were not long since avowed enemies to all
religion." Those prospects were of no long duration,
and Port Royal settled down into the same state of
apathy and indifference as before.
Towards the close of the year 1797 Mr. Fish was again
left without a colleague ; but in the following March,
Mr. Alexander arrived to his assistance, and in a few
weeks afterwards, Messrs Campbell and Fowler. There
being now four missionaries on the Island, they endea-
voured to spread the gospel in diiferent places. Their
attention was first directed to the eastern districts, and
they went as far as Port Antonio, which is situated
between seventy and eighty miles from Kingston on the
north-eastern part of the Island, being the principal town
in the parish of Portland; but their labours were not at-
tended with success. In the district of Manchioneal, their
prospects were more flattering. In that populous neigh-
OPPOSITION IN MONTEGO BAY. 39
bourhood they found some who appeared desirous of hav-
ing the ordinances of religion, and they hired a house in
which they preached to peaceable congregations. But
this did not last long, there was no spirit of enquiry ex-
cited amongst the negroes, and the whites and free per-
sons of colour who attended soon became dissatisfied
with what were to them unpalatable doctrines ; and the
congregation fell away, so that the place had to be given
up. Spanish Town was also again attempted, but they
met with little either of opposition or encouragement ;
consequently it had to be relinquished.
In the month of May, 1799, Mr. Campbell went down
to Montego Bay, and made application to the magistrates
for permission to preach. But since Mr. Fish left that
town a considerable change for the worse had taken place,
and they peremptorily rejected his request. Mr. Camp-
bell urged his being a licensed minister according to the
laws of Great Britain ; but this was disregarded, and see-
ing the door completely closed against him he returned
to Kingston.
At no period of its history were the circumstances of
the mission more trying to the servants of God than about
the year 1799. They had, at much personal fatigue and
reproach, visited many parts of the Island, and in some
places they were refused permission to preach, and where
they had such permission the people cared for none of
these things. But they were not weary nor faint in their
minds. In Kingston their labours were owned of God
to the benefit of many, and on some of the estates in St.
40 A DISGRACEFUL OUTRAGE.
Thomas in the East, they saw that they were not spend-
ing their strength for nought.
For some time the annoyance which had been formerly
experienced in Kingston had considerably abated; but
another disgraceful event, which occurred this year, shews
that the spirit of persecution had not become extinct.
One evening, near midnight, after the missionaries had
long retired to rest, a number of ruffians broke into the
chapel-house; but the police being called for, who were at
hand, they suddenly decamped. It was however thought
necessary for future safety to make an example of the
principal person concerned in this daring outrage. He
was a merchant in the town, who seemed to be desirous
of recommending himself by shewing his zeal against the
despised sectarians. A warrant was obtained against him,
but when the case was brought before the Quarter Ses-
sions, it was traversed until the court following ; and at
that time the missionary, who was the prosecutor, was
taken dangerously ill, and having to leave the island the
prosecution dropped.
After this nothing remarkable occurred, till about
Christmas in that year. From the contrivances of the
French, some of their countrymen in the Island had
brought it into considerable danger. On the 22nd of De-
cember martial law was proclaimed; and Sas Portas, a
spy, was detected and executed. His plans were com-
pleted, and he was about to sail, when the discovery of
the whole was effected. When the Methodists were
acknowledging the hand of God in this deliverance, all
the out-houses belonging to the mission-premises were
ARRIVAL AND DEATH OF MR. RICHARDSON. 41
taken possession of by the Militia, as a receptacle for
French negroes, who were then in custody. In about
four days afterwards, the chapel itself was seized, and
converted into a place of riotous feasting. Complaints
were made to the principal officers of the injury which
w^as done to the premises, which they listened to and en_
deavoured for the future to prevent. The missionaries
also, by orders of the general, had the use of the chapel
on the Sundays. Some were however anxious that they
should be compelled at that time to serve in the Militia ;
but through the kindness of Colonel Cockburn, who was
an influential merchant in the town, they were not mo-
lested.
In course of this year Mr. Richardson arrived as an
additional missionary. He Avas a young man of conside-
rable promise, and entered upon his work with great
zeal and diligence ; but his work was soon accomj)lished
for in the space of seventeen days, during which he had
preached four times, and once led a class, he was called
from a life of suffering to that rest Avhich remains for
the people of God.
In the beginning of 1800, Mr. Alexander left the island
and the work devolved on Messrs. Fish and Campbell.*
As there was nothing of great importance which trans-
pired after this, until the persecutions which commenced
in 1802, we shall conclude this chapter by an account
* Mr. Alexander is said to have left, because he had *' fulfilled his
engagements ;" as to his term of residence. He had been about six
years in the West Indies, but only two were spent in Jamaica. He
was remembered twenty years afterwards only as having been the
missionary who cut down a large tree which grew in the chapel -yard
in Kingston.
42 NUMBER OF MEMBERS.
of the numbers as they were reported at that time. On
the Kingston Circuit there were about 500 members, and
about 100 on the plantations in St. Thomas in the East.
There were nine raised up in Kingston, who acted as
exhorters, besides a considerable number of leaders who
were very attentive to their duties, and successful in the
discharge of them.
43
CHAPTER III.
Commencement of the "Work in Morant Bay — Hon. Simon Taylor —
Inquiry into the Laws of Jamaica respecting Religious Toleration —
Intolerant Law of 1802 — Imprisonment of Mr. John Williams in Mo-
rant Bay — Imprisonment of Rev. Mr. Campbell — Case of Mr. Camp-
bell brought before the Kingston Assizes — Mr. Fish applies for " Li-
cense" at the Kingston Quarter Sessions — ISIr. Campbell afterwards
applies — They visit Morant Bay for a similar pm-pose, but their ap-
plication is rejected — A warrant for Mr. Campbell's Arrest issued by
the Magistrates — He is compelled to leave the Island — Law of 1802
disallowed by the King.
We are now approaching to a very important period
in the history of the mission, a period strongly marked
with opposition of a far more systematic and formidable
character than any which preceeded it. There had in-
deed been a constant struggle from the very commence-
ment; yet, though the opposers had always been amongst
the whites, the higher classes, though generally un-
friendly, manifested no disposition to persecution. It is
true, an exception must be made in Montego Bay, where
the magistrates refused Mr. Campbell permission to
preach ; but that is to be regarded as a departure from
the general rule, and had no opposition arisen from
a far more powerfiil source, that would neither have been
of long duration, nor involved very serious consequences.
That formidable opposition, which we are now going to
relate, began in St. Thomas in the East, and as it was
productive of a hostility which could hardly be said to
44 PREACHING AT MORANT BAY.
have ended until the passing of the Emancipation Act, it
will be necessary to trace it to its proper origin.
In the month of April, 1802, some local preachers, who
had been raised up in Kingston, visited Morant Bay, the
principal town or rather village in the above mentioned
parish. They were immediately followed by the mis-
sionaries, who obtained a house for preaching, and found
many, both among the free coloured and blacks, as well
as the slaves, willing to hear them. As usual they met
with the same interruption in their public services as
in other places ; and, in addition to it, negroes were some-
times employed by their superiors, or hired, for the pur-
pose of disturbing the congregations. But it was all
lost labour; the cause of religion triumphed, and the
success which attended the preaching of the gospel was
quite unprecedented. By the month of July, a society
of thirty persons was formed ; which by November in-
creased to ninety, and the work continued to advance
with still greater rapidity. At that time the late Hon.
Simon Taylor was Custos, or chief magistrate, of that pre-
cinct, and as he became the principal originator of that
long opposition which followed, it will be necessary to
say a few words respecting him.
Mr. Simon Taylor was a native of the Island, and in
the course of many years had amassed prodigious wealth.
He was proprietor of some of the finest estates in Ja-
maica, and attorney for many more, a situation which
gives the power of removing any of the whites belonging
to them at pleasure. Besides his being Custos of the
precinct of St. Thomas in the East and St. David's, he
HON. SIMON TAYLOR. 45
was a major-general of the Colonial Militia, a mem-
ber of the Legislature, and no Colonist, either before or
since, has possessed any thing like his extraordinary in-
fluence. As might be expected, an individual so prominent
was the subject of much conversation on all parts of the
Island ; and seldom has public opinion on any man been
expressed with greater unanimity. In his private habits,
he was invariably represented as being so degraded as
to be almost perfectly brutish ; although there were two
virtues for which he was celebrated. The first was,
strict integrity in the management of estates committed
to his care, and the second, his warm and efficient pa-
tronage of those who had the good fortune to enjoy his
smiles. But his friendship was capricious and uncer-
tain, and woe to that man who was not ready to serve
him on all occasions, and from whom he might receive
any real or imaginary slight. He was inexorably tyran-
nical ; a terror to almost every one, but loved and re-
spected by none. His resentments were easily awakened,
and when this was the case, he was universally repre-
sented as being absolutely implacable, or rather utterly
diabolical. Few had the courage to oppose him in
anything, for to incur his displeasure was accounted
sufficient to blast the fairest prospects. He was also
said to have been excessively avaricious, and notwith-
standing his immense wealth, to have long trembled
lest he should be reduced to beggary, and at last die in
a jail. His death happened nearly forty years ago, and
having been interred on a property which was afterwards
sold, his ashes were exhumed, purchased by his ex-
46 ON THE LAWS OF JAMAICA
eciitoi's, and were at last conveyed on mules to his estate
of Lyssons, where this tutelar deity of Jamaica was
buried "with the burial of an ass." It is to this un-
worthy man, whose memory has been long execrated,
that the Island owes some of the darkest blots on
its history. Had he been merely a private individual,
no notice would have been taken of him in this narrative,
but his public conduct cannot and ought not to be con-
signed to oblivion. It was under his direction that the
magistracy about Morant Bay first assumed the attitude
of decided hostility to the cause of religion. It was
under his influence that attempts were subsequently
made by the Legislature to deprive their fellow-subjects
of their dearest rights ; and to him many of those
evils are traceable, which so long disturbed the Colony,
and which did so much to blast the reputation of the
colonists in the estimation of the wisest and best of men
in the Mother Country.
Before proceeding further, it mil be needful, in order
that subsequent events may be seen in their proper light,
to enquire a little into the laws of Jamaica respecting
the great question of religious toleration. It seems to
have been a prevailing opinion, both amongst the mis-
sionaries of that day as well as others, that what are
called the Toleration Laws of Great Britain, or rather of
England, extended to all parts of the Empire, and con-
sequently to the West Indies. Nothing however could
be more erroneous ; and it is unquestionable that this
notion was productive of much injury in the struggle
against their formidable adversaries. It is not necessary
RESPECTING RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. • 47
to touch the question, which has been so much agitated,
as to the right of the Imperial Parliament to legislate for
the foreign dependencies of the Empire ; but it must at
once appear absurd to suppose, that an act of the Legis-
lature at home, such as the Toleration Act, which does
not even extend to all parts of the United Kingdom
itself, should extend to the Colonies, without any de-
claratory clause to that effect. The Legislature of Ja-
maica never legislated on this subject until 1802, but
their act was immediately disallowed. Various attempts
were made at different subsequent periods, as shall be
hereafter narrated, but no permanent law was ever
established ; so that with the exception of those short
interruptions, the law remained the same as it was before
the act of 1802, down to the time of the passing the Act
of Emancipation, which constituted the toleration laws
of England the law of Jamaica. What the law of Ja-
maica was before 1833 is now to be the subject of en-
quiry.
As there was some degree of uncertainty, the mission-
aries at different times consulted with several legal gen-
tlemen, who gave their opinions professionally; and as
they all referred to a clause somewhat awkwardly embo-
died in a Jamaica Act, of the 1st Geo. II, that clause
may as well at once be inserted here ; which is as
follows : —
"That all and every the acts and laws of this Island, which
determined and expired the first day of October, in the year
of our Lord 1724, and not hereby or by any former act of the
Governor, Council, and Assembly now in force, altered, or re-
48 • OPINIONS OF COUNSEL.
pealed, shall be, and are hereby devised and declared to be
perpetual ; and also all such laws and statutes of England as
have been at any time esteemed^ introduced and accepted^ or re-
ceived as laws of this Island, shcdl, and are hereby declared to
be, and continue laws of this his Majesty s Island of Jamaica
for ever.''^
During the time the chapels were shut up and mission-
aries not allowed to preach, (which shall afterwards be
duly noticed), application was made to Counsellor Hinch-
clifFe for his opinion as to what laws (if any) were in
force, and whether the missionaries could legally require
to be protected in their public duties. In his answer, he
referred to the aforesaid clause (which was universally
admitted to be the only statute which could have any re-
ference to the question), and intimated, that as it was
uncertain whether the old toleration laws of Will, and
Mary, and 10th of Anne had ever been introduced in the
Island before 1724, so it was consequently uncertain
whether there was any law under which the missionaries
could qualify ; and he appears to have come to the con-
clusion that they could obtain no redress. In 1824, Mr.
Burge, then the Attorney General, was consulted, as to
whether the missionaries were bound to apply for licence
to the Quarter Sessions in each parish, and if refused by
the court, it was enquired, what was the remedy. The
substance of his answer was, that the missionaries were
undoubtedly obliged to apply in each parish, but in case of
refusal the magistrates might be compelled by manda-
mus to admit them to qualify. The basis of that gen-
tleman's opinion, was still the clause we have transcribed.
DECISIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT. 49
which he thought recognized the old Toleration Act of
England ; but as he had only perused that of Will, and
Mary, and overlooked the X^tli of Anne ; * he was thereby
led into the mistake, that the missionaries were bound
to apply in each parish : parishes in Jamaica holding the
place of British counties. In 1828 it was decided by
the Supreme Court (but in the absence of the Chief Jus-
tice), on the opinion of Mr. Attorney General James, that
by the aforesaid clause the acts both of Will, and Mary,
and the 10th of Anne, were in force ; and the same
opinion was substantially adopted several years after-
wards, by the present Attorney General, Mr. Dowall
O' Reilley, and confirmed by the same Court.
With due deference to the talents of those learned
gentlemen, it is not difficult to perceive that, with the
exception^ Mr. Hinchcliffe, their opinions were perfectly
erroneous ; and the conclusion which he seems to have
drawn from the supposed uncertainty of the law, was as
absurd as any of them.
Nothing can be more obvious than that the act of Ist
Geo. II, only recognizes the old toleration laws, provided
they had been ^'esteemed, introduced and accepted as laws
of the Island'^ before 1724 ; and if not, they were of no
force whatsoever. But it was well known that no mi-
nister out of the Established Church had ever attempted
to qualify under the acts in question, until long after the
date referred to. No Wesleyan or Dissenting minister
* That this was the fact, the writer is perfectly certain, from a
private conversation he had long afterwards with that gentleman
himself.
E
50 NO PERMANENT LAW AGAINST RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.
of any sort had ever officiated on the Island until long
after 1724, and no one ever attempted for a moment to
affirm the contrary. But supposing this to have been
absolutely uncertain, how would this uncertainty affect
the case of the missionaries ? It was agreed on all hands,
that by Common Law they had a right to officiate in
their chapels ; and therefore in the absence of any special
statute, regvilating or prohibiting such an exercise, they
might worship God as they pleased ; and in the peace-
able discharge of such duties, they had a claim upon the
magistrates for protection. Supposing, therefore, that any
of the missionaries had been indicted by the Attorney
General, (who is there the public prosecutor,) for preach-
ing without license, so called, what would have been
the result? As this by Common Law was no offence,
would it have devolved upon the missionary to point out
what was, or what was not, the law of the Island ? Cer-
tainly not. The Attorney General could not have sus-
tained his indictment, and the whole prosecution must
have fallen to the ground. It is this that we have been
endeavouring to place in the clearest light before the
reader. No one knew any law to hinder the missionaries
from the performance of their public duties. In fact
there ivas none. The magistrates were therefore bound
to protect them in the peaceable enjoyment of those pri-
vileges which are in a peculiar manner the birth-right of
every British subject. The reader will now clearly per-
ceive that every attempt on the part of the magistrates
to prevent the preaching of the missionaries, was down-
right persecution, and with the exception of the short
SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE IN 1802. 51
j)eriods in which certain Jamaica Acts were in force, as
much contrary to the laws of the Island as to the law of
God.
But to return to our narrative, such was the state of
things in Jamaica until the sitting of the Legislature to-
wards the close of 1802. At that session a Bill was in-
troduced into the Assembly, entitled " An Act to prevent
preaching by persons not duly qualified by law." This
passed the House on the 17th day of December. On the
following day it passed the Council, and also received
the sanction of the Lieutenant Governor, who at that
time was Major General Nugent. A copy of this cele-
brated law is here subjoined : happy, however, to record
the conviction, that such is already the altered state of
feeling in Jamaica, that the day is at no great distance
when all will be astonished that such an enactment
should ever have been allowed to disgrace the annals of
the nineteenth century. It is as follows : —
" I. Whereas there now exists in this Island an evil, which
is daily increasing, and threatens much danger to the peace
and safety thereof, by reason of the preaching of ill-disposed,
illiterate, or ignorant enthusiasts to meetings of negroes or
persons of colour, chiefly slaves, unlawfully assembled ;
whereby not only the minds of the hearers are perverted with
fanatical notions, but opportunity is afforded them of concert-
ing schemes of much public and private mischief : We, his
Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lieutenant
Governor, Council, and Assembly, of this your Majesty's island
of Jamaica, humbly beseech your Majesty that it may be en-
acted, and be it therefore enacted and ordained by the
e2
52 A PERSECUTING LAW.
authority of the same ; That from and after the passing of this
act, in case any person not duly qualified and authorized or
permitted, as is directed by the laws of this Island and of
Great Britain, shall, under pretence of being a minister of
religion, presume to preach or teach in any meeting or assembly
of negroes or people of colour, within this Island ; every such
person shall be deemed and taken to be a rogue and vagabond,
and within the intent and meaning of this act, and be punished
in the manner hereafter mentioned.
"II. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid :
That it may and shall be lawful for any magistrate of the
parish wherein the offence aforesaid shall be committed, on
compliant made to him on oath, or upon his own hearing or
view, to cause the offender to be apprehended and committed
to the common gaol ; and shall forthwith associate himself
with two other justices of the peace of the said parish ; and
have authority to summon all persons capable of giving evi-
dence to appear before them ; which three magistrates so as-
sociated, shall, upon due conviction of the offender, adjudge
him, or her, if of free condition, to be committed to the
workhouse,'^' there to be kept to hard labour, for the first
offence for the term of one month, and for every subsequent
offence for the term of six months each : and in case the of-
fender shall be a slave, such offender shall be committed for
the first offence for hard labour to the nearest workhouse for
one month, and for every subsequent offence to receive a
public flogging, not exceeding thirty-nine lashes ; provided
always, that whenever the offence committed by a white per-
son shall appear to be one of extraordinary heinousness, it
shall and may be lawful for any one or more of the justices of
* The reader is requested to take notice that the term workhouse in
Jamaica, signifies House of Correction.
MAJOR GENERAL NUGENT. 53
the peace, and he and they are hereby required to secure the
appearance of any such offender at the next subsequent su-
preme, or Assize Court, by sufficient bail or commitment to
answer for the offence ; and on conviction, to suffer such
imnishment as such Court shall see Jit to injlict, not extending to
life,
" III. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid :
That from and after the passing of this act, in case any owner,
possessor, or occupier of any house, out-house, yard, or other
place whatsoever, shall knowingly permit any meeting or
assembly of negroes, or people of colour, for the purpose of
hearing the preaching of any person of the description herein-
before declared to be a rogue and vagabond, every person so
permitting such meeting or assembly shall, on conviction
thereof before the Court of Quarter Sessions of the same parish
or precinct, incur a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds,
at the discretion of the said Court, and be committed to the
common gaol, until such fine be paid, and until the offender
shall have given security for his future good behaviour, by
recognizance for such time, and in such sum, and with such
sureties, as the Court shall judge fit."
It is truly humbling that any British general could
have been found in the present century who would put
his hand to such a document as this ; but Major General
Nugent did it, and not only so, but with such haste,
that on the very day it passed the Council it received his
signature. It is perhaps well that his name does not
stand out amongst those illustrious generals whose ac-
tions will adorn the annals of Britain to future genera-
tions ; for then this unhappy act might have tarnished
his fair fame. But it cannot be concealed ; that before
54 MR. JOHN WILLIAMS IMPRISONED
the ashes of Abercromby had been well settled in the
grave, and while the immortal Nelson was braving every
danger for the liberties and glories of his country, Gene-
ral Nugent was sitting securely in the Government House
of Jamaica signing persecuting laws, to crush the Chris-
tian minister, and to torture poor people, whose only
crime was a desire to obtain the knowledge of salvation.
The moment he signed the intolerant document, it became
law ; but that law could not become permanently esta-
blished, till it received the sanction of the sovereign.
Such a law might and did pass through the hands of Ge-
neral Nugent, but it never could pass through the hands
of George the Third.
The consequences resulting from the new law were
most deplorable, and it would be far more agreeable to
cast a veil over them than to relate them. But they
were of too public a nature to be hidden, and much too
bad to admit of an apology. It had pleased God some
time before, to raise up a gentleman of colour at Morant
Bay, namely Mr. John Williams, to warn his neighbours
to " flee from the wrath to come." He was a person of
intelligence, of good education, of excellent character,
and possessed of some property in the village. On peru-
sing the Act which was published in the newspapers,
he deemed it prudent to desist from preaching, until he
should obtain license at the Quarter Sessions, which were
to be held within a few days afterwards. On the 4th of
January, he accordingly made application to qualify, but
was met with a decided refusal. Two others from King-
ston also applied at the same time, but they were con-
AT MORANT BAY. 55
temptuously driven away by the presiding magistrate,
who told them that they ought to be committed for
having dared to address the Court. Seeing there was no
hope, they became cahnly resigned to their circumstances ;
but looking up to God for better days.
On the evening of the 5th January, a few of the friends
assembled together, and lest they should give offence,
they only sung a few hymns, and then engaged in prayer.
On the following day, Mr. Williams who had been pre-
sent, was apprehended and taken to the Court-house for
summary trial, before five magistrates who had assem-
bled for the purpose. The witnesses did not charge him
with teaching, or preaching ; and they all declared that
they had never heard him advance anything of a dange-
rous tendency. But he had sung and prayed, and the
Court decided, that those exercises amounted to the same
thing as preaching ; and passed sentence that he should
be confined to hard labour in the workhouse, for the
space of a month. The " hard labour" was however re-
mitted, but the punishment of imprisonment was ri-
gorously infiicted.
Mr. John Williams was the first prisoner of Jesus
Christ on the island of Jamaica, and no one would have
rejoiced more than the writer, could he have added, that
none since that time have shared with him in the "glorious
infamy." It deserves to be mentioned to the honour of
the affectionate people of Morant Bay, that during the
period of his incarceration, they sympathized with him
in his suffering, paid him all possible attention, and were
not ashamed of his bonds. He himself was all the while
56 CONTINUED OPPOSITION.
kept in perfect peace ; and, by the blessing of God, he
received no material injury to his health, although he was
confined in a close room which was paved with bricks.
At the end of the month, he was required to give security
for his appearance at the Quarter Sessions to answer for
another part of the offence. He had been already
punished for singing and praying, along with a few of his
friends ; and now it was demanded that, he should be
bound to answer to the charge of doing so " in his own
house.'''' But he positively refused to be released on such
conditions ; and he was liberated after having been con-
fined a day longer than his sentence required.
On the tidings of Mr. Williams's imprisonment reach"
ing Kingston, Mr. Campbell hastened to Morant Bay.
He tenderly sympathized with the suffering people, and
would not forsake them while they were groaning under
oppression. As a regular minister, and to use the Avords
of the act, '^ duly qualified by the laws of Great Britain,"
he never suspected that his qualifications would be ques-
tioned. But he was mistaken. On the first evening he
preached he was apprehended, and taken before Mr.
Harris, a neighbouring magistrate. This gentleman
appeared however to be perfectly satisfied with his cre-
dentials, and he was therefore allowed to depart. On
remaining a few days longer, he was informed that it
was nevertheless in contemplation to proceed against
him ; and he therefore thought it the most prudent
course to return to Kingston, to obtain the opinion of
counsel as to the validity of his '' License." That opi-
nion being quite satisfactory, he immediately went back
IMPRISONS' MENT OF MR. CAMPBELL. 57
to Morant Bay, and once more entered upon his labours.
On the 7th of February he was agam apprehended, and
was taken before] four magistrates, among whom was Mr.
Harris, before whom he had been previously examined.
He again produced his credentials, and also the opinion
of his counsel in his favour. But the Bench decided, that
by the laws of the Island, he was not duly qualified to
preach. He then enquired what law of the Island was
against his preaching ? This, as has been already shewn,
was an unanswerable question ; and they only replied,
" You may propose questions, but we are not obliged to
answer them."
It is somewhat difficult to ascertain what was the
precise intention of the magistrates, in the case of Mr.
CampbelL No formal sentence was pronounced. The
clerk however was ordered to make out his commitment,
which they signed, and he was hurried to the same room
which Mr. Williams had quitted only a few hours be-
fore. His imprisonment, while it lasted, was niore
rigorous than that of Mr. Williams. For a time, none
but his own family were permitted to visit him, but his
friends were as attentive to him as they could. Though
they could not obtain admission, yet they came to the
outside of the gaol, and through the iron grating of the
window, he was enabled to exhort them " to hold fast
their faith in the Avords of eternal life."
In a few days he obtained a writ of Habeas Corpus,
and the case was brought before the Kingston Assizes,
which were then sitting. The late Stephen Drew, Esq.,
who some years afterwards became a member of the
58 KINGSTON ASSIZES.
Methodist Society, was employed as Mr. Campbell's
counsel. It appears, that what he advanced had great
weight, and the Chief Justice expressed his satisfaction
with the qualifications of his client. But the assistant
judges were of a different opinion : and being a majority,
the Court accordingly decided against him. Another
hearing took place on the validity of his commitment,
and it was proved to be defective, both in substance, and
form. Again the Chief Justice leaned to the same side as
before, but the assistant judges, as the majority, carried
it against him. The sentence of the Court was then
delivered to the following effect : — " That what Mr.
Campbell's counsel had said, had great weight, but as
his license had been already declared by the Court to be
insufficient, and the magistrates of this Island were not
so learned in points of law as those in England, and also
considering the state of the Island, Mr. Campbell must
be remanded back to prison." Thus it Avas adjudged,
that the liberty of the subject must be sacrificed, only
because the magistrates were ignorant of their duty.
It may be here only necessary to add, that although a
great part of what has been narrated concerning those
transactions, has been taken from an account of them
which appeared in the Methodist Magazine for February,
1804, yet the writer has often had the opportunity of
hearing the whole fully corroborated, by credible persons,
who were eye and ear witnesses, as well as by the late
Mr. Campbell himself.
It may appear at first rather remarkable that the as-
sistant judges, who arc not trained to the profession of
ASSISTANT JUDGES. 59
law, should in such cases as the above so decidedly
differ from the Chief Justice, who is always taken from
the Bar, either of England or Jamaica, and more es-
pecially, as a difference of opinion on the judicial Bench
was a rare phenomenon indeed. But their circumstances
as men of business go far to account for their opposition.
Those judges were for the most part unsalaried, and having
been generally either merchants or planters, their stations
were not favourable to the independence of the Bench.
It is therefore more than probable that those gentlemen
were much under the influence of Mr. Simon Taylor,
who was the prime instigator of the whole business ; and
not at all unlikely, that they were more or less directly
dependent upon him : and it was a matter long after
well known, and much talked of, that such was his
determination to have Mr. Campbell punished, that he
declared he would rather sell Lyssons estate (should that
be necessary for the accomplishment of his object) than
that he should be suffered to escape. Such influence as
his was more than sufficient to turn the scale against a
man of much higher station in the community than that
of a despised and persecuted missionary ; and it may be
added, that as far as missionaries are concerned, and
indeed the honour of the Island also, it would have been
much better if everything had been left to the decision
of chief justices (at least for a period of nearly thirty
years) without the encumbrance of assistant judges and
juries.
There was also another cause which no doubt operated
very powerfully against Mr. Campbell. Had the Assize
60 APPLICATION FOR " LICENSE"
Court declared his license to be valid, or his commitment
defective, then the magistrates of Morant Bay Avould
have been liable to an action for false imprisonment, and
there would have been no possibility of their acquitaL
unless by such unblushing and notorious perjury as
could hardly be expected. Thus his liberty vras sacri-
ficed that the guilty might escape.
From what had transpired in the case of Mr. Campbell,
Mr. Fish perceived, that though he had been nearly eleven
years officiating on the Island, yet he was equally liable
to the same treatment. As considerable weight was laid
at the Assizes on applying at the Quarter Sessions, he re-
solved to make such application, which he did in course
of the following week. Having laid his letters of ordi-
nation and other credentials before the Court, after much
hesitation his request was acceded to, and he was per-
mitted to preach as before. Some of the local preachers
also applied at the same time, but they were instantly
rejected.
It will be needful here to pause for a moment, to call
the attention of the reader more particularly to this pro-
ceeding on the part of Mr. Fish. It is not meant to
insinuate any blame for his applying as he did at the
Quarter Sessions. His were circumstancs of peculiar
trial and difficulty, and it is hard to conceive of any under
which it becomes more the duty of a missionary " to meet
even unreasonable prejudices," than those in which he
was placed. But there was no law which required it ; and
it became a precedent, which though not universally fol-
io wed, was yet productive of very unhappy consequences.
AT THE QUARTER SESSIONS. 61
This was the origin of what was called the " licensing
system ;" and it soon led the magistrates to two very
erroneous, but at the same time very mischievous con-
clusions. The first, that the power of granting or with-
holding permission to preach lay entirely Avith them, as
judges of the qualifications of the applicant ; and the
second, that as each Court had no jurisdiction beyond the
limits of its own parish or precinct, so it became obliga-
tory on the missionary to apply in every parish or pre-
cinct in which he intended to officiate. Many instances
of the injurious effects of this system will be seen in the
following pages.
As Mr. Campbell was imprisoned in the workhouse
of Morant Bay, he could not apply for license at the same
time with Mr. Fish ; but on his release he returned to
Kingston, and at the ensuing Quarter Sessions he was
admitted to qualify. This was a matter of great thank-
fulness to the people in Kingston. The local preachers
were indeed silenced, and the leaders could not meet their
respective classes, but the public ordinances were regu-
larly administered, and the classes were met by the
ministers with as much regularity as possible^ This
constituted their labour very heavy ; but notwithstanding
all their privations the Society prospered, and in the
space of six months the number of members increased
from 435 to 515.
Although the little flock at Morant Bay continued
steadfast, yet they were all the while destitute of the
ordinances of God. No minister was allowed to teach
them the way of righteousness ; and from what they had
62 ANOTHER WARRANT AGAINST MR. CAMPBELL.
already experienced, they were afraid to meet together
for the more private means of grace. All that they could
do, was to retire to the shady banks of a neighbouring
river in little companies ; and there, concealed from the
view of their adversaries, they poured out their souls to
God in prayer. But as Messrs. Fish and Campbell had
succeeded in Kingston, in July they went to Morant
Bay, and presented a house to the Quarter Sessions,
petitioning that it might be licensed for public worship.
They also stated that they themselves had duly qualified
in Kingston, but offered to take the oaths again, should
that be required. Their petition was read, and returned
with this short answer. " The magistrates are unani-
mously resolved to grant no license." The missionaries
therefore could do nothing but commend their people to
the grace of God. They could not advise them to attend
the parish church, for at that time there was no minister.
The church at Yallahs, in St. Davids, was about twelve
miles distant; but divine service in that day was very
rarely performed in it ; and at the time the magistrates
rejected the application of the missionaries, it may be
said with truth, that there was no public worship at all of
any sort between Kingston and Port Antonio ; a distance
of no less than eighty miles. And even at Port Antonio
itself, public worship was also a very rare occurrence.
But though the magistrates refused to grant them a
license, they embraced the opportunity of issuing their
warrant to apprehend Messrs. Campbell and Williams,
on account of the penalty of £ 100, which, according to
their interpretation of the law, they had incurred, for
HE LEAVES THE ISLAND. 63
having worshipped in a house of which they were the
occupiers. This matter had been dropped for three
months, and was now evidently revived to punish the
missionaries for having the temerity to apply to the
Quarter Sessions for license. In what followed Mr.
Williams was not disturbed, but every effort was put
forth to seize Mr. Campbell. He however got to King-
ston, to which a constable was repeatedly sent to arrest
him, but he escaped his hands. It is to be observed that
although the penalty was great, yet that was only in his
case the least part of the evil. The new law authorized
the magistrates to demand such sureties for his good
behaviour as they should think Jit ^ and also to require
them to bind themselves for such sums, as they should
choose to appoint. If therefore he had been disposed to
find sureties for such a purpose, he knew well that, as a
missionary, he could procure none, but such as the
magistrates could without any difficulty find the most
plausible pretences for rejecting. There was therefore
no alternative left, but either to subject himself to per-
petual imprisonment, or to make his escape from the
Island. He escaped accordingly, and arrived in London
on the 27th November, 1803.
After the departure of Mr. Campbell, Mr. Fish was
once more left without a colleague. The only place in
which he could labour was Kingston, and through the
restrictions of the new law his labours were necessarily
very severe. But the number of members increased,
though not with any very great rapidity. The Sunday ser-
vices were indeed well attended, as were also his regular
64 ACT OF 1802 DISALLOWED.
morning lectures, but the want of other means of grace,
and the efficient co-operation of the lay officers were pain-
fully felt. In course of the year 1804, there were but few
events which transpired to be recorded. The number
of members was about kept up, but that was all. They
were harrassed by reason of legal restraints ; but they
toiled, though in much sorrow, in the hopes that God
would undertake for them. Their only expectations,
under Him, lay in the well-known abhorence on the part
of the Sovereign, of religious persecution; and they fondly
cherished a hope, that he would be pleased to disallow
the intolerant enactment, and thus unfetter the consciences
of his loyal, but persecuted subjects. Nor were their hopes
cherished in vain. George the Third never could be a
party to the persecution of his people. The " law" in
his hands was soon consigned to the fate it deserved ; and
the heart-cheering event was announced in Jamaica, about
the end of December, through the medium of the public
papers ; from which the following documents are ex-
tracted : —
House of Assembly, Dee. \2th, 1804.
" A Message prom his Honour the Lieutenant Governor
BY HIS Secretary :
" Mr. Speaker, I am directed by the Lieut. Governor to lay
before the House, an extract of a letter from Earl Camden,
dated Downing- Street, 7th of June, 1804, together with the
draught of a Bill, which his Honour has been instructed to
propose to the House to be passed into a law."
ACT OF 1802 DISALLOWED. 65
•* Extract op a Letter from the PaoHT Honourable Earl Camden
TO Lieut. General Nugent, dated June 7th, 1804.
" Sir, I herewith transmit to you an order of his Majesty
in Council, dated April 23rd last, disallowing an Act passed
by the Legislature of the island of Jamaica, in December,
1802, entitled "An act to prevent preaching by persons
not duly qualified by law ; " and a further order of his Majesty
in Council, of the same date, to which is annexed the' draught
of a Bill on the same subject, which in compliance with the
directions contained in the said order, I am to desire you will
take an early opportunity of proposing to the Assembly to be
passed into law."
" Ordered, that the above message and the papers sent
down therewith, do lie on the table for the persual of the
members."
" House of Assemhly^ Dec. 17 tk, 1804.
" The above message and papers being referred to a Com-
mittee on the state of the Island. The House resolved itself
into such Committee, and being resumed, reported resolutions,
which were agreed to mem. con. as follows : —
" To send a message to his Honour the Lieut. Governor, to
acquaint him, that in consequence of his Honour's message of
the 12th instant, accompanied with a Report from the Board
of the Lords of Trade and Plantations to his Majesty, and an
order of his Majesty's Council thereupon ; the House have na-
turely weighed the purport of the proposition recommended to
them, to enact into a law the Bill framed by that Board, for
the prevention of unlicensed preachers in this Island, but are
of opinion, that any attempt made by that Board, or any other,
to direct or influence the proceedings of this House in matters
of internal regulation, by any previous composition or decision
66 ACT OF 1802 DISALLOWED.
on what is referred to, or under their consideration or delib-
eration, is an interference with the appropriate functions of
the House, which it is their bounden duty never to submit
to."
Such was the end of the intolerant Act of 1802. By
the gracious interposition of the Sovereign, the people
of God were again permitted to lift up their head.
Their various means of grace, of which they had been
deprived, were once more restored to them ; and they
felt a new impulse given both to their piety and loyalty,
and were laid under a new obligation to connect the
honouring of the king with the fear of God.
67
CHAPTER IV.
AiTival of the Rev. Messrs. Bradnack and Gilgrass — Departure of
Mr. Fish — Building of a Chapel in Morant Bay — Preaching in the
Parish of St. Mary — Morant Bay Chapel opened — State of the
Kingston Society — Copy of an Ordinance enacted by the Common
Coimcil of that City — Consolidated Slave law of 1807 — Imprisonment
of Mr. Gilgrass — The Chapels are shut up — Ai-rival of Rev. Messrs.
Wiggins and Johnston — Proceedings of the Kingston Coi-poration —
His Majesty disallows the new Slave Law — Mr. Johnston preaches
in Morant Bay, but soon afterwards leaves the Island — Act of 1810
— Imprisonment of Mr. Wiggins — State of the Society — Arrival and
death of Mr. Davies — Arrival of Rev. Messrs. Shipman and Burgar
— Morant Bay Chapel re-opened — Mr. Shipman obtains " License"
in Kingston.
About the same time that the disallowing of the law of
1802 was announced in Jamaica, Mr. Bradnack, who
had been employed as a missionary in the Windward
Islands arrived ; and not long afterwards he was followed
by Mr. Gilgrass. But the Mission sustained a great loss
in the removal to England of Mr, Fish. He had laboured
with remarkable diligence, prudence, and success, for the
space of thirteen years. But being worn down with toil
and anxiety, a change to his native country became
indispensably necessary. But he was thus called to leave
at a very critical period ; for although one severe storm
seemed to be blown over, yet a severer was then
gathering. The calm was but of very short duration,
and in the troubles which succeeded, the want of his
judicious counsel and mature experience, was painfully
felt; but while the history of the Wesley an Mission to Ja-
68 BUILDING OF A CHAPEL IN MORANT BAY.
maica shall be remembered, the usefulness of Mr. Fish
in connexion therewith can never be forgotton.
The brethren entered upon their work with great zeal,
and they soon found doors of usefulness opening to them
in various quarters. The hinderances being removed,
they quickly repaired to Morant Bay, and found that
the Society in general had been steadfast in their
Christian profession. After some time, the work con-
tinuing to advance, Mr. Williams generously presented
the Mission with a very eligible and valuable plot of
ground for a chapel and dwelling-house, which were
speedily commenced under the superintendence of Mr.
Bradnack. In this important undertaking he met with
much encouragement ; the people were liberal in their
contributions, and assistance was also obtained from
several benevolent persons in England towards the
same object. Those measures attracted general notice .
and before he had been twelvemonths on the station,
under his ministry and that of his colleague, there w^as
a clear addition of 200 members to that Society. They
also made another attempt at Manchioneal, and for some
time their prospects were encouraging. They met with
great kindness from several respectable coloured persons,
who resided on the Bay ; and a small society was formed,
consisting of six members. But the labourers were so
few, and Manchioneal so distant from the centre of their
operations, as that no adequate attention could be given
to it ; the work therefore dwindled away, and in a few
years there was no trace of it remaining.
About tlie same time, they also extended their labours-
PREACHING IN ST. MARY. 69
to the northern parish of St. Mary, where they had
many pleasing tokens of success. They preached at the
house of Mr. W. Clark, a local preacher, and also oc-
casionally on Job's Hill plantation ; and at both places
a number gave in their names as sincere seekers of sal-
vation, and joined the Society. They were also suc-
cessful in the formation of a small Society on Tremoles-
worth estate, in the same parish. This extensive
plantation was the property of — Shreyer, Esq., a gen-
tleman of colour, who at first granted the use of his large
hall for preaching, and afterwards fitted up a house for
that purpose. Through succeeding troubles, the mem-
bers in St. Mary became scattered, and for many years
preaching was discontinued ; but as shall be afterwards
related, the labour was not lost, and some of its fruits
remain even to this day. Thus, in 1806, the fields all
around seemed white to the harvest, and nothing ap-
peared to be wanting but more labourers. With the
exception of Port Royal, they had more or less success
in every place where they preached ; and at the end of
the year, the number of members on the Island amounted
to 832, making a total increase within that period of
upwards of 200.
It has been already mentioned, that the erection of a
chapel and dwelling-house had been commenced in
Morant Bay. A long and severe illness of Mr. Bradnack
occasioned a want of funds, and for some time the work
languished. On his recovery, he addressed himself with
much ardour to the accomplishment of this important
object, contributions were solicited and obtained, and on
70 MORANT BAY CHAPEL OPENED.
Sunday, the 26th of April, 1807, the chapel was opened
by Mr. Knowlan, who had arrived about a month
before. This edifice was a plain, or rather a rough
wooden building, destitute of ceiling, and without a
single ornament of any description whatsoever. Its
dimensions were 50 feet by 40, and was so seated as to
accommodate about 500 hearers with tolerable comfort.
There were now upon the Island two regular stations,
and three missionaries ; and their plans were so ar-
ranged, as that one remained in Kingston, another at
Morant Bay, while the third took excursions into the
country.
It gives great concern to be forced to state, that in the
course of this year many events transpired of a very un-
pleasant character. The unsuspecting missionaries
seemed to fancy themselves perfectly secure, and in some
measure to forget that they were in a community in
which its most influential members were hostile to their
labours, and most inveterate in their hatred to them-
selves. Wheresoever they went they were watched
with untiring vigilance ; and whatsoever was found in
their conduct, which could by any possibiHty be con-
strued, or tortured into evil, was done so accordingly,
and extensively circulated to their disadvantage. It
must also be acknowledged, that there were instances of
imprudence which were but too favorable to the designs
of their adversaries. It is indeed true, that not a single
crime could with truth be laid to the charge of any of
them ; and nothing they ever did, would have been re-
garded in the mother country as amounting to anything
STATE OF THE KINGSTON SOCIETY. 71
more than eccentricites, which would be readily excused
in young men full of zeal, but comparatively destitute
of experience. They did abstain from evil, but not
in all cases from the appearance of it. They had the
harmlessness of the dove, but they were defective in the
wisdom of the serpent. It is therefore quite obvious,
that under all the circumstances of the case, what was
said against them, tended very much to the injury of
that cause the good of which they had so much at
heart.
At that time also the Kingston Society was grievously
agitated by vain disputations and strife. It would have
required all the prudence and experience of Mr. Fish, to
have regulated and controlled them ; but it is needless to
say, that for such a purpose, his place was but imperfectly
supplied by the young and inexperienced brethren to
whose care the Societies were committed. The leaders'
meetings, instead of being conducted with that admirable
order and piety which had hitherto characterized them,
sometimes exhibited scenes of confusion and quarrelling.
They were often kept up until a late hour, while num-
bers of their adversaries were standing outside, atten-
tively listening to all that passed, and eager to lay hold
on every expression which might by any means be
made to serve their purposes. At last a list of foolish
and frivolous charges were got up by a small party
against one of the missionaries ; and he, at the first op-
portunity, read their names from the pulpit, declaring
them to be no longer members of the Society. But as
7f2 INTERNAL AGITATIONS.
some of them, who were thus aggrieved, were persons of
influence, they resolved to have satisfaction in their turn ;
and the next time he went intending to preach, they
placed themselves at the foot of the pulpit steps and
actually refused him admission.
This disagreeable state of things was soon checked, but
in a manner the most painful and afflictive. God, in his
wise providence, suffered his enemies to coiTect his church;
and though the remedy was sharp, yet by his blessing it
was rendered in the end most salutary and effectual. It
may be easily conceived, that the disallowing of the law
in 1802, was productive of much mortification and disap-
pointment ; and that it was very unlikely that the failure
of one speculation, would discourage those who had
embarked in it from making other attempts of the same
kind. Long therefore before the disputes in Kingston
began, (for they were only very recent) the enemies of
the Mission w^ere busily employed in concocting other
measures to effect their purpose. This accounts for the
external peace Avhich had been experienced for about
eighteen months. It was only a deceitful calm, and the
clouds were secretly gathering for a more furious stomi
than ever. About the middle of the year, the mission-
aries received warning of what was about to take place.
They were informed that the Common Council of King-
ston had it in contemplation to enact a bye law, the
operation of which would materially abridge their privi-
leges, and militate against their usefuhiess. They there-
fore presented a respectful petition against its being
enacted; but though their petition was read, it was utterly
COMMON COUNCIL OF KINGSTON. 73
disregarded, and on the 15th of June, 1807, the fol-
lowing ordinance became law in Kingston : —
" Whereas it is not only highly incumbent npon, but the
first and most serious duty of all magistrates and bodies poli-
tic, to uphold and encourage the due, proper, and solemn
exercise of religion and worshipping of God. And whereas
nothing can tend more to bring true devotion and the practice
of religion into disrepute, than the j^retended preachings
teaching, and expounding the word of God, as contained in the
Holy Scriptures, by uneducated, illiterate persons, and false
enthusiasts. And whereas the practice of such pretended
preaching, teaching and expounding the Holy Scriptures, by
such descriptions of persons as aforesaid, to large numbers of
persons of colour, and negroes of free condition, and slaves,
assembled together in houses, negro-houses, huts, and the
yards thereunto appertaining, and also in divers lands and by-
places within this city and parish, hath increased to an alarm-
ing degree ; and during such pretended preaching, teaching
and expounding, and pretended worshipping of God, divers
indecent and unseemly noises, gesticulations, and behaviour,
often are used and take place, to the great annoyance of the
neighbours, and to the disrepute of religion itself, and also to
the great detriment of slaves, who are induced by divers
artifices and pretences of the said pretended preachers to at-
tend their said irregular assemblies, whereby such slaves are
continually kept and detained from their owners necessary
employ and business and, in some instances, the minds of
slaves have been so operated upon, and afi'ected, by the fana-
ticism of the aforesaid descriptions of persons, as to become
actually deranged : Be it therefore enacted and ordained by
the Common Council of the city and parish of Kingston (the
74 INTOLERANT ORDINANCE,
Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council-men of the city and
parish (or a competent and legal number or quorum of them
being in Common Council assembled) ; and it is hereby enacted
and ordained by the authority of the same, that from and after
the first day of July next, no person not being duly authorized,
qualified, and permitted, as is directed by the laws of this
Island, and of Great Britain, and in the place mentioned in
such license, shall, under pretence of being a minister of re-
ligion of any sect or denomination, or being a teacher, or ex-
pounder of the Gospel, or other parts of the Holy Scriptures,
presume to preach, or teach, or ofi*er up public prayer, or sing
psalms, in any meeting or assembly of negroes, or persons of
colour, within this city and parish ; and in case any person
shall in any wise off'end herein, every such person, if a white
person, shall suffer such punishment by fine not exceeding one
hundred pounds, or by imprisonment in the common gaol, for
any space not exceeding three months, or both ; or if a free
person of colour, or free black, by fine not exceeding one
hundred pounds, or imprisonment in the workhouse for a
space of time not exceeding three months, or both ; or if a
slave, by imprisonment and hard labour in the workhouse, for
a space not exceeding six months, or by whipping, not ex-
ceeding thirty-nine stripes, or both ; as shall be in those cases
respectively adjudged.
" And be it further enacted and ordained by the authority
aforesaid, that no person or persons whatsoever, being so as
aforesaid licensed or permitted, shall use public worship in
any of the places within this city and parish, Avhich may be
licensed as aforesaid, earlier than the hour of six o'clock in the
morning, or later than sunset in the evening, under the penalty
of such punishment by fine, not exceeding one hundred pounds,
or by imprisonment in the common gaol, not exceeding the
ITS CONSEQUENCES. 75
space of three months, or both ; as shall in that respect be
adjudged.
" And be it further enacted and ordained by the authority
aforesaid, that from and after the first day of July next, in
case any owner, possessor, or occupier of any house, out-
house, yard, or other place whatsoever, shall permit any
meeting of any description of persons, for the purpose of
hearing, or joining in any such pretended preaching, teaching,
praying, or singing of psalms as aforesaid, such owner, occu-
pier, or possessor, being a white person shall incur, and suffer
such punishment by fine, not exceeding one hundred pounds,
or by imprisonment in the common gaol, not exceeding three
months, or both ; or if a person of colour, or black of free
condition, by fine not exceeding one hundred pounds, or by
confinement in the workhouse for any space not exceeding
three months, or both ; or if a slave, by confinement and hard
labour in the workhouse for any space not exceeding six
months, or by whipping not exceeding thirty-nine stripes, or
both ; as in these respective cases shall be adjudged."
It cannot be denied, but that some of the evils
complained of in the preamble of this most intolerant
enactment did exist, although not to any great extent.
But the persons who practised such extravagancies were
not under the care of the missionaries, nor had any con-
nexion with them. But this law certainly increased the
evils which it professed to deprecate and to remedy. Its
restrictions amounted almost to a total prohibition of the
slaves being rehgiously instructed by persons who were
competent to that work. Hence many took to themselves
the liberty which was denied them by the Common
76 CONSOLIDATED SLAVE-LAW OF 1807.
Council, and attended to doctrines very different, both in
their nature and effects, from those taught by the mis-
sionaries. Many of them practised a rude mixture of
Christianity and paganism, and wild extravagancies
certainly became more common. This was only what
might have been expected, and was not traceable to the
missionaries, but to those who opposed them; and in
particular to the ridiculous, but persecuting enactment
just transcribed. One can hardly forbear remarking,
that it would be rather amusing to see the present cor-
poration of Kingston perusing this document. It is
composed • of gentlemen of a very different description
from what fonnerly belonged to it : and it certainly would
cause a contemptuous smile on their part, to read over
this wonderful piece of municipal legislation, the offspring
of the ignorance and bigotry of their predecessors.
But the ordinance of the Common Council, was only
the precursor of another law, still more intolerant in its
principles and extensive in its operation, as well as dis-
asterous in its consequences. In the month of October
the Legislature was called together as usual by General
Sir Eyre Coote, then the Lieutenant Governor ; and at
that Session the various laws for the government of slaves
were consolidated, of which the two first clauses, which
were then newly enacted, are as follow : —
" Whereas, it is for the public good, that all the laws re-
specting the order and government of slaves should be conso-
lidated and brought into one law : may it please your Majesty
that it may be enacted : be it therefore enacted by the Lieu-
CONSOLIDATED SLAVE-LAW OF 1807. 77
tenant Governor, Council, and Assembly of this your Majesty's
island of Jamaica, That from and after the commencement of
this Act, all masters and mistresses, owners, or, in their
absence, overseers of slaves, shall, as much as in them lies,
endeavour the instruction of their slaves in the j^rinciples of the
Christian religion, whereby to facilitate their conversion ; and
shall do their utmost endeavours to fit them for baptism, and
as soon as conveniently can, cause to be baptized all such as
they can make^sensible of a Deity and the Christian faith ;
" II. Provided nevertheless, that the instructions of such
slaves shall be confined to the doctrines of the Established
Church of this Island ; and that no Methodist missionary, or
other sectary, or preacher, shall presume to instruct our slaves,
or to receive them into their houses, chapels, or conventicle^,
of any sort or description, under the penalty of twenty poundsT"
proved to have been there, and to be recovered in a summary
manner before any three justices of the peace ; who, or the
majority of whom, are hereby authorized and empowered to
issue their warrant for the recovery of the same ; and on re-
fusal of payment to commit the offender, or offenders, to the
county gaol until payment of the said fine or fines ; which shall
be paid over to the churchwardens of the parish where the
offence shall be committed, for the benefit of the poor of such
parish."
On an attentive perusal of the above clauses, the
reader may easily discover the mean artifice which was
resorted to on the part of those who framed them. They
clearly saw, that under such a sovereign as George the
Third, no law would be allowed, which as a whole, was
intended to abridge the religious liberty of his ])eople.
They therefore embodied the aforesaid clauses into a law
2,^i«Xu
78 ARRIVAL OF MR. FIRTH.
or rather code of laws whicli had no natural connexion
with the subject. But this code contained many improve-
ments, and it was thought that all those would not be cast
aside for the sake of the proviso in the second clause.
It was also introduced with the show of ardent zeal for
the instruction of the negroes ; and especially that they
might be trained up to the communion of the Established
Church. But it is remarkable that those who were
capable of so much tact, should yet be so ignorant as not
to know, that every one might perceive that this zeal for
the conversion of the slaves was only mere pretence.
There are no specific duties they inculcate, no rules pre-
scribed, in order to accomplish that object ; and besides,
it is a perfect burlesque upon legislation, a mere solecism,
a law without a penalty to enforce it. But the second
clause is specific enough, and in it the penalty is not
forgotten. It was nothing less than an attempt to crush
the missionaries, and to prevent the slaves receiving any
religious instruction whatsoever.
While this law was under the consideration of the Le-
gislature, a disgraceful event occurred in Kingston under
the " ordinance" lately passed by the Commotn Council.
The missionaries had been in the habit of occasionally
meeting some of their people between the hours of five
and six in the evening, for the purpose of instructing
them in psalmody. On the evening of the 20th November,
Mr, Firth, a missionary who had just arrived, introduced
a new tune to which they listened a little longer than
usual. At a quarter past six, the master of police,
attended by a magistrate and some of the night guard.
IMPRISONMENT OF MR. GILGRASS. 79
entered the house, and apprehending Messrs. Gilgrass and
Knowlan, were ahout to conduct them to the " cage ;"
when, on their calling for their hats, they agreed to let
them remain, on the condition of engaging to meet them
the following morning at the Court-house. It is per-
fectly plain, that all the movements of the missionaries
had been carefully watched for the purpose of finding
occasion against them. In this case it is to be observed,
that the sun sets in Jamaica, in November, about half-
past five ; the police office was a third of a mile from the
chapel ; yet a police officer, a magistrate, and part of the
night guard were all marshalled and equipped, as if to put
down some alarming riot, and got to the chapel-house ex-
actly at a quarter past six o'clock. Had there been any
thing alarming, there would have been less promptitude.
But they knew that they might make a show of danger,
without the least fear of it ; and that they might display
as much courage as they desired against men, whose sole
object it was to do good to their fellow creatures, and to
live peaceably with all.
For a few days the matter was allowed to drop, but on
the 26th, Mr. Gilgrass received a summons to appear at
the Court-house, and answer to the charge of violating
the " ordinance" lately enacted. According to the sum-
mons, he appeared on the 30th, and having hQewfotmd
guilty of the crime of singing a hymn tune after sunset,
in his own house, he was actually sentenced to im-
prisonment in the common gaol, for the space of one
calendar month. Mr. Knowlan was then in a state of
ill-health, and on that account his share in the offence
80 AURTVAL OF MESSRS. WIGGINS AND JOHNSTON.
was passed over ; and after Mr. Gilgi-ass had lain in gaol
about a fortnight, the remainder of his punishment Avas
remitted.
After Mr. Gilgrass had been thus liberated from prison,
the new slave-law came in force ; and the magistrates,
armed with the power invested by its second clause, sum-
moned all the missionaries to appear before them, and de-
demanded their authority for preaching. They urged their
qualifications as licensed ministers by the laws of Eng-
land; but this plea was of course disregarded. They then
applied for license from their worships, but the answer was
" Indeed you shall have none." A short time before
this, the magistrates at Morant Bay^ acted in a similar
manner ; and thus, in the end of 1807, both the chapels
were violently shut up against the worshippers of God.
Papists and Jews had as much liberty as they could
desire, but his Majesty's loyal Protestant subjects, could
only " hang their harps on the willows and weep while
they remembered Zion."
At the Quarter Sessions, which were held in Kingston
in January, 1808, Mr. Wiggins, a missionary who had
just arrived, applied for license. As usual, he produced
his credentials received in England, but they were dis-
regarded, and his application was sternly rejected. Mr.
George Johnston, a missionary of great prudence, and
who had laboured for a few years in the Windward
Islands was sent to superintend the mission, under its
then very painful circumstances. But although he
brought letters of recommendation from gentlemen of
the highest respectability in those Colonies, yet he was
PROCEEDINGS IN KINGSTON. 81
unsuccessful. On his arrival, Messrs. Bradnack, Gil-
grass, and Knowlan left the Island.
It cannot be doubted but that many fears were enter-
tained on the part of the colonists, that the intolerant law
of 1807 would ultimately share the fate of its predecessor
of 1802. Plans were therefore concerted in Kingston to
effect a general organization throughout the Island, for
the purpose of extirpating the only hated sect which
the power of the Legislature, the frowns of the Bench,
and moreover bonds and imprisonment, could not anni-
hilate. For this purpose Mr. Bradnack had undergone
several examinations towards the close of the last year.
His answers were carefully taken down; and a com-
mittee, who were appointed, drew up a Report, which
they pretended was fully borne out by what had been
elicited during such examinations. The whole of this
document is too long for insertion, but the following
passages are extracted, and submitted to the attention of
the reader : —
" That it appears by the examination of Isaac Bradnack,
hereunto annexed, that he is the principal of a set of ministers
in this Island, sent out by a Society in England called Me-
thodists of the Wesleyan connexion.
" That these ministers have been in the habit of preaching
to persons of colour indiscriminately ; of extending their con-
nexion by societies all over the Island; and that such
ministers, preachers, and societies, hold themselves amenable
to the body of Wesleyan ministers in Great Britain.
" That such ministers, or preache/s, have entered upon and
continued their functions, without license from the magistracy,
G
82 REPORT OF A COMMITTEE.
and generally assert their right to do so, even in despite of
the laws, and express regulation of the police.
" That it appears from said examination, that such minis-
ters, or preachers, are forbid to hold slaves in their own right,
or to intermarry with any woman having slaves to her be-
longing, who shall not previously have emancipated them by
all lawful means.
" That it appears to the Committee, the introduction of a
class of clergy to preach the gospel so qualified, is repugnant
to the constitution and established laws of the Island in this
respect, and should be discountenanced.
" That there is too much reason to believe universal eman-
cipation is the object of the Wesleyan Methodists and their
preachers, rather than the propagation of the gospel.
" That the conduct of these persons calling themselves
Methodists and ministers of the gospel appears to your Com-
mittee not only to have been scandalous and indecent in the
performance even of their religious functions, but unseemly,
intemperate, and even threatening before the magistrates.
" That from an enquiry which your Committee has made,
and particularly from documents annexed to this Report,
whose authority is undoubted, the said preachers are in the
habit of maintaining intimacies and correspondence degrading
to their labour, (according to the established opinion here), not
to say to the sacred character to which they pretend ; and
that they are so far from proper pretensions to such sacred
character, that they appear in some instances to be taken from
handicraft trades ; and that the principal himself, before
mentioned, appears by his correspondence, not to have even
received the rudiments of a common education.
"Your Committee, therefore, upon the whole, take the
liberty to recommend a communication with the different
VINDICATION OF THE MISSIONARIES. 83
parishes in this Island, in order that the organization of a
most wicked system, which appears to have commenced, may
be stopped before it is too late,"
The above extracts constitute the greater part of the
Report, and contain all the charges preferred against the
missionaries. It is indeed freely admitted, that the
Wesleyan Methodists disapproved of Colonial Slavery;
and that their ministers in the West Indies, wore not
allowed to become the proprietors of slaves. But it was
at the same time imperatively laid upon them to exhort
all in that state to be " obedient to their masters ;" and
no evidence whatsoever is produced, of their teaching
any doctrines at variance with that principle. It cannot
be doubted, but that if their ever-vigilant adversaries had
been able to prove any act of insubordination against them,
or that anything which they taught was designed, or cal-
culated to lead to it, it would have been done accordingly,
and publicly proclaimed to their disparagement. But with
the exception of general and unsupported charges, and
vague insinuations, we find nothing of any consequence
alleged against them. It is true, that they did "main-
tain intimacies and correspondence" with some, which,
" according to the established opinion," might be con-
sidered as degrading. But in this respect, let their
conductbetriedby a better standard than the " established
opinion" of Jamaica, and what is here brought forward
to their disgrace, will prove a noble testimony to their
honour ; so that on the whole, it may be safely affirmed,
that the character of the missionaries came forth from
the fiery ordeal of those inquisitorial investigations totally
84 COMMON COUNCIL OF KINGSTON IN 1808.
unscathed. It has been aheady admitted, that as young
men they did fall into some indiscretions ; but into none
which could affect their reputation as Christians, or war-
rant those unfounded jealousies which were manifested
by persecuting laws, and the exercise of tyrannical power.
It is not, however, probable that they made any great
pretensions to extensive scholarship ; and of their want
of learning the Report complains most bitterly. But in
this case who were their judges ? Why a Committee of
the Common Council of Kingston in 1808 .' / This is too
bad! It can hardly be thought of with gravity. The
gentlemen composing the Common Council of Kingston
of that day, were in no respect more learned than the
magistrates and gentry of a neighbouring parish, who
were in the habit of meeting at that very time once a
month at the Court-house, for " the discussion of difficult
subjects /" and one of the most difficult (as was confessed
by a magistrate who took part in its discussion,) was
the momentous question, " Whether London or Bristol
tripe were entitled to the prefer ence^ The question
appeared to be involved in much perplexity, and the
disputants could not settle it. At last, however, though
after much discussion, it was resolved, " That the Bristol
tripe was fatter than that from London."
But though it may be allowed, that the missionaries
had no claims to any very extensive classical or literary
qualifications ; yet it is also to be observed, that even in
respect of learning, they were able to bear a comparison
with many of their neighbours. There were indeed ex-
ceptions ; but not a few of the clergy of the Jamaica
FRUITLESS EFFORTS. 85
establishment were quite as uneducated as the men who
were thus treated with contempt.
But to return to our narrative. The chapels having
been both shut up, the missionaries were some time after-
wards induced to lay their case before the Lieutenant
Governor, Sir Eyre Coote ; but little could be expected
from a man, compared with whom, even the white in-
habitants of Jamaica were almost angels. On the
failure of this, they did not make any other attempt
until the 4th of May in the following year. They
then presented a petition by counsel to the Kingston
Quarter Sessions ; but it must be admitted, that had the
magistrates been disposed to allow them permission to
preach, it could only have been to free persons, not to
slaves. But in fact there was no disposition ; for the
petition was not only rejected, but an order was given
from the Bench, requiring all concerned to carry the re-
strictive city " ordinance" into full and complete effect.
Thus their last hopes were blasted, and they could only
look up to God and the king for the removal of those
restrictions which prohibited the exercise of their ministry,
and denied to their people all access to the sanctuary of
God.
In the meantime their friends at home were not un-
mindful of their most trying and oppressive circum-
stances. Dr. Coke, and the other members of the
" Committee of Privileges" appointed by the Conference,
were constantly watching for the arrival of the new law.
But it was kept long on the Island, in the vain hope
that the missionaries, harrassed by its restrictions and
86 SLAVE-LAW DISALLOWED.
worn out by disappointment, might be forced to abandon
their rough, but not unfruitful field of labour. Applica-
tion was made at the Colonial Office in March, 1808,
but no such law had then arrived. A similar answer
was returned in April, and even so late as August, " the
same silence prevailed." But during that time the Com-
mittee presented a Memorial to his Majesty, humbly
praying, that whenever the law might be laid before him,
he would be graciously pleased to disallow it. Some
time afterwards, the three denominations of Protestant
Dissenters also sent a Memorial to the Lords of Trade
and Plantations, praying for their interference for the
same end. But months passed away after the presenta-
tion of the former, before anything was heard on the
subject. But at last Dr. Coke received the following
note, written by Earl Bathurst, on the 26th of May,
1809, announcing his Majesty's decision : —
" Lord Bathurst presents his comphments to Dr. Coke,
and acquaints him that the late Act passed in Jamaica, in
November, 1807, ' For the protection, clothing, and for the
better order and government of slaves, and for other pur-
poses,' was this day disallowed by his Majesty in Council."
Thus another artful attempt to destroy the religious
liberties of the people was frustrated by the paternal in-
terference of the Sovereign. Such instances of justice
on the part of George the Third, entitled him to the
gratitude of all classes of his subjects, and will cause his
name to go down to posterity, loved and honoured, while
PREACHING AT MORANT BAY. 87
the virtues of a pious and patriotic monarch shall be duly-
appreciated and esteemed amongst mankind.
The tidings of this important decision were publicly
announced in Jamaica in the month of August follow-
ing ; and as there was no law to prevent their preaching^
Messrs. Johnston and Wiggins applied to the Town
Council in Kingston to re-open the chapel, engaging
at the same time to confine their services within the
hours prescribed by the City Ordinance. Their petition
was read, on which they came to the following brief re-
solution, which was entered upon their minutes, viz. —
" Resolved, That the prayer of this petition be, and it
is hereby denied." Thus, whether under colour of
law or not, the Kingston Council were determined
that the coloured and black population should not have
the privilege of sitting under the ministry of the gospel.
But although they were thus rejected in Kingston, it
affords great pleasure to say that they were successful in
Morant Bay. The principal instigator of the opposition
having been removed by death, there were a few gentle-
men of intelligence who befriended the missionaries,
although, the great majority of the magistrates were still
hostile. Through the influence of their friends they
were allowed to qualify at the Quarter Sessions ; and in
July, 1810, Mr. Johnston went to Morant Bay, where
he laboured for thirteen weeks with great success. The
long and powerful opposition had not only taught the
members to appreciate the value of Christian ordinances,
but was also overruled, so as to produce in the minds
of the slaves a more earnest desire than ever to hear the
88 SESSION or the legislature in 1810.
words of eternal life. They therefore flocked to the
chapel from surrounding estates ; and during the time
of his residence there, upwards of one hundred were
added to the Society. On the removal of Mr. Johnston
to Kingston, he was succeeded by Mr. Wiggins, who
continued to labour until an event transpired which once
more placed both the circuits* in the same circum-
stances as they had been, under the operation of the
slave law, which his Majesty had disallowed.
It has been related in what manner the magistrates of
Kingston proposed to the other parishes to unite, for the
purpose of arresting the progress of what they were
pleased to denominate, a " most wicked system ;" and
hence another legislative attempt was made during the
Session of 1810, to effect that object, and another re-
strictive law was passed accordingly, and sanctioned by
the Duke of Manchester, then the Governor of the
Island. It was entitled, " An Act to prevent preaching
and teaching by persons not duly qualified, and to re-
strain such meetings of a dangerous nature, on pretence of
preaching and teaching." This law, to which his Grace
consented on the 14th of November, differed in several
respects from its unfortunate predecessors ; and in par-
ticular, it was only to continue in force until December,
1811 ; so that before the opinion of the Sovereign could
be announced, it would be about expiring. Its framers,
* A " Circuit," in the language of Methodism, embraces such con-
tiguous stations as are placed under the superintendence of one
minister ; but two or more ministers are generally appointed to the
same Circuit. On the Foreign ^Missions the term is sometimes ap-
plied to solitary stations, but such stations arc very fcAv.
ACT OF 1810. 89
however, knew that it would secure, at least, another
year's opposition ; and in their estimation that was an
important point, and might perhaps settle the whole
business.
As the Act of 1810 is too long for insertion, we shall
only transcribe a few of its clauses, that the reader may
be able to form an opinion of its nature and tendency.
In the commencement, it is provided, that no person
shall be allowed to " preach to persons of colour and
negroes, unless he shall first qualify himself for that pur-
pose in the Supreme Court by taking the oaths of allegi-
ance and supremacy, &c. ;" but by the second clause it is
enacted, —
" That no person shall be admitted to take the said oaths,
and make and subscribe the said declarations for the above
purpose, who shall not appear to the judges of the said Court,
to be a fit and proper person to perform the office of preacher,
or teacher, to a meeting or assembly of persons of colour or
negroes. ""
By the fourth clause it is enacted, —
" That every person intending to make application at the
Supreme Court, for permission to qualify himself to preach
and teach as aforesaid, shall give notice of such intention in
the Royal Gazette, the Gazette of St. Jago de la Vega, and
Cornwall Chronicle, for four successive weeks, at least, pre-
vious to the meeting of the Court at which he means to make
application : and also that every person intending to give into
the Supreme Court a notification of a house, or place, meant
to be used for preaching or teaching as aforesaid, shall give
90 CLAUSES IN THE NEW LAW.
notice of such intention in the Royal Gazette, the Gazette of
St. Jago de la Vega, and Cornwall Chronicle, for four suc-
cessive weeks at least, previous to the meeting of the Court
at which such notification is intended to be given ; and that
the said Supreme Court shall appoint a convenient day during
the first week of each sitting, for hearing and deciding on
every such application or notification."
It is provided by the eighth clause, —
" That if on complaint made to the Supreme Court, and
after hearing the parties and examination of witnesses on oath
on both sides, it shall appear to such Court, that any person
so qualified as aforesaid, is not fit to perform the functions of
a preacher, or teacher, in such meetings or assemblies of per-
sons of colour or negroes ; or that such person has miscon-
ducted himself as a preacher or teacher, or has attempted to
inculcate or disseminate principles subversive of the peace and
good order of society, then it shall be lawful for the judges of
the said Court, to declare such qualification of such preacher
or teacher, to be from that time null and void to all intents
and purposes whatsoever."
By the ninth clause it is provided, —
" That in all cases where the Supreme Court shall refuse
to admit any person to qualify himself, by taking the oaths
and making and subscribing the declarations as aforesaid, it
shall be lawful for the party grieved, to appeal to the Governor
and Council, who upon hearing the parties, and examination
of witnesses on both sides on oath in a summary way, shall
make such order therein as to them shall seem proper, which
order shall be final."
These extracts will be sufficient to srive the reader an
THE CHAPEL OCCUPIED BY THE FREE SCHOOL. 91
idea of this Act. The other clauses are principally for
the purpose of regulating the hours of worship, for pre-
scribing penalties, costs, &c. It will be easily perceived,
that there was no intention whatsoever, on the part of
the Legislature, that the missionaries should be allowed
to preach. Had the Chief Justice been disposed to
admit them to qualify, there was every probability of his
being out- voted on the Bench, as before, by the assistant
judges ; and an appeal from their decision to the Gover-
nor and Council would not, in that day, have afforded
any relief at all. It seems, however, to have been the
intention of Mr. Wiggins to make the experiment, but
the magistrates of Morant Bay (the majority of whom,
as has been observed, were still unfriendly) employed
Mr. Hinchcliffe, the most eminent counsellor then on the
Island, to oppose him. Thus all attempts Avere fruitless,
and the people of God could only apply to the throne of
grace, to be relieved from the tyranny of the oppressor.
Although the corporation of Kingston had for several
years manifested the most inveterate hostility to the mis-
sion ; yet, at the very time they were consulting with
counsel to oppose the missionaries in the Supreme Court,
they had the effrontery to ask for the use of the chapel,
for the temporary accommodation of the free school.
This request was however readily complied with, and the
premises were so occupied from October, 1811, until the
following August.
As the Act of 181 0 expired at the close of the following
year, and as no other had been brought before the Le-
gislature, Mr. Wiggins resolved to open the chapel, on
92 IMPRISONMENT OF MR. WIGGINS.
the removal of the free school * And on Sunday the
26th of August, he preached twice to large congregations,
but within the hours prescribed by the city ordinance.
Between the two services, one of the town- guard called
at the chapel-house, and being introduced to him, said,
" Sir, the police officer has desired me to warn you not
to preach in the afternoon, at your peril." He repHed,
'^ Sir, tell the police officer, that the people will come in
the afternoon, and that I shall preach if spared ; because
there is no law of the Imperial Parliament, or of this
Island, to prevent me." The congregation in the after-
noon consisted of nearly 1000 persons, whose behaviour
shewed that they had learned the value of a preached
gospel, and felt its poAver. He preached to them with
great comfort, and nothing remarkable transpired until
the next morning, when two constables called at his
house with a summons for his appearance before the sit-
ting magistrates. From the beginning he fully anticipated
the issue, and took the precaution of placing a family
in the house to guard the premises during his absence.
His trial lasted about two hours, but he was not allowed
to speak for himself without almost perpetual interrup-
tion. The mind of the magistrates was made up ; and
although there was not the shadow of a law against him,
he was nevertheless sentenced to imprisonment in the
common gaol, for the space of one calendar month.
During the period of his imprisonment many inftimous
* The Governor had received orders to pass no law restrictive of
religious worship, unless it contained a clause suspending its operation
until his Majesty's pleasure shoidd be annoimced. The assembly re-
fused to legislate while such an order was in force.
NEW SOCIETIES FORMED. 93
attempts were made to blast his character, and to effect
his expulsion from the Island. Amongst others, two
abominable letters were basely fabricated, in order to
make it appear that he was forming a conspiracy to
murder the magistrates, and others who were hostile to
his designs, and in particular to accomplish the emanci-
pation of the slaves. Accounts of such fearful documents
were published in the daily papers, but no pretended
extract from the said letters ever made its appearance.
In the meantime his imprisonment was very rigorous.
His friends were not permitted to visit him, and all the
indulgence in that way that was allowed, was the atten-
dance of a faithful negro man -servant, who shared his
sorrows and endeavoured to alleviate them as far as was
possible.*
It must not be supposed that though the state of the
Mission was most distressing, the work of God was
standing still. Mr. Wiggins had been in the habit of
visiting a small society in St. Thomas in the Vale, which
had been formed a few years before ; and as he was
allowed to preach, the members increased both in grace
and number. He was also instrum^ental in forming a
Society in Spanish ToAvn, a work which had been re-
peatedly attempted by his predecessors, but in which
. * The name of the excellent negro who attended on Mr. Wiggins,
was Thomas Wallace. He was then a slave, but hu-ed at a certain
weekly sum from his owner. He continued to reside with Mr. Wig-
gins, until the latter left the Island in 1818. At that time a number
of the members in Kingston, united in a pecuniary contribution, to
present him with a token of their respect and affection. It amounted
to a handsome sum, but the generous and disinterested missionary
refused to accept it for himself, but it afforded him the means of per-
forming an act which ought not to be iimioticed. He purchased there-
with his faithful domestic, and Thomas Wallace became a free man.
94 GREAT INCREASE OF MEMBERS.
they were not successful. It is true in those places, it
was but "the day of small things;" but there was already
much to excite gratitude, and to encourage those hopes
which have since been so delightfully realized. He also
paid frequent visits to Morant Bay, and although he was
not peimitted to preach, he visited the members in their
own houses, or met with them in small companies, ex-
horting them to continue in the grace of God. In
Kingston the increase of members was far beyond any
thing the Island had ever witnessed before. The chapel
was indeed closed against the worship of God, but small
meetings for prayer were held in almost every street and
lane of the city. The imprisonment of Mr. Wiggins
especially, " turned out for the furtherance of the gospel."
The members actually, like the believers at Rome,
" waxed bold through his bonds." The classes were regu-
larly met by their respective leaders ; the leaders' meet-
ings were held every week at the chapel-house ; and the
blessing of the Lord was evidently upon them. The state
of the Society in the city may be learned from a short
extract of a letter from Mr. Wiggins, dated April 4th,
1813, and addressed to the Missionary Committee in
London. He says, "in October, 1811, when the care
of the Society devolved upon me, the number therein
was about 560, which has increased since that time to
1723; and the people's growth in genuine piety and
holy zeal, is I think in proportion to their number. We
have upwards of fifty prayer-meetings, in which we sing
as well as pray ; notwithstanding w^e are not yet suf-
fered to preach in our chapel. However we feel that
MR. DAVIES IS PERMITTED TO PREACH. 95
God is with us, consequently things must] do well."
Thus did the word of the Lord run, and was glorified,
and all the efforts of the magistrates and police, to
eradicate the obnoxious sect, amounted to nothing better
than " beating the air."
Such was the state of the work in Jamaica, when, in
the beginning of 1814, Mr. John Davies was sent out to
the assistance of Mr. Wiggins. After a tedious passage
he safely arrived in Kingston, and embraced the earliest
opportunity of waiting upon the mayor and several other
members of the corporation, whom he acquainted with
his designs. Though few of them promised their sup-
port, yet they all received him with such politeness as to
encourage the hope of success.
On the 13th of May the members of the Society agreed
to implore the special blessing of God, by fasting and
prayer, that he might be pleased to open the way of his
servant for administering the word of life. The Quarter
Sessions sat on the 17th ; and a few respectable magis-
trates, who had become decidedly favourable, took their
seats on the Bench. Mr. Davis appeared, and presented
his credentials, and a majority being in his favour he
was allowed to qualify. The principal persons who be-
friended him were the Honourable George Kinahorn,
the Gustos of the parish and mayor of Kingston, also
Robert Smith, Esq., one of the city corporation, and
John McLelland and William Savage, Esqrs., two of his
Majesty's justices of the peace. For the kindness mani-
fested by those gentlemen, both Mr. Davies and the
Kingston Society, felt themselves to be deeply indebted.
96 DEATH OF MR. DAVIES.
The decision at the -Qviarter Sessions diffused joy and
gladness through the hearts of thousands ; and of those,
many who were hungering for the bread of Hfe, wxre
impatient to go up to the house of the Lord. But before
it coukl be opened it had to undergo several necessary
repairs : those being finished, on Sunday, the 8rd of
July, the people of God again repaired to their holy
solemnities, and once more the chapel echoed with the
voice of joy and thanksgiving. It was indeed a day
which called for gratitude and praise. For nearly seven
years they had been deprived of their privileges ; and
though they knew they had many powerful adversaries,
they felt they were under the protection of the magis-
trates ; and looked forward to many happy Sabbaths, in
w^hich the house of God would be no longer closed
against the services of his people.
But how short sighted is man ; and how unsearchable
are the ways of God ! Mr. Davies had scarcely entered
upon his labours, when he was taken to an early rest.
In little more than three short months, this promising
young minister sickened and died. On the 8th of Octo-
ber he was seized with yellow fever, and on the loth
he departed in great peace, joyfully declaring that
" heaven was his." Mr. Wiggins, and the bereaved
Society, by this event were plunged into the most in-
expressible sorrow. The shock was both sudden and
severe. Their fondest hopes were blasted in a moment.
Their beloved pastor they had no doubt was happy with
the Lord, but to what could they look forward, but to
Sabbaths without public ordinances, and to their temple
A PAINFUL DISAPPOINTMENT. 97
which they would not be permitted to approach. But it
was the Lord's doing, and they bowed submissive to his
will ; trusting that even that dark dispensation of his
Providence, would ultimately conduce to the benefit of
his church.
About five weeks after the death of Mr. Davies, the
hopes of the people of Kingston were once more elevated,
and their hearts gladdened by the arrival of Mr. and
Mrs. Shipman. Shortly after their landing, they learned
for the first time that their predecessor was no more,
and that the people he left, were again deprived of the
means of grace. On coming to Kingston, he was in-
formed that the Quarter Sessions had just finished, and
consequently would not sit again until the month of Feb-
ruary. He therefore lost no time in drawing up a
petition to the Common Council, praying for permission
to open the chapel, until he might be able to qualify, as
(what was thought) the law required. But though he
was received with great courtesy, and several gentlemen
expressed themselves as being decidedly friendly, yet it
was not thought expedient to grant permission, until he
should be authorized by the Quarter Sessions. In the
meantime he and his friends Avere adopting every mea-
sure which prudence could dictate ; and very sanguine
hopes of success were cherished. But, alas ! a great
majority of the magistrates were still hostile to the Mis-
sion ; and those constituting the greater number on the
Bench in February, the application of Mr. Shipman was
rejected.
It was about this time that Mr. and Mrs. Burgar ar-
il
98 SUCCESS AT MO RANT BAY.
rived, who had the pain of witnessing the harrassing-
restrictions under which the Societies were still suffering.
But as the way was open in Spanish Toaaqi, they w^ent
thither, until it should please God to remove the hin-
drances at Morant Bay.
In the meanwhile the circumstances of the missionaries
were exceedingly trying. The only places in which they
were allowed to preach, were Spanish Town and St.
Thomas in the Vale. Those small Societies then as-
sembled in dwelling-houses, which could accommodate
but few hearers, w^hile the two chapels of Kingston and
Morant Bay continued shut up. In the month of July,
1815, Mr. Burgar applied for license at the latter of
those places, but was sternly repulsed; and in a few
weeks afterwards Mr. Shipman made another attempt m
Kingston, but with no better success. Thus theii- pros-
pects appeared to be still as dark and cheerless as ever.
On the disappointment of Mr. Burgar at Morant Bay,
he returned to Spanish Town ; but as the other was his
intended field of labour, he renewed his application at
the Quarter Sessions in October, and was successful.
This was principally owing to the friendly offices of
Thomas Thomson and Stewart West, Esqrs., two of the
magistrates ; while the Hon. Peter Robertson, the Gus-
tos, though scarcely favourable, manifested no opposition.
Thus was Mr Burgar honoured as the instrument of re-
opening the chapel at Morant Bay, after it had been
shut up (with the exception of one or two short inter-
vals) for between seven and eight years; and thus
where magisterial opposition first began, there also it
A FALSE ALARM. 99
first terminated. From that time the missionaries
were treated with greater kindness by the leading men
in that neighbourhood than on any other part of the
Island.
A very few weeks after the Morant Bay chapel was re-
opened, an incident occurred which at first threatened to
put an end to Mr. Burgar's prospects of usefulness. A
negro woman, a member of the Society, had died, and
amongst her effects a Wesleyan ticket was found, with
the motto, " The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence,
and the violent take it by force." This got into the
hands of one of the white officers of the property to
which she belonged; and the fearful document was
forthwith conveyed to a magistrate. All was now terror
and alarm. It was thought the watchword of seme dark
but sanguinary conspiracy. A meeting of the magis-
trates and vestrymen was summoned to Morant Bay, and
Mr. Burgar was cited to appear and answer. He found
the majority in great terror ; but at his request he was
allowed to return to his house, to bring a similar ticket
which his wife had received in England of the same
date. On his producing it, their fears were in some mea-
sure allayed ; and he was dismissed, after an admonition
from the Gustos to " preach the necessity of good works,
but to say notliing about faith, for that was dangerous
doctrine for the negroes." Lest, however, there should
after all be a " rebellious conspiracy," the parochial mi-
litia were ordered to hold themselves in readiness for
service at the shortest warning.
It has been stated that notwithstanding the restrictions
h2
loo
KINGSTOTi CHAPEL RE-OPENED.
in Kingston, the work of God prospered amazingly ; but
hope deferred made the heart sick at last. Mr. Shipman
had applied at the Quarter Sessions in February and
May, but both applications were unsuccessful. He re-
solved to make another attempt in August, which he did,
and the result was as before. From that time the op-
pressed people gave up all expectation of relief; and
symptoms of indifference became too apparent. The
generality of the leaders were exceedingly disheartened ;
and their meetings, which had been all along well and
cheerfully attended, were now almost deserted. It was
plain to all, that under their privations the work could
not be much longer maintained, and that without public
ordinances the Society must soon dwindle away. Of the
former their was no hope, and the latter seemed inevitable.
Mr. Shipman was wearied with disappointment, and the
state of the Society wrung his heart with anguish ; and
much as he loved the people, he resolved to make only
one effort more, and should that also prove unsuccessful,
then to leave the unpromising field. The Quarter Ses-
sions sat in November, and while he w^ent to the Court
several of the leading members met at the chapel-house
and engaged in prayer, that the Lord might be pleased
to open the way of his servant. There was, at the instant
of his appearing, a favourable majority on the Bench,
and he was allowed to qualify. On that business being
finished, he hastened home to his friends with the happy
tidings, which for a time they could not persuade them-
selves to believe ; and no wonder, for he scarcely believed
them himself. " The Lord then turned their captivity.
KINGSTON CHAPEL RE-OPENED. 101
and they were like them that dream." He had suffered
then- faith and patience to be severely tried, but he had
not forgotten them. He was better to them than all their
fears ; and when their night was at the darkest, he sud-
denly '^ turned the shadow of death into the morning."
lOS
CHAPTER V.
State of the work in Kingston and Morant Bay on the re-opening of
the Chapels — A Society formed in the Parish of St. David's — Death
of Mr. Buxgar — Premises piirchased in Spanish Town — Grateful
Hill Cu-cuit — Memorials to the Governor and Assembly — First Dis-
trict Meeting — Grateful Hill Chapel opened — Stephen Drew, Esq. —
Arrival of Missionaries — District Meeting of 1818 — Premises pur-
chased for a second Chapel in Kingston — A Society formed in Man-
chioneal — Preaching ia Bath — Unsuccessful application at the
Quarter Sessions of Port Antonio — IMr. Shijnnan preaches in Fal-
mouth—A Society formed in Montego Bay — Death of Mr. William
Carver — District of 1819 — Death of Rev. 0. Adams — District of
1820— Death of Rev. Mr. Hartley— A Petition to the Magistrates and
Vestry of St. Thomas in the East.
When Mr. Shipman obtained permission to re-open the
chapel, as has been related in the foregoing chapter, it
was attended nevertheless with certain restrictions. It
was an express condition that there should be no services
held after dark, nor on any week-day, excepting at such
times as divine service was performed in the parish church.
This occasioned great privations; but the people sub-
mitted to them without a murmur, in the hope that such
restrictions would yet be removed. Indeed they were
abundantly thankful for what they liad obtained ; and on
Sunday, the ord of December, 1815, (a day which ought
never to be forgotten by the Methodists in Jamaica), the
gates of the Lord's house were opened by the hands of
the venerable Mrs. Smith. This act she accompanied
with her prayers and tears ; earnestly beseeching the
Father of mercies that he would never more suffer them
to be closed against his worshippers, by the hand of
STATE OF THE KINGSTON^ SOCIETY. 103
oppression and intolerance. Her prayers have been an-
swered; for from that day the chapel has never been
shut up by the interference of the magistracy.
The house of God being once more opened for his ser-
vice, the hands which had been long hanging down were
at once lifted up. A spirit of holy zeal animated and
quickened the leaders, and was indeed diffused through
the whole Society. Mr. Shipman, who had been " sowing
in tears, now reaped in joy ;" and he continued to labour
with much encouragement. The increase of members
for the preceding seven years had been very great;
numbers more flocked to the chapel, and its walls became
too strait for the congregation. Many who could not ob-
tain admission, sat in the large " band room" below ; and
an opening was made in the chapel-floor that they might
hear, though scarcely any of them could see the pulpit.
It was also about that time the Baptist Society first sent
missionaries to the Island. On their arrival they found
a large number of negroes called by their name, and they
commenced their labours amongst them with every pros-
pect of success.
On Morant Bay the ministry of Mr. Burgar was crowned
with the special blessing of God. Before he went thither,
the Society had been for some time under the care of
Mr. William White, then a local preacher, but who had
been recommended to the Committee at home as a person
well qualified to be employed as a missionary.* Although
* Mr. ^Vhite was accepted, and was admitted as a preacher on trial
by the Conference of 1816. He was afterwards appointed to the An-
tigua District, and was one of the missionaries wlio were lost by the
upsetting of the Maria mail-boat in 1825. He was a native of England,
but brought in very early life to Jamaica, and from the time of his
conyersion was made extensively useful.
104 PIOUS ZEAL OF MRS. HARRIS.
he had not been allowed to preach in the chapel, lie was
diligent in watching over the members, and in adminis-
tering such instructions and advices as tended to their
spiritual edification and improvement. Mr. Burgar en-
tered upon his work with every advantage. The Society
was united and prosperous, while several of the neigh-
bouring magistrates manifested great kindness, and a
number of the principal inhabitants attended his ministry.
But the state of the Mission was such as to require his
appointment to Kingston; and with a view to that
arrangement, he applied to the Quarter Sessions in May
for permission to qualify. The spirit of the magistracy
w^as greatly improved ; and after a very short consultation
his request was unanimously complied with. Thus his
way was open for the commencement of his labours in
Kingston, when the time of his residence on Morant Bay
should expire.
About that period a Society was formed in St. David's,
a smaller parish, connected with St. Thomas in the East.
The person who was instrumental in this w^ork was
Catherine French, afterwards Mrs. Harris, a coloured fe-
male of earnest piety, and remarkable for her imcommon
zeal and intelligence. She was born in slavery, and be-
longed to a Mrs. Geoghegan, a white lady, who gave her
her freedom in infancy, and brought her up with great
tenderness. She joined the Society in Kingston; and
possessing many advantages she became noted for piety
and usefulness. After a number of years, her kind be-
nefactress was under the necessity of removing from
Kingston, and settling on a property of her own, called
A SOCIETY FORMED IN ST. DAVID's. 105
Pomfret (in the aforesaid parish of St. David's), which was
situated about eight miles westward from Morant Bay.
The thought of separating from her religious associates
was extremely painful ; but she felt she could not part
from one to whom she was under so many obligations,
who had brought her up with maternal kindness, and
with whom she had resided from her birth. She there-
fore accompanied her, in the hope that the Lord would
make her useful amongst a people who knew nothing
of the way of salvation. She soon succeeded in forming
a class of serious enquirers after religion ; and, to her mi-
speakable joy, was rendered instrumental in the conver-
sion of Mrs. Geoghegan herself, who met along with her
for religious exercises, and profited by her instructions.
The house of that lady was now opened for the preaching
of the gospel, and the hall w as fitted up with benches for
the accommodation of all who chose to attend. Pom-
fret became connected with Morant Bay, and was visited
by the missionaries as often as their engagements would
allow. This continued for two or three years ; when, on
the death of Mrs. Geoghegan, the property was sold, and
the house could no longer be so occupied. A temporary
hut was however erected at no great distance from it,
large enough to accommodate between two and three
hundred hearers, and the ordinances of God were admin-
istered as before.
On the 15th of July Mr. Burgar left Morant Bay, for
the purpose of entering upon his work in Kingston. It
appeared that in that city the Lord had set open for him
a great and an effectual door of usefulness; and many
106 DEATH OF MR. BURGAR.
hearts were rejoicing in the pleasing prospect which they
now saw set before them. But, alas, their joy was almost
instantly changed into mourning; and the Lord in his wise
providence saw it meet to take his zealous servant home
to himself. On Saturday, the 20th, only a few days after
his arrival, he was seized with yellow fever, accompanied
with symptoms of the most alarming description. The
best medical aid was immediately procured, and those
alarming symptoms disappeared for a time, so that the
most sanguine expectations of his recovery were pleasingly
entertained : expectations which w^ere soon disappointed.
On the following Thursday, the fever returned with re-
doubled violence, and continued with but little intermis-
sion until the 1st of August, when he died in great peace,
in the 28th year of his age.
Although the period of Mr. Burgar's residence on the
Island was so short, yet, by the blessing of God, his la-
bours were not in vain. The great head of the church
had furnished him with talents for extensive usefulness ;
and he seemed to be especially qualified for Jamaica, a
part of the mission-field requiring the happy union of no
common degree of zeal and prudence on the part of the
faithful minister. When he went to Morant Bay, in Oc-
tober, 1815, he found the Society to consist of 625 mem-
bers ; but the work of the Lord so prospered in the hand
of his servant, as that during the time of his residence
(which was only about nine months) he saw a clear in-
crease of 327 members under his ministry. When he
went to Kingston the whole number amounted to 952,
of whom about seventy belonged to the little society at
Pomfret.
f
PROSPERITY IN SPANISH TOWN. 107
It is also peculiarly pleasing to notice, that while he
was so extensively useful in the Society, his prudent and
zealous behaviour removed long-existing prejudices, and
secured the confidence and esteem of the principal inha-
bitants of that neighbourhood. The tidings of his death
were received by the magistrates and others with sincere
sorrow; and at the jfirst meeting of the vestry, they
generously voted to his widow the sum of £100 sterling?
as a token of respect for his memory, and their high
estimation of the value of his labours. This was an act
equally honourable to all parties. It shewed that the
darkness of prejiidice was fast passing away, and an-
nounced the beginning of a very different state of feeling
in that part of the Island. Mr. Wiggins then removed
to Morant Bay, and was permitted to " qualify" without
opposition.
In the meantime, the work which had been commenced
in Spanish Town, exhibited pleasing indications of pros-
perity. It is true the Society was still small, yet their
congregations on the Lord's day were larger in propor-
tion than on any other part of the Island. This arose
from the circumstance of the members being nearly all
in a state of freedom : for very few of the slaves either in
Spanish Town, or its vicinity, manifested any concern for
salvation. And here let it be remarked, once for all,
that such were the disadvantages of the slaves, especially
those on estates, that when they were disposed to attend
the house of God, and even when no obstructions were
voluntarily thrown in the way, one Sabbath in four or
five, was as much time as the generality could command
108 PREMISES rURCHASED IN SPANISH TOWN.
for the public ordinances of religion. This will account
to the reader for the disproportionate size of some of the
chapels, as compared with the numbers in Society.
The place of meeting in Spanish Town was small and
incommodious ; and it was therefore resolved to purchase
a large house, which was at that time advertised for sale.
But the members were too few in number to raise an
adequate sum without assistance, nor could they expect
much help from the other inhabitants of the town. But
in this embarrassment the Kingston Society generously
presented them with £500 currency, which enabled
them to accomplish their object.* The house was pur-
chased accordingly, and was fitted up both for a chapel
and preacher's residence on the same floor. Those
arrangements being completed, the chapel was opened
in the beginning of the following year.
The little Society in St. Thomas in the Vale continued
to be visited as frequently as possible. In that parish,
which belonged to the same precinct as Spanish Town,
there never had been any serious opposition ; and in the
absence of the missionaries, their place was supplied by
two local preachers in the neighbourhood, who were
allowed to officiate with very little interruption. Here
also the number of hearers rapidly increased, and a more
suitable place of worship became indispensably necessary.
* Here lot it be noted, that the nominal difference between Jamaica
cun'cncy and sterling is 40 per cent. But this does not include the
premium on bills, which varies. The real difference is therefore
greater ; and on an average £100 currency would not amount to much
more than £60 sterling;, payable in Great Britain. Contributions here-
after shall be given in sterling, reckoning £160 cxu-rency to be equal
to £100 payable at home.
GENEROSITY OF MISS HUTTON. 109
For tliis purpose two of the free members offered a
choice of two different plots of ground^ suitable for the
site of a chapel and dwelling-house. The spot which
Mr. Wiggins selected was exceedingly beautiful, and in
a fine climate. It was named Grateful Hill ; and the
work was immediately commenced with all possible
diligence.
A small but promising Society was formed, about four
miles from Grateful Hill, in the northern part of the
parish of St. Andrew, but near the boundary lines of St.
Mary and St. Thomas in the Vale. This was principally
owing to a Miss Hutton, a coloured lady, who had been
a member for several years, and a person of great zeal
and decided piety. Having purchased a settlement in
that neighbourhood, her first care was to establish the
preaching of the gospel, for the benefit of a dark and
ignorant population, Avho had none to care for their
souls. At that time the only houses upon her property
were a few thatched cottages, the largest of which, to-
gether with a suitable piece of ground, she regularly
settled for mission-premises. This cottage was repaired
and enlarged, and was occupied as a chapel for a number
of years ; but not long after the Society was estabhshed,
the generous donor departed this life, having been long
loved and respected as a " mother in Israel."
The missionaries observing that their principles and
designs were still much misunderstood, and much mis«
represented ; adopted the expedient of addressing me-
morials to the Governor, and the House of Assembly :
110 THE FIRST DISTRICT MEETING.
which they did in the beginning of November. They
were received by the respective parties with courtesy,
though nothing further was heard resulting from that
sent to the Governor. But as the memoralists had ex-
pressed a wish to make the parties acquainted with their
whole economy, Mr. Shipman was summoned in a few
days afterwards before a committee of the Assembly ;
and was strictly examined on the doctrines, discipline,
and objects of Wesleyan Methodism. His candid and
ready answers appeared to give general satisfaction, and
to no one more than the Honourable James Stewart,
Gustos of the extensive parish of TrelaAvney. This was
the means of opening his way to the north side of the
Island, where he laid the foundation of missions, which
since that time have been eminently successful.
At the Gonference of 1816, the various stations in
Jamaica first appeared on the minutes, as a regular
District ; and Mr. Wiggins was appointed to act as
chairman. The first District-meeting was held in Kings-
ton, in March, 1817 : there were then only four mission-
aries on the Island, namely Messrs. Wiggins, Shipman,
White, and Katclifie ; the last having arrived early in
January. As this must be regarded as a new event in
the history of the Mission, we shall subjoin the numbers
of members on the various circuits as they were reported
at the time ; observing, that of the whole there were only
twenty-five whites, and of the remainder upwards of
two- thirds were slaves. The followuig is the official
statement of the District : —
NUMBER OF MEMBERS. Ill
Kingston 2684
Spanish Town 77
MorantBay 1246
Grateful Hill 144
Total . . 4151
It may here be proper to remark, that the business of
most of the foreign districts is much more complex
than that which is brought before similar meetings at
home. A considerable number of standing questions
have to be regularly answered, which involve all details
connected v/ith the various circuits, both financial and
religious. Accounts from all the stations have to be
produced ; giving the most minute statement of all items
both of income and expenditure, whether such stations
may be dependent on the funds at home, or otherwise.
The business of the Jamaica District has seldom occujiied
less time than a week, commencing at day-break, and con-
tinued with only two intervals (making an hour and a
half) until three o'clock. It is part of the business of those
Districts to express their opinion as to the appointments
of the brethren for the ensuing Conference ; and if there
be any alterations in the stations as fixed by the Con-
ference preceding, the reason for such alterations must
be specifically stated in their minutes. At the close of the
whole the brethren take their departure for their new
circuits, or to such as they may be appointed for the
year.
At the close of the first Jamaica District-meeting-, Mr.
Shipman left Kingston for Spanish Town, and was sue-
112 GRATEFUL HILL CHAPEL OPENED.
ceeded by Mr. RatcliiFe ; Mr. Wiggins returned to Morant
Bay and Mr. White removed to England, by order of the
Committee, where having been ordained to the ministry,
he was appointed to labour in the Antigua district. The
brethren repaired to their respective circuits, full of
gratitude for what God had wrought out for them.
The clear increase of members throughout the past year
was no less than 944 ; and as they were expecting a con-
siderable reinforcement of missionaries, their prospects
w^ere brighter than ever.
Nothing very remarkable occurred until the opening
of the Grateful Hill chapel, which took place about six
months after the District-meeting. This edifice was a
frame or wooden building, but raised a few feet on a
brick foundation. Its dimensions were 43 feet by 28,
exclusive of the dwelling-house, which was taken from
the west end ; and though small, was not incommodious.
The exterior was remarkably neat, and the noble and
healthy situation was as imposing as can be well con-
ceived. Standing in front of the chapel, on the top of
Grateful Hill, the spectator might behold a most exten-
sive prospect, which was limited by a chain of lofty
mountains, and within their range, the whole had the
appearance of an immense valley of hills. None of those
eminences were higher than 200 feet ; but many of them
rose so abruptly, that for miles there was scarcely so
much ground naturally level as would suffice for the site
of an ordinary dwelling-house : but whether cultivated
or otherwise, they were covered with vegetation, and
presented a scene of extraordinary variety, magnificence.
STEPHEN DREW, ESQ. 113
and beauty. In that district there are no villages nor
sugar estates. There are a few coffee plantations of
considerable magnitude, but a great part was laid out in
small settlements, principally belonging to free persons
of colour. The neighbourhood was populous, and was
inhabited by a people, many of whom gladly embraced
the offers of mercy.
The establishment thus completed, was situated in
the interior, about twenty miles north-west from Kings-
ton, and in that part of St. Thomas in the Vale, known
by the name of " Above Rocks." As there were no
carriage roads in that district, the difficulty and expense
of procuring materials were very great ; and though
many of the members were free, yet they were in gene-
ral far from affluent. But they contributed to the utmost
extent of their ability ; and the people of Kingston again
came nobly forward to their assistance, and presented
them with a sum equal to what they had given a year
before to the Society in Spanish Town.
In course of this year, Mr. Shipman, who was stationed
in Spanish Town, was made mainly instrumental in the
conversion of the late Stephen Drew, Esq. This gentle-
man was a native of Cornwall, and was brought up to
the legal profession ; and for a few years practised at the
Bar in Jamaica. For some time, however, he had re-
tired from that employment, and resided on an estate in
St. Ann's, called Bellemont, which he inherited in right
of his wife. Having been himself brought to the know-
ledge of the truth, he felt desirous of communicating
114 ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES.
that knowledge to others ; and especially to the poor
negroes around him, for whom no man cared, and who
were perishing for lack of knowledge. For this end, he
opened his large house, read portions of the sacred scrip-
tures, and otherwise instructed all who were willing to
attend. Mr. Shipman also went over and preached,
and formed a small Society, which was the commence-
ment of a work which has since occupied a very con-
sjncuous place in the missionary annals of Jamaica.
At the Conference of 1817, Mr. Johnston w^as again
appointed to Jamaica, as superintendent of the Kingston
circuit, and chairman of the District. He had laboured
for about fourteen years in the West Indies ; and his
discerning mind, prudent conduct, and mature expe-
rience, well qualified him for the important station. A
short time after his arrival, Messrs. Home, Underhill,
Hudson, and Binning, landed at Morant Bay ; and at
the Quarter Sessions, which sat in the same month,
Messrs. Home and Underhill applied for license, which
was granted with great cordiality. On this event, Mr.
Wiggins, who had been long worn down with toil and
anxiety, left the Island, after a painful residence of
about ten years.
The second District-meeting began in Kingston, on
the 2nd of March, 1818. The brethren reported favour-
ably of the state of the work on their respective stations ;
and the total increase of members amounted to 627. At
this District the following appointments were finally
settled : —
A SECOND CHAPEL IN KINGSTON. 115
Kingston . . Messrs. Johnston and Ratcliffe.
Spanish Town . Mr. Hudson.
Morant Bay . Messrs. Horne and Underhill.
Grateful Hill . Mr. Binning.
Falmouth . . Mr. Shipman.
It has been already observed, that the Kingston chapel
was insufficient to contain the increasing congregation.
For some time, therefore, the Society had been preparing
for an enlargement of their borders ; and they fixed their
eye upon a spacious dwelling-house, which was then
offered for sale. This building was in every respect
eligible for their purpose. It was erected on a conside-
rable plot of ground, in one of the principal streets of
the city, and at a distance of half a mile from the
Parade. The upper part was capable of being fitted up
as a chapel, sufficiently large for a few years to come ;
while the apartments below might be easily turned into
a very comfortable residence for the second minister.
At that time the Kingston Society consisted of about
2800 members, and above one-third were }>ersons of free
condition. There were indeed very few of them wealthy,
but many were in respectable and easy circumstances ;
and as their burdens for some time had been but trifling,
compared with their number; and their hearts being
much in the work, they purchased the spacious pre-
mises ; and by the end of the year the chapel was opened
by Mr. Johnston, To accomplish this important under-
taking, the members in Kingston had to put forth every
efibrt ; and, by the blessing of God, they were successful.
It ought also to be mentioned, that they met mth great
i2
116 A SOCIETY IN MANCHIONEAL.
encouragement from many of the other inhabitants, who
were favourable to their designs, and who rendered
assistance with praise-worthy liberality. The amazing
promptitude which was manifested in the whole of this
work was surprising to every one ; and the building was
presented at the Quarter Sessions for registration, before
many thought there was anything in the reported inten-
tions of the Methodists beyond mere rumour. When
the application of the brethren was read to the Court,
the magistrates were evidently astonished ; and one of
their worships exclaimed, not in a friendly tone, " How
far are those people to spread ! How high are they to
rise !" None of them, however, offered the smallest
opposition. The chapel was seated so as to accommo-
date about 600 persons ; and the expense of the whole
amounted to £1700 sterling; but such were the zeal
and liberality of the people, that the last instalment of
the debt was paid in January, 1820.
Under the ministry of Messrs. Home and Underhill,
the Society at Morant Bay enjoyed extraordinary pros-
perity. A short time after the District, they visited
Manchioneal, where the work had been attempted be-
fore, but without success. They were received with
great cordiality by the free people, who rejoiced in the
prospect of having the gospel preached amongst them.
It was evident that the time to favour Zion had come at
last : and a house, called " Kendal Castle," was rented
and fitted up for preaching. A Society was speedily
formed, consisting of the greater part of the free people
on the Bay, as well as a number of slaves from surround-
CONTEMPTIBLE OPPOSITION. 117
ing estates ; and the change in their deportment mani-
fested a real change of heart. As this place was nearly
thirty miles from Morant Bay, Mr. Underhill took
lodgings in the neighbourhood, and watched over the
infant Society with great care. His work was much
facilitated by the assistance of Mr. William Moodie, the
son of one of the circuit stewards in Kingston. He
settled in Manchioneal as a schoolmaster, and all who
were able, sent their children for instruction, and many
of them made considerable proficiency.
The district of Manchioneal, which is situated on the
east end of the Island, is very extensive, comprehending
many sugar, and other plantations, to which many slaves
were attached. It is divided from the other districts of
St. Thomas in the East by lofty mountains, and the
character of its white inhabitants, as compared with the
others, was then strongly marked. In Manchioneal
they were very generally natives of the Island, whereas
in the other parts they were chiefly emigrants from the
mother country. It is not for the writer to say how far
they deserved it ; but it is certain, they had more of the
ridicule of their neighbours than their respect. For
some time a number of them attended the preaching,
but their puerile behaviour was very annoying to the
congregations, and would not have been tolerated in
other parts of the parish. Some of them were very bitter
against the Mission, and to make a show of danger they
took their muskets in the evenings, and paraded about
the neighbourhood as sentinels. But as they were only
laughed at by the more respectable parishioners, they
118 PREACHING IN BATH.
became tired of their police duties, and the work went on
without interruption.
About the end of the year, they were also successful
in commencing preaching in the village of Bath, so called
from the hot springs in its immediate vicinity. This
beautiful village is situated in the delightful valley of
Plantain Garden River, and about ten miles from Morant
Bay on the road to Manchioneal. The largest sugar es-
tates in the British West Indies are in its neighboLU'hood;
and many of the negroes were already members of the
Society, although they had to walk to Morant Bay to
attend the chapel. The leading gentlemen were friendly
to the missionaries, and few places presented greater
claims upon their attention than Bath. A very eligible
house in the village was also offered for sale, which was
capable of being converted into a permanent chapel, at
comparatively little expense. This was purchased by
Mr. Home, who preached in it for some time, although
no Society could be formed until about two years after-
wards.
It may be mentioned here, that on receiving an ad-
ditional missionary, Mr. Home, early in the following
year, went to Port Antonio, in the parish of Portland,
with the view of commencing a mission there. This
parish is bounded by the district of Manchioneal on
that side ; and what has been said of the white in-
habitants of the latter, was equally applicable to the
former. Their leading men were generally natives of
the Island, and were accused of an affected pomp and
ostentation of manners, which often brought, *' The in-
QUARTER SESSIONS IN PORT ANTONIO. 119
habitants of the independent and virtuous parish of
Portland " into contempt. Mr. Horne applied at the
Quarter Sessions, furnished not only with the usual cre-
dentials ; but also with recommendations from some of
the principal gentlemen in St. Thomas in the East. The
Custos, who was highly respected, appeared to be quite
favourable ; but one of his associates rose up mth great
dignity, and delivered a long and vehement harangue
against the request of the applicant : this oration he con-
cluded with the following bombast, accompanied of course
with suitable gestures, and uttered with such a sonorous
twang, as the reader may easily imagine : — " Sir," said
his worship, addressing the Gustos, "remember our
beautiful estabhshment. Our beautiful establishment
sir ! It is true, sir, she is not without her spots, but those
spots only bring out her beauty the more. If you allow
those men to come into this parish, then, sir, I say you
will have imperium, imperio .'" As a majority of the
magistrates were unfavourable, but not wishing openly
to oppose the Gustos, they agreed to leave the whole
matter to the decision of the jury. The jury therefore
retired, and after some consultation, they returned the
sapient verdict : ''That two religions could not agree in
the same parish.''''
At the request of the Honourable James Stewart, of
Trelawney, Mr. Shipman went over to that parish, which
lies on the north side of the Island ; and commenced a
mission in the town of Falmouth. Under the patronage
of that influential magistrate, license was easily obtained,
and also a commodious place for preaching. His labours
120 EXTENSION OF THE MISSION.
were also extended to Rio Bueno, a populous village
about sixteen miles eastward, and lie preached occasion-
ally on the property of Counsellor Drew, in St. Ann's.
No mission had ever been commenced on the Island
under more favourable auspices; there was no oppo-
sition, and in Falmouth many of the whites attended
his ministry. He was even allowed to preach and cate-
chise on several estates ; but with all these advantages,
and the most indefatigable labour, few manifested any
desu-e for salvation, and he saw but little fruit.
In the month of September, Mr. Shipman received the
pleasing intelligence, that a few of the members still
survived in Montego Bay who had joined the Society
under the ministry of Mr. Fish, and were meeting for
religious exercises along with a Serjeant of artillery,
stationed in that town. Being situated only twenty-one
miles west from Falmouth, he paid them an early visit,
and found a very general desire for the preaching of the
gospel At first he encountered considerable opposition
from some of the higher classes, but it soon subsided and
his want of fruit at Falmouth was in some measure com-
pensated by his success at Montego Bay. Through the
help of Mr. Jones a merchant in the place, he obtained
contributions for the purchase of a large house for a
chapel and residence. This object was accomplished,
and the building was speedily fitted up for the pui-poses
of the Mission.
The year 1818 was eminently peaceful and prospe-
rous. There were seven missionaries on the Island,
none of whom had met with any material obstruction in
MR. WILLIAM CARVER. 121
the discharge of their important duties. But the whole
District sustained no common loss in the death of Mr.
William Carver, who had long been one of its most
efficient lay-officers. That gentleman was a native of
Hertfordshire, in England, and received a hberal educa-
tion, having been intended for the ministry of the
Established Church. About the year 1798 he went out
to Antigua, under the patronage of Sir George Thomas,
who owned estates on that island. He was shortly
afterwards married to a lady whose father had been an
officer in his Majesty's navy, but who had retired, and
resided at Port Royal in Jamaica. After his marriage,
he was providentally brought under the ministry of the
Rev. A. Murdoch, one of the missionaries in Antigua,
and became the subject of a real change of heart, which
was in after life evinced by a course of no common zeal
and usefulness. About the year 1803 he and his family
came to Jamaica, at the request of his father-in-law,
who was possessed of considerable property on the
Island ; but on his arrival he was grieved and disap-
pointed to find him living according to the sinful course
of the country. This occasioned a speedy separation
between them ; and from that time Mr. Carver had to
come out from the world, showing that he had " respect
to the recompense of the reward." Had wealth been his
object, his varied talents, his liberal education, and un-
common energy, would have raised him to the very
highest stations in Colonial society ; but, although the
Mission was then deeply depressed and persecuted, he
" chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
1^2 A USEFUL LIFE.
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." He
was the firm friend and judicious counsellor of the mis-
sionaries, who profited much by the benefit of his ex-
perience, and Avho had a large share in his sympathies
and prayers. He filled, at different times, all the lay
ofiices in the connexion, with great credit to himself and
usefulness to others. He was the leader of three large
classes ; and under his fostering care many were raised
up, who were ornaments to their Christian profession.
In times, also, when the word of God was eminently
precious, owing to the paucity of labourers, he occasion-
ally visited the parishes of St. Thomas in the Vale and
St. Mary ; where, in private houses, he expounded the
scriptures to small companies, who gladly received his
instructions; and not a few, by his instrumentality,
were " turned from darkness to light, and from the
power of Satan to God."
For the space of fourteen years Mr. Carver had re-
sided principally in Kingston, and was employed as a
teacher of youth in a public seminary in that city ; but
owing to certain changes in that institution, he removed,
about the beginning of 1818, to Morant Bay, where he
was gladly welcomed by a people with whom he was
intimately acquainted, and who had long known his
worth. It was fondly hoped, that God had sent his
servant for a long and useful service on that large and
fruitful field of labour ; but his health soon failed, and
he was called to exemplify the graces of Christianity in
suffering and death. His last illness was somewhat
protracted, and his bodily pain was often very great.
DISTRICT-MEETING OF 1819. 123
But that God whom he had served did not forsake him.
and the consolations of his Spirit proved quite sufficient
for the trial. He had long honoured God, and now God
honoured his servant, by giving him a glorious triumph
over his last enemy. He died at Morant Bay, in June,
1818, in the forty-sixth year of his age, leaving hun-
dreds, besides his own family, to lament their loss.
The District-meeting of 1819 commenced its sitting
in Kingston, on the 16th of February ; at which the
increase of members throughout the year was found to
be 703. As the Rev. Messrs. Adams and Hartley had
arrived a few days before, no fewer than nine missionaries
were present. Few changes had to be made in the ap-
pointments, only Mr. Binning removed to the north side
to the assistance of Mr. Shipman, while Mr. Adams
went to Spanish Town, and Mr. Hartley to Morant
Bay.
At the close of the District -meeting, Messrs. Shipman
and Binning repaii'ed to the new stations of Falmouth
and Montego Bay, with very sanguine hopes of success.
As Mr. Binning was, however, refused " license" in the
latter town, Mr. Shipman immediately removed thither,
leaving the opening in Falmouth to be improved by his
colleague. The house he had purchased was then com-
pleted with great diligence. The lower part, which was
raised several feet upon a stone foundation, was converted
into a chapel, and the preacher's residence was above.
As much economy was observed as was practicable ; yet
the purchase and alterations involved such expense as a
small infant Society was not prepared to meet, for which
124 A SOCIETY FORMED IN MONTEGO BAY.
Mr. Shipman was principally responsible. Great efforts
were made in the town for procuring contributions, which
were not unsuccessful, and some even of the white inha-
bitants rendered assistance. Among the early friends of
this Mission, it affords great pleasure to mention the
names of T. Guthrie and J. Manderson, Esqrs., the
latter a gentleman of colour, of extensive influence, and
who afterwards became Gustos of the parish, and one of
its representatives in the House of Assembly. But not-
withstanding all their efforts, they were under great
embarrassment, until the Kingston Society again came
forward, and generously gave them a sum about equal in
amount, to those given to the Societies of Spanish Town
and Grateful Hill. Tliis was a token of their love to the
cause of God, and especially to a minister to whom they
felt themselves laid under many obligations ; but it was
the more praise-worthy, as at that time they were exerting
themselves for the liquidation of the debt on their second
chapel.
In Falmouth the work continued in much the same
state as before. Mr. Binning laboured without any in-
terruption, but with as little success. A number of the
respectable inhabitants attended his ministry, but no
general impression was made on the minds of the negroes.
He remained, however, until the month of September,
when the death of Mr, Adams caused his removal to
Spanish Town.
Mr. Adams, as has been observed, arrived in January ;
and in April he applied at the Quarter Sessions, and was.
received with great courtesy. A complaint of a very
DEATH OF MR. ADAMS. 125
singular nature was at that time made to the Court ;
namely, of the annoyance of several young men of colour,
whose rude and insulting behaviour caused great dis-
turbance in the congregations. In the whole history of
the Mission, this stands almost the only instance of the
kind. The body of free coloured inhabitants, had always
treated the missionaries with respect, and it is to their
honour that they have uniformly attributed their subse-
quent elevation in Society to their labours and sufferings.
Those in Spanish Town who were guilty of such indeco-
rum, were only a few contemptible persons, the paltry
mimics of the baser sort of whites, who (with a few ex-
ceptions in Manchioneal) had for some years disappeared
from the Island. The magistrates at once intimated, that
the congregations were under the protection of the Court,
and they had only to complain and such grievances should
be instantly redressed. From that time all disturbance
ceased.
Mr. Adams was a man of deep piety and ardent zeal
for the glory of God. During his short residence on the
Island he laboured with success, and secured the confi-
dence and esteem of the community in which he lived.
He was seized with the prevailing fever on the 12tli of
August, and on the 18th his spirit was delivered from the
burden of the flesh, to be for ever with the Lord. Mr.
Johnston, who was present and witnessed his triumphant
death, sent home the following account of the deeply
impressive scene. He says, —
*' With feelings of great sorrow, I hereby inform you of
the death of our dear brother Adams. In the last stage of
12Q A TOKEN OF RESPECT.
his affliction, he was not able to bear the smallest disturb-
ance, in consequence of his head being so dreadfully affected ;
but his heart was filled with the peace of God in so glorious
a manner, as to prevent his bodily pains from interfering with
his happiness. He said, he had no hope of life, but felt his
mind perfectly resigned to life or death, as God should think
fit. My wife and self visited him again on the 18th, and
found him evidently sinking. His head was so much affected
with the malignant disease, that his reasoning powers were
much interrupted ; but so far as he had power to think or
speak, he gave evidence to all the attendants, that he pos-
sessed the joyful hope of eternal life. He often spoke in a
kind of whisper, smiled, and pointed upward. At one time
he imagined himself in the act of dispensing the Lord's Sup-
per, and mentioned ' the body, and blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ' with great fervour. He was often engaged in fervent
attempts to pray ; and at one time said, with peculiar em-
phasis, ' Other foundation can no man lay than that which is
laid, which is Jesus Christ. Glory be to God, I am built
upon it.' About eight o'clock in the evening of the 18th, his
happy spirit took its flight.
Mr. Adams was highly respected by many in Spanish
Town, who did not belong to the Methodists ; and by
none more than the E-ev. Mr. Hamilton, the worthy
rector of the parish. A very short time after his death,
that gentleman presented Mrs. Adams with a sum
amounting to nearly £100 sterling, which had been
given by several respectable inhabitants as a proof of
their high regard for her late husband. This, as has
been observed in a case somewhat similar, was honourable
to all concerned in it.
REMOVALS THROUGH SICKNESS. 127
The year 1819 was very unhealthy , and the members
of the Mission family had a large share of affliction. In
addition to the death of Mr. Adams, Mr. Home lost
his excellent wife, who died in Kingston, on the 14th of
August. Mr. Hudson was so broken with fever, as that
it became necessary for him to leave the Island. He
proceeded to St. John's, New Brunswick, where he died
in great peace in course of the following year. Mr.
Underbill was also so much debilitated, as to render it
imperative on him to leave for a temporary change of
climate. But though it was a year of great affliction, it
was also a year of unprecedented success. At the
District-meeting, which sat on the 9th of January, 1820,
the number of members was found to be 6540, making
the clear increase to be no fewer than one thousand and
fifty- three. As several changes were necessarily made,
the follomng is the list of appointments which was
finally adopted : —
Kingston . . . Messrs. Johnston and Horne.
Spanish Town . Mr. Binning.
Morant Bay . . Messrs. Batcliffe and Hartley.
Grateful Hill . . Vacant.
Montego Bay . . Mr. Shipman.
Notwithstanding the suiferings of the preceding year,
it pleased the Great Head of the Church, to try his
servants with a few more severities. Mr. Hartley had
scarcely recovered from fever, when he went to attend
the District-meeting. On the business being finished,
he hastened back to his circuit, but still in a very weak
and languid state. He had hardly arrived, when he
128 DEATH OF MR. HARTLEY.
was seized with greater violence than ever, and his life
was soon despaired of. Medical aid was procured, and
the attention of the affectionate people, was assiduous
and unremitting. But all their efforts were ineffectual,
and on the 29th of January, he died in peace, in the
twenty-second year of his age.
Mr. Hartley was a young man of amiable temper and
engaging manners. He was a minister of gi'cat promise,
and was made a remarkable blessing to the people
amongst whom he laboured. His death was felt as a
painful bereavement. It happened at the time Mr.
Underbill was departing for America on account of ill
health ; and left Mr. Ratcliffe alone, upon a circuit con-
prising four different stations, and those at the extremes
were separated by a distance of nearly forty miles.
Besides occasional visits, he could pay but little atten-
tion to any of them, excepting Morant Bay, which in
itself was enough to require the undivided labours of a
minister. The people in St. David's and Manchioneal
were attentive to their classes, and other means of in-
struction ; but the formation of the Bath Society was
necessarily suspended.
It may be also mentioned here, that the parish of St.
Thomas in the East, sustained another loss in the tem-
porary removal of the Rev. Mr. Trew, the worthy rector.
That excellent clergyman had been appointed about a
year before, and heartily co-operated with the mission-
aries, in endeavouring to diffuse the blessings of Christi-
anity amongst the unenlightened negroes. Before his
removal, he had the satisfaction of witnessing increased
AN ILLIBERAL PETITION REJECTED. 129
accommodation provided for them in the parish church,
and also the commencement of a chapel of ease in Bath,
whicli promised to be a great benefit to many in that
vicinity.
A circumstance occurred during his absence which, as
it shewed a spirit of liberahty amongst the leading men
in that parish, ought to be recorded. The clergyman
who supplied the place of Mr. Trew, was an inexperi-
enced young man, and of a very different spirit from the
amiable and pious rector. It fell to his lot to preach at
the opening of the chapel in Bath ; and although the
Wesleyan-mission premises were purchased and occupied
before a chapel of ease was thought of, yet he complained
very bitterly that a "sectarian conventicle" should be
allowed to stand so near the Established Church. In a
few days, he drew up a petition to the magistrates and
vestry, praying that the Methodists might be removed.
Having obtained a few signatures, he attended the vestry
accordingly, for the purpose of presenting it. On his
mentioning a petition, the Gustos enquired what was its
purport ? On his replying, he was told that it could not
be received ; and was advised to live in peace with his
neighbours. He then requested that the document he
held in his hand might at least be read. To this the
Custos answered somewhat sternly, "It cannot be al-
lowed : but if you want the Methodists out of the parish,
your best way will be to preach them out, and to sing them
out, and to pray them out :^^ and thus the puerile attempt
was defeated. It may also be mentioned, that the Rev.
Mr. Stainsby was almost immediately appointed as the
K
130 PREACHING ON ESTATES.
curate of Bath, than whom no missionary on the Island
was ever more zealous in endeavouring to promote the
spiritual welfare of the people.
Besides what has been related, there were very few
incidents in 1820, which admit of being recorded. Al-
though the labourers were so few, there was an increase
of members on all the circuits, and in particular in
Kingston and Morant Bay. Mr. Shipman continued to
be well rewarded in the success which attended his labours
on the new station of Montego Bay. A goodly number
of the free coloured inhabitants attended his ministry;
not a few joined the Society ; and the congregation in-
creased in piety and intelligence as well as in number.
There was also a deep impression made on many of the
slaves ; and he had access to a few sugar estates on which
he regularly preached and catechized. But preaching on
estates has not been attended with that permanent good
in Jamaica, which it appears to have produced on some
of the smaller West India Islands.
131
CHAPTER VI.
District Meeting of 1821 — Opening of the Bath Chapel — Success at
Manchioneal — Sickness and death of Rev. J. E. Underhill — Death
and character of the Rev. George Johnston — District of 1822 —
Opening of a new Chapel in Manchioneal — Prosperity of the Kmg-
ston Societies — Preaching at Stoney Hill and Port Royal — State of
the Work in St. Anns and Montego Bay — District of 1823 — Open-
ing of a Chapel at BeUemont — Purchase of premises on Yellah's Bay
— Opening of Wesley- Chapel in Kingston — District of 1824 — Arri-
val of Missionaries — Death of Mr. Allen — Prosperity of the Work
on the Stoney Hill Circuit.
The District-meeting of 1821 commenced in Kingston,
in the month of January, and was on several accounts a
sorrowful meeting. There were only six missionaries pre-
sent, including Mr. Underhill, who had recently returned
to the Island. The brethren felt their late bereavements
most accutely; and more particularly, as they beheld
their small number quite inadequate to supply the wants
of the existing circuits ; and at that time there were
several new places which required their help, for which
they could do nothing. But it was a source of great
comfort, that notwithstanding all their trials, the work
of God was not standing still. The clear increase of
members during the past year amounted to 520 ; which,
considering their circumstances, was more than could have
been anticipated. About a fortnight after the District,
the Rev. Robert Young, together with the writer of this
narrative, landed at Kingston, and were received with
k2
132 OPENING OF THE BATH CHAPEL.
great kindness by their brethren. The following were
the appointments for the year : —
Kingston . . Messrs. Horne and Young.
Spanish Town . Mr. Binning.
T., , -p» (Messrs. Johnston, Underhill, and
MorantBay .| j)^^^^^.
Grateful Hill . Mr. Shipman.
Montego Bay . Mr. Ratclifpe.
The Morant Bay circuit having obtained its full num-
ber of missionaries, the work of God exhibited signs of
uncommon prosperity. The intended improvement on
the Bath premises was commenced, that the chapel might
be finished and the Society formed as quickly as possible.
The house which had been purchased, was a frame
building, but elevated on a high stone foundation ; and
the wooden part being taken away, and the stone work
raised several feet, a substantial chapel, measuring 42
feet by 36, was completed at comparatively little addi-
tional expense. As the village is situated about ten miles
from Morant Bay, Mr. Johnston had to take many a hot
journey, and to endure much fatigue in watching the
progress of the work and furnishing materials for the
workmen. But the whole was finished about the middle
of June, and on Sunday, the 29th of that month, it was
opened for the worship of God. The crowds who at-
tended at the opening services were immense. Every
spot within was occupied, and more than double the
number stood without. It was thought that this build-
ing would be sufficiently large to accommodate the
ordinary congregations for some time to come ; but in
CHRISTIAN ORDINANCES HIGHLY VALUED. 133
this there was a pleasing disappointment. As preaching
on the Lord's day could not be given oftener than once
a fortnight, for want of a full supply of missionaries, so
during that time, those who attended on the forenoons
were never all able to get within, unless at such seasons
as the negroes from the country were prevented by the
adjoining rivers, which in the rainy seasons were fre-
quently impassable.
The formation of the Bath Society was a work of a
very peculiar character ; and its difficulty arose princi-
pally from the greatness of the number with which it was
begun. It has already been mentioned, that many of
the negroes residing in that neighbourhood, belonged to
the Society at Morant Bay, andjthat one object of the
new station was, to accommodate them by superseding
the necessity of their long journeys on the Lord's day.
When the names were reckoned up which had to be
transferred to Bath, it was found that they amounted to
upwards of 800 ; and of those at least one-half resided
beyond it. From this circumstance, the reader must be
struck with the intense anxiety manifested by those poor
people to hear the word of God. Before this arrange-
ment was eifected, the number of members connected
with Morant Bay was considerably above two thousand;
and of those, all who were taken to Bath had to walk
from eight to sixteen miles to the chapel, and also to re-
turn the same day. It is true, they could not attend often ;
but it was not so much on account of the distance,
as on account of those hindrances w^hich their condition
as slaves cast in their way : though it ought here to bo
134 SUCCESS AT MANCHIONEAL.
mentioned, that those hindrances were not increased hy
any hostihty on the part of the principal white inhabi-
tants. Many of them attended the services with great
regularity, and not a few rather encouraged and facili-
tated, than prevented the attendance of their slaves.
Of the members thus taken to Bath, scarcely any were
of free condition ; and as all resided at such a distance
from the mission-station, none of them were at that time
able to read. The obtaining of suitable leaders was
therefore a matter of great difficulty, and the work fell
very heavy on the missionary. But a few persons were
found of deep piety and more intelligence than their
neighbours, who were appointed to that office ; and the
classes having been arranged according to the estates on
which the members resided, they were watched over with
much care, and it is believed, with equal success. Some
time afterwards, a family consisting of three well quali-
fied leaders removed to Bath, and the work went forward
with less difficulty.
At that time there was also a remarkable spirit of
hearing in Manchioneal. The congregations increased
under every sermon, and many of the slaves attended
from great distances. The house being by far too small,
a canvass awning was erected outside, under the cover
of which many could hear, and were thus sheltered
from the sun or rain. But that also became insufficent,
and a chapel was rendered absolutely necessary. For
this purpose a plot of ground, most eligibly situated,
was presented by Misses Agnes Grier and Hester Burke,
two of the members ; but the building in Bath having
DEATH OF MR. UNDERHILL. 135
more than exhausted the funds, the brethren were in
great perplexity. At last Mr. Johnston found a trades-
man who was willing to undertake the work, and allow
the money to remain until the Society might be able to
pay it. His offer was accepted ; and on the 7th of
August the first stone of the new building was laid, to
the great joy of many who assembled to witness that
ceremony.
Thus everything went forward on the Morant Bay
circuit with unprecedented rapidity, and never were
there more cheering prospects of extended usefulness on
any part of the Island. The long night of darkness ap-
peared to be fast passing away ; and never did Christian
societies seem to be more thankful and happy. Such
was their state, when it pleased Almighty God once
more to turn the joy of his people into mourning.
About the middle of September, Mr. Johnston became
suddenly and severely afflicted, and there were serious
apprehensions as to the issue, from the time he was
seized. Mr. Underhill, who was then at a distance, on
hearing the intelligence, hastened to his help ; but had
scarcely arrived, when he w^as seized with fever himself:
and after an illness of six days he '' ceased at once to
work and live." He died in peace, on the 24th of Sep-
tember, 1821, in the twenty-ninth year of his age.
Mr. Underhill was a young man well qualified for
usefulness in Jamaica. His preaching, though not of a
high order, was yet simple and scriptural, and well cal-
culated to instruct and edify those amongst whom he
laboured. He was well acquainted with Christian dis-
136 DEATH AND CHARACTER
cipline, and in its exercise he was eminently successful.
His bodily constitution was not strong ; and it is doubt-
ful whether his residence on the Island was not the
means of lengthening, instead of shortening his days.
From the time he returned from America, he had resided
almost exclusively with the little Society in St. David's;
and preached to them as often as his state of health
would allow. He watched over them with paternal
solicitude and affection, which were returned with an
extrordinary degree of gratitude and respect. At his
death, the bereaved people deeply felt their loss ; and
while any of them survive, the memory of Mr. Underhill
will continue to be blessed.
In the meanwhile Mr. Johnston was still confined to
bed ; and though the first alarming symptoms had dis-
appeared, yet his state was so very uncertain as to
produce great anxiety. After the death of Mr. Under-
hill, he was removed to a neighbouring house ; after
which he seemed better, and hopes of his recovery began
to be entertained. But in a few days his disease returned
with increased violence ; and on the 3rd of October, his
medical attendants informed his friends that their last
hopes were gone. He afterwards became delirious ; but
at intervals his mind was calm; and resting on the
gi-eat atonement, he contemplated the approach of the
last enemy, with a composure every way worthy of a
Christian pastor. On the morning of Friday, the 5th,
while his friends were commending him into the hands
of the Redeemer, he fell asleep in Jesus, in the fifty-
ninth year of his age, and in the eighteenth of his
ministry in the West Iiulies.
OF MR. JOHNSTON. 137
In many respects the late Rev. George Johnston was
an extraordinary man, and ranks among the greatest
and most successful missionaries ever sent out to those
Islands. In person he was a very little under the middle
size ; but his strong muscular frame seemed to be ca-
pable of enduring almost any labour. From early life
he had made the Scriptures his chief study ; and few
ministers possessed a more extensive acquaintance with
the sacred oracles, or were better qualified for expound-
ing them to others. His public discourses were studied
with great care ; and while they were remarkable for
clearness and simplicity, they were equally rich with
evangelical truth. His manner of address in the pulpit
was strong and vehement : his voice was harsh, and his
pronunciation strongly marked with a broad Scottish
accent. But in preaching, his placid countenance beamed
upon his hearers with such a sympathy and kindness, as
to possess a charm which was generally felt by all.
" In labours" he was " more abundant," and was never
surpassed by the most diligent of his brethren. His
kindness to his colleagues was so well known as to become
proverbial ; and, in general, it was returned with the
most affectionate respect. He was so much loved, as to
be readily obeyed ; and it was seldom he found it need-
ful to have recourse to his prerogatives as superintendent,
unless in sickly seasons, when he always insisted on his
junior colleagues remaining at home, while he undertook
their labour on the distant parts of the circuits. But
for some time his strong constitution was evidently
giving way, and he had to use unnatural efforts, as an
188 DISTRICT MEETING OF 1822.
occasional stimulus, to preserve him from sinking into
entire exhaustion. He had to endure much fatigue in
connexion with the building of the Bath chapel ; and on
one of his journeys he was slightly struck by lightning,
which induced a paralytic seizure, from which he never
fully recovered. His death spread a universal gloom
over the whole community ; and the Missionary Com-
mittee, on receiving the mournful intelligence, caused a
resolution to be inserted in their notices, expressive of
the high character he had so long sustained, and their
sorrow caused by his death, Mr. Johnston left the rich
legacy of a holy example for the benefit of his brethren ;
and it is to be hoped, that many of them have imitated
him, as he had so closely and fully followed Christ.
In consequence of those events a special meeting of
the preachers was held in Kingston. It was truly a
sorrowful time, and they felt as a little family deprived
of their head. A letter was immediately addressed to
the Committee in London, setting forth the destitute
state of the District, and earnestly imploring additional
help. In the meantime Mr. Shipman was removed to
the Morant Bay circuit ; and Grateful Hill, on which he
had been stationed, was again left vacant.
The District-meeting of 1822, assembled as usual in
Kingston; and began on the 9th of January, and was emi-
nently characterized by a spiritof harmony and brotherly
love. The increase of members during the preceding
year was 61G, and the total number on the Island
amounted to 7676. The brethren still lamented the
paucity of their numbers; but before the final termination
A CHAPEL OPENED AT MANCHIONEAL. 139
of the District, they had the pleasure of receiving Messrs.
Crofts and Parkinson to their assistance ; and they re-
turned to their respective circuits, thanking God and
taking courage. No change whatever took place in the
appointments, only Mr. Crofts went to the vacant station
of Grateful Hill, and Mr. Parkinson to St. Ann's Bay,
where a small Society had been formed some time before.
A house was there obtained for the use of the Mission,
part of which was made into a neat temporary chapel,
and the other afforded lodgings for the missionary.
At this District-meeting, Mr. Drew, of St. Ann's, who
attended as a circuit-steward, made an affecting represen-
tation of the state of the negroes in the neighbourhood
of Bellemont, where he resided ; and desired that the
Committee might be earnestly requested to send out
another missionary. At the same time he offered to
erect a plain chapel and dwelling-house, provided they
were fitted up and furnished at the expense of the Mis-
sion. He was especially induced to make this offer, as
there was some hazard respecting the title, which how-
ever he made as secure as he could. He also generously
engaged to find board and lodgings for the missionary
until the house might be completed, which would require
some time. The Committee accepted this offer, and the
building was begun as soon as their decision was known.
The new chapel at Manchioneal, which was com-
menced during the preceding year, was completed in
March, and was opened by Mr. Shipman. Its dimen-
sions inside were 40 feet square ; was fitted up so as to
accommodate nearly 500 hearers ; and was also built so
140 JOY MINGLED WITH SORROW.
as to be capable of enlargement at any time, without in-
terrupting the religious services. The situation of this
building is very fine. It stands in the immediate vici-
nity of the Bay, on the brow of a hill, elevated about
120 feet. In front it overlooks the sea, and in every
other direction it commands an extensive and varied
prospect. The chapel itself is a plain brick edifice,
raised on a strong stone foundation, and its large arched
windows gave it an appearance of neatness, superior to
any other at that time belonging to the Mission.
On the day of the opening an immense concourse
attended, and such a day of hallowed joy had never
dawned on Manchioneal before. All hearts appeared to
be filled with gladness, as a habitation was found for
the mighty God of Jacob. Mr. Shipman was under the
necessity of going to a distant part of the circuit, on
account of the sickness of his colleague, so that there
was only one service. At its close a collection was made
to assist in defraying^ the expenses, which amounted to
nearly £60 sterling, the largest which had ever been
made on the Island at one time.
But this joyous day was far from being unaccompa-
nied with sorrowful recollections. The people could not
forget that two of their ministers were then mouldering
in dust, who had been mainly instrumental in obtaining
for them that which gladdened their hearts, and filled
them with holy gratitude. They had witnessed the
commencement, and watched the progress of the build-
ing ; but before its completion they were removed to a
" house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
PROSPERITY OF THE KINGSTON SOCIETIES. 141
There was also another individual, in humble circum-
stances, who had long rejoiced in the prospect of that
happy day ; but he was not permitted to realize his an-
ticipations. The person alluded to was Robert Jones,
who belonged to the Society for some years, and who
came to Manchioneal Bay about the time it was first
visited by Messrs. Home and Underbill. He was a
slave, but had been brought up to the employment of a
tailor. He hired himself from his master ; and had to
labour hard in order to raise his weekly demand, as well
as to support his family. When the missionaries visited
the place, none gave them a more hearty welcome than
this excellent man, and no one more sincerely rejoiced
in the success of their labours. He was the first leader
in that Society, and the number of his members in-
creased with extraordinary rapidity. He was of a very
weak constitution, and laid down his body and charge
together, in hope of that rest which remaineth for the
people of God.
Under the able ministry of Messrs. Home and Young,
the societies in Kingston were favoured with a blessed
revival of the work of God. This was principally
amongst the free population, many of whom gave them-
selves to the Lord, and who since that time have proved
steady and useful members of his church. A considerable
proportion of those were young persons, and who had
profited much, either directly or indirectly, from the
labours of the missionaries. Not a few of them were the
children of our own people, who had received such an
education as was sufiicient to qualify them, by the bless-
14:2 NEW CHAPEL IN KINGSTON.
sing of God, for very extensive usefulness. The congre-
gations at the new chapel increased so rapidly, as that
it could no longer contain them with comfort ; and it was
evident, that the time was fully come for the erection of
that large edifice, which had indeed been contemplated
from the beginning. The old building was therefore
pulled down ; and on the 18th of July Mr. Home laid
the foundation-stone of '^ Wesley Chapel," amidst a vast
assemblage of all classes. This joyful event, as well as
the prospects of the brethren, is thus described in a letter
written a few weeks afterwards by Mr. Yomig. He says :
" The foundation-stone of our new chapel was laid in
the presence of an immense crowd of people, who wit-
nessed the ceremony with great interest. The building
has since been getting rapidly forward, and many hand-
some donations have been received from this community
towards its erection. Mr. Home and myself have called
upon the members of the corporate body, and other
gentlemen in the city, and all have subscribed liberally,
with the exception of a few individuals, who, we have
reason to believe, did not withhold their favours from any
hostile motive. I have also called on several gentlemen
in St. Andrew's parish for their aid, and in not one in-
stance have been refused. I have received very handsome
subscriptions from both Jews and Roman Catholics ; and
in that parish alone, obtained nearly £ 100 from the
white population : thus is prejudice dying away."
During the time that Wesley Chapel was being built the
congregations were subject to much inconvenience. No
house could be obtained for their temporary accommoda-
PREACHING AT STONEY HILL. 143
tion, and therefore as many as could gain admission, were
under the necessity of worshipping in the old chapel
only. The band-room underneath was once more thrown
open, but this was also crowded, and many were forced
to go away for want of room. As might be expected,
this greatly cramped the work, although the decrease of
members was very trifling. But those disadvantages
were more than compensated by the brethren extending
their labours to other places, particularly to Stoney Hill
and Port Royal. There being only one chapel open in
the city, one of them was at liberty to visit the country ;
and by the blessing of God, they were rendered instru-
mental in forming Societies in both those places before
the end of the year.
Stoney Hill is a considerable military station, on the
Island establishment, and is situated about ten miles
northward from Kingston, the road passing through the
beautiful and extensive plain of Liguanea. The build-
ings belonging to the garrison are erected on the summit
of the hill, between two and three thousand feet above
the level of the sea. Besides those there are a consid-
erable number of houses, which were inhabited by per-
sons of free condition, and many sugar and coffee plan-
tations in the vicinity, which contained a vast population
of negroes. This was therefore a spot which pressingly
invited the labours of the brethren ; and the salubrity of
its climate, as well as its population, rendered it very
desirable that it should become a permanent station for
the residence of a missionary.
The importance of Stoney Hill had sometime before
144 PROSPECTS IN PORT ROYAL.
engaged the attention of the missionaries. The first who
preached there Avas Mr. Wiggins, on his visits to the
little Society in St. Thomas in the Vale; but on account
of the troubles of those times, and the extent of his
labours, he was unable to attend to it or form a Society.
This however was accomplished by Mr. Young, about the
time of commencing the building of Wesley Chapel.
Having called at a house on passing from Grateful Hill
to Kingston, he intimated his readiness to preach ; and
the oifer being thankfully accepted, he returned in a few
days, and addressed an attentive and serious congregation.
Among them there was a considerable number of the
soldiers, twenty of whom gave in their names, and ex-
pressed a desire to flee from the wrath to come. These
he divided into two classes, which were increased by
many of the free people of the place, as well as the negroes
in its vicinity. In the following year, a house was pur-
chased from a gentleman who was friendly to the Mis-
sion ; which, with some additions, w^as converted into a
chapel and dwelling-house, to which Mr. Young re-
moved, after his time of residence expired in Kingston.
It has been already seen that the town of Port Royal
had been often visited by former missionaries; but though
they laboured with great zeal and perseverance, a general
apathy prevailed, and there was little either of opposition
or success. But at last the Lord appeared to open a
door of usefulness, and the brethren entered into it at
the earliest opportunity. In the month of August, Mr.
Young attended at the Quarter Sessions, and applied for
permission to preach ; and having been strongly recom-
A SOCIETY FORMED IN PORT ROYAL. 145
mended by several influential gentlemen in Kingston,
he was received with great cordiality. Permission was
kindly granted, without the formality of taking the oaths,
and not only for himself, but any other Wesleyan mi-
nister stationed on the Island. This was an instance of
liberality, which at that time was quite unprece-
dented.
As the way was thus opened, a house was rented for
preaching, part of which was prepared by the removal of
partitions for that purpose, while two apartments were
reserved for the missionary. This place was very un-
comfortable, but it was the best which could be obtained,
and the congregations exceeded the most sanguine ex-
pectations. A Society was formed, which by the begin-
ning of the following year included thirty-two members ;
about one-half of whom were free. The missionaries
were greatly assisted by Messrs. Butler and Hindle, both
whites employed in his Majesty's dock- yard, and who
had been previously connected with the Society. The
former did not indeed long survive the commencement
of this work ; but the latter became a very eflicient leader,
and was zealous and useful for many years, when he was
obliged to remove to another part of the Island. There
was also a pious officer of artillery stationed in the town,
who regularly attended the public services. In conse-
quence of his example, several of the soldiers were
induced to attend, and some of them were brought under
a serious concern for the salvation of their souls.
It has been stated, that at the District of 1 822, a mis-
sionary was appointed for the first time to the parish of
146 A TRIAL OF PATIENCE.
St. Ann. The house which had heen obtained on the
Bay, having been very comfortably fitted up, many of
the principal inhabitants attended with great regularity
and decorum. The labours of the missionary were not
confined to the Bay ; he also preached at the house of
Mr. Drew, to a congregation which was composed chiefly
of the members of his family, and a few of the neigh-
bouring negroes. But there was a remarkable resem-
blance between the beginning of the work in St. Ann's,
and that of Falmouth. There was no opposition, and
many of the whites manifested some interest in the Mis-
sion, and contributed towards its support. But although
there was no part in which the negroes stood more in
need of the gospel, yet in no part did they manifest less
concern for its blessings. There had been occasional
preaching for several years, and a Society had also been
formed. At the end of this year they amounted indeed
to 125, but a number of those were free persons ; and
altogether the Society was but small, compared with the
labour which had been bestowed : nor did the state of
the congregations afford very great encouragement to
look for immediate success. It pleased God in this in-
stance also, to teach the missionaries that his work in
Jamaica was to advance from the least to the greatest.
In the town of Montego Bay, Mr. Ratcliffe laboured
with comfort and success. In the month of July, he
observes, " That a great number of marriages have
taken place among the free people of colour ; and those
who are acquainted with the peculiar habits of this
country, cannot but view this as a most important step
A SEASON OF TRANQUILLITY. 147
towards the moral improvement of this class of society.
Our congregations are becoming large and respectable,
%d the word of the Lord is glorified in the deep atten-
tion of all, and the solid conversion of many. I have
often witnessed a more rapid work in other places, but
a more regular and genuine increase of members, and of
scriptural experience, I never beheld."
The District of 1823, began in Kingston on the 8th
of January. There were eight missionaries present, and
never on any former occasion did the state of the work
call more loudly for praise and thanksgiving to the
author of all good. The labourers, compared with the
vast field which lay before them, were indeed but few ;
but it was matter of devout gratitude, that throughout
the preceding year, none had been called away by death.
The state of the Societies was unusually tranquil, and
there was no violent opposition from without in any
part of the District. In Kingston, it is true, they
were still limited as to their hours of public service ;
but prejudice appeared to be daily passing away;
and there was the utmost probability that all re-
strictions would be speedily and peaceably removed.
The increase of members was also very cheering,
amounting to no fewer than 818 ; and never since the
commencement of the Mission, had there been a period
in which it could be so truly said, " Then had the
churches rest ; and were edified; and, walking in the fear
of God, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were
multiplied." At the close of the meeting, the brethren
partook of the Lord's Supper, and then departed to their
p 2
148' CONTINUANCE OF PEACE.
several appointments, which were finally settled as
under : —
Kingston . . . Messrs. Hokne and Young.
Spanish Town . . Mr. Ceofts.
Morant Bay . . Mr. Shipman.
Bath Mr. Duncan.
Grateful Hill . . Vacant.
Montego Bay . . Mr. Ratcliffe.
St. Ann's Bay . . Mr. Binning.
Bellemont . . . Vacant.
During the greater part of the year 1823, the state of
the Mission presents little to be recorded. The Societies
had peace in all their borders, and the brethren saw with
pleasure that their labour was not in vain. In Kingston,
indeed, no increase of members could have been expected,
as there was no chapel room for many who already
belonged to the Society. But unremitting attention
was paid to Stoney Hill and Port Royal; and in
those places the infant Societies grew both in grace and
number. Mr. Young was much employed towards the
close of the year in soliciting contributions for the pre-
mises purchased at the former place, and met with great
encouragement from nearly all the leading gentlemen in
that neighbourhood.
In the beginning of the year, Mr. Tremayne was sent
out to the assistance of the brethren. He landed at
Morant Bay, early in March ; and in a few weeks
afterwards, Mr. Thompson, an assistant missionary,
arrived from the Bahamas. The former was sent to
Grateful Hill, which for some months had been withou t
A CHAPEL AT BELLEMONT. 149
a resident minister; and the latter, took the place of
Mr. Shipman at Morant Bay ; while he, with his family,
removed to Bellemont, to superintend the erection of the
chapel which had been in progress for some time.
The Bellemont chapel was opened shortly after his
removal, and afforded extensive accommodation for the
inhabitants of the beautiful and populous neighbourhood-
Its dimensions were about 60 feet by 50, and with the
exception of Kingston, was the largest at that time be-
longing to the Mission. But though Mr. Shipman
laboured with extraordinary zeal he saw but little fruit,
nor was Mr Binning much more successful at St Ann's
Bay. There was indeed an increase of members at the
close of the year, amounting to about one hundred ; but
by far the greater part of those were upon a distant estate
on which they preached, while near the stations there
was the most unaccountable indifference manifested by
all classes. The state of the Society at Bellemont
was thus described by Mr. Shipman. He says, — " The
Society in this place has not given that encouragement
during the year which might have been expected,
considering their means of improvement ; however, the
chapel being now open, and several strangers disposed
to attend the ministry of the word, we trust that some
of them will, after having given themselves to the Lord,
unite themselves to his people." Those anticipations
were indeed ultimately realized, but not for a considerable
time afterwards.
It has been mentioned that the little Society in St.
David's continued to worship in a large thatched hut.
150 PREMISES PURCHASED AT YALLAHS.
from the time they were under the necessity of removing
from Pomfret. Its situation was by no means desirable,
being in the midst of a thick jungle, and far from any
considerable population; but it was the best which
could be obtained, and incommodious as it was the people
were thankful for it. About this time, however, the pro-
perty to which it belonged was sold, and notice was given
to remove. This produced great uneasiness, until they
learned that a suitable house on Yallahs Bay, together
with about three acres of ground was to be sold. This
was the very situation on which the Society had fixed
their eye from the beginning, but there were no funds in
hand and the brethren were at a loss what to do. In
this emergency, Charles Scott, Esq., of Retreat, hearing
of their circumstances, generously lent the money without
interest ; and thus, beyond all expectations, a very com-
modious establishment was fitted up at the expense of
very little more than £ 250 sterling.
In the month of December, Wesley chapel in Kingston,
which had been upwards of a year in course of erection,
was so far completed as to be ready for opening. This
event, which had been long and anxiously anticipated,
was realized on Sunday, the 21st of that month, when
immense congregations assembled to hear the word of
life. Mr. Home preached in the forenoon, from Matthew
viii. 33 ; and Mr. Young, in the afternoon, from Psalm
cxxxii. 13, 16. Notwithstanding the crowded state of
the chapel, the greatest order was preserved, and a holy
influence accompanied both the services, and seemed to
pervade every heart.
WESLEY-CHAPEL KINGSTON. 151
This spacious edifice is built for the most part with
brick. Its dimensions are 84 feet by 74, and still ranks
among the first class of chapels belonging to the Wes-
leyan connexion. In front, there are four pilasters of
white stone, supporting a large moulding along the top,
which is surmounted by a handsome balustrade of the
same materials, but the side and end walls are perfectly
plain. As its elevation is so great, compared with the
houses of a tropical town, it has externally a most com-
manding aspect ; although there is much less of what is
merely ornamental than in almost any chapel of its class
in the mother country.
The appearance of the interior is more magnificent
than commodious. The galleries run all round the
chapel, but their elevation is so great as to require the
pulpit to be raised to a most disagreeable height ; and in
addressing the assembly, the preacher feels as if he were
speaking to two difierent congregations. There are two
rows of handsome columns, the lower supporting the
gallery, and the upper from thence, supporting the roof.
The front of the gallery is of mahogany, and its pews of
cedar ; but the lower part is nearly all occupied with free
sittings ; and from 1800 to 2000 hearers can be accom-
modated with the greatest ease. As there was very little
of the work previously contracted for, the expense was
much greater than had been originally calculated ; but
the plan secured the best materials and the most sub-
stantial workmanship, and Wesley Chapel was unques-
tionably the noblest place of worship in the British West
Indies.
162 MISREPRESENTATION CORRECTED.
Shortly after it was opened, a very false and exagge-
rated account of it was sent home ; for the purpose, it
would seem, of making an impression on the British
public, that their money, which was contributed to the
support of missions, was lavished upon expensive and
showy buildings. This mahcious misrepresentation was
published in the New Bajitist Magazine, and displayed
as little liberality on the part of the editor, as on the part
of the anonymous correspondent. It was stated that the
expense amounted to £ 30,000. This was untrue, for it
was very little more than £9000, payable in Great
Britain ; and, indeed, considering its dimensions and the
expense of labour in Jamaica, it would be difficult to find
any large chapel at home which cost so little money. Let
it also be observed, that the Society in Kingston had
nothing to do with the mission funds, only to contribute
towards them, for they never received anything for
their buildings, nor for the support of their ministry, at
least for thirty years before. The cedar pews may strike
the British reader as being very extravagant ; but he may
rest assured, that in that chmate where ordinary deal so
soon decays, this was not intended for show but for
economy, and was economical in reality; and also he must
remember, that Jamaica is the native soil both of cedar
and mahogany, which are therefore much cheaper there
than at home. It is not however denied, but there are
a few ornaments which might have been dispensed with ;
but those are not so numerous as in almost every chapel
of the same class in England. There were two other
good chapels finished on the Kingston circuit within six
ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES. 153
years afterwards, and there is very little debt remaining
npon any of them.
At the District of 1824, the increase of members
amounted to 551 ; which, considering the want of accom-
modation in the city, was fully as many as had been
anticipated. The only changes in the appointments
which took place were between Messrs. Shipman and
Home, the latter removing to Morant Bay, the former
took his place in Kingston. The brethren were once
more thankful to find, that throughout the preceding
year, their number had not been lessened by death ; and
they went to their circuits, lamenting indeed, as usual,
that their number was so small, but looking for addi-
tional help which was daily expected.
In the month of March, Messrs. Jenkins, Whitehouse
and Allen, arrived at Morant Bay. Mr. Jenkins was ap-
pointed to Grateful Hill, Mr. Whitehouse to Montego
Bay, Mr. Katcliffe removed to Falmouth, and also to
take charge of St. Ann's Bay, and Mr. Binning succeeded
Mr. Young in Kingston. The arrival of the above
brethren was a cause of great joy and gratitude ; but in
less than a month their joy was turned into sorrow
through the death of Mr. Henry Allen, whom it pleased
God to call to an early reward, after having lived only
three weeks on the Island.
Mr. Allen was a most amiable and pious young man,
but was occasionally so much subject to mental de-
pression, as to cause uneasiness respecting him from the
time of his landing. After a few days residence at Mo-
rant Bay, he went down to Kingston along with his
154 DEATH OF MR. ALLEN.
companions, but he had scarcely anived there before he
showed symptoms of an inflammatory complaint. Al-
though there was nothing which appeared serious, it was
thought expedient to remove him to a neighbouring
estate, where the air is delightfully cool and pleasant.
On the first or second night of his visit, there was a smart
shock of earthquake, which happened shortly after he
had retired to rest. This so alarmed him, that he got
out of bed and sat in his room for a considerable time
almost undressed. From this he caught cold, and ap-
peared in the morning so much worse, as that it was
judged necessary for him to return to Kingston. The
best medical aid was procured, and all other means were
used for his recovery ; but the fever increased until the
17th of April, when he expired in the full triumph of
faith. During the first part of his illness, he was griev-
ously tempted by his unwearied enemy ; but through
Christ, he was made more than conqueror. A little
before his departure, he said, " The Lord hath not sent
me to Jamaica to labour, but to praise him ;" and a short
time after, he raised his hand and waving it in token of
victory, he exclaimed, " Praise ! Praise ! Praise !" and
then calmly fell asleep in Jesus.
On the removal of Mr. Binning to Kingston, Mr. Young
went, according to his appointment, to Stoney Hill ; and
had there the pleasure of seeing his labours attended
with great success, on a station which he had been
mainly instrumental in establishing. During the time
of his residence there, he visited several estates where he
regularly preached and catechized. He also formed
EXTENSION OF THE MISSION. 155
another Society, about ten miles westward from Stoney
Hill, in a mountainous part of the same parish, known
by the name of Red Hills. On the circuit, before the end
of the year, nearly three hundred persons had been
either received as members, or had been admitted on
trial; and though a number of those afterwards drew
back, yet not a few continued stedfast in their Christian
profession. But while the work of God was thus pros-
pering, a storm was already gathering, of which an
account shall be given in the succeeding chajiter.
156
CHAPTER VII.
Opposition in 1824 — District Meeting of 1825 — Sunday Schools —
Preaching in Falmouth — Missionary Societies formed — District of
1826 — Formation of the Auxiliary Missionary Society for the Ja-
maica District — Death and Character of Miss Racster — Week-night
services in Kingston — Arrival and departiire of Missionaries — A So-
ciety formed in Port Antonio — Intolerant clauses in the Slave-law
of 1826.
The reader cannot have failed to observe a remarkable
difference between the last two chapters, and those which
preceded them. The earlier periods of our history,
were invariably marked by external opposition ; either
the congregations were disturbed by the riotous and in-
decent behaviour of many who called themselves gen-
tlemen, or a legislative and magisterial persecution
silenced the missionaries, and cast some of them into
prison. But from the re-opening of the chapels in
Kingston and Morant Bay, in 1815, until the end of 1823,
there was very little appearance of outward hostility.
The missionaries pursued their successful course unmo-
lested ; the Mission was extended over many parts of
the Island ; and during that period, the Societies in-
creased from two thousand seven hundred members to
no fewer than nine thousand and seventy six.
It was even thought, that the long night of prejudice
had passed away, and the beneficial results of the Mission
PARLIAMENTARY RESOLUTIONS OF 1823. 157
SO apparent, that no further attempts would be made to
retard its progress, or to defeat the object of its agents.
But about the period to which we are brought we are to
date the commencement of a remarkable change, and of
a struggle which did not terminate until the termina-
tion of slavery itself. This struggle was not indeed
maintained on every station. In St. Thomas in the East,
and several other parishes, the missionaries for the most
part laboured without opposition ; but in many places
it was far otherwise. It was obvious that there was a
great change in the public mind ; or rather, that pre-
judices which were only dormant, not extinct, were now
awakened ; and we have again to record instances of
oppression : while the agitation was kept up, and the
Island degraded, by one of the most brutal publications
which ever disgraced the English language.* There
were four different events which transpired about the
same time, all of which excited great alarm in the
Island, and were made use of by the enemies of religion,
as the pretext of their opposition to the Wesleyan mis-
sionaries.f Those events it will be necessary to notice.
The first was the passing of the famous parliamentary
resolutions of 1823, declaring the expediency of adopt-
ing such decisive measures for ameliorating the condition
of the slave population, as might prepare them for par-
* The Jamaica Coiirant.
t We here use the term *' Wesleyan," because at that time, and
for several years afterwards, the Wesleyans were the only ministers
who, as a body, were suspected by the Colonists. There were indeed
two or three of the Established Clergy who shared in then- infamy
but as a body they were popular enough. The other denominations
were not then thought to be hostile to Colonial institutions.
158 DISABILITIES OF THE FREE COLOURED POPULATION.
ticipating in the civil rights and privileges of other
classes of his Majesty's subjects. Those resolutions
reached the Island about July or August ; and the re-
cognition of the principle of freedom, however distant,
was productive of instantaneous alarm. It was indus-
triously circulated that the missionaries were but the
paid agents of the African Institution, or of other
societies of a similar description ; and that under the
pretence of preaching the gospel, they were endeavour-
ing to effect great civil and political revolutions in the
West Indies. That they were preparing the slaves for
freedom, while attending exclusively to their spiritual in-
terests, need not be denied; but that they were the
agents of any civil or political organizations, as their ad-
versaries affirmed, or that they were interfering either
secretly or outwardly, with the civil or political insti-
tutions of the Island, is so notoriously false as to require
no refutation.
Another event, which occurred about that time, was the
petitioning of the Legislature, on the part of the free
black and coloured population, for their rights and pri-
vileges as British subjects. The public privations under
which they then suffered were both numerous and op-
pressive. Whatever might have been the character, the
intelligence, or the property of any man of colour, he
was not allowed to be a member of the Legislature, or to
give a vote in the elections for the Assembly. He could
not fill the office of a magistrate, nor hold an officer's
commission in the militia ; he had no seat in the jury-
box, nor in the parochial vestries ; he was disqualified
INSURRECTIONARY RUMOURS. 159
for even the lowest stations of free persons on estates ;
and there were also certain seminaries of public educa-
tion from which his children were excluded. Although
nothing could exceed the decorous and respectful be-
haviour of those classes in petitioning to be relieved
from their disabilities, yet the indignation of the As-
sembly was excessive ; and as the Wesleyan Societies
embraced a greater number of those free persons than
any other religious community, much of the indignation
fell upon the missionaries.
A third incident which was made use of against the
missionaries, was the rumour of several insurrections as
having occurred in different parts of the Island. With
the exception of a partial excitement in Hanover, those
risings were merely imaginary, or at most totally un-
deserving of any public notice. Even in Hanover itself,
there was nothing but the manifestations of discontent
on the part of some few of the negroes, on one or two
properties, and the whole affair was subdued without any
difficulty.*
* It may here be mentioned, that the only instance of alarm which
occTirred about that time, within the reach of any missionary station in
Jamaica, was on W estate, in the parish of St. David. An old
negro, who resided in a small wattled hut, after the toils of the day,
stuck part of a lighted candle in one of the crevices, and fell fast
asleep. The hut caught fire, and was soon perceived by some of the
negroes, who immediately went to inform the white people and to
receive orders. The latter, having some time before retired to rest,
they got up, and looking out, an awful scene was presented to their
view: '^Conspiracy! Rebellion! Fire!!'' But being all militiamen
they loaded their muskets, and bravely fired in the direction of the
burning hut, which however they did not dare to approach. Provi-
dentially none of the negroes were hurt, though several were at it at
the time ; but one of them afterwards observed, " We were xoaiting for
huckra coming dozvn, hut token ive heavy huckrafire him gun, den we link
160 A GATHERING STORM.
The last event alluded to, is the well known insurrec-
tion in Demerara. Although it was allowed on all
hands that the Wesleyans had no concern w^ith that
affair, yet it afforded a j)retext for opposition, too plausi-
ble for that purpose to be neglected. It was referred to
by designing men with great effect ; and old suspicions
and prejudices were revived with greater inveteracy
than ever.
The state of the Mission was then very critical and
trying. An Act was passed by the Legislature, autho-
rizing the Governor to remove any suspected person or
persons from the Island ; and it was generally thought that
the Missionaries were parties particularly referred to. A
secret committee was also appointed by the Assembly,
invested with considerable powers, and the brethren
knew that in several places a system of espionage was in
operation, and that they were under the most vigilant
surveillance. No communication from the parent go-
vernment respecting religious toleration in Jamaica had
been sent to the Island for years, and the last which had
been sent was partially restrictive. Meanwhile a grow-
ing hostility became evident in the Courts of Quarter
Sessions. A missionary, who had been several years on
the Island, applied to qualify in Kingston ; and though
producing recommendations from some of the most in-
fluential persons in the Colony, he w^as kept for hours
under examination, and only succeeded by sending for
it time to pull foot" Thus the hut was left to its fate, and in this
manner an event was terminated, which was nearly as serious as any
insurrection which occurred about that period.
GREAT PERPLEXITY. 161
tlie Custos the following day, who decided in his favour.
In St. Ann's, where hitherto there had been no opposition*
two applied at the Court, and their request was peremp-
torily rejected. On this case the opinion of the Attorney
General was solicited, and his reply only served to in-
crease the embarrassment. He considered that the mis-
sionaries were bound to apply in each parish, but should
the magistrates refuse, they might be compelled by
mandamus to allow them to qualify ; a measure from
which, however, he earnestly sought to dissuade them.*
At last it was proposed in the Supreme Court (under
the Act referred to), to send them off the Island ; but as
the sitting of the Legislature was drawing near, and as
many of the members had expressed themselves strongly
in favour of such a step, the matter was allowed to lie
over for a time.
Under these circumstances, the brethren knew not
what to do, nor to whom to apply for counsel. The
chief seat of the hostility was Kingston ; and the Wes-
leyans were its principal objects. It was a general opi-
nion, that some public vindication of their character and
labours was imperatively required; and they were
strongly urged to this, by the very few gentlemen whom
the troubles of those times had not caused entirely to
withdraw their countenance. A few of them accordingly
met in Kingston, on the 7th of September, and passed
certain resolutions, which were afterwards severely
censured by the Committee in London. It is painful to
* Vide Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons
on the extinction of Slavery in 1832. Ques. 1528.
M
16^ RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN 1824.
dwell upon this matter, but it stands out too prominently
to be passed over in entire silence.
The number of missionaries then stationed on the
Island was ten, and of those, four met in Kingston on
the occasion referred to. After having agreed to certain
resolutions, a copy was sent to each absent missionary,
requesting that he would peruse it, and in case the re-
solutions met with his approval, to affix his signature.
There were three who signified their entire disapproba-
tion of the whole ; one or two others objected to certain
passages which were afterwards censured by the Com-
mittee ; and, as there was so little agreement, they were
signed only by the chairman. Before they were sent to
the press, one of the brethren, who had not been at the
meeting, suggested several alterations, and a resolution
was inserted which was not in the original copy, and
which was more strongly censured by the Committee
than any of them. The family-like manner in which
the missionaries lived, accounts for this liberty ; but
when the substance of the alterations was known, some
of the brethren, who were at the meeting, so disapproved
of it, that they sent to Spanish Town to quash the whole,
but it was too late.
In the first resolution they merely state, " That they
have observed with deep regret the numerous misrepre-
sentations and calumnies, which have been circulated con-
cerning their principles and motives :" and in the second,
" That it has been insidiously stated of the members of
this meeting, 1st. That they believe slavery to be incom-
patible with the Christian religion. 2nd. That their doc-
DISALLOWED BY THE COMMITTEE. 163
trines are calculated to produce insubordination among
the slaves. 3rd. That they are secretly attempting to
put in operation means to effect the emancipation of the
slaves. 4th. That they are connected with, and corres-
pond with the members of the African Institution. 5th.
That they are the most decided (although disguised)
enemies of the West India Colonies. 6th. And are en-
riching themselves by extorting money from the slaves."
In the remaining resolutions they reply to those
statements ; but the whole, together wath the " disa-
vowal" of the Committee, are too long for insertion.
The severe censure of the Committee chiefly referred to
two points. The first was the equivocal manner in which
they declare their belief, that " Christianity does not in-
terfere with the civil condition of the slaves, as slavery
is established by the laws of the British West Indies :"
and the second, the manner in which they speak of
those benevolent individuals in the mother country,
comprehended under the terms of " emancipatists and
abolitionists," who were laboimng for the ultimate ex-
tinction of slavery.
On the former, the Committee observe : —
"If no more were meant by this, than that all slaves,
brought under the influence of Christianity, are bound by
its precepts to obey their masters, and to submit to the au-
thorities of the state, conscientiously and constantly, this is
no more than the missionaries have been explicitly instructed
to teach ; and which the Committee sacredly enjoin upon
them, to inculcate upon all to whom their ministrations might
extend ; but if it was intended, that the system of slavery ' as
m2
164 REMARKS ON THE PROCEEDINGS.
established in the West Indies,' or anywhere else, is not in-
consistent with Christianity, the Committee and the ' Wes-
leyan body' hold no such opinion. But whilst they feel, that
all changes in such a system ought to emanate solely from the
Legislature, they hold it to be the duty of every Christian
government, to bring the practice of slavery to an ■ end, as
soon as it can be done safely, prudently, and with a just
consideration to the interests of all parties concerned ; and
that the degradation of men, merely on account of their colour,
and the holding of human beings in interminable bondage,
are wholly inconsistent with Christianity."
On the whole of those proceedings very few observa-
tions will be made. That the missionaries never meant
to declare, that the system of holding men in intermi-
nable bondage, is consistent with Christianity, might
easily be proved, were it needful. All they intended,
was merely to re-echo the substance of their instructions
on the point of slavery ; for in the original copy they
extracted their very form of expression, which was but
slightly altered in that which was afterwards published.
But it is admitted, that their declaration, even as it then
stood, was equivocal, and an interpretation might have
been given which was never meant, of which the " In-
structions," being longer and more explicit, were inca-
pable.
Their allusion to the " emancipatists and abolition-
ists" is indeed perfectly unjustifiable ; and especially as
it is a fact, that none of the missionaries then on the
Island knew scarcely anything relative to their principles
and objects. They had no correspondence with any
OF THE COMMITTEE IN 1824. 165
persons at home, on the subject of West India politics,
as was affirmed by their adversaries. They knew but
little of the controversy, which was then beginning to be
agitated, excepting from what they occasionally saw in
the Colonial papers, and which the pressure of their en-
gagements, and their devotedness to their proper work,
left them but little time to study. The Committee were
perfectly correct in stating, that " the sweeping charges
were written under ignorance of the opinions of those
excellent men, who distinguished themselves by advo-
cating the amelioration of the condition of the slaves,
with a view to the ultimate extinction of slavery." The
truth is, there was httle difference of opinion between
the " abolitionists" of that time and the missionaries, but
of that the latter were ignorant. The language of the
resolutions relative to them, was, however, very repre-
hensible ; but it was principally to be found in the
fourth, which was not in the original copy ; but even the
milder language of the original was objected to by some
of them, who did not disapprove of the whole series.
But whatever blame may be attached to those brethren
in Jamaica who were connected with the resolutions,
the candid and thoughtful reader will also take their
peculiarly perilous circumstances into consideration.
The missionaries felt no fear for themselves, but al-
together for their important work. The threats of trans-
portation, were not empty menaces to be altogether
laughed at. Persons were transported about that time
who were not so obnoxious to those in power as they
were ; and it is therefore highly probable that the resolu-
166 INDISCRETIONS ACCOUNTED FOR.
tions, censurable as certain parts of them were, were the
means of preventing their being sent off the Island.
Let it be also observed, that the Wesleyans were at that
time the only body of ministers suffering from Colonial
prejudice. Jews and Catholics, Episcopalians, Presbyte-
rians, and Baptists, had as much liberty as they desired ;
and the Baptist chapel was regularly opened on the week
nights even by candle-light, which was denied to the
Methodists, who alone were the objects of a cruel and
inveterate hostility.
The candid reader, therefore, will not be surprised, that
under the severe pressure of such trials, a few should be
driven into the indiscretions already pointed out. But
the "VVesleyan body have no reason whatever to blush
for the conduct of their agents in Jamaica. No mis-
sionaries ever sent out by them have suffered so much
in the cause of Christ, as those who were contempora-
neous with the author of this narrative, or who had
preceded him on that Island. And let it be also re-
membered, that there was no other body of ministers
then in Jamaica, of whom it can be said, that 7iot one
of tJie7n,fro7n first to last, ever held property in slaves.
It is only needful further to remark, that the cen-
sure of the Committee was not productive of that in-
convenience which they themselves expected ; for in the
persecutions which followed, the resolutions passed by
them were not referred to. In one respect, indeed, they
were attended with much good, for the brethren were
determined to enjoy their religious privileges more as
SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 167
their right, and less as a matter of favour and sufferance
than before.
At the District of 1825, it afforded no small consola-
tion to find, that in course of the preceding most pain-
ful year, there was a clear increase of members, amoimt-
ing to no fewer than 973. With only one exception,
this was the greatest addition made to the Societies in
one year since the commencement of the Mission. The
greater part of this was upon the Bath and Stoney Hill
circuits ; but there was an uncommon spirit of hearing
in other places, and all had some share in the general
prosperity.
The Committee in London had been long desirous of
establishing a more general and efficient system of
Sunday-School instruction ; and the missionaries were
equally desirous of carrying their wishes into effect.
Hitherto comparatively little had been done, for even
those gentlemen who had befriended the Mission, were
in general very hostile to the teaching of their slaves to
read. Notwithstanding this, schools had been formed
in several places, and particularly in Montego Bay and
Grateful Hill ; but a more general and efficient efibrt
was now agreed upon. This met with the hearty con-
currence of the free people on the various circuits, and
particularly in Kingston, where schools, connected with
each of the chapels, were speedily formed, and the at-
tendance and proficiency of the children exceeded the
most sanguine expectations.
In the month of February, Mr. Shipman left the Island
for England, and Mr. Home for the Bahamas. The
168 A CHAPEL OBTAINED IN FALMOUTH.
former had laboured in Jamaica for between ten and
eleven years, and the latter about seven. During the
time of their residence their usefulness was very great,
and their names are so interwoven with the history of the
Mission as not to be forgotten. Their places were sup-
plied by Messrs. Barry and Kerr, who landed in King-
ston in course of the following month ; when the former
was appointed to Grateful Hill, and the latter to Bath.
It has been intimated, that in the preceding year Mr.
Ratcliffe removed to Falmouth, it being determined to
make another effort in that place. This was done at the
earnest solicitation of a few persons who belonged to the
Society ; and the Gustos, being still as friendly as ever,
allowed the use of a convenient building, which had
been the court-house, at a very trifling rent. This
building was soon afterwards sold to the Mission, and
through the goodwill of that intelligent magistrate, it
was obtained for a very moderate sum. Mr. Ratcliffe
succeeded in forming a Society, which in course of the
year increased to about eighty members. He had also
several estates thrown open to his labours, which he re-
gularly visited ; yet, with all these advantages, the con-
gregations were not large, although the chapel was one
of the most commodious then on the Island. The great
mass of the negro population manifested the same in-
difference to religion as before.
The year 1825, was remarkable for a very interesting
event in the history of the Mission, namely, the forma-
tion of Branch Missionary Societies. The Committee in
London had been long desirous to accomplish that object.
MISSIONARY SOCIETIES FORMED. 169
while at the same time they expressed the necessity of
being very cautious in taking such a step, in a country
where every act of the missionaries was viewed with so
much jealousy and suspicion. The brethren were quite
aware, that the novelty of public meetings would excite
feelings of great hostility ; but they concluded that the
time was now fully come, in which they could no longer
withhold from their people those sources of gratification
and profit, which Christians of various denominations
enjoyed at home, and which their brethren also enjoyed
in the other West India Colonies. A small meeting was
first held at Bellemont, on Sunday, the 9th of October,
at which Mr. Drew presided, and at which Messrs.
Ratcliffe and Young were nearly the only speakers. A
good feeling pervaded the congregation, and a collection
was made at the close which amounted to between six
and seven pounds sterling.
On Wednesday, the 12th, a missionary meeting was
held in Spanish Town, and as the Custos and magistrates
had in general shown themselves rather friendly than
otherwise, no serious consequences, in the way of oppo-
sition, were expected. The chair was taken by Mr.
Ratcliffe, and the other speakers were the Rev. Messrs.
Young, Crofts, Jenkins, Barry, and Duncan, together
with Mr. Paul, the steward of that circuit. The chapel
w^as crowded, though principally with free people. There
were only two whites present, who were strangers, but
they appeared to be as much interested as the others ;
and a more hallowed and joyous evening was never
spent in Spanish Town. The brethren could not help
170 MISSIONARY MEETING IN SPANISH TOWN.
adverting, with gratitude to God, to the state of the
Mission as contrasted with a former dark and gloomy-
period ; while they were inwardly sensible, that the time
of opposition had not yet passed away, and that even
some of them might be called to suffer bonds and im-
prisonment for the sake of the gospel. The collections
amounted to between twenty and thirty pounds sterling,
and a number of persons came forward and offered their
services as collectors for the society.
The public attention, or rather jealousy, was awakened
to an uncommon degree by the meeting in Spanish
Town. The Gustos, now that a bishop had arrived,
appeared desirous to withdraw his countenance from
the missionaries ; and a number of persons were sum-
moned to his office, to depose to what they had seen
and heard at the chapel. Amongst the rest, were the
two white gentlemen alluded to, who were examined,
but not upon oath. One of them frankly acknowledged
that he neither saw nor heard anything objectionable ;
but the other, although he had before spoken to one of
the missionaries in the highest terms of the proceedings,
adopted a very different tone before the chief magistrate,
and represented them as dangerous ; only he affected to
doubt whether the speakers were perfecthj sane. The
other witnesses were all sworn, none of whom belonged
to the Society, and few could write their own names.
The object of the whole was to injure the reputation of
the missionaries, by representing them as acting fi'om
avaricious motives ; and instead of preaching the gospel
to the slaves, to demonstrate that their only aim was to
MEETING AT GRATEFUL HILL. 171
plunder them of their money. This indeed had been the
popular clamour for some time, although it was well
known that it was but mere pretence, and raised only to
afford a colouring to an opposition which rested on very
different grounds. Those affidavits were accordingly
made use of for this purpose, as shall be hereafter related.
The next meeting was held at Grateful Hill, on the
18th, at which Mr. Ratcliffe again presided. On this
occasion, one of the members made an impressive appeal
to the congregations, and observed that it was to the
missionary cause that most of them owed their all ; that
they were miserable, ragged, and without hope, before
the missionaries came among them ; but since that time
they were happy, improved, and had obtained a blessed
hope of heaven. He then said, " Grateful Hill Society,
who sent those servants of God to us ? We did not col-
lect money and send to England for them ; no, but they
were sent by Christians in that far country, who beheld
us in a state of great wretchedness, who pitied us and
sent us help. We ought therefore to consider, that as
we have so freely received so we ought as freely to give ;
that the same blessings may be sent to other heathens
which have been sent to us." The collection amounted
to about five pounds, but a considerable sum additional
was entered immediately on the list of contributions.
Similar meetings were also held, towards the close of
the following month, at Morant Bay and Bath ; and in
both places, the chair was occupied by Thomas Thomp-
son, Esq., the senior magistrate of that precinct. In
opening the business of the former, the chairman referred
112 DISTRICT MEETING OF 1826.
most feelingly, to the beneficial effects resulting to the
slave population from the labours of the Wesleyan mis-
sionaries, during the long period of their residence
amons: them. He then drew a contrast between the
state of the negroes in that parish to that of those re-
siding where no missionary stations had been established;
and he especially contrasted their present state as a people
with what many still remembered it to have been be-
tween twenty and thirty years before. Of that he drew
a most affecting picture ; but now, said he, " We begin
to look like a Christian community." His appeals were
cheerfully responded to, and at those meetings about
fifty pounds sterling were collected.
The District of 1826 was held in Kingston, at the
usual time, and was, with but little exception, a season
of great harmony and love. The increase in the number
of members was 304, and the brethren were thus ap-
pointed to the different circuits : —
Kingston . . Messrs. Duncan and BAiiRY.
Spanish Town. Mr. Young.
Morant Bay . Mr. Jenkins.
Bath .... Mr. Kerr.
Grateful Hill . Mr. Whitehouse.
Stoney Hill.
Montego Bay . Mr. Crofts.
St. Ann's Bay . Mr. Ratcliffe.
Falmouth.
At this time an Auxiliary Missionary Society was
formed for the Jamaica District, and the public meeting
was held in Wesley Chapel. The chair was occupied by
DEATH OF MISS RACSTER. 173
Henry Foskey, Esq., and nearly all the brethren took
part in the proceedings. The assembly was immense ;
as many as could attend from the other circuits were
present, and it was calculated that nearly three thousand
had got crowded within the w alls of the spacious edifice.
It was a happy day for the missionaries ; as they beheld
on a large scale the blessed fruits of their labour, and
that of their predecessors. The appearance of the whole
was almost overpowering, and especially the galleries,
which were crowded with a people whose intelligent and
respectable appearance would have done credit to Exeter
Hall itself. Collections were made at the different ser-
vices, which altogether amounted to nearly one hundred
pounds sterling.
The brethren had scarcely returned to their respective
circuits, when the Kingston Society was called to sustain
a great loss in the death of Miss Sarah Racster, then one
of its brightest ornaments. This excellent person was a
female of colour, and had for about thirteenyears "adorned
the doctrine of God our Saviour." In early life she was
favoured with a respectable education ; but having been
in affluent circumstances, before her conversion she was
gay and thoughtless, and became conformed to the cus-
toms of an ungodly world. About the year 1813, she
was deeply convinced of sin, and joined the Methodist
Society, then suffering under severe oppression. In a
short time she was delivered from the burden of her
guilty fears ; and though it is not pretended that she was
exempt from human infirmities, yet, from the time of her
conversion until her death, few characters more spotless
174 EVENING SERVICES IN KINGSTON.
have adorned any Christian society. She was a liberal
supporter of the cause of God, and the poor found in her
a sympathising and generous benefactor. She was the
leader of three female classes, two in Kingston and one
in Port Royal ; and while she was characterised by an
uncommon degree of modesty, she was at the same time
ever zealous in endeavouring to advance the glory of
God. Her last illness was protracted, but the consola-
tions of divine grace were amply sufficient for her sup-
port; and when the last enemy aj)proached, it was
evident that her merciful Redeemer had granted her
*' poAver and strength" to achieve a complete and glorious
victory. She died in the full triumph of faith, on the
29th of January, 1826 ; and on the following afternoon,
it was the mournful office of the writer of this narrative
to commit her body to the tomb, to rest until that day
when the grave must deliver up its dead.
About the beginning of this year, the brethren in King-
ston ventured to commence services on the week evenings
by candle-light. As the Societies had long been deprived
of this privilege its restoration was highly prized. Both
chapels were opened at the same time, and were attended
by congregations little smaller than those which assem-
bled on the Lord's-day. Although even after this, the
missionaries on that circuit had not ordinarily to preach
oftener than four times a week, yet their labours were
very heavy, as there were only two ministers to upwards
of four thousand members. The quarterly visitations
was especially a work of immense labour. The exami-
nation of the Sunday-classes commenced at daybreak.
ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES. 175
and was continued for about the space of two hours.
This was resumed after the forenoon services, excepting
on the first Sabbath of each month, at which time the
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered ; and
two or more classes again met at the close of the service
in the afternoon. Such was the Sunday labour of the
Kingston ministers for nine or ten sabbaths in every
quarter.
The week-day classes met likewise at day-break each
morning for examination, and also again at four in the
afternoon, which continued for about eight weeks a
quarter, every day, excepting Saturday, being so occu-
pied ; this, taken in connexion with visiting the sick,
funerals, and other duties, rendered the labour very
arduous ; but there was also much encouragement.
Both the chapels w^ere well attended, and the ordinances
of God were highly estimated. On the first Sabbath in
each month the Lord's Supper was administered, on an
average to about from thirteen to fifteen hundred com-
municants, including those at both chapels. Those were
seasons of great bodily fatigue, but they were times of
refreshing from the presence of the Lord.
A few weeks after the District-meeting, the Mission
received a seasonable reinforcement on the arrival of
Messrs. Grimsdall and T. C. Morgan. Mr. Beard also
was sent out at the same time, but he was not long on
the Island when he was removed to the Bahamas. Mr.
Grimsdall was appointed to Stoney Hill, where he
laboured for the remainder of the year with uncommon
diligence and success; and Mr. Morgan went to Morant
ITfi A SOCIETY AT PORT ANTONIO.
Bay, to the assistance of Mr. Jenkins. Towards the
middle of the year, Mr. Orton landed at Kingston, and
was appointed to Falmouth ; and in a few weeks
more, Mr. Murray arrived, who had been for about
three years in the St. Vincent District. But about that
time Mr. Young was forced to leave the Island, on ac-
count of the very dangerous state of his wife's health,
whose constitution had been long and seriously impaired ;
and his place in Spanish Town was supplied by Mr.
Murray. Mr. Jenkins also, whose health had suffered
much, removed towards the close of the year, and his
place at Morant Bay was supplied by Mr. Parkin.
For some years the missionaries had been earnestly
importuned to visit Port Antonio, where no attempts
had been made from the time Mr. Home was rejected in
1819. Mr. Kerr, who was then stationed in Bath, went
over in August ; and at first he met as many as chose to
meet with him in the house where he lodged ; but as he
was called to account by one of the magistrates, he pro-
mised not to preach until he was licensed at the Quarter
Sessions. License being obtained, he hired a house for
preaching, and visited the place as often as his other en-
gagements on the Bath circuit would allow. His efibrts,
by the blessing of God, were attended with success ; and
by the end of the year he left a promising Society, con-
sisting of thirty-five members, besides three on trial.
The year 1826, had almost passed away without any
material interruption; at which the missionaries some-
times expressed their astonishment, that an opposition
so severe should have subsided almost instantaneously.
NEW CONSOLIDATED SLAVE LAW. 177
The mystery was however at last developed, and it was
found that another legislative scheme had heen concoct-
ing, with the view of retarding their labours and blasting
their reputation. For some time the British govern-
ment had been urging the Legislature to make such
improvements in the slave code, as would secure to the
slaves the possession of what property they might acquire*
and also to provide for their giving evidence in courts of
justice against free persons as well as against each other.
In the new slave law of 1826 considerable concessions
were made, and their right to give evidence was allowed,
under certain restrictions and limitations. But several
clauses were introduced injurious to the missionaries,
and the more so as they were enacted under the pretence
of the kindest solicitude for the welfare of the slaves.
The principal of these clauses are the 84th and 85th, of
which the following is a copy : —
" LXXXIV. And whereas the assembling of slaves and
other persons after dark, at places of meeting belonging to
dissenters from the established religion, and other persons
professing to be teachers of religion, has been found to be
extremely dangerous, and great facilities are thereby given to
the formation of plots and conspiracies, and the health of the
slaves and other persons has been injured in travelling to and
from such places of meeting at late hours of the night : Be it
further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That from and
after the commencement of this act, all such meetings between
sunset and sunrise shall be held and deemed to be unlawful ;
and any sectarian, dissenting minister, or other person j^ro-
fessing-to be a teacher of religion, who shall, contrary to this
N
178 OPPRESSIVE ENACTMENTS.
act, keep open any such places of meeting between sunset and
sunrise, for the purpose aforesaid, or permit or suffer any such
nightly assembly of slaves therein, shall forfeit and pay a sum
not less than twenty pounds or exceeding fifty pounds for
each offence, to be recovered in a summary way before any
three justices by warrant of distress and sale, one moiety to be
paid to the informer, and the other moiety to the poor of the
parish in which such offence shall be committed ; and in de-
fault of payment thereof, the said justices are hereby em-
powered and required to commit such offender or offenders to
the common gaol, for any space of time not exceeding one
calendar month : Provided always, That nothing herein con-
tained shall be deemed or taken to prevent any minister of
the Presbyterian Kirk, or licensed minister, from performing
divine worship at any time before the hour of eight o'clock in
the evening at any licensed place of worship, or to interfere
with the celebration of divine worship according to the rites
and ceremonies of the Jewish or Roman Catholic religions.
" LXXXV. And whereas, under pretence of offerings and
contributions, large sums of money and other chattels have
been extorted by designing men, professing to be teachers of
religion, practising on the ignorance and superstitions of the
negroes in this Island, to their great loss and impoverishment :
and whereas an ample provision is already made for the reli-
gious instruction of the slaves : Be it enacted by the authority
aforesaid, That from and after the commencement of this act,
it shall not be lawful for any dissenting minister, religious
teacher, or other person whatsoever, to demand or receive any
money or other chattel whatsoever from any slave or slaves
within this Island, for affording such slave or slaves religious
instruction, by way of offering, contributions, or under any
other pretence whatsoever ; and if any person or persons shall,
THE GOVERNOR CONSENTS TO THE NEW LAW. 179
contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, offend
herein, such person or persons shall, upon conviction before
any three justices, forfeit and pay the whole sum of twenty
pounds for each offence, to be recovered in a summary man-
ner by warrant of distress and sale under the hands and seals
of the said justices, one moiety thereof to be paid to the
informer, who is hereby declared to be a competent witness,
and the other moiety to the poor of the parish in which such
offence shall be committed ; and in default of payment, the
said justices are hereby empowered and required to commit
such offenders to the common gaol for any space of time not
exceeding one calendar month."
This act passed the Assembly on the 7th of December,
and on the 22nd it passed the Council, on which day it
also received the consent of the Duke of Manchester.
Tliis was the second persecuting law which his grace had
signed during the term of his administration ; and, not-
withstanding its plausible pretences, not one more in-
tolerant had ever been enacted by the Jamaica Legisla-
ture. Unless the missionaries had given up all contri-
butions from free as well as bond (which they neither
would nor could conscientiously do), to avoid its penalties
was absolutely impossible. It was not, however, to come
into operation until the first of May following, and its
duration was limited to the period of three years. It is
hardly necessary to say, that the missionaries were not
enriched by the contributions of the negroes. Their
allowances were regulated by the Committee in London,
and no circuits on the Island were then able to meet
their regular demands, excepting Kingston and Morant
N 2
180 DETERMINATION OF THE MISSIONARIES.
Bay, and sometimes the deficiencies of the latter were
considerable. The accounts of the Societies were kept
by the stcAvards, who sent home statements of every
fraction, both of income and expenditure, every year.
Those yearly accounts are first read at the District-meet-
ings, and if approved of are passed there, and when
signed by the stewards are finally sent to the Committee
for their examination, and are sanctioned or rejected as
they may decide to be just and equitable. This rule ap-
plies to all the circuits, whether dependent on the home
funds or not.
At the District-meeting, which was held in January,
the new law of course was made a subject of conversation ;
and as the missionaries were conscious that they neither
wronged nor impoverished any man (but even in a
temporal sense profited thousands), they unanimously
resolved, that whatever might be the ultimate fate of
the law, or whatsoever might be the consequences to
themselves, they would not sacrifice one single point of
their discipline, nor depart in the least degree from that
line of conduct which they liad hitherto pursued.
181
CHAPTER VIII.
Opposition in St. Ann's — Disgraceful outrage at St. Ann's Bay — Death,
of S. Drew Esq. — Outrage in St. Ann's brought before Parliament
by Dr. Lushington — An official "Despatch" — ^Termination of pro-
ceedings relating to " the affair" at St. Ami's Bay — District of 1827
— Visit to the Maroons — State of the Mission in Spanish Towm and
Falmouth— Revival of Religion in St. Ami's — Trial and imprison-
ment of the Rev. Mr. Grimsdall — Last illness and death of the
Rev. W. RatclifFe — Death of Mr. Parkin — Mr. Grimsdall again ap-
prehended and Mr. Robert Watkis — Messrs. Grimsdall and Watkis,
together with Miss Catherine Jarvis, are tried at the Court of Quarter
Sessions — Commencement of a thii-d Chapel in Kingston — Death and
character of Mr. Grimsdall.
It has been related, that on no part of the Island the
missionaries began their labours under more auspicious
circumstances than in the parish of St. Ann, which was
the more remarkable, as the leading white inhabitants
were generally natives of Jamaica. But from the time
of which we are writing there was a striking change,
and St. Ann's became the seat of the greatest hostility,
and was debased by religious persecution, much more
than aU the other parishes put together. In connexion
with this Ave have, for the first time, to mention a name
(which we do with sincere sorrow) which must occupy
no very enviable place in the records of Jamaica, —
we allude to the Rev. George W. Bridges. That gen-
tleman had a year or two before been appointed to the
rectory of St. Ann, and there can be no doubt but his
182 HOSTILITY IN ST. ANn'S.
avowed hostility to the Mission, contrihuted to excite
that spirit of cruel and relentless persecution which has
entailed so much disgrace upon many of his ostentatious,
but ignorant parishioners. It would afford great plea-
sure to lose sight of his name altogether ; but several
events with which he is connected, are of so public a
character as cannot be overlooked in the shortest faithful
narrative.
In the year 1826 the only missionary stationed in St.
Ann's was Mr. Ratcliffe, a man who for prudent and
engaging behaviour has seldom been surpassed. His
place of residence was Bellemont, but as it was only
about fourteen miles distant from St. Ann's Bay, he was
able, with the assistance of Mr. Drew, to supply both
places with regularity. After preaching on the morning
of Christmas-day at Bellemont, he went down to the
Bay along with his family, and preached to the usual
congregation in the evening. After the labours of the
day, he retired to rest in the mission-house, which was a
boarded or wooden building, containing both the chapel
and lodgings for a single preacher upon the same
floor. At the Christmas festivals it was then usual to
call out the militia to preserve the peace, as the slaves
had three or four holidays, which, in former times, were
spent more in a childish manner than in a way dan-
gerous to the established order; but it was often re-
marked, that the guards were the most noisy and turbu-
lent persons in the whole community. On the night of
the 25th, the guard at St. Ann's Bay were of the Light
Company of the militia, which was composed exclusively
DISGRACEFUL OUTRAGE. 183
of whites. About the hour of midnight a number of them
came to the outside of the mission-house, loaded their
muskets with ball, and at the word of command, fired
upon it from different directions, knowing that the mis-
sionary and his family were within. Several of the
bullets perforated the walls and went through the op-
posite side, but seven of them were afterwards found in
various parts of the house, exclusive of one which stuck
fast in a wooden post, not far from the defenceless in-
mates. But in this time of danger God covered his
servants as with a shield, and providentially none of them
were injured.
On hearing of this outrage, Mr. Drew, who was one
of the magistrates of that parish, hastened to the assis-
tance of Mr. Katcliffe ; and associating himself with a
few other justices, the matter was put by him in the way
of legal investigation. He attended only one sitting, at
which but little was done, and then retired to Bellemont
to sicken and to die. On Sunday, the 2nd of January,
he attended divine service at the chapel for the last time,
when he also partook of the sacred memorials of our
Lord's suffering and death. He was then somewhat in-
disposed, but on returning home he grew worse, and on
Thursday evening, the 6th of January, about 10 o'clock
P. M., he died in the joyful hope of a glorious resurrec-
tion. It ought to be mentioned, that on that evening a
missionary meeting was held at the Bay, at which it had
been intended he should preside. When the meeting
was finished three of the missionaries who were present,
184 DEATH OF S. DREW, ESQ.
immediately left for Bellemont, to attend their afflicted
friend. After having travelled some miles in the dark,
on gaining the summit of a lofty mountain they alighted,
and kneeling down on the ground they commended
him to God in prayer. They afterwards found, that
as near as they could calculate, it was at that solemn
moment his spirit took its flight to be for ever with the
Lord.
Mr. Drew was a man of extensive learning and eminent
talents, but for some years he was tossed to and fro on
the troubled ocean of scepticism. But at that time he
was in the habit of receiving letters from a pious sister
in Cornwall, who was a Wesleyan, which made a deep
impression on his mind; and through the instrumen-
tality of that correspondence, and the ministry of the
Rev. John Shipman, he was made the subject of a saving-
change. He joined the Methodist Society in 1816,
and until his death he was one of its most zealous
members. On some minor points his opinions were
peculiar, but he was a firm believer in the depravity and
sinfulness of human nature, in the divinity and atone-
ment of Christ, and of our salvation by faith in his
merit; and from the time of his conversion his piety
was consistent and uniform. He left a widow and
numerous family to lament their loss ; and his death,
happening at such a critical period, the feelings of
the missionaries may be more easily conceived than ex-
pressed.
Another sitting of the magistrates took place, yet
A DISAGREEABLE RUMOUR. 185
nothing effectual Avas done for the discovery of the
persons who were guilty of the outrage. But in the
meantime the tidings flew throughout the Island, and it
was strongly rumoured, that much of the blame rested
with the rector, who had on Christmas morning preached
a violent sermon against the missionaries. At a sub-
sequent meeting of the vestry the affair was again taken
up, and Mr. Bridges addressed to them a most pathetic
letter, dated 10th of January, in which he ^dndicated his
conduct, asserted his innocence, and cast himself upon
the justice of his parishioners. For the more effectual
clearing of himself, the sermon was published in the
Island newspapers, from which a few extracts shall be
afterwards transcribed. The vestry offered a reward of
£50, for the detection of the rioters, and passed certain
resolutions, in which, to say the least, they manifested
as much anxiety to exculpate their " worthy rector" as
to do justice to the missionary. Here the matter drop-
ped for the time, but as it was afterwards revived, the
final issue of the whole may as well be narrated at
once.
On the news of this outrage reaching Great Britain,
Dr. Lushington immediately brought the whole case
before the House of Commons, and made such severe
remarks as its disgraceful character deserved. On this
being known in Jamaica, the matter was again revived.
Alarm was instantly excited in the government-house,
and a despatch was forthwith sent home by the Duke of
Manchester addressed to the Colonial Secretary, of which
the following is a copy : —
186 AN OFFICIAL DESPATCH.
" King's House, Jamaica,
Aprinoth, 1827.
"My Loud,
" Having observed in a late London paper, a mo-
tion made by Dr. Lushington, for an enquiry into an attack
which is stated to have been made, during the Christmas
holidays, on the residence of a Wesleyan missionary residing
in St. Ann's Bay, I think it proper to inform your Lordship,
without waiting for your Lordship's instructions to that effect,
that no report had been made to me of this unfortunate oc-
currence, and I have only heard of it casually. As far as I
can learn, it was a drunken frolic among some of the privates
on guard, intended to alarm the Wesleyan missionaries. I
have never heard, nor do I believe it was connected with, or
in consequence of a sermon preached by the rector of that
parish ; but was entirely unpremeditated, however much the
outrage there committed is to be reprobated or deplored.
" I have lately learned from the Attorney-General, that a
strict investigation, which lasted many days, took place on
the part of the magistrates, assisted by a barrister who was a
Wesleyan himself, and no evidence could be brought for-
ward to induce the grand jury to find a bill. Under those
circumstances, it was deemed prudent to offer a reward for the
conviction of the offenders, and it was hoped that by appear-
ing to let the matter drop, some of the parties concerned in
the riot might be induced to make some disclosures which
might lead to the conviction of the delinquents.
" Your Lordship is of course aware, that this event took
place after the conclusion of the Session.
" In regard to the sermon preached by the rector of St.
Ann's, and which is so strongly commented on by Dr. Lush-
ington, I understand that it had been repeatedly preached
REMARKS. 187
before on this Island, and that it was not written by Mr.
Bridges, but by the archdeacon of Colchester. And as it has
been stated by Dr. Lushington, that Mr. Bridges receives the
yearly sum of £ 500 from the public of Jamaica, for a pam-
phlet which he published some years ago ; it is only proper
that such a statement should be corrected, as the only sum
that gentleman ever received from the Assembly was £500
sterling, to afford him the means of publishing his ' Annals of
Jamaica.'
" I shall take care to forward to your Lordship such de-
tailed information as I may be able to obtain respecting the
affair at St. Ann's Bay. I shall also transmit to your Lord-
ship a copy of Mr. Bridges' sermon. In the meantime I can
venture to assure your Lordship, with perfect confidence, that
there has been no participation of public feeling in the outrage
there committed ; that missionaries are treated with respect
and moderation, and any attempt to insult or oppress them
would meet with general reprobation.
(Signed) " MANCHESTER."
The reader will excuse a few observations on this sin-
gular document, especially as they will contain a further
developement of the ^^ affair of St. Ann's Bay," and lead
to an account of the termination of the whole business.
The writer remarks, that he " had only heard of it
casually y How far this was honourable to a colonial
governor to say, four months after the outrage occurred,
the public w^ill judge. They will also judge how much
the feelings of that man are to be envied, who can coolly
represent it as " a drunken frolic among some of the pri-
vates on guard at St. Ann's Bay." Those "privates" must
188 EXTRACT FROM A SERMON
have been in a wonderful state of discipline indeed. But
the attention of the reader is chiefly requested to the fol-
lowing points : —
First, The writer is desirous to impress upon the Colo-
nial Secretary, that there was no connexion between the
sermon of Mr. Bridges, and the outrage ^y'hich. that night
was committed, and also that he understood that it was
not written by him, " but by the archdeacon of Col-
chester.^^* The reader will be good enough to attend to
the following extracts, fancying, of course, that he hears
the dignitary alluded to delivering them, in one of the
churches of his archdeaconry : —
" I need not, my brethren, dwell upon the multitude of
evils which division from the Established Church is the mat-
ter of, in a community constituted like this. What a stumbling
block to the unstable minds of the ignokant negkoes
AEOUND us ! What a snare to itching ears ! AYhat an op-
portunity to men of wanton or peevish fancies to sow the
tares of sedition among us, and thereby to bring ruin upon
us all.
^ « ^- :^ * *
" Yet you m-ust know, if you look into your Bibles, that
there is very great harm in breaking the unity and fellowship
of worship which has been instituted by God himself; and
that to separate from the religion of your country, which has
stood the test of ages, to adopt the novel doctrines of those
who, I am sorry to say, have political rather than religious
reasons for their artful activity, is to destroy the very life and
* The text which was prefixed to this celebrated discom'se was
John xvi. 32.
PREACHED BY THE HECTOR OF ST. ANN's. 189
spirit of all true devotion. I allow, however, that with judg-
ments refined and tenets fixed, there might be no harm in
listening to the instructions of the Wesleyan missionaries, had
you no other instructions offered to you; but here, when a
direct hostility is shown to the church, by opening a place of
worship adjoining the church,* at the same hours ; thus of-
fering (I will not say mocking) the same administration of our
holy ordinances, exacting your pecuniary oblations, and ob-
structing rather than dividing with us in our labours, what is
it but to make a false impression on the minds of the ignorant,
insulting to the church, injurious to yourselves, and artfully
subversive of the constitution of your coimtryf'j
Whether there was a designed connexion or not be-
tween such a harangue and the disgraceful proceedings
of that night, the writer will not pretend to say ; but the
reader will see, that amongst materials already prepared
for explosion, this discourse was very like setting a match
to the train ; and as to the tale of the archdeacon of Col-
chester it can only excite a smile of contempt.
* About half a mile distant.
t The sermon complains most grievously of separation from the
Established Church. But whether this charge against the Wesleyans
in England be true or not, the preacher could hardly help knowing,
that in Jamaica, it is absolutely false ; and that the clergy officially
declared, that the objects of the Wesleyan mission {i. e. the negroes)
formed no part of their charge. Besides this, one of the benches in
the Wesleyan chapel woidd have accommodated any average congre-
gation attending the parish church before they went there ; nor were
the congregations of Mr. Bridges so large, as that the missionaries
were under the smallest temptation to move even a finger to proselyte
the whole of them. But if there be anything in this separation, which
is so loudly exclaimed against, in Jamaica at least, the Wesleyans are
the orthodox, and the clergy the schismatics. But the wi'iter sincerely
prays, that by the blessing of God they may be made instrumental in
making many converts h'om sin to righteousness.
190 DUKE OF MANCHESTER.
Secondly, The despatch says, " No evidence could be
brought forward to induce the grand jury to find a bill.''''
Of course the reader cannot but suppose from this, that
the case had been brought before a grand jury. But
what will he think, when he is informed that no such
a thing\ had ever occurred ! It was indeed so presented
afterwards, but not until several weeks from the date
of this despatch.
Thirdly, It is asserted " That missionaries of all de-
scriptions are treated with respect and moderation, and
that any attempt to insult or oppress them would meet with
general rejirobation.^^ It is sincerely to be wished, that
the Duke of Manchester had never written this despatch ;
but it is difficult to repress a feeling of indignation on
reading the last quoted sentence. What, does not almost
the whole history of the Mission demonstrate the contrary?
"Was there not a law passed, not four months before, which
did the same thing? And did not the Duke of Man-
chester himself put his hand to that very law ? And,
lastly, was it not disallowed by his Majesty, for the very
express reason that it was both insulting and oppressive
to the missionaries ? Alas ! is this the production of
a man occupying the highest rank among the illustrious
orders of the British nobility !
But further, to show the respect for the missionaries,
the reader will now attend to the "upshot" of the whole
matter. To pretend any longer that the rioters could
not be discovered was perfectly absurd, and it was now
obvious that something was needful to be done for the
credit of the Island. Several persons therefore gave
DISTRICT MEETING OF 1827. 191
themselves up, under the assurance, no doubt, that they
were perfectly safe. The case was brought before the
grand jury of the Supreme Court in June. But lest the
wi'iter should be suspected of prejudice or resentment,
the account of what passed shall be principally extracted
from the Jamaica Courant of June the 6th, 1827. The
editor says : —
" Our readers will remark, that the young men who were
participators in the row at the Wesleyan chapel have sur-
rendered themselves. It is to be hoped that the jury will not
be led astray by the ex-parte eloquence of Dr. Lushington ;
and above all, that his Honour, the Chief Justice will not, in
passing sentence, remember the Commons of England. If the
young men have done wrong, let their evil deed be corrected
by the merciful hand of British law, and not by the tyrannous
arm of anti- colonial vengeance."
The young men were indeed safe enough. The grand
jury ignored the bill ; and though the missionaries long
expected that the Attorney-General would prosecute ex
officio, yet he never did ; and thus this disgraceful busi-
ness was brought to as disgraceful a termination.
The District-meeting of January, 1827, sat in Spanish
Town, at which there was nothing very remarkable. The
increase of members throughout the preceding year was
753, at the announcement of which the brethren felt
happy and thankful. A few weeks afterwards three ad-
ditional missionaries arrived, namely, Messrs. Crookes,
Langslow, and Harrison. The first of these was stationed
at Manchioneal, and the second at Morant Bay. Mr.
192 MAROONS OF ACCOMPONG.
Harrison went to Falmouth, and took tlie place of Mr.
Orton, who went to the Montego Bay circuit.
For some time the Committee had been desirous of
paying attention to the Maroons, a people who were still
living in a state of entire ignorance and barbarism. The
Maroons, are not the descendants of the aboriginal inha-
bitants of the Island, as has been sometimes erroneously
supposed, but of African negroes who belonged to the
Spaniards, who, when the English took possession of the
Colony, fled to the woods and fastnesses of the interior,
and have maintained their liberty ever since. At several
periods they have caused much trouble, and in particular
those at Accompong, in 1795. They are located on four
different stations, all in the interior, situated many miles
distant from each other ; but the population all put toge-
ther is only about 1200. They hold a certain portion of
land from the Colony belonging to the respective stations,
besides other allowances granted by the Legislature. A
white superintendent, appointed by the governor, resides
on each station, whose office it is to preserve order and
see that justice is properly administered ; and none of the
inhabitants were allowed to go beyond a certain distance
without a passport signed by him. The males are all
trained to the use of arms at the expense of the Colony,
and at a sort of rifle exercise, or rather bush fighting,
they are said to be very expert. A colonel and other
officers among themselves hold regular commissions from
the governor, and none in the British service maintain
their authority with more pomp, or exercise their
powers with greater rigour. They generally wear such
VISITED BY MISSIONARIES. 193
coats and hats as they may receive as presents, either
from naval or military officers^ for if they have only epau-
lettes and other trappings, the colour, whether blue or
red, is no object, and stockings and shoes are generally
dispensed with altogether.
The Maroons of Accompong were those on whom the
Committee fixed their attention, and about the middle
of February, Messrs. Ratcliffe and Murray visited that
settlement. They were kindly received by Captain
Hylton, the superintendent, who manifested great in-
terest in the object of their visit. On Sunday, the 18th,
they went to the house of Major Roch, a Maroon officer^
where they preached and expounded to a very consider-
able number. They again preached and catechized the
children the following day, and explained to them more
at large their intentions in visiting them. They evinced
great interest, and expressed a strong desire for a teacher
to reside among them. After this Mr. Orton visited
them from Montego Bay, but as the distance was nearly
forty miles, by roads almost impassable, this was neces-
sarily suspended ; and indeed Accompong was so situated,
as that it could not possibly be attended to from any
missionary station then on the Island.
On the Spanish Town circuit there had been a gradual
improvement and extension of the work of God. A
small but promising Society was formed at Old Harbour,
the principal place in the parish of St. Dorothy, and the
missionary also preached regularly on Halse Hall estate,
in Clarendon, situated about twenty-four miles from his
residence. In the town, although there was not any
0
194 REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN FALMOUTH
very extensive movement among the negroes, yet the
Society and congregation continued to increase, until
the house, being too small as well as much decayed, be-
came quite insufficient for their accommodation. The
people had been for some time preparing for a new
chapel, and to their great joy the first stone of it was
Jaid shortly after the middle of this year.
Under the ministry of Mr. Harrison in Falmouth, the
long cherished expectations of the missionaries began at
last to be realised. By that time, however, most of the
whites who had attended the preaching, grew weary of
that way and forsook it; but the negro population
seemed to receive a sudden impulse, which shook them
them out of that dangerous lethargy in which they had
been hitherto slumbering. Many, both from the town
and the surrounding estates, came to the missionary to
be taught the way of salvation. By the end of the year
the number of members increased from 119 to 191, but
there was a much greater number of serious enquirers,
many of whom joined the Society in course of the year
following.
It has been remarked, that in the parish of St. Ann
the negroes, in general, manifested the same indiiference
to religion as characterised those of Falmouth and its
vicinity. But from the beginning of this year we are to
date the commencement of an astonishing change ; and
the outrage at the Bay, instead of answering its intended
purpose, was only the announcement of a far more
glorious and successful work than had been hitherto
known in that parish. After the District, Mr. Ratcliife
AND ST. Ann's. 195
removed to the new station of Port Antonio, having
spent nearly three years of hard toil in St. Ann's, though
he saw but comparatively little fruit. But his efforts
were not in vain ; by his zeal and perseverance he pre-
pared the field for Mr. Grimsdall, by whom he was suc-
ceeded, and under his ministry there was reaped an
abundant harvest.
Mr. Grimsdall entered upon his work under very dis-
couraging circumstances. There was only himself to
supply both Bellemont and the Bay, besides Ocho Rios,
where there had been preaching on the week nights.
Mr. Drew, the faithful friend and counsellor of the mis-
sionaries, was dead, and there was then no local preacher
to render any assistance, and if there had been, he would
not have been allowed to oiRciate. But God again
taught his servants the lesson, that the work of religion
is his own, and that its success does not primarily
depend upon human agency. Hitherto the chapel at
Bellemont, even on the Lord's day, presented but a
cheerless aspect. There was only a small part nearest
the pulpit occupied with benches, which was space
enough for the usual congregations. But the firing at
St. Ann's Bay told the negroes that it was on their
account the missionaries were enduring hardship, and
were exposed to danger; and Mr. Grimsdall scarcely
began his labours, when they crowded to the chapel from
all parts. More and more benches were procured, but
in a few months the walls were too strait for the congre-
gation, and several had to • stand without. There was
also a similar movement in other parts of the parish,
o2
196 A MALIGNANT PERSECUTOR.
and from that time everything connected with the work
hegan to wear a different aspect.
But Mr. Grimsdall did not labour long, before a spirit
of the most diabolical malice began to be manifested,
both against him and his work. The writer is sorry that
he must here pollute his page with a name which can-
not be consigned to oblivion. The person alluded to is
the late Samuel Drake, who held the situations of
head constable, supervisor of the workhouse, and cap-
tain of militia. This infamous individual, the malig-
nant tool of others as wicked and malicious as himself,
was one of the most active instruments in the persecutions
which disgraced St. Ann's. He at first went to Mr.
Grimsdall and informed him that he must give up preach-
ing, as he had not been licensed in the parish. On this
intimation Mr. Grimsdall applied at the court of Quarter
Sessions, and after some altercation, he was, through the
influence of the Hon. Henry Cox, the Gustos, allowed to
qualify. After this Drake watched him with untiring
vigilance, and also threatened the negroes at the Bay, as
they went to the chapel, to have them put into the work-
house for so attending. But all this proving ineffectual
he went to still greater lengths ; and taking his stand
outside, he struck and otherwise abused several of the
slaves, as they went in to worship God. He also him-
self sometimes went in amongst the congregation, and
took down such names as he knew, and giving informa-
tion to their overseers many of them were severely
punished.
But as all tbis did not hinder the work of God, some-
MR. GRIMSDALL APPREHENDED. 197
thing more effectual was resolved upon ; and after preach
ing on the morning of Sunday, June the 3rd, Mr.
Grimsdall received from a constable the following sum-
mons : —
" You are hereby requested personally to be, and appear at
the court-house in the parish of St. Ann, in the county of
Middlesex, between the hours of ten and twelve of the clock
in the forenoon of Thursday, the seventh day of June instant,
then and there to answer to the justices then present, touch-
ing and concerning certain misdemeanours in the said parish
committed."
In obedience to this order Mr. Grimsdall attended
accordingly, and two charges were preferred against him.
The first was for preaching in an unlicensed house at
Ocho E-ios, and the second, for preaching to slaves in the
chapel in St. Ann's Bay at unlawful hours. To the for-
mer charge he replied, that (though there was no law
which required it) the house had been duly certified to
the clerk of the peace, whose duty it was to present it to
the Sessions, and that in preaching there he had done
no more than his predecessors, who had not been dis-
turbed on that account. As the charge could not be
sustained it was abandoned, after he had promised to
desist from preaching there until the Quarter Sessions.
He was then called to answer to the second charge,
which was brought against him by Drake, when the
following proceedings took place, a copy of which was
transcribed from the records of the Court.
Samuel Drake was first called, and being sworn he
deposed as follows : —
198 A SUMMARY TRIAL.
" On Thursday, the 31st of May, between the hours of
seven and eight o'clock P.M., stopped opposite the Methodist
chapel in my round, accompanied by Mr. Hodges ; when on
looking, recognized several negroes whom I knew to be slaves,
on benches in the Wesleyan Methodist chapel at St. Ann's
Bay ; waited near there for Mr, Grimsdall until he had
finished ; and as the negroes were coming out took hold of
some whom he knew.
" Ques. Were you called upon by any one to act as a con-
stable on that occasion ?
" Ans, By Mr. Henry Israel,^ one of whose slaves was in
the chapel. When opposite the chapel a considerable noise
occurred about his interfering. Mr. Grimsdall came out and
said, ' he thought I was interfering and taking too much upon
myself.' I replied, ' No, I was only acting according to law,
and by the direction of the magistrates ; and that he had no
right to preach and teach the slaves, excepting between sun-
rise and sunset.' The people continued in the street for some
time."
" George Saunders sworn : was passing the chapel on the
night of the 31st of May, when he saw two gentlemen, whom
he recognised as Mr. Hodges and Mr. Drake : was warned
by Mr. Drake in the King's name to notice what slaves were
in the chapel : recognised several, — Tom, belonging to Mrs.
Clarke, one belonging to Mrs. Sievewright, and several others
with whose names witness is not acquainted.
" Qiies. Did not Mr. Drake conduct himself in a very
peaceable manner ?
* Though some of the Jews in Jamaica manifested the same virulence
against Christianity, as has brought eveiiastLng infamy upon the cha-
racter of their infatuated and guilty forefathers, yet it is but justice to
say, that not a few of them, especially in Kingston and Montego Bay,
treated the missionaries with great respect.
IMPRISONMENT OF MR. GRIMSDALL. 199
*' Ans. Yes ; Mr. Grimsdall came out and said he was in-
terrupting his congregation."
Mr. Grimsdall was then called upon for his defence,
on which he very properly referred to the 84th clause in
the late Slave-law, then in force, which expressly sanc-
tioned his preaching until eight o'clock. But though no
one ever pretended to charge him with keeping open the
chapel until that hour, he was nevertheless sentenced to
" be and stand committed to the common gaol for ten
days," The names of the magistrates who passed this
sentence, and signed the copy of his commitment, were
Sam. W. Rose, B. W. Smith, and David Brydon.
The place of his confinement was one of the most
loathsome that can be conceived. His apartment was
only separated from a hospital, or rather lazzaretto, by a
wooden partition which did not reach half way to the
roof, and there was no ceiling. As a number of diseased
negroes and others were there at the time, and as it was
also connected with the workhouse, the stench was al-
most insupportable ; yet in this place the servant of God
was confined, without being allowed so much as a pallet
of straw to lie upon, and for no oifence, neither real nor
pretended, but that of preaching the gospel, and at such
hours as the Slave-law, intolerant as it was, expressly
allowed.
After the last District-meeting, as has been already
stated, Mr. Ratcliffe went to the new station of Port
Antonio ; and during the time he laboured there, the
Lord made him extensively useful. Besides adding
many members at the place of his residence, he was
SOO DEATH OF MR. RATCLIFFE.
instrumental in forming a small Society at Hope Bay,
where he saw the cheering prospects of abundant success.
But God in his wise providence was pleased to release
his servant from his toil and labour, and in the midst of
his usefuhiess to call him to his everlasting reward. On
hearing of his illness, Mr. Parkin hastened from Morant
Bay to the assistance of his old and valued friend, but
before he could reach the place the last conflict was over.
He was, however, affectionately attended by the Rev. Mr.
Griffith, then the curate of the parish, who kindly fur-
nished the following account of his triumphant end.
He says, —
" After I arrived at his house he called Mrs. Ratcliffe into
the room, and requested me to engage in prayer without delay,
which being comphed with he appeared to be more composed
and easy. I remained in his room a considerable time alone,
with the exception of a female servant. About half-past
seven, a number of persons coming in, we retired into the
hall, to lay his case before the Physician of Gilead, I believe
our petition to the throne of grace was signed with the hearty
amen of every person present. His memory and sight now
began to fail him together ; yet the Lord was evidently con-
soling and supporting his servant with the vouchsafements of
divine grace. Never before did I witness such composure
resignation, and heavenly-mindedness, as were manifested by
this man of God, during the burning rage of the fever which
terminated in his death. He declared that the light affliction
he was then enduring, was working out for him a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory, and that death had
lost its sting. He exhorted all the bystanders to be also
DEATH OF MR. PARKIN. 201
ready ; and maintained in the agonies of death, the truth of
that gospel which he had faithfully propagated in his life.
" When he felt the king of terrors rapidly undermining this
tenement of clay, he exclaimed with uncommon energy, that
death had laid hold on his vitals, life was drawing to a close,
and eternity bursting on his view ; but, continued he, ' I feel
under me a glorious foundation ; not anything which I have
done, all boasting for my part is for ever excluded in shame.
Oh the blood, the blood of Christ cleanseth from all iniquity !'
He was now sinking fast, but recovering a little he broke out
once more, as in a foretaste of the world to come, and ex-
claimed with growing confidence of soul, ' I know that my
Redeemer liveth.'
" It was now twelve o'clock, and he spoke no more, but
making signs for me to come near, he laid hold of my hand
and pressed it very cordially, which he never loosened but
with life itself; and at two o'clock A.M., August 16th, 1827,
he fell asleep in Jesus, in full possession of the peace of God
which passeth all understanding.
Mr. RatclifFe was a man of most amiable and con-
ciliating manners, and as a preacher his talents were of
a highly popular and useful order. He laboured in the
Island between ten and eleven years with great accept-
ance and success, and died in the thirty -ninth year of his
age, leaving a widow and three children to lament their
irreparable loss.
Mr. Parkin had scarcely returned from the house of
mourning to Morant Bay before he was seized with a
mortal illness himself. He had laboured for a few years
in the Windward Islands, and after having endured great
bodily affliction he returned to England for the benefit
202 MR. GRIMSDALL AND OTHERS
of his health. He arrived in Jamaica towards the close
of 1826, and was appointed to the Morant Bay circuit,
on which he continued until his death. His last public
service wa« to preach a funeral sermon for Mr. Ratcliffe,
whose last words he selected for the occasion, and died
in peace on the ITth of September, in the fortieth year
of his age, only a month after the death of his much-
esteemed and highly-valued friend.
The imprisonment of Mr. Grimsdall in the filthy gaol
of St. Ann's Bay had not yet satisfied the persecuting
rage of his most inveterate enemies. In about three
months after his release he was again apprehended, and
charged with having married a couple of slaves without
having the consent of their owner; although Earl
Bathurst, in an official despatch to the Colonies, had
stated that no such consent was required. Mr. Robert
Watkis, a gentleman of colour, and Miss Catherine
Jarvis, of Ocho E-ios, were also apprehended about the
same time ; the former for having sung and prayed in
daylight in the chapel in St. Ann's, during the time Mr.
Grimsdall was in custody ; and the latter, for praying
in her own house. They were all bound over to appear
in October, and answer to their respective charges at the
Court of Quarter Sessions.
At the time of the Quarter Sessions Messrs. Barry and
Murray went over to St. Ann's Bay, to witness the ex-
traordinary proceedings, who were extremely happy
when they saw the Custos take his seat on the Bench.
On Mr. Watkis being called, Mr. Barry begged the
favour of his honour to allow him to propose a question
TRIED AT THE QUARTER SESSIONS. 203
to the clerk of the peace. This being promptly granted,
he desired merely to know on what statute he grounded
his charge against Mr. Watkis ; but it seemed that
this had never even been thought of, and he was unable
to return an answer. The Gustos (who was no persecu-
tor) then charged the jury, that as the clerk of the
peace could not sustain the indictment, they must return
a verdict of acquittal, and on this being done Mr. Watkis
was released.
Miss Jarvis was next placed at the Bar, but the clerk
of the peace proposed to traverse this case until the en-
suing Court. On the Gustos demanding his reason, he
replied, that he was not then furnished with sufficient
evidence. " Have you," said he, " the evidence on
which the grand jury found a true bill ?" On answer-
ing in the affirmative, the Gustos decided that the trial
must proceed. A white planter was then called, and on
being sworn he deposed that he had seen Miss Jarvis
engaged in religious exercises in her house one evening
after dark; on which the following examination took
place : —
" Ques. What was she doing ?
" Ans. She was praying.
" Ques. What did you hear her say ?
" Ans. All I heard her say was ' 0 Lord God.'
" Ques. How many persons were present ?
" Ans. I saw only herself and her mother."
His honour was then extremely indignant, and charged
the jury, that as Miss Jarvis was guilty of no offence
S04 DONATION OF A JEWISH GENTLEMAN.
whatsoever, they must return the same verdict as before ;
which was done accordingly.
Mr. Grimsdall was next put to the Bar, when Mr.
Barry again desired to know on what law the indictment
was grounded. The clerk of the peace instantly replied,
" The Slave Law." Mr. Barry then submitted to the
Court, that there was not a single sentence in it which
had any reference to the case in question. The clerk of
the peace then hastily exclaimed, " No, it is the Eccle-
siastical Law." Mr. Barry again submitted that neither
had that law anything to do with it, having been enacted
after the arrival of the bishop for clergymen of the Es-
tablished Church, and them only. Here, however, the
justices lost all patience, and cried out that they would
not thus sit on the Bench to be interrupted by " sec-
tarians." But the Custos complimented Mr. Barry, and
wished their clerk of the peace had only some of his
knowledge of the laws of his country. The case of Mr.
Grimsdall being however judged to be of an important
nature, he was bound over to appear and answer at the
next sitting of the Supreme Court.
On the 21st of the same month (October) the founda-
tion of a third chapel was laid in the city of Kingston.
For this purpose a grant of land had been made about
two years before, by Abraham Rietti Esq., a Hebrew
gentleman, upon the condition that the building should
be finished within four years from the date of the con-
veyance. The situation was the most eligible which
could be desired, being in the outskirts of the city, at a
considerable distance from the Parade, but in a direction
COMMENCEMENT OF A NEW CHAPEL. 205
opposite from that of Wesley chapel. Though the old
chapel was indeed as full as it could contain, yet this
third edifice was rather premature, and caused pe-
cuniary embarrassment, which was felt for some time ;
but as it was a growing neighbourhood, in which
there was no place of worship of any sort whatsoever, it
was an enterprise of real charity. Besides Messrs. Barry
and Kerr, who were then stationed on the circuit, the
preachers who assisted on the occasion were Messrs.
Murray, Morgan, and Duncan. A sermon was preached
from the well-known words, "What hath God wrought !"
and though it was computed that not fewer than eight
thousand persons were present, yet as the speakers stood
on an elevated platform all were able to hear. Few
more imposing spectacles than this had ever been wit-
nessed on the Island. The services commenced about
five o'clock, and immediately afterwards the sun became
hidden in a cloudy tabernacle, which screened the im-
mense multitude from the fierceness of his rays. The
sight was truly solemn, and the vast assembly, either
listening with the stillness of death, or hfting up their
voices in praise as the noise of many waters, seemed to
anticipate that day when the whole church of God shall
join in the new song in our Father's kingdom.
It has just been intimated that Mr. Grimsdall was
bound over to appear at the Grand Court, which sat in
the ensuing February. But the malice of his enemies
was disappointed, for before that time God took his per-
secuted servant home to himself. About the end of
November he was seized with severe fever, and when it
206 DEATH OF MR. GRIMSDALL.
became evident that there was no hope of his recovery,
he beheld the approach of the last enemy Ti^ith a courage
every way worthy of the high rank of a Christian con-
fessor. He died at Bellemont, full of holy triumph, on
the 15th December, 1827, in the thirty-second year of
his age.
Mr. Grimsdall was in every sense a most exemplary
and consistent Christian. He was a man of plain, but
most inoffensive and engaging manners ; and that heart
must have been hard indeed which could do him even the
slightest injury. In early life his education had been
neglected, but through the kind assistance of a friend
in Hull (from which place he was sent out), he was
enabled to lay a foundation on which he afterwards built
with great success. From the time of his arrival in
Jamaica he attended to his studies with more than
ordinary diligence, and his profiting appeared to all,
while his public labours were so uncommon, that his
brethren remarked that during his short residence on
the Island, he had done the work of years. His
bodily constitution was strong and vigorous, and there
can be little doubt but that his death was hastened by
the cruel and relentless persecution which he suffered.
In the parish of St. Ann his labours were eminently suc-
cessful. When he went thither in February, he found
the number of members to be 301, but at his death they
amounted to no fewer than six hundred and forty-six ;
and a more genuine work of God the Island had never
witnessed. But it appeared that the malice of his ene-
mies did not subside even after his death, and several
A YEAR OF MORTALITY. 207
months from that time one of the magistrates who con-
demned him to imprisonment, pointed to his tomb, and
with scornful and malignant excitement remarked to his
companion, that " there lay the first of those fellows"
with whom he contended. But Mr. Grimsdall and his
persecutors will have to stand at the judgment-seat of
Christ. May God grant that they may find mercy in
that day.
The year 18^7 was more than usually afflictive to the
Wesleyan mission family. "Within a few months no
fewer than tliree of the missionaries had been removed
by death, exclusive of the excellent wife of Mr. Crookes,
who died at Manchioneal Bay. But though their bodies
sleep in dust, yet having all died in the faith, their
spirits are for ever happy in the presence of the Lord.
208
CHAPTER IX.
The Slave-law of 1826 is disallowed — ^The " Sectarian Committee" ap-
pointed by the House of Assembly — District of 1828 — Opposition in
St. Ami — A bill of Indictment fovmd against Mr. Whitehouse at
the Quarter-sessions of that parish — Missionary Meeting in King-
ston— Imprisonment of Rev. Messrs. AVhitehouse and Orton — They
are released by order of the Chief Justice — Magistrates deprived of
their Commission by Sir. John Keane — Affidavits filed in the Crown
Office, against the Rev. Messrs. Barry, Dmican and Orton, charging
them with *' Wilful and corrupt Perjury" — Trial of Mr. Orton —
Indictment against Mr. Whitehouse, removed to the Supreme Court
and quashed — Death of the Rev. Messrs. Morgan and Harrison —
New Chapels opened in Spanish Town and Kingston.
Towards the end of the year 1827 the Colonial legis-
lature was called to meet by the lieutenant-governor.
Major General Sir John Keane. At an early period the
fate of the late slave-law was announced, which was.
That his Majesty had been graciously pleased to disalloxo
it. This was an act most honourable both to the
Sovereign and his ministers, for though the law un-
doubtedly contained many improvements, yet it showed
that in their estimation no advantages whatsoever can be
a compensation for the loss of religious liberty, and an
infringement on the rights of conscience. A long des-
patch, assigning his Majesty's reasons for the step which
had been taken, was sent out by the Right Hon. "W.
Huskisson, the Colonial Secretary, from which we trans-
cribe a few extracts, which can hardly fail to be interest-
ing to the reader.
209
" Among the various subjects," says the despatch, " which
this act presents for consideration, none is more important in
itself, nor more interesting to every class of society in this
kingdom, than the regulations on the subject of religious
instruction. The eighty-third, and the two following clauses,
must be considered as an evasion of that toleration, to which
all his Majesty's subjects, whatever may be their civil condi-
tion, are alike entitled. The prohibition of persons in a state
of slavery assuming the office of religious teachers, might seem
a very mild restraint, or rather a fit precaution against inde-
corous proceedings ; but amongst some of the religious bodies
who employ missionaries in Jamaica, the practice of mutual
instruction is stated to be an essential part of their discipline.
So long as this practice is carried on in an inoffensive and
peaceable manner, the distress produced by the prevention of
it will be compensated by no public advantage.
" It is impossible to pass over without remark, the invidious
distinction which is made, not only between Protestant Dis-
senters and Roman Catholics, but even between Protestant
Dissenters and Jews. I have indeed no reasons for sup-
posing that the Jewish teachers have made many converts to
their religion among the slaves, and probably the distinction
in their favour is merely nominal ; still it is a preference
which, in principle, ought not to be given by the Legislature
of a Christian country.
" The penalties denounced upon persons collecting contri-
butions from slaves, for the purpose either of charity or reli-
gion, cannot but be felt both by their teachers and followers,
as humiliating and unjust. Such a law would fix an unmerited
stigma on the religious instructor ; and it prevents the slave
from obeying a positive prec^ept of the Christian religion,
which he believes to be obligatory on him, and which is not
P
210 DEBATES IN THE ASSEMBLY.
inconsistent with the duties he owes to his master. The
prohibition is therefore a gratuitous aggravation of the evils
of his condition.
" I cannot too distinctly impress upon you, that it is the
settled purpose of his Majesty's government, to sanction no
Colonial law which needlessly infringes on the religious
liberty of any class of his Majesty's subjects ; and you are to
understand, that you are not to assent to any bill imposing
any restraint of that nature unless a clause be inserted sus-
pending its operation until his Majesty's pleasure shall be
known."
It is scarcely possible to conceive of the disappointment
and chagrin occasioned by this despatch. The Assembly
felt the last paragraph especially to be most mortifying,
and resolved to legislate no more for the slaves, while the
governor was placed under such a restriction. The debates
were excessively intemperate, and as they vrere certainly
far from being entirely unconnected with the subject of
our narrative, the two following specimens are selected
for the perusal of the reader : —
" Mr. Barrett said, to pass another slave law would be an
absurdity. His Majesty's ministers are the tool of a faction,
whose object was the destruction of the West India Colonies.
It behoved the House then to consider what they did. He
had most carefully examined the document sent out by Mr.
Huskisson to Sir J. Keane, and he had no hesitation in saying,
that it was not the work of a statesman, nor of an honest man,
but that of an enemy to his country. The British govern-
ment knew well, that if they lost these Colonies they had no
way to supply the revenue. Sorry was he to find that the
British ministers loved their places more than their country,
SECTARIAN COMMITTEE. 211
and that they would, for a few votes in Parliament, send this
unfortunate Colony to perdition."
" Mr. StamjD felt great pleasure in hearing the candid,
manly, and eloquent address of the honourable member for
St. James's. That gentleman, in his speech, had fully laid
open the fraud and villainy which had been so long practised
upon this House by British ministers. One thing he would
beg to impress upon this House, and that was, that this House
would proceed to impeach any minister who would attempt to
violate the constitution of this country.""
The reader will probably find it diificult to preserve
his gravity^ while attending to such ribaldry and non-
sense. But there was a sense in which it was serious
language. It was such vituperative slang as this, which
caused that scene of desolation, which the Island wit-
nessed about four years afterwards ; and the criminality
of which was in vain attempted to be charged upon the
missionaries.
As all attempts on the part of the Legislature to ob-
struct the progress and work of the missionaries, had
been hitherto attended with entire failure, another scheme
was devised at this session, with the view of accompHshing
that object, which its issue demonstrated to be more
unprincipled than any which preceded it. It was then
that the celebrated committee, commonly known by
the name of the " Sectarian Committee," was appointed
by the house of Assembly ; the avowed object of which
the reader will learn from the following resolution on
which it was formed : —
" That a Committee be appointed to inquire and report the
P 2
212 EXAMINATION OF MISSIONARIES AND OTHERS.
names of all sectarians or dissenters, licensed to preach and
teach, and resident within this Island ; and also to ascertain
and report, what offerings or monies are or have been received
or taken by such sectarians or dissenters, from all slaves or
other persons attending the places of worship, in which such
sectarians or dissenters preach or teach ; and what offerings
or monies are or have been received or taken by unlicensed
persons, acting under their instructions, as class-leaders or
otherwise, from any slave or other persons attending their
meetings or societies ; in what manner such offerings are re-
ceived and applied or disposed of ; and also to ascertain and
report, whether any, and what regulations are necessary, to
the receiving of such offerings or monies at such places."
Tills motion was proposed by Mr. Marshall, one of
the members for St. John's, and a committee was ap-
pointed with full powers to carry it into effect. Besides
Mr. Marshall, the chairman, the other members were
Messrs. Batty, Grignon, Quarrell, and Capon.
The Wesleyan missionaries examined before the com-
mittee, were Messrs. Barry, Duncan, Morgan and Orton ;
and it is but just to say, that during the course of
their examinations they were treated with great ap-
parent kindness and respect. Besides the missionaries,
two leaders of female classes were also summoned from
Kingston to give evidence. Those were Mrs. Sutliffe
and Miss Dessosser, but the former only was examined ;
and the author is sorry to say, that he has learned that
she was not treated with that respect which a person
of her station, modesty, and intelligence undoubtedly
merited. As the committee did not finish their exami-
DISTRICT MEETING OF 1828. 213
nations at this session, the result of the whole will be
given in its proper place.
At the District of 1828, which sat in Kingston, ten
missionaries were present, being the greatest number
who had ever assembled on any similar occasion. The
following is the list of circuits, together with the number
of members belonging to each : —
Kingston 4235
Port Royal 147
Spanish Town 505
Morant Bay 1705
Bath, &c 1958
Grateful Hill , 678
StoneyHiU 726
Montego Bay 748
Falmouth 191
St. Ann's 646
Port Antonio 143
Total 11,682
Last year .... 10,974
Increase in 1827 . . 708
After the District of 1828, Mr. Whitehouse went to
St. Ann's, as the successor of the late Mr. Grimsdall.
He found that his statements relative to the extraordinary
prosperity of the work of God had not been in the least
exaggerated, and many were still inquiring " what they
must do to be saved." But he had only been about a
month on his station, when he received a summons to
214 PROCEEDINGS IN ST. ANN's.
attend the court, and answer for having preached without
a license. As the magistrates professed all the while
to be governed by the old toleration law, he very pro-
perly replied that he did not consider it to be necessary
having already qualified in another parish. But on the
Gustos inquiring whether he was again willing to take
the usual oaths, he replied in the affirmative ; which
having been administered, he was licensed accordingly.
Nothing very material occurred until the month of
July, at which time he learned with surprise, that an
indictment had been found against him at the Quarter
Sessions, charging him with preaching without a license,
and a bench warrant was immediately issued for his ap-
prehension.* He was then taken into custody, and
brought before three magistrates, by whom he was bound
over to appear at the ensuing court to answer to the
charge. On his inquiring whether it was intended to
prohibit his preaching in the meanwhile, he was told by
the clerk of the peace that the court had given orders
* This requires some explanation. In certain parishes the mission-
aries were not only required to take the usual oaths, but to receive a
certificate from the clerk of the peace. The fee charged for such cer-
tificates varied from four to sixteen dollars ; but it is to be observed,
the practice of applying for such documents never was so general as
that of attending the courts to take the oaths. The writer spent be-
tween eleven and twelve years in Jamaica, but never had any certifi-
cate but one, which he obtained on his arrival. The fee demanded in
St. Ann's was about £1 12s. sterling, and as in the certificate it was
declared tliat the labour of Mr. Witehouse should be confined to cer-
tain places, he properly refused either to submit to the restriction or
the pecmiiary imposition. It was on this ground the magistrates
pretended he was unlicensed, and found the indictment referred to
above. Even on their own principles their proceeding was absurd.
They had authorised him to preach, and tlie records of their own
couit attested it, and as to certificates Mr. AVhitehouse possessed
abundance to show that he had qualified, both under the old tolera-
tion act and the new.
MR. A. H. BEAUMONT. 215
that he should not pretach for the space of three months.
To this he rephed^ that to such an order he could not
conscientiously submit. By preaching he violated no
law, and to forbid him was to infringe upon his rights,
both as a minister and a British subject. To this the
magistrates only answered, " The decision of the Bench
is the latv ;^^ and that if he refused to obey their orders he
must abide by the consequence. After this he only
preached once or twice, when he was informed that
Drake had obtained a warrant to apprehend him, but
having gone to Kingston to a meeting of the branch
Missionary Society, the warrant was not executed until
after his return.
The above-mentioned meeting was held on the 1st of
August. It was as usual largely attended, but an inci-
dent occurred which renders it necessary to suspend the
account of affairs in St. Ann's for a few moments. In
connexion with the meeting, the reader's attention is
called to a name which will frequently be found in the
following pages, we allude to Mr. Augustus Hardin
Beaumont, the proprietor and editor of the Jamaica
Courant. This person, who afterwards exercised so
much influence in the Island, was little more than thirty
years of age, of rather a mean appearance, and effeminate
expression of voice, but remarkable for great mental
energy and indefatigable perseverance. About the year
1822, he commenced a scurrilous publication called the
" Trifler." It was issued in numbers, and was remark-
able for its abuse of the missionaries, for its obscenity,
and for traducing such of the authorities as were imme-
S16 A MISSIONARY MEETING.
diately appointed by the parent government ; and all this
under pretence of the most devoted attachment to the
planters, and zeal for the welfare of the Colony. This
infamous journal did not last long, but shortly after its
discontinuance he commenced a paper called the " Public
Advertiser," and ultimately obtained the " Jamaica Cou-
rant." He had been repeatedly prosecuted for libel, but
always defended himself without the aid of counsel. This
brought him into notice, and more particularly as he in-
variably obtained a verdict in his favour ; more, however,
as he was considered a sufferer for the interest of the
planters, than by the strength of his arguments or the
justice of his cause. When he commenced his career as
editor and publisher he was in circumstances of great
obscurity, but he was raised to be a member of the Com-
mon Council of Kingston, and for a short time the leader
in the House of Assembly.
At the missionary meeting just spoken of, Mr. Barry
was requested to preside in the room of a lay gentleman,
who, through indisposition, was prevented from occupy-
ing the chair. On the speakers taking their places on
the platform, they were somewhat surprised to observe
Mr. Beaumont and some of his companions in the front
gallery. On one of the speakers referring to the opposi-
tion in St. Ann's, he rose and delivered a long harangue,
insinuating that the magistrates of that parish had
been traduced. He vauntingly observed, that " armed
as he was with magisterial power he might dissolve the
meeting ;" yet he declined to exercise it, and at the close
of his speech he left the chapel without waiting for a
AN ACTION FOR LIBEL. 217
reply. As there was a little excitement (and but little),
Mr. Barry addressed the assembly, stating that they had
nothing whatever to fear, and that as they were protected
by the law, the gentleman whom they had just heard
had no right to interrupt the business, and possessed no
power to dissolve the meeting. He afterwards addressed
a letter to the " Kingston Chronicle" upon the subject ;
and observed, that in Mr. Beaumont's interference he
had never seen " the magisterial dignity sunk so low."
On this assertion Mr. Beaumont entered an action
against him for libel, and estimated his damages at
£ 2,000 . As has been already observed he had frequently
appeared as a defendant in such concerns. Now he
changed sides, and turned plaintiff; and as he considered
he had vanquished the members of the Bar within their
own territory, so he purposed to try his strength against
the unpopular " sectarians," who had been provokingly
regardless of his published calumnies. The trial was not,
however, brought on until the following year, and the
account of it is therefore reserved for its proper place,
that in the meantime we may relate what transpired in
St. Ann's.
After the meeting Mr. Whitehouse returned to his
circuit, confidently expecting to be sent to the same
filthy gaol, which it was believed had undermined the
health of his predecessor, and hurried him to a premature
grave. On Saturday, the 9th of August, he left Belle-
mont in company with Mrs. Whitehouse, with the inten-
tion of preaching at St. Ann's Bay the day following,
which having been well known, every thing was prepared
218 IMPRISONMENT OF MR. WHITEHOUSE.
by his enemies to apprehend him. When he had pro-
ceeded a few miles on his journey, he was met on the
road by Drake, who arrested him in the King's name,
and laid hold on him as his prisoner. Proceeding a little
further Drake stopped and took him into a house by the
road-side, where Mr. S. Rose (the magistrate who pre-
sided on the trial of Mr. Grimsdall) was waiting quite
ready for what took place. Here he was detained some
time, while Mrs. Whitehouse was forced, with unfeeling
brutality, to remain without, exposed to the burning heat
of a vertical sun. After his commitment had been signed,
which was prepared beforehand, he was then removed
in the custody of Drake to St. Ann's Bay.
" On arriving at the gaol," says Mr. Whitehouse, " I was
conducted to the apartment where that man of God, the late
Mr. Grimsdall, had been twice imprisoned. On entering, I
found it was occupied by an insane black woman, whom the
gaoler removed to another apartment. The cell was exceed-
ing filthy, and the stench was unbearable. It was now eight
o'clock in the evening, and the gaoler said he must ' lock up.'
I desired that the floor might at least be swept, which a few
friends immediately attended to. There was no bed provided
for me, not even one of straw, and it was not until I had made
several requests to the gaoler, that a few benches from the
chapel were allowed to be brought in, on which to make a
bed. A large quantity of vinegar and of strong camphorated
rum was thrown upon the floor and walls, for the purpose of
counteracting the very disagreeable effluvia, which proceeded
from the filth with which the place abounded ; but this pro-
duced very little effect. The sea-breeze had subsided, and
the only window from which I could obtain the least air, was
ARREST OF MR. ORTON. 219
just above the place in which all the filth of the premises is
deposited."
On the imprisonment of Mr. Whitehouse, he imme-
diately wrote to Mr. Barry and the author of this nar-
rative, requesting that, if possible, they would hasten to
St. Ann's Bay to his assistance. The former being then
stationed at Spanish Town, and the latter at Grateful
Hill, they met from different directions, on the 12th of
August, at an inn on the northern road ; and after a long
and fatiguing journey they came safely to Bellemont, a
little after dark. Tarrying there for the night, they set
out again early the following morning, and reached the
Bay between seven and eight o'clock, A.M. On thei^
arrival, they found a number of free people about the
chapel premises, wringing their hands expressive of great
sorrow, who informed them that Mr. Orton had arrived
the preceding afternoon, and having preached in the
evening, " Drake," said they, " was at the house by five
o'clock this morning, and has taken him before a ma-
gistrate ; he will soon be in gaol, and we fear that before
night you two will be in gaol also."
After breakfast they went to the gaol to see their per-
secuted brother, a place which they found to be as detest-
able as had been represented. A number of diseased per-
sons were going about, some with loathsome sores, and
altogether the appearance of the whole was as sickening
as can well be imagined. But they found the undaunted
missionary as happy as if he had been in a palace, and
through the mercy of God, his health had sustained no
material injury. After a little conversation, Mr. Orton
2^0 PROCEEDINGS OF A SPECIAL COURT
came in, who stated, that although he was not yet a
prisoner, he beheved that he should be one before night;
that he had been taken before Mr. Heming, a magistrate,
who had called a special court to sit at eleven o'clock, at
which he had engaged to attend.
A little after eleven the court sat, and Messrs. Rose
and Heming only took their seats on the Bench. Mr.
Orton was then called upon, and Mr. Rose said, that in-
formation had been given by Mr. Drake, that he had
been preaching the preceding evening in the Wesley an
chapel, and demanded by what authority he had done so,
not having received permission from the magistrates ?
Mr. Orton answered, " that he was a regular minister of
the Wesleyan connexion and had taken the usual oaths
of allegiance and supremacy, both in London and in a
neighbouring parish, and that he had preached several
times on St. Ann's Bay before, and no one had disturbed
him on that account." He then handed to the Bench
his certificates of ordination, together with his other
credentials, and after having perused them, Mr. Rose said
they were insufficient ; " that he had been guilty of a
misdemeanor, and a very great misdemeanor too ; " and
then began to write out his commitment. On this,
Messrs. Barry and Duncan stepped forward, and address-
ing their worships, stated that they had come to St. Ann's
for the purpose of offering bail for Mr. Whitehouse, but
as Mr. Orton was now in similar circumstances, they
tendered bail for him also. The magistrates replied,
that they had no objection to admit Mr. Orton to bail,
but it must be on the condition that security be given
AT ST. Ann's bay. 221
that he should not preach again in the parish, until he
received permission from the Court. To this the mis-
sionaries decidedly objected, and submitted, that if they
thought he had been guilty of an offence, and should
that offence be committed again, they had it in their
power to apprehend him as before ; but to tender bail
upon any such condition, was what they would not
do, and if they did, Mr. Orton would not accept it.
After a good deal of conversation (in which it ap-
peared very evident that the magistrates wished to
evade the case of Mr. Whitehouse altogether), they
then said, " We wish now to direct the attention of your
worships to Mr. Whitehouse ; we cannot conceive that
there can be any difficulty in his case, as even according
to your own views of the law, he has been already
licensed for the parish." Mr. Rose then replied in a
low tone, that he believed he was committed without
bail. " Are we to understand your worship," said the
missionaries, " that you have committed Mr. Whitehouse
to gaol without bail or mainprize?" To this he an-
swered, "I have no copy of the commitment at present
and cannot be certain." " Did not your worship," said
they, " make out that commitment ?" He replied hesi-
tatingly, "Yes, I believe that is in it — it is in it."
The missionaries then stated that they would repair to
Kingston, and obtain their release by habeas corpus ;
but before they finally quitted the court-house, they re-
turned to the Bench, and said, " Please your worships
we once more offer bail for Mr. Whitehouse and for Mr.
Orton." They again expressed their willingness to ac-
MISSIONARIES IN PRISON.
cept bail for the latter, and urged it ; but as they would
not leave ou6 the condition already specified the mis-
sionaries retired.
The reader will excuse something of prolixity in the
detail of the above-mentioned proceedings. They have
been related thus minutely because of their inseparable
connexion with a remarkable event, which shall soon be
recorded. But in the meantime it is but justice to say,
that although the missionaries addressed the Bench
alternately for upwards of an hour, the magistrates be-
haved towards them with great civility.
After obtaining some refreshment, Messrs. Barry and
Duncan returned to the gaol to take leave of their
brethi-en, then the prisoners of Jesus Christ. Before
their departure they proposed to have prayer, but were
informed that orders had just been received that no such
exercises could be allowed. They replied, that they had
received no such orders, and gave out the verse,
*' Who suiFer with, our Master here,
We shall before his face appear,
And by his side sit do-\\Ti.
To patient faith, the prize is sure ;
And all who to the end endure
The cross, shall wear the crown."
This verse was sung lustily, and several of the poor in-
mates, struck with the unusual sounds, came into the
apartment, and kneeled down while the persecuted mis-
sionaries were commended to the grace of God.
The brethren lost no time in proceeding to Kingston,
THEY ARE REMOVED TO KTNGSTON. 223
where they made affidavits, that bail had been oifered
for Messrs. Whitehouse and Orton, which had been
refused. A blank copy was forwarded to St. Ann's
to be filled up by Mr. Orton^ which having been re-
turned, orders were issued forthwith for their removal
to Kingston.
On account of these necessary steps, they did not
arrive in Kingston until the afternoon of the 28th of
August ; and being still prisoners, they w^ere met by
three other missionaries, who accompanied them to the
gaol. Immediately on alighting, a smart shock of earth-
quake caused the Island to vibrate to its centre, and we
saw that all within was bustle and alarm. This con-
sternation was not lessened, when they perceived two
ministers standing before them as prisoners, for no crime
but that of preaching the gospel. The officers cried out,
" Those gentlemen cannot come in here ; we have no
place prepared for them ! " It was then inquired, where
they were to go ? And it was answered, " They could
not tell, only they could not come within the gaol."
To this it was observed, " That they were prisoners, and
must remain at least for that night." But it was an-
swered, " They knew they were prisoners, but neverthe-
less there was no place for them there." The deputy-
marshal then desired that they might go to some of their
friends, and on the following morning at eleven o'clock,
he would go with them to the chief justice, where the
whole business would be settled. This was very diffe-
rent treatment from what they had been receiving ;
though the meanest cell within the premises was a lordly
224 MAGISTRATES DEGRADED FROM THEIR OFFICE.
hall, compared with the detestable apartment they had
left.
The chief justice was the Hon. William A. Scarlett,
brother to Lord Abinger, and one of the most upright
men Jamaica had ever produced. He was a man of
strictly moral habits ; and as a judge, remarkable for
inflexible integrity, and the exercise of impartial justice.
He had studied the late proceedings with deep attention,
and the brethren were scarcely brought before him when
he ordered their release. The business of Mr. Orton
was quashed entirely ; yet as an indictment had been
found against Mr. Whitehouse, it was necessary that he
should appear and answer to it ; but the case was
removed by certiorari from St. Ann's to the Supreme
Court. It was a matter of great grief, that before its
sitting, the chief justice had to leave the Island for
Great Britain, and none but assistant judges remained,
whose station has been already described.
The issue of this business was uncommonly mortifying
to the magistrates of St. Ann ; but a still more humbling
stroke was awaiting them. The lieutenant-governor
Sir John Keane (now Lord Keane) had made himself
acquainted with the whole aff'air ; and indignantly ex-
pelled both Rose and Heming from the magistracy, the
powers of which they had so much abused. The mis-
sionaries were informed, that the manner in which this
was done, was equally honourable with the act itself.
That he wrote, warning and admonishing the magistrates
of that parish, and assured them, that " the Wesleyan
missionaries were not to be hunted down like a parcel of
MISSIONARIES ACCUSED OF PERJURY. 2^5
dogs." Sir John Keane had not, perhaps, much of tho
penetrating sagacity of a wily politician, but he had the
honest high-mindedness of a British general.
The indictment which had been found in St. Ann's
against Mr. Whitehouse, was removed to the Supreme
Court, which sat in Spanish Town, in October. He
was charged with a misdemeanor in preaching and
teaching in St. Ann's, without the license of the
magistracy ; and as the proceeding was likely to settle
that question, it was a matter of great pubHc in-
terest. Several missionaries, amongst others, went to
witness the trial ; but before they reached the court-
house, they were informed by their solicitor, that they
must be prepared for another trial of a more serious de-
scription. On their inquiring to what he referred, he
stated that affidavits had been filed in the Crown Office,
charging Messrs. Barry, Duncan, and Or ton with " wil-
ful and corrupt perjury ;" that the ex-magistrate Rose,
together with Drake and another person, had sworn that
no bail whatever had been tendered for Mr. Orton, at
the special court which sat in St. Ann's on the 12th of
August. Also, that on account of Messrs. Duncan and
Barry having made oath to their statements in Kingston,
their case could not be proceeded with until the Surrey
Assizes ; but Mr. Orton's alleged offence having been
committed in Cornwall, he had no doubt but he would
be brought to trial before Mr. Whitehouse. In this
conjecture he was perfectly correct, and Mr. Orton was
instantly bound over to appear the following morning
and answer to the charge. The grand jury having found
Q
226 TRIAL OF MR. ORTON
a "true bill," the business was proceeded with on
the 23rd. The assistant judge who presided was the
late Mr. Richard Barrett, a man of some talent and
influence. He was an extensive planter, Custos of St.
James, and member of Assembly for that parish. But
though he was universally regarded as a man of ability,
his principles were considered so vacillating and un-
certain, that he possessed the entire confidence of no
party. Though the case to be tried was nominally the
" King V. Orton," its promoters were not content to
leave it in the hands of the attorney-general, whose
office it was to prosecute it. Mr. Hugo James, who then
occupied that station, was a gentleman of great urbanity
of manners, and no persecutor of religion. It was
doubted whether he would be sufficiently zealous
in the cause to secure success. The party therefore re-
retained Mr. Fitzherbert Batty to assist him, a man
not destitute of talent, and of whose zeal there could be
no question.
The witnesses examined for the crown were Messrs.
Rose, Drake, and Robinson. They all deposed that no
bail had been oifered for Mr. Orton, consequently that
his affidavit was false. Rose persisted in affirming, that
the word bail had never been mentioned ; that Messrs.
Duncan and Barry had indeed been allowed to occupy
much time in addressing the Bench (more than he be-
lieved was justifiable), but they had never mentioned the
word " bail." On being asked to say what was their
avowed object in taking that long journey, and appear-
ing before the court, he was at a loss for an answer ;
AT THE SUPREME COURT. 227
but at last replied, that " they said they had come to St-
Ann's to inquire why they had put Mr. Whitehouse in
jail;" a statement which was responded to by a burst of
indignation throughout the whole house. Drake was
next examined, who also aifirmed that no bail had been
offered on the occasion ; that he was present the whole
time, and must have heard it had the offer been made*
On being asked to say on what subject the missionaries
addressed the Bench on the day in question, he repHed,
that they never addressed the magistrates at all ; though
afterwards, on being reminded of what E-ose had said,
he allowed he had heard them say something about
habeas corpus, hut nothing more. Robinson, the only
other witness, gave his evidence in a very different man-
ner. He was a young shopkeeper in St. Ann's, and
seemed very reluctant to make his appearance. His
testimony amounted simply to this, that he never heard
bail offered for Mr. Orton. This might be partly true,
for he was seen conversing at the door of the court-house
during a great part of the time.
The witnesses for the defendant were Messrs. Barry
and Duncan, together with the E-ev. Samuel Bromley,
the General Baptist missionary. The substance of their
evidence has been already recorded in the proceedings
of the special court ; only Mr. Bromley deposed to bail
having been offered six different times for Mr. Orton
alone, besides what took place at the close of the pro-
ceedings, when it was tendered for both. That no
advantage might be lost, the crown witnesses were again
called to give evidence in rebutter. There was little
Q 2
ADDRESS OF MR. BARRETT
difference between their former and latter statements,
only Rose did admit that the ^' word bail might have
been mentioned," but persisted that none was offered for
Mr. Orton.
Our limits will not allow a more lengthened detail of
those examinations, which occupied the court for almost
a whole day. But we cannot withhold the substance of
Mr. Barrett's address to the jury, in summing up the
evidence which had been adduced. The reader will see
the manner in which justice was then administered by
Colonial magistrates to Wesleyan missionaries. The
substance of the address is as follows : —
" Gentlemen of the jury, the prisoner, Joseph Orton, stands
at the bar charged with wilful and corrupt perjury. Though
there are offences more severely punishable, yet there are none
more disgraceful, and the scorn and contempt of mankind wil^
for ever haunt the traverser, if a verdict of guilty go forth
against him. In determining the present question, it matters
not whether the conduct of the magistrates was legal or other-
wise, the nature of the crime charged against the prisoner
is not affected thereby. The point on which you are to
determine is the evidence."
Here he went over the evidence for the crown at
considerable length, and then proceeded.
*' Gentlemen, in Mr. Rose's evidence there is not the
slightest contradiction, and notwithstanding a severe cross-
examination its consistency is preserved. His testimony is
confirmed by Mr. Drake and Mr. Robinson, and notwithstand-
ing a most rigid cross-examination there is not the smallest
discrepancy between them ; only in one apparent instance, in
TO THE JURY. 229
which Mr. Drake stated that Messrs. Barry and Duncan were
near the Bench, and afterwards he was understood to say they
were not."
He then briefly glanced for a few seconds only at the
evidence for the defendant, and thus concluded : —
" Gentlemen, Mr. Rose presided as a magistrate on the oc-
casion, and must have heard all that passed, and if his state-
ments are not true he must be guilty of perjury, for he could
not be mistaken. But can this be believed ? Mr. Rose is a
gentleman of long standing in the community, of respectable
education, and of unblemished integrity; and besides, his
evidence is corroborated by two others, one of whom, at least,
is perfectly disinterested. But, gentlemen, you must dismiss
from your minds the remark of the counsel for the defendant,
as to the character of his witnesses, they being ministers.
When a man is on his oath before God, it makes no matter
what may be the colour of the coat he wears."
He just allowed, that if there was any doubt on their
minds they should give the prisoner the benefit of it.
In the above brief account of Mr. Barrett's address,
some may be inclined to suspect, that the writer, having
been personally interested, is as much biassed against the
judge as the judge was against the prisoner. He is
happy, however, to refer to the " Jamaica Courant" from
October 18th to the 25th, 1828, in which the case is
reported at much greater length. The editor of that
publication will not be suspected of any friendly feeling
towards the missionaries. But while he eulogizes Mr.
Barrett, he states quite enough to corroborate every
230 MR. ORTON IS ACQUITTED.
thing which has just been aifirmed. If so, surely such
a specimen of a judicial address to a jury had not been
witnessed in the British dominions for a century before !
Mr. Barrett knew there were discrepancies amongst the
witnesses for the crown ; and it cannot be doubted, but
if Sir W. Scarlett had been present, he would have
ordered that Drake should have been tried for that very
offence which he was endeavouring to charge upon an
innocent man. Mr. Rose's conduct was not so unim-
peachable as Mr. Barrett wished the jury to believe. If
so, it may be asked why was he degraded from his office
as a magistrate only a few days before the trial occurred?
A matter with which he was perfectly acquainted. But
had it been otherwise, surely the prisoner had as much
right to the benefit of the character of his witnesses as
the other side. But no, this must not be thought of for
a moment, and the jury are charged to dismiss from their
minds all allusion to it on the part of the counsel. It
was, however, a happy circumstance that they had ho-
nour enough to frustrate the object of this unprincipled
judge. The foreman and another parishioner of St.
Ann, indeed, stood out some time, but the others
were resolute ; and the consequence was a verdict of
" not guilty," a verdict which virtually acquitted the
other missionaries also.
On the following day the indictment found in St.
Ann's against Mr. Whitehouse was brought before the
court by the attorney-general. The learned gentleman
proved, in the first place, that by common law, noncon-
INDICTMENT AGAINST MR. WHITEHOUSE QUASHED. S31
formity is no crime. He then examined several statutes
and observed, that
" The indictment is not sustainable under the Toleration
Act of Will, and Mary, which it cannot be denied is in force
in this Island, as well as the 10th of Anne, cap. 9. Those
statutes are clearly in force in this country, inasmuch as they
were enacted and received as laws in the Island, antecedent
to the period when it was declared what British statutes were
in force here ; for by the Jamaica statute 1 Geo. II. it was
enacted, that all English statutes thereto received in Jamaica
should be and continue to be laws of this Island.^' Now there
is no indictable offence under these statutes, for having ob-
tained a license in one place, Mr. Whitehouse is entitled, by
the 10th of Anne, to preach in any other. Therefore as Mr.
Whitehouse is not committed for refusing to take the oaths,
nor for any offence under these statutes, the indictment is not
sustainable, from the inability of its being shown that it is an
offence against the common law, or any statute of Parliament
or of the colonial Legislature."
The indictment was therefore quashed by order of the
court.
By the above decision the ex-magistrates were now
liable to be prosecuted for false imprisonment, and had
this been done their con\iction was inevitable. For
* Had the learned attorney -general established the fact, that these
statutes icere received in Jamaica before 1728, he would have fully proved
them to have been in force in 1828, but this material point he over-
looked. His own argument shows that all reasonmg on the Jamaica
act of Geo. H. goes for nothing in the absence of this essential point.
Those statutes had never been so received. There Avas therefore no
WTitten law at all, ^and as by " common law nonconformity is no
crime," the magistrates were bound to protect the missionaries in the
discharge of their duties.
2S2 MR. B. Z. HEMING.
some time indeed it was thought it might be a matter of
public duty to prosecute, but all idea of it was quickly-
abandoned. The magistrates themselves were aware
of their danger, and in fact notice was given of an
intention to bring them to trial. Indeed it cannot be
doubted, that one reason for their bringing on the trial for
perjury, was to avoid the heavy penalties to which they
were exposed ; and had the missionaries been convicted,
it would not have been a matter of difficulty to do so, at
least to some extent. But they had no resentful feehngs
even against Rose himself, and they felt sorry for
Heming. He was an amiable but an inexperienced
young man, and had he not been led by others, it is not
likely he would ever have engaged in such proceedings.
His conduct with reference to Mr. Orton's trial, shewed
him not to be destitute of principle. He was present at
the special court in St. Ann's, as well as Rose, and knew
all that transpired ; he had equal reason to dread a
prosecution for false imprisonment ; hut he never made
Ms appearance as a witness in Spanish Town. This
circumstance was noticed with great effect by the de-
fendant's counsel, who inquired at Rose if he knew why
Heming was absent. The reply was " he was sick."
On its being further inquired whether he had not seen
him prior to his leaving St. Ann's, he acknowledged he
had ; but was forced to confess that he saw no appear-
ance of sickness, only he himself said he felt indisposed.
This also provoked a contemptuous laugh in the court-
house ; and upon the whole, the conduct of Heming in
this affair appeared to the missionaries so noble, as to
DEATH OF MR. T. C. MORGAN. 233
make tliem sincerely sorry that he had been dismissed
from the magistracy.
While those disagreeable proceedings were pending,
the missionaries were exercised with still more painful
trials, occasioned by the ravages of death. Two of their
brethren fell by the hand of the last enemy. The first
was Mr. T. C. Morgan, who was seized with fever about
the end of August; and although at first there were no
symptoms to cause much uneasiness, yet in a few days
the fever increased, and on the the 2nd of September he
died, after having testified that, by the grace of God,
'*he had gained the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ."
Mr. Morgan was a man of decided piety and ardent
zeal for the glory of God. For some time he was the
subject of much occasional depression, and a nervous
affection under which he laboured, induced a certain
eccentricity of feeling, but not in the least derogatory to
his character for piety and usefulness. No man was ever
more ready at all times for his Master's work. In preach-
ing the gospel, he was instant in season and out of season ;
and none enjoyed a larger share of the affectionate regards
of his fellow-labourers. During his residence on the
Island, which was only between two and three years, he
was made eminently useful, especially on the Stoney
Hill circuit ; and in Kingston he was loved by the Socie-
ties to an uncommon degree. On the occasion of his
funeral, thousands attended his remains to the tomb ;
and the tears which were shed, abundantly testified the
high estimation in which he was held. His death hap-
S34 DEATH AND CHARACTER
pened only a few days after the amval of another mis-
sionary of the same name, who had laboured for many
years in the Windward Islands.
But the brethren and Societies in Kingston, had not
recovered from this shock, before they were called to
sustain another of a similar description in the death of
Mr. Mark Harrison. He was seized with the usual fever,
at the old chapel-house, only about a month after the
death of Mr. Morgan, and from the commencement of his
illness, there was but too much reason to fear that the
issue would be fatal. Though his suiferings were great,
he was enabled to repose unshaken confidence in
his Redeemer, and his mind was kept in perfect
peace. At one time, he said, that he had been often
favoured with uncommon views of the love of Christ,
yet never equal to what he had enjoyed under that
affliction. " I see," said he, " such a fulness :" but
here he was overpowered with his grateful feelings, and
was unable to proceed further. They were the last words
he uttered. Almost immediately afterwards he became
speechless ; and while seemingly quite insensible to all
that was passing in his room, the indescribable placidity
of his countenance shewed that all was right within.
He died in Kingston, on the 7th of October, 1828, in
the twenty-third year of his age and third of liis
ministry.
Mr. Harrison was a young man of uncommon pro-
mise. Just before his death, many were rejoicing in the
pleasing anticipation, that God would make him a burn-
ing and shining light, and one day raise him to a high
OF MR. MARK HARRISON. 2S5
elevation amongst the ministers of Jesus Christ. It
is not pretended that he was exempt from infirmities
with which even good men are encompassed, but it has
often been remarked by those who had the best opportu-
nities of knowing him, that they had never heard him
utter one word, or seen him do anything inconsistent
with his character as a Christian or his office as a mi-
nister. He was first appointed to Falmouth, where the
blessing of the Lord crowned his labours in an extraor-
dinary manner. A few months before his death he was
removed to Kingston, and resided along with Mr. Murray,
his superintendent. He was a man greatly beloved.
His natural disposition was amiable and afiectionate,
which, improved by his hallowed piety, gave a charm to
his whole behaviour, that was powerfully felt by all who
knew him. For some time before his death, he pursued
a very arduous course of study, so arduous as that his
superintendent felt it his duty frequently to interrupt
him, fearing that his unremitting application might
be prejudicial to his health. His kind offices were
acknowledged in the most grateful manner, but when
on such occasions he quitted his study, he often exchanged
it for the chamber of the sick and dying, to minister to
their spiritual consolation. In this manner did this de-
voted young man pass his time
" Twixt the mount and multitude,
Doing and recei\ing good."
But his course was soon finished ; and having fulfilled
his ministry, he was taken to an early rest. These were
not the only bereavements the mission family were called
236 NEW CHAPEL OPENED.
upon to sustain. Mr. Murray was deprived by death of
his most excellent wife, not long after the loss of his
colleagues in the ministry. She was eminent for a meek
and quiet spirit, and exemplary in the practice of every
personal, social, and Christian virtue.
The new chapel in Spanish Town, which had been
long in course of erection, was opened for divine worship
in November. Its dimensions are 60 feet by 45 within
the walls, and has galleries on three sides. The crowds
attending the opening services were immense, and a hal-
lowed feeling pervading the congregations, was thankfully
acknowledged as a token of future good. Not long
afterwards the third chapel in Kingston was completed,
of the same measurement without, as the former within
the walls ; but the erection of galleries was deferred until
the growing congregation should so increase as to render
it necessary.
237
CHAPTER X.
Session of the Legislature in 1828 — Report of the " Sectarian Com-
mittee"— Slave-law of 1826 passes the Assembly and Council, but is
rejected by Sir. John Keane — District-meeting of 1829 — An action
for Libel at the Kingston Assizes against the Rev. Mr. Barry — He is
accquited — The disallowed Slave-law again passes the Legislature
and is sanctioned by the Earl of Belmore — A Missionary stationed
in Port Royal — A new Chapel opened in the Town of Montego Bay
— Correspondence between Mr. Whitehouse and the Governor's
Secretary — Slave-law disallowed by his Majesty William the fourth
— Death of the Rev. Messrs. Vowles, Penman, and Saxton — Death
of Mr. Robertson, the Steward of the Morant Bay Circuit — District-
meeting of 1831 — Prosperity of the Mission — Number of Members, as
reported in January, 1832.
A BOUT the time the events transpired, which are related
towards the close of the preceding chapter, the session of
the Legislature for 1828 was commenced. After a hand-
some present to the lieutenant-governor, the disallowed
slave-law was again brought before the house of As-
sembly ; though many of the members at first contended
that the House would compromise its dignity, were they
again to legislate on the subject, until they had the ex-
plicit assurance that the restraints laid upon the gover-
nor as to the sanctioning of religious clauses, were
altogether removed. To facilitate its progress, as well
as to convince even the British pubHc of its necessity,
the " Sectarian Committee" finished their labours, and
presented their report. To this celebrated document,
the attention of the reader is particularly requested.
The following is a copy, as it was read to the House : —
238 REPORT OF THE
" Your committee, appointed to inquire into the establish-
ment and proceedings of the sectarians in this Island,
" Report, That they have taken the examination of sundry
persons, which examinations are here annexed, and that the
principal object of the sectarians in this Island, is to extort
money from their congregations by every possible pretext, to
obtain which recourse has been made to the most indecent
expedients.
" That in order to further this object, and to gain an as-
cendancy over the negro mind, they inculcate the doctrines of
equality and the rights of man ; they preach and teach sedi-
tion even from the pulpit; and by misrepresentations and
falsehood, endeavour to cast odium upon all the public autho-
rities of this Island, not even excepting the representative of
Majesty itself.
" That the consequences have been abject poverty, loss of
comfort, and discontent among the slaves frequenting their
chapels, and deterioration of property to their masters.
" Your committee therefore feel bound to report, that the
interference of the missionaries between the master and the
slave is dangerous, and incompatible with the political state
of society in this Island ; and recommend to the House to
adopt the most positive and exemplary enactments to restrain
them."
This report was received by the House with very little
hesitation^ and was ordered to be sent to the agent in the
mother country, together with the examinations, to be
by him printed and circulated as extensively as pos-
sible.
On perusing this document, the Wesleyan missionaries
were astonished, as some of them had been informed by
SECTARIAN COMMITTEE. 239
members of the Assembly, and even by one of the com-
mittee, that their examinations, which were finished the
preceding year, had given the most unquahfied satisfac-
tion. But the mystery was soon revealed; the com-
mitte had more recently called before them persons of the
most avowed hostility to the Mission ; and their state-
ments were implicitly received, while those of the mis-
sionaries (who were not permitted to confront their
accusers) were utterly disregarded. The reader will
now excuse a few observations upon this extraordinary
document.
First, The general charge is, " that the object of the
missionaries, is to extort money from their congregations
by every possible pretext." This assertion was grounded
principally upon the depositions, which were taken by
the Custos of St. Catherine, respecting the proceedings
of the missionary meeting in Spanish Town, in 1825,
which were handed in by that gentleman, and pressed
into the service of the committee. Another ground
was the testimony of the clerk of the peace of St.
Ann (Mr. Coward), who stated that the slaves belong-
ing to the late S. Drew, Esq., in his neighbourhood,
"were great thieves, and very poor:" which might be
true or not, but it does not afiect the case, for there
were not half a dozen of them connected with the Me-
thodists. A third ground, was the testimony of a
neighbouring tavern-keeper, who affirmed that at the
opening of the new chapel in Spanish-Town, his wife,
who was present, was so disgusted with Mr. Barry
begging before the collection, that she instantly quitted
240 CHARGES AGAINST THE MISSIONARIES.
the place. But poor as this statement was, its truth is
more than questionable, for several persons were ready-
to depose, that she left because she was unable to
remain longer, on account of the crowded state of the
chapel, which information they had from herself.
Another witness was Daniel Saa, a weak man, but his
evidence was quite immaterial.
Besides these, the author is not certain whether an
answer to a question in his own evidence was not made
use of, to substantiate the same charge. On his stating
that the number of slaves attending the chapel at Grate-
ful Hill averaged about two hundred, it was inquired,
if he could say, as nearly as possible, how much of each
public collection was contributed by them. The sub-
stance of his reply was, that it was impossible to as-
certain with accuracy, but he thought a dollar was as
much as was received from them, excepting on extraor-
dinary occasions.* This answer was so taken down, as
to appear doubtful whether a dollar from the whole, or
from each slave was intended. He objected at the time
to the equivocal way in which it was expressed, yet it
was so printed afterwards ; but he does not mean posi-
itively to aifirm, that this was intentional, or that there
was indeed any reference to it at all.
Secondly, The committee allege, that to obtain money,
" they have recourse to the most indecent expedients."
The " indecent expedients" were explained in the
* The reader is here mformed, that a small silver coin (five-pence
currency), the 1-1 6th of a dollar, was the smallest in circulation in
Jamaica.
MISREPRESENTATIONS. 241
debate ; and in all conscience they were indecent enough,
if the charge had been true; namely, That the mis-
sionaries had encouraged the prostitution of females,
in order to obtain money. This charge was grounded
upon the testimony of Mr. Beaumont, the editor of the
Courant, and as it referred to the Wesley ans, it must be
explained.
At the Kingston missionary meeting, which Mr.
Beaumont attended a few months before, the late Mr. T.
C. Morgan mentioned an " expedient," to which a woman
in England, in humble circumstances, had "recourse"
to obtain money for the missions. He said, she kept
fowls, one of which she reserved, and its eggs or chickens
were sold, and the money paid into the funds. Mr.
Beaumont substituted another word for fowls ; (though
this was probably unintentional, for it was one equally
imiocent,) and deposed, that as he saw some females
holding down their heads at the time,he thought the mean-
ing was indecent. Such an intimation was sufficiently
detestable on the part of the witness ; but what is to be
thought of the committee who, on such a statement,
grounded a charge so disgusting and abominable, against
a body of Christian ministers ; and which after all re-
ferred to an occurrence in England ?
Thirdly, The seditious charges contained in the re-
port only remain to be noticed. The committee say,
that the missionaries " endeavour to cast odium upon all
the authorities of the Island, not even excepting the re-
presentative of Majesty itself' Alas, for the Wesleyans,
243 CHARGE AGAINST THE LATE
for this refers to them also, and was likewise charged on
the testimony of Mr. Beaumont ; who stated, that he had
some years before heard a missionary in Spanish Town,
speak very disrespectfully from the pulpit of the then
governor, the Duke of Manchester. He afterwards ex-
plained, that the missionary he alluded to was the late
Mr. Adams, who, in praying for the governor, used such
terms as cast an injurious reflection on his grace's moral
character.
It is admitted, that it might he no difficult matter to
draw such inferences from the expressions used by Mr.
Adams, as might be easily perverted by Mr. Beaumont
to answer the purpose of the committee ; but that Mr.
Adams was a man to speak against the public authorities,
much less so to asperse them in the solemn exercise of
prayer, there is the most irrefragable evidence to dis-
prove. The reader will first attend to the character of
that missionary, which appeared in some of the pubHc
papers, both of Kingston and Spanish Town, about the
time of his lamented death ; which he will readily allow
bears no marks whatever of a Wesleyan composition.
It is as follows : —
" Died, in Spanish Town, on the evening of the 18th inst.,
of the prevailing fever, the Rev. Obadiah Adams, of the Me-
thodist persuasion, leaving a disconsolate widow to lament
his premature death. He commenced his religious pursuits
at the early age of nineteen, and only arrived on this Island
in January last. The truly unaffected piety this gentleman
evinced, during the short time he resided in this community,
MR. ADAMS, REFUTED. 243
and the diligent and successful discharge of his mission,
have endeared his memory to an extensive circle, who will
long regret the loss of so worthy and excellent a man. The
liberty granted him by his honour the Gustos, in April last,
to preach and teach the gospel, has never been more de-
servedly used by any ; and it can justly be said, that were
such characters allowed to dispense instruction to the unen-
lightened throughout the Island generally, no alarm need to
be entertained that any improper doctrines would be dissemi-
nated among that class of persons. Indeed he was formed
in every view for the arduous duty of working that change
in the minds of the slave population, so ardently desired by
his Majesty's ministers, as well as by the Legislature of this
Colony."
But the peaceable and prudent character of Mr. Adams
was declared at that time by more substantial evidence
than that vs^hich is merely verbal. It will be remem-
bered, that the gentlemen of Spanish Town, contributed
a sum amounting to nearly £ 100 sterling, for his widow,
as a testimony of the high estimation in which he had
been held.
Very little more need be said respecting this famous
" Report," only let it be carefully observed, that the re-
marks upon it, have not been made with the view of vin-
dicating the missionaries (for from such aspersions they
need no vindication) ; but solely with the view of giving
the reader a clearer insight into these extraordinary pro-
ceedings. Meanwhile, the author is happy to record his
conviction, that were such a document, on such evidence,
r2
244 DISTRICT-MEETING OF 1829.
brovight into the House of Assembly of the present day,
it would be thrown out with as much indignation as
it would be in the Imperial Parliament.*
The slave-law which had been introduced into the
Legislature passed, with but very little opposition ; but
when it was presented to Sir John Keane, he had the
magnanimity to refuse his consent : so that all the
schemes and labour of the Assembly were entirely frus-
trated and came to nothing.
At the District-meeting held in January, 1829, it was
found that the increase of members throughout the pre-
ceding year amounted to 417. This was not indeed a
great number, but as several stations had not been re-
gularly supplied, the small increase was easily accounted
for. But, a few weeks after the District, the brethren
were gladdened by the arrival of Messrs. Penman,
Vowles, Wood, and Box, on which their various stations
were appointed as follows : —
* It may be observed here, that at least one of the witnesses ap-
peared to have some misgivings as to the truth of his testimony, and
therefore he resolved to make out a case by a subsequent experiment,
which shall be here related. A short time after those events had
transpired, a negro woman came to the Bellemont station, carrying a
number of fowls, and leading an ass, well loaded with yams, plantains,
&c., and offered the fowls and provisions as a present to Mrs. "S^Tiite-
house. Mrs. W. then said, that she did not accept presents from the
negroes, nor did she know the woman, nor where she came from. She
replied, that she came from I , and said she had attended chapel
last Smiday, when "me see Missis, and took liking to Missis, and
bring dis here as present." But though the woman continued lu'gent,
her offer was finally rejected. It does not requii'e any extraordinary
sagacity to see tlirough this most mean and detestable artifice, but its
design was thus completely frustrated. A very short time afterwards
the unhappy man died very suddenly, and it was strongly rumoured,
that it was from the effects of poison, administered by his o\^^l
hands.
AN ACTION FOR LIBEL.
245
Kingston
Spanish Town
Morant Bay-
Bath . .
Grateful Hill
Stoney Hill
Montego Bay
Falmouth .
St. Ann's .
Port Antonio
Savannah-la-Mar
I Messrs. Morgan, Murray and
3 VOWLES.
Mr. Barry.
Mr. Kerr.
Mr. Orton.
Mr. Penman.
Mr. Wood.
Mr. Duncan.
Mr. Crookes.
Mr. Whitehoijse.
Mr. Edney.
Mr. Box.
In the month of April, Mr. Beaumont commenced his
action against Mr. Barry for libel, the grounds of which
have been already stated. As it was well-known that
both parties were to plead their own cause, this trial ex-
cited perhaps a deeper interest than any other which had
taken place on the Island. For a long period the day
had been anticipated with the most intense feelings,
which were more or less experienced by all classes ; and
an immense majority of the whites, confidently hoped to
see " sectarianism" humbled, in the degradation of oug
of its ministers.
The court-house was crowded at an early hour, and
persons of all grades of society were mingled together,
the eager spectators of this extraordinary conflict. After
the plaintiff" had stated his case, he proceeded to call
witnesses, who were all severely cross-examined by Mr.
Barry ; but as the whole scope of the examinations tended
rather to prove a case of sedition than the libel, Mr.
Barry stated that he would call no witnesses, requesting
246 MR. A. H. Beaumont's
that the plaintiff might then address the jury, claiming
to himself the right to reply. This was a course for
which Mr. Beaumont was not prepared ; hut as the court
decided in favour of the defendant's claim, he then pro-
ceeded. Our limits will not allow a full report of those
speeches, we shall only extract a few paragraphs, taken
from the conclusion of each.
After a long and inflammatory address to the jury on
the part of the plaintiff, he thus continued : —
*' Whether I am a fit man to hold magisterial office, is not
to he decided by such men as the defendant ; the law, and
some of the guardians of the law — some of the most respected
and honoured men in Jamaica, who elected me to that office,
— ^have decided that I am fit to hold that station ; and you
have heard the honourable testimony these men have given
this day in my favour.
" Unless you mean to sanction such conduct as that proved
against the defendant ; unless you mean to allow him, and
others like him, to extort money from your slaves — to de-
nounce the magistrates from the pulpit as devils and fools —
to emulate Smith the missionary, and to turn Jamaica into
another Demerara ; unless you intend to prevent any magis-
trate from daring to attempt to suppress their extortionate
harangues, you will find this defendant guilty, and assess
damages to the full amount of £2000. The damages will not
be borne by Mr. Barry alone, but by the whole body he re-
presents— the corporation — the company — the federal band of
maccaroni-hunters, as maccaroni-hunters, as well in Thames
Street, Kingston, as elsewhere. All will contribute to re-
lease their beloved brother from the consequences of a heavy
ADDRESS TO THE JURY. S47
verdict, the consequences of too anxiously seeking after every-
thing, not short of a maccaroni>'
" I have placed myself foremost in the breach made by such
men as the defendant, in the constitution of the country. All
their energies are directed against me. I look to be sup-
ported by the juries of Jamaica, in resisting the invasions
made upon her rights, by the legions of cant, extortion, and
sedition. Never forget, that the sedition of Smith, a mis-
sionary, occasioned the revolt amongst the slaves in that
country. Neglect me, allow me to be trampled on by those
whose assaults on the citadel of our laws I have sought to
repel, then their attack must be successful. Your slaves will
be taught sedition, they will learn to rebel ; your lives and
fortunes will be sacrificed. As your laws perish so must
yourselves, your wives, and children fall."
The defendant then rose, and after having gone over
the depositions of the plaintiff's witnesses, replied to his
speech ; and also allowed, and vindicated the expressions
on which he had grounded his charge of libel. He thus
concluded : —
" It is with considerable regret that I trespass longer on
your patience and attention, and especially as I am aware of
the agony under which one of their honours has, for the last
three days, maintained his seat on the Bench; but, gentlemen,
there are a few other observations with which I feel it neces-
sary to trouble you. You are well aware of the power of the
press ; you know what a tremendous engine it is in the hands
* A quarter- dollar is called in Jamaica a " maccaroni." Hence the
term maccaroni-hunter was often applied to the missionaries by Mr.
Beaumont, in his newspaper ; but besides the Courant and the Corn-
wall Co\irier, which was published m Falmouth, no other papers were
degraded so low.
248 ADDRESS OF THE
of an unbridled and unprincipled editor, who may, at will,
attack the characters of the most amiable and deserving, and
hold up to public scorn and derision those who possess no
power to counteract slander, or justify themselves. There,
gentlemen, is that editor. I^et me ask you, whom has he not
calumniated ? Who has escaped his defamation and malice ?
Against whom has not his malignity been directed ; from the
highest authority on the Island to the most humble citizen,
from the bishop to the curate of the Establishment ? He, gen-
tlemen, has dived into the secrets of families, dragging that
before the public which ought ever to be concealed, and ex-
hibiting to the gaze of the world those circumstances which,
had he possessed one spark of humanity, he would have co-
vered with the veil of oblivion. He has followed the very
dead! and, penetrating their silence and retirement, has dis-
turbed the repose of the tomb. He has calumniated the
memory of a Christian missionary, and as he libelled his cha-
racter when living, so he has raked up the ashes of his grave.
But could I call up the shades of the dead, and confront them
with their accuser — that reckless libeller — a single gaze of his
victim (were annihilation possible) would blast him into non-
existence.* Gentlemen of the jury, you have often been
asked to-day by the plaintiff, 'Is this to be endured?' But
I would ask you, is it to be endured, that a remorseless
slanderer, shall with impunity level his shafts at the innocent
without distinction ; and when his libellous propensity is
opposed, and a public justification attempted, shall it be en-
dured that he bring an action for damages before a British
jury ? Gentlemen, what is my case to-day, may be yours,
or their honours' on the Bench, to-morrow. The very speech
that you have heard him just now repeat, was prepared last
* The missionary alluded to is the late Mr. Grimsdall.
REV. MR. BARRY. 249
Sunday for publication, and you may expect, if you grant me
your verdict, to be identified with me to-morrow as the be-
trayers of your country.
" I had the strongest possible ground for asserting, that in
the plaintiff the magisterial dignity was sunk. I was aware
of that for which, had I prosecuted him, he would have been
declared by the laws of his country unfit to hold any public
office — to hold that which he now sustains ; or in case of his
being guardian or executor, from suing in a court of justice,
or from receiving a legacy. He has declared in my hearing,
and in the presence of several witnesses, ' That there neither is
a divine revelation, nor a necessity for a divine revelation ;
that the miracles of Quashie and Quamina are as real, and
will appear as well authenticated to posterity, as the miracles
of our Lord Jesus Christ ; and that religion is a mere political
humbug, invented to keep the lower classes of society in
awe !' And yet that man, because that I, under such a con-
sciousness of his unfitness for any public office, represented
him as lowering the dignity of the magisterial character, dares
to apply for damages to a British jury.
" Gentlemen, we have heard much of ' moral courage ;' and
are led to suppose that the plaintiff has it in a very eminent
degree, as it has long constituted a very favourite topic in his
publication. If to indulge in an unbridled propensity to ex-
hibit his fellow-men to obloquy and contempt be moral
courage, the plaintiff possesses it. If to attempt to excite in
the public mind a revolutionary spirit be moral courage, the
plaintiff possesses it. If to penetrate the retirement and pri-
vacy of the tomb and calumniate the dead be moral courage,
the plaintiff possesses it. If to ransack the family record,
and bring before the view of mankind the transactions over
which humanity would throw a veil, be moral courage, the
250 MR. BARRY IS ACQUITTED.
plaintiff possesses it. Or if to impugn the sacred Scriptures,
and propagate principles subversive of every moral obliga-
tion, be moral courage, the plaintiff has it. And though I
cannot now refer to any particular authority, yet it is almost
generally allowed in law, that such a man — a man the com-
mon libeller of his fellows — should possess no claim to the
verdict of a jury, should he in turn become the subject of the
attacks of another. The time is not far distant, when we
shall appear at the tribunal of the Eternal ; and I trust, gen-
tlemen, you will then be as fully acquitted as to the justice
of your verdict, as I of having libelled the plaintiff in this
case."
The jury had scarcely retired when they returned into
the court, and pronounced the verdict of " not guilty."
The effect produced by this verdict was indescribable^
The court-house echoed with the loud cheers of the
crowded audience. The multitudes who stood without
caught the same spirit of enthusiasm, and to the remotest
bounds of the city, persons were seen in the streets
shouting, waving their hats, and showing other manifes-
tations of joy. But the issue of this case was extremely
humbling to the other party. Mr. Beaumont had been
repeatedly in such conflicts, and he had always come off
victorious. But by this verdict, he beheld himself strip-
ped of all his laurels, and was in an instant thrown
prostrate at the feet of a Wesleyan missionary.
After having been so long employed in the detail of
legislative or judicial proceedings, it is with pleasure we
now turn to what is more immediately the history of the
Mission. Although it is obvious that a great work of
A SOCIETY IN SAVANNAH-LA-MAR. 251
God had been accomplished on the Island, yet there were
many extensive districts unvisited, and uncheered by the
light of the gospel. In the western parishes of St. Eliza-
beth and Westmoreland, there were indeed several settle-
ments belonging to the Moravian brethren, but beyond
their vicinity, the gross darkness of heathenism was almost
unbroken. It was therefore resolved by the committee^
on the recommendation of the District, to send a mis-
sionary to those destitute parts of the Island ; and for
that purpose Mr. Barry took a journey in March, along
with Mr. Box, and it was intended for the latter to com-
mence his labours where Providence appeared to open
the door. In the town of Savannah-la-Mar, which had
been once the county town of Cornwall, they were
courteously received by several free persons of colour, of
the first respectability ; and here a house was taken, and
Mr. Box immediately entered upon his labours. Besides
preaching there, he visited the gaol and workhouse, and
some of the most degraded of the species, listened with
tears of gratitude to the news of salvation. He also
took excursions to the surrounding country, preaching
at Bluefields and several other places ; but although
there did not appear to be any extensive religious move-
ment among the negroes, he was successful in forming
a Society, which by the end of the year consisted of
forty- two persons.
The congi'egations at Montego Bay, had been long
incommoded for want of a suitable chapel, and the
sanction of the committee having been obtained, the
missionary who went there after the District, received
252 PREACHING IN LUCEA.
directions to set about the erection of a new one as
speedily as possible. The first stone of this building
was laid on the 12th of March, in the presence of a
vast multitude, who were assembled on the occasion.
This ceremony was to have been performed by John
Manderson, Esq., but that gentleman having been con-
fined to his room by severe illness, his place was supplied
by one of the missionaries.
Hitherto no Society had been formed in Hanover,
but a number of free persons in Lucea, the principal
town in that parish, had been long and earnestly
soliciting some one to "come over and help them."
About the middle of this year, the missionary at Mon-
tego Bay (which town was twenty-five miles distant)
paid them a visit ; and hired a house for preaching. In
presenting this house to the Quarter-Sessions, much op-
position was expected ; but there was none at all, and
in no instance had any parochial court shown greater
courtesy. He continued to preach to large congrega-
tions, as often as his engagements at Montego Bay would
permit ; and a small Society was formed, which in the
following year became connected with that of Savannah-
la-Mar.
Under the ministry of Mr. Whitehouse, there was also
a great extension of the work in the parish of St.
Ann. The chapel at Bellemont being insufiicient to
contain the congregation, he purchased a place about
eight miles distant, known by the name of Botany Bay,
(on which Ebenezer chapel was afterwards erected), and
many of the members belonging to Bellemont from that
^'EW SOCIETIES FORMED. 253
time attended there, as being nearer to their places of
residence. Miss Jarvis having been long and earnestly
desirous to have her large house at Ocho Rios, regularly
settled upon the Methodist plan, that it might be en-
tirely set apart for the preaching of the gospel, this, for
little more than a merely nominal sum, was effected in
course of the year. Mr. Whitehouse also extended his
labours as far eastward as Oracabessa and Port Maria, in
the parish of St. Mary, and in both these places he was
instrumental in the formation of Societies.
Besides those already mentioned, new Societies were
formed on Buff Bay, in the parish of St. George, con-
nected with the Port Antonio circuit. Also, in the
mountains of St. John, and at a place known by the
name of Lyme Savannah, in the parish of Clarendon,
Avhich were visited from Spanish Town. Preaching was
also commenced at Rocky Point, in St. Thomas in the
East, and a large Society was formed, consisting prin-
cipally of members removed from Bath. These new
openings required additional missionaries, and towards
the close of the year, Messrs. Pennock, Greenwood, and
Saxton arrived ; but Mr. Orton was compelled to leave
the Island, on account of the dangerous state of his
health, and early in the ensuing year he was followed by
Mr. Barry.
In course of the year 1829, the Earl of Belmore arrived
as the new governor, and under his administration, the
missionaries expected much benefit would result to the
Island, then in a very unsettled state. But an event
transpired during the Session of the Legislature, which
254 SLAVE-LAW SANCTIONED BY LORD BELMORE.
appeared to fill every one with surprise. This was no other
than the passing of the slave-law, which had been pre-
viously disallowed, which, after having gone through the
Assembly, and Council, received his lordship's sanction.
There were indeed several alterations in the religious
clauses, but they only rendered them more stringent
than before. The missionaries could not do otherwise
than behold this event with alarm. They feared that
the instructions given by the Colonial Office had been
withdrawn, for they never could suppose, that any man
on earth would have so palpably violated them by pass-
ing such a law, had they continued in force. There had
been also several changes in the Cabinet, since the date
of Mr. Huskisson's despatch, which increased their fears ;
but whatever might be the issue, they were as firmly
resolved as ever, to adhere both to their doctrines and
discipline, leaving the whole matter in the hands of Al-
mighty God.
The District of 1830 sat as usual in Kingston, and
was in some respects one of the most discouraging which
had been held for many years. Although several new
places had been opened, at which Societies were formed,
yet on a few of the older circuits the work had rather
declined. The total increase of members appeared on
the minutes to amount only to thirty-one, but in
reality it was about 200 more; for at the preceding
District, a mistake had been made in the returns from
Montego Bay, amounting to nearly that number. But
the discovery of that mistake did little to remove the
discouragement, for it was still evident that the whole
NEW CHAPEL OPENED AT MONTEGO BAY. 255
increase during the space of two years was under 500,
which was less than it had been for twenty years
before.
At the close of this District, Mr. Murray removed to
Port Royal, in which a neat mission-house had been
erected under his superintendency. The building con-
tained a convenient preacher's residence on the first floor,
and a remarkably neat and commodious chapel above.
It may be worthy of notice, that these premises were built
upon the site of a house in which Mr. Fishley, the first
Methodist in Port Royal, resided, and in which the
early missionaries preached under very discouraging cir-
cumstances. Now the scene was changed, and Port
Royal because the place of a minister's residence ; and
the handsome new chapel was well attended by pious
and respectable congregations.
On Easter Sunday, the 24th of March, the new Chapel
at Montego Bay was opened by Mr. Kerr, of Spanish
Town. The walls are principally built with a rough
dui'able stone, but cased outside with brick. Its dimen-
sions are 66 feet by 46, with a gallery opposite the
pulpit ; and as it was seated, was capable of comfortably
accommodating about 800 persons. The efforts made by
the Society for the erection of this chapel were highly
praiseworthy, and the liberality of Miss Rebecca Waite,
Miss Ann Yatman, and others, cannot be forgotten.
Great credit was also due to Messrs. Appleton and
Anderson, the stewards, both for their contributions and
diligence ; but they all felt highly rewarded in the pros-
perity of the work of God, and in witnessing increased
256 coRREsr()NDP::NCE of
accommodation for many who were enquiring tlic way to
heaven.
In course of this year, a very extraordinary correspon-
dence took place between Mr. Whitehouse, and the late
Mr. Bullock, the governor's secretary. Though every
part of this correspondence is of great interest and im-
portance, yet our limits will only allow of a few extracts.*
In the year 1828, Mr. Whitehouse addressed a letter to
the committee, complaining that Henry Williams, an ex-
cellent leader belonging to the Bellemont Society, but a
slave, had been sent to the workhouse of Rodney-Hall,
in St. Thomas in the Vale, where he had been severely
flogged, only for attending the Wesleyan chapel. This
was done by the order of Mr. Betty, his attorney, who,
it was alleged, was instigated to do so by Mr. Bridges,
the rector of the parish. It v/as also stated, that the
sister of Henry Williams was severely flogged, merely
for sighing at the sight of her brother's undeserved, but
most cruel suffering. He also complained of Mr. Bridges
himself causing a negro, named George, belonging to a
Mrs. Simpson, to be cruelly punished, he being also a
member of Society at St. Ann's Bay. The Missionary
Committee in London sent his letter to the Colonial
Office; and Sir George Murray, the secretary for the
Colonies, wrote to Lord Belmore, demanding that the
charge of such inhuman barbarities should be duly in-
vestigated. Mr. Betty, though he did not deny the
* A considerable part of the correspondence here alluded to may be
found in the Missionary Notices for May, 1831.
AND THE governor's SECRETARY. 257
charge affected to view his accuser with contempt ; but
avowed his readiness to answer in any court of justice,
or to any constituted authority, to whatever might be
brought against him. It appears that Mr. Bridges also
allowed, that he did use his influence to induce Henry
Williams " to leave the sectarians, because he was an
intelligent person." But respecting the negro George, a
letter, with his signature, which was published gives the
following explanation : —
" The fact is, the negro in question was in the habit of
trespassing on my premises ; and my own servants having
been continually preferring complaints of depredations com-
mitted by him, I certainly, on one occasion, several years ago,
and after giving him repeated warnings without effect, took
the law into my own hands, as to order them to drive him
from their gardens, where he was idling ; when one of the
cattle-boys cracked a whip at him, and followed him running
to the gate. But that he received any such flagellation as is
described by this Methodist preacher, I absolutely deny, nor
was I then aware that he was under the influence of the sec-
tarians."
About the same time, Mr. Whitehouse received a
letter from the governor's secretary, stating that he had
been commanded by his excellency to say, that if he had
any complaint against Mr. Betty, the proper course
would be to lay authentic documents, verified by oath, in
the Crown Office, when proceedings would be com-
menced against him. Mr. Whitehouse addressed a long
communication to the governor, assigning reasons why
he could not become the prosecutor in this case, but at
s
258 DESPATCH OF LORD GODERICH.
the same time stating the evidence upon which he had
grounded his several charges. To this the secretary re-
turned an answer, the principal design of which seems to
have been, to reprove him for addressing the governor
directly, and not through the medium of his secretary ;
and he observed, that it was unnecessary to reply in detail
to the "diffuse and impertinent observations contained in
his letter to the governor, which seemed to be for the
purpose of drawing his excellency into a correspondence,
which would be very unsuitable for his Majesty's repre-
sentative to enter jnto." Mr. Whitehouse immediately
sent a dignified rejoinder, still maintaining his former
position, but observed, that " he regretted anything in
his letter had been considered by his lordship as * im-
pertinent," and disavowed any intended disrespect ; but,
said he, " I fain hope, that you had not his lordship's
commands to apply the term ' impertinent' to me, or my
communication. But however it might have orig-
inated, I beg to observe, that its use is scarcely con-
sistent with the civility or decorum of official correspon-
dence."
A short time after this Mr. Betty died, but the
whole correspondence was sent to the Colonial Office.
Sir George Murray was succeeded in the secretaryship
by Lord G oderich ; but his lordship seems to have ex-
amined it with no common attention. Although it was
admitted by him that the explanation of Mr. Bridges, in
the case of the negro George, was satisfactory, yet his lord-
ship fully justified the course adopted by Mr. Whitehouse y
and expressed his high disapi:)robation of the language
DESPATCH OF LORD GODERICH. 259
made use of by the governor's secretary, suggesting the
propriety of his excellency ^^ admonishing him" to avoid
it for the future.
" My sense," said his lordship, " of what is due to a gen-
tleman engaged in the highly meritorious and painful, though
ill requited, labours of a missionary, has drawn from me the
preceding observations ; which have not been written without
much reluctance, because I feel that your lordship may, per-
haps, consider them as involving some disapprobation of your
public conduct. But not even my disinclination to augment
the embarrassment inseparable, in the present state of public
opinion, from the government of Jamaica, is sufficiently
strong, to prevent my pointing out to your lordship, in the
most distinct manner, the necessity of your affording your
countenance and protection to the ministers of religion, while
conducting themselves inoffensively ; and the still more ur-
gent necessity for a rigid and impartial scrutiny into every
such abuse of the owner's power, as was brought to your
notice by Mr. Whitehouse in the case of Mr. Betty's slaves,"
Thus far everything was honourable to Mr. White-
house, but the reproof was painfully felt at the govern-
ment house by the Secretary. It was admitted, however,
that the explanation of Mr. Bridges was satisfactory
with reference to his treatment of the negro George.
Several months elapsed before Mr. Whitehouse saw
a copy of what purported to be this explanation,
(which has already been transcribed), but as soon as it
was brought under his notice, he addressed another com-
munication to the missionary secretaries, which was pub-
lished at full length in the Jamaica Watchman. In this
260 SLAVE-LAW DISALLOWED.
letter he gives up nothing he had formerly written, hut
in addition, he enters into a variety of sickening details,
which for ohvious reasons cannot be related. It will be
sufficient to say, that throughout the whole correspon-
dence the laborious missionary shews himself well able
to stop the mouths of gainsayers, and to put to silence
the reproaches of malignant and persecuting men.
The reader has already been informed, that a slave-
law, substantially the same with that which had been pre-
viously rejected, passed the Legislature in 1829, and
received the sanction of the Earl of Belmore. On the
tidings of this event reaching Great Britain, the Mis-
sionary Committee immediately forwarded a memorial to
the Colonial Office, exposing the injurious and intole-
rant character of the law, and praying that his Majesty
might be graciously pleased to disallow it. The mis-
sionaries waited for the royal decision with great anxiety,
and at last a despatch from Sir George Murray an-
nounced that God was better to them than all their fears.
This despatch was truly an extraordinary document, and
reflected the highest honour upon the Colonial Secretary.
It was addressed to the governor, who was reminded
that his act was contrary to his instructions ; that his
predecessor had refused his sanction to a similar law,
which conduct was highly approved of by his Majesty-
He was also admonished, that the most proper course for
him to pursue in future would be to abide by his in-
structions. And, finally, he was directed to lay the
despatch before the House of Assembly. As this was
one of the first acts of his late Majesty William the
STATE OF THE ASSEMBLY. 261
fourth, the missionaries felt it difficult to restrain such
expressions of joy as might have been calculated to give
offence, and provoke unnecessarily the anger of their
enemies. Their people were therefore advised to go
privately to the throne of grace, and there to return
thanks to " Him by whom kings reign, and princes decree
justice." But throughout the whole British Empire
his Majesty had not a body of subjects more attached to
his person and government than the Wesleyan Method-
ists of Jamaica.
The Assembly was now in a most pitiable condi-
tion. They beheld all their anxious labours entirely
blasted, and there well-laid schemes given to the winds
of heaven, while all hope of future success was taken
away. Great was the rejoicing when Sir George Murray
succeeded the late Mr. Huskisson. " Sir George was
no saint, but a soldier, a statesman, and a true friend to
the Colonies." But now, alas, he was represented as
" The most saint-ridden secretary who had ever been in
the Colonial Office." Even the Duke of Wellington
admonished them to encourage the religious instruction
of their negroes, " for such was the progress of liberal
opinions, that the day of their freedom could not be
delayed much longer." They also beheld their governor,
in effect, reprimanded for sanctioning their favourite
measure, while the missionaries were pursuing their
peaceful course, as if regardless of all that passed. Year
after year they had been making concessions to the free
coloured population, but they were attended with such
humbling conditions as caused them only to be rejected
262 RAVAGES OF DEATH.
with disdain ; while the names of the few who availed
themselves of them were published in one of the news-
papers, and thus held up to the scorn of their country-
men. At this time the Assembly were under the
necessity of gi'anting all they desired, but as this appeared
so forced, and was so long delayed, and as the free coloured
body had ceased to solicit their rights at their hands,
looking for them entirely from the justice of the mother
country, the concession, when it came, awakened no
feelings of gratitude whatsoever. Great Britain was
loudly complained of, and represented as a '' cruel step-
mother" trampling upon the Colonies, and seeking the
destruction of her children. It is true she was begin-
ning to correct her wayward sons, and under the infliction
they did wail most piteously. But thus much must in
justice be said for them, that had she managed them
with a firmer hand at an earlier period, such correction
would have been wholly unnecessary.
It now becomes once more our painful task to record
the ravages of death. No fewer than three of the mis-
sionaries were, in the course of this year, called from
their field of labour to their eternal reward.
The first was Mr. Vowles, who had arrived on the
Island in March, 1829, and for the remainder of that
year laboured in Kingston with great acceptance. At
the District of 1830 he was sent to Port Antonio, on
which circuit he finished his course with joy. He was
a man of highly respectable talents, of a most amiable
and engaging disposition, and his humble and conciliat-
ing- behaviour secured the affections of all who knew
DEATH OF MESSRS. PENMAN AND SAXTON. 263
him. After a severe illness of eight days, he died in
great peace, at Port Antonio, in the twenty-fourth year
of his age.
The next was Mr. Penman, who came to Jamaica at
the same time with Mr. Vowles. He was the son of one of
our ministers in England, and after being employed two
years at home, offered himself for the missionary work.
He was a man of great activity, and of promising talents;
but while his brethren and the church were looking for-
ward to future years of usefulness, the Master whom he
served, was pleased to release him early from his toil and
labour and to take him to himself. He died at Morant
Bay, on the 8th of November, in the twenty-seventh
year of his age and fifth of his ministry.
In less than three weeks after the death of Mr.
Penman the brethren had to mourn over the loss of Mr.
Saxton. This most excellent young man had only been
about a year on the Island, which had been nearly all
spent in the parish of St. Ann's. His talents for the
ministry did not appear to be very extraordinary, but for
deep piety, and a prudent, but burning zeal for the glory
of God, he was surpassed by none of his felloAV-labourers.
His preaching was always characterised by much ear-
nestness and affection, and was eminently attended by the
power of the Holy Ghost. Mr. Whitehouse found in
him a useful, holy, and zealous colleague ; and the
depth of his fervent piety commanded the respect of all
his brethren, who saw and admired the grace of God in
him. He died at Bellemont, of apoplexy, on the 27th
of November, and in the second year of his itinerancy.
264 DEATH OF MR. CHARLES ROBERTSON.
About the same time the Society in Morant Bay
sustained no common loss in the death of Mr. Charles
Robertson, the excellent steward of that circuit. In
early life he was converted to God, through the instru-
mentality of Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion ;
and, until his death, he was an ornament to his Christian
profession, loved and respected by all with whom he was
acquainted. He had been a member of the Methodist
Society upwards of twenty years, and filled the various
lay offices, with great credit to himself and advantage to
the cause of God. He was a trustee for some of the
chapels ; and as a circuit steward, the missionaries often
derived incalculable advantage from his strict integrity
and judicious counsels. He had several classes at the
time of his death, and no man on the Island had ever,
in that ofiice, been more successful in training souls
for eternal life. His death happened a few years after
that of his most excellent wife, who was truly a help
meet for so worthy and so useful a man. She also was
the leader of a large female class, and under her watch-
ful care many were instructed and upheld in the way of
righteousness. Her attention to the wants of the mis-
sionaries can never be forgotten, and especially during
the times of sickness and afiliction. She had often night
and day ministered to their necessities while suffering
from the burning rage of fever, and has sometimes closed
their eyes when they slept the sleep of death. The
writer here feels acutely. He remembers " the days of
other years," and can say with the apostle, " She hath
been a succourer unto many, and unto myself also."
DISTRICT-MEETING OF 1831. 265
Thus this exemplary couple, like Zacharias and Elizabeth,
"walked in all the commandments and ordinances of
the Lord blameless;" and after having served their day
and generation they fell asleep, in sure and certain hope
of the resurrection to eternal life.
At the District of 1831 the reports from the various
stations showed a decrease of members amounting to 105,
a circumstance which had not occured for between
twenty and thirty years before. But, notwithstanding
this, the brethren were not discouraged, as they had been
the preceding year ; a considerable number had been
received on trial ; chapels had been built, and opened at
Old Harbour on the Spanish Town Circuit ; one addi-
tional in St. Ann's, which was named " Ebenezer," and
another on the same circuit at Oracabessa, in the parish
of St. Mary ; three new missionaries were also present;
and altogether their prospects were such, as warranted
the anticipation of a prosperous year.
At this District Mr. Muiray removed from Port Royal
to Montego Bay, and under his ministry the work of
God continued to prosper. He was instrumental in
forming a Society at a place called '^The Ramble,"
situated about eighteen miles distant from the town, and
in the neighbourhood of which many of the members
resided. Here the earnest desire manifested by the
negroes to attend the means of grace, deserves particu-
larly to be noticed. About three hundred resided
from twelve to twenty miles from the Bay, yet they
attended every opportunity, although after the early
services they had immediately to return. The new
PROSPERITY OF THE MISSION.
station of " The Ramble" was primarily obtained for
their accommodation, but as it was in the midst of a
vast slave population, its importance for the extension of
the work of God was very obvious. Mr. Murray rented
a house for preaching which had been used as a black-
smith's shop, but though it was the most commodious he
could procure, it was too small for the increasing congre-
gations.
In course of the year 1831, the Mission furnished but
few materials for narration. Although it was not with-
out its trials, it was a year of great prosperity ; and the
brethren felt abundant cause of gratitude to God. Five
additional missionaries were sent out to their assistance ;
not one had been called away by death ; and Mr. Mor-
gan only removed from the Island for England. New
chapels had been erected at Unity, on the Grateful
Plill circuit, and at Red Hills, which stood connected
with Kingston South ; and the increase of members on
the Island amounted to 803. But as an event oc-
curred, which prevented the sitting of the District at the
regular time, and which must occupy a great part of
the following chapter, we shall conclude the present, by
subjoining a list of the circuits, with the number of
members belonging to each, as they were reported by
letters from the brethren in January, 183^ : —
Kingston North 2778
Kingston South 1709
Spanish Town 720
Carried forward . 5207
MEMBERS IN JANUARY, 18-32.
267
Brought for\\
art!
5207
Morant Bay . . .
2259
Grateful Hill. . .
735
Stoney Hill . . .
257
Montego Bay . . .
1090
Falmouth ....
960
St. Ann's, &c. . .
1499
Port Antonio, &c. .
744
Lucea and Savannah-la- Mar
84
Total
12,835
Last year ....
12,025
Increase . .
. .
810
CHAPTER. XI.
Insurrection of the Slaves in December, 1831— Extracts from Colonial
Publications — Arrest of the Rev. William Box — State of the So-
ciety in Montego Bay — Rev. Messrs. Kerr and Wood visit Ocho
Rios and are arrested — Arrest of Miss Jarvis — Colonial Church
Union— Extraordinary fidelity of the Wesleyan Negroes duriiig the
Insurrection — Demolition of Chapels in Falmouth, St. Ann's and
Oracabessa — State of Kingston— Intended attack on the new Chapel
prevented — Proclamation of the Mayor — Sufferings of the Wesleyan
Negroes on the north-side of the Island — Robert Lamont — John
Ba3lie — Execution of John Davidson — Sentence of death passed on
James Malcolm — Sufferings of Ilemy Williams — Brutal assault on
Rev. Henry Bleby in Falmouth — Meeting of the Legislature — Re-
port of the " Rebellion Committee" — Resolutions of the Wesleyans
against it — Rev. Messrs. Wood and Greenwood visit St. Ann's —
Letter of the Custos of that Parish — The Earl of Behnore leaves the
Island — Chapel Destroyers prosecuted at the Supreme Com't — The
Grand Jury retiirn the Bill " Ignoramus" — Rioters at Falmouth pro-
secuted but the Grand Jirry also ignore the Bill — Trial of the Editor
of the Watclmian for Libel — Rev. Mr. Greenwood preaches in
Port Maria, and is twice imprisoned — Writ of Habeas Corpus for
his release refused — Arrest of the Rev. James Rowden and his sub-
sequent Imprisonment at Morant Bay — Montego Bay Chapel shut
up by order of the Quarter Sessions.
The attention of the reader is now to be directed to an
event, in itself the most disastrous that had ever trans-
pired in the history of Jamaica ; namely, the insurrection
of the negroes in December, 1831. He is, however, re-
minded that this is a narrative of the Wesleyan Mission
and not of that melancholy occurrence. But as the
most strenuous endeavours w^re made to involve the
missionaries in the guilt of that aifair, and as the history
of the Mission became otherwise much affected by it,
it will be necessary to glance at public events which
CAUSES CF THE INSURRECTION. 269
were then passing, that others which arose out of them
may be seen in their proper light.
The inveterate hostiUty of the whites to the mother
country, which had been awakened by the discussions
on Colonial Slavery, had been long cherished by the
leading newspapers on the Island, and in particular by
the notorious Courant. That publication, by pandering
to the worst passions of the planters, had so exasperated
them both against the teachers of religion and the
parent government, as even in Jamaica was beyond all
precedent. The House of Assembly became thoroughly
imbued with its spirit and principles, and their debates
were not unfrequently of the most inflammatory, not to
say seditious, description. Their disloyalty completely
alienated from them the affection and respect of the free
coloured and black population, Avho were devotedly at-
tached to Great Britain, and who in the towns were fully
equal to the whites, and in many instances superior to
them in general information. It has been already stated,
that the recent concessions to that body had in no degree
concihated their affections; for being granted with so
bad a grace, and at a time when their rights were
sought for elsewhere, the Legislature only discovered its
own weakness, and instead of feelings of gratitude pro-
duced those of contempt. The repeated failures in their
attempts to enact persecuting laws to crush the mission-
aries, under the flimsy and hypocritical pretence of good-
will to the slaves (whose best interests they entirely
disregarded) ; and also the notorious and unblushing
falsehood of such measures as those connected with the
270 CAUSES OF THE INSURRECTION.
" Sectarian Committee," lost for them the confidence of
all unprejudiced men, whether in the Colony or at
home.
In the meantime, the slaves were not ignorant of
these movements ; but their knowledge was only par-
tial, and in general drawn from such sources as were
likely to produce the most unfavourable impression on
their minds. They were in the daily habit of listening
to the clamours of their overseers and others against
the government of the mother country, for endeavouring
to bring about a measure of emancipation ; while Colo-
nial resistance was as much vaunted of, as if the weak-
ness of Britain could no more withstand the power of
Jamaica, than a worm could resist the stroke of a
thunderbolt. Parochial meetings were held in 1831,
at which the most violent resolutions were adopted.
They were nearly all of a similar description. They
complained that the government were aiming at the
destruction of their property, that is, the emancipation
of the slaves. They engaged to stand by each other in
resisting such a measure, and some of them claimed to
be absolved from their allegiance to the British crown.
The slaveswere not unacquainted with these proceedings;
and, having but an imperfect knowledge of the general
state of affairs, they received the impression, that the King
had made them free, but that the white people on the Is-
land were determined to keep them in a state of slavery.
Here, let it be remarked, that the Sovereign had not,
throughout his dominions, a body of more loyal and
devoted subjects than they were ; but it is not neces-
AGITATED DISTRICTS. 271
sary to say, that they had no great love for their overseers.
However much, therefore, it is to be deplored, it can
hardly be wondered at, that in such circumstances they
should be easily induced to use violent means to obtain
that freedom which the King, whom they honoured,
desired to bestow ; and to escape from slavery, which
those only whom they neither loved nor honoured desired
to perpetuate. The failure of a motion of Mr. Beau-
mont's in the House of Assembly, to abolish female
flogging, made the impression that any mitigation of
their present evils was not to be looked for from that
body. Their few civil and religious privileges (if such
they can be called) were in many instances wantonly
tampered with; while they were sometimes tantalized
with the names of Wilberforce and Buxton, in a way
which was almost impossible for human nature to bear.
In a word, the distracted state of the Island rendered it
evident that some eventful crisis was at hand ; although
an insurrection of the negroes on a scale so formidable
and extensive was, perhaps, expected by none.
The insurrection first broke out in the parish of St.
James, of which Montego Bay is the chief town. Several
fires were seen on the the night of the 28 th of December,
and in a few evenings the work of destruction spread to
the adjoining parishes of Trelawney, Hanover, West-
moreland, and St. Elizabeth. There were partial dis-
turbances even in the distant districts of Portland and
Manchioneal ; and though the intervening parishes were
quiet, the symptoms of a general insurrection were such
as to create universal alarm. Martial law was proclaimed
272 PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSURGENT NEGROES.
by Lord Belmore on the 31st of December; the Island
was divided into military districts, each under the com-
mand of a major-general of militia ; and in a short time
the various parochial regiments were all under arms.
It was allowed on all hands, that at first it was not
the object of the insurgent negroes to take life, and in
this their moderation was acknowledged, and even
eulogized by their enemies ; but after the commencement
of the military executions, and when many of their num-
bers were shot in the woods, then indeed they retaliated,
but not more than from six to ten were spoken of as
having been killed by them during the whole insurrec-
tion. But the destruction of property was immense,
although it was admitted, that much of this would have
been prevented, had not the Western Interior regiment
of militia, under the command of Colonel Grignon, fled
from a rabble of negroes, consisting of about three hun-
dred men and women, of whom very few were armed.
This circumstance left that part of the country entirely
open, nor was the career of desolation checked until
Sir Willoughby Cotton, the commander-in-chief, appeared
with a body of regular troops, who were speedily marched
to the scene of action. The negroes no sooner knew of
this than they submitted ; for it never was their intention
to rise against the authority of the parent state ; and on
the 5th of February, by the governor's proclamation,
martial law was declared to be at an end.
The Earl of Belmore, in his address to the Assembly,
was pleased to say that the rising of the negroes was ^' un-
provoked." This is utterly unaccountable. Tlie pro-
CRUEL PUNISHMENTS. S73
vocation was almost intolerable, and time may yet show,
whether, in some instances, the negroes were not directly
instigated to violence for the purpose of casting odium
upon the missionaries.* But be that as it may, the
conduct of the insurgents is justly to be [reprobated ;
and in this sentiment no class of persons more readily
agreed than the missionaries of all denominations. At
the same time, it cannot be concealed, that they were
punished with such a barbarous severity, and that the
whole insurrection was subdued in a manner so sangui-
nary and ferocious, as to be revolting to humanity, and
disgraceful to any country pretending to civilization.
Probably no fewer than three hundred were hanged or
shot, by sentences of courts martial, or of the civil ma-
gistrates ; military floggings both of men and women,
were a constant exercise ; many hundreds were shot by
parties of the militia ; the woods were scoured by the
Maroons, who received a certain sum of money for
every pair of human ears they produced ; and the carnage
would have been much more extensive, had it not been
for Sir Willoughby Cotton, who exerted himself to the
utmost to prevent it ; and it ought also to be mentioned
that the free coloured and blacks, serving in the militia,
conducted themselves throughout the whole affair in a
* Th.is thought has been ridiculed, and it has been asked, whether it
can be believed, that any man would instigate the negroes to destroy
his OAvn property ? Perhaps not ; but it never was pretended that the
instigators of the negroes had property to destroy. The overseers, the
parties alluded to, had no property. Such foimd it easier to kindle
the fire than to put it out. It is not, however, suspected that many
directly instigated the negroes to the work of destruction.
T
274 PERILS OF THE MISSIONARIES.
way equally honourable both to their courage and hu-
manity *
Immediately on the breaking out of the disturbances,
the rage of the planters and others against the mission-
aries, exceeded all bounds. It was even perilous to
profess towards them any degree of sympathy or friend-
ship. The " Jamaica Watchman," however, fearless of
danger, boldly vindicated their cause ; and even the
" Kingston Chronicle," a paper conducted on Colonial
principles, demanded on their behalf the right of every
British subject, namely, that they ought not to suffer
until they were proved to be guilty. But the " Courant,"
which was by far the most influential, literally clamoured
for their blood. For some time before, Mr. Beaumont
had retired from that publication, and was succeeded
by William Bruce. This low individual was destitute
of the talents of his predecessor, and was remarkable
for that inveterate opposition to the missionaries which,
for ambitious ends, he only professed. The " Cornwall
Courier," which was published in Falmouth, was equally
* Although it is not pretended to give an exact ' account of the
number of executions, yet the statement given above will doubtless
appear so horrible as to require some farther observation. Although
the missionaries in the agitated districts were imable to ascertain the
numbers with precision, yet they thought they amounted to about
four hundred. The witnesses on the Colonial side, before the Com-
mons' Committee on Slavery, estimated them from a hundred to a
hundred and twenty. The estimate of the former parties was perhaps
too high, as that of the latter was too low. But, probably, nothing in
the account will appear so shockmg as the barbarities of the Maroons :
but in an extract from even the Cornwall Chronicle, now before the
MTiter, which was published at the time, these are alluded to in a
manner so cold blooded that the heart sickens on reading it. The un-
happy Colonists were in a state of perfect frenzy, and both justice
and mercy were asleep.
CORNWALL COURIER. 275
violent. Its proprietor and editor was William Dyer,
who was permitted to retain the office of the magistracy,
which by his conduct he so much disgraced. That the
reader may see the spirit of these malignant journals,
the following paragraphs are inserted, as specimens.
His attention is first directed to an extract from the
" Courier," published during the first week in January,
1832. It is as follows :—
" We have for a long time used every exertion to show,
that the missionaries in this Island were inculcating our slave
population with principles and doctrines most dangerous to
the well-being of this Island. The acts of rebelHon and in-
cendiarism committed, and still committing, in this parish and
St. James's, are occasioned by the slaves having been mis-
guided and deceived by the sectarians. Let the blood that
must be spilt rest on the heads of the instigators. We can
only now state, that facts of the rebellion having been actu-
ally preached to the slaves, and instilled into their minds, are
hourly coming to light.
" What satisfaction can it be to the anti-colonial faction in
England, to see the work of destruction that has been insti-
gated by their emissaries in this Island r Hecatombs of the
once peaceful and contented slave population of Jamaica we
fear must be offered up, ere a stop will be put to the rebel-
lion which has been infused into their minds. Immediate
steps should be taken to place the whole of the sectarian
preachers in the Island, if not in close custody, at least under
a most rigid surveillance. This is not the time for half-and-
half measures."
Our next paragraph is extracted from the '' Courant,"
published about the same time. The editor says, —
276 EXTRACTS FROM THE
" Our enemies unhappily are numerous, both here and in
he mother country, and heaven knows this fact was repeat-
edly pointed out to the inhabitants of this Island by the
writer of the present article ; but his cautions and predictions
were not only discarded, but he was charged by many of his
best friends with cherishing a feeling of hatred, and without
just grounds, against the sectarians. This he utterly dis-
claims ; but from the information with which he was so con-
stantly furnished enabled him to state facts which few even
of his friends would believe. But as he had a duty to per-
form to his country, he persevered in exposing the machina-
tions of the sectarians, as well as the motives by which their
conduct was governed. Still the writer's best friends said,
' Bruce, let the Methodists alone, they will be found out bye
and bye.' In defiance, however, of all this he persevered,
because he knew that truth would ultimately prevail over
villany, falsehood, and hypocrisy. Shall the woeful tale be
told ? Shall it now be said that the editor of this paper is an
incendiary ? No, he exerted every means in his power to
prevent it, but the sectarian preachers have been too many
for him : but they have now the pleasing satisfaction of
knowing, that they have succeeded in rendering the fairest
fields in Jamaica barren wastes, and have sent forth many of
our most respectable families into the world houseless, and
destitute of the means of existence. These indeed must be
gratifying reflections to men tvho pretend to preach and teach
the mild and benign doctrines of our Saviour to our slaves, but
whose souls are bent upon the destruction of the fairest por-
tion of the British Empire, and that merely because they are
paid by the Anti-Slavery Society to hasten our ruin. They
have progressed one step too fast, and we may, perhaps, be
able to make their infamous conduct recoil upon themselves.
JAMAICA COURANT. 277
Three Baptist preachers are now in custody, and as we are
satisfied they would not have been taken into custody upon
slight grounds by Sir Willoughby Cotton, "^ we hope he will
award them fair and impartial justice. Shooting is, however,
too honourable a death for men whose conduct has occasioned
so much bloodshed and the loss of so much property. There
are fine hanging woods in Trelawney, and we do sincerely
hope, that the bodies of all the Methodist preachers who may
be convicted of sedition, may diversify the scene. After this,
our hostility, even to men so reckless of blood, carnage, and
slaughter, shall cease."
We shall adduce only another specimen, the leading
article of the " Courant" of January 20th : —
" We have taken every pains," says the editor, " and we
acknowledge our obligations to our friends for the very hand-
some manner they have furnished us with the information
relative to the disturbed districts, which we are enabled to
lay before our readers. In the absence of positive information
it may be unkind to blame any one ; but we grieve to say,
that the temporising measures which have been carried on,
are likely to prolong the unfortunate contest now existing
between the proprietors and their deluded slaves, who have
been goaded on to rebellion by a set of miscreants, who be-
lieve themselves above the law, merely because General
Murray hesitated to carry the sentence of the court martial
against Smith of Demarara into immediate execution. These
scoundrels consider themselves the aristocracy of the Island,
from the impunity with which their proceedings have been
hitherto viewed ; and they declare, through the medium of
their own press, that the people of Jamaica dare not interfere
* They were not taken mto custody by Su' W. Cotion.
S78 SUFFERINGS OF MISSIONARIES.
with the favoured spies of our foes of Aldermanbury. The
preachers will soon find themselves wrong ; for though we
admit, that the supineness with which their conduct has been
viewed may have led them to draw such a conclusion, they
may, however, shortly find themselves mistaken, as impunity
in crime has made them treasonable ; and for the proof of
this assertion, we look to the confessions of those miserable
wretches who have been sacrificed to please Jesus Christ and
parson Burchell ! God forbid that we should advocate any
measure contrary to the principles of British law, and what is
still more material to us — self-preservation ; but we do main-
tain, that evidence has been adduced against several of the
Methodist incendiaries, who now reside among us, which, in
any other country, would have speedily consigned them to
the gallows : and unless a hatch of these vagabondising reve-
rends are held up, as patterns to their congregations, we may
imagine the consequence : and the wretches ought to bless
God, that they live in a country where the use of the dagger
and the stiletto are unknown."
The reader cannot mistake the meaning'and object of
the above extracts. They have been given merely as
specimens ; but for months the public papers abounded
with similar articles, equally sanguinary and cruel. The
infuriated Colonists were hurried onward by such mer-
cenary editors, until many were covered with infamy,
and plunged into ruin. In the persecutions which
followed, both the Moravian and Baptist missionaries,
had a large share of suffering and reproach. It is
from no want of respect to Christian brethren of these
denominations, that their unmerited trials are not par-
ticularly detailed; many of them have been already
ARREST OF MR. BOX. 279
brought before the public in various ways, and our limits
will only allow the attention of the reader to be directed
in this narrative to what transpired in connection with
the Wesleyan Mission.
The annual District-meeting having been called to
assemble in Kingston, about the beginning of January,
a few of the brethren arrived at the appointed time.
The Island being then under martial law, they obtained
passports from the major-general of militia, allowing
them to journey unmolested. None of them suffered
any material interruption, excepting Mr. Box, in travel-
ing from Falmouth. On Sunday morning, January 1st,
while holding public worship in that town, he received
a summons to attend a militia court of inquiry, with the
view to his bearing arms ; but on the following morning
he waited on the colonel, before whom he laid his case
and obtained a passport for Kingston. He met with
but little hindrance until he reached Spanish Town, but
on tarrying there a short time, he was arrested in virtue
of an order received by express from Falmouth. At
first he was taken to the guard-room, where he was
kept for the night, but on the following morning he was
removed to the gaol, and lodged in a cell which had
been occupied by a condemned felon. In course of the
day he was allowed to go out into the prison-yard,
but was locked up at night in that apartment, which
was so infested with vermin, and was otherwise so
loathsome, that sleep was altogether impossible. In
that condition he was detained a prisoner for the space
of five days, until an express returned from Falmouth,
280 MR. MURRAY.
which had been sent by the governor, and no charge
whatsoever having been made against him, he was re-
leased by order of his excellency.
The brethren in Kingston received a communication
from Mr. Murray, (then stationed in Montego Bay), in
which he informed them, that such was the dreadful
sate of affairs in that town and neighbourhood, that he
could not think it prudent to leave the place, even for a
single day. The chapel having been taken as a garrison
for the military, there was indeed no pubUc worship ;
but his presence with the Society was of immense impor-
tance. The conduct of this intrepid missionary was
most heroic. His was a station of the greatest danger ,
and in the midst of terror, confusion, and death, he
visited his people from house to house, unmoved by
the angry threatenings daily denounced against " sec-
tarians" and " sectarianism." He frequently attended
the courts martial, which were almost constantly sitting.
He looked his enemies in the face wherever he found
them. He was also particularly attentive in visiting the
Rev. Messrs. Whitehorne, Knibb, and Abbot, the three
Baptist missionaries, then under arrest ; and, by his calm
and fearless demeanor, he compelled even the whites to
acknowledge he had no hand in the insurrection. But
what very much contributed to his comfort, was the
remarkable fact, that amongst the vast numbers of pri-
soners daily brought into town, no Wesleyan was to be
found. This was indeed more than could have been ex-
pected, but so it was, that as far as the examinations
had proceeded, Mr. Murray had every reason to conclude
ARREST OF MESSRS. KERR AND WOOD. 281
that his people were walking worthy of their Christian
profession.
As it was found, that the District-meeting could not
be held, it was judged highly proper for the brethren to
return to their stations, where it was practicable ; and Mr.
Kerr (who was appointed to succeed Mr. Whitehouse
in St. Ann's), along with Mr. Wood, his colleague,
actually formed the desperate resolution of visiting the
Societies in that parish. After some interruption by an
officer of militia, at an inn called " The Rest," they
proceeded on their journey, and arived the same evening
at Ocho Rios. They had scarcely sat down to partake of
some refreshment, which was prepared by Miss Cathe-
rine Jarvis, when they heard a person in the chapel ex-
claiming, " Is Whitehouse here?" Mr. Kerr instantly
left the table, and found he was a Lieutenant Taylor of
the militia, attended by two of his comrades, and armed
with a pair of pistols. lie informed him, that Mr.
Whitehouse was not in the parish, but that himself and
Mr. Wood were the ministers appointed for that year to
St. Ann's. " Then," said Taylor, " I arrest you both
in the King's name, you are my prisoners ; " and on
hearing this Miss Jarvis stepped out, and she was
arrested also. Mr. Kerr then requested to know the
distance they had to go, and on being informed it was
about three miles, he ordered their boy to get the horse
ready as quickly as possible. After some time he re-
turned, and said, " Massa, de horse break de fence, and
him gone, me seek him all about sir, but me can't find
him." They then took their hats, and signified their
282 MESSRS. KERR AND WOOD LIBERATED.
readiness to proceed ; but the officer^ beginning to see
tliat he had mistaken his men, offered to allow them to
remain, on the condition of their appearing before a
neighbouring magistrate the following morning at eleven
o'clock. To this they thankfully consented, and wearied
with their journey, they rested at Ocho Rios in peace.
On the next morning they went at the time appointed,
and appeared before a Mr. Moncrieff, a magistrate ; their
accusers being present. After looking at each other a
few moments, Mr. Kerr stated, that they stood before
him as prisoners, and desired to know what charges were
to be brought against them. The officer here denied
they were prisoners, and observed that they were at
liberty to go. Mr. Kerr, then addressing the magistrate,
replied, " lam a prisoner ! We were arrested last night
hy that gentleman in his Majesty^ s name, and hound to
appear before your worship at this hour, I demand, there-
fore, to know what charges he has to prefer against us,''
Taylor answered, that he heard there was to be an un-
lawful meeting at the chapel ; and as evidence, he pro-
duced a prayer-book and a small sunday-school spelling-
book, which he had taken the preceding evening ; but
as there was no charge against the missionaries they
were liberated, very much to the satisfaction of the
magistrate, who hardly knew what to do in the busi-
ness.
On tlieir liberation they immediately proceeded to St.
Ann's Uay, to inform the Hon. Henry Cox, the Gustos
and major-general of the district, of what had happened.
When they had related the whole matter respecting
THEY RETURN TO KINGSTON. 283
themselves, he said they must be mistaken in the per-
son of Lieut. Taylor, as the company to which he was
attached had not been on guard the preceding night.
But on being assured that he w^as the person guilty of
the outrage, he became exceedingly indignant, and as-
sured them that the whole should be duly investigated.
They then intimated their wish that no further notice
should be taken of the offender, but as Miss Jarvis had
been arrested, and was still in custody, they begged his
honour would order her to be released. This was ac-
cordingly done ; but perceiving it to be impossible for
them to remain in St. Ann's they returned to Kingston.
On the 26th of January, martial law being still in
force, a public meeting was held at St. Ann's Bay, at
which the well-known confederacy, known by the name
of the " Colonial Church Union," was formed. As this
unhallowed combination was productive of much mis-
chief, an account of its formation and proceedings shall
be given from the Jamaica Courant, that the reader may
at once be made acquainted with its constitution and
objects. It is as follows : —
" At a meeting held at St. Ann's Bay, on the 26th day of
January, 1832,
" It was resolved,
" To call on every friend of the Colony to assist, by an
annual subscription of twenty shillings, in the permanent
establishment of a " Colonial Chuech Union," whose
object shall be to resist, by all constitutional means, the en-
croachment of their enemies under every disguise ; and
through the agency of Quarterly Reports, published through
284 FORMATION OF THE
out the British Dominions, to offer to the falsehoods of the
Anti-Slavery Society an antidote, in the form of arguments
and facts, illustrative of the true state of our labouring classes,
at the same time encouraging every measure for the advance-
ment of their spiritual and temporal interests.
" That subscription lists be opened, and forwarded to all
places of public resort throughout the Island.
" That, until a meeting of all the Island subscribers can
be convened for the purpose of electing a President and offi-
cers of the Society, this meeting elects,
Presidents.
" The Honourable Henry Cox and James Lawrence Hil-
ton, Esquires.
Secretaries.
*' Thomas Raffington and Ralph Cocking, Esquires, and
Dr. Edward Tucker.
Acting Committee.
" Hamilton Brown, James Walker, James Johnston, Gil-
bert Senior, Dr. Stennett, William M'Cook, John Higgin-
bottom, J. W. Davis, Robert Robinson, Henry Smallwood,
and S. W. Rose, Esquires.
Treasurer.
" Benjamin Scott Moncrieffe, Esquire."
" At a General Meeting of the Colonial Church Union
of St. Ann, held this 15th day of February, 1832, present,
The Honourable Henry Cox and James Lawrence Hilton,
Esquires, Presidents,
" It was resolved,
" 1st. That at an alarming crisis like the present, when the
possession of our lives and properties depends upon our
recovering the confidence of our people, which has been
COLOI^IAL CHURCH UNION. 285
estranged by the arts of those whose influence must be first
removed ; and when it is the prevailing fashion of the day,
to carry every measure against us by organized societies and
political unions, it becomes us to arm ourselves with the
same weapons against our assailants ; and to unite in our
own defence for our mutual support, and for that of our ex-
isting institutions, by the removal of those who seek their
overthrow.
" 2nd. That in furtherance of the objects of the meeting
held here on the 26th of January last, our secretaries be now
instructed to communicate immediately with all the Parochial
Unions yet established, for the purpose of collecting within
the General Colonial Church Union the whole strength of
the Island, and obtaining therefrom a general petition to the
Legislature for the expulsion of all sectarian missionaries.
" 3rd. That the members of the Union, collectively and
individually, shall strive to regain the confidence of their
slaves, estranged through the machinations of the sectarians,
by a more rigid discipline in the first instance, and in the
next, by granting every indulgence consistent with their state
and merited by their conduct.
" 4th. That the members of the Union do bind themselves
to use every possible exertion to prevent the dissemination of
any doctrines at variance with those of the English and Scotch
churches.
" 5th. That in furtherance of the ulterior objects of the
Union, and to exhibit in their true light the arts which have
been used to bring ruin and devastation on Jamaica, the first
Report of the Colonial Church ?7mow shall contain an authentic
account of the late rebellion, and that the committee do
cause such narrative to be compiled from official sources of
information.
286 OBJECTS OF THE
"6th. That it is expected from every member of the Union,
that he will lend his influence and support, on all occasions,
to those patriots who, in behalf of the paramount laws of
society, have hazarded their personal responsibility for our
preservation from the murderous machinations of our ene-
mies.
" 7th. That every member of the Parochial Union doth
hereby bind himself to obey, promptly and explicitly, all
constitutional orders of the General Union.
" 8th. That any member of the Colonial Church Union
who shall act unworthily of the obligation herein imposed
and accepted, shall be expelled therefrom.
" 9th. That a meeting of the acting committee of St. Ann
be held at St. Ann's Bay, to commence on the third Saturday
in March, or, during this eventful crisis, as much oftener as
they may think proper to call on the presidents to convene
them."
(Signed; JAMES L. HILTON,) p
HENRY COX, j PRESIDENTS.
The attentive reader will easily see what were the
motives and objects of this conspiracy. The design of
the " Colonial Church Union," was not to support the
Churches of England and Scotland on the Island. Of the
latter, there was indeed only one congi*egation at the time,
which was in a state so pitiful, as would not have dis-
pleased even Claverhouse, could he have risen from the
dead to see it. The object tvas to drive religion out of
the country ; to rivet the chains of slavery ; and to hring
hack those days in xohich the clergy were few in nunibefi^
and immoral in their lives, to accomplish their ends,
they engage "To support," on all occasions, "those
COLONIAL CHURCH UNION. 287
patriots who, in behalf of the paramount laws of society,
hazard their personal responsibility." That is, they hind
themselves to pollute the jury box hy perjury, and to use
all other means in their power to preserve their agents from
the effects of justice, in the prosecution of their laivless
schemes. Does the reader think these observations un-
charitable ? If so, let him peruse the leading article of
the Courant of March the 3rd, and then let him say
whether there be anything overcharged; recollecting,
that the Courant was the principal organ of the con-
spiracy. Of the Colonial Church Union, the editor
says,—
" This auspicious measure flourishes ; eleven parishes are
already organized within its combining influence, and an
active principle of life and energy is already infused into our
hitherto lifeless body, which will soon circulate through every
vein of the Colony, and give an impulse to its struggles which
nothing can withstand — nothing at least which can be brought
against us in the present dislocated state of affairs in the
Parent Isle — for in such a cruel situation are we placed, that
all we have to guard against is the unnatural conduct of our
own misguided parent. In less than four months have we to
dread the infuriated exertions of our enemies. The whole
battery of the Colonial Oflice will then be opened against us,
aided by the small arms — the rifles of the assassin brigands —
the sectarians, who are so expert at picking off" our best men,
the victims of treachery and revenge. For this we must be
prepared by our Unions, as well as against the harrassing
prosecutions which will be instituted, but which need not be
feared, as long as the Jury Box is within its range. The plan
is understood to be this, and it is time it should be widely
^88 OBJECTS OF THE
promulgated : — The Parochial Unions are to become sub-
committees to one Grand Island Union, which will be directed
by an acting committee, of two or more members of each of
the parochial committees headed by a president, to be elected
by the general voice of the members, with secretaries and
Island treasurer, to meet where, and as often as occasion may
require. The first general meeting will shortly be convened,
when such provisions, rules, and orders will be promulgated,
as will anticipate the dreaded blow, and organize the country
against the future interference of those who have rendered
such strong measures necessary. Above all things care must
be taken to exclude, and narrowly to watch the conduct of
suspected persons, many of whom are 7iow among us, whom it is
now necessary to hold up to shame and reproach. The ex-
istence of the Union as an effective body requires their
exposure, and its members will bear harmless the man who
dares to bring such forward. They Avill also protect all those
who for the general good are active in expelling from our veins
the poison of sectaranism, and preventing its further infusion ;
and one of its first efforts should be to destroy those organs
of sedition and blasphemy which have assisted in dissemina-
ting that poison ; to support or countenance, in short, impress
or person who shall advocate the hateful cause of the Dissenters ;
and to petition the Assembly to place our own clergy under
our 0W71 people, and their representatives in Vestry, even to
the expulsion of those missionaries and curates, who are still
here, paid by and under the influence of our enemies, and
who have been detected in their vile vocation. The old
church government and discipline was better than the present
— let then the old laivs revive. The Episcopal government
has here been an experiment and has failed ; for under it
sectarianism has increased tenfold, and flourished even
COLONIAL CHURCH UNION. 289
amongst the ministers of our own church. In fact, sec-
tarianism came in with that system — let them expire together.
We have lately seen the danger of trusting our people to the
instruction of those who are not under our control: let us,
therefore, henceforward hold the purse and power in our own
hands ; and let every member of the Colonial Church Union
think, that as in battle, the field may be won by his own arm,
so in the present."
It will now be seen that the " Colonial Church Union"
was nothing less than what has been described, a con-
spiracy to drive religion out of the Island. It is much
to the honour of the Established Clergy that so few of
them had anything to do with it. None, indeed, but the
contriver of the whole plot, and another unhappy man,
who afterwards fell in a duel, were even so much as sus-
pected ; but it is with mingled feelings of grief and shame,
that it must be related that a Scottish minister, though
standing precisely upon the same legal footing with
the missionaries, was universally believed to be one of its
supporters.
Martial-law having terminated on the 5th of February
the District-meeting assembled during the following
week. It was a sorrowful time, but amidst the various
trials which depressed the missionaries, there were two
things which afforded abundant cause of praise and
thanksgiving to Almighty God : the first was, that God
had so far been gracious to them, as to preserve them
from falling victims to the rage of persecuting men ; and,
secondly, that, notwithstanding the strong temptations
to which their people were exposed, not one of them ivas
u
290 INSTANCES OF FIDELITY.
found guilty of being connected with the late insurrection.
Such was their confidence, that they never expected
many of them would be led astray ; but as tliere were
between two and three thousand of their members in a
state of slavery, in the disturbed districts, it was not to
be supposed they would have all been able to resist the
fiery trial. But great was their rejoicing over their peo-
ple, when they found that their fidelity had been far
beyond what the most sanguine could have ever antici-
pated ; and while they gave the praise to Him to whom
it was justly due, it led them to admire more than ever
that system of holy discipline which they had received
from the venerable founder of Methodism, and which had
proved so efficient in a season of no ordinary trial and
difficulty.
But not only did the Wesleyan negroes abstain from
the practices of the insurgents, but many of them ha-
zarded their lives, rather than unite with them; and
stood up in defence of their master's property, while the
smallest ray of hope remained of their being able to save
it. The names of a few of those heroic negroes cannot
be unacceptable to the reader.
The first to be mentioned is John Spence, a leader,
who belonged to Axe and Adze Pen.
" On the 2nd of January," says a missionary, writing from
Montego Bay, " he and some of his fellow-slaves, saw two
men go to their master's house, but before they reached it, a
large party of three or four hundred came up, by way of
Golden Grove, which caused them to stop ; the party then
burnt the premises and departed. In the night he (Spence)
•JAMES MTJIR. 291
called up all his members on the property, and went to prayer.
All of them prayed, or, as he said, * every one had his own
prayers.' They continued from about midnight until day-
break, and, he says, ' They never had such prayers before ;
God made them all very happy.' Just as they had separated,
the same party who burnt the property came and fetched him
out of his house, and told him he must go with them. This
he refused to do, and said he was determined to die rather
than join them in their wickedness. "When they found he
was not to be moved either by their threats or promises, the
commander of the party ordered them to blow his brains out.
Accordingly they divided, and Spence was placed alone.
Two men then stepped out, one with a musket and the other
with a rifle piece, and at the command of their captain they
attempted to fire. The pieces did not, however, go off, al-
though they snapped them twice. Spence says, ' he thought
then he was no longer in the world, hut he felt quite happy
since the prayers in the night.'' When they found their pieces
did not go off they were a little daunted, and delivered their
prisoner over to the care of another they brought with them.
Both effected their escape together ; and Spence subsequently
went to his master on guard at a neighbouring estate. One
of his members, who refused to join the insurgents, they tied
up and beat very cruelly, but it was of no avail, he persisted
in his refusal to have anything to do with them."
James Muir was also a leader, and a slave belong-
ing to Bogue estate, about three miles from Montego
Bay. He was a man of great intelligence and deep
piety. On the breaking out of the insurrection, the
white people were heard exclaiming, "Where is Muir?"
But he was not to be found, and it was of course con-
u 2
292 JAMES MALCOLM.
eluded, that he was a ring-leader among the insurgents.
It was afterwards found, however, that he had assembled
the members of his class, who united in defending the
premises against a large party who attacked them, and
when longer defence was impossible (for the balls were
beginning to fly around them), they contrived to take
away whatever of the moveables they could, which were
securely concealed, till the insurgents were driven from
that neighbourhood, and then the whole was delivered
up to their master at Montego Bay.
James Malcolm, of Knockalva, a negro of no common
piety and usefulness. When hundreds around him were
proceeding with the work of destruction, he and his
people turned out to work on the S8th of December,
w^hich was even before the time usually required at the
Christmas holidays. He continued to work until the
overseer himself sent an order to desist. He also stood
up in defence of the property, and when overpowered by
numbers, saved what he could, and delivered it up to the
owner. Such was the confidence reposed in him by the
general, that he was for some time employed in the
woods as a pioneer, or rather as a guide, through the
fastnesses of the country. But this excellent man, not-
withstanding his faithful services, was cruelly persecuted,
of which an account shall be given in the sequel.
Besides those, there were many others who distin-
guished themselves by their fidelity. Richard Lewis, a
leader belonging to the Ramble Society, was severely
beaten by the insurgents while defending his master's
property ; and his son Edward was seized, bound, and
DISGRACEFUL OUTRAGES. 293
carried away by them, but succeeded in making his
escape. J ames Wilmot, a leader, belonging to Content
estate, was first flogged, and then dragged about by the
insurgents until they had almost killed him ; and James
Leach, a leader at Burnt Ground, was made prisoner and
carried away, but he also escaped from their hands.
It might be thought that the extraordinary fidelity of
the Wesleyan negroes would have undeceived the Colo-
nists, and opened their eyes to the inestimable advan-
tages of religious instruction ; but, alas, it was far other-
wise. Recent events had wound them up to the highest
pitch of fury, and being goaded to desperation by the
Courant, and by the machinations of the Colonial
Church Union, they proceeded to outrages of which they
never would otherwise have been guilty, but which
must for ever constitute a sad stain upon the history of
Jamaica.
The outrages alluded to commenced in Montego Bay,
with the demolition of the Baptist Chapel. This took
place on the 7th of February, in open day, and although
it was well known that none of the Wesleyans had been
implicated in the insurrection, yet it was designed to de-
molish the Wesleyan chapel that same night. Provi-
dentially, however, this was prevented by the return to
the town of the coloured companies of the militia in
course of the afternoon, many of the most respectable of
whom were members of the Methodist Society. There
was now strength sufficient to defend it, and the Custos
was induced to station a military guard upon the
premises, by which means they were preserved from
S94 DEMOLITION OF CHAPELS.
destruction. After the guard was removed, some half-
burned coals were found in the chapel, showing, that an
attempt had been secretly made to set it on fire, but
through the providence of God, the diabolical design did
not take effect.
But in the neighbouring town of Falmouth the infatu-
ated whites had none who could effectually oppose them,
and both the Wesleyan and Baptist chapels were razed
to the ground, the former, on the 8th of February.
This was what could not have been accomplished in any
other town on the Island of equal magnitude, had the
free black and coloured population been present. In
other towns, that body had been raised in intelligence
and respectability, principally through the labours of
the missionaries, and they felt their obligations to them ;
but though there were a very few gentlemen of colour of
high respectability in Falmouth, yet the mass had not been
brought under religious training, and they were not
superior to the slaves in intelligence, though they might
easily be distinguished from them by their insolence and
pride. In St. Ann's the mob was of course triumphant,
and the militia had scarcely returned, when they began
their career of violence. The chapels at St. Ann's Bay
and Oracabessa were pulled down, and that at Ocho
Rios and Ebenezer were burnt. It is melancholy to
think, that in some instances the planters were assisted
in the work of destruction by the captains and crews of
ships, then in several of the harbours, and thus the
hands of British seamen were employed in destroying
the sanctuaries of God. Great was the disappointment
HORRIBLE BLASPHEMY. 295
of the St. Ann's incendiaries when they found the mis-
sionaries had escaped; but as they were gone, they
suspended three figures at the Bay, designed to represent
Messrs. Whitehouse and Wood, and Mr. Nicholls, the
Baptist missionary. Those were removed by order of
the Gustos, but they were afterwards set up by Henry
Israel (a Jew already mentioned), on his own premises,
together with another figure placed over them, blas-
phemously representing the devil as saying, " These
are my beloved, in whom I am well pleased."
No Colonial Church Union could indeed be formed
in Kingston. Not only were the coloured and black
population resolute against it, but it was feared that
many of the whites would scorn to be identified with
such a detestable conspiracy. But as it would have
been thought by the opposite party somewhat disrepu-
table to appear less zealous than their brethren on the
north-side of the Island, the editor of the Courant urged
the demolition of the chapels, though not by fire, lest
other property might be involved in the same destruc-
tion. Information was secretly conveyed, that for this
purpose he and his friends had received the names of a
number of persons, who volunteered to stand by each
other until they were pulled to the ground. The first
attack was to have been made upon the new chapel,
which was situated in a solitary place, in one of the
outskirts of the city; but, notwithstanding all their
precautions, their designs Avere made known (though at
first only to a very few), and even the night was ascer-
tained on which the assault was to take place. On that
^96 STATE OF KINGSTON.
evening the missionaries were astonished to observe the
strange aspect of the congregation at the old chapel, for
as yet not one of them knew anything of the plot. It
was the evening for the usual week-night service. The
chapel was quite full, and a very large proportion were
males, most of whom were dressed with great coats, and
many carried bludgeons. When service was ended, a
gentleman informed them of the whole matter, and
stated that it was intended to place a strong guard on
the new chapel, and that a sufficient number would also
be appointed to protect the others, as well as the two
belonging to the Baptists. About nine o'clock the city
itself had an unusual aspect. In general the streets
were perfectly quiet by that hour, but on the evening in
question, numbers were seen in arms, the great majority
^f whom were taking the direction of the devoted chapel.
A little before midnight two of the missionaries went to
the spot, but just before they reached it they were chal-
lenged by sentinels to give their names. On doing so,
they went up and found a vast number assembled
within the railing, and amongst those, two were em-
ployed as sentinels, one of whom was on horseback.
They expressed a hope that there would be no distur-
bance, and at any rate the full conviction that they
Avould preserve the peace, so as to give no occasion to any
one to misrepresent the object for which they were
assembled. They were answered by the gentleman who
had been appointed to the command for the night, to the
effect, that they would assuredly preserve the peace, if
possible ; but he intimated, they had in the meanwhile
A PROCLAMATION. 297
made the preservation of the chapel their own concern
and respectfully, yet firmly, desired them to retire. A,
demonstration so public could not be unknown to the
intended assailants, but the chapels being so guarded
night after night, they did not dare to make their
appearance.
In this dangerous posture of affairs, his honour the
mayor (a gentleman of great respectability), convened a
meeting of the inhabitants, and a " civic guard" was
formed, sufficient for the protection of the city. This
was quickly accomplished, and he issued a proclamation,
which as it corroborates what has been said relative to
the instigation of the Courant, and otherwise contains
information as to the state of the city, it shall be inserted
entire. It is as follows : —
" Whereas the attention of the magistrates of this city has
been attracted by a paragraph in this day's Courant, of a most
wanton and highly dangerous character, having a tendency
to influence the minds of the population of this city, and to
induce outrage and violence on the sectarian places of wor-
ship. Notwithstanding I feel the most entire confidence in
the morality and good disposition of all classes of the inha-
bitants, which would render futile any attempt to bring so
dire a disgrace upon Kingston ; yet I feel it proper to, and
hereby do enjoin and call upon all magistrates, all members
of the civic guard, and all special and other constables, to be
on the alert, and to use their most active endeavours to pro-
tect the Baptist, Wesleyan, or other sectarian buildings from
outrage or spoliation.
" And whereas many persons have, with the intent of pro-
tecting those buildings, assembled in the streets armed during
298 EBENEZER CHAPEL DEFENDED.
the night, without any authority from his excellency the go-
vernor or myself to do so, I hereby caution all such persons
from continuing such illegal conduct. The lawful authorities
are ample for the preservation of the peace ; and any self-
constituted body, by whatever pretence formed, will be put
down, and punished with the utmost severity.
(Signed) " T. L. YATES, Mayor and Gustos.
''Kingston, Feb. 18th, 1832."
Notwithstanding the proclamation of the mayor and
the appointment of the " civic guard/' the security of the
new chapel was still doubtful, and several gentlemen
resolved to defend it as before. On the night of the 18th,
two of the guard rode up to the chapel, and finding them
so employed ordered them to disperse. To this they
objected, urging that they were on private property, and
in fact obeying the proclamation, for they had been
sworn in as special constables, and were required to be
"on the alert." At their request the captain of the
guard was sent for, who was on the ground in a few
minutes, accompanied by several others. To him they
gave an explanation of their conduct, stating, that they
owed their standing in society to the men who occupied
such chapels ; that the editor of the Courant, was en-
deavouring to effect their destruction, but it would be to
no pui-pose, for they and many others were resolved to
defend them at all hazards. Here the editor himself
came forward in a state of great alarm, pulled off his
hat, and protested his innocence ! It was all in vain, his
paper was referred to, and he was not allowed to pro-
ceed. It is likely he would have met with much rougher
SUFFERINGS OF WESLEYAN NEGROES. 299
treatment, had it not been for the gentlemanly conduct
of the captain. On his making himself responsible for
the premises, they were left with the guard for the night,
the editor himself being compelled to stand as one of the
sentinels. Several of the others, however, remained in
the vestry, which was so occupied for some time after-
wards. In this way the designs of their enemies were
entirely frustrated ; a happy circumstance, for had it
been otherwise, Jamaica would probably have become a
field of blood.
Having given an account of the state of affairs in
Kingston, we return to the north-side of the Island, to
record the sufferings of some of the Wesleyan negroes,
who although innocent of the charge of rebellion, and
" rebellious conspiracy," and having no hand whatsoever
in the recent insurrection, were nevertheless grievously
persecuted by their brutal enemies, and some of them
even to death. The cases of cruel and unmerited suf-
fering were very numerous, of which a few only can be
noticed here ; but when the oppressed and the oppressor
shall both stand at the judgment seat of Christ, the
hardships those poor negroes endured for His sake,
shall neither pass unnoticed nor unrewarded. The first
to be mentioned is
Robert Lament. He was a person of colour, and one
of the head slaves belonging to Georgia estate, in Tre-
lawney. He was a man of a very amiable disposition,
and from his respectable appearance, it was evident that
his lot had been far happier than the immense majority
of his neighbours. His deep piety, his prudence, and
300 ROBERT LAMONT.
uncommon intelligence, attracted the notice of Mr. Box,
who appointed liim to the charge of a class in Falmouth
Society, in 1831, which oiRce he filled with great credit
to himself and usefulness to others. On the 28th of
December, the negroes on Georgia estate had gone to
their provision grounds, and as this was one of the days
universally allowed at the Christmas season, they meant
no offence, and they apprehended no danger ; yet though
all this was unknown to Lamont, he with some others of
the head-men were seized by a party of militia, bound,
and carried to Falmouth, where, in the commencement
of martial law, he was tried by a " drum-head" court
martial, sentenced to receive 500 lashes, and to he confined
to the workhouse, to work in chains for the term of his
natural life. It is stated, that his humane overseer,
who Avas then on militia duty, exerted himself to prevent
the infliction of the cruel and unjust punishment. But
it was to no purpose ; the unfortunate slave was known
to be a man of piety and pra^yer — crimes quite heinous
enough for punishment during that " reign of terror."
Though he never recovered from the barbarous flagella-
tion, yet he was taken to the workhouse at Port INIaria.
There, in addition to his bodily suffering, he saw himself
separated for ever from his excellent wife and his family ;
and, amongst the most wretched outcasts of the species,
degraded to the condition of a chained and unpitied
workhouse slave. Such an accumulation of suffering
was more than he could sustain, and in the space of a
year nature sunk under the intolerable burden, and his
spirit went to heaven to join " the noble army of
martyrs."
JOHN BAILLTE JOHN DAVIDSON. 301
John Baillic, was also a man of colour, and a natural
son of tlie late J. Baillie, Esq., proprietor of Roehampton
Estate, and attorney for Georgia, to which latter property
he helonged. He was likewise a slave of great trust and
respectability, and it appears that his father, who quitted
the Island a short time before the insurrection, had left
the sum of £50 towards his manumission, which, with
what he had saved himself, was sufficient for the purpose ;
but it seems his successor objected, alleging that if he
should be allowed to purchase his freedom, the head
carpenter would wish to do the same, and the estate
could not afford to be without such services as theirs.
Baillie was a near relative of Robert Lament, was ap-
prehended at the same time, tried for the same alleged
offence, and sentenced to a similar punishment. While
he was under the torturing infliction of the lash the un-
fortunate sufferer fainted, and the surgeon in attendance
stated he could bear his punishment no longer. He was
then taken down, and afterwards sent to Rodney Hall
workhouse, a place so terrible, that the very name has
made some of the stoutest negroes tremble. He was
confined to hard labour in that dismal abode of misery
until June, 1833, and during that period, it appears he
suffered much from the drivers and others, who were
stimulated to treat him with aggravated cruelty. The
manner of his release shall be related in the sequel.
John Davidson, of Knockalva Pen, situated on the
borders of St. James and Hanover. He had been a
member of the Society at the Ramble, which was formed
by Mr, Murray in 1831, and consisted at first principally
302 EXECUTION OF JOHN DAVIDSON.
of slaves who were connected with that of Montego Bay.
During the insurrection he manifested a spirit of great
fidelity, for which he was seized by a party of the in-
surgents, but after being kept for some time he effected
his escape. But it appears they again caught hold of
him, and it was said they compelled him to prepare
some of their victuals, which was afterwards disproved-
This coming to the ears of his overseer (to whom, says a
correspondent from the place, he had become an object
of hatred by his praying), he sent him to be tried under
the capital change of rebellion ; and he was sentenced to
be executed on the property, in the presence of his wife
and former companions. Before his death, he requested
to see the witness on whose testimony he was con-
demned, in order to assure him of his hearty forgiveness,
although he said he had sworn falsely. He was a driver
on the property, but he refused to see him. At the time
of his execution, he desired permission to speak, which
being granted, he only requested his wife (who was com-
pelled to be present), to forgive the driver, and to do
him any good offices in her power ; adding, " I die in-
nocent of the crime laid to my charge, but the Lord
Jesus will receive my spirit." In this noble frame of
mind the martyred negro escaped to that quiet region
" Where tyi'ants vex not, and the weary rest."
James Malcolm. The name of this excellent negro
has been ahcady mentioned, as having been remarkable
both for his fidelity and usefulness in the time of the
insurrection. He was a man of a very cheerful and
JAMES MALCOLM. 303L
affectionate spirit, and such were his attractive manners,
that that man must have possessed a heart of adamant
who could treat him with cruelty. He was also a person
of uncommon piety, and by his unwearied application he
became able both to read the scriptures fluently and also
to write with tolerable clearness ; and none of the re-
ligious negroes exceeded him in prudent zeal, and exten-
sive usefulness. He had been once one of the head-men
on the property, but on account of his religion he was
degraded to the condition of an ordinary field labourer,
but he endured all his sufferings without a murmur.
About the commencement of the disturbances he was
severely examined, and great disappointment was mani-
fested, when it was made evident that he was guiltless ;
but after he was employed in the public service, as has
been already related, certain false charges were fabricated
against him, and he was sent to be tried at Lucea. " If,"
says the correspondent already referred to, " he had been
allowed to call witnesses in his defence, his innocence
would have been established ;" but it appears this was
denied, and he was sentenced " to be hanged by the neck
till dead." Through the efforts of Mr. Murray, however,
arrest of judgment was obtained, and Lord Belmore com-
muted the sentence to " confinement in the workhouse to
he wrought in chains for life.''^ Of James Malcolm's in-
nocence there cannot be a moment's doubt ; and though
the last penalty of law was not inflicted, yet his suffer-
ings were inexpressibly severe. The result of the whole
will be related in its proper place.
Henry Williams. The name of this excellent man is
304 HENRY WILLIAMS.
known to the reader, as having been already the subject
of the most barbarous punishment for no crime but that
of being a Wesleyan Methodist. As the insurrection
did not extend to St. Ann's, it was impossible to find
any pretence for implicating him in the guilt of that
affair. He was therefore charged with " administering
unlawful oaths," and again sentenced to receive a public
flogging. For some time the missionaries thought that
he must have been reading the form of the covenant, as
used among the Wesleyans, with a few of his members ;
but when they had the opportunity of inquiring into it,
they found they had been mistaken, and that the charge
was without even the shadow of a foundation. The
cruel and unmerited suflerings of this worthy negro
excited the sympathies of a number of benevolent persons
at home, and through the efforts of several ladies in Bir-
mingham and its vicinity, his manumission was pur-
chased, and Henry Williams, not long after his cruel
torture, became a free man.
Another negro in St. Ann's was cruelly flogged, not
because he was guilty of rebellion, but because, to use
the language of one of the magistrates, he did not " give
correct evidence ;" i. e. the negro could not be induced
to say, that his minister, Mr. Whitehouse, had told them
they were to be free. Besides those, many others had
trials of the most painful description, and many had to
endure hardships which time cannot unfold. But " their
witness is in heaven, their record is on high."
After the District-meeting, the brethren once more
went to their respective appointments, only sucli was the
BRUTAL ASSAULT ON MK. BLEBY. 305
violence of hostile feeling in St. Ann's, that it would
have been certain death for any missionary to have at-
tempted to go there. Mr. Bleby, who had been about a
year on the Island, was appointed to Falmouth, and he
lost no time in repairing to his new and arduous station.
On his arrival he was cordially welcomed by his afflicted
people, but a mournful scene was presented to his view.
Persecuting rage was triumphant ; the Society scattered
as sheep having no shepherd ; and the house of God
razed to the foundations. But no man was considered
better qualified to occupy that difficult post than Mr.
Bleby, and his prudence and respectability were admitted
by all. The Colonial Church Union had however ob-
tained firm footing in Falmouth, and he was one of the
obnoxious persons that diabolical organization sought
to expel from the Island ; and under its influence an
outrage was perpetrated, of so atrocious and brutal a
character as to be quite unprecedented in the history
of the Mission.
On the evening of the 7th of April, between seven and
eight o'clock, as Mr. and Mrs. Bleby were sitting at tea
in their own house, in company with one or two female
friends, they were surprised by a band of ruffians rushing
into the room, evidently with the most hostile intentions.
On demanding their business, one of them replied, they
had come to take tea with him : to which he answered,
" if that be what you want, you are welcome." At that
moment three or four of them violently seized him, and
placing him against the wall, besmeared him with
tar, which they had brought for that purpose. When
306 MAGISTRATES IN FALMOUTH.
this was done, one of them seized a lighted candle, and
attempted to set fire to his clothes ; which when Mrs.
Bleby observed, she flew instantly to the spot, and dashed
the candle from the hand of the murderous ruffian.
They then threw her violently on the floor, and called
out to throw her infant, only about five months old, out
of the window. At that instant a few of his friends,
hearing the noise, got into the premises, on which the
assassins became alarmed, and hastened to the door,
after having struck one of their own number with a
bludgeon so as to endanger his life, whom in the con-
fusion and bustle of the moment they mistook for
another person. It gives great pleasure to say, that on
hearing of this brutal outrage Mr. Miller, a magistrate
of the first respectability, hastened to the spot, with a
party of the twenty-second regiment, then garrisoned in
the town; and Mr. Bleby was taken to the barracks,
where he found a safe asylum for the night. Mrs. B.,
who was forced to flee without her bonnet and with only
one shoe, was kindly received and sheltered by Mrs.
Jackson, the lady of the clerk of the peace.
The gang of ruffians guilty of this outrage were
well known ; and it was resolved, that at least an at-
tempt should be made to obtain justice for a persecuted
and injured missionary. On the following day Mr.
Bleby waited with that view on some of the magis-
trates, but Mr. Miller having left the town none of
them would take his depositions ; but on the return of
that gentleman, he discharged his duty, and arrange-
ments were made to prosecute the rioters at the Cornwall
MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURE. 307
Assizes. But though no magistrate could be found, on
Mr. Bleby's first application, who would take his depo-
sitions, there was no want of promptitude in dealing
with the men who ran to his rescue. They were speedily
arrested, and bound to answer at the Quarter Sessions ;
but when one of them requested that his depositions
should be taken against one of the men who assaulted
him, this was sternly refused.
On the termination of the disturbances, his excel-
lency the governor called the Legislature to meet and
proceed to business. In his opening address, which was
principally on the recent insurrection, he recommended
the members to ascertain its causes, and legislate ac-
cordingly.
" It will be your province," said his excellency, " to en-
deavour to trace this unprovoked rebellion to its true origin.
That a very general impression has been made upon the
minds of the slave population that his Majesty had granted
their freedom, is undeniably proved by the dying declaration
of many unfortunate individuals, who have sujfifered under the
sentence of the law. I shall lay before you such information
as may be useful in this inquiry, in the pursuit of which I am
confident you will proceed with that entire absence of all
prejudice, which the spirit of impartiality and justice require,
and by which truth alone can be ascertained. I have re-
ceived his Majesty's command to submit to you a proposition
for the future regulation and government of slaves, calculated
to simplify and consolidate into one legislative enactment all
the laws passed on this interesting subject; and as his Ma-
jesty's government attach the greatest importance to the early
X 2
308
PROCEEDINGS IN THE
consideration of it, I shall lose no time in recommending it to
your most serious attention."
On the following day a committee was appointed to
ascertain the causes of the insurrection, and a petition
was presented to expel the •' sectarians" from the
Island. This was opposed by Mr. Beaumont, who de-
nied the power of the House to pass any such enact-
ment as the petitioners requested. After a short debate,
it was agreed, by a large majority, that the petition
should be received, and it was ordered to lie on the table.
It is remarkable, that within a few days after, the House
were informed that two " sectarians," namely, the writer
of this narrative and Mr. Barry, had given the usual
public notice of their intention to proceed to England.
A motion was then made, that none of them should be
permitted to leave. Mr. Beaumont too hastily rose and
ridiculed it, showing at the same time that there was no
governor who would dare to sanction it. The members
saw this, but when it was about to drop for want of a
seconder, he got up and seconded it himself; it did not,
however, pass. Thus the house was fast losing the
respect even of some of its own members.
The Orders in Council were sent to the House by the
governor without delay, on which there was a violent
debate. Mr. Berry delivered a very inflammatory speech,
and holding the documents in his hand, proposed that
the Sovereign's message they contained should be
thrown out of the House, taken to the square, and hurnt
by the hands of the common hangman. Suiting his
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. 309
action to the word, he threw the whole over the bar.
Mr. Stamp said, he differed from the honourable member
as to the disposal of the documents, and proposed that
no notice should be taken of them whatsoever. " Late
events," said he, " have shown that we have in the mili-
tia a force most truly great, most truly formidable, and
should the mother country interfere with us we have
bayonets to resist all such interference." This was no
unusual slang, and the reader in it can be at no loss to
perceive one of the chief causes of the recent unhappy
events. The House ultimately sent a message to the
governor, stating, that any further amehoration of the
slave code must emanate from themselves.
Another proposal of some importance was brought
before the Assembly. Considering the unequivocal at-
tachment to the Colonial cause of the Kev. J. Wordie,
the Presbyterian minister of Kingston, it was proposed,
in addition to the usual sum of £ 900 annually voted
to the Kirk, to allow him a sum sufficient to proceed to
the mother country, to convert the General Assembly of
the Scottish Chvirch, to set the minds of the British peo-
ple right on Colonial matters : also to tax the different
parishes for the support of a Presbyterian establishment
in each. On this being regularly brought before the
House, a long speech was delivered by Mr. Beaumont,
from which, as there were several remarks bearing upon
the Mission, the following brief extracts are subjoined. In
opposing the motion for any additional expense, he said —
" We have been told that the Presbyterian church effected
the freedom of Scotland, now we are told that the features of
SIO SPEECH OF MR. A. H. BEAUMONT.
her loveliness are the facilities she presents for perpetuating
slavery in Jamaica ! How then has she fallen ! Is the free
step of her youth thus exchanged for the decrepitude of pre-
judice, her armour of freedom for the manacle of the slave ?
She has not fallen. Not all the energies, nor eloquence, nor
talents, nor sophistries of ten thousand preachers, will avail to
persuade the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland,
that slavery is a blessing. Slavery has heard the award of
destruction gone forth against her, and her partisan efforts
cannot save her. The honourable member (Mr. Stamp) says,
that he, as a member of the Established Church, supports the
preachers of Presbyterianism because their doctrines arc not
at variance with his own. I, as a citizen of the world, defend
the sectarian preachers, because they are my fellow-men. As
it respects the charge against the Methodists and Baptists
being concerned in the insurrection, I shall content myself
with referring to facts. No man saw more of that horrid
scene of destruction and misery to all classes than I did, and
I can appeal to many members of this House to confirm the
statement I am about to make — not one Wesleyan Methodist^
of any cast or comj^lexion, was concerned in the insurrection /
The greater number were Baptists, but there were also nume-
rous members of the Established Church, and some Presbyte-
rians implicated.*^ When I say the greater number were
Baptists, I wish to be thus understood, I do not believe there
is one instance in which it will be possible to procure convic-
tion against any one of the white preachers of that persuasion.
The Baptists are a numerous sect, or rather I should say sects,
* About the year 1824 the Scottish Missionary Society first sent
out their agents to Jamaica. There were four in the Island in 1831,
principally on the north-side. They were nearly all from the Seces-
sion Church, laborious and successful Missionaries ; and though de-
nominated Presbyterians, must not be confoimded with the Eoi-k in
Kingston.
SPEECH OF MR. A. H. BEAUMONT. 311
in the north-west parts of the Island. The black preachers
of this persuasion certainly did inculcate political, instead of
religious doctrines ; but with reference to the white preachers,
the worst they have done is no more than what many in the
Established Church are accused of, and accused of on quite
as good evidence — of addressing language to the slaves which
was likely to be misunderstood and to inflame their minds.
To perpetuate slavery you must not alone banish sectarian
ministers, you must stop the progress of civilization ; you
must not barely fetter, you must destroy the press ; you must
cease to express your opinions in this House, at your public
meetings, at your private tables ; you must be yourselves the
worst of slaves in order to perpetuate slavery in others."
The speaker then drew a picture of the desolate state
of the Island, and of the miseries resulting from the late
insurrection, and thus concluded —
" It is to avert those frightful ills, which render property
and life itself a curse, that I call upon you to consider of some
more effectual means of safety than the attempt, the futile
attempt, to establish a new hierarchy of Presbyterian priests
WITHOUT CONGREGATIONS in this Island."
Mr. Beaumont's amendment was adopted, and nothing
more was granted to the Kirk than it had been accus-
tomed to receive.
The testimony of Mr. Beaumont is valuable. He was
by far the most intelligent member of the House, and
none can suspect him of a leaning to Methodism. He
was never in heart a lover of slavery, any more than of
Christianity ; but he had spent some time in the mother
country, a little before the insurrection broke out, and
312 REPORT OF THE
what he had seen convinced him that slavery could not
be much longer perpetuated. At the time of his greatest
avowed hostility to Missions, there is no reason to sup-
pose that he would have carried hostility to the mis-
sionaries themselves, to the extent that was clamoured
for by the infuriated Unionists. His was the first speech
delivered in the House upon emancipation. The
senators were confounded. It put an end to his Colo-
nial popularity ; but, indeed, he began to be suspected
shortly after his arrival from Great Britain.
The Report of the " Committee on the Rebellion" was
ordered to be published on the 26th of April, and they
declared its causes to be : —
" The unconstitutional interference of his Majesty's minis-
ters with the Colonial Legislature, in regard to the passing of
laws for their government : the discussions in Parliament on
the subject of slavery, coupled with the false and wicked reports
of the Anti-Slavery Society: the mischievous abuse existing in
the systems adopted by the Baptists, Wesleyan Methodists,
and Moravians, by their recognising gradations of rank among
the slaves who had become converts to their doctrines, under the
denomination of rulers, elders, leaders and helpers : the pub-
lic discussions of the free inhabitants of the Island consequent
upon the continued suggestions made by the King's ministers :
and, lastly, the preaching and teaching of the sects called
Baptist, Wesleyan Methodist, and Moravians, (but more
especially the sect called Baptist,) which had the effect of
producing in the minds of the slaves, a belief that they could
not serve doth a temporal and spiritual master, thereby occa-
sioning them to resist the lawful authority of their temporal,
under the delusion of rendering themselves more acceptable
to a spiritual, master."
COMMITTEE ON THE REBELLION. 313
On the publication of the report the representatives of
the various rehgious bodies alluded to, protested against
such portions of it, as charged either their systems or
their teaching with the melancholy disasters which had
desolated the fairest portions of the Island. The meet-
ing of Wesleyans convened for that purpose, consisted
of ministers, stewards and leaders ; and was held in
Kingston, on the 10th of May. On that occasion they
indignantly repelled the false charges and insinuations
which had been brought against them in the report ; and
the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to
and published : —
" 1st. That we have read the report of the committee ap-
pointed by the honourable House of Assembly to inquire into
the causes of the late rebellion in this Island, and perceive,
with great surprise and indignation, the unworthy attempt
which is made to implicate us and our people as the promo-
ters of the same.
" 2nd. That as neither the Wesleyan missionaries, nor the
leaders in their Societies were directly, or indirectly, concerned
in instigating, or in any way aiding in the late rebellion, we
consider the report, as far as relates to the ' Wesleyan Me-
thodists,' utterly false and unfounded, nearly all the leaders
being respectable free persons, most of whom are owners of
slaves.
" 3rd. That as the report aforesaid is calculated to bring
our system into disrepute, by asserting that it affords facilities
for exciting rebellion among the slaves, we feel ourselves
called upon to maintain that it is scriptural, and calculated to
promote peace and good order among all classes of his Ma-
jesty's subjects, whether free or slaves; and that nothing
314 RESOLUTIONS OF THE WESLEYANS.
contrary to this can be proved against it ; therefore the re-
port is a gross calumny, not only upon ourselves and people
in this Island, but also upon the body to which we belong.
" 4th. That being conscious of our innocence, and the
praise-worthy conduct of the members of our Societies in this
Island, during the late disturbances, we consider it our im-
perative duty to PROTEST, in the most public and solemn
manner, both here and in Great Britain, against the charges
preferred against us in the report aforesaid ; and also against
the conduct of individuals, who could make such a wanton
attack upon our characters, without allowing us an opportu-
nity of self- vindication.
" 5th. That the assertion in the report, that the ' preaching
and teaching' of the ' Wesleyan Methodists' are calculated
to mislead the minds of the slaves, on the subject of " lawful
authority,' is unworthy of serious consideration ; their ability
to expound and enforce the Holy Scriptures having been de-
cided by a competent tribunal, and the falsehood of the charge
can be proved, by an appeal to the thousands of their hearers
throughout the Island.
" 7th. That these resolutions be signed by all present, on
behalf of our Societies in this Island, and that a copy of them,
signed by the chairman and secretary of this meeting in be-
half of the seventeen missionaries and four hundred and forty -
seven leaders, be forwarded to his excellency the governor,
the Earl of Belmore.
" 8th. That these resolutions be published in three of the
Island newspapers ; that a copy be transmitted, with the least
delay, to our committee in London, and by them be presented
to our most gracious Sovereign, in any way which to them
may appear the most acceptable."
315
The language of the above resolutions is strong and
severe, but no apology is required, either for their spirit
or letter, in respect of severity. The House had debased
itself far below the respect of any upright man. They
adopted a report, containing calumnies which every
member knew to be false. But this, too, hastened the
downfall of the system, and assisted in preparing the
way for a better state of things.
Meanwhile the afflicted and persecuted state of the St.
Ann's Societies continued to engage the attention of the
brethren, and to excite their tenderest sympathy ; and,
notwithstanding the perilous nature of the attempt,
Messrs. Wood and Greenwood went over in the begin-
ning of June, to see if they could find an open door for
preaching the gospel. Not judging it safe to proceed by
land, they took their passage in a sloop, and arrived at
St. Ann's Bay on the 11th. They were affectionately
welcomed by their suffering people, and particularly by
Mrs. Boyle, a coloured lady, who received them into her
house. But appearances of hostility were instantly
manifested. Insulting and threatening placards were
posted on the walls by the Unionists, and on Wednesday,
the 13th, it was agreed to make an attack upon their
persons, and to pull down the house in which they
lodged. But the free black and coloured population
were on the alert, and resolved to resist. The Unionists
therefore deemed it prudent to defer their intended opera-
tions until after the muster of the militia, which would
take place on the following Saturday.
Under these threatening circumstances, the mission-
316 LETTER OF THE GUSTOS OF ST. ANN's.
aries resolved to acquaint his honour the Custos with
their arrival and intentions. They addresed a letter to
him, in which they stated that they had come to the parish
in accordance with the wishes of no inconsiderable num-
ber of respectable free persons, who had worshipped in
those places which had been pulled down by riotous
mobs ; and that such persons were resolved to defend
their ministers from the outrageous attacks of their
enemies. They also informed him that on Friday night
or Saturday, their enemies had resolved to perpetrate
acts of violence ; and they concluded, by requiring at his
hands, that protection to which all his Majesty's peace-
able subjects are entitled to claim. On the same day
his honour returned the following answer to their
letter : —
Epping, June 14/A, 1832.
*' Gentlemen,
" I most deeply deplore the unfortunate violence
that has been displayed in the destruction of the chapels in
St. Ann's, and I am sorry to observe, that violent spirit still
exists in almost the whole of the parishioners ;* so much so,
that I have not the means of protecting you. I, therefore,
most strongly urge you to desist from holding meetings imtil
that spirit has subsided ; for at present it rages to that degree,
that they seem reckless of any danger attending their outra-
geous and unlawful acts. I should not consider my o-svn
person safe, were I to attempt to interfere in your behalf.
" I am, gentlemen,
" Your most obedient servant,
(Signed) "HENRY COX."
* His honour means white parishoners only.
DEPARTURE OF LORD BELMORE. 317
The letter of the Gustos will be sufficient to show the
state of that then lawless district ; but there are several
expressions in it which will appear remarkable from one
of the presidents of the Colonial Church Union. The
truth is, Mr. Cox was one of the best of the white Colo-
nists. If he had been left to himself he would have
been anything but a persecutor. He was an amiable,
but a weak man ; he had no mental vigour to bear up
against the influence of the majority ; he was a mere
tool in their violent hands, and frightened into a position
he yet mortally disliked. This timidity was the occasion
of his being afterwards degraded from the magistracy, as
shall be related. In the meantime the missionaries saw,
that by their continuance in the parish bloodshed must
be the result, and they left in a few days for Kingston.
While Messrs. Wood and Greenwood were in St.
Ann's, Lord Belmore terminated his feeble and unfortu-
nate administration ; and on the 1 2th of June, he took
his departure for Great Britain. Rumours had been
afloat some time before, that his lordship had received
his note of recal from his Majesty's government ; a matter
which sorely disconcerted the Unionists. The following
account is transcribed from the Jamaica Watchman,
and will be read with interest, or rather with disgust.
" This nobleman," says the editor, " after having governed
Jamaica for three years, a period much shorter than he himself,
or those he ruled, anticipated, laid down the reins of govern-
ment yesterday ; and sailed from Port Royal this morning in
the Sparrowhawk for England, by way of New York.
318 LORD belmore's administration.
" About seven yesterday morning the Countess, and a
female attendant, in her carriage, and Miss Brookes in a gig,
driven by Colonel Mc Leod, left the King's House for Port
Henderson, w^here we suppose they waited the arrival of his
excellency, who left Spanish Town at about half-past two,
accompanied by the Rev. George Wilson Bridges (who had
been for some days previously domiciled at the King's House J,
and some few others. On quitting the seat of government,
and Port Royal Harbour, his lordship received the salutes and
military honours usual on such occasions."
The above requires no comment. The reader will see
the cause of many of the misfortunes under Lord Bel-
more's administration. If men are known by their
company, the unprotected state of the missionaries is
easily accounted for. In private life, his lordship is said
to have been an amiable man, but his nerveless arm was
by far too weak for the reins of the Jamaica government.
Justice, however, requires it to be stated that he came at
a difficult time. Disorders had accumulated under the
long but despicable administration of the Duke of
Manchester, which the imbecility of Lord Belmore
could neither grapple with nor remove. Be that as it
may, it is certain his coronet acquired no lustre,
but was rather dimmed and tarnished, by his re-
sidence in Jamaica. Good men were glad when he
quitted the Island ; his departure was regretted only by
the worst.
The death of that honest man and upright judge, the
Lion. Sir William A. Scarlett (brother to the late Lord
Abinger) was severely felt as a great public loss. That
HON. W. A. SCARLETT. 319
event occurred between two and three months before the
insurrection ; and had his firm and impartial hand held
the scales of justice during the troubles which followed,
the Island would have been preserved from much evil.
He had no acquaintance with the missionaries, but they
admired his public conduct, which showed him to be one
of the most upright men the Island ever produced.
With many, his administration of justice was not popular,
but that arose out of what redounded to his honour.
The unenlightened classes of offenders were corrected
with a lenient hand, but when a more privileged class
might stand convicted at his bar, and especially of cruelty
to slaves, whatever might be their complexion, the
severest sentence of law was inflicted. Great anxiety
was felt about his successor. At last, information was
received in April, that his Majesty's government had
appointed Sir Joshua Rowe, a gentleman from the En-
glish bar, to the high office, who arrived in May, and
entered upon his official duties. Without intending the
slightest reflection on any party, the appointment of a
stranger at that crisis was not wise, as the state of affairs
required such a consummate acquaintance with Colonial
society as no stranger could possess. Indeed, while sla-
very lasted, it requires no great sagacity to perceive, that
it was the worst possible policy to appoint a chief-justice
from any other bar than that of the Island itself. Many
specious appearances might for a time deceive a stranger,
which could have no such effect on one acquainted with
the habits of the country ; while, independently of his
own sense of justice, he could not but know, that no
S20 PREPARATIONS TO PROSECUTE
corrupt administration would be tolerated by the parent
state. The reader will judge how far the correctness of
these remarks is borne out by what follows; but this
much is certain, that (at least from the commencement
of the Mission) the official conduct of those gentlemen
who were appointed from the bar of Jamaica, was such
as would have been honourable to the judicial bench in
the mother country itself.
It was intended to prosecute the chapel destroyers in
St. Ann's and St. Mary's at the Supreme Court in June,
before the new chief-justice. But as several events
connected with that measure occurred some months
before, it will be needful to go back some time, in
order that the reader may have a correct view of the
whole aifair. As the perpetrators of those outrages
were well known, there being no temptation to conceal
their guilt, several affidavits were made out, and the
missionaries, under the direction of their law agent,
forwarded them to the acting attorney-general, Mr.
Fitzherbert Batty. Weeks, however, passed away, and
no notice was taken of the matter. At last, on the 19th
of April, the Rev. Messrs. Kerr and Wood forwarded a
memorial to the Earl of Belmore, informing him of the
steps they had taken ; that nothing had been done to ap-
prehend the incendiaries ; that they were prevented from
entering upon their duties in those parishes ; and re-
spectfully soliciting the interference of his excellency.
On the following day they received a note from the
governor's secretary, intimating that their memorial had
been received, and should be submitted to the attention
THE INCENDIARIES IN ST. ANN's, ETC. 321
of Mr. Batty without delay. On the 21st another note
was received from the secretary, together with the ex-
planation of the attorney-general. In that explanation
he stated, that there had been no delay on his part; that
he had not " seen the affidavits y" that he did not know
whether they had been lodged in the crown office by the
memorialists or their agent ; but, said he " I must
observe, that if the memorialists were desirous of prose-
cuting, they should have entered into recognizances for
that purpose before the magistrate who took their
depositions, and also to have obtained warrants from
him against the parties accused, and had them bound
over to stand their trial, as the offence is bailable, being
only a misdemeanor hy the laws of this Island, This
has not been done, and thereforife they continue at large
at present." He promised, however, that as soon as the
grand jury should find the bills, he should move for
bench warrants to arrest the parties.
To a mere English reader nothing can be more plau-
sible than the explanation given above ; but an impartial
person, acquainted with the institutions of the country,
can peruse it only with feelings of indignation and dis-
gust. The attorney-generalship of England and that
of Jamaica are in some important respects different
offices though they have the same designation. In the
latter country the office of that functionary is to be ex-
plained by the legal institutions of Scotland, and not of
England. His position is analagous to that of the lord
advocate, and not to that of the English attorney-
general. He represents the crown as the public prose-
THE GRAND JURY
cutor ; and having received information of the offenders,
it became his duty, not that of the missionaries, to see
that they were properly secured and dealt vrith according
to law ; and as to the crime of arson " being only a
misdemeanor by the laws of Jamaica," let him believe it
who can. The records of the insurrection, tell a very
different tale. The whole communication has very
much the appearance of evasion, if not of an artful at-
tempt to practise deception on a weak and inefficient
governor.
The time for the sitting of the Supreme Court arrived,
and indictments were prepared against John H. Sharpe,
Thomas Taylor, David Dow, R. W. Johnson, George
Gardiner, and M. Hyman, charging them with setting
fire to the chapel at 06ho Rios, in the parish of St. Ann ;
and against Edward Bettigar, H. Vandeburgh, and Donald
M'Donald, for the destruction of that at Oracabessa, in
St. Mary. The chief-justice, in addressing the jury, con-
gratulated them on the lightness of the calendar ; but
was sorry to observe that there were two cases of a serious
nature which they would have to investigate.* As the
crimes of arson, and the destruction of property, are
considered serious in England, and as they were so con-
sidered in Jamaica during the time of the insurrection,
the reader of course will already anticipate that the two
indictments aforesaid were what was alluded to by his
honour; but not so, and the issue may now be foreseen.
* The cases were " Rex v. Parker for murder," and ** Rex v. Smith
for a horrible outrage." See Royal Gazette of Jamaica for June, 1832,
and the Jamaica Watchman for Jime 13th.
RETURN THE BILL " IGNORAMUS." 323
The grand jury ignored both the bills ! ! It is a
painful task to record such an event, but it shows the
success which had attended the machinations of the
Colonial Church Union, in the protection of their " pa-
triots who had hazarded their personal responsibiUty."
While hundreds of poor deluded negroes were sacri-
ficed for the destruction of property, the whites, though
guilty of the same crime, were not only allowed to
pass with impunity, but also to glory in their wicked-
ness. At the close of the sitting, the grand jury pre-
sented Sir Joshua with an address, congratulating him
on his appointment to his high office ; and intimating,
that as a stranger, who had received his information
respecting their habits and customs " through erroneous
channels," his situation was difficult, but he might rely
on the grand jury freely tendering all the assistance in
their power, to further the ends of justice. His honour
sincerely thanked them for their addi-ess. In reply, he
observed, amongst other things, that though a stranger,
he was " a stranger with a mind unbiassed with any
prejudices." Thus much is certain, his mind was not
unduly biassed by any prejudice in favour of the mis-
sionaries : not that they wanted any favour at his hands,
but they did expect that a judge from the bar of England
in his official character, would exercise his powers to pre-
serve to them those rights, which the laws were designed
to secure.
The Cornwall Assizes sat in Montego Bay the follow-
ing month, and again his honour congratulated the
grand jury on the lightness of the calendar, which only
324 THE EDITOR OF THE WATCHMAN
contained a few cases of assault. At this court Mr. Bleby
prosecuted the ruffians who had attacked him in his
own house. But here, too, the Union was triumphant.
Oppression reigned while justice was asleep. The grand
jury ignored the hill !
A remarkable occurrence also took place at the Surrey
assize-court, held in August, in the city of Kingston,
which, as it is not wholly disconnected with the Mission,
deserves to be related. It is the trial of Mr. Jordon, the
editor of the Watchman, for libel. Mr. Jordon was a
Wesleyan, and during the reign of terror fearlessly ad-
vocated the rights of missionaries of all denominations ;
while the Courant, and some other publications, were
clamouring for their blood. During the period of mar-
tial law, he was marched with a detachment of the King-
ston militia, to which he belonged, to a distant parish,
where he continued until the insurrection was quelled.
At that time some of the articles in the Courant indicated
a vast superiority in point of education to that of the un-
tutored individual who was its nominal editor; and of this
description one of the worst appeared on the 21st of Ja-
nuary. Others had been published, exhibiting quite as
much of the ferocity of the savage, but for artful though
deliberate falsehood, and a malignity truly fiend-like, this
was perhaps equalled by none. Though not entirely fi'ee
from the usual vulgarity of the Courant, its style was
yet different, and its dark and sanguinary character ap-
peared only more exciting as it was partially covered
with a hypocritical respect for religion itself. The pro-
fessed object was to draw a line of distinction between
PROSECUTED FOR LIBEL. 325
the Scottish missionaries on the north-side of the Island,
and the others, who of course were designated by the
usual appellation of "sectarians." Of the former, two
were located upon estates, which, like some others in the
neighbourhood, had escaped the desolations of the insur-
rection; and this circumstance he ascribes to their fidelity,
while the ruin and bloodshed were all charged upon the
latter. " Wherever," says the writer, " the sectarians have]
set their foot there is a horrible scene of misery and desola-
tion, and estates entombed in ashes.* Wherever they
have gained admission, just like Satan in Eden, they
have produced disobedience to the master, impatience
of all rule, a general spirit of turbulence, and crimes the
most horrible. " These," said he, " are the blessings which
have resulted to this Island from tJiose fanatics of su-
perior light and wisdom. A horrible harvest of ruin
and misery is what Jamaica has reaped from these tools
of the Anti-slavery Society." They were further de-
nounced as " diabolical innovators y" as the " infernal
demons of Aldermanhury r as ^^ 7nissionary traitors;''^ and
were accused of all the evils which were then distressing
the Island. The atrocity of such an article is at once
apparent. It appeared when the rage of the Colonists,
was fast approaching to its highest pitch, when some of
the missionaries were driven from their stations, and
cruel men w^ere seeking their life. It is due to the
* It is almost unnecessary to say, that the "sectarians" so called,
were not permitted to visit estates on the north-side of the Island.
One or two in St, James had been once open to their labom's, but for
years they had been excluded.
CHARACTER OF THE ALLEGED LIBEL.
Scottish missionaries to say, that the Courant afterwards
treated them as it treated their brethren.
The gentleman who conducted the Watchman while
Mr. Jordon was absent on military duty was a member
of the church of England ; but as a friend of mission-
aries, his indignation exceeded all bounds when he saw
the aforesaid production. In the following week, he
charged its authorship on the Rev. J. Wordie, the Pres-
byterian minister of Kingston, and alleged that the
charge was sustained by his own handwriting. His
rebuke was terrible, and in some parts tremendously
eloquent ; but the spirit cannot be vindicated. Though
the article was most atrocious, yet the writer, whoever
he might be, was an object of pity, and it became a
Christian editor to exemplify the meekness and forbear-
ance of Christ. The result was what might be expected ;
a prosecution was threatened, and Mr. Jordon was de-
sired to give up the name of the party responsible for the
paper in his absence. This he nobly refused to do, and
took the whole responsibility on himself.
On the 7th of August the case w^as brought before the
Supreme Court, not as an action for damages, but by
indictment. Mr. Panton, the advocate-general, appeared
for the crown, a zealous Colonist, and who a few months
before exerted himself before the same court to inculpate
Mr. Jordon in charge of treason, as he had spoken
against slavery and urged its abolition. He entered
upon his work with much ardour, read the article on
which the charge of libel was grounded, and observed
that the Rev. prosecutor had adopted the present course
SENTENCE OF THE SUPREME COURT. 321
in order to the vindication of his character. Several
witnesses were called to prove that Mr. Jordon was the
responsible editor, and that the gentlemen complaining
was the party attacked in the offensive article. The
counsel for the defendant was Mr. Watkis, who man-
aged the defence with great ability. He strove to adduce
evidence to show that the prosecutor was the author of
the article which had provoked the dreadful rebuke ;
but all tliis was objected to by the Bench. It was not,
however, lost upon the jury, who after some time
returned with the verdict of " guilty of publishing
ONLY." This produced great joy amongst the numerous
spectators, and Mr. Watkis contended that it was tan-
tamount to an acquittal ; but the Bench overruled this
also. Mr. Watkis then moved for a new trial, alleging
that, amongst other reasons, he would adduce evidence
to prove that the article which had originated the whole
was written by the prosecutor. A day was fixed for
hearing his arguments for a new trial, but it was
decided against him ; and on the verdict of " guilty
of publishing only" Mr. Jordon was sentenced to " im-
prisonment for six months, and a fine of one hundred
pounds .'" Thus whether there was law for the pro-
tection of missionaries or not, there w^as at least pu-
nishment for their friends. But the object of this prose-
cution was defeated after all. It was no civil action, in
which the truth or falsehood of the alleged libel could
be taken into account. Even if the prosecutor had
proved the guilt of the defendant, he did not demonstrate
his own innocence as to his being the contributor to the
S28 IMPRISONMENT OF MR. GREENWOOD.
infamous Courant. And, indeed, his object was defeated
every way. Mr. Jordon was sent to gaol, but his towns-
men, immediately elected him an alderman of the city.
When the case reached home it was there examined,
and he was released before the term of his imprison-
ment expired, and the fine of one hundred pounds was
never exacted.
After the return of Messrs. Wood and Greenwood
from St. Ann's, the latter remained about three weeks in
Kingston, after which he went over to Port Maria, and
preached on the 8th of July. At the evening service,
one Lee, a Jew, came in along with several others as
vicious as himself, and by their rude and disorderly
behaviour seriously annoyed and disturbed the congre-
gation. On the following day this person made ailidavit
before a magistrate that Mr. Greenwood was preaching
without license. He was immediately arrested and taken
before L. E-. Stephens, G Vidal, and H. Cox, Jun.,
Esquires, and was committed to take his trial at the en-
suing Quarter Sessions. Having objected to enter into
recognizances he was sent to gaol, and on the 1 7th was
brought before the court and liberated. This was not
owing to the justice of the Bench, but to the clerk of the
peace, who honorably declared that there was no law to
support the indictment.
It was, therefore, the intention of Mr. Greenwood to
proceed with his work, which, from what had passed,
it was hoped he might be allowed to do without molesta-
tion. But having preached on Sunday, the 29th, he was
again arrested on the following day, taken before a
OPINION OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL. 329
bench of magistrates, and sentenced to pay a fine of ten
pounds for the offence of preaching without license. As
he had violated no law, he refused to pay the fine, and
was again committed to gaol. As this was a case
similar to that of Mr. Orton in 1828, application was
made to Sir Joshua Rowe to release him by Habeas
Corpus, as had been done by his predecessor. To the
great suprise of all Sir Joshua refused the application,
and the minister of God was allowed to remain in gaol.
In order that the missionaries might see what steps to
take, it was deemed prudent to submit the credentials of
Mr. Greenwood to Mr. Dowall O'Reilley, the new
attorney-general, and to obtain his advice. It appears
to have been his opinion that no case could be made out
against the magistrates, as there was no evidence that he
had subscribed certain articles of the Church of England
required by the Toleration Act, as it stood before the
19th Geo. III. Of course the attorney-general was
guided in this opinion by the decision of the Supreme
Court in 1828; and supposing that decision to be correct,
his conclusion was undoubtedly right. But the mission-
aries never objected to that law; they had applied to
the courts of Quarter Sessions under its provisions, and
surely it was the business of the magistrates to see that
they had complied with its terms, before they were
allowed to qualify. But in truth it was a new discovery,
for the said articles were thought of by none, so that it
was not for want of that form they were persecuted by
a cruel and unprincipled magistracy.
About the time of Mr. Greenwood's release, an instance
PROSPECTIVE WARRANTS.
of magisterial oppression occurred in Manchioneal. It
seems the white inliabitants made application for a party
of regular troops to be stationed in that district, where
they arrived on Sunday, the 12th of August. The officer
commanding, having been a married man, no suitable
house had been provided for him, and it was hinted
(not by the officer) that the house rented by Mr. Rowden,
the resident missionary, was quite ehgible. On the
following day Mr. M^William, a neighbouring magis-
trate, waited on Mr Rowden, and required him to give
up his house, or he should not be allowed to preach ; to
which he very properly objected. On the same day,
about two o'clock, he returned, along with Mr. Speed,
another magistrate, and demanded his authority for
preaching. He then produced his testimonials, which
they declared to be insufficient, as, said they, " there is a
Colonial law requiring dissenting ministers to take out
license in every parish." He replied, that he was not
aware of any such law, but expressed his willingness to
take the oaths whenever he might be required; inti-
mating at the same time his intention of proceeding with
his ministerial duties as usual. On the following Thurs-
day a warrant was made out for his arrest, and a special
constable was sworn to execute it, upon condition of his
attempting to preach. The constable, however, mistook
his commission, and went immediately to arrest him ;
but having gone to Morant Bay he was not to be found.
As he knew nothing of the matter he soon returned, and
was again waited on by the two magistrates, who once
more urged him to give up his house ; promising to
IMPRISONMENT OF MR. ROWDEN. 331
make up any difference in the amount of rent. To this
he still objected, and they withdrew, after threatening
him with the consequences of his preaching, should he
make the attempt. In a little time the constable made
his appearance, armed with his warrant, which had been
prepared " cut and dry," as has been related. He was
taken before M'William; when lo! the business was
found to be premature, as the warrant was to be exe-
cuted only in case of his attempting to preach. On
Saturday, the 18th, another warrant was prepared be-
forehand, to be ready for him in case of his preaching ;
and Thursday, the 23rd, being the regular evening for
public service, he officiated as usual. He was immedi-
ately arrested by virtue of the aforesaid warrant, brought
before M^William, and by him committed to the com-
mon gaol at Morant Bay. The cell in which he was
confined being very damp, he caught a severe cold,
which was succeeded by a violent attack of fever, and
his removal became absolutely necessary. He then
entered into recognizances to appear at the Quarter
Sessions, and was discharged. On recovering a little he re-
moved to Kingston for a change of air, but his fever again
returned, and at the time of Quarter Sessions he obtained
a medical certificate, stating his inability to attend,
which was admitted to be satisfactory. At the Supreme
Court, held in June, 1833, application was made for a
criminal information against those magistrates ; but on
their counsel admitting that their conduct had been
most illegal and reprehensible, the case was pressed no
further. The missionary had no malice to gratify ;
3S2 QUARTER SESSIONS AT MONTEGO BAY.
•and the court (somewhat strangely) thought it best for
the respective parties to pay their own costs.
Another instance of intolerance occurred in Montego
Bay. When the disturbances in that neighbourhood
had subsided, Mr. Murray intimated his intention of re-
opening the chapel; and as it was admitted that his
conduct had been unimpeachable, and that none of the
Wesleyan negroes had been implicated in the insurrec-
tion, it might have been expected that no impediment
would be thrown in his way. On his intention being
known, a placard was posted on the chapel, purporting
to give him notice, that should he preach it would be at
the hazard of his life, and that the chapel also would be
pulled to the ground. Notwithstanding this (after ma-
king such arrangements as prudence suggested), he
opened the chapel, and entered upon his public duties.
About that time a general meeting of the Colonial Church
Union of the different parishes was held in Falmouth, at
which they issued "a solemn declaration," binding
themselves to their engagements, and also that they
would not give employment to any " sectarian," or to
such as encouraged them in any way whatsoever. At
that meeting, the Unionists of St. James were severely
taken to task for permitting the preaching of Mr.
Murray in Montego Bay; and on the Slst of July, an
order was sent from the Quarter Sessions, then being
held, demanding his immediate attendance. He found
no fewer than about twenty magistrates, all apparently
waiting for him, who informed him that they had received
information that he was preaching in an unlicensed
MONTEGO BAY CHAPEL SHUT UP.
house, and was also unlicensed himself. He replied,
that the old building had been duly registered in that
court, that as the new one was on the same site, it had
not been thought necessary to present it ; and that he
himself had qualified, not only in England, but also on
the Island. They, however, decided he was not legally
entitled to preach, on which he presented the chapel for
registration, and offered again to take the oaths, which
the law gave them no power to refuse; but they
sternly rejected his application. Two of their number
indeed, Mr. Guthrie and another gentleman, advocated
his cause, but as all the rest gave their voice against
him, it was to no purpose. The person who presided on
the occasion was Mr. John Coates, a violent antagonist ;
but thus much must in justice be said for the whites
in Montego Bay, that his was a character anything but
highly respected.
The situation of Mr. Murray was now extremely
trying ; both parties were strong on Montego Bay, and
he was assured, that should he open the chapel as matters
then stood, riot and bloodshed would be the consequence.
After consultation with his friends, he prudently con-
sented to yield, until his case should be presented for the
consideration of the governor.
For some time the attention of the reader has been
directed to a dark and gloomy period of our history.
Law and order wantonly outraged with impunity ; a cruel
faction triumphant ; and the servants of God suffering
bonds and imprisonment for his sake; while hundreds of
their afflicted people were enduring such fiery trials, as
334 SUFFERINGS FOR CHRIST's SAKE.
cannot be fully known until the great day of judgment.
Some severities still remain to be recorded, but a brighter
day was nigh at hand. These severities, together with
succeeding triumphs, shall be related in the following
chapter.
335
CHAPTER XII.
•
The Earl of Miilgrave appointed Governor of Jamaica — Friendly reply
of his Excellency to the Address of the Missionaries — Meeting of
the Legislatm-e — His Excellency's dignified answer to the Address
of the Assembly — Determmed energy of the Governor — Royal
Proclamation for dissolving the Colonial Chm-ch Union — IMagis-
trates in St. Ann's dismissed from their office — John Baillie and
James Malcolm are liberated by order of the Governor — Rev. Mr.
Barr arrested at Manchioneal — Incident at Morant Bay — Imprison-
ment of the Rev. Mr. Murray — Decision of the Supreme Court on
the Acts of Toleration — Daring outrage at the Coui-t-house of St.
Ann's — Colonial Church Union entirely broken up — A Bill for the
Abolition of Slavery passes the Imperial Parliament — Extraordinary
changes in Jamaica — Missionaries return to Falmouth and St.
Ann's and worship in peace — A Bill for the Emancipation of the
Slaves passes the Colonial Legislature — Death of the Rev. Ptichard
Watson — Proceedings of the Missionary Committee — The Earl of
Mulgrave leaves the Island — He is succeeded by the Marquis of
Sligo— First of August, 1834.
On the 29th of July, 1832, the Right Honourable the
Earl of Mulgrave (now Marquis of Normanby) arrived,
as the nevrly appointed governor of the Island. From
the time of the Earl of Belmore's departure, the admi-
nistration had been in the hands of the president of the
council, the Honourable George Cuthbert, a well-
meaning man, but possessing no energy. The mission-
aries hailed the arrival of the governor, and on the 9th
of August they presented a congratulatory address which
was favourably received. The insertion of the address
would occupy too much of our space, but the reply of his
excellency cannot be withheld, which was as follows : —
336 REPLY TO THE MISSIONARIES' ADDRESS.
" Gentlemen,
" I thank you most sincerely for the expression of
your congratulations upon my assumption of the government
of this Island. The assurances of your sincere and inviolable
attachment to the person and government of his Majesty,
have given me the highest gratification.
" I am duly sensible of the complicated difficulties by
which ftie administration of public affairs in this colony is at
present surrounded ; but I trust to the prevalence of those
feelings which you have now expressed, and which so well
become you as ministers of the gospel, to the diffusion of a
general wish for the preservation of tranquillity, and the re-
moval of unhappy differences ; knowing that it is by such
means, my arduous task can be best facilitated.
" It is a matter of peculiar satisfaction to me to hear from
you, that during the late disturbances, every class of the
members of your Society were distinguished by a devoted at-
tachment to the government of his Majesty.
" It will be my duty, as a uniform supporter of the cause
of religious liberty, to extend to you that protection in the
enjoyment of your rights and privileges which our constitu-
tion has granted, and which, whilst acting upon the principles
put forward in your address, I see no reason to suppose you
will ever forfeit."
The manner in which his excellency received their
address, as well as his answer to it, inspired the mission-
aries with hope. Both they and their people had borne
their trials with the most extraordinary patience. In
the discharge of their duties they feared no danger, while,
on the other hand, by their exemplary prudence, they
shewed themselves to be as far from unbecoming teme-
ENERGY OF THE GOVERNOR. 3S7
rity as from cowardice. But at the period of Lord
Mulgrave's arrival, dark clouds were fast gathering
around the distracted colony. The Colonial Church
Union had extended its ramifications throughout most
of the parishes ; but the free black and coloured popu-
lation were beginning to organize against them, and the
country was threatened with civil war.* It was some
time before the principles which marked his excellency's
administration were fully developed ; but the mission-
aries had the fullest confidence that a governor had at
last arrived every way adequate to the arduous duties
of his station, and not less disposed to fulfil them. He
visited many parts of the Island, inquired into its insti-
tutions, and inspected the hut of the slave, as well as the
mansion of the planter. It was long since Jamaica had
witnessed such a governor. He appeared every where,
and in a style becoming a representative of Majesty.
His early caution was wise and politic ; but an oppor-
tunity was soon presented, for shewing the decision of his
character, and declaring the principles of his government.
The Legislature were called to meet on the 30th of
October. The opening address of his excellency was
long, minute and conciliatory, but it was equally digni-
fied and faithful. Amongst other topics, he stated his
* It deserves to be noticed, tliat after a large and influential meeting
of gentlemen of that class had been held in Montego Bay, who con-
demned the Colonial Church Union, a handful of persons met and
passed a few contrary resolutions. The chief of the names must be
mentioned, as it would be a grievous affair should they be forgotten.
They were J. Boyd and E,. E. Breare ; Moncrieffe also, the St. Ann's
treasurer of the Union, was a person of colour. Alas, it appears that
these worthies were all educated in the mother country.
SS8 MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURE.
regret, that in some parts of the country he had observed
" a turbulent and lawless spirit occasionally betraying
itself in open acts of outrage, and consequent symptoms
of alienation between different classes of the free popu-
lation ;" expressing, at the same time, his determination
to suppress such outbreakings, " wherever they might
occur, and by whomsoever they might be fomented."
He gently hinted at the appointment of committees, in
both Houses of Parliament, who had been employed in
investigating the state of the Colonies ; that of the
Lords having been obtained at the instance of the West
India body itself. He informed the Assembly that a
bill had passed the Imperial Parliament for the relief of
the Island, suffering as it was from recent misfortunes.
Also, that the Orders in Council of November, 1831,
would not be pressed ; but he strongly recommended
them to the consideration and adoption of such measures
of amelioration, as in their wisdom they might think
fit.
His excellency's speech was favourably received by
the Council, but the long answer of the Assembly was
expressive of much dissatisfaction and deeply wounded
pride. They were stung by his reference to the Union-
ists, and endeavoured to apologize for their outrages, or
rather to justify them, by referring to the disasters of the
late insurrection. But what appeared to be the most
galling, was his reference to the Parliamentary Com-
mittees, before which they knew several missionaries
had given evidence. They disclaimed any participation
in their appointment ; boasted of the liberality of their
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. 339
legislation; and denied the competency of Parliament
to make any eiFectual inquiry into their institutions.
They said, they never recognized the resolutions of 1823,
and protested against the House of Commons interfering
with their internal legislation. They urged, that they
were not represented in that House, and that they had
no hope of an impartial and dispassionate result from
any committee it might appoint. The hill passed hy
Parliament produced no grateful response ; they simply
replied, that they would take it into their considera-
tion.
It is prohable, that under many former administra-
tions, all this might have passed without any animad-
version, but it was not so in this instance. His
excellency's rejoinder formed a perfect contrast with
the few formal sentences usually employed on such
occasions. He confessed himself disappointed with many
sentiments in their long aud desultory address, as wel]^
as in the spirit with which it was pervaded. His speech,
he observed, "broached no theory, and required no
sacrifice : it announced only a boon, and a conces-
sion for the present and for the future, patient exa-
mination at home, and a determination to report faith-
fully from hence." He left it to themselves to settle
how far it was fitting to disclaim a connection with the
West India body at home ; yet they ought to have recol-
lected, that their own accredited agent united in the
request for one of the Parliamentary committees ; and
that they had just vacated their chair, by sending their
speaker, and another of their body, to embark for En-
z 2
S40 THE governor's FIDELIl^.
gland^ so as to be in time for the next meeting of the
Imperial Legislature. Nothing could have induced him
to originate the irritating question of the right of Par-
liament to legislate for the whole empire ; but though
he should ever maintain the most inviolable respect for
their privileges, yet he could not listen to their declara-
tion, " without asserting, in the most unequivocal terms,
the transcendent power of the Imperial Legislature, regie-
lated only hy its oion discretion, and limited only hy such
restrictions as itself may have imposed.^^ He aifection-
ately advised them to judge others, as they would wish
to be judged themselves ; and assured them that it was
" such groundless accusations, which alienated the public
mind in Europe from the cause of the Colonists ; and^^
said he," if you continue thus to speak for yourselves, I
much fear it will be vain for any one to speak for youP
It is impossible for any true friend to Jamaica to read
the manly reply of Lord Mulgrave, without feelings of
bitter sorrow, mingled with inexpressible indignation.
Amongst former governors, who fattened on the bounty
of the Assembly, how was it that not one manifested
toAvards them the same generous and faithful friendship ?
They had many opportunities for announcing such doc-
trines, why then were they so long withheld? Had
they discharged their duty with equal fidelity, how much
evil would have been prevented ! The Assembly would
have been preserved from that deep disgrace, which must
for ever attach to the memory of many of its members :
the history of the Island might have been free from
many foul blots, which must now remain to disfigure
ROYAL PROCLAMATION. 341
it; and the fair fields of Jamaica might have been
unstained by the blood of its inhabitants. Never had
such a lecture been delivered before; it burst like a
thunder-clap on the ears of the astounded senators : — it
reverberated through every part of the country : — the
Courant teemed with abuse : — the Unionists fretted with
rage ! But it w^as all in vain. From that moment his
excellency sprung into the car of government ; and
though the unruly steeds had long been unaccustomed to
the reins, yet he impelled them onward until they reached
the point prescribed by the British Parliament, and re-
quired by the general voice of the British nation.
But another volley still more formidable w^as about to
be discharged at the wretched Unionists. A proclama-
tion was received in January from the Sovereign himself,
denouncing their confederacy, and requiring it to be in-
stantly broken up. All persons on the Island were com-
manded to abstain from any such Society ; all judges
and magistrates were required *^ to give full effect to the
laws for the toleration of religious loorshij), and to hring
to justice all such persons as might be found violating
them,''^ It is possible, that in the hands of some former
governors, the royal proclamation might have proved a
very harmless instrument, but in the hands of Lord
Mulgrave it became an engine of extraordinary power;
and so skilfully did he use it, as to break up the Union
into fragments, and then scatter them to the winds of
heaven. Copies of the proclamation were forAvarded to
the Custodes of parishes, along Avith which his ex-
cellency issued a circular, in which he declares his de-
S42 VIGOROUS MEASURES.
termination to enforce it in the most vigorous manner ; —
that all persons who should violate his Majesty's injunc-
tions should be reported to himself; that should they
hold offices under the crown, civil or military, they should
be instantly deprived of them, " that all others concerned
in similar proceedings may perceive, that neither actual
violence nor a repetition of illegal threats, will be
allowed to pass unpunished."
When these documents appeared, the hearts of his
Majesty's loyal and peaceable subjects were filled with
gladness ; but the rage and disappointment of their
adversaries were extreme. Threats were held out against
the governor, and one miscreant went so far as to assail
both him and the countess of Mulgrave with abusive
language, as they were walking toward the King's
House in Spanish Town. The infatuated Unionists
of St. Ann had the unparelleled audacity to call a meet-
ing of their body by advertisement, " to take jjlace on
the \Oth of February, to consider his Majesty's late pro-
cla7nation,''' This was a step too far, and the offending
magistrates were driven from their offices : nor was this
all, he repaired in person to the rebellious parish, and
knowing the loyalty of the colored population, he went
to a muster of the militia, and at the head of the re-
giment called up the colonel (Hamilton Brown) and dis-
missed him from his Majesty's service.
Nor was his excellency less to be admired for the ex-
ercise of mercy than of justice. Many of the negroes
confined in the workhouses experienced his clemency.
Amongst others the case of poor Baillie, who after his
LIBERATION OF BAILLIE AND MALCOLM. 343
severe flagellation had been sentenced to hard labour in
Rodney Hall, was brought under his consideration, and
he granted his Majesty's pardon and ordered his release.
Some time afterwards he investigated the case of J ames
Malcolm. It has been stated, that that excellent man
had received sentence of death, but that Lord Belmore
commuted it to confinement and hard labour in the
workhouse at Lucea, and to be wrought in chains during
the term of his natural life. But the malice of his ene-
mies was disappointed. Lord Mulgrave ascertained the
history of the whole affair ; the command of mercy Avas
authoritatively issued ; the chain was snapt asunder ;
and James Malcolm soon became a free man.
The above-mentioned events did not all transpire at
the same time, nor could order be at once restored. The
Colonial Church Union had indeed received its death
wound, but during its last convulsive struggles, there
were several instances of oppression which remain to
be narrated.
On Wednesday, the 27th of March, 1833, Mr. Barr,
who was stationed in Manchioneal, was apprehended by
a constable, taken before Messrs. Mc William and Speed,
and charged with preaching without license, on Sunday
the 25th. The constable at the same time arrested two
respectable ladies of colour, Mrs. Lyon and Mrs. Edwin
Drummond, and brought them before the magistrates,
to give evidence ; but respect for such functionaries was
fast declining ; those ladies despised their threats, and
they positively refused either to he siuorn, or to give one
vjord of evidence, Mr. Barr stated that he had already
344 OCCURRENCES IN ST. THOMAS IN THE EAST.
qualified, and was willing to' do so again; but they
affiiined there was a recent statute against him, and he
was sentenced to pay a fine of twenty pounds. To this
he decidedly objected, and by order of the magistrates, a
levy was made on the mission furniture, which was
nearly all seized, and sold for the sum of nineteen pounds
eleven shillings and threepence. A representation of
this case was made to the governor, and Speed and Mc
William were instantly deprived of their commissions.
It has been remarked, that though Manchioneal be-
longs to St. Thomas in the East, yet the white inhabi-
tants differed widely in their character and habits from
those in the other districts of that parish. But an
incident occurred at Morant Bay for which it is difficult
to account; considering the respectful treatment the
missionaries had long received from the gentlemen in
that neighbourhood. On the third of April, Mr. Barr
was advised by two respectable magistrates to apply at
the Quarter Sessions to take the usual oaths. This
advice was no doubt kindly meant, and as there was no
reason to fear the issue, he promptly complied with it.
There were six justices on the Bench, and after long con-
sultation, Thomas Mc Cornock, Esq., the presiding ma-
gistrate, stated " That it was decided hy a majority not
to grant any license at present r This case is inex-
plicable. It is undoubted that that gentleman had no
wish, as an individual, to prevent Mr. Barr from preach-
ing : he had long been favourable to the Wesleyan mis-
sionaries, and had been in the habit of frequent atten-
dance on their ministry : indeed, as Mr. Barr continued
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST MR. MURRAY. 345
to preach without further interruption, it does not appear
to have been the wish of the majority. It is j)robable
that the practical uncertainty of the law so perplexed
them, as that they scarcely knew how to act. The
governor had issued his Majesty's proclamation, and had
shewed himself the firm friend of religious liberty. On
the other hand, the chief-justice, though he had been
nearly a year on the Island had never decided the ques-
tion of law ; he had refused to release Mr. Greenwood
from gaol, though he had the example of his predecessor
for that course ; and was- thought to be quite as un-
favourable as many of the Colonists themselves. In these
circumstances, it is more than probable that the object of
the magistrates was rather to evade the matter, until
they might learn what the law required them to do.
The Society at Montego Bay had been for some time
deprived of the public means of grace ; but after his
Majesty's proclamation, together with the governor's
circular, Mr. Murray again opened the chapel, and
entered upon his work. In consequence of this, two
constables came to his house on the 24th of March,
bearing a warrant to bring him at once to the court-
liouse. He was taken to a private room in which twelve
justices were assembled, charged with preaching with-
out license, and required to give security not to preach
again, or to be committed to prison. As he had both an
English and a Jamaica " license," he desired to know by
what law^ they threatened to commit him to prison ; but
he was told that he was not to ask questions as they
had determined not to permit any conversation. He
346 MR. MURRAY IS IMPRISONED.
was again asked if he were ready to give security
not to preach : to which he replied, " he could give no
such security. '^^ His commitment was then made out,
and along with two Baptist missionaries, was taken
through the streets, guarded by five constables, like a
common felon. Such was the treatment of a man
whose congregation at the time of the insurrection had
been characterized by extraordinary fidelity, and whose
own conduct, his very enemies were forced to acknow-
ledge to have been most exemplary. Justice requires it
to be particularly noted, that against the iniquitous de-
cision Lord Seaford and John Manderson Esq., loudly
protested, but it was in vain ; they were over-ruled by the
majority, and the servants of God were sent to prison.
Mr. Murray lost no time in presenting his case to the
governor, and by order of the chief-justice he was
released on bail, after having been incarcerated about a
week. Mr. Murray was the last of the Wesleyan mis-
sionaries in Jamaica who suffered bonds and imprison-
ment for preaching the gospel.
At the Surrey Assize Court, which was held in King-
ston, the chief-justice, in addressing the gi-and jury with
reference to the intended trial of Mr. Dendy, a Baptist
missionary, gave his opinion, that the old toleration
laws were in force in Jamaica ; but as this was no formal
decision of the court, it went for but little, and matters
were in the same state as before. It was on this account
that an application on tlie part of Mr. Walters, at the
Falmouth Quarter Sessions was unsuccessful ; the Hon.
DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT. 347
William Miller, the Gustos, (whose conduct was not
marked by intolerance) desired him to let his application
lie over, until after the Grand Court, at which the matter
would be set at rest.
The question was accordingly decided on the 22nd of
June, and the acts of Wilham and Mary, together with
the 10th of Anne, declared to be the law of the Island.
From this decision, however, Mr. Justice Bernard dis-
sented, as Mr. Justice King had done before at the Surrey
Assizes. The author is not acquainted with the reasons
assigned by those gentlemen for dissenting from the
chief-justice. But they were both solicitors by profession,
and were therefore likely to be as Avell acquainted with
the laws of Jamaica as Sir Joshua Rowe. But whatever
may have been their views, we still persist that the
decision of the Grand Court w^as erroneous. It was
impossible those acts could have been the law, unless
they had been " esteemed, introduced, and accepted or
received as the laws of the Island" before 1 728. No at-
tempt was made to produce evidence that they ever
had been, therefore, with due deference, it is still
maintained, there was no ivritten law on the subject.
Though by the aforesaid decision the missionaries
were not required to apply in each parish for licenses,
yet it was far from being acceptable to the respectable
portion of the community. On the other hand, as it re-
cognized the existence of the conventicle act, and other-
wise allowed scope for some annoyance, it was hailed
with dehght by the Unionists, with whom Sir Joshua
348 EXTRAORDINARY SCENE AT ST. ANN's BAY.
Rowe became a greater favourite than ever.* On his
passing through St. Ann's Bay, on the 28th of June,
they presented him with an address, expressive of their
admiration of his conduct in the recent decision at the
Supreme Court ; which address purported to be from the
inhabitants of St. Ann, and was signed by Hamilton
Brown, an ex-magistrate and the degraded ex-coloncl.
So highly were they delighted, that it was even pro-
posed to take out his horses, that they themselves might
draw his carriage through the town. This, however,
was not done ; " hut he was saluted with several j^icces
of cannon J and tcith deaf ening cheers ;^^ which, says the
Falmouth Courier, " must have been highly gi'atifying
to him." Although, in his reply to the address, he ac-
knowledged that he should have preferred that such an
expression of thanks had not been conveyed to him, for
doing what was only his duty, " yet he could not but
feel gratified that confidence was felt in him while pre-
siding over the administration of justice in the Island."
If Sir Johsua were really gratified by this mark of " con-
fidence," he must be a happy man ; so thankful for what
others would esteem as but "small mercies." The
Church Unionists crowned him with laurels ! Long may
he live to wear them ! His wreath certainly possesses one
rare excellence, namely, that should it never fade until
another pluck it from his brow, it bids fair to flourish for
ever. The next paragraph will enable the reader to esti-
mate the value of such a token of confidence and respect.
* ITie Unionists Avcrc mistaken in tlic laAV, they understood it to be
far more restrictive than it really was.
DARING OUTRAGE AT ST. ANN's BAY. 349
The principal magistrates of St. Ann's Avho belonged
to the " Union," having been deprived of their commis-
sions, Mr. Greenwood appeared at the Quarter Sessions
on the 19th of July, for the purpose of taking the oaths,
&c., in order to commence preaching in that parish.
The Honourable Samuel Moulton Barrett was appointed
custos in the room of Mr. Cox, who had been dismissed
by the governor. Mr. Barrett had been formerly a
member of the House of Commons : he was a gentleman
of great intelligence and liberality, and also a true friend
to the religious instruction of the slaves. The intentions
of Mr. Greenwood were generally known, and many of
the ex-magistrates and other Unionists attended, armed
with clubs. On his entering the court-house, they cried
out, " JVe tvant no 3Iethodist parso7is here!^^ Rose
exclaimed, " I protected one of those ivretches hefore, hut
I will not protect this 07ie !^^ Hamilton Brown vocife-
rated, " We hcwe a firebrand amongst us ! . Turn him
out forthwith, forthioith ! " It was in vain that the Cus-
tos referred to the law ; they shouted, " Our detennina-
tion is above law : ive set the law at defiance ! ! " In the
midst of the tumult, they repeatedly attempted to get
Mr. Greenwood into their hands, but this was prevented
by the Custos placing him behind the bench, which was
set up at a little distance from the back wall. The con-
fusion still increased, and his honour, finding he could
no longer protect him, pointed to a door close to where
he was standing, telling him to flee for his life. This he
did, and in the space of a few minutes more he himself
had to follow his example. This violent outrage was,
350 COLONIAL CHURCH UNION BROKEN UP.
however, over-ruled for good, and it proved to be nearly
the last struggle of an expiring faction. The governor
immediately stationed a party of regular troops on the
Bay. It was seen by all, that law was no longer to be
trampled upon. The Colonial Church Union was com-
pletely annihilated ; its most zealous supporters sunk
into a miserable obscurity ; and the cause of righteous-
ness and peace became triumphant.*
The gross and insulting outrage at St. Ann's Bay
could not be passed over, and measures were at once
adopted at the King's House to bring the ringleaders to
justice. As Hamilton Brown was one of the members
of the Assembly for the parish, the party felt exceedingly
mortified. On the 28th of the same month, a requisition
(signed by about forty persons), was presented to the
Custos, desiring him to call a meeting of the parish-
ioners, to consider the " present alarming situation in
which the Island is placed ; as well as the insult offered
to the parish, in the attempt lately made to deprive one
of its representatives of his personal liberty." The
Custos addressed his reply to Mr. J. L. Hilton, the prin-
cipal name amongst those of the requisitionists, but who,
as one of the presidents of the Union, had been degi'aded
from his civil and military honours by the command of
the governor. The reply was firm and dignified. He
refused to call any such meeting, as it would only en-
danger the public peace and be productive of no good
* The riot in the court-house of St. Ann's -will be sufficient to
sliew, that tlic respect manifested towards the chief justice by the
Unionists was no evidence of respect for the hiw.
PROSECUTION OF THE ST. ANN's RIOTERS. 351
whatsoever. It was no use now to resist : the military
were at hand, and the misguided men, had only quietly
to submit, in the best manner they could, to the con-
temptible state of insignificance into which they had
fallen.
The rioters at St. Ann's were prosecuted at the
Supreme Court, which sat in Spanish Town the following
October. The attorney-general entered upon the matter
with great zeal, but as he could not but know what
would be the result of placing a bill of indictment
against them into the hands of the grand jury, he re-
solved to prosecute by ex-officio information. On both
sides the counsel displayed uncommon ability, but the
defendants were not able to produce any evidence to
shake the testimony of the witnesses for the crown.
Their counsel, therefore, in addressing the jury, made
but little use of their evidence, but they eloquently de-
claimed against ex-officio informations, representing
them as engines of oppression, and calling upon them by
their verdict to protect the liberty of the subject. The
chief-justice summed up the evidence, and charged the
jury with impartiality; but the eloquence of the de-
fendant's counsel prevailed : the jury retired and re-
turned with a verdict of " Not Guilty." By that verdict,
the traversers left the bar unscathed indeed by legal
punishment, but they retired amidst the hootings and
execrations of an indignant populace. But though they
gained the verdict, the object of the prosecution was not
entirely lost : they had had a narrow escape ; the times
were fast changing ; and the " loyal and independent
S52 MONTEGO BAY CHAPEL RE-OPENED.
parish of St. Ann's" was beginning to be generally re-
garded as a reproach to the Island. They very wisely,
therefore, put up with their degradation, and we hear of
them no more.
The persecuting magistrates at Montego Bay, appear
to have observed the signs of the times rather earlier
than their more ignorant brethren in St. Ann's. It has
been already related that Mr. Murray was held on bail
to appear at the Quarter Sessions in that town to answer
to the charge of preaching without license. On the day
for holding the Court, no magistrate made his appearance
excepting John Manderson, Esquire, who had been
throughout all the disturbances the firm friend to the
missionaries, and a determined foe to persecution. On
the following day he was associated with Messrs. Plum-
mer and Watt, and after a short conversation relative
to some cases connected with the Baptist Mission, the
indictment against Mr. Murray was brought before the
Court by the clerk of the peace. The Court, with little
hesitation, ordered a 7iolle prosequi to be entered upon it,
and thus the prosecution was dropped. At the same
time he presented his credentials as a Wesleyan minister,
and desired to qualify according to the recent interpre-
tation of the toleration acts. Mr. Watt only appears to
have opposed him, but his opposition was overruled.
Mr. Murray was allowed to qualify, and from that time
the Wesleyan ministers and their congregations have
worshipped God in peace.
It will not be necessary to detail at any length, the
well-known events wliich had for some time been pass-
EFFORTS FOR ABOLISHING SLAVERY. 353
ing in the mother country, in relation to the West India
Colonies. There, the cause of freedom was continually
gaining ground, as the agitations on the question of
slavery proceeded. The violent persecutions in Jamaica
contributed much to forward that cause : by them, the
indignation of the British people was wound up to the
highest pitch, and they demanded that Colonial slavery
should hear its doom. The evidence before the Parlia-
mentary Committees was new to many of the members,
and some noble lords, who were Colonial proprietors,
honourably declared, that they would sooner lose all their
West India property than support such a system. The
two members of the Jamaica Assembly, who had been
sent over at the expense of the Island, to represent their
interests and to claim what they called their rights, had
only to proclaim their own defeat, and to tell their con-
stituents what a bitter foe they had in the British mi-
nister. The Colonial party appeared to be infatuated :
even at home they clung to the accusations against the
missionaries, which, without the smallest difficulty, were
proved to be utterly false. They also employed certain
lecturers in their service, who knew nothing about the
Colonies, whose statements were easily met ; and thus
they themselves contributed to ruin their own cause.
The generality of their witnesses before the committees
made no great figure, and their evidence rather strength-
ened than weakened the hands of their antagonists.
Bad as matters were at home with them they were
still worse abroad; their violence demolished their
credit ; in a word, it was such that, as the Earl of Mul-
2 A
354 THE EMANCIPATION ACT PASSED.
grave had forewarned them, " it was vain for any one to
speak for them." Thus the friends of slavery were, under
the providence of God, so over-ruled in their designs, as
to be pressed into the cause of freedom. It is true
they never can share in the honours of a Clarkson, a
Wilberforce, or a Buxton; but even such men as
Bridges and Bruce contributed to the advancement of
their cause ; and the infamous Courant also contributed
its quota, as well as the Anti-slavery reporter. It was
decreed by the British Senate, and sanctioned by the
British Monarch, that on the first of August, 1834,
slavery should cease throughout the whole Empire ; and
the toleration laws of England from that time declared
to be law in the Colonies.
In returning to Jamaica we seem to enter upon a
different region. For several years, especially since 1824,
it had been to the Mission '^ a land of storms ;" but we
nowbegin to enter upon a period of tranquillity and peace.
From the commencement of the late troubles, until nearly
the close of the year 1833, the internal history of the
Mission presents us with but few prominent incidents.
The greatest prosperity was in Spanish Town, where the
Societies were favoured with the public ordinances with-
out interruption, and enjoyed more quiet than in Kingston
itself. On most of the other stations, even where the
chapels were standing and open, the slaves were so fre-
quently kept from attending, that no increase of members
could have been expected. At last the prospects began
to brighten ; Mr. Walters was permitted to enter upon
his labours in Falmouth about the beginning of July ;
MISSIONARIES WORSHIP IN PEACE. 355
and though the chapel lay in ruins, so great was his
success, that in the space of two months forty persons
were admitted on trial. He was also allowed to worship
in peace, and so marked was the change, that he says,
" I feel confident, that notwithstanding former occur-
rences, that if protection, or even redress, should be re-
quired by me, I should have it. Our prospects are
exhilarating, the cloud is dispersing, the scattered vic-
tims of persecution begin again to be collected, and the
church will, we trust, once more flourish to the glory of
that God who has thus brought us through the water
and through the fire." But though the people were
brought together who resided in the town, some time
elapsed before they were collected from the estates in
the country.
On the 19th of September, Messrs. Crooks and Green-
wood went from Kingston to visit the scattered Societies
in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann, and found the
state of afiairs much more settled. In Port Maria and
Oracabessa they were happy to find their people in a
state of comparative prosperity. On Saturday, the 21st,
they went to St. Ann's, and though they met a number
of Unionists on their way, yet none dared to molest
them. Mr. Greenwood preached the following day, in a
house which had been registered in the bishop's ofiice, to
large congregations, after which they renewed the tickets
to many of the members. In the afternoon they preached
under some cocoa-nut trees at Ocho Rios, close by the
ruins of the chapel wliich was burned after the insur-
rection. Thus the clouds were fast passing away, and
2 A 2
356 MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURE.
they hailed the approach of a brighter day than had ever
yet dawned on Jamaica; only on the St. Ann's and
Falmouth circuits they sighed over the ruins of those
edifices which had once been the sanctuaries of their
God.
The Colonial Legislature was called to meet on the 8th
of October. His excellency, in a conciliatory speech,
directed their attention to the recent measures adopted
by the Imperial Parliament, and strongly recommended
them to make preparation for that renovated state of so-
ciety which was then at hand. The Assembly replied
in a manner equally wise and conciliatory, indicative of
that great change of spirit and temper which their deli-
berations afterwards evinced. Mr. Watkis, one of the
members for Kingston, gave notice that on an early day
he would bring in a bill for the abolition of slavery. It
was his wish, and also that of Mr. Campbell, of Montego
Bay (another of the Kingston members), to have no in-
termediate period of apprenticeship ; but a bill similar
to what had passed the Imperial Legislature was ulti-
mately adopted, which, on the 12th of December, received
the sanction of his excellency. In course of the debates
there were occasional manifestations of old principles,
but it was clear that already they were at an enormous
discount ; and, with but little exception, their delibera-
tions were not unworthy of a legislative assembly. The
toleration laws of England were also adopted ; and the
sword of persecution was thrown back into its scabbard.
From that time ministers and congregations have wor-
shipped God in peace, none daring to disturb them.
DEATH OF REV. R. WATSON. 357
At the District-meeting of January, 1834, the number
of members returned was very considerably under the
return of 1832. This was not owing to any great de-
clension, but simply to the fact, that until that time
many of the slaves were prevented from attending the
means of grace. The Missionary Committee, therefore,
properly directed the numbers to stand as had been pre-
viously returned. At that District the brethren rejoiced
in the blessing of peace. More labourers were loudly
called for, and they went to their stations with the full
anticipation of being richly rewarded for all the toils and
sufferings through which they had been called to pass.
On the tidings of the late insurrection reaching the
mother country, the Missionary Committee deeply sym-
pathized with their suffering brethren in Jamaica ;
and they put forth every effort to render them all
possible help. None manifested a livelier interest in
all their concerns than the late Rev. Richard Watson,
whose name can never be forgotten by the Wesleyan
missionary. But the ways of Providence are often dark
and mysterious. Before he saw the full consummation
of his hopes and wishes, God called his honoured ser-
vant home to his eternal reward ; yet those plans of
usefulness devised by his piety and judgment have sur-
vived, and will doubtless prove a blessing to generations
yet unborn.
Mr. Watson was succeeded as senior secretary by the
Rev. Dr. Bunting, whose qualifications for the highly
responsible station are well known to be fully equal to
those of his illustrious predecessor. Under his direc-
358 SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
tion and that of his excellent colleagues, estimates of
losses sustained by the Jamaica Mission, by the destruc-
tion of its property, were drawn out and forwarded to
government, and application was made for redress. A
special effort by the connexion was also made on behalf
of the West India Missions, and in particular that of
Jamaica. As under the apprenticeship system, which
was to commence on the 1st of August, the benefits of
the Christian Sabbath were to be secured, and as new-
doors of usefulness would then be thrown open in all
directions, it became indispensably necessary to increase
the number of missionaries, as well as to erect additional
chapels and schools. All this was properly laid before
the public, and not only was the call nobly responded
to on the part of the Wesleyan body, but persons of all
denominations, and some of the highest rank, contribu-
ted in the most liberal manner. One half of the estimated
amount of damages was allowed by government, on con-
dition of the other being raised by the friends of the
Society, which was done accordingly.
After the passing of the Emancipation Act, Lord
Mulgrave visited the different parishes, and addressed
large assemblies of the negroes, explaining to them the
nature of that new state on which they were about to
enter, and those new responsibilities under which they
would be laid. His efforts, together -with those of the
missionaries, were productive of much advantage, and
greatly contributed to the peace and good order which
marked the momentous change. But it appears tliat
such exertions were too much for his lordship's health ;
LORD MULGRAVE LEAVES THE ISLAND. 359
and he was consequently under the necessity of quitting
the Island, which he did on the 14th of March, 1834,
after having held the reins of government nearly two
years.
On the announcement of his excellency's intention of
leaving the Island, and especially when it was known
that it was on account of the delicate state of his health,
a feeling of genuine sorrow was almost universal. Pa-
rochial addresses, expressive of sympathy and regret, were
sent from Kingston, Port Royal, and, indeed, fr'om the
principal parishes throughout the Island. The ministers
of the various denominations, expressing similar senti-
ments, adopted the same course ; and their addresses
were received and answered in the most kind and re-
spectful manner. When it was known that it was his
intention to depart from Kingston (in which city he had
chiefly resided), preparations were made by the inhabi-
tants suitable to the occasion. Both battalions of the
militia were called out, who, together with the 22nd
and 37th regiments, lined the streets fi'om the Parade to
the Ordnance Wharf. His excellency, the Countess of
Mulgrave and suite, entered on the Parade at half-past
four o'clock, and were received by a salute of twenty-
four guns from the artillery, and advanced slowly through
the military avenue to the Ordnance Yard. On her
ladyship alighting from her carriage, a number of gen-
teely dressed young negro women strewed her path
with flowers ; and his excellency, after cordially shaking
hands with the principal persons in the Colony, went on
board the Rhadamanthus, amidst the repeated thunders
360 LORD MULG rave's ADMINISTRATION.
of artillery, followed by the best wishes and earnest
prayers of all the truly good tlii'oughout the whole
Island.
The period of Lord Mulgrave's administration must
ever be regarded as an eventful era in the history of Ja-
maica. When he entered upon his arduous duties, he
found anarchy and confusion, religious intolerance, and
the fiercest persecution threatening to destroy the last
vestiges of society ; and to all appearance the Island was
on the verge of a civil war, far more calamitous than the
late insurrection of the negroes. But by his unparalleled
energy and perseverance, persecution and intolerance
were put down, and a powerful but wicked faction was
crushed, which had been the cause of such disorders. In
the pursuit of his object he had at first to encounter a
formidable opposition. The popular j ournals assailed him
with all manner of abuse ; and even his countess, (be-
cause, with the high spirit of a British lady, she had
dared to trample on the pride of caste) shared with him
in their most malignant vituperation. In the midst of
all this he fearlessly held on his course, nor did he rest
until he saw the foundations of civil and religious liberty
on such a basis, as to secure their blessings to future
generations. So sudden a change of feeling, especially
on the subject of religious freedom, was perhaps scarcely
ever witnessed before. No doubt some of the old per-
secutors remained who might be as malignant as ever,
but they were in an instant thrown into a miserable
minority, and became perfectly fanglcss. An immense
majority of those who had been hostile, not only ceased
MA.RQUIS OF SLIGO. 361
to oppose, but their feelings of hostility were exchanged
for sentiments of liberality and good-will. The causes
of this remarkable revolution will be examined in the
following chapter.
The Earl of Mulgrave was succeeded in the govern-
ment by the Marquis of Sligo, who arrived on the 4th of
April. The noble marquis was himself a Jamaica pro-
prietor, but having been a member of the West India
Committee in the House of Lords, he was there, to use
liis own expression, " converted to anti-slavery prin-
ciples ;" on which he faithfully acted during the period
of his sojourn in Jamaica. As he could not visit all parts
of the Island before the first of August, he issued an ad-
dress to the negroes, in simple and affectionate language,
evincing the liveliest interest in their welfare ; and al-
though his talents were not equal to those of his prede-
cessor, yet he showed himself to be, what he was after-
wards called, " the negroes' friend !"
The eventful first of August at last arrived ; a day,
which, according to the predictions of some, was to be
marked with disorder, rapine, and blood. But how de-
lightfully were such predictions falsified ! The behaviour
of the emancipated negroes exceeded the expectations of
their best friends. On that day, and the following Sab-
bath, thousands of the apprentices were seen bending
their way to the houses of prayer. Jamaica had never
witnessed such vast religious assemblies before. Never
on that Island had so many voices been raised in praise
to the Giver of all good : never had so many united in
prayer at the throne of the heavenly grace : thousands of
S62 FIRST OF AUGUST, 1834.
petitions ascended to God on behalf of the King and the
benevolent in the mother country, through whose efforts
the oppressed had been set free. It is true restrictions
did exist under the system of apprenticeship ; but much
was gained. The reign of persecution was at an
END, and no man was allowed to invade the sacred rights
of conscience. Sunday markets loere abolished, and all
might employ the time of that day in attending to those
sacred exercises for which the Sabbath was instituted.
363
CHAPTER XIII.
Extraordinary change in the state of public feeling, — Remarks on
Colonial Society — Management of Estates — Agents rii London — -
Governors of Jamaica — Correspondence of the Colonial Office —
Favourable Changes accounted for — Altered aspect of the Mission
— Rev. Valentine Ward sent out as the special Representative of
the Conference and Missionary Committee — District Meeting of
1835 — Death of Mr. Ward and five other Missionaries — Unprece-
dented Prosperity of the Mission — Establishment of Day Schools —
Temporary Agitation — Erection of a new Chapel in Kingston — Ju-
bilee of the Mission — New Marriage Act passes the Legislature —
Enlightened Liberality of the House of Assembly and of his Excel-
lency Sir Charles Metcalfe — Report on the state of the Mission — •
— Visit of the Rev. Robert Young — Great depression of Colonial
Interests — The present " transition state" of Jamaica Society — The
present state of the Mission — Concluding remarks.
It has been observed in the preceding chapter, that not
only did the reign of persecution in Jamaica terminate
with the passing of the Emancipation Act, but that
feelings of hostility were suddenly exchanged for senti-
ments of liberaHty and good-will. This remarkable
change has been attributed to a variety of causes. It
has been very generally thought that the twenty millions
voted by parliament as compensation for the slaves, was
what principally conciliated the Colonists, and disarmed
them of their hostility to the teachers of religion : but
it is obvious that this had very little to do with the mat-
ter ; for although the West India interest at home was
benefited by the measure, very few of the planters on
the Island derived any advantage whatsoever : the
364 EXTRAORDINARY CHANGES.
parties who did were generally amongst those who had
never been disposed to persecution. It has been more pro-
perly ascribed to the firm determination of the parent
government (at last unambiguously expressed) to stop
the rage of persecuting violence, and to secure to every
British subject the right to worship God according to
the dictates of his conscience ; but this alone does not
solve the question. The strong arm of power may, in-
deed, wrest the weapons of mischief from the hands of
an enemy, but there must be something very peculiar in
his case if such an act would destroy his enmity and
change him into a friend. The feeling of the Colonists
after the passing of the Emancipation Act, was not that
of an unwilling and sullen submission to an authority
which they could not resist ; it was a feeling of respect
for the missionaries, and which has often been manifested
in the most unequivocal manner. In what way then
the firmness of the government, as expressed either by
its own acts or by its representatives, operated, so as to
produce the extraordinary change, is the question now
to be considered. But it is not solely on account of the
importance of the question itself, that the attention of the
reader is to be directed to it ; its examination will re-
quire us to take a view of the state of Colonial society
while slavery existed, and to give an outline of the lead-
ing features in the character of the Colonists, as pre-
sented during that period, which it is hoped wdll not be
uninteresting nor uninstructive. It may be said, that
such an investigation is beyond the province of an ec-
clesiastical historian, and may lead even to that of the
COLONIAL SOCIETY. 365
politician ; be that as it may, the writer feels it to be
nothing short of a grave duty to make the attempt, es-
pecially after having given such a narrative as that of
the Wesleyan Mission to Jamaica.
It is a remarkable fact, that the ecclesiastical history
of Jamaica differs materially in its external aspect from
that of the other West India Colonies. The introduction
of Missions in most of them, was indeed accompanied
with opposition, but in general it soon subsided, and
Christian missionaries were treated with kindness. In
Jamaica it was far otherwise, as the preceding pages too
clearly demonstrate. Are the Jamaica Colonists then to
be regarded as so much more outrageous, and so much
worse men than the others, as the aspect of their history
would seem to indicate ? Not so ; and had it not been
on account of some very unfavourable circumstances in
which they were placed as compared with the others, it
cannot be doubted but that the planters of Jamaica
would not have been disgraced by persecution more than
the same class in the sister Colonies.
By far the most influential portion of the white Colo-
nists (and it is to the whites alone that the present ob-
servations are to be applied) were natives of the mother
country, and generally belonged to the middling or
lower classes of society. They were not in general libe-
rally educated; and they left their home at an early
period of life, long before their minds were expanded by
intercourse, or their judgment matured by experience
and observation. On their coming to Jamaica they were
surprised to find themselves a sort of aristocracy on ac-
3f)6 CHARACTER OF THE COLONISTS.
count of their colour. The evils of slavery became fa-
miliar. Their reading was confined to Colonial publica-
tions. In the short space of two or three years they
became managers of estates, and not long afterwards
many might be seen on the magisterial or judicial bench,
or heard declaiming in the Senate. Jamaica was a
perfect paradise for enjoyment ; and as to their field of
observation, it was their world. Amongst themselves
their was also a kindness and hospitality little known
even at home ; and to be opposed to Colonial habits, was
sure to awaken suspicion, and was sometimes regarded as
enmity to humanity itself. Meanwhile few attended
any place of worship ; and on estates the comforts of the
domestic circle were nearly unknown. Amongst the
white natives matters were rather worse. Marriage,
indeed, was more common, but they were born an aris-
tocracy, nurtured in Colonial prejudices, and were gene-
rally vain and ostentatious to such a degree as to expose
them to the contempt of the British settlers, whose man-
ners were more dignified because much less pompous.
The influence of this class was most extensive in the so
called " virtuous parish of Portland," the " loyal and
independent parish of St. Ann," and in the district of
Manchioneal. Both classes were incapable of taking an
enlarged view of matters of diflerence between the Island
and the mother country ; and these, presented only
through a Colonial medium, were seen in an unfavourable
and improper light. It will be already seen that Ja-
maica presented an inviting field for those artful and
iui])rincipled men who flattered the prejudices of the
MANAGEMENT OF ESTATES. 367
planters, only that they might live upon their substance.
It is to he observed, that of all the local interests that
of the planting or agricultural was by far the most
powerful ; and all other occupations, as well as the
habits of the planters, were regulated by its influence.
On sugar plantations, the white officers were book-
keepers, overseers, and attorneys * Of these the station
of the book-keeper was the lowest, and was the first the
young planter had to occupy. The appellation was
probably first imposed with a view to delude young men
at home as to the nature of the situation. It is certain
many went out under the impression, that their principal
business would be to keep accounts, when on their
arrival they found that at first they had more to do with
"keeping swine." It pertained to them to take the
oversight of the negroes in the field, or when employed
at the works, and their condition was almost as servile
as that of the slaves themselves. They had no secure
hold of their places, and the word of the overseer was
sufficient for their discharge. " Saintship" would have
been an unpardonable offence, and the mere suspicion of
it would have been enough to blast their prospects.
But they were supported by hope. In two or three years
they expected a release from their drudgery, and to be-
come overseers ; and, if they lived, their expections were
often realized. The overseer was the highest officer
necessarily resident on the property; his salary was
* In the smaller islands book-keepers are called overseers, and the
overseer in Jamaica is there styled the manager. These appellations
are much more descriptive of the situations they are meant to desig-
nate.
368 OVERSEERS — ATTORNEYS.
considerable, and in other respects his situation was
comfortable ; but he was as much dependent on the at-
torney, as the book-keeper was upon him. He also
might be dismissed at a moment's warning, and all his
fond calculations upon lucrative attorneyships, might
thus vanish like a morning dream. Many attorneys had
various estates confided to their care, and as in later
times their emoluments often exceeded the profits of the
proprietors, the attorneyship was the highest eminence
to which the rising planter sought to aspire. As a body
they were thorough Colonists, but though their station
was elevated, they were under such a strict mutual sur-
veillance, as required the utmost caution. " Saintship"
in an attorney (or even in a proprietor) would have
exposed him to the pillory of the Courant, or other kind-
red journals, and might have been attended with very
disagreeable consequences.* Few of them knew anything
personally of the missionaries, and fewer still were
capable of appreciating the spiritual character and ob-
jects of their work. They had been trained in the same
school as their dependents, and, with few exceptions, their
prejudices against the teachers of religion were equally
strong. The reader will again see a state of society
affording but too many facilities for thfe operation of those
wicked influences which have been adverted to in the
preceding paragraph.
The practice of appointing an Agent for the Colony
* For an illustration of this the reader may consult the evidence of
Messrs. Taylor and Wildman, before the Commons' Committee on
Slavery in 1832.
AGENTS IN LONDON. 369
in London with a large salary, was also an arrangement
which during the continuance of slavery operated very
injuriously on the prejudices of the Colonists. It is
very difficult to percei^ e what interest can at any time
be served by such agency ; but it is certain that during
the period referred to, its tendency was to keep up a
feeling of irritation against the parent government, and
to increase the hostihty to the religious teachers of the
slaves. There were certain facts with which it was of
the highest importance to the character and interests of
the Colonists they should have been made acquainted.
They ought to have known that no government had any
wish to sacrifice the Colonies ; that even such men as
Wilberforce and Buxton had no desire to deprive the
owners of slaves of just compensation, for such losses as
they might sustain by theii* emancipation; that the
clamours of the popular journals were based on false-
hood ; and that the missionaries were not the paid agents
of the Anti-slavery Society, employed in disseminating
sedition amongst the slaves. But what Jamaica agent
ever dared to assert those facts to his constituents, or to
impress them in a Avay commensurate with their im-
portance ? His side was that of the Colonists ; and as
he was their oracle, the weight of his statements was
prodigious. But had he been disposed to insist on the
above-mentioned facts, he must have knoT\Ti what would
have been the result. It would have been said, that he
too had gone over to the side of the enemy ; that he had
betrayed their interests, and had become as much a
" saint" as the King's ministers, or as Wilberforce and
2 B
370 INEFFICIENCY OF CERTAIN
Buxton themselves. It would have been his last re-
sponse, and the oracle would have been " struck dumb
for ever."
It is not intended to convey the slightest reflection on
the integrity of those gentlemen who have held the situ-
ation of Jamaica agents. It is by no means insinuated
that they designedly kept back the truth from their con-
stituents. The fact rather appears to be that one reason
for their appointment was their known adherence to the
Colonial side; the advocate and his clients holding
views precisely similar. If so, the blind led the blind,
and " they l)oth fell into the ditch."
Hitherto the remarks on the state of society are more
or less applicable to all the West India Colonies, though
with some differences unfavourable to Jamaica; but a
few other circumstances of the most disadvantageous
character remain to be noticed, and which (at least to a
great extent) were peculiar to the latter.
In the other Islands the early outbursts of persecuting
violence were in general soon corrected or rejiressed by
the fidelity and energy of the governors, many of whom
not only extended the shield of protection to the mis-
sionaries, but treated them with civility and confidence.
In Jamaica the conduct of those high functionaries was
very different ; and for more than the first quarter of tlie
present century, the greater part of them were either
totally incompetent to the duties of their office, or no-
toriously unworthy of the confidence reposed in them by
the sovereigns whose commissions they held. Within
the space of twenty-seven years no fewer than six enact-
GOVERNORS OF JAMAICA. 371
ments, framed with the design of crushing the mis-
sionaries, passed the Legislature, and only in one instance
was the consent of the governor withheld, namely, that
of Sir John Keane in 1828 ; the others were all dis-
allowed hy the King in Council. The reader is already
aware that the first attempt was made in 1802, and no
apology can be urged on behalf of Major-General Nugent
for having at that period given his sanction to such an
intolerant proceeding. Let the results be carefully at-
tended to. The law was disallowed at home, but this
only exasperated the Colonists the more, until another
law, equally intolerant, but more artful, received the
consent of Sir Eyre Coote, which had the effect of
silencing the missionaries, and shutting up their chapels.
Again, through the paternal interference of the Sove-
reign, the nuisance was swept from the country ; and
the Duke of Manchester was appointed governor, in the
expectation that the best interests of the Colony would
be promoted by that arrangement. His grace was
allow^ed to retain the office for nearly twenty years ; but
he also degraded his dignity by consenting to the act of
1810, and afterwards to that of 1826. In the space of
three years, the same example w^as followed by the weak
Earl of Belmore ; who was reprimanded for his conduct,
and more particularly, as his immediate predecessor had
defeated a similar attempt only twelve months before,
and had been highly approved of by the government.
The Colonists were now wound up to the highest pitch
of fury, and they proceeded to deeds of violence unknown
before. Their conduct is justly to be condemned, and
2 B 2
^12 CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COLONIAL OFFICE.
indeed execrated, but the intelligent reader, considering
what sort of governors had for many years ruled in the
Island, Avill not refuse to mingle pity with his censure.
An immense mass of evil had been accumulating under
their administrations, which required all the energ^^ of
the Earl of Mulgrave to remove. It was happy for the
community that that nobleman possessed powers quite
adequate to the work, and was equally disposed to its
])erformance.
In addition to the above, it must also be acknowledged,
that the tone of oiRcial correspondence on the part of the
government at home was often injudicious, and but ill
calculated to check the evils they wished to eradicate.
Their despatches to the Legislature were generally in a
style such as would have been adapted to statesmen of
large and comprehensive views, and well skilled in all
the branches of political science. Is it necessary to say
that the House of Assembly was not composed of such
statesmen ? What they required was the wisdom of a
parent to guide them, together with a parent's affection,
and above all, a parent's firmness, and it was in this last
element that the correspondence of the Colonial Office
was principally defective. It is true that in the despatch
of Mr. Huskisson in 1827, and that of Sir George Mur-
ray in 1830, there was a manly firmness; but in both
those documents the good effect was neutralized by the
injudicious manner in which they were eulogized for
the apparently ameliorating trifles, which were con-
tained in the bills which were disallowed. But trifles
though they were, the Assembly knew very well that
THE JAMAICA PRESS. did
they had no wish to see them incorporated with the
slave-code, unless, as the price of such concession, the
government would also sanction the clauses which were
intended to harrass the Christian missionary, and to put
an end to his labours. They deserved no praise, but
rather censure ; and it is a fact, that those expressions of
the government were interpreted only as indications of
weakness, and not as sentiments of good- will. The
firm attitude had to be adopted at last, and the happy
result proves the correctness of the view here taken of
its efficiency. Lord Mulgi'ave treated the Assembly as
they ought to have been treated all along, and backed as
he was by the government at home, the fierce elements
at once ceased to rage, and there was a great calm.
The reader will now attend to the influences of a
licentious press, on a state of society unhappily so well
prepared for being powerfully affected by it. It has
been already observed, that the reading of the planters
was in general almost exclusively confined to the co-
lonial publications, of which the Courant was by far the
most popular, and exerted an influence which it is im-
possible to describe ; none of the other papers furnished
an antidote to its poison, excepting the Watchman,
which was seldom seen by the planters, and was more-
over regarded only as an enemy. The Courant, therefore,
was all-powerful, and its power was increased by the
well known, but humbling fact, that two ministers w^ere
amongst its patrons, and contributed to its most in-
famous columns." The misguided and heated Colonists
in the meanwhile cagerlv received all its statements.
374 SINGULAR VIEWS OF THE
and believed them as firmly as if tliey had been revela-
tions from heaven. They were taught that the mis-
sionaries were the emissaries of a hostile faction at home,
and were only seeking their destruction, and that they
must be expelled from the Island : that the mother-
country was in fact as much dependent upon Jamaica
as Jamaica was upon Britain : and that should she any
longer interfere with their institutions, then they would
arise, and mighty in the strength of their Unions, and
terrible in the number of their bayonets, and in the
valour of their militia, any force the parent state could
send against them would be speedily swept from the
Island, as with the besom of destruction. All this icas
hclieced ! and the unhappy Colonists impelled each
other onward with increasing velocity in a career of in-
famy and ruin. It was at this critical time that the
voice of British power burst like thunder on the dis-
tracted Island. Lord Mulgrave had exhibited the true
dimensions of the House of Assembly, and in the name
of the Sovereign demanded the consciences of his ma-
jesty's subjects to be unfettered. The Imperial Legis-
lature at the same time decreed that slavery should be for
ever abolished, and that the oppressed should be set
free. The Assembly, which had been recently so cou-
rageous became tame and harmless, under the pretext
that compensation was to be awarded for the slaves.
But it was a very different compensation from that
which had been clamoured for, and but a small portion
indeed would come to them or the planters on the
estates. In their addi'ess to Lord Mulgrave they averred
JAMAICA COLONISTS. 375
that they had never defended slavery, but upon the
rights of property. As this was partly true, his Lordship
acted wisely in not disputing the credit which they
claimed. The fact is, the Colonial citadel loas taken :
why should he have denied to the vanquished to march
out with the honours of war ?
It may now be seen how a spirit of rancorous hostility
to missions was so long perpetuated, and in what way
the firmness of the government was productive of the
extraordinary change in public feeling in 1834. The
Colonists as a body were united by the same views of
their interests, and by their dependence on each other ;
and were generally exasperated against the mother
country as well as against the missionaries : but they
were all the while labouring under the greatest delusion,
which by the determined measures then adopted was
almost instantly dispelled. The voice of the British
nation was lifted up in the cause of righteousness, and
that voice demanded their submission. But where now
were the men who were to lead them to victory over the
British arms, and to deliver the country from British
interference ? They were awed into silence ; while their
boasted Unions were broken into fragments, and scat-
tered as by the winds of heaven. Their eyes at once
were opened and everything was seen in a different light.
They saw that the missionaries were not the contemp-
tible vermin they had been taught to believe : that they
had rights which would be vindicated; and even a
standing in society of which they had formed no con-
ception. The fallacies of the Courant were effectually
376 GREAT CHANGES IN THE COLONY
exposed ; its credit was gone, and the insolvent editor
and proprietor was sent to languish in a gaol. It was
seen that the day of freedom was at hand, and that the
missionaries, of all others, were the men the most likely
to he instrumental in securing the blessings of peace.
The sword of persecution was exchanged for the olive
branch, and religious liberty became firmly established
in the land.
The preceding observations present the character of
the great body of the Colonists in a less odious light than
that in which it has been often regarded, and certainly as
better than what might be inferred from the ecclesiastical
history of Jamaica. Few of them knew anything of the
missionaries, excepting what had been conveyed through
the channels of misrepresentation and falsehood. In no
part of the Island were they so well known as in certain
districts in St. Thomas in the East, where for years they
had been treated with much civility, and where the
kindness of several of the leading inhabitants cannot be
forgotten. There were some even in St. Ann's itself,
who, had they been anywhere else, would in all proba-
bility have been preserved from that disgrace into which
it is mucfi to be lamented they ever fell. The Honour-
able Henry Cox was certainly a very amiable man, and
at heart no friend to persecution: Mr. Betty, who is
alluded to in the correspondence of Mr. Whitehouse,
was also in many respects an estimable individual, and
as a neighbour deserving of esteem: even Hamilton
Brown himself, though possessing very little information,
was a man whose general conduct was marked by much
ACCOUNTED FOR.
377
kindness and generosity. But they were surrounded by
vipers, and were led astray by those whose example
ought to have led them into a diiFerent course. Had
such men only enjoyed the fear of God, their chamcters
would have been preserved untarnished, and they would
have been kept from that unenviable prominence which
exhibits both their weakness and their guilt. Besides
ihese, it cannot be doubted but that there were many in
less elevated stations who secretly cherished sentiments
of respect for the missionaries, but who, from a want of
religious principle, were afraid to avow it. No doubt
some of those suffered themselves to be drawn into the
work of persecution, much against their own inclinations,
and would rejoice when the day came which released
them from a service they had never loved. The Colo-
nists as a body had many faults, and in the matter of
religious persecution their guilt was great, but the guilt
of those venal and unprincipled men was much greater,
who, for their own selfish ends, took advantage from
their position to lead them onward in their career of
violence, until they were covered with disgrace, and
many plunged into ruin. But of all the parties implicated
in those atrocities, the greatest degree of blame must be
attached to those worthless governors, the nuisance of
whose private example was a moral pestilence, and who
in their public capacity neither acknowledged God nor
faithfully represented their King.
In returning to the history of the Mission after this
long digression, it will be found presenting a totally al-
tered aspect. The arduous struggles under the reign of
378 ALTERED ASPECT
slavery were over, and its progress from the year 1834,
becomes more assimilated to the prosperous operations
of Christian churches at home. It was the intention of
the writer, after a few general observations, to have con-
cluded the narrative at this period, when it may be said
that the leading peculiarities which had hitherto distin-
guished the Mission in a great measure ceased to exist.
But as some of its most glorious spiritual triumphs have
been witnessed since the establishment of civil and reli-
gious liberty, he purposes to give a brief outline of the
principal events which have transpired since that im-
portant era. This outline will be sufficient to point out
the results of so much toil and suffering on the part of
many of the missionaries, and of the grievous and cruel
hardships so long endured on the part of many of their
flocks ; but as it is not intended to enter into any mi-
nute or lengthened details, what remains is only to be
regarded as supplementary to the preceding part of the
narrative.
At the close of the year 1834 the Rev. Valentine
Ward, who had been for upwards of thirty years em-
ployed in the ministry at home, w^as sent out as the
special representative of the Conference and the Mis-
sionary Committee, It was intended that he should
visit all the stations in the West Indies, but to act at
first as the chairman of the Jamaica district. He ar-
rived on the 19th of December, along with the Rev.
Messrs. Edmondson and Randcrson, and on the 13th of
January the Distrist-meeting began its sittings in
Kingston. As the Committee had sent out several
OF THE MISSION.
379
missionaries some months before, no fewer than twenty-
five were assembled on this occasion. Those who had
borne the burden and heat of the day were glad to hail
so many additional labourers, but they were especially
grateful for the presence of their chairman, from whose
long experience, ardent zeal, and paternal affection they
calculated upon the happiest results.
On account of the troubles following the insurrection,
the missionaries were unable for the two preceding-
years to give a satisfactory statement of the number of
their members, especially in the northern parishes.
But the year 1834 had passed over in peace, and as they
had enjoyed their religious privileges under the protec-
tion of British laws, the scattered sufferers were once
more gathered together ; and it afforded real joy to find,
that under their trials they had in general maintained
their Christian steadfastness. The following is the re-
turn of members and of scholars in the Sabbath schools,
as reported at the District-meeting of January, 1835.
Members.
Scholars
Kingston, North . .
. 2301
175
Kingston, South
. 1256
179
Spanish Town . .
. 1509
471
Morant Bay .
. 1313
72
Grateful Hill . .
. 615
206
Montego Bay . . .
. 1050
365
Falmouth ....
. 852
130
St. Ann's ....
. . 1703
—
Carried forward . 10599
1598
380 IJEATH OF REV. V. WARD
Hiouglit forward . 10599 1598
Bath 1479 —
StoneyHill 621 191
Port Antonio .... 294 81
Lucea, &c 33 —
Oracabessa 269 —
Black River 70 —
13365 1870
Number of members I 19835
in 1832 . . .)
Increase 530
It wns not the intention of the Conference or the
Missionary Committee that Mr. Ward should remain
long in the West Indies. The object of his mission
was rather to visit the different stations, and to give
such instructions and advice as in his judgment the
altered circumstances of the work might require. The
business of the District-meeting being finished, he
entered upon these duties with much ardour, and where-
ever he went he was received with the liveliest demon-
strations of affection and respect. On Sunday, the
22nd of "March, he preached at the new station of the
"Ramble," on Proverbs ii. 10, 11, and in the evening
went down to Montego Bay. Here his labours termi-
nated. He was seized with violent fever, and on the
following Thursday he fell asleep, in the fifty-fifth year
of his age and thirty-fourth of his ministry.
The shock occasioned by the death of Mr. Ward is
AND FIVE OTHER MISSIONARIES. 381
indescribable. It was felt throughout the Island, and
persons of all classes sympathized with the missionaries
under so painful a bereavement. But other trials of a
similar description quickly ensued. In course of the
same year the Rev. Messrs. Wilcox, Wood, Walters,
Barr, and Corbett, fell by the hand of death. As these
brethren (with the exception of the last) had been each
a few years on the Island, hopes were fondly cherished
of their increasing usefulness for years to come. But
God in his wise providence had otherwise determined,
and their bereaved families and flocks had to bow to his
will, and to say, " Let him do as seemeth him good."
But although the year 1835 had its sorrows it had
also its transcendent joys. The places of those who had
fallen were quickly supplied by others sent ont by the
Missionary Committee; and on almost every circuit
they were able to bestow additional labour on such
places as were already occupied, or to extend their efibrts
to others which loudly called for their help. The hand
of the Lord was eminently with his servants, and it was
found at the following District-meeting that the increase
of members amounted to no fewer than three thousand
seven hundred aiid fifty-eight.
W^hile slavery continued the state of education on the
Island was very defective, and, with the exception of a
few of the principal towns, the only instruction given to
the young was almost exclusively at the Sunday schools
connected wdth the missionary stations. This important
subject engaged the attention of the parent government,
and the sum of £20,000 was placed at their disposal by
SS2 ESTABLISHMENT OF
Parliament, to assist in the erection of scliool-houses,
thereby to faciHtate the progress of education in the
West India Colonies. The government wisely deter-
mined to divide the greater part of this sum amongst
the rehgious societies, on condition that their friends
should contribute one-third more for the purpose of still
further diffusing the benefits of this salutary measure.
The sum allotted to the Wesleyan Society was £3000,
which was accepted on the condition abeady specified ;
but it may here be added, that for some years afterwards
additional grants were made and accepted on similar
terms. The Missionary Committee were fully alive to
the importance of carrying out the benevolent intentions
of the government, and at the Conference of 1836 the
Rev. Thomas H. Bewley was sent to Jamaica to super-
intend this new department of missionary labour.
On the arrival of Mr. Bewley he entered at once on
the duties of his office, and received all the help from
the other missionaries their engagements would allow.
Several new day schools were immediately formed, and
until the erection of the school-buildings, they were ac-
commodated in such houses as could be obtained. While
these operations were going forward, C. J. Latrobe, Esq.
was sent out by government " to inspect those schools
on account of which any share of the Parliamentary
grants had been applied, and to furnish a report on the
state of education in the Colonies." He landed in Ja-
maica in April, 1837 ; visited the different parishes ; and
was enabled to present such a view of the religious and
oducational statistics of Jamaica as had never been col-
WEEK-DAY SCHOOLS. 383
lected before. It appears that at first he expected greater
progress would have been made in the erection of
school-houses ; but on due enquiry, he found that the
delay had not arisen from any want of zeal on the part
of those bodies to whom the grants had been made, but
w^as entirely attributable to causes over which they had
no controul, and in particular to the difficulty of obtaining
suitable sites, with sufficient titles, in localities where
schools were most urgently required.
It is pleasing to know that what had been done in this
department was highly satisfactory to her Majesty's
government. After having perused the report of Mr.
Latrobe, Lord Glenelg, the secretary for the Colonies,
forwarded a despatch to the governor of Jamaica on the
subject, in which document his Lordship is pleased to
express himself in the following terms. He says,
" Although the completion of the school-buildings to which
Parliamentary aid has been appropriated has been so fre-
quently retarded, by the causes above alluded to, it is grati-
fying to perceive that the main object of their erection has
nevertheless been in a great measure fulfilled, by means inter-
mediately provided ; and that where the school-houses have
not been actually finished and occupied, schools have been
established, and are in operation at, or near, the sites of the
proposed buildings. I advert with much satisfaction to the
assurance of Mr. Latrobe, that although considering ' how
very recently the great majority of the schools now reported
have been instituted, and also the difficulty and uncertainty
that attend all first efi*orts, under the circumstances of the
Colony, he cannot be expected to give any decided opinion as
384 THE CAUSE OF EDUCATION PROMOTED.
to the actual efficiency of the greater number ; but the pro-
mise held out by all, more or less, is sufficiently encouraging.'
I feel," says his lordship, " bound in justice to the exertions
of the various religious societies, of the trustees of the Mico
charity, and of others who are engaged iu this important
work, to express my conviction that a powerful impulse has
been given to negro education by the aid voted by Parlia-
ment, and applied through their agency, and that from a con-
tinuance of such zealous co-operation the happiest results may
be expected."
The cause of education in connection with the Wes-
leyan Mission was prosecuted under the superintendency
of Mr. Bewley with success ; and after his death, which
happened in July, 1838, he was succeeded by Mr. Arm-
strong Avho was specially appointed to fiU the impor-
tant station. By his exertions, in connection with the
missionaries, the school machinery was completed and
brought into full operation. Great encouragement was
ffiven from the manner in which the cause of education
was countenanced on the Island. The parochial vestries,
as well as the House of Assembly, contributed Hberally
towards its establishment and extension, and an en-
lightened zeal was manifested for the improvement of
the lower classes of the population. The number and
state of the Wesleyan Schools will be presented on
another page.
But while the work of religion in its various branches
was advancing on the Island with unprecedented ra-
pidity, it is humbling to be compelled to state, that in
1837 the Mission was assailed by a species of opposition
AGITATION. 385
hitherto unknown to its history. In former times it had
to contend against foes from without, but then, for the
first time, it was assailed by a systematic and rancorous
hostihty from within. That turbulent and factious
spirit which had agitated the Society in England had
scarcely subsided, when, contrary to all that could have
been expected, it broke out in a few of the Societies in
Jamaica. The unfortunate individual with whom it
originated, had been employed for several years as a mis-
sionary in the other West India Islands, and ha^sdng
been permitted to spend a year at home, he was sent out
to Jamaica in 1829. After the appointment of the Hev.
V. Ward to his office, he was disappointed in his expec-
tations, and having been summoned to appear before his
brethren he resigned his connection with the Mission,
and drew away a considerable number of members on the
Grateful Hill and Kingston circuits. As usual the
spirit of enmity was very bitter, but it soon subsided.
It would indeed have been a marvellous instance of in-
gratitude, had the Wesleyans in Jamaica turned against
their faithful pastors, especially while the men were still
with them who had suffered bonds and imprisonment
for the sake of promoting their best interests ; but it has
to be recorded to their honour that it was far otherwise.
They generally resisted the insidious influence which
was used to lead them astray, and cleaved to the Mission
with a fidelity which nothing could shake. Indeed had
it not been for mentioning the honourable conduct of
those who resisted such attempts, the whole aflair has
proved so harmless as to render it otherwise unworthy of
2 c
386 NEW CHAPEL IN KINGSTON.
notice. At the commencement of the agitation, the
number of members on the Island was 18,715, and at
the close of the following year, they had increased to
20,152.
As the congregations in Kingston had greatly in-
creased since 1834, and as many parts of the old chapel
had become much decayed, it had been resolved to take
down that venerable edifice, and erect another on its site.
This project excited great interest, and James Taylor,
Esq., one of the members of Assembly for Port Koyal,
brought the case before the Legislature, and moved a
grant of £500 to assist the Wesleyans in this under-
taking. But what a change ! Former days had passed
away ; and better principles took the place of old ones,
with a rapidity almost unexampled. Several gentlemen
spoke highly of the Wesley an missionaries and of the
benefits resulting to the Island from their labours. The
issue may now be anticipated. The motion of the ho-
nourable member for Port Royal was carried, and the
handsome donation was contributed accordingly. The
Common Council of Kingston also gave their aid, and
many of all classes assisted with great liberality. It was
more than two years afterwards before this chapel was
finished ; a spacious Gothic structure, and forming one
of the noblest architectural ornaments of which the
British West Indies can boast.
Another important event happened in Jamaica in
1838. The question of the apprenticeship having been
warmly agitated at home, with a view to the abolition of
the restrictions imposed under that system, the Colonial
FIRST OF AUGUST, 1838. 387
Legislature at its recent session took it up, and passed
an act for its termination. The 1st of August was the
day appointed for the apprentices entering on the new
and unfettered condition of British subjects. On that
day the various places of worship were again thrown
open, and crowded with grateful worshippers ; and
throughout the whole country the conduct of the liberated
apprentices on that occasion, was such as evinced the in-
estimable advantages of religious instruction, and was in
the highest degree honourable to themselves. Thus the
last vestiges of actual slavery were swept away, and Ja-
maica became a free colony.
In connection with the sitting of the District meeting
of 1839, another Jubilee was celebrated, namely that of
the Mission. On the 19th of January, fifty years had
passed away since Dr. Coke first landed on the Island,
bringing along with him the message of salvation ; and
the people of Kingston prepared to celebrate that event
in a manner becoming its importance. The following
extract of a letter from a missionary on the spot, de-
scriptive of what then took place, will be read with in-
terest. He says : —
" Our faithful people entered into the matter with joyous
alacrity, and it was pleasing to witness the evident delight
with which they made the necessary arrangements, and testi-
fied their attachment to that Methodism, which under God
had been made so great a blessing to them, their famiHes,
and their country. The handsome and spacious chapel in
Thames street (Wesley Chapel) was splendidly decorated ;
and the words, ' What hath God wrought ! ' and the memo-
3 C 2
388 JUBILEE OF THE MISSION.
rable motto, ' The best of all is God is with us,' were in-
scribed in large letters on a blue and red ground ; while the
venerated names of Coke, Bunting, Jackson, &c., were done
in a similar manner, and the whole building was adorned in a
way I shall not attempt to describe. About a thousand
people were assembled to breakfast, and the addresses, which
were suitable to the occasion, were listened to with the live-
liest interest and pleasure. There was no public collection
made, but it was thought something should be done in a more
substantial way to celebrate the Jubilee of Methodism in
Jamaica, and a subscription was spontaneously entered into
which soon amounted to £400. This sum is to be devoted
to the new chapel on the Parade (Coke Chapel), as the most
suitable monument to that most devoted servant of Christ and
prince of modern missionaries whose name it bears. Al-
though I was on many accounts delighted with our jubilee
day, yet in more than all, I rejoiced in the unanimity and
Christian love manifiested by our Kingston people. It seemed
as if they were of ' one heart and soul.' Gratitude to God
for Methodism, and the blessings it has brought to thousands
in the land, was the prevailing sentiment; and the dying
words of our venerable founder, ' The best of all is God is
with us,' were frequently repeated, and responded to with
adoring joy by all present. It added not a little to the inte-
rest of the occasion, that the Centenary of Methodism in
the land of our fathers and the Jubilee of Methodism in
Jamaica, fell in the same year ; nor was the unparalleled
liberality of our friends on the other side of the Atlantic
forgotten — liberality which we cannot hope to rival, but
which wc doubt not our people here will humbly attempt to
imitate."
NEW MARRIAGE LAWS. 389
Let the reader only carefully study the ahove ex-
tract; let him contrast the scene which it describes
with the scenes which Jamaica presented at the com-
mencement of the Mission, and he cannot fail to catch
something of the same spirit which inspired that large
assembly. For generations the class which composed it
had been treated with infinite scorn; but what an
altered appearance do they now present. Here were
hundreds of the comparatively poor, whose respectability
and intelligence, elevated their rank in society; but
besides them there were not a few who had been raised
far above the state of comparative obscurity, and of those
some were gentleman who adorned the magisterial bench,
or were honoured as useful members of the Senate itself.
All w^ere animated by the same spirit, and all were proud
to acknowledge their filial relation to Wesleyan Metho-
dism, to which under God they owed so much, both as it
respects the life that now is, and that which is to come.
For some time a matter of immense importance had
occupied the attention of the missionaries ; namely, the
state of the Marriage Laws on the Island. During the
period of slavery they had solemnized negro marriages,
from which no inconvenience resulted; but as the legality
of those marriages was now called in question, they re-
presented the case to the Committee who lost no time in
directing the attention of government to the subject.
Laws were sent out for the crown Colonies, and in the
others the governors were directed to bring the matter
without delay before the respective Legislatures. In the
year 1839 the Wesleyan missionaries suggested the form
390 NEW MARRIAGE LAW PASSED.
of a bill to meet the case, which was introduced by Mr.
Taylor into the House of Assembly. That branch of
the Legislature were exceedingly desirous of having this
matter properly settled, and the bill passed with very
few emendations. It was, however, long under conside-
ration in the Council, who agreed to it in substance,
but made such alterations in its details as involved mucli
trouble and expense. The object of the bill was not
merely to authorize the missionaries to solemnize mar-
riages in future, but also to legalize such as could be
proved to have been solemnized by them in the past. It
was the nature of the evidence required which occasioned
so much expense and inconvenience, and of which com-
plaint was generally made. The bill passed in April
the following year ; but at the ensuing session another
measure was adopted, differing in very few points from
what the missionaries recommended; and thus this
most important affair was satisfactorily adjusted : It de-
serves to be mentioned, that the Assembly honourably
reimbursed the missionaries for what they had ex-
pended in carrying out the original measure for the
benefit of their people.
In addition to what has been stated, the reader will
be gratified with a short extract of a letter from a
respectable missionary, with reference to the House of
Assembly, which was written when the marriage bill
Avas in progress ; whicli, although it relates principally
to that affair, notices also some other matters Avliicli re-
flect the highest honour on that now enlightened and
public-spirited body. He says : —
INSTANCES OF LIBERALITY. 391
" The House also during its session just closed, has libe-
rally granted £1200, in answer to the petitions of four of the
missionaries who were engaged in chapel-building ; and it is
due to the members to state, that they have manifested a
strong desire to meet the wishes of the missionaries with
reference to the marriage law. The bill is not yet printed,
but it has received the governor's assent ; and as soon as it
can be procured I shall furnish the Committee with a copy.
Should there be anything in it objectionable it must not be
attributed to the Assembly ; that House desires to deal fairly
and liberally with all classes of the inhabitants."
It is somewhat unpleasant to state^ that under the ad-
ministration of Sir Lionel Smith considerable agitation
and dissatisfaction prevailed in the Colony. In 1839 he
was succeeded by Sir Charles Metcalfe, afterwards Lord
Metcalfe, whose talents and prudence were quite equal
to his charge. His Excellency entered upon his work
in a conciliatory spirit, and shewed that he had the in-
terests of all at heart, and was earnestly desirous of pro-
, moting them. He visited many parts of the Island, and
afforded his countenance and support to the charitable
and religious institutions which he inspected. He con-
tributed the sum of fifty pounds to each of the chapels
of Kingston and Bath, and a similar amount to the
school in Falmouth. Some time afterwards, when the
machinery of the school system was being completed
under the superintendency of Mr. Armstrong, his ex-
cellency was pleased to visit several of the schools, and
was so highly satisfied with what he witnessed as to re-
392 STATE OF THE MISSION.
quest that he might be entered as an annual subscriber
of one hundred pounds.
The work of God was now eminently prosperous,
Chapels and school-houses were multiplied in various
directions, and not only did the House of Assembly con-
tribute towards their erection, but also several of the
parochial vestries imitated the same example of en-
lightened liberality. These instances cannot be enu-
merated in detail, but the state of the Mission in 1842,
and especially of the schools, will be seen from the fol-
lowing extract from the annual report, which will be
read with interest, which is as follows : —
" The summary of the past year shows that a measure of
success still attends our labours, and that immediate as well
as remote advantages are secured. It cannot be overlooked
that we are increasing, although others are decreasing.
While we thus learn that the purposes of God are not to be
accomplished ' by might or by power,' the encouragement is
afforded, that by the blessing of God the same means will
continue to afford their portion of success, till the great and
final result be completely attained. We would not forget
the subordinate relation of schools to the preaching of the
gospel, but we claim an affinity of the closest kind for the
scriptural education which it is our object to impart. It can-
not be otherwise than that a great effect should be produced
by the daily education of nearly 3000 children. They must
receive impressions, and be brought under the power of
motives, which will give weight to the character and influence
of their piety, should they in after life not depart from us.
The model seminary in Kingston ranks among its scholars the
VISIT OF THE REV. R. YOUNG. 393
children of all classes. — the future legislators of the land,
those who shall rule and those who shall obey. Can their
identity with Methodistic operation be forgotten, or ever
cease to be admonitory or stimulating ?"
But while the number of members was gradually in-
creasing on the circuits, new stations occupied, and
chapels and school-houses built in many parts of the
Island, those extended efforts pressed heavily on the
funds of the parent society : with a view to remedy this,
and to regulate other matters belonging to the Mission,
the Committee in London sent out the Rev. Robert
Young in 1843, to the scene of his early labours, to pre-
side at the meeting of the District in January in the
following year, and to make such arrangements, for a
reduction of the grant from the parent society, as might
be practicable. The brethren for some time had their
eye fixed on this most desirable object, and in connection
with their people, they were enabled to state their con-
viction, that the amount granted to the Mission might
be lessened in course of the year by the sum of £ 1000 ;
expressing also their hopes that in a few years the Mis-
sion itself would be able to meet its demands from its
own resources.
It must however be stated, that the hopes which were
cherished and expressed at the District meeting of 1844
have not been fully realized. The Island was then on the
eve of those disastrous changes which have interrupted its
civil prosperity, and involved so many in poverty and
ruin. Vast numbers of the members have suffered, and
394 STATE OF THE COLONY.
from the abandonment of estates, and other causes, they
have been forced to quit their ancient locaHties, and
liave been scattered throughout the Island, in many in-
stances beyond the reach of the Christian ministry.
The result has been what may be expected, namely, a
considerable diminution of members since 1844. The
Wesleyans have indeed in this respect sustained but a
very inconsiderable loss compared with some of the
other societies ; and it is pleasing to know that the num-
ber of missionaries has not been lessened, that not one
station has been relinquished, and that the number of
scholars has increased rather than diminished.
It is not intended to pronounce any opinion wliat-
' soever, either on the policy or equity of the recent mea-
sures of government, which have resulted in the present
unprecedented depression of West India interests. But
it may be remarked, that nothing has as yet appeared,
which ought in the slightest degree to shake the princi-
ple so long maintained by the friends of the negroes ; —
that the labour of free men is cheaper and more profita-
ble than that of slaves. Slavery requires a long array
of attorneys, overseers, book-keepers, and other expensive
concomitants, which in a settled state of freedom will be
found unnecessary. It is true that in Jamaica slavery
itself is abolished ; but many of its expensive appendages
still remain, and, perhaps, cannot be entirely dispensed
with, until society shall have passed through the incon-
veniences of a transition state, and becomes settled down
on the basis of freedom. Much of the social fabric was
raised upon the basis of slavery, which must be gradually
FUTURE PROSPECTS. 395
taken down and erected anew upon a very different
foimdation. This is the very process at present in
operation, and which occasions all that inconvenience
and suffering which seem to be inseparable from all
great changes however beneficial. It does not appear
that any political, or fiscal arrangements can possibly se-
cure the estates in the West Indies to British proprietors.
It seems to be the design of Providence that they shall
pass into the hands of " the sons of the soil/' not by
means of robbery and bloodshed, but according to the
established laws of human society ; and that before long
a race of men shall be lords of those fair and fertile
possessions, on which their fathers toiled and suffered
as unpitied and degraded slaves. Should the work of
godliness prosper in Jamaica, the present cloud will soon
pass, and brighter days will yet shine than ever dawned
on it before. It is possible that its exports may not be
so considerable as in former times, as more of its produc-
tions will be enjoyed by its own people; but religion
will stimulate to honourable industry; vast tracts of
excellent land, which the system hitherto established
could never reach, will be brought under cultivation •
and the Island will become the home of a happy popula-
tion, and will be adorned with fruitful fields, and studded
with peaceful and thriving villages. But let the people
of Jamaica be admonished. If ever they should forget
that God who broke the oppressive yoke of slavery : if
ever they should forget their obligations to the men who
for so many years endured so much of reproach and suf-
fering for their best interests ; — then indolence and
396 STATE OF THE MISSION IN 1848.
wretchedness will be the result ; the Island will be the
grave of its own prosperity, and will exhibit, for a warn-
ing to others, the melancholy spectacle of the degradation
of an ungrateful people, and the sin of such as apostatize
from God. May such a day never come ; but may the
divine blessing ever rest on all classes of its population :
may its rulers learn wisdom from the failings of their
predecessors, and always adopt and prosecute such mea-
sures as shall promote the public good : may its ministers
be men of righteousness, filled with the Holy Ghost ;
and may its churches continue to flourish, until the land
shall be covered with the knowledge of God.
The following schedule will show the present state of
the Mission. It is taken, with but little alteration, from
the Committee's Report for 1848 ; and by comparing
with it the returns of the District-meeting of 1834, the
progress of the work since the passing of the Emancipa-
tion Act will be seen and estimated. For the reasons
already assigned, the number of members for that period
will be given according to the returns of 1832, but as
the persons who were on trial were then included, the
same class is also added to the members at the present
time. They amount to 509.
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398 CONCLUDING REMARKS.
The preceding schedule will show that a mighty
work has been accomplished in Jamaica through the in-
strumentality of the Wesleyan Mission. But who can
tell what innumerable blessings have resulted from it
since the first arrival of the venerable Dr. Coke, in 1789 !
Its influence upon civil society, in improving and eleva-
ting it, has been inferior to no other agency whatsoever ;
but its chief glory is in the honour conferred upon it by
God, in rendering it the means of conveying salvation
to so many thousands. Multitudes of those have already
passed into the eternal world, having left behind them
the happy testimony, that the grace of God is sufficient
to prepare them for that " fulness of joy" which is at his
right hand. Several have been mentioned whose exalted
piety would do honour to any age of the Christian church ;
and others still remain whose memory will be blessed,
for many years after they shall have left the church mili-
tant here upon earth. Of these there are two worthy
persons whose names have not been mentioned, but
ought ,not to be overlooked in the shortest account of the
Mission. The first is the widow of the late Rev. George
Johnston, who, since the death of her venerated husband,
has resided in Kingston, and who by her example, as
well as by unobtrusive Christian efforts for the good of
others, has been greatly honoured and rendered exten-
sively useful. The other is Mrs. Mary Good, whose
modest piety, blended with ardent zeal for the glory of
Christ, have rendered her a blessing to hundreds. Her
labours of love for the temporal and spiritual benefit of
others, and especially her unwearied assiduity in watch-
CONCLUDING REMARKS. 399
ing the sick and dying beds of so many of the pastors of
Christ's church, will be remembered in that day when
he shall say, " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto these
ye have done it unto me." Both of these excellent per-
sons have been about forty years an ornament to their
Chi'istian profession. May their last days be serene and
happy, as their past life has been so honourable and
useful.
For some years the J amaica Mission has been burden-
some to the funds of the parent institution, but the
liberality of British Christians has not been bestowed in
vain. It has been seen that many of the members on
the Island are at present suffering great privations; it
is to be hoped these will be but temporary, and that be-
fore long they will be able, (as they have shown them-
selves willing) to support that cause which to them has
been fraught with so many blessings.
MEADEN, PRINTER, CLAPHAM.
ERRATA.
Page 8 line 15, for " a short time" read " for years."
" 8 " 17, dele " utterly."
" 8 " 21, /or "absolutely" rmr/ "almost."
"49 and 50 for "1724" read ''1728."
"65 " 20, for "mem. con." read "nem. eon."
" 77 " 15, after " twenty pounds" iiisert "for every slave."
"256 " 1, «/)fe7' "correspondence of " mseri " Mr. Whitehouse.
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A narrative of the Wesleyan mission to
Princeton Theological Semmary-Speer Library
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