^^^ OF PRIrtCfTg-^ ( JUN 6 1996 SKETCH MAP OF skewing PBJNCIPAIi STATIONS c. Biiinswicb 3. Lanfid^le 7. Orangte 8. Waterloo Aibiou THE LIFE AND LABOURS OF JOHN WRAY, Iptoneei: /HMsstonar^ in :Bttttsb (Butana. COMPILED CHIEFLY FROM HIS OWN MSS. AND M^^^ OF PRI/VC^ BY THOMAS RAIN.l JUN 6 199f Ik WITH MAP AND PORTRAITS. " Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke ? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy liouse? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him ; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? "-Isaiah Iviii. 6, 7. " And he said unto them. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation."— Mark xvi. 15. {Profits from the Sale of this Work will he devoted to Missions in the Colony.) JOHN SNOW & CO., 2 IVY LANE, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G. 1892. PRETACE. Some account of "John AVray, Pioneer Missionary," by the present writer, appeared in the Evangelical Magazine for 1887. Based upon an acquaintance, personal and otherwise, with the scene of his labours and with surviving con- verts, it was such a condensation of scattered printed matter as about twenty pages would allow. Yet, so far as the author is aware, the little attempt was the first of its kind ; and certainly, so far as he was concerned, it seemed not unlikely to be the last. As of John Wray's own parentage and family, so of his widow and children after their return to England, the writer knew nothing. AVhat inquiries he had made proved unavailing; and the brief history soon began to mingle with the stream of things behind, which are on the way to being forgotten. A letter to hand, August, 1888, put a new aspect on matters. AVritten by a gentleman quite unknown to the recipient, but expressing, at his wife's request and in sympathy with her, thanks ^'for your kind remembrance of her father, John Wray," of which " remembrance " they had just been informed; it led both to a most interesting and valued correspondence, and to the loan, for a while, of such MSS. and Diaries as are herewith detailed. The lady, Mrs. Tuckett, for the last forty years or so wife iv PKEFACE. of the K(;v. K. H. Tuckett, retired Baptist minister of Exeter,"^ was previously wife and widow of the Rev. James Howe, of Berbice, fatally smitten in the same house and hour as her father. She is the second daughter of John Wray, and the elder of two surviving sisters, all that remain of his family.! Born in 1811, during the critical period in the history of the new Mission which determined her father's sudden return alone to England, and during the anxious time therefore of his absence ; despite her many years and changeful experience ; the perils, pains, and losses of earlier days, and the infirmities of later age ; her intellect is clear, her memory good, her spirit truthful, and her hand steady enough for most legible penmanship, so that her long letter of reminiscences and the two shorter letters of reply to inquiries are as dependable as they are interesting. John Wray's relation to the British Guiana Mission was such that the Directors of the London Missionary Society requested him to write its history. Eor this purpose they wished him to prolong his stay in England when (1831) he had returned in company with Mrs. Wray, seeking restora- tion to health and real rest. To their request he assented in part ; he would undertake the authorship, but the pressing claims of his home and of the Mission led him not to delay his return to Berbice. The attempt was made, therefore, along with the care and burden of those claims resting upon him, claims increasing rather than diminishing with Negro Emancipation. Amid all he fell ; his history, apparently in its first rough draft, not being more than one-fourth accom- plished. Papers and Diaries were then forwarded to the Missionary * Removed since to Exmouth. t Now sole survivor. PREFACE. V Society, the Directors placing them in the hands of their Foreign Secretary, the Kev. Wm. Ellis, whose prolonged illness, however, led ultimately to his resignation altogether of office. After a time their return was requested by Mrs. Wray, and with the family they have since remained. So complete and expensive a work as would at that time have commanded a ready sale, is obviously now not to Ije thought of. Too late in the day for such a production, it is nevertheless believed that a record of the striking and peculiar incidents of such a course and of the chief features of such a character and conquest as John Wray's, can never be too late. Regretting, therefore, the non-appearance of the work in prospect fift}'' years ago for the service of the Church and of the world, the attempt is now made, con aino7^e, to supply a record of this latter kind ; and, omitting much that has since become well known, or that may be better gathered from more recent works of science, travel, or manufacture, to pro- duce such a memoir as, notwithstanding its imperfections and shortcomings, shall at least constrain the feeling — Better this thmi none, and " Bette7- late than never." COTTINGHAM, NEAR HuLL, January, 1892. LIST or MSS., &c. I. History of the Mission, written in accordance with Resolu- tion of Directors. About 200 out of more than 400 folio pages ; the sheets in hand, barring loss of 8 or 10 intervening pages, reaching from 16th June, 1811, to 9th December, 1815. II. Diary, January, 1824, to September, 1834 ; about 355 jjp. Written in bound folio volume. III. Diary, September to December, 1834 ; January, 1836, to April, 1837, in folio sheets; blank pages being left for 1835. IV. Several Letters : John Wray to his children in England or elsewhere ; to his friend and benefactor, John Thompson, Esq., Albion Street, Hull ; and of Rev. James Howe to his father-in-law. V. Letter of Reminiscences by Mrs. Tuckett to Editor, 53 pp. ; and two other Letters of rej^ly to inquiries, 18 and 10 pp. respectively. VI. Several subsidiary Documents, also Portraits and Engrav- CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE INTRODUCTION, 1 I. BIRTH, TO DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND, . . .17 December, 1779 — December, 1807. II. LANDING IN DEMERARA, TO FIRST RETURN TO ENGLAND, 32 February, 1808— June, 1811. IIL FIRST RETURN TO ENGLAND, TO SETTLEMENT IN BERBICE, 57 June, 1811— June, 1813. IV. SETTLEMENT IN BERBICE, TO SECOND RETURN TO ENGLAND, 100 June, 1813— December, 1817. V. SECOND RETURN TO ENGLAND, TO INSURRECTION IN DEMERARA, AND DEATH OF JOHN SMITH, . . 153 December, 1817— August, 1823. VL INSURRECTION, ETC., IN DEMERARA, TO VISIT WITH MRS. WRAY TO ENGLAND, 218 August, 1823— April, 1831. VIL VISIT TO ENGLAND, TO NEGRO EMANCIPATION, . . 284 April, 1831— August, 1834. Vm. NEGRO EMANCIPATION, TO PIONEER'S DEATH, . . 322 August, 1834— June, 1837. IX. WHAT REMAINS — CONCLUSION — CHRISTIAN MISSIONS NOT A FAILURE, 346 APPENDIX A. WRAY'S PREFACE TO HIS INTENDED HISTORY, 372 „ B. SOME STATISTICS OF POPULATION, CHRISTIAN WORSHIP, AND EDUCATION, 375 ILLUSTRATIONS, Map of British Guiana, Showing the Principal Mission Sta- tions founded by John Wray, also the fringe of Plantations along the line of Coast, &c., Frontisjpiece. Portrait of Rev. John Wray, . . Facing Page 285 Portrait of Rev. John Howe, . . „ ,,312 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY. INTKODUCTIOK Towering aloft in one of the most conspicuous and busy centres of Kingston-upon-Hull, surmounted by his figure at full length, and fronting toward the house in which he was born, the family home for many years,"^ stands the monu- ment of William Wilberforce. A fine memorial of departed worth, enduring and striking, it forms as true and abiding a symbol of a noble career, far-reaching in aims and issues, as it is a handsome token of human esteem and love. Naturally, with the intelligent and thoughtful beholder of such an object, associations, memories, ideas, crowd upon the mind ; but, leaving all else, our present note is, and must be, only one of simple fact connected with the position, just remarked, of the crowning figure. Facing the merchant's mansion in the High Street, the gaze of the statue on its lofty pedestal is in an easterly direction, and thus is towards the neighbouring district of Holderness and towards that sea, a few miles away, beyond which lies Holland. * ^^ July, 1798. — It was a solemn and affecting scene to me, yester- day evening, to be in my mother's room ; to see the bed where I was born, and where my father and mother died, and where she then lay in her coffin. I was alone, and I need not say to you, or seek to conceal from you, I put up my prayers that the scene might work its due effect." — From letter to his uifc : " Life of Wm. Wilberforce," vol. ii. pp. 294-95. B 2 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Ilolderness and Holland mnst always, and generally have intimate and interesting relations with Hull ; but two indi- viduals, hailing res^^ectively from these regions, as they together come into sympathetic connection with his work, so through peculiar circumstances must they, his nearer neighbour especially, have at times enlisted a deep interest in the heart and mind of its great and philanthropic citizen. These individuals were Hermanns Hilbertus Post, Esq., born at Utrecht in 1755, four years in advance of Wilberforce, and the Eev. John Wray, born at South Skirlaugh on the eve of 1780, the year in which Wilberforce himself came of age and entered Parliament. But already, by the space of some six years, the Hollander, in 1780, had reached Demerara, shortly to become proprietor and planter of the estate Le Eesouvenir ; and in the long run, after years of effort in the direction, to be the introducer to the Colony, in 1808, of its first missionary. That missionary was John Wray, of Holderness, who thus entered upon his course, and, as events proved, became the pioneer of mission work, not only on Le Eesouvenir and in Demerara, but also, and chiefly, in the neighbouring colony of Berbice. Meanwhile, between 1780 and 1808, the anti-slavery agitation had commenced, progressed, anrl, in 1807, attained its first triumph — an Act of Parliament for abolishing tlie slave trade. Wilberforce, the first distinguished leader in that agitation, had been eight years in the House before he succeeded in laying his twelve propositions on the table with a view to abolition. This he did on the 12th of May, 1789 (a hundred years ago), at the close of a speech, one of his greatest (the only one that has the notes fully given in his published life),"* which called forth the admiration of an assembly rich in famous orators. It was, however, but the beginning of a long, wearying, and bitter struggle. Though -, it dealt only with the trade — the carrying — e.g.^ of slaves /' * " Life, &c.," vol. ii. Appendix. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 3 taken in Africa, to be sold in the West Indies — yet nineteen years, involving on occasions almost superhuman toil on the part of the philanthropic leaders, were needful to secure their object. A still longer, and, if possible, more bitter and arduous conflict then gradually arose, concerning the regulation, and ultimately the entire abolition, of slavery in the Biitish dominions. 1833 was reached before this became law, and only then at the cost, to the United Kingdom, of £20,000,000 sterling; when AVilberforce, too, had just breathed his last, having, about ten years before, resigned the chief leadership of the movement to younger and stronger hands, and, worn out with toil, retired altogether from Parliament. Between the two great conflicts, or, more correctly perhaps, between the two divisions of the one great conflict, it was that the mission on Le Resouvenir was commenced, and John Wray went forth to undertake the work. In the details of his course there and elsewhere, occasions will be noted which bring him into intimate connection or personal intercourse with the now famous abolitionist. One occasion, in later years, may here be specially remarked, an occasion when the estate, the mission, the planter then long dead, the pioneer, as well as his successor there, would sadly fill the mind of Wilberforce. It has place among the closing days of the philanthropist's course as a senator, and the words he hoped to speak would be amongst the very last he uttered in the House. Premising that the " Smith " referred to was John Smith, "VYray's successor on Le Hesouvenir, that John Wray, at work in Berbice and amid trouble there, was prevented only by the interference of its friendly Governor being found at the side of Smith when the latter became the victim of Demerara's crowning crime, we quote the last entry of Mr. Wilberforce's diary before confinement to his bed through illness : — " Poor Smith, the missionary, died 4 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, in prison at Demerara. The day of reckoning will come ! " Again, premising that 1st June, 1824, was the day for a battle royal in the Commons' House over Smith's arrest, trial, and shameful sentence; and that "the first public business Wilberforce attempted after leaving his sick-room, was, ' 1st June, preparing for Smith the missionary's business,' " we again quote : — "Was at the House the first time for eight weeks or more. Brougham made a capital speech, by Macintosh well termed impregnable. I doubt not he will be great in reply. Macintosh's own was most beautiful— his mind teemed with ideas." " The decision was postponed till the 11th. In the inter- val he says " : — " I very much wish, if my voice should be strong enough, to bear my testimony against the scandalous injustice exercised upon poor Smith. The case proved against him is greatly short of what I thought it might have been. I myself once saw a mission- ary's journal, and its contents would have been capable of being perverted into a much stronger charge of promoting discontent among the slaves. Had I happened, for instance, to correspond with Smith, that alone would have hanged him." ^ His wish was gratified. On the 11th of June, 1824 — " Mr. Wilberforce rose amidst loud and long continued cheer- ing, and, in a strain of impressive eloquence, vindicated the char- acter of the missionary, and supported the motion." t But it was the last effort of his parliamentary life. Yet never should this be recorded without the addition that the debate proved the beginning of a triumphant end; for, though the immediate decision was adverse, the speeches preceding it so rallied the scattered Abolitionists, and so enlightened and aroused the country, that freedom for the slave eventually prevailed. To gain or to convey an adequate conception of the difh- * " Life, &c.," vol. V. pp. 221-23. t " Martyr of Demerara," p. 168. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GITIANA. 5 culties throngli which the friends of the negro, and of missions to the negro, liad to make their way, seems at this day hardly possible. So many and great are changes for the better at home and abroad, so widely diffused are they, and, as to some, so long continued now, that another atmosphere is breathed, another code of language and of mannei'S has gradually been adopted. Dividing the distance, however, and going backwards from more recent experiences, we may lind some help in the attempt. With, then, our improved methods of teaching, with elementary schools in reach of every home, and with easier access to schools or colleges of higher degree, already the state of instruction as it was less than a generation ago is a vanishing memory ; so amid the abundance, and cheapness, and general prosperity following upon a Free Trade policy barely more than forty years old, few can vividly recall, much less impart to others, the sense of dearness, and famine, and fever, and squalor that was felt as, during the closing days of Corn Law monopoly, destitute Irish crowded in upon the destitute English of our great Lancashire cities. Yet men in 1860 and 1846 deemed themselves in advance, as indeed they were in advance, of the men of 1819. Were they not enjoying the benefits of a revised Penal Code, of a reformed Parliament, of a Catholic Emancipation Act, of the Abolition of Slavery, of Repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, and of a Ten Hours' Bill ? The men of 1819, however, so unprivileged as they seem to have been, could lay claim to benefits enjoyed which were unknown to their fathers of 1789. The British slave trade had ceased to exist, nor could any slave ship be seen riding at anchor in our rivers, or docked at our ports for renewal or for being refurnished with its horrid gear; whilst every great modern Missionary and Bible and Tract Society had begun its career and got Avell on its course ; as also had the great Educational Societies. 6 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, But the whole of this progress and all these privileges were unknown when Wilberforce, in 1789, rose in the Commons' House with his first measures favouring abolition. Says the Kev. Thomas Price in his " INIemoir " :— "Those who have witnessed the recent feelings of the nation on this subject, may imagine that but little moral courage was required for the adoption of the course which Mr. Wilberforce took. But the state of things Avas then totally different from what we have lately seen. The atrocities of the system were not known ; the moral sensibilities of the nation were blunted ; and a numerous, afHuent, and unprincipled party was pledged to opposition. It was at this risk of party associations, and of personal friendships, that he determined on his course ; and the virulence with which lie was assailed, and the foul aspersions which were cast upon his unspotted fame, bespoke the fear which his talents and virtues had excited. The nation, though but little informed and still less interested in this great question, was yet in advance of the House of Commons " (p. 25), And again : — " This motion being carried, was a signal to the West India planters, merchants, and others, to commence an unprincipled and furious opposition " (p. 26). Once more : — "Greater difficulties can scarcely be conceived than those with which the abolitionists had to contend. Their whole pro- ject was regarded as chimerical, and every means which wealth, power, and dishonesty could devise, was employed against them. The evil to be remedied was practised at the distance of some thousands of miles, and those who witnessed its enormities possessed, for the most part, a pecuniary interest in their con- tinuance. It was well known that the highest personage in the state was opposed to their view's, and that the revenues of the nation, and the prosperity of its commerce, were extensively regarded as threatened by them. Undeterred, however, by those circumstances, the friends of humanity determined on their course, and the rectitude ctf their object gave tliem success. Their labours constituted the seed from which an abundant harvest has been gathered in our day " (p. 44). PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 7 To all which, it may be added, a body more than usually frail, and health ever delicate, made the work of their chief none the lighter, or the conflict less easy to endure. These are things as found in our own land, the land of wjiich it had already been sung : — " Slaves cannot breathe in England ; if their lungs Eeceive our air, that moment they are free ; They touch our country, and their shackles fall.""^ But what of the lands, our own distant possessions, in which slaves could and did breathe ; in which the creed was that it could never be otherwise ; and the destiny seemed in accord with the creed, as dark as it, and as determined for ages as human greed and arbitrary power could make if? Or out of such possessions, what, in particular, of those where " religion with its treasures untold," and " the sound of the church going bell," were widely and utterly unknown — possessions like Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice, as they were both before and after they became, by conquest, our colonies? The differences there between the present and the past are of course more marked and striking, being differences between wider extremes. But all the more difficult, even on the spot, is it in the midst of one extreme to realise the other. How much more difficult then for those living at a distance ! ! The slaves, as a class, had not a single class as their ! friend ; all other classes were rather in league against them. I If they fled, the scattered Indians of the interior were j employed to track them, and if they rebelled, the troops of I the mother country were summoned to crush them ; whilst i by any person a reward could be oljtained for the capture of a fugitive, or, if not taken alive, upon production — e.g.^ of a right hand. Like their brethren in bondage in the A¥est India Islands, they were Negro Africans or of African * " Cowper's Task," Bk. 2. 8 LIFE OF JOHN WE AY, descent; not natives, in the first instance, any more than were the few whites, their masters. What is now known as British Guiana is a part of that larger Guiana which is bounded by the AtLantic on the one side, and by the huge rivers Orinoco and Amazon respect- ively on its two other sides — an extensive and wondrous land of multiplied rivers and streams, of countless forms of life, gorgeous beauty, and immeasurable fertility. Indians of various tribes possessed it, or rather roamed over it, when first discovered by Europeans; and, for a century after, expeditions — Spanish, Portuguese, French — went thither to seek El Dorado; the adventurers more frequently than otherwise perishing in the attempt. Our own Sir Walter Kaleigh was about the last and most humane leader of any such-like enterprise. Then came less dreamy and more matter-of-fact Dutchmen to seek gold by tilling the soil. They began about 270 years ago, in small companies, going some distance up the rivers to be out of the way of pirates or to lessen the risks of war ; and importing negro slaves from Africa to be their labourers. Things made slow progress ; the course was a very chequered one, and the work had its dangers neither surprising nor undeserved. A minister of religion might be found with each colony, but if so, he did nothing for the slaves. Heathens to begin with, some especially of more savage tribes and of greater strength, torn from their native shores and brought through the horrors of the middle pass- age, it is no wonder that, doubly degraded and with noth- ing to brighten their prospects or better their lot, despite the punishments inflicted or the cruelties threatened, they fled in numbers to the bush, and formed bands extremely dangerous to the community. The Moravians in the early part of last century sent brethren up the Berbice river to instruct them; but all in authority opposed the devoted men, who, going further, PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 9 laboured tlien, and not without success, among the Indians. Eventually, however, they suffered the loss of their station ; and ultimately, through various causes, disappeared from the Colony. Rebellions took place, more or less easily suppressed; but an insurrection about 1760, was so general and successful as virtually, for some twelve months, to put the negroes in possession of Berbice. It was ended only by the arrival from Holland of a strong naval and military force, at a great cost to the Colony ; its suppression being followed by shocking torturings of the chief insurgents. Later on, despite the insect plagues, the pestilential miasm, and other dangers, the Dutch ventured more upon the alluvial soil lower down the rivers and on the ocean coast. Here was land that might well be the envy even of the fertile AVest Indies ; and, accustomed to dig and dyke and dam in their own country, they ran their deep drains and formed their side-lines and their front and back embank- ments, so as to fringe the rivers and intermediate sea shores with a series of parallelograms, mostly two to four miles in depth, and from one-third to one mile in breadth. Here, if anywhere, El Dorado appeared. The crops, whether of coffee, cotton, or sugar, proved marvellously abundant and, for a time, were very remunerative. But the slave was no sharer in this prosperity. With him, if anything, matters must have gone from bad to worse, the labour at tlie dams and trenches being very arduous and sickening. Their numbers were greatly added to, as also, in some measure, the number of whites and of free coloured people was increased. But nothing was done in the way of Christian worship and instruction. So late as 1796, there were only a small Lutheran Church in Berbice and a Dutch Reformed Church on Fort Island, Essequibo, a hundred miles distant from each other; and the services of the ministers were sacred to the use, not of the tens of thousands of slaves, but of the few whites, masters or 10 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, merchants, who chose to attend. Somewhat Later, a chaplain read the prayers of the Church of England in a small room of the Old Court-house, Georgetown, Demerara, which might have accommodated about thirty or forty persons; but if any black people ventured to look in upon the worshippers, sometimes not more than half-a-dozen, there assembled, they were driven from the door."^ To teach a slave the art of reading, or to instruct him in the simplest religious truths, was reckoned a sin against the laws of the land. Thus, unless a master or manager of a somewhat better character did anything in his household, nothing was done ; and as communities do not stand still, society degenerated. From the first, the whites generally had been immoral and sensual; with increase of riches and luxuries, tliey became increasingly so. Marriage according to law was more than unknown amongst the slaves, it was illegal; and among the free people it was almost unknown. The whip, a formid- able one too, was the great motive to labour; how constantly, and excessively, and cruelly, and wantonly it M^as used, seems incredible. In a word, impiety and profanity, tyranny and brutality, the grossest immorality and licentiousness, drunk- enness and duelling, superstition and murder, pervaded society. About 1792, there landed in Demerara one of the French nobility, a young Count, but a fugitive from the emissaries of the Revolution. This gentleman, Stephen Grellet by name, to be known in after years, and for more than half a century, both in Europe and America as an enlightened and devoted minister of the Society of Friends, was then not without some knowledge of God, and some uprightness both of thought and life, having been trained a Roman Catholic ; but the cruelties he witnessed so shocked him, and the impiety which abounded so hurtfully affected him, that he became for a while an atheist and a disciple of Yoltaire. * See "Martyr of Demerara," p. 14. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 11 Tlie fortunes of war at last put the Dutcli colonies of Guiana into possession of Britain ; and it was eventually settled that the French should have Cayenne, the Dutch, Surinam, and herself should retain Bcrljice, Demerara, and Essequibo. These, it may here be explained, are three important rivers, flowing in a northerly direction, and giving names, respectively, to three contiguous breadths of country — Demerara being the middle portion. They were governed, at the time of their capture and for many years afterwards, by two separate colonial governors and legislatures, Berbice having and keeping its own, and were designated, British Guiana ; since 1831, however, und(;r the same name, ruled as three counties, under one colonial governor and legis- lature. AVitli the advent of British power came, though very slowly and imperceptibly, the streaks which proved the dawn of better things. IS'ot in the capital which now poured into the country, nor in the planters and officials of simply another nationality were they found ; but, first of all, European women of some refinement and chastity appeared more frequently. Then Hermanns Hilbertus Post, Esq., had become a British subject ; and when, years before, this gentleman quitted Holland, he did not leave, nor did he Avish to leave, everything of the old country behind. Into the land of abounding darkness, impiety, and cruelty, he had taken with him habits of untiring industry, and feelings of humanity ; germs of philanthropic enterprise, and influences of a Christ- ian home, particularly of the prayers and efforts of a pious mother, and of his eldest sister, who had watched over him, and had sought to permeate heart and mind with the truth as it is in Jesus. To such truth, from early years, his mind had been tenderly sensitive ; and such truth was to advance until he became a new man in Christ, and until all within became subject to its sway. In accord with which, there- fore, and now under British rule, not unlikely it was that 12 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, appeals for a minister of religion to go out and live on Tie Kesouvenir, made out of concern for liis negroes, beforetime to other lands but in vain, came at last to be directed to England.* Further, as British possessions, there was likewise the prospect of these colonies being included in whatever success might attend the efforts of AVilberforce and the Abolitionists to check the slave-trade, or to pass measures for im23roving the treatment and condition of those in bondage. Yet, as has been said, the new influences operated and the brighter events came to pass but slowly. For years things seemed to be very much the same. A Wesleyan missionary from Dominica attempted to enter Demerara with a view to establish a mission. Mr. AVallbridge gives a short account of this matter, which cannot well be put in fewer words : — " He arrived on the 30th September, 1805, and on the 2nd October he had an interview with the Governor (Beaujon), who, of course, questioned him as to what he was, and what was the object of his visit. Being informed that he ' was a missionary of the Methodist Connexion, and that his design was to instruct the negroes in the principles of Christianity,' he replied, ' If that be what you are come to do, you must go back. I cannot let you stay here, and therefore you had better return in the mail-boat.' Thinking that he would deliberate on the matter, the missionary said, ' May it please your Excellency, may I call on you another time ? ' The reply was, ' No ; there will be no occasion, as you cannot stay. I suppose you will go back in tlie mail-boat ? ' On the 8th OctoVjer he accordingly sailed from Demerara 'in the mail-boat.' Such was the determined opposition to the instruc- tion of 'the negroes in the principles of Christianity ' in those days."t Mr. Post's first letters to this country were lost, and so went unanswered ; but at last, when about to despair, one * See Memoir of Mr. Post by Rev. J. Wray, Evangelical Magazine, 1811. t " Martyr of Demerara," p. 16. PIONEEK MISSION AEY TO GUIANA. 13 addressed to the London Missionary Society reached its destination, and was favourably acknowledged. Its offers were accepted, and it became settled that John Wray, then studying at Gosport, should be the individual to go forth, and, as Mr. Wallbridge expresses it, be " honoured to be the first Christian minister who ever opened his lips to show the way of salvation to the people then in slavery." Under such circumstances, then, and into such a condi- tion of men and things, long before William Ellis, or John Williams, or Kobert Moffat, entered upon Mission labours, did John Wray enter upon his. All alone as regards fellow- missionaries, and one of the first of the Society's agents to proceed alone ; with two or three delicacies of digestion and disposition that might well have been pleaded in excuse (" from his delicate state of health when he left his native land, his friends hardly supposing he would reach the place of his destination") ^"^ but with qualities of soul and spirit that signified him as seemingly just the man for the work, he tried for twelve months, and was then joined by one well fitted and well worthy to be, as she proved to be, partner all along with him in life and toil. Their character and qualifications ; their trials and triumphs ; their adven- tures, sometimes so strange ; and how generally it fared with them, the following pages will in measure show, very largely, too, from his own words. It seems a pity that friends and parties have not had the benefit of some such publication before now. But, as John Foster remarks to his friend Josiah Hill : — " Have you wholly given up the project and task of making some use of the diaries of a pious man 1 You may do so, and little more will be said. It is very curious to observe how the first eagerness for publishing something about a good man has quieted down after the project had been kept some time in abey- ance. There is something melancholy in this, as showing how * See Appendix A. 14 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, the warm memory of the good can decline by degrees to a com- parative indifference, even when there is not a real change in the judgment of their worthiness. In a little while after our departure how very, very few will feel a painful sense of wanting us. It will be confined to some three or four (if not still fewer) who had a cordial, deep attachment to us, from relationship, or the most intimate kind of friendship." * But John Wray, whilst a pious man, of a retiring nature too, was more than a pious man : he was a pioneer mis- sionary and a public servant ; an instrument also, in the order of Providence, for accomplishing and for helping others to accomplish in one of our richest possessions and one of our most important infant colonies, beneficial changes far beyond what lie himself ever dreamt of, or thought of seeing. Consequently, in his case, there are reasons for a public record, or, if years delayed, for some like record, which do not exist in the case of an individual of private life, however worthy. Little more than a bare enumeration of such reasons will close this Introduction. (1.) Memoirs of Wilberforce, of H. H. Post, and of John Smith have been published ; none as yet of John Wray. So, too, what Ellis, Williams, Moffat, missionaries of the same Society, were to their respective Mission spheres, that was Wray to his : their memorials have appeared ; liis is wanting. (2.) The success of modern missionary enterprise has recently been markedly challenged. A^erily, with little reason; but a hundred lands that men visit and deal with are now so Christianised, that it is forgotten how paganised they were found, and this not a century ago. British Guiana — e.g., and the life of John Wray — will be one means of bringing to remembrance the fact, and of thus correcting the error. * Foster's "Life and Correspondence,*' vol. ii. p. 2/5. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 15 (3.) The history of the Christian Church in Guiana may yet be written. What he has read and heard leads the writer of this to think that, as to tlie British part of the country, it is not clearly remembered, or is sadly overlooked that John Wray first brought the Gospel to the negroes then in slavery. His published life will be a standing testimony — (a) to this ; (h) a testimony also favourable to the efficiency of Christian Churches, though free from State connection or from State subsidies ; (c) a like testimony to the fact that, be Independency or Congregationalism right or wrong, Jolm Wray, himself an Independent, though a most catholic- minded man and ever ready to welcome and work with Christians of other ecclesiastical forms, proceeded on the Congregational plan in forming the churches with which he had to do.* (4.) The abandonment of estates has been laid at the door of mission work and of slave emancipation. Readers of "VYray's life will find mention of many estates abandoned long before a missionary crossed them or emancipation was purchased ; and of others that afterwards came to be abandoned through the cruel greed of speculators. (5.) Followers of Christ in the past are often judged as lacking in devotion to the interests of humanity. Wray's life Mall add to the evidence showing how wrong this judg- ment is ; that, as there were missionaries to leper asylums * These, it may be remarked, have stood firm, notwithstanding the presence of other Christian communities that depend more or less upon the Colony chest. They once led the way in education and in the efl&ciency of schools, and it is to be hoped they will be enabled in the midst of great rivalries and temptations still, as free Christian churches, so to maintain their position and usefulness that, following the example of several West India islands, the Colony may be led to see it right and best that all Christian communities should be maintained by the free-will offerings of their respective members. Tor a while, the Congregational Union of England and Wales is at equal charges with the London Missionary Society in rendering some help to their brethren in Guiana. (See Appendix B.) 16 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY. long before a Father Damien saw the light, so there was a patient, persevering "Enthusiasm of Humanity" before "Ecce Homo" was written, and a young lady willing to enter a London hospital to qualify as nurse that she might go to help the neglected and teach the ignorant in a distant land before an ever-estimable Florence Nightingale appeared. (6.) Present day readers of Guiana history and missions need the explanation of John AVray's position and procedure at the important crisis in both history and missions, of 1823, which the memoir affords. (7.) It is right and dutiful, profitable and safe, for com- munities as well as individuals to consider their origin and history, as Israel was called to "remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee, &c." (Deut. viii.); to confess, "A Syrian ready to perish was my father, &c." (Deut. xxvi.) ; to "look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, &c." (Isa. li.) In all which the Memoir will be a help to the churches and people of British Guiana, neither small nor uninteresting. (8.) Slave trade and slavery are not yet ended. Oceans and continents have, thank God, within a few decades been swept clear of their curse and cruelty ; but lands and seas remain in which they are still rife and ruinous ; and the struggle for their extirpation still goes forward amid a thou- sand difficulties and discouragements. To weary toilers and in the use of lawful means, what cheer is to be drawn from memoirs such as those of men eminent in the warfare — William Wilberforce and Thomas Fowell Buxton ! nor less, perhaps, from those of men of lower degree, or who were not so directly at work upon these great evils, such as John Wray ! CHAPTER I. BIRTH TO DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND. December, 1779 — December, 1807. Birth and Family — Moral and Religious Condition of Holdcrness — Efforts of Hull Christians — Reaction betioeen Foreign and Home Missions — Wray's Conversion and Church Relation — He Studies at Gosport — National Affairs — Efforts to Abolish Slave- Trade — Letter from Demerara — Hermanus Hilhertus Post, Esq. — Wray appointed Missionary — His Character and Anxieties — Rebecca Ashford — His Departure : Her Character and Enterprise. Yery few are the particulars now known of the birth and earlier years of John Wray, even as reliable testimony to these particulars is but scanty and scattered. That he was born at South Skirlaugh, near Hull, Decem- ber, 1779, is the inscription on his tomb in lands far off; and that he was baptized at St. Augustine's, the parish church, we read, by the kind courtesy of the vicar, in its register, where the record simply is, " John, son of Robert Reay,* baptized 12th January, 1780." A brother Avas subsequently born and named Joseph, but as we find no second entry in the parish register, and as the Register of Missionaries of the London Missionary Society gives John as, "born in 1780, at Preston, Yorkshire" (slightly incor- rect, it will be perceived, in two particulars), it seems likely * A blunder of clerk or sexton, whose writing the entry seems to be. Reay, Rea, Ray, and Wreay, are all surnames ; but Wray is very common in the Hull neighbourhood. 17 c 18 LIFE OF JOHN WllAY, that the household had quitted Skirlaugh and settled at Preston, about six miles south of their former home, and somewhat nearer Hull. But the gain of a brother proved the loss of a mother, she dying at the time. "You inquire," writes Mrs. Tuckett, " about my father's relatives. He had only one brother ; his mother died when this brother was born. His father and brother both died before my sister and I came to England to go to school. I know of no other relative." As little do we know of John's training or of any inten- tion with respect to future employment. An impression that the family was not one of great means or of high social position grows upon us as we read. Fond of nursery and garden work, his native neighbourhood would certainly furnish full opportunity of acquiring and cultivating the taste. " ^ly father was especially fond of his garden," writes the same daughter, " and often in the early morning before the sun was hot, he was in his garden helping and directing the gardener ; he planted fruit trees of all kinds ; his garden was his only recreation." More important, however, is the moral and religious atmosphere by which he would be surrounded, and whatever this was in the home, out of doors, if similar to much of Holderness at that time, it would be noxious enough. A few pages in our possession, headed " Brief Account of the Eeligious and Moral State of Holderness," and printed about 1821, thus describes the condition of things as they were less than twenty-five years previously : — " Though this retired part of Yorkshire had once the happiness to enjoy the faithful labours of some of those ministers who were ejected by the Act of Uniformity, yet, since that period, it had fallen into a notorious disregard of religious institutions. A moral barbarism had overspread the whole region. The Sabbath openly disregarded ; profane swearing ; intoxication ; ribaldry in discourse ; scoffing at everything in the form of piety ; ignorance PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 19 of God, and entire destitution of the knowledge of Christ, were sufficient indications of the affecting state of the people. " The sight of this moral waste, just bordering upon a place so highly favoured as Hull, excited the strongest feelings of concern in the minds of the followers of Christ in that town. The sense which they entertained of its deep destitution, when contrasted with Hull, may be best understood by a quaint but forcible expression uttered by a good man about thirty years ago. It was with feelings of hopeless lamentation that, on meeting a pious friend one day, he exclaimed, ' Satan still keeps guard upon the North Bridge.' Up to that bridge the C4ospel had indeed shed its light ; beyond it, all was deep and frightful darkness, with scarcely a hope that it would be dispelled for ages. The first attempts of the Methodists were met by such determined opposition, that, courageous and persevering as they are, they were driven from the field." Hull itself w^^s indeed favoured with some truly devoted men and ministers both in the Establishment and out of it ; men not likely to rest content in presence of such a gloom on their borders and of such a sentry on their bridge ; or to cease attempts at passing or dislodging the one and dispersing the other. The influence of its eminent philanthropist too, himself indeed absent from his native town, but about to issue his long prayed-over and carefully prepared " Practical View of Christianity," would be all on their side; and it seems that the forces of life and light in the town began, at that time, to carry the entire position of this region of darkness and death. Among these, and apparently among the foremost, w^ere the Kev. George Lambert, a man eminent in evangelic labours, and some members of the congregation to which he ministered in Fish Street Chapel ; and the " Brief Account " already quoted goes on to speak more particularly of the work undertaken by them in eighteen or twenty Holderness villages ; concluding its few but interesting details wdth the following, among other notes of progress : — 20 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, " Nothing can be more cheering than to contrast the present state of this extensive tract of country with that which it exhibited when the attempts above recited were first made. Its aspect is altogether changed. We behold churches collected and enjoying the administration of Divine ordinances ; Sunday schools in active operation ; several of those who owe their salva- tion to the instrumentality of these exertions employed in extending to others the benefit they have received ; opposition to the preaching of the Gospel now no more ; and a general impres- sion, of a highly favourable kind, made upon the moral deport- ment of the people at large. The Methodists have now an active itineracy in the district, the Baptists have several congregations, and the light of evangelical truth beams from more than one pulpit in the Establishment." We pause here to remark that the London Missionary Society, one of the earliest and most undenominational of modern Missionary Societies for conveying the Gospel to heathen lands, was formed in the year 1795 (prior to these successful attempts in Holderness), the Rev. George Lambert being among its founders and the preacher of its first anni- versary sermon ; in all which he would have the sympathies of his congregation and of many of his Christian fellow- townsmen. A wave of unusual power and volume had thus rolled forwards in lands beyond — Was then, we may sug- gestively ask, this home-missionary attempt in Holderness its proportionately powerful backsM^eepI And when again came the onward roll, was John Wray borne along, not only as a convert to be left in membership at Fish Street, but himself to be carried forward to distant shores, a pioneer missionary to the heathen ? For the spirit of prayerful and intelligent obedience to the Lord's commands — "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to the wdiole creation ; " " Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations," — the true missionary spirit, like mercy as sung by our dramatic poet, " is twice blessed ; it blessetli him (the Church, the land) that gives and him that takes." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 21 However, whether or not John Wray was himself among the "several who, owing their salvation to the instrument- ality of these exertions, were employed in extending to others the henefit they have received," it would be natural and a thing of no rare occurrence that, influenced by the preaching and teaching at some Home Mission station, he should himself begin to take part in the work, and thus to acquire and to manifest the patience and faith, the graces and gifts, which marked him as fitted for the peculiar sphere he was afterwards so successfully to occupy. As a certainty we know that the young man was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth about the year 1 800, and that it was through the instrumentality of John Thompson, Esq., who lived in Albion Street, Hull, and was of the Messrs. Thomas & John Thompson, then well-known bankers in the town. To this gentleman and to his great kindness, as well as to his like-minded brother, there are several references in tlie journal ; one or two remaining letters also are addressed to him. An informing entry, taken from the diary of 1830, runs thus : — ^^ Lord's Day^ 24:th Jamcary. — Last evening I heard of the death of my long attached friend, Mr. Thompson. He died on 23rd November. He was nearly eighty years old, and has spent a long life in the service of the Redeemer. He has been useful to the souls and bodies of hundreds. Several through his instru- mentality have become faithful and useful ministers of the Gospel, and a great number members of Christian societies. It is now almost thirty years since I had the happiness to become acquainted with him, and by the blessing of God on his exertions I was, I trust, brought to embrace the Gospel in sincerity and truth. I thank God for sparing him so long. He has ever been the sincere friend of my children." Of little consequence does it seem to be told what local church-name such a Christian bore, or under what form of 22 LIFE OF JOHN WKAY, visible cliurcli-government he was found ; but Mr. John Thompson was a AYesleyan Methodist, whilst John Wray himself entered into fellowship with the Congregational or Independent Chnrch, meeting in Fish Street Chapel. With regard to this latter fact, indeed, our measure of certainty has to depend upon other documents than church records, for the A'olume of these, belonging to the period, has unfortunately, within the last few years, gone on its travels and become lost to view. Lut the Eegister of Missionaries gives him as in membership at Fish Street, and an extract from the Eev. G. Lambert's private diary, we shall presently see, supports the statement. About the beginning of 1805 AVray went to Gosport, where an establishment for students from the South of England preparing for the ministry had been opened in 1789, under the superintendence of the Rev. David (after- Avards Dr.) Bogue, and where " the Missionary Society in 1800, having resolved to prepare their missionaries for their future labours by a course of instruc- tion, placed them under Mr. Bogue, who now gives to one class lectures suited to form them for Ibreign missions, and to another, education for the ministry at home. The latter class, according to the wish of the original founder of the seminary, attend principally to theology. Of the three years to which tlic course of instruction is limited, the two first are occupied with lectures on the principles of Christianity, and the last with lectures on the sacred books. During the whole time, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew are studied, and instructions are given in geography and astronomy, in language and composition, in Jewish antiquities, ecclesiastical history, and the pastoral office." ^ Leaving him there in retirement for a season, we find an opportunity for a needful glance at the world around, and particularly at national affairs. * " History of Dissenters," by Drs. Bogue and Bennett, vol. iv. pp. 281-82. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 23 The preceding fifteen years had been filled pretty much with the French Eevohition, the rise of Napoleon Buonaparte, and his threatened invasion of England ; as succeeding years were filled M'ith him and his wars. But amid these, and all such excitements as culminated in a victory like that of the Nile or of Trafalgar, the efforts, already specified, of Wilber- force and of his friends to abolish the slave trade occasionally claimed attention, and sometimes came prominently into view. After the first great attempt of May, 1789, and after like attempts in the year 1791-92, when, though sup- ported by the eloquence of Mr. Fox and Mr. Pitt, he was still defeated ; Mr. Wilberforce, in each of the five following years, " renewed his efforts, but without success." "The House" (our quotations here and in some following sentences are from Dr. Price's Memoir), "the House appeared to grow weary of the discussion, and the country at large to have lost somewhat of its former zeal and vigour. The indefatigable Clarkson began to sink under the exertions involved. Consider- ations were not wanting to induce an abandonment of the cause." " Everything depended, at this crisis, on the decision of Mr. Wilberforce, and he was faithful to the occasion;" but "every expedient having been devised, every form which the measure could assume having been put before the House and been rejected, he and his friends did not deem it advisable to bring the subject again into Parliament till some new circumstances should favour its introduction." Accordingly, "froni 1799 to the year 1804, he contented himself with moving for certain papers, and with assur- ing the House that he had not grown cool in the cause." " In the latter year the abolition committee determined on renewed exertions, having increased their number by electing James Stephens, Zachary Macaulay, Henry Brougham, Robert Grant, William Allen, and others, members of its body ;" men whose "subsequent history, so distinguished, has fully justified the committee in their election." " The entrance of the Irish members into the British Parlia- ment, which occurred in 1804, revived the hopes of the abolition- ists. Most of them were known to be friendly to the cause." 24 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, *' Mr. Wilberforce, accordingly, on tlie 30th of May, moved that the house resolve itself into committee, and he prefaced his motion by one of the most impassioned speeches ever made within its walls. We have generally understood it was his noblest effort." The measure passed the Commons, but was postponed by the Lords to the following session : — "Again introduced in 1805 by Mr. Wilberforce, with every prospect of success, it was unhappily lost in the Commons, through the excessive confidence of its friends," a loss which, " being quite unexpected, was a matter of severe disappoint- ment." " But the period at length arrived when this great question was to be decided. ' What moral principle failed to achieve, minis- terial changes accomplished.' The death of Mr. Pitt (personally a supporter of abolition), in January, 1806, made way for the Fox and Grenville administration, and the question was immediately ushered into Parliament under their ministerial auspices." The course for the next few months was one of triumph, and though not without threatening events, was finally crowned with most welcome and complete success. The death of Mr. Fox, in October, awakened some apprehensions, but "the confidence of the abolitionists was restored by Lord Grenville introducing, on the 2nd of January, 1807, a bill for the abolition of the slave-trade into the House of Lords, wliich was immediately carried through both Houses, though against much opposition. ' Pressed forward with the utmost possible expedi- tion, the friends of humanity and religion were far from being without anxiety. Even after it had passed both Houses, its fate was regarded as uncertain ; for the king, being displeased with his ministers, had determined on their dismission. But the force of public opinion prevailed, and the royal assent was given by com- mission to the bill.' " " ' This took place,' says Mr. Claikson, * the next day, Wednes- day, 25th January, at half-past eleven in the morning, for His Majesty's message was delivered to the different members of administration that they were then to wait upon him, to deliver PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 25 up the seals of their offices. It then appeared that a commission for the royal assent to this bill, among others, had been obtained. This was instantly opened by the Lord Chancellor (Erskine), who was accompanied by the Lords Holland and Auckland, and as the clock struck twelve — it was completed. The ceremony being over, the seals of the respective offices were delivered up : so that the execution of the commission was the last act of the adminis- tration of Lord Grenville." " Thus ended one of the most glorious contests, after a continu- ance for twenty years, of any ever carried on in any age or country." The few foregoing details show clearly that not all the excitement of the European war in which this country was then engaged, could keep the question of Abolition from coming more or less to the front. It occupied the thoughts of Mr. Fox even amid the struggles and pains of his final sickness, " Two things," said he, on his death-bed, " I wish earnestly to see accomplished — peace Avitli Europe, and the abolition of the slave-trade ; but, of the two, I wish the latter." That the question would be frequently uppermost in the mind of many a more private well-wisher of his species, we can easily conceive ; as we can conceive the subject to have been one of frequent converse, reading, and thought among the students at Gosport, during some of their few spare hours ; and that not tlie least interested of their number would be he wlio hailed from the same neiglibourhood as the distinguished leader in the cause ; though yet little thinking what personal intercourse he would come to have with that leader, or what part he himself would be called to take on behalf of the enslaved and heathen African. Amid all, however, and above all, a hand Divine was coming into view, beckoning the directors of the London Missionary Society in a new direction. During the twelve years of the Society's existence, it had sent forth mission- aries in large companies to the South Seas, and in smaller 26 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, detachments to the Cape of Good Hope, India, and one or two other regions. But it had done nothing yet in the direction of the West Indies or for the negroes in bond- age, when a letter was received reveah'ng the "man of Macedonia," in a new form, " standing and praying, Come over into Demerara and help us." He had long been stand- ing and beseeching others in other countries, but in vain ; and he was now almost in despair. His signature was — Hermanns Hilbertus Post, of Le Kesouvenir. Into all the particulars of this gentleman's career since landing in Demerara we cannot enter ; but may here say that, after a brief experience of overseership, Mr. Post became possessor of virgin soil. Working alongside a few slaves he formed the estate Le Kesouvenir, and made it one of the best and most neatly laid-out properties in the colony. He cared for his slaves and forwarded help to the old home ; constantly befriended widow and orphan, and sought to benefit neighbouring planters and their negroes ; at one period of long-continued drought, by his plans and exertions saving hundreds of men and cattle from perishing. At length, for health's sake, he visited the United States, and continued there some eight years ; travelling part of the time, and, during the remainder, following the plough on a farm which he had purchased • A non-resident proprietor so far as Demerara was concerned, he returned thither to find, like so many other non-resident proprietors, -things in very bad order, and that a little longer delay would entirely have ruined him. He intended to remain only to put Le Kesou- venir in order, or to dispose of it and return to Holland for the rest of his days. Happily, this was over-ruled. At last, one rainy season, through exposure and toil while assisting a neighbouring planter to repair a yielding back-dam, and thus to save his neighbour's estate from inundation and ruin, he brought on the disease which, in course of time, terminated his earthly life. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 27 Mr, Post had long been concerned for the spiritual wel- fare of those under his care, and this had led him not only to personal efforts at instructing them, but to the emploj'- ment of a catechist, then to inquiries after some minister who should live and labour on the estate ; ultimately to the application just mentioned. " Assuredly gathering that the Lord had called them for to preach the Gospel" in Demerara, the Directors of the Missionary Society responded favourably to Mr. Post's letter, accepting his offers of introduction, protection, and personal aid. But this involved the question, "Whom shall we send, and who will go for us?" and whether the Directors first approached John "Wray, or John Wray first approached the Directors, is of little moment compared with the fact, that ready and willing he stood, saying, "Here am I, send me," and that their rejoinder was, "Go." Xow about tw^enty-seven years of age, perhaps of no very extensive educational attainments or striking literary gifts, he was a man of true Christian spirit and principle ; pre- pared to be, as he had good need to be, " Wise as serpents, and harmless as doves ; " a man of devotion to his work, and of quiet, steady perseverance therein. Through a somewhat unexpected opening, we have a glimpse of the pioneer, during probably his last vacation, and possibly his last visit to Hull, before departure. It is furnished by the private diary of the Rev. G. Lambert, and is in accord with the statement of John Wray's fellowship at Fish Street. Not intended perhaps for more than a few eyes to see, it is quoted by the Rev. G. T. Coster in his " Pastors and People " (a centenary memorial of Fish Street Congregational Church), as illustrative of Mr. Lambert's thoughts on " Pulpit tone." We must premise that the pastor was by this time an old and experienced minister, only eight years short of " finishing his course with joy." The preacher was speaking, not only 28 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, in presence of pastor and people, from among whom he had gone to Gosport, but in view of shortly leaving all and of going far away to work and to experiences quite new, and such as promised trials to flesh and blood, neither few nor small. >(_ ^^ Lord's Day, ZOth August, 1807.— Mr. John Wray, who is going abroad as a missionary, preached in the afternoon from Matt. viii. 2 ; but it was delivered in such a lullaby tone — the language so poetical, and the plan so diffuse — that I was not comfortable under the sermon. He is a good young man, aims at doing good, and I hope will be successful ; but I wish more care had been taken by his tutor to the forming him for a preacher." /^ Had that tutor been permitted a sight of the last remark when written, he would perhaps have gently reminded the venerable auditor, that Mr. John Wray had been in the class at Gosport, which had "lectures suited to form them for foreign missions," and little, we think, did either aged pastor or young preacher conceive the amount of " pegging away" with Dr. Watt's First Catechism, &c., &c., that awaited the pioneer. One weight, in particular, on the mind of the missionary elect, would perhaps be as yet unknown to any beyond the parties immediately concerned. Rebecca, and such a Rebecca, proved willing, and even " willing to go with this man ; " but paterfamilias would not give consent. Nor, as to such and so beloved a daughter, and with the world and our colonies in such a condition as they then were, can we be surprised. With more excuse than had the Rev. Sydney Smith and the Edinburgh Review of those days, visions of cannibal feasts would recur to the paternal mind. John Wray's attempt in Demerara, too, was at first but tentative ; there was some prospect that he might not be able to continue, or, if spared, that he might not be allowed to stay. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 29 The burden was not to be removed, the cloud lifted, or the way opened, until, like Israel in old time, moving onward, he was about to cross the sea, and had well nigh his foot in the waters. His ordination service at Gosport proved the occasion, not only of his own separation to the work unto which he had been called, but of his securing the companion and helpmeet he desired. We must, however, let Mrs. Tuckett tell all this and a few other family matters in her own free and affectionate way. " My motlier, Mrs. Wray, was born at Gosport. I have often heard her speak of Dr. Bogue as her dear friend and pastor, and that as an infant he baptized her ; also of the solemn time (before father left England), when in his study he talked and prayed witli them both, commending them and the work in which they were to be engaged to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. " Mother was the last child of a large family, and the darling of her father. He was much opposed to her going to Demerara, where, he said, she would be eaten up by cannibals, &c., &c., but as she was not to go immediately, tlie matter was left, and in God's goodness, when father was ordained, he was induced to go to the service, and there his heart was touched by what he heard, and before father left England he freely gave her to him. " The Society promised to send her out in a year, if he found he could live there, for the Colonies had a dreadful name ; to go there was thought to be going to certain death, but it was war time, and she had to wait for a convoy, and thus she was a much longer time detained than was expected." And so without Rebecca Ashford, but not without a mind considerably relieved as to their future, nor without the deep interest and hearty good will of many a friend of Christ and well-Avisher of the enslaved negro, nor probably without the knowledge of Wilberforce, then in the joy of his first great success as to the slave-trade, whose acquaint- ance and friendly interest and help the pioneer, in after years, is found possessing, John Wray departed— "Single," as the 30 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Missionary Kegister puts it in brief expression, " Sailed, 18tli Deceml3er, 1807." Better liere perhaps than elsewhere, may our last extract from Mrs. Tuckett be continued ; referring, as it does, to the preparation for future usefulness attempted by Miss Rebecca Ashford during her detention in England, revealing too, somewhat of her noble character, and also the many domestic claims amid which co-operation in missionary duties with her future husband had to be carried on ; or calls for neighbourly help and sympathy in the frequent sicknesses of an unhealthy region, amid the heat of a tropical clime, its insect pests, and the sufferings of a slave population, were ever willingly complied with. " In the meantime, letters received from my father told her of the great mortality there was among the new born infants and often of the mothers, arising from the ignorance of the negro women who attended them. She at once made up her mind to acquire the art of midwifery ; she went to London, entered Brownlow Street Hospital, studied it and obtained her Dip- loma or certificate.* This knowledge proved of great importance, not only to the poor negroes, but to many of the white ladies in cases of extreme danger ; when she would watch whole nights by the bedside, and by timely imparting nourishment, &c., saved many lives. She was a born doctor. " Also after we removed to Berbice and went to live at Sand- voort (I believe Orange Chapel was afterwards built there or * To her own great surprise, as she was not conscious of having seen it before, this certificate turned up a few months ago when Mrs. Tuckett was looking over some other papers. In the upper part is a view of the British Lying-in-Hospital, Brownlow Street, Long Acre ; and a symbolical representation of Providence, Britannia, Piety, and Plenty. It gives Rebecca Ashford as resident at the town of South- ampton, and is unqualified as to her conduct, work, and capabilities. It is dated the 10th day of February, 1809 ; and is signed by : — ' _, ' "" ' '' / Medical Officers of the RoBT. Batty, M.D., I ^ ^.^ ^. T-, ^ ( Institution. RicD. Simmon, \ PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 31 very near it ; tliere her first-born son, John Thompson Wray, was buried beneath a harge mango tree), to the missionaries' wives she was a mother, always with them in their hour of trial. They always came to our house on their arrival, and it was her delight to encourage them, and explain things to them ; she, in fact, was a mother in Israel. What she was to my father, tongue cannot tell ; and to her children. She was of a very cheerful disposition, and Father thought her price above rubies ; she was all in all to him in the desolate, unfriendly land that he loved and lived for. " I do not recollect anything of the removal to Sandvoort, but I have heard Father say that the roads were almost impassable at times ; yet she rode into town with him most mornings to teach as many children as they could gather together, free coloured children who were growing up in total ignorance. Father was then connected with the Crown estates ; mother's labours among the poor mothers and infants were acknowledged in high quarters in England, and she was asked to name any- thing as an acknowledgment for her services. She asked the freedom of six young girls (coloured), the daughters of white men, left in slavery, and it was granted. "She had a large family herself; twins twice. My brother Robert, who died in Demerara at the age of twenty from a sun- stroke, was a twin ; his brother William died at the age of four or five. " Mother's maiden name was Rebecca Ashford. I do not know the year that she was born in, but have often heard lier say that she spent her twenty-fourth birthday on board the vessel on her voyage to Demerara. Father used to tell us to read the 31st of Proverbs often, for there we would find a description of our mother ; to me particularly, when about to become a missionary's wife, he held her up as a bright example." CHAPTER II. LANDING IN DEMERARA, TO FIRST RETURN TO ENGLAND. Febeuary 1808— June 1811. Voyage and Arrival — Encouraging Incidents — Mr. Posfs Hospitality and Co-operation — His Erection of Bethel Chapel and Manse : Mission- ary spirit : School in Town : Views of Providence — Success of the Work — Opposition — Mr. Posfs Letters — Mr. Wray's Report. "Arrived in Demerara, ^th February ^ 1808," is the record in Register, brief as that of departure. The two contain about all we know of the voyage — it was seven weeks long. Four weeks would then be accounted a fair passage as to time, for it must be remembered that steamships, telegraphs, and railways of the present day, were things unimagined. The season was winter ; not unlikely, therefore, squalls and gales in more northerly seas, would delay the vessel's pro- gress until, the trade winds reached, all would be steady sailing to the Guiana coast. But at best we cannot think otherwise of the voyage than as of one trying to Mr. Wray, with whom, on account of his propensity to sickness, sea- travelling was no favourite. We fear that many wearisome days and nights were appointed him, a deep draught of others in store on future voyages, and a vivid type of the fever-sickness, physic-sickness, heart-sickness (if never home- sickness), personal and domestic; amid which, to say nothing of *' The sigh With that more fearful war within, When passion's storms are loud and high," 32 PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 33 his work had so often to be carried on, and his journeys ])iirsued, when his utterly wearied frame was not actually compelled to rest, and his chafed yet patient soul compelled to wait. But there would come healthier and brighter times, earnest of many such, that would cheer him on his way. The night scene of ocean phosphorescence and of the starry heavens in tropical latitudes would have charms for him ; nor less so the new world of rich vegetation and animal life that would rise to view as he approached West Indian or South American shores. And so with the darker world of sin and ignorance, of tyranny and woe, into conflict with which he was about to enter. Each turn of toil or pain seems marked with some- thing of cheer or of relief, some quiet token at times of victory achieved, or of way being made. As the ship bearing our missionary entered harbour, the last ship to import new slaves from Africa was leaving it. The horrid traffic, so far as the British colonies and British protection were concerned, was gone. John Wray observed the circumstance, and was often heard by his children to remark that " as he sailed into Demerara, the last slave-ship sailed out." What kind of reception was afforded him by the Governor seems not to be reported. Perhaps silence signifies "noth- ing remarkable." The Governors just then were frequently changed, three appointments being made in fourteen months. The second of the three, Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholson, was actually in office, but as this was only j)'^^o. tem.^ and as Wray entered under the wing of Mr. Post, though in after days the pioneer as well as his follower, John Smith, had to encounter the frowns and opposition of Governors, possibly now there was no difficulty. An entire stranger, he landed not without a friend and a home prepared to receive him ; nor without a few ready to D 34 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, sympathize with him in his plans and purposes. On 6th February he was at once made a guest at Mr. Post's own house on Le Eesouvenir, some eight miles from town, and one mile from the shore of the Atlantic ; about as healthy a position as there was in that unhealthy region. "The missionary was received at his house," writes Mr. Wray, ''with the greatest cordiality ; to whom, till the day of his death, he manifested the most sincere friendship and pater- nal affection." In fact more favourable circumstances for the pioneer's becoming acclimatized and making acquaintance with the plagues and pleasantnesses of Guiana soil and life, or for his entering upon such a life as he had gone to attempt, it would not be easy to conceive. With an host as active and willing as himself, much more experienced too and, in many things, abler, there was no delay. The newly- arrived guest would soon be fully occupied in the variety of employment which fell to his lot, as it does to the lot specially of a first missionary ; and host and guest, planter and missionary, worked side by side in perfect harmony. Sad must have been the labour when, within two or three years, that variety came to include the preparation of a memoir of this colonial benefactor. A printed copy of such lies before us, having annotations in pen and ink by one confessedly of somewhat different religious sentiments, but which more than confirm all Mr. Wray has said in favour of his generous entertainer's moral and religious character. Leaving, therefore, details of the missionary's own way and manner of dealing with the natives and with others until we can illustrate from his own journal, we will here draw largely from this brief memorial of his departed friend and founder of the mission. The missionary's first efforts, of course, were with such of the household and with such of the slaves from that and neighbouring estates as were willing and were permitted to come and worship or receive Christian instruction. His PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 35 mission was primarily and chiefly to the negro population. But, from the beginning, white or coloured persons from places near came also to worship. These grew more numer- ous, travelling up to Le Kesouvenir even from town ; and in a few weeks, Mr. Post, to accommodate them, had one of his estate buildings turned into a meeting-room, and "pre- pared seats for them according to their station in life." Two services were held on the Sabbath, Mr. Wray conducting worship and preaching; whilst teaching, catechizing the negroes old and young, or visiting the sick, went on as opportunity offered or other claims allowed. The numbers of Sunday comers did not cease to multiply, and it soon became evident that the place of meeting would shortly be found too strait for the growing congregation. In the course of a correspondence kept up with the Directors of the Missionary Society, Mr. Post, therefore, arranged to erect a suitable building of a size to accommodate 600 persons, they contributing £100, and he the main cost. Named " Bethel Chapel," and opened on the 11th September, 1808, only a day or two more than eight months after the missionary's arrival — at the first service, builder and preacher had the joy of seeing it "crowded with people of various colours." " Bethel Chapel," Le Kesouvenir ! how little did generous planter or missionary pioneer, or any of the varied throno- that then crowded within its walls, dream of the foul injustice and monstrous cruelty associated with which, in a while and for years to come, its name would ring through- out and beyond the empire ! The erection of a minister's house on the estate and close to the chapel, followed immediately, and was completed in 1809; Mr. Post "expending more than £1000 on these objects, and about £200 being subscribed by other respect- able inhabitants of the Colony." * * Evangelical Marjazinc, 1835, p. 211, 36 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, " He soon discovered a missionary spirit, becoming very- anxious to have tlie Gospel preached in other parts of the Colony and in the neighbouring Colony of Berbice ; but his bad state of health hindered him from being so active as he wished. It was his desire and intention to have travelled with me in different parts of the Colony, but sickness always prevented." Preparations, however, were made for beginning work in town. Here, Mr. Post "freely offered ground to build a chapel upon, if permission could have been obtained; but an express prohibition was sent from men in power." A school under his direction as acting trustee and " which had been kept in one of his buildings in town by a person who failed," was more fortunate. " Mr. Post hired teachers to carry it on, and when some of the children M^ere taken away lest he should teach them his religion, it cost him for a con- siderable time £16 per month more than the income." Here again the Missionary Society was enlisted as co-adjutor, and by the end of the year another agent was far on his way, passage and other expenses liberally paid by the generous trustee. This is certainly no light list of gift and work for the commencing year, pursued too, as we shall see, amid great and growing opposition and obloquy. " But Mr. Post persevered undaunted, following his Master through evil and through good report." "He entertained exalted views of Divine providence. If his undertakings prospered, he ascribed all to the blessing of God upon them, rather than to his own creature wisdom or strength. If he met with crosses or losses in the world, he looked through second causes to the great Disposer of all events. At that season of the year when he built the chapel, he had a much better crop of cotton in one field that any of his neighbours, in consequence of a different method he had pursued with his trees. At another time he was greatly distressed for want of mone}^ and knew not what course to take ; when, very opportunely, a gentleman came and lent him £4000. These and many events of a like nature, he looked upon as directions of Providence, but did not like to speak of PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 37 them to the people of the worhl, lest they should think it enthusiasm." However, "on Lord's Day, 23rd October, 1808," Mr. Wray says : — " A few weeks after the opening of Bethel Chapel, I preached, at the request of Mr. Post, respecting the judgments of God that pass through the Colony; my sermon being from Hosea iv. 1-4, and chiefly taken up with some refl.ections of Mr. Post's oil the awful state of the Colony in 1803, and the providence of God since that period towards the inhabitants. His mind is greatly affected because so many of his fellow-colonists oppose the instruc- tion of the negroes in the principles of Christianity. This led him to reflect on the ways of God towards the Colony for four or five years back. He considers the preaching of the Gospel as the last trial God is about to make to bring the people to rej)entance." All notwithstanding, — " the fruits of Mr. Wray's labours began more than ever to awaken the attention of those who were interested in the continuance of slavery. The Koyal Gazette (Demerara) of that period gave pub- licity to the following sentiments : — ' It is dangerous to make slaves Christians, without giving them their liberty. He that chooses to make slaves Christians, let him give them their liberty. What will be the consequence when to that chass of men is given the title of beloved brethren, as is actually done ? Will not the negro conceive that by baptism, being made a Christian, he is as credible as his Christian ivhite brethren?'" For the preceding extract we are indebted to the Rev. E. A. Wallbridge, who goes on pertinently to remark : — " Slavery thrives only in the dreary regions of moral darkness, where the light of truth must not enter. It loves to dwell in a land of spiritual death, amidst whips and chains and stocks, with all the odious instruments of punishment deemed necessary to compel incessant and unrequited toil. Disguise it as you may, slavery is still a system which 'loves darkness rather than light.'"* * " Martyr of Demerara," p. 17. 38 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, fl Accordingly, Mr. Post " was looked upon by many as a fool or a madman, and became the subject of their laughter. He was charged with introducing anarchy, disorder, and discontent among the enslaved negroes ; and M^as forbidden, by authority, ' to hold any riotous meeting of slaves on his estate.' Many said he was going to make Demerara a second St. Domingo ; indeed, numbers dated the ruin of the I Colony from the day that the missionary arrived. But ' none of I these things moved him.' He was determined to persevere in the path of duty, and leave the event with God." Yet " he studied, night and day, what method was best to be taken, and did all in his power to remove the prejudices of the people. He wrote letters to some, conversed with others, and endeavoured to i-eceive all the information he could concerning the success of the Gospel among the negroes of Surinam, whence came the most pleasing intelligence concerning the preaching of the Moravians, and where, as well as in several of the West India Islands, from which also he sought and received reports, the missionaries appeared to receive every encouragement from the most respect- able inhabitants. It appeared to be his continual study, and the chief business of his life, to promote the glory of God and the salvation of the negroes." A few extracts from his letters of that time will show his anxiety in this respect. \YritiDg, February 1808, he says : — "My health and strength have failed me much for several months, and disabled me, in many instances, from being as useful as I could wish ; but I know that our Lord has no need of me. I am not worthy to serve His cause. Join with us in earnest prayer that the work here, as well as in other places, may continue and prosper to the salvation of many of every colour. God in His mercy has prepared a Avay for His minister, and will, I trust, continue to bless his labours with His Almighty power, and open the understandings of the people to whom the sound of every scriptural or spiritual expression is new. May his health be preserved, and the obstacles against future under- takings be removed." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 39 When writing for a person for the School, he says : — " My constitution is such that it does not promise me many more healthy days. The gout seems to continue my constant companion ; but I trust I shall, before my departure, see that long-desired work accomplished, of instructing the youth of all classes in the ways of true wisdom." When 1808 had passed, and with it the first eleven months of the missionary's presence and work, dating 12th January, 1809, Mr. Post writes :— " It would be ingratitude to our God and Saviour not to praise His name for what He has done. He has built His temple in this wilderness, and, I trust, has given us reason to call it Bethel, because many of the ignorant negroes have experienced the presence of the Lord. It is not possible that such a change could otherwise have been effected in their conduct, both on mine and other estates, but especially on the estate next to mine (Success). They were formerly a nuisance to the neighbourhood, on account of their drumming, dancing, &c., two or three nights in the week, and were looked on with a jealous eye on account of their dangerous communications ; but they are now become the most zealous attenders on public worship, catechizing, and private instruction. No drums are heard in this neighbourhood, except where the owners have prohibited the attendance of their slaves. Drunkards and fighters are changed into sober and peaceable people, and endeavour to please those who are set over them." Mr. Wray, of course, amid all other duties, had his own correspondence with the Society, and witli friends at home to maintain. Reporting to the former, about the middle of the year, he writes as one feeling that his coming to Demerara had been a right step, and as one growingly con- fident that he should be able, as certainly he was willing, to continue — re-assuring news to all parties, not least so to her who was expecting to follow. Very encouraging also would be the further intelligence that, after the opening of the chapel, the pioneer was preaching to a congregation of between 400 40 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, and 500 black and free coloured people, exclusive of Europeans, and otherwise imparting religious instruction to them; or, again, the Eeport at the end of 1808, that — " A church had been formed consisting of twenty- four members ; 150 persons appeared to be sincerely seeking salvation ; 200 of the negroes had learned passages of Scripture, the Assembly's Catechism, and hymns ; and that the improvement affected among the people generally, who received this Christian instruc- tion, was such as to draw forth the approbation of the managers."* 1809. Arrival of Rev. John Davies — Continued Prosperity — Founder's Fatal Illness — Arrival of 3Iiss Ashford and others — Founder's Decease — Funeral Solemnities — His Attainments, Character, and Generosity. In the first month of 1809 appeared the Rev. John Davies, to undertake the school in town. He landed on the 22nd, was cordially received by Mr. Post, and soon began his work ; residing, and preaching also, as occasion might allow, on the site wdiere Providence new chapel, house, and school now stand. The new arrival so laboured and prospered, that before long he had upwards of forty children daily under instruction in useful knowledge and Christian truth, and preached three times a week in the schoolroom to uj)wards of 300 people.! Some of the latter came from distant parts of the country on the Lord's Day to hear the words of eternal truth ; and many are the interesting accounts given, long years after, by persons who used to attend his instruc- tions ; how they suffered the loss of sleep, and performed long journeys to Georgetowui ; how^ they meekly endured increased labour, and fearlessly risked being seized by the constables as runaway negroes, if they might only hear their beloved minister. { * Brief account, Evangelical Magazine 1835, p. 211. t Evangelical Magazine, 1811, p. 7. + "Martyr of Demerara," p. 18. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 41 At Le Resouvenir the work of the Lord continued to prosper, though here, as perhaps everywhere, not all that were nearest at hand, or had the easiest access, or the greatest encouragements, were readiest to hecome partakers. Mr. Post rejoiced in God when good was done tliere among his own negroes or others ; but he was at times cast down when, with all Ids great encouragement, only few of his own put in an appearance to learn the catechism or to hear the AVord. He gave them Saturday to go to market that they might have the Sabbath to themselves ; and garments, when lack of these was pleaded as an excuse for staying away. He would con- verse with them in the most affectionate manner, explain the Bible and pictorial illustrations of the Scriptures to his own people or to any who would come, sometimes spending a great part of the Sabbath in this work, and so do all in his power to bring sinners to Christ. Thus we find him writing in another letter : — " I have not the pleasure to find that my own negroes attend so well as those on other estates, but I thank God that many of them do, and are very zealous indeed, and much concerned to have an interest in that Jesus who came to die for sinners. 1 asked one of my carpenters if his knowledge was much improved, to which he replied, ' Very much,' and said that he was convinced of sin. I asked him if he were to fall in a river and a plank were thrown to him what would he do, to which he answered, ' I would take hold of it very strong ; so I do Jesus.' He and several more assure me that their only hope is on what Jesus has done for them, and that they pray daily for wisdom and the Spirit of God. Many express themselves with great thankfulness that they have an opportunity to hear the Gospel, when, surely, I point them to the First Cause, who showed His love to them in directing me and the hearts of the good people in Europe to do it. It is affect- ing to see so many black faces in the meeting, who formerly were not much distinguished from the brute creation, all directed toward the minister, especially when the subject is very serious ; and in prayer, to see many kneeling, others standing, repeating with a sigh the word Amen, and to hear from their lips the words 42 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, plainly expressed both in prayer and singing hymns. These are pleasing facts. I recommend us all to the prayers of the Christian people in England. We think it our duty to pray for the coming of the kingdom of Jesus over all the world." Accounts continuing favourable, Miss Rebecca Ashford, according to arrangement and so soon as a convoy could be obtained, quitted home and England to join Mr. Wray, and for a first absence which proved to be of twenty-two years' duration. There sailed on the same day, 5th March, 1809, and for the same destination. Miss Sandars, to become Mrs. Davies ; the Rev. Isaac Purkis, going to Tobago ; and the Rev. Thomas Adam, w^ho eventually went on to Trini- dad. All landed safely in Demerara, 15th April, just in time to take off the edge from a great loss which the mission was about to sustain. For already, four days before their departure from England, My. Post had been taken with a fatal seizure. His two or three last years had been years more or less of suffering from gout and asthma, with occasional attacks of great danger and severity. One such attack he had experienced just before ]\[r. Wray's arrival, and another shortly after it. Again, in the early days of January, 1809, he had a similar seizure, but was restored, being able after a short time to attend to business, when he was much employed about the school and the building of the minister's house. On 28th February he went to the back of the estate with Mrs. Post, a whole distance of several miles, and the next morning he was con- fined to his room, never to leave it again. " On 8th April," again to quote at length the Memoir, " he endured very severe pain, both night and day, which sometimes rendered him impatient and fretful. About a month before his death he sent for his head carpenter, and with the greatest com- posure gave him orders to make his coffin. He gave also particular directions concerning his funeral. Twice or thrice he sent for the children brought up in his house, for his manager, and for some of his domestics, and took his leave of them in a very affectionate PtONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 43 manner. At those times he was generally composed, and enjoyed comfortable prospects of eternity. At one of these seasons he recommended the children very affectionately to me, and requested that I would catechize them and attend to their spiritual welfare. To one of his oldest negroes, a driver of the name of Mars, who came to see him, he said, 'Mars, how are you V The old man, thinking that he asked what the people had been doing, said, ' Picking cotton, massa.' Mr. Post replied, ' I do not ask you what you have been doing. Picking cotton is nothing to me now ! I have done with it.' He then called the old negro to his bed- side, took hold of his hand, and bid him farewell, exhorting him to attend the preaching, to come to Jesus, to pray to Him, and charged him to meet him at the right hand of God, telling him he must shortly die, and that though he had been his master, and had sometimes been angry with him, there would soon be no difference between them. They both wept abundantly. This was a very affecting scene." In a similarly kind manner did this dying Christian planter "frequently speak to the negroes who came to see him, exhorting them to seek Christ with their whole hearts." Himself experiencing varied feelings, " sensible that he was a sinner — a great sinner — and that he had nothing to plead but the sufferings and death of Christ," he derived comfort chiefly from those passages of Scripture "which give encouragement to the chief of sinners. These were greatly blessed to him." " Though often perplexed with doubts and fears he was, at other times, strong in faith, giving glory to God." " One day he sent for me (Mr. Wray) from the dinner-table, and said, 'I have sent for you to tell you that I shall just enter in through Christ;' and at another time he said, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God will be with me.' He frequently repeated the name of Jesus in a very affecting way, and would often say, 'Come and receive me to Thyself!' Once he told me he was very comfortable, and requested me to pray especially for the spread of the Gospel, and said, 'All will be well.' At another time he said, with great 44 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, earnestness, ' Tell the people at my funeral that I am a sinner, but have obtained mercy through Jesus Christ' Once, when I was speaking to him, he looked steadfastly at me, and said, in a very affecting manner, ' You have come so far to teach me how to die. I know you love me, and I will love you in Heaven.' When his spirits were good, and he was tolerably free from pain, he would converse cheerfully about preaching, religion, and what he had passed through in lif^. He would frequently request me to read to him, and when I asked him what he wished to have read, he would say, ' Something suitable. Some of the sayings of Jesus or Paul.' On the two or three last days of his life I had not an opportunity to converse much with him, for he was extremely weak ; but he was enabled to build on tlie rock Christ Jesus. The day before his death, I had some conversation with him on temporal subjects, especially about the chapel." But Miss Ashford with her companions had now been landed some fourteen days, and much about marriage, mis- sions, and missionaries, about this mission to Demerara in particular, must have demanded and divided Mr. "Wray's attention ; so mingled, not seldom, is the cup of life ; as the bell of morn becomes the curfew, a wedding and passing bell, too, ringing merrily and mournfully, all in a day. For at last, on 29th April, a great loss befell all except him, the Christian planter, Avho, — " about half-past eight o'clock in the evening, fell asleep in Jesus. Loud were the lamentations of the poor negroes, who spent most of the night weeping for him. It was a very affecting scene. I suppose there were more than 500 negroes of his own and from other estates lamenting their loss. Mr. Purkis and the manager went among the houses to request them to be still ; but in vain. They continued to weep aloud, exclaiming, 'My massa, my massa !' I was much affected with the language of one j)oor woman who said she had been twenty years on the estate — not able to do any work ; but her massa had given her everything to make her comfortable." Growth and decay are so rapid in that country as not to allow of burial being deferred beyond the day after death. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 45 At five in the afternoon of Lord's Day, 30th April, therefore, Mr. Post was interred. His grave was on his own estate, in his own burial-ground, under a large mango tree ; he having strictly charged, in response to a wish expressed to the con- trary, that it should not be within the precincts of the chapel. The day proved very wet, thus preventing the attendance of many people of colour. ^Nevertheless a great number of such came to the funeral, besides a multitude of negroes in their deep sorrow. Eight of the latter, who were his own, Avlioni he had selected for the purpose, some of whom he had enjoyed the happiness of seeing baptized and walking in the fear of the Lord, carried his remains to the grave. At the door of his house the 63rd Hymn of Dr. Watts' second book, beginning — " Hark ! from the tombs a doleful sound, My ear, attend the cry," was sung ; and at the grave, the 88tli of the first book — " Life is the time to serve the Lord, The time to insure the great reward ; " and the lOTtli of the second book — " That awful day will surely come, The appointed hour makes haste." An exhortation also was given from Amos iv. 12, "Prepare to meet thy God, Israel." On several succeeding days the estate appeared as though it were in mourning for its late owner ; and on Lord's Day, May 14th, a funeral sermon was preached from Rev. xiv. 13, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, &c." A few more details of the character and attainments of this excellent man and founder of the Mission, before we finally cease mention of him, will not be out of place. Master of the Dutch, French, and English languages, Mr 46 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Post had not read many books on any subject, secular or sacred, with which he was famihar, but was well acquainted with what he had perused, and by travelling and other means had obtained a considerable degree of general knowledge. He was an able and a practical agriculturist, and undoubt- edly one of the most laborious planters in the Colony ; him- self, specially in times of emergency, working alongside while directing his slaves. " He did not punish but when absolutely necessary, and a very respectable planter, who knew him many years, affirms that he never knew him inflict severe punishment, and that he never had any runaway negroes, except two or three, who were notoriously bad." " Nothing would cause him sooner to dismiss a white servant than undue severity with the negroes. Kind to them at all times, he was especially so when they were sick ; sending them wine or soup or whatever else his house or table could afford, and paying them his own personal visits ; Mrs. Post also giving the greatest attention to them, whether by night or day." " His conversation was always edifying, his two favourite topics being Eeligion and Astronomy. He would have sat up half the night, in a gallery behind his house, to view and con- verse about the heavenly bodies ; and when speaking of religion, he was never weary. He would often lament much that he found people in Holland and North America so little inclined to speak on religious subjects.'' " In his dealings with others he was honest, upright, and faithful to all his engagements. His word was as good as his bond. None disputed that what Mr. Post promised he wouki fulfil if in his power ; and he was careful not to promise more. Easily imposed on by others, in two or three instances he suffered greatly on account of this. Indeed, the trials and temptations altogether which he endured were very great and of a peculiar nature, and would have sunk many a stout heart to the grave." " Taught to read the Bible at home, he brought it with him to Demerara, and read it every day, not merely as the effect of custom, but that he might derive benefit from it. Soon after his arrival, the gentleman with whom he then lived used to laugh at him, and say, ' Mr. Post, you read your Bible to atone for your PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 47 sins ; ' to wliicli he would reply, ' No, sir, I do not ; but I read it to keep me from sin.' After he had a house of his own he read it every morning to his family before they rose from the breakfast table ; nor did company or occasional visitors hinder this practice. I have heard a gentleman say, ' I used to call upon Mr. Post when I went to town, but I left it off, because he always detained me by reading the Bible. Not that I have anything to say against reading it, God forbid ! but I wanted to be in town about my business.' In private, Mr. Post diligently studied the Bible, meditating upon it, and thus becoming well acquainted with its sacred contents." His doctrinal sentiments were formed from the Bible rather than from any human author. As after he was made acquainted with the Assembly's Catechism he greatly approved of it, these sentiments may, in brief, be described as coincident therewith. " His mind had formerly been much perplexed about the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures ; and the more he read on the subject in human authors, the more he was confused. The read- ing of the Word alone confirmed his mind in this glorious truth. Especially did the sayings of Christ, the Epistles of Paul, and the fulfilment of the prophecies ; also the majestic language of the Scriptures and the holy precepts they contain ; the effects which the Gospel produces and its progress through the world by the mildest means, in the midst of the greatest opposition; finally establish him in their truth." Gradually, however, it was that he w^as cleared of the meshes of serious error and consequent sin, which he not only had forsaken but bitterly lamented, long before his death. " He professed an uncommon esteem for the more public ordinances of religion," and thought those persons blessed indeed who dwell where these are observed. " Such opportunities he could not enjoy for more than twenty years, but to supply the deficiency, he or one of his friends used to read a sermon every Lord's Day. His strongest objection to Demerara was his not having an opportunity to hear the Gospel 48 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, and to converse on spiritual things. The last three or four years before the Gospel was preached on his estate, he used to retire, as soon as breakfast was over, to a small house which he built at the seaside, to read and pray; that he might be free from visitors who came to his house, and worship his God in spirit and truth. " After my arrival he diligently attended preaching twice every Lord's Day, and also in the week days when business did not prevent him. He was always extremely attentive during public worship, and frequently shed tears. Singing was a part of the service in which he took peculiar delight. He was strongly attached to Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns. At the administra- tion of baptism he was also much affected, especially when he stood up to present his little Creole slaves ; and engaged to bring them up in the fear of the Lord. He considered this undertak- ing of the greatest importance, and his indispensable duty. On the 2Gth December, 1808, when thirteen men and seven women were baptized, he shed tears of joy during the whole service. He was also very anxious that the Lord's Supper should be dis- pensed among the pious negroes, and to sit down with them at the table of the Lord ; but used to say he thought it would be too much for him. This, however, was not accomplished during his life ; but he requested on his death-bed it might be as soon as possible." " Undoubtedly he had his imperfections, which he daily lamented ; but if we consider him in every point of view, and make proper allowances for the country, &c., in which he lived, he appears to have been a truly excellent man, and almost a miracle of grace." " In his death the negroes lost one of the kindest masters ; his bereaved widow, a most affectionate husband ; her child, one of the best of parents ; the fatherless and the widow, a kind pro- tector ; the Colony of Demerara, a respectable, useful, and bene- volent inhabitant ; and the writer of this Memoir (Mr. Wray), one of the most sincere friends — a friend who will ever be remembered by him with the warmest gratitude. Above all, the Church of Christ has lost one of its most useful members— one whose life appeared almost absolutely essential to the promotion of the Gospel in this country ; but God sometimes removes such PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 49 useful persons, to convince us that He can do without them, and sometimes lest we should put them in His place." With consistent thouglitfuhiess, Mr. Post "generously secured to the London Missionary Society, so long as it should continue to provide a missionary preaching the doc- trines of the Reformed Church, the chapel on Le Resouvenir, together with a dwelling-house for the minister, a garden, and the sum of £100 annually towards the minister's sup- port ; " but should the condition cease to be fulfilled, the property was then to be transferred to a Scotch society."^ The Missionary Society, on its part, records its loss in the same 16th Annual Report as that " of one of their warmest and most useful friends," declaring it "impossible to express the obligations under wdiich the cause of religion in the Colony w^as laid by his influence, contributions, and exer- tions; " and that " the Society will long cherish the memory of their generous benefactor," and hope likewise that it may prove a stimulus to " others at home and abroad, to emulate so worthy an example." 1809-1811. General Character of Mr. and Mrs. Wray's Work — Prosperity of the Mission — Their First-born— Appearance of Indians — Serious III Health of Mr. Wray — Governor s Troublesome Proclamation — Wray^s Appeal and consequent Departure for England. A FEW Wrecks, and things that were to continue had settled again to their usual course on Le Resouvenir. But not all these exactly as before. One difference was in the friend at John Wray's side. The first and former had gone, the second, and more intimate and future, had taken that place in which she long proved a help-meet indeed, and was highly favoured in some respects. For, if he had the some- what unusual experience in Guiana missions, of being spared thirty years to found station after station, Mrs. Wray had * Report of the Missionary Society, 1810. 50 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, the almost unique experience among missionaries' wives there, of sharing, as a wife, so long a period of life, and toil, and peril ; yet withal of surviving her husband, and, as a widow, returning with her family to England. Much of their work, it may here be said, was of the simplest, but none the less laborious character. The slaves that came for instruction had to be taught as the veriest children, and without the advantage of teaching them to read. They might of themselves, in process of time, pick up the art, as some of them did ; else, teaching was very much by means of repetition — hymns, passages of Scripture, Watts' Catechisms and the Assembly's First, being thus committed to memory. It was literally "precept upon precept, precept upon precept ; line upon line, line upon line ; here a little, there a little ; " until the learners could for themselves say verse or answer, and in turn convey like instruction to others. This, with singing, quite as much as preaching (which itself had to be of the simplest character), was their occupation — work pursued by Mr. and Mrs. Wray whenever and wherever there was an opportunity, and from the first not without good results. These grew, as we shall see, year by year, multiplying fast in later years ; some of which results were to be witnessed in the sterling stamp of men and Christians taught by them, and to be found here and there in the churches long after their instructors had been laid in the dust. It was, indeed, the thin edge of the wedge ; a long thin edge, too ; but none other was possible ; a wedge however, which, when the long end had securely entered, was to be driven home to its fullest extent much sooner, and with effects upon the social state of Guiana much greater, than what even John Wray or many a one else then thought. At the close of 1809, Mr. Wray was able to write of the cause of Christ as continuing to prosper, and of many persons old and young as being anxious to hear the Word of PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 51 Life. There had been many pleasing instances of the power of Divine grace on the hearts of negroes, the alteration pro- duced in their moral conduct being such as to recommend the Gospel of Christ. Referring to the Christmas holidays, he says : — " Wlifit a great and glorious change has taken place among them since the last year ! Instead of following their vain amuse- ments, numbers have turned to the Lord, sing His praises, and glorify His name. They now hate the things which they once loved, and delight in the things of Jesus of which many of them never heard till lately." * From sixteen to twenty children attended almost every day to learn to read ', and, generally in the evening, a great many women. On the Lord's Day there was a school often of fifty children ; also more of the owners of estates seemed disposed to promote the instruction of their slaves, having observed the good effect produced on those already taught. In the course of 1810 this improvement continued, and encouragements were multiplied. Though a few who appeared to set out well became lukewarm and indifferent, the congregation progressively increased to between 500 and 600 persons. About 200 attended public worship regularly, and of these many were inquiring the way of salvation. At the close of the year Mr. Wray was pastor of a church numbering thirty-seven communicants, and, 12th December, 1810, writes:— "It gives me pleasure that some of the negroes are able to conduct the singing without the assistance of any white person ; a few have been able to read sufficiently well as to make use of their hymn-books. A man named Komeo, about fifty years of age, is able to read fairly well in the New Testament ; and one much older, though he cannot read, can pray with great fluency and propriety. It is astonishing to hear what use he makes of Scripture in his prayers. His name is Jason : he comes from a great distance ; and bad weather never stops him. * Society's 16th Annual Report. 52 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, " At I frequently preach on the Lord's Day in the after- noon ; hilt find it too much to ride ten miles in the hot sun and preach thrice ; yet I do not like to neglect a field of labour when it is open. About 400 frequently attend, of whom perhaps 100 sometimes attend at Le Kesouvenir and elsewhere." Several events of this year must have special if only brief mention. On 18tli May came their first-born, a little daughter whom her parents named Elizabeth, and who, spared through many perils, grew up to be their life-long companion and to survive them many years, remaining unmarried. After a useful and well-spent life, she fell asleep in Jesus at Exeter, so recently as August, 1885. A much different appearance was that of a chief and other principal men from one of the far inland tribes of Indians, who, after a journey of six weeks, arrived in town and, during their stay, attended Divine worship, behaving with great reverence. Through an interpreter conversation Avas held with them. After being informed as to -what had been said at the service, an earnest desire for a teacher to be sent into their country was expressed by the chief, a lord of eight other tribes besides his own. On tlie other hand, a young man of education and piety, by repute well qualified for the undertaking, was already known to Mr. Wray, and when, willing to go, he applied to the IMissionary Society for the requisite assistance, had the pioneer's recommendation. During the year, Mr. AVray compiled the brief memoir of his friend Mr. Post, from which we have so largely quoted; with conscientious care submitting it to the widow and to two most intimate and long-attached friends of tlie deceased, Messrs. Van Couten and Sample, who approved and accredited it as correct ; he then forwarded it in time for publication in the January number of the Evangelical Magazine for 1811. But already indications were not wanting that the PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 53 pioneer was being overtasked, and the opening months of 1811 saw him a comparatively helpless invalid; having narrowly escaped the loss of an eye through inflammation, being threatened with serious disorder of the liver, and under doctor's orders to cease a-while so much speaking or reading. In this dilemma, Mrs. Wray read a chapter or sermon to the negroes when her husband was unable to say more than a few words ; she still continuing her school, her women's prayer-meetings, and frequently catechizing both children and adults. In addition to these efl'ects of toil and climate upon Mr. Wray, came increasing anxieties on other accounts. For if the food will of some as they witnessed the beneficial results of his labours was being gained, opposition to mission-work and hindrances in the country generally were also growing. These at length culminated in a proclamation by the Governor which led to a corresponding movement on the part of John Wray, seemingly quite in harmony with his character. He could endure much, not, however, to be needlessly shorn of his work. Any who thought so patient and harmless a man would sit down and submit to anything when a legitimate way was open for redress, must soon have been led to a diflerent opinion. Three changes of Governors had taken place since his arrival in the Colony, the last of these being when H. W. Eentinck, Esq., who had held office. May 1806 to May 1807, and retiring, had returned to England on account of ill-health, resuming the reins in May, 1809. Two years afterwards, on the 25th of May, 1811, he issued a proclama- tion prohibiting the negroes assembhng before sunrise and after sunset, be the object of such gathering what it might. As of course they had to work during daylight, this greatly interfered with the religious instruction of the people, and though designed as a measure of civil precaution, there are more than appearances that it was meant also to interfere 64 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, with their attendance at places of public worship. It followed on the lines of such proceedings as had been adopted in Jamaica, where a "disposition had been repeatedly manifested by the island Government to suppress the preach- ing of the Gospel." Though checked by the interference of the British Government, " the rulers again had had recourse to regulations jjlainly intended to prevent, if possible, the instruction of the negroes by those who alone would take the pains to bestow it ;"'^ and, 14th November, 1810, had passed an Act for licens- ing preachers, places of worship, and forbidding assemblies of the negroes except in the daytime, with long terms of notice to elapse before application, and exorbitant fees, all to be enforced by penalties fearfully heavy, and, in the case of slaves, by punishments terribly severe. Thus a preacher was liable to a fine of £50, and each hearer to one of £10, if found together for worship before sunrise or after sunset. Again, if the house or preacher was not licensed, the preacher was to forfeit £50, or be imprisoned three months in the common jail ; each person attending the meeting, if not a slave, to forfeit for the first offence £5, and for every subsequent offence £10 ; if a slave, he or she was to receive a public flogging. And that these enactments were not to remain a dead letter is manifest, for it is recorded that : — " On 30th May, 1811, Mr. J. Wiggins and Mr. J. Toland, two preachers of the Methodist Connexion, were convicted at Kingston for preaching without a license and after sunset ; they were fined £50 each.'^t Details in Demerara might be different, but the inter- ference with missionary work was much the same ; an inter- ference, too, which continued to spread — Trinidad being next reported as following suite, j * Evangelical Magazine, 1811, p. 395. t „ „ „ 439. X „ „ ,, 436. PIONEER MISSIONAEY TO GUIANA. 55 To meet the emergency, Mr. Wray took his own course, or rather we should say, and may be sure, the course which, as in the sight of God, approved itself to his conscience, pain- ful in many ways though it might be. He appealed to the Governor, and having failed in his appeal, leaving wife and child at Le Resouvenir, getting Mr. Davies to preach there at times, he came straight away home to His Majesty's Ministers for redress. The particulars were often narrated in after days within hearing of his children, and Mrs. Tuckett has not forgotten them. She writes : — " In 1811, before I was born, he came to England to appeal to His Majesty's Ministers for the removal of certain hindrances thrown in his way, &c., as you know. I have often heard him speak of his interview with Governor Bentinck (I think it was Governor Bentinck — he was a thorn in my father's side in after years in Berbice). ' Your Excellency,' my father said, ' I have come to speak to you about this proclamation which prohibits the negroes from assembling before sunrise and after sunset.' His Excellency cut him short : — ' If I catch you breaking the law, I will banish you from the Colony.' My father told him he had no intention of breaking the law, but as with such a law he could do nothing in the way of teaching the slaves, he should at once go to England and appeal to His Majesty's Ministers. " My father left his Excellency, and at once proceeded to the waterside to look for a ship about to sail for England. There was but one, taking in cotton, and it would sail in a few days. ' Captain,' he said, ' I want to go to England.' ' Oh,' said the captain, ' I can't possibly take you ; every berth is filled with cotton bales.' ' But,' said my father, ' I will do without a berth ; I will sleep on the cotton bales — only let me come on board, and I will put up with any inconvenience.' The captain yielded ; my father rode back to Le Eesouvenir, told mother of his inter- view with the Governor, and that he had taken his passage in a ship which would sail in a fev/ days ; and so, mother has often said, the promise she made before God in her own heart when she accepted my father, that she would never in any way hinder him in what he thought it his duty to do, Hashed on her mind, and she always kept this promise as sacred," 56 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY. The first item, which has survived, of Mr. Wray's MSS. containing a rough draft of his history of the mission, is dated 16th June, 1811:— " Having been at Mr. Davies's two or three days, annoyed by the mosquitoes so much that we (himself and Mrs. W.) could get no rest, I went on board the ship Demerara very early this morn- ing, accompanied by Mr. Davies. My dear wife was much affected. In the afternoon, about four o'clock, we weighed anchor." CHAPTER III. FIRST RETURN TO ENGLAND, TO SETTLEMENT IN BERBICE. June 1811 -June 1813. Landing in Liverpool — Intercourse with Spencer — Death of Spencer — Reception in London — Success of Appeal and of other Worh — Return — Slave Ship — Arrival and various Receptions — ^'Cushoo,'' and Con- sequences. " A PLEASANT passage," writes Mr. AYray, and " I landed near Liverpool, in a boat that came alongside, 31st July." Liverpool, of course, was not the great city it is to-day ; iDut man is the same, and any who have sympathetically followed our missionary so far, Avill not be unprepared to read further : — " When I set my foot on my native land I was deeply affected. My feelings I cannot describe." The then town, and much besides, was about to be plunged into mourning : very modestly does the newly- arrived one record his intercourse with him, the loss of whom was the occasion of such sorrow : — " I remained a few days in Liverpool, and was kindly enter- tained by Mr. and Mrs. Hurry. I preached three times on the Sabbath (4th August), and supped in company with the lamented Spencer,* the night before he was drowned. In the evening of that day, the first Monday of August, we were to have united in prayer to God, at the missionary prayer meeting, but his soul had taken its flight, to unite with happy spirits above." * For some in the third generation since these events occurred, it will be needful to explain that the Spencer here mentioned is the Rev. 57 58 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, The day of his landing, he formed one of Spencer's hearers in the evening, with little thought of himself, a stranger, being a trouble to the wearied minister. Writes Dr. Eaffles, however (p. 238) :— " The Kev. Mr. Wray, a missionary at Demerara, was then in Liverpool, and was at the chapel. A friend who saw Mr. Spencer in the vestry, after service, observed him to be much exhausted, and heard him say for the first time : ' Oh, I did not feel com- fortable in seeing a brother minister in the congregation this evening ! ' Usually, he did not fear the face of man." But the two soon became even more than acquainted, for (p. 242)- "In the evening of the Saturday following, Spencer met the Rev. Messrs. Charrier, Lister, and Wray, the missionary, together with Mr. Laird, of Greenock, and others, at the house of a friend. It was a pleasant interview, and, in reflection, has aftbrded to the persons who composed that social party, the sincerest pleasure." The labours of Sunday, 4tli August, over, they again met, as Mr. Wray tells us, and as Dr. Eafiies, more at length, details (p. 245) :— " After the labours of the day Spencer went to the house of a friend to supper ; he did not appear to be unusually fatigued. With great fervour he led the devotions of the family. . . . He Thomas Spencer, the immediate predecessor of the Rev. Dr. Raffles, his biographer as well as successor. A youth of great piety, devotion, and gifts, he had, 3rd February, 1811, when just turned twenty, left Hoxton College, to become pastor of the church assembling in Newing- ton Chapel, Liverpool. On the 15th of the following April, and in the presence of some 6000 persons, he laid the first stone of a new chapel, calculated to accommodate 2000 worshippers, the well-known Great George Street Chapel. On Thursday, 27th June, he was ordained ; and on the following Sabbath, 1st July, presided for the first time at the ministration of the Lord's Supper. After a few weeks of constant engagements in town and country, he returned, his biographer says, on Wednesday afternoon (31st July), much fatigued, to Liverpool, but preached in the evening with great animation. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 59 Wcas remarkably copious and earnest in prayer ; commending especially to God the family, the Church, the members who had recently joined, the missionary who was present, and every object to which his holy and benevolent mind recurred. At supper the conversation was pure and spiritual. . . . The subject was ' sudden death.' The countenance of Spencer, always animated, was lighted up with holy joy as he discoursed upon the glory of departed saints. ... He appeared to lose the memory of the day's fatigue in the interesting theme, and frequently observed that he had not, for a long time, felt himself so free from weari- ness. A little after eleven he parted with his friends for ever." At the same hour, on the following morning, and about the turn of tide, Spencer left his lodgings to bathe, but chose, not without inquiries from bathers on the spot, a new and more retired place than formerly. Slipping, it is con- jectured, from a ledge of rock, into w^ater one or two feet deeper than that in which he had been swimming, a start and spasm are supposed to have rendered him helpless, and in less than an hour his body, bearing no indication of violence or struggle, the features of the face perfectly undis- turbed, the countenance placid and serene, was found and landed on the beach. Thus Mr. Wray and he did not meet again as they had hoped ; but, as we think of the youthful pastor, so soon called hence, and of the older missionary brought through so many perils and spared for more than a quarter of a century longer through trials and dangers even greater and more numerous, and ask, *' Why the difference ? " or reverently suggest various and seemingly good reasons, we find it is the old question, best met by the thought and fact, "My times are in Thy hand ; " by the word, " Work while it is day, for the night cometli when no man can work ; " or by the sentiment of the well-known hymn of our well-known poet, himself so mysteriously and deeply tried, lines Spencer was reciting at the moment one of the family came to remind him that soon it would be high water : — 60 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, " God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform ; He plants His footsteps in the sea. And rides upon the storm." Thirty ministers and four hundred laymen formed the funeral procession, which, eight days after, on 13th August, conveyed Spencer's remains to the grave, and which moved along midst a press of people and gaze of spectators num- bered at 20,000.^ But Mr. Wray, to judge by the Missionary Register, which records him as ^' arriving 10th August, 1811," was not among them. "The king's business required haste," and he was already in London. To resume his own narrative : — '' When I arrived in London I was received with great kind- ness by the Directors of the Missionary Society, who entered warmly into the object of my mission. I was very soon intro- duced to those excellent men, Messrs. Wilberforce and Stephens, who used all their influence to obtain a repeal of the persecuting law. I was delighted with their pious conversation and holy zeal in the cause of Christ. They entered into the case with all their hearts. Mr. Stephens prepared the memorial and docu- ments necessary to be presented to His Majesty's Government. Lord Liverpool, who was then Minister for the Colonies, not only attentively perused the memorial presented to him, but was also pleased to confer with me and the secretaries of the Missionary Society on the subject." As to what all this meant of toil, &c., to these friends of the slave and their colleagues, we obtain several glimpses in tlie eminent philanthropist's Life, &c., vol. iii. pp. 544-47. " Writing to Babington, 22nd August, he says : — ' At this moment I have three applications depending, concerning the poor slaves and the missionaries: Trinidad, Demerara, and the Cape.' " " The Cape and, above all, the AVest Indies, supplied the other subjects of this care. ' You are not aware,' he tells Mr. * Evangelical Magazine, 1811, p. 370. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 61 Hey, ' of all the claims on my time and thoughts which the West Indies have lately furnished.' " " We are working," says Mr. Stephens (21st August), " like negroes for the negroes of Berbice, Sierra Leone, Trinidad, and Africa at large." " The reluctant conviction that their work was incomplete, was being forced upon the abolition leaders. The West Indies clung too fondly to the vices of the old system ; and though perhaps Mr. Wilberforce himself did not as yet look forward to those great attempts to which he was led on step by step by the gradual progress of events, yet the present vigilance and zeal of the pro- tector of the negro were undoubtedly preparing for them." " 6tli September. — His present object was to stop the ' persecution of the missionaries, or rather, to the forbidding religion to tlie slaves of Trinidad and Demerara.' For this purpose he appealed earnestly to Lord Liverpool, pointing out to him that it was 'a cause interesting not merely to the objects of the particular sect to which the missionaries belonged, but all religionists will make it their own. All will feel it deeply who believe in the truths of Christianity, and are capable of sympathizing with the injuries and sufferings of their fellow-creatures. In truth there is a peculiar call on our sensibility in the present instance, for in pro- portion as the lot of the slaves is hard in this world, we ought to rejoice in every opportunity of bringing them under the influence of principles which may cheer them under their present sufferings, and secure for them a rich compensation of reversionary happi- ness. ... If no clergy, and the remark is of the first importance, it is only through the missionaries that the slaves can receive any religious instruction whatever. To silence them, therefore, is to bar out and close up the only passage through which the light of Divine truth might be conveyed to that deeply injured class of our fellow-creatures. It is not, therefore, injustice and cruelty towards the missionaries of which I would complain (though they are great and flagrant), so much as injustice and cruelty towards the slaves, in whose case tliis puts the finishing hand to the long catalogue of their wrongs.' There were many difficulties beset this application." The result of which ^vas, however, again to resume Mv. AVray,— " that an official letter was transmitted to the Governor of 62 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Demerara (copies of wliich were also sent to other Colonies), signifying tlie determination of His Majesty's Government that the slaves should be allowed to meet every Sunday for worship and instruction, from five in the morning to nine in the evening ; and on other days from seven to nine in the evening, provided they had the permission of their respective masters." So " the following communication was received (at the Mission House) from the Colonial Office, 15th November, 1811: — 'In con- sequence of the instructions ^Yhich have been transmitted by his lordship (Lord Liverpool), to the Governor of Demerara, the slaves in that Colony will be permitted to assemble for Divine worship and instruction on Sundays between the hours of five in the morning and nine at night, and on the other days of the week between the hours of seven and nine at night. " ' (Signed) Hobert Peel.' " This was just what we asked for." Not to be enjoyed, however, so soon and so readily as it was enjoined. We shall see the Governor of Demerara attempting, though with less serious consequences, what another Governor a dozen years later attempted with terrible results all round. But leaving this subject a few moments, we observe Mr. Wray himself meanwhile diligently employed in other ways and Avith no little success. "During my residence in England 1 visited many British Churches and endeavoured to excite their attention to the wants of the heathen. I was received everywhere with the greatest kindness. I believe it was on this occasion that the Kev. George Collison first suggested the propriety of missionaries occasionally visiting their native land to declare to the Churches what God was doing for the Gentiles." Of course he visited Hull, and judging by the sums reported at the close of the year from that town among others, his pleas were met with considerable liberality. No wonder that the suggestion named, if not previously forth- coming, should then be made ; or that it should since have come to be so largely acted upon, with what abounding good results any attempt would fail to tell. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 63 His great object accomplished, anxious also as soon as possible to return to his family and station, and to tell of his success, he engaged a passage on board the Russia Company. But in those days missionaries were rare, and John A\^ray seems to have been taken for a sort of Jonah. "When the owner was applied to, he said he did not much like to have missionaries in his ship, for the devil was against them, and he was the prince of the power of the air, and perhaps he would raise a storm at sea and the ship would be lost." However, Mr. Wray was accepted, and "we sailed on 13th November, and landed on the 18th December, so I had been just six months absent." The passage seems to have been without unusual incident, save one reminding us how hardly evil things are surrendered, and how little it seemed possible for AVray to be long out of contact with a horrid institution, shocking to his and to every humane heart. "We fell in with a slave-ship, which had brought from the coast of Africa one hundred slaves ; ten of whom had died and been thrown overboard. Three of the whites were also dead, the captain was very ill, the whole appearance of the vessel miser- able, and in so leaky a state that it was thought she could not reach land. The captain, who came on board, pretended to be a Spaniard, and bound to Cuba, but we had every reason to believe he was either an Englishman or an American, and intended to smuggle the slaves into some American port. Our mate went on board the slave-ship, and two of the negroes on seeing him, and probably expecting he was going to release them, lifted up their shackled hands and exclaimed, ' King George ! King George ! ' Our captain gave this dealer in human flesh a few potatoes and fowls, and two or three bottles of wine, and he proceeded on his voyage with his miserable cargo, either to perish in the waves or to sell them like beasts in the market. Some of the black boys and girls were working at the pumps. The captain of the slave- ship swore in a most horrid manner. I prevailed upon him to take a few tracts." 64 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, On landing, Mr. Wray found his "dear wife and little girl quite well, and God had graciously given me another." This other was born on 24th October, was named Kebecca, after her mother, and became the intimate companion of her elder sister, not only through the days of infancy and youth, but throughout a long life, until death tliem did part, leaving Kebecca the survivor. Mrs. Tuckett writes of Elizabeth : — " With many tears we laid her to rest till the morning of the resurrection. . . . She was a great loss to me, for we had scarcely been separated through life." The day after his arrival he " waited on his Excellency, Governor Bentinck." A very cordial reception would not be expected, but more reasons than at the moment appeared would afterwards account for the barely cold civility, if so much, shown to our law-abiding but courageous missionary. " He did not receive me very politely ; but, after asking me some questions, told me to go to his office and have my name recorded." The truth is that no recall of the proclamation had been made, and the Governor was secretly scheming to injure, if not to ruin the mission ; only, however, as frequently happens in such cases, to be caught in his own meshes. Different was the missionary's reception elsewhere on the morning of the same day. " A great number of the negroes came to see me and bid me welcome to Demerara again, praying earnestly that God would bless me. The first Sabbath I preached, the chapel was very full, and I rejoiced to hear that they had attended well during my absence." Mr. Davies had " preached every other Sabbath on Le Resouvenir as well as in town, which was attended with great fatigue in this oppressive climate. His meeting-house there, however, was generally crowded." Affecting cases of sickness and death had occurred at Le Resouvenir, visited by Mrs. Wray or other Christian friends, one instance forming the occasion of a funeral sermon PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 65 preached by Mr. Davies ; and it was whilst so fully occupied with work of teaching and preaching in town and country that an incident had occurred, frivolous in itself, but made to become vexatious to both missionaries, and troublesome to not a few besides. Mr. Wray has thus recorded it : — "During my absence in England a circumstance of a very unpleasant nature occurred, and which showed the Governor was determined to do all in his power to bring us and our mission into disrepute with His Majesty's Government. A gentleman (a Mr. Gravesende) who had rendered considerable service to the mission, wrote to the Missionary Society to request they would forward to him a number of books. They sent his list to the bookseller, who, in packing the books, put in a quantity of waste paper, tracts, &c., to fill up the box. Among these was a tract called ' Cushoo.' When Mr. G. unpacked his box some of Mr. Davies's scholars were at his house playing with his children, and were busy in assisting him. One of them, probably attracted by the picture on the tract, requested to have it. Mr. G. of course gave it to the child. When the child went home, a member of the Court (of Policy) being at his father's house saw the tract in the boy's hand, and conceiving there was something in it injurious to the peace of the Colony took it to the Governor. Mr. Davies was then accused of distributing books containing sentiments of an evil tendency, and was summoned before the Governor and Court which was then sitting. The following is Mr. Davies's own account of it (in a letter to Mr. Wray) :— ' I was ordered to appear before the Governor and Court of Policy. When I went the Governor charged me with the circulation of the tract " Cushoo." My reply was, " I am perfectly unconscious of the tract. I do not know that it was ever in my house ; I have never read it." The Governor said, " It was taken from one of the children of your school ; you are a very unfit person to educate children since you put books into their hands you know nothing of yourself! I will take away your license." I again said, '' I know nothing of the tract ; I never gave it to the child, nor have I ever seen it." His Excellency then inquired, " What books have you ?" I answered, " I have books on various subjects, but chiefly on theology." " Well," he said, " I will send a person to see 66 LIFE OF JOHN WKAY, wliat books you have, and if I find you have any like this I shall know what to do with you." I felt very happy at the thought that my books should be examined, for I well knew that I had no improper ones. A gentleman was sent with me to examine my books, and take a specimen of them to the Governor. As we passed through the schoolroom I called the child. "Who gave you ' Cushoo ' ?" said the gentleman. " Mr. Gravesende, sir," he replied. " This clears up the whole circumstance," the person said to me ; "it is useless for me to trouble you any further." Yet for the greater satisfaction of the Governor and the Court he looked over what tracts and school books I had, and took some of L(indley) Murray's books which we use in the school, some tracts, and your catechism."^ After they had been informed what books I possessed, and looked over those which we had brought as speci- mens, the Governor called me and said, " I am perfectly satisfied with you, and as I accused you I now call you to tell you that I am sorry for it." I replied, " I am glad that my innocency appears, and I hope we shall always show that we are not the promoters of rebellion, but of order." He said, "We never had any other idea of you." Mr. Gravesende was then sent for ; but as it appeared evident that he was perfectly ignorant of the con- tents of the tract, he was accjuitted. All the tracts he had of the kind were given to the Governor, who designed to send one to every Governor in the West Indies. To prevent any unpleasant con- sequences to our missionary brethren in the islands, I wrote them the particulars of the whole afi'air. Let us join to bless Him who helpeth us in six troubles, yea, in seven. May the remembrance of past mercies lead us to gratitude and animate us to proceed, knowing that "goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life" while we are faithfully enabled to labour for God. — I am, with much aff'ection, your missionary brother, John Davies.' "After the above candid explanation between the Governor and the missionary," continues Mr. Wray, "we should hardly suppose that 'Cushoo' would be made use of to prejudice the minds of His Majesty's Government against the missionaries and * For the use of negroes Mr. Wray had published a catechism on the first principles of Christianity and on the duties of slaves to their masters, &c. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 67 the Missionary Society. It, liowever, was so. Tins pernicious paper, as it was called, was transmitted to Lord Liverpool by Governor Bentinck, and represented to liis lordsliip as a plot intending to promote rebellion among the negroes. The Directors (of the Missionary Society) considered this representation as a very serious matter, and appointed a special committee to investigate the business and communicate their report to Lord Liverpool. The matter was fully investigated, and in the next communica- tion (from the Directors), dated 12th of March, I received a letter containing the result of this application to Lord Liverpool respecting the pernicious tract he had received noted by the Governor. ' His Lordship does not view it in the same light as Governor Bentinck. From his Lordship's secretary, Mr. Peel, we (the Directors) received a very kind assurance by the direction of his Lordship that he saw clearly through the whole affair, and acquitted you and Mr. Davies and us and our bookseller of the least evil intention.' " The packet that brought out copy of the report sent by the Directors to his Lordship, brought out the recall of Governor Bentinck. 1812. General Depression — Groiving Discouragements — Change of Governors — Proclamation by New Governor — His Favourable Views of Missions, ami Ready Hel'p — Obstacles to Marriage — Free Schools — Chapel in Town — Increasing Congregations — Serious Disputes — Missionaries'' Aid Invited — iVew Preaching Station — Sad Effects of Licentious- ness and Colour-p7'ejudice — Visitation of Sick — Sympathy ivith Oppressed — First School for Young Ladies — Cruelties to Slaves and Conduct of Missionaries — Abounding Sickness — Deaths — Second doner of Le Resouvenir expires — Official Investigation there of Slaves' Complaints. This copy came to hand in April, 1812, and it will be seen therefore that, to complete the story with Mr. \Yray, we have been ante-dating a little. But what such a conclusion, so true and right, meant to the mission alone, cannot be con- ceived without a glance at the intervening months. For though some gleams of progress and brightness appear therein, discouragements multiply. 68 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, There were gleams of brightness; thus — what people could be got at, despite the proclamation, " make consider- able progress in learning the catechism ; " " Mr. Davies has purchased a piece of land and has got the frame of his house and chapel upon it ; " Mr. and Mrs. Wray accompany the new owner of Le Kesouvenir to the back of the estate to see the new additions for an increased growth of provisions (then very dear) which makes the entire depth upwards of five English miles ; and, on 5th April, he and Mr. Davies exchanged, and '' Mr. Davies baptized our little Eebecca " — the father's aspiration being, ** Oh that God may early give His grace to her, and renew her heart, and make her such an one as He will love and bless ! " — a wish which he lived to record as fulfilled when he beheld her, in 1834, "the wife of a useful missionary ; " a wish and a record of which she has since proved only the more abundantly worthy. But withal, discouragements multiplied. Under date of February, 1812, we read of the country as "in a depressed state," money very scarce, and that "coffee can hardly be sold. Provisions and other articles are very dear. We have paid five shillings per pound for candles." About the same time, the family were in town for a fortnight with Mr. and Mrs. Davies ; Mr. Davies having recovered from an illness so severe that life was despaired of, and Mr. Wray, from the most severe attack of fever he had experienced in the Colony, Mrs. Wray having had a lighter attack, and the children being yet ill. In March, Mr. Wray became very lame from mosquito bites, of which pest he complains, "they attack me the same as a new comer ; " and on the 26th of this month all felt a severe shock of an earthquake, the same, to be afterwards learnt, that in a neighbouring country had destroyed Caraccas and, with it, from ten to twelve thousand of its inhabitants. Then, since his return to Demerara, Mr. Wray had noticed that, despite the non-recall of the Governor's proclamation forbidding the assemblies of negroes PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 69 after sunset except for the business of the estate, the people met for heathen night-dances as frequently as ever. Yet after three months had elapsed, and during the week preceding 5tli April, he writes : — " I went up the coast with an intention to preach, hut was pre- vented by the attorney of the estate in consequence of Governor Bentinck's proclamation not being recalled. He said he had no objection against my preaching in the evening ; but as long as that law existed, he was liable to the penalties. He advised me to go to the Governor on the subject. We know that instruc- tions were sent out, last November, to rescind the persecuting law, but they have not been complied with." Here was a crowning discouragement. Another such quickly followed ; for on Monday, 6th April, the day after the exchange of pulpits and the baptism at Le Resouvenir of little Rebecca, arrived the packet, and by it " I also received a letter, informing us that the tract ' Cushoo ' had been transmitted to Lord Liverpool by Governor Bentinck, and had given the (Missionary) Society a great deal of trouble, and that they (the Directors) had forwarded to his Excellency, Governor Bentinck, a copy of their (special committee's) report to Lord Liverpool.'' So " Mr Davies " (who apparently had remained at Le Resou- venir) " and I had much conversation respecting our present trials. We were exceedingly perplexed, and determined to wait on the Governor respecting ' Cushoo,' and to request a license to enable me to preach in the evenings of the week, according to the decision of Lord Liverpool ; but it required some strength of mind to go to a Governor who was so much opposed to us." Things indeed were now gloomy, but it was the dark before the dawn, the depth before the uprising. That mail, as has been told, brought something besides. " I will turn thee back by the way which thou camest," has been the word and work of God toward other opposers than ancient Sennacherib ; and pen and press were already at work in a way little thought of by these troubled missionaries and 70 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, ministers of Zion. Only close and copious quotations will convey a due sense of the relief as it came to them, and what a brighter day it promised. (Mr. Davies having returned to town,) " 7th April. — We know not what a clay or an hour may bring forth. Yesterday and to-day we have been perplexed. ' How shall we wait upon the Governor ? ' But, about eleven o'clock at nicjht, Mr. Davies sent a man on horseback with the Royal Gazette, containing the following Proclamation by Major-General Hugh Lyte Carmichael, Acting Governor in and over the Colonies of Essequibo and Demerara, &c., &c. : — " ' Whereas I have received instructions from His Royal High- ness the Prince Regent to recall the Proclamation issued on the 25th of May, 1811, and to give every aid to missionaries in the instruction of religion, the Proclamation of the above date is hereby recalled, and the following regulations will take place from this date : — " ' First. — It is to be understood that no limitation or restraint can be enforced upon the right of instruction upon particular estates, provided the meetings for that purpose take place upon the estate, and with the consent and approbation of the proprietor and overseer of such estate. " ' Secondly. — (Hours of meeting on Sundays and other days to be as stated in the instructions sent out by the Home Govern- ment, already given.) " ' Thirdly. — All chapels and places for Divine worship or public resort sliall be registered in the Colonial Secretary's Office, and the names of persons officiating in them shall be made known to the Governor ; and the doors of the places shall remain o[)en during the time of public worship or instruction. " ' Given under my hand and seal-at-arms at the Camp House, this 7th day of April, 1812, and in the 52nd year of His Majesty's Reign. H. L. Carmichael. " ' God Save the King.' " Here, indeed, was a turn in affairs, Avliich was met with corresponding emotions, response, and activity. Continues Mr. Wray :— PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 71 " 8th April. — It is impossible to describe our feelings on the perusal of tliis Proclamation. Our hearts were filled with grati- tude and love to our God, who ' had put it into the heart of the king to do this thing.' Myself and my dear partner were led to praise our heavenly Father for His goodness to us. I went early to town, and my dear brother-missionary, Mr. Davies, drew up an address to the Governor, expressive of our gratitude to His Royal Highness for what he had done for us ; and also to his Excellency for so promptly executing His Royal Highness's commands ; for it was issued on the very day his Excellency assumed the govern- ment. On taking our address to Camp House we were immedi- ately favoured with an interview, and had a long conversation with his Excellency on the subject of instruction. He assured us of his assistance and protection, and said that if we could suggest any plan for the furtherance of the Gospel he would communicate it to the Prince Regent. He gave us some very excellent advice, and observed that, to make ourselves as useful as possible, it would be well to meet the prejudices of the planters as far as we could ; ' For, you know, Paul,' his Excellency observed, ' became all things to all men, that he might gain some.' He told us that two of the King's negroes who attended Mr. Davies, behaved exceedingly well, and that he recommended the others to go to chapel also, that they might be reformed. ISIr. Davies offered to teach all the soldiers' children gratis, with which his Excellency was much pleased, and said he would think on the subject, but that he had received instructions by this packet from His Royal Highness the Duke of York that they were to be educated by the chaplain." Two days after came a written reply to their own written address. It and subsequent communications from the new Governor were all in harmony with his first and verbal pro- fession. We give that of 10th April in full : — " Gentlemen, — I received your letter expressive of your grati- tude to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent for the interest taken on your behalf as engaged in the instruction of the negroes and others in the principles of Christianity. I promptly obeyed the commands of my Sovereign on this occasion, not only as my duty, but with the impression that the sacred office you have 72 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, undertaken will be beneficial to tbe persons who may receive instruction. It is my opinion that your exertions, if properly directed, may be advantageous to that class of persons, both in religion and morality— as also to the political Government of the West India Colonies in general — by instilling the doctrines of Christ into the minds of all ranks of the community, to render to the King loyalty and his dues in all respects ; and the Divine precepts (which) further enjoin governors, magistrates, masters, and servants, not only their respective duties to the public, but their reciprocal conduct to each other as explained in the Holy Scriptures, inculcating toleration and benevolence. "I feel much satisfaction, gentlemen, in your assurance that it will be always your concern to perform your duty as missionaries so as to meet the approbation of His Royal Highness the Prince Kegent. In which case you may rely on every assistance and support in my power. — I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, " (Signed) Hu. Lyte Carmichael, " Acting-Governor. " To Messrs. Wray and Davies, " Missionaries, Demerara." Stimulated afresh by this new prospect of things, the brethren exerted themselves in every way to forward the great work in which they were engaged. After a few weeks they w^ere again in audience with his Excellency, who, approving their propositions, requested to have them in writing. They were : — (1.) His patronage of the new chapel which was being built in town. (2.) Grant of occupancy of a piece of Government land near Mahaica, upon which to build a place of worship ; and similar grants in other parts of the Colony for the same purpose. (3.) Abolition of the great expenses of marriage as it respected the free coloured people and others, who could not afford to pay them, and made them an excuse for living in fornication.* * Under the Dutch law, the act of Ondertrowing, or betrothing, was performed by civil commissaries. No objection was made to marri- age being considered a " civil contract," but to the expense attending it, £1Q to £20. As for slaves, they could not marry. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 73 (4.) A free school on an extensive and liberal plan. A reply came, dated from King's House, Georgetown, 15th May, 1812, and began as follows : — " Gentlemen, — I have perused with attention your petition of this day, and from your character, which I have minutely inrpiired into, I have not any doubt that if the negroes will attend to your instructions it will be advantageous to them in the present life as well as in the future. Under this impression, and considering it my duty, I have enclosed some private pecuniary assistance towards building the chapel." (1.) Heading the subscription list, the Governor contributed 10 joes (about ^19) ; and also enclosed 6 joes (about 11 guineas) to Mr. Wray for the Missionary Society, " particularly with regard to the instruction of the lower orders of the population in these Colonies." (2.) With respect to building sites — " Shall make your appli- cation known to His Majesty's Ministers ; meanwhile grant you occupancy of the ground near Mahaica." (3.) Marriage licenses — " Requires time for consideration and inquiry previous to an answer." (4.) Charity school — " I much approve of it, and shall attend to that important object. I have taken measures for the troops in garrison to avail themselves of Mr. Davies's kind offer of in- struction for their children." The whole closes with counsel of a tenor and spirit similar to that of his first letter ; advising also that " in a political point of view much prudence and precaution are necessary in addressing the persons of which your audience will be principally composed;" but declaring "the state of the blacks may gradually be ameliorated by their loyalty and good conduct," of which his Excellency furnishes an instance from his own military experience in St. Domingo ; which, he goes on to say — "And other equally honourable and disinterested traits of fidelity and courage in those black men have given me a most favourable impression what they may be brought to by persuasion 74 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, and conciliatory measures ; and I anxiously pray and hope that your exertions may be blessed with every success, which I shall be happy to promote ; and I have the honour to be, &c. " The Eevs. John Wrat and John Dayies, " Missionaries." In addition to the children of troops in garrison, all the little negro children belonging to Government were sent to Mr. Davies's school ; and before long a proclamation was issued respecting the marriage of poor free people who could not pay the expense of Ondertrowing, " that the publication of the banns of marriage in the Gazette and for three suc- cessive Sundays in St. George's Church, shall be equivalent to and answer the forms of Ondertrowing." The Kev. Mr. Straghan, chaplain, co-operated in promoting the welfare of this class of people, charging no marriage fees, and holding afternoon service for their instruction. This measure, however, excited considerable opposition against both chaplain and Governor, and twelve years after- wards was rescinded ; marriages which had taken place under its provisions being nevertheless held valid. An effort, too, made by the Governor of his own good will, to obtain from the Duke of York, commander-in-chief, a small salary as payment to Mr. Da vies who had attending his day-school about thirty children and young men from among the troops, came to nought ; and " for this labour of love," Mr. Wray remarks, " he never received any earthly reward." On the other hand, very liberal "vvas the response made by several gentlemen during a canvass by the two missionaries in the latter part of June, for donations toward the new chapel in town. " One planter on the river told us candidly that he formerly prohibited his negroes from attending, but they wearied him out to go to chapel, and he at last gave them leave ; and instruction, he said, had done them much good. They had given over drink- ing and many other vices of which they were formerly guilty. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. V5 He thinks it would be a great blessing if marriage could be intro- duced among tliem. He subscribed liberally." Going to Mahaica on the same errand, thoy obtained about 60 joes (<£115); and,— "having heard that Governor Gordon of Berbice was on the coast, we waited on him, and he gave us 20 joes, uj^wards of £36 sterling. He requested a copy of Governor Carmichael's letter of 15th of May. We also called on a Mr. B., a Barbadian gentleman. He said he would give nothing except to the Church of England ; and, indeed, he said he had given nothing to St. George's Church, for it was in town, and he could not attend it. He also observed that his negroes would now work for him on Sundays for a glass of rum, but if they had preaching they would not do so. Hardly any on whom we have called have refused their assistance, and a few have contributed large sums. For this we will praise God. There are, indeed, a number who oppose us, and do all they can to misrepresent our motives and conduct, but this we are to expect. The cause is God's, and it must prevail." This effort was but a little of much and varied work that crowded upon them, and the success attending it but one item of prosperity which had set in along with a more liberal measure of freedom, and with the new Governor's favourable countenance of their proceedings. Preaching, 17th May, a funeral sermon on the death of Dr. Yanderkemp, of South Africa, Mr. AYray had the chapel on Le Resouvenir crowded to excess, with about 200 more round the open doors and windows, all anxious to hear about the great missionary. In connection with the same event, IMr. Davies, in town, addressed an audience of 600. On the day following, being a holiday, Mr. AYray again held service, and baptized fourteen adults, who then brought their children to devote them to God. Though a rainy morning, the chapel was full. The whole service was very solemn and affecting. Like numbers came on succeeding Sabbaths ; while in town, whither num- bers of slaves came down the river in punts supplied by their masters, and many from the West Coast, the multiplied crowds 76 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, made it needful to hold half-a-dozen services on the Sabbath. The plan adopted was : — Beginning at six in the morning with the jQrst service, this congregation, after catechizing and a short sermon, went out on one side of the building, while a new congregation of 400 entered on the other ; half-past ten in the morning and five in the afternoon being reserved for service for the white and free people. The members of the church assisted the minister and his wife in catechizing the negroes, without which catechizing Mr. Davies deemed preaching to be useless ; and withal, found six times preach- ing in the day too much for him. With their now tried character and growing influence, the services of the two missionary brethren came occasionally to be invited for remonstrance on behalf of master or slave, or to act as medium between them. Thus, on 23rd May, writes Mr. AVray : — " I received a note from Mr. W. respecting the conduct of some of the negroes under his care. They would not take their rations, because there was only a common allowance, and it is customary to give more at holiday time. This caused a dispute between them and the manager, and they would not throw their grass in the evening as usual. Instead of inflicting corporal punishment, the attorney prohibited them coming to the chapel. I went to the estate at his request, and expostulated with them. This answered the purpose." In August following, a dissipated character, named Scott, professing to be the son of a minister in Scotland, who him- self had been a schoolmaster and was now insane, wandered up the river, telling the negroes that they were free, and that ships were coming from England to carry them away. This resulted in some unsettlement of the negroes on two or three estates about eight miles distant, and, as they sometimes attended Mr. Davies's preaching in town, instruction was blamed for it. The Governor, however, wrote to Mr. Davies, requesting him to visit those estates, speak to the negroes. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 77 and act as mediator. He consented, and, furnished with a letter of introduction given him by his Honour the Fiscal, he went and preached on two estates, and was invited to go again. On a second visit Mr. AVray accompanied him, and " preached Christ unto them. Tbey were very attentive during my discourse. I also asked them several questions on religious subjects, which they answered aloud. This method of instruction keeps up their attention. The Governor furnished us with a tent- boat, and it was wise in him to send the Gospel instead of the whip. In returning, the moonlight was splendid, and we found it very pleasant ; but, in viewing the banks of the beautiful river, we lamented that they were cultivated by slavery. Another place is open for preaching the Gospel, which would make an excellent missionary station." This was in August, and the last remark savours of the pioneer. In September Mr. Wray attempted some extension on his own line of coast unsuccessfully -, but the sequel shows the true man and father and Christian that he was. " Having been for some time very desirous to obtain a place to preach in a few miles higher up the (East) Coast, and as there is a beacon in a suitable spot, I applied to the Governor for the use of the lower story. His Excellency gave me a letter to the burgher oflBcer in favour of the object, which I presented to him, but found he discouraged it. He told me to my face that he had flogged two negroes for coming to chapel. This, of course, put an end to further application. The beacon stands on private pro- perty. While I was conversing with him on the subject, one of his own little coloured children came into the room. He swore tremendously at it, and told the child he would horsewhip it if it came among the buckras (white masters). These men are ashamed of the fruits of their wickedness, but not of the sin. This, how- ever, gave me an opportunity of conversing with him on the evil of these abominable connections, which are so general and so pernicious both to parents and children, and to the public morals of any country. There is something exceedingly afl"ecting to see a man ashamed of his own children, and who cannot introduce them to his table because they are of a different colour. I trust this system of licentiousness will soon fall before the Gospel." 78 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Of course prejudice against colour alone had its share in this. It ran high in those days, bringing corresponding inconveniences ; how high sometimes, the missionary had an instance in his own house but a few days preceding. " On the 7th (August) a white lady from town came to spend a few days with us on account of her health. Mrs. Wray has at school some children of colour whose parents and friends are rich planters, and who have put their children under her care to receive an education. This lady took Mrs. W. aside, and said if we were accustomed to have'these'children to sit at table with us, she would thank her to send her a little of something into her chamber, for she could not think of eating with them. She spoke of them in the most degrading language, considering them of a different species from us." N'ot, however, as preacher and peacemaker, in public or by the master alone, were the services of Mr. Wray sought and willingly afforded ; as Christian pastor and as pleader for the wronged and the oppressed, he was often inquired for more privately and by persons of all ranks, both bond and free ; and himself and his excellent wife were at times much engaged in ministering to mind or body diseased, at the bed- side of suffering or death, in the planter's house or humbler cot ; or elsewhere listening to pleas for sympathy and counsel by the wronged bondman, or watching the course of justice as professedly administered. It was a varied and often per^^lexing business, e.g. — " Lately (in May) I received a note from Mr. S. on the next estate recpiesting me to pray for his wife, who is very ill. Though so near the chapel, she has never visited it nor us. At the request of the doctor, Mrs. Wray went to see her, and to render what assistance she could ; also to speak to her about the concerns of her soul. This afternoon I visited her, and I trust spoke faith- fully to her. I read John iii., asked her some questions about eternal life and faith in Jesus, and engaged in prayer." It was a good pastoral visit, followed up by others on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Wray, all calculated to enlighten the PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 79 ignorance, as to spiritual things, of her husband, and to correct mistakes on the part of his more enlightened but worldly wife. For this lady had been brought up by a father who, when she took leave of him, "solemnly entreated me to take care of my precious soul, not to throw away my soul; but I have neglected it." This poor woman, though in a deplorable state of body and mind, received benefit ; and, being restored, afterwards attended the chapel and also sent her little girl, their only child, to " Mrs. Wray for instruc- tion." It will have been seen, we may here remark in passing, that Mrs. Wmj had already begun to devote some time each day to the instruction of children belonging to the wealthiest classes of the community. This she did afterwards and long years later on in Berbice ; numbering there, at one time, the then Governor's own child among her pupils ; and providing money wherewith, when the time came, some of her own daughters could be sent to England for a few years' instruc- tion at a respectable boarding-school, and so become fitted, as they did, to return and themselves take up the work of tuition which the mother then committed to their hands. Thus Mrs. Wray, in Demerara or Berbice or both, began the first school in the Colony for the education of young ladies.* A few days after the note from Mr. S., when in town and along with Mr. Davies about various business at the public offices, they attended the trial of a planter, James JafFrey, who lived at Mahaicony, charged with the death of four of his slaves, one being his concubine whom he had treated so *The Rev. E. H. Tuckett, August, 18S8, writes :—" At that time there was no school open to the demands of many who had daughters to be instructed. Mrs. Wray opened one so that she might educate them with her own children, and this she did without interfering with the large share of aid which she rendered to her husband in the mission. She was greatly successful, and by this means her daughters were ultimately sent to England." 80 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, ill that slie hung herself ; and another, a man on whom he had inflicted two hundred lashes, then put him in the stocks, where he died. "The evidence against them was chiefly that of slaves, of whom eleven were examined and all agreed in their testimony." Found guilty, " he was condemned to be branded, which punishment was afterwards inflicted at the usual place of execution in Georgetown." In June came "a large cotton pick, which," remarks Mr. Wray, " is a great blessing to the planters in these bad times." Unhappily with it came signs and sounds of cruel driving, and of incessant toil. Driver in the field, overseer, manager, attorney, and proprietor shared the responsibility ; though infliction of stripes was generally by the first-named officials, and sometimes without the knowledge of the planter. Le Kesouvenir had now become in many respects, if not altogether, like neighbouring estates. Mr. Vanderhaas was now its owner. He also had married Mrs.. Post, widow of the late proprietor. Many of its bondmen, like great numbers of slaves elsewhere, not choosing to avail themselves of the means of Christian worship and instruction, were still but enslaved heathen. Both for these, however, and in some ways, for those who were learning better things, the yoke had been made heavier — the work more difficult, therefore, of the missionary, whose ears too were now constantly saluted with the crack of the whip and the cries of the sufl'erer, and whose eyes now and then witnessed the infliction. So we meet with such records as the following: — " The negroes on Success picked the whole of yesterday (Sunday, the 14th). They came to ask my advice, but I found it difficult to give it them in their situation as slaves. I could only read to them the fourth commandment. Oh, what a curse is slavery ! " " I hear the cart- whip every day on Le Eesouvenir. Asia, the driver of the female gang, makes sad complaints, with tears in her eyes, of the treatment they meet with from the manager. Larger baskets than usual are given to them, and he flogs them severely if they are not full. It is in vain to deny this, because PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 81 our own eyes see it, and our ears hear it. Our own senses cannot deceive us. Cursed slavery ! We endeavoured to comfort Asia." "The whip is constantly sounding in our ears; this renders our situation uncomfortable, and we can do these x^oor people no good." More good, however, even in this particular, and good in more ways than he thought, when speaking his word of comfort, or offering his counsel, or making his suggestion, apparently to fall fruitlessly to the ground; as shortly events showed when a crisis came. Meanwhile he and his had their times of sickness ; now one, now more of the family, and occasionally all being prostrate together; sometimes when sickness was rife, and in common with their neighbours. " 28th July. — Mrs. Wray has lately been very ill ; also one of our dear children. This afternoon I attended the funeral of a coloured woman.. Many people attended, to whom I spake on the solemn subjects of death and eternity. All were attentive. I think it my duty to improve every opportunity afforded me of impressing upon the minds of the people the necessity of prepar- ing to meet their God. In the evening many of the slaves came to learn their catechism. As Asia was returning home, I heard her repeating the answer as she went along — ' Jesus Christ is the true God, who took upon Himself our nature, and became man.' I once did not think she would ever learn anything." At length, with October, came a series of painful, solemn, and important events ; one, however, bringing some relief to the smitten slaves on Le Resouvenir. " Lord's Daij, 4fh October. — I preached a funeral sermon for the Rev. Mr. Ryle, the Dutch clergyman, who died last week. This is a loud call for the three surviving ministers {i.e., two mission- aries and the military chaplain) to exert themselves for the spiritual benefit of the inhabitants. It is now a sickly time, and many are dying on every hand. Mrs. Wray is very ill. The negroes are much concerned about her. The doctor has prohibited them going to see her. She is very weak. " 5th. — The weather is very fine, and the fields look beautiful. G 82 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, We have had a great deal of thunder. I hear them flogging the negroes for not picking their quantity of cofi'ee. Tliey say the trees are not so full of ripe coffee, so they are not able to fill their baskets. When speaking to one, a driver, that all their sorrows would end with death if they loved and served Jesus Christ, she replied, ' There would be no flogging in heaven.' " 6th. — This morning, about three o'clock, the servant came to call me to see Mr. Vanderhaas, who was dying. Two doctors were with him, but had given up all hope of his recovery. I knelt down and prayed for him. It was a most awful morning of thunder and lightning. We had one of the loudest claps of thunder I ever heard ; I thought it would have split the roof of the house. At six, Mr. V. breathed his last. He was taken ill only last Thursday. This greatly afi'ected Mrs. Wray, who is in a very weak state ; but her heart is fixed on Jesus. Our ears are almost daily saluted with the sonnd of death. In the afternoon I buried Mr. Vanderhaas, the second owner of Le Kesouvenir. I do not remember ever seeing so many white people at a funeral. I enjoyed uncommon boldness and liberty of speech, and was enabled to exhort them with great earnestness to prepare to meet their God. " 8th. — To-night I hear them flogging the negroes. Only night before last their master was carried to the cold tomb. ' The small and the great are there ; and the servant is free from his master. They hear not the voice of the oppressor ; ' nor the sound of the cart-whip." Very different circumstances from those of three and a-half years ago, when the first owner fell on slcej). But some deliverance was at hand ; and this, as might be read between the lines were it not more plainly expressed, brought about by John Wray. " lOth. — This evening I received a note from his Honour the Fiscal, expressing a wish, in consequence of forty or fifty of the Le Resouvenir negroes going to complain to him of ill-treatment, to see me ; as he said these things could not happen without my knowledge. However unpleasant, it was now my duty to wait on his Honour, which I did as early as possible, and answered to the best of my knowledge all the questions put to me on the PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 83 subject ; afterwards, at liis request, coiumitting to writing the substance of wliat I liad said. Their compLaints were chiefly of being severely cart-whipped, of being beaten very cruelly with a bamboo stick, and working on the Sundays. I gave hiin the names of several who had been very severely punished, and stated that I had almost daily heard the cart-whip, and often saw the stripes and bruises they received ; that I had made it my business to expostulate with the late proprietor, and also with Mrs. V., but the people got no redress ; and that I had even spoken to the manager on the subject. As soon as I returned from the Fiscal's office, I called on Mrs. V. and informed her of all that had passed, for I highly respected her and felt much for her. " A few days after this, the Fiscal visited Le Resouvenir to inquire into the complaints. I was summoned to attend, and called upon to relate what I knew, the manager and his friends being present, and of course having full liberty to vindicate his own conduct. The medical gentleman of the estate was also j)resent and several of the negroes were inspected. After much discussion, the Fiscal called upon any of the negroes to come for- ward and make their complaint." This several did, one bringing in his hand a thick bamboo stick to show ; another, a doubled and knotted rope ; another stated the amount of daily work expected, and appealed to the Fiscal, as himself a planter, to judge whether or not it was more than could be done ; and said that in consequence of a beating with a bamboo, he had been six weeks in hospital. " After all had said what they wished, his Honour told them that he would appoint another gentleman, whom he named, to be their master ; that the bamboo should not be used again ; that if they were further ill-treated they were to complain to the attorney, and if the attorney did not give them redress they were to apply to him and he would see that justice should be done them ; but that only one at a time was to go. They thanked him heartily. All was amicably settled, and the Fiscal said he hoped I should support what he had done. The negroes expressed their gratitude to me in the strongest terms for undertaking their cause, and though many evil reports were 84 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, soon circulated about me, that I was the cause of the negroes going to the Fiscal, I do not regret what I have done. It is true that they could get no redress, and had determined to run into the woods as some of them did a few months ago. I entreated them by no means to do this, but rather go and lay their com- plaints before the Governor or Fiscal, who doubtless would investi- gate them, and do them justice. Surely it can be no crime to tell the oppressed to apply to the proper authorities for redress." Without noticing in detail a run upon the Colony for provisions just occurrent, to supply Barbadoes, reduced, by a great catastrophe, to famine point, or the annoyance caused by an American privateer ravaging the coast, captur- ing estate-boats laden with produce, and ultimately a large ship at the entrance of the river, what has been given will serve to convey some idea, as a whole, of life and work in the mission during the critical eight months elapsed since Mr. Wray returned. Eight months more were still to be spent as resident on Le Kesouvenir ; a period quite as trying, if for different reasons, as the preceding ; and dating from the 20th, perhaps the most critical day of this pregnant month of October, 1812. 1812-1813. Visit from Agent of Berhice Crown Estates — Their History— Invitation to Labour there — Visit to Berhice — Prospects and Statistics — "Buckra No Know Preach from Pray " — Governor's Fear of a Mission — Request for Military Be -in for cement — Prosperity in Demerara — Individual Cases — Close of 1812 — "One Drop of Bitter" — Long Illness — Encouragements — Captain Langley— Visit to '^ Stvedenhorgian Hermit" — Second Visit to Berhice — Death of Demerara Governor — Third Visit to Berhice — Painfulness of Deciding — Resolution to Settle there — Fareioell to Le Resouvenir, d'C. — Qualifications for Work in Vieio. " 20^/t October. — I had a visit from A. A. De-la-Court, Esq., Crown Agent in Berbice. He brought a letter of introduction from Zach. Macaulay, Esq., Secretary to the Commissioners for Managing the Crown Property in South America. The purport PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 85 of the letter was, ' to request me to afford all assistance in my power to establish a mission among the Crown slaves in Berhice ;' and Mr. De-la- Court was authorised to make any arrangements with me he could to accomplish this object. Their number is 1143. They formerly belonged to a company of merchants and others in Holland, called the ' Berbice Association,' and became the pro- perty of the British Crown by the right of conquest, in 1803.* " From that period to the end of 1811, they had been under the administration of the various Governors and their agents. In May, 1811, his Excellency Governor Gordon states, in answer to a communication of Lord Liverpool's : — ' that these estates, from bad management, short crops, and low prices of produce, had never been productive of more revenue than what was sufficient to defray tlieir annual expenses, that the negroes had been with- out clothing for nearly two years ; that by similar bad manage- ment the estates were destitute of provisions, and obliged to purchase at a very heavy expense ; and it would require twelve months before they would yield a supply for the negroes ; that they owed debts in the Colony amounting to ^3200 sterling ; and that a large sum of money would be required to repair the build- ings and works as well as to restore the cultivation.'! His Excellency strongly recommended Government either to lease or sell them on almost any terms ; and the estates were actually leased for fourteen years to a Mr. S., but in consequence of some observation of Mr. James Stephens, who was consulted as a legal adviser, the lease, by his advice, was cancelled. Government then determined not to barter away both the bodies and souls of these poor people, but to put them under the management of Commis- * Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, because captured in war, are termed " Crown Colonies. " Hence the enormous area of virgin soil is called " Crown Land," and none but the small remnants of roving Indian tribes may legally squat thereon. These particular estates of a public company, however, three in number, tog'ether with the Winkel village (now part of the present New Amsterdam), and all the company's slaves, were appropriated to the CroAvn, and are termed " Crown property," in a sense similar to the ancient Crown lands of our own country. Hence the personal oversight at first required from the Governor. f Commissioners' Report, p. 6. Papers pp. 4, 5, 86 LIFE OF JOHN WKAY, sioners, to ameliorate tlieir state, and afford them religious instruction. The Commissioners were : — Mr. Wilberforce ; Mr. Stephen ; Mr. Long, afterwards Lord Farnborough ; Mr. Van- sittart, afterwards Lord Bexley ; Mr. W. Smith ; and Mr. Gordon. Mr. Macaulay was appointed secretary to the Commis- sioners, a Col. Macalister was selected as their principal agent, and Mr. De-la-Court his assistant. I was introduced to the acquaint- ance of these gentlemen when I was in England in 1811, by Mr. Stephen, and had much conversation with this excellent man on the subject of the Commission. The estates were transferred to the Commissioners, 23rd December, 1811. Col. Macalister died very soon after his arrival in Berbice, and Mr. De-la-Court succeeded him in his agency. " I considered the invitation to undertake the instruction of the Crown negroes as an opening by Divine Providence to intro- duce the Gospel into Berbice, and after due consideration, agreed to go if it should meet the approbation of the Missionary Society. I promised to visit Berbice, in the meantime, as soon as possible." Which promise Mr. Wray, in a few days was able to per- form, and both the occasion and the man — his ol^ject and his work, not to mention the difference in circumstances now as compared with those of travel, &c., then — claim that, with little omission, the account of these and several after pro- ceedings should be in his own words. "2?i^ November. — I left Le Kesouvenir at four o'clock in the morning, breakfasted at Mahaica,"^ and changed my horse, dined * The distance, he afterwards notes, between Georgetown and New Amsterdam is about seventy miles. There are four ferries to cross — viz., Mahaica, twenty-five miles from town ; Mahaieony, thirty-six ; Abary, forty-five ; and the River Berbice. Between Georgetown and Abary there are about 165 plantations, and between Abary and the Berbice River about forty-three in cultivation, chiefly cotton. This coast, so beautiful then, is now, he remarks in 1834, from the River Berbice to Mahaica, almost entirely abandoned, and the negroes removed to sugar estates. Frequent destruction of crop by blast and caterpillar, but chiefly the low price of cotton through competition, had led to the cessation of its cultivation in Guiana. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 87 at Mahaicony ferry, crossed Abary ferry, which separates Berbice from Demerara, at dusk. I slept at an estate called Golden Fleece, belonging to James Fraser, Esq., where I met with polite- ness and accommodation. After taking coffee early next morn- ing I rode sixteen miles and breakfasted with a planter, James Bennett, Esq., to whom I had a letter of introduction, who kindly lent me a horse as far as the ferry and assisted me over the Berbice River in his boat to New Amsterdam, the town of Ber- bice, which stands on the east side of the river, between it and the Canje Creek that here joins the river, a distance of three or four miles from the sea. " On my arrival I called on his Honour the Fiscal, to whom I had a letter of introduction. He received me with great polite- ness, and offered me a horse to go to plantation Sandvoort, one of the Crown estates, on which Mr. De-la-Court resides ; but a boat and four negroes having been provided by Wm. Scott, Esq., Crown Agent in town, I preferred going by water up the Canje. I was politely received by Mr. De-la-Court, who was just sitting down to dinner. A respectable coloured gentleman dined with us, and we spent the evening in interesting conversation. " 4:th. — After a night during which the mosquitoes annoyed me so much in my hammock that I could not sleep, Mr. De-la-Court took me to see the buildings. Sandvoort is a coffee estate about five miles from town, and has 248 slaves. Owing to the heavy bush on the opposite side of the Canje, to windward, it must be unhealthy, and by sad experience we soon found it so to be. After breakfast we went to town in ]\Ir. D.'s yacht, pulled by six strong negroes. I was introduced to a very respectable Dutch gentleman, owner of one plantation, and attorney of several, who seemed very favourable to instruction. He spoke much in favour of the Bible, of which I was glad to see a large family copy on his table. He freed two of his slaves because, after having pur- chased them, he found they had been baptized. They, how- ever, would not leave his employ. As soon as tide suited, we went up the river about eight or nine miles to Dankbaarheid, a sugar estate, Crown property, situated on the West Bank of the river, and having 365 slaves. Plantation Dageraad, another sugar estate belonging to the Crown, is also on the West Bank, about a tide (or six hours' pull) higher, and has 166 slaves ; but 88 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, time would not permit us to visit it at iDresent. The estates, including the slaves upon them (not including Crown slaves in town), were valued at £110,625 sterling. i' P)th. — At 7 A.M. we returned to town and waited on his Excellency, Col. Murray,* Acting Governor. He promised his patronage and assistance in the instruction of the Crown slaves in town, and said that he would take care that those attached to Government House should attend ; but that they were a bad set of people, and that he found it diiiicult to get them to go into a boat on a Sunday to pull him to church. He told us also that one of them had lately struck his white servant, and that the punishment which the law (Colonial) directs for this is that the right hand be cut off ; but he would not permit this to be done, and had told the Fiscal not to exceed 100 lashes. The Crown slaves in town number 355, and are chiefly tradespeople, white- smiths, blacksmiths, coopers, carpenters, masons, &c. Many of them are excellent workmen, having been instructed by white artificers whom the Berbice Association used to send out for the purpose. Thirty were attached to Fort St. Andrew, and sixty- five, as servants, to Government House. t "We can hardly conceive it possible that such properties should bring no revenue to the Crown ; and that the very labourers should, for two years, have been destitute of clothing. It was certainly high time that some other mode of management should be adopted. All the negroes that I conversed with seemed highly pleased at the idea of having instruction introduced among them. "After calling again upon his Honour the Fiscal, Mr.De-la-Court put me across the river, here about three miles wide, to the Ferry House on my return journey. Almost devoured with mosquitoes during the few minutes of my stay at the House, I was glad to get away and walked about three miles, but found the roads so bad and the sun so hot that I was obliged to stop at the first * Afterwards Governor of Demerara. f Six house boys ; eight washerwomen ; fourteen housemaids and seamstresses ; three cooks ; three ostlers ; three gardeners ; three stock keepers ; four fishermen ; two grass-cutters ; two wood-cutters ; and seventeen boatmen. This is the Governor's establishment of servants. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 89 plantation and to send for my horse. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, at whose house I had slept and left it, again kindly entertained me. I conversed with them on the plan of salvation, prayed with them, and supplied them with some tracts. The next morning I breakfasted at Golden Fleece, and had much conversation with Mr. Fraser on the instruction of the negroes. He has three or four estates, 500 slaves, and wishes much to have a missionary settlement in the neighbourhood ; he will contribute towards its support as far as circumstances will admit. On the 7th I arrived at home to find my dear wife very poorly. " During my journey to Berbice I met with the greatest hos- pitality wherever I called. There are no inns for travellers as in England, but in every house you find a welcome and entertain- ment both for yourself and horse. Commonly, travellers take their hammocks, and in almost every room are cleats on which to sling them. Rising in the morning often put me in mind of the words of Jesus, ' Take up thy bed and walk.' I have been pleased with my visit, and trust that a wide and effectual door is open for the preaching of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ to the slaves, and in various respects for ameliorating their state ; also, that this will lead to the Gospel being more widely intro- duced among the other inhabitants. The population is : — Whites, about 600 ; Slaves, 25,000 ; besides a number of free coloured people. " There are two clergymen — one, a Church of England minister, who preaches in a room under his dwelling,* and a Dutch clergy- man living on his plantation up the river, but who, on the Sabbath, comes to town and preaches in a similar room. Mr. De- la-Court told me of a negro who, a few weeks before, had been severely flogged for preaching. The negroes had been teaching the Catechism and praying, as they are accustomed to do, and some of the masters called this ' preaching.' I had occasion to speak to some of the negroes on this matter. They replied that ' Buckra no know preach from pray ; and when we pray, Buckra call it preaching.' Mr. De-la-Court very much disapproves of the negroes teaching and catechizing one another. I told him that the only way by which the Gospel could spread among them * Houses there are commonly built on pillars, eight to twelve feet high. 90 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, was by tlie more intelligent teaching and assisting the ignorant to understand what the minister says, and that if this were pro- hibited I could not undertake the instruction of the Crown negroes. " Many are considerably alarmed at the Commission, and think it will be very injurious to the Colony. Governor Gordon, in a letter to Lord Liverpool, expresses ' his opinion that the measure will be of very serious consequences to the security and tran- quillity of the Settlement, and though the agents had not yet arrived, the tidings of the intended change had already occa- sioned sensations among the negroes that threatened insubordina- tion, and requests his Lordship to send a reinforcement of troops to the garrison to ensure the tranquillity of the Colony, the pre- sent number of men being only 160.''^ This shows with what jealousy every innovation upon the slave system was watched ; but the alarm spread even to Demerara." The last few sentences may create a smile, and, at some things they express, how heartily one could now laugh, did they not imply a measure of sin and sorrow, wrongs and fears, tyranny and cruelty unimaginable, but which, never- theless, existed. Arrived at Le Resouvenir again, however, Mr. Wray had returned to a station which continued to prosper, and to a colony not only much more populous than Berbice, but one in which new openings for mission work still continued to present themselves. These were utilised by the brethren as far as their limited strength and means would avail. The remaining few months spent by him as a resident here form a record, almost unbroken, of revival, success, and extension, including cases of individuals with most interesting details, and events of progress that were full of promise. Failing, as we have seen, to secure a preaching room at the Beacon, people from that direction came to him to hear and to be catechized, numbers walking a dozen miles, and dis- tance being not their only discouragement. Among others * Keport of the Commissioners. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 91 from that direction was old Hannah, of whom many par- ticulars are given. In Africa, " when a little girl, one thief me, and put me upon his shoulders, and take me from my mammy, and sold me, and I was brought to Granada and baptized among the Roman Catholics ; but they teach me no good, only one little prayer, nothing about Jesus Christ,"— was the account she gave of her childhood. Hannah, how- ever, came to have a clear and heartfelt knowledge of the great truths of the Gospel. Old B. called to converse with the missionary, struck with the love of God manifested in the surrender of His only Son to die for men, and con- fessed " his whole heart to be put upon Christ." Christmas day saw the chapel filled with negroes praising and blessing God, instead of joining in the old hideous heathen song and dance, a pleasing change indeed to the minister's mind, who again, on the day after, held service, when more than 700 attended, and when he baptized six adults and several children. He remarks : — " The service was very solemn, and all seemed deeply interested in it." One of the baptized, named Davy, had been a very wicked man, and a great thief, but now appeared a real penitent, whose changed conduct had stood the test both of time and investigation. Three of his children were baptized with him. A man named Philip was also to have been baptized, but he did not come forward, having just then some omission of duty on his conscience; about which, next day, deeply affected that he had refused baptism when offered him, he came to see the minister. For some weeks there had been many inquirers, and now there seemed quite a revival among the people, the school- room being full every night of those " inquiring the way to Zion." An old man named Aaron, formerly an Obeali man, came to request baptism, expressing a wish now to serve God; also another named Jester, with a like request, con- 92 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, fessing himself to have formerly been a great thief, and guilty of almost every sin, but now to be learning better things. At the sight and thought of these, how fittingly does the minister recall and record again the words of Paul : — " And such were some of you : but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God," 1 Cor. vi. 11. On the next day, 27tli December, which was the last Lord's Day of 1812, the chapel was again crowded with attentive hearers ; but these services of three successive days, Mr. Wray notes, "have been too much for my strength." The last day of the year was spent by Mr. and Mrs. Wray " in a very comfortable manner, at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Semple, a respectable planter, where, on parting, we concluded the year with prayer and thanksgiving." One drop of bitter, the last of 1812, was yet in waiting. " On my return home I found a note from Mrs. Vanderhaas, charging me with the crime of teaching her negroes to write. I am sorry that I could not plead guilty, as neither my time nor strength will permit me to attend to this." But a period of enforced leisure had now arrived ; and, considering the missionary's recent journeys and exertions, to those who know the clime, it will be no surprise. 1813 was but two days old when Mr. Wray was taken with a fever, which so reduced him, that for five weeks he was unable to leave the house or do anything in the way of instruction. His devoted partner in life and ready helper was, also, during the period sometimes very ill. The negroes nightly visited him, and began at length to confess them- selves hungry for want of preaching. But the Word of God was not thus confined, nor else- where was the progress of the mission stayed. In the beginning of the year the new chapel in Georgetown had been opened, about 1000 negroes and a considerable number of free people attending the first services. It was named PIONEEK MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 93 " Providence Cliaj^e]," in consequence of the liappy change which had taken place in favour of missions. Mr. Davies had also been able to introduce the Gospel on the West Coast of Demerara, on the road to Essequibo, among some thousands of negroes who could not come to town; and, during January, had further succeeded in forming at George- town, an Auxiliary Missionary Society, with a Juvenile Society, the subscriptions amounting to £80, 14s. 2d. Whilst an invalid, too, Mr. AVray was gratified with the receipt of a letter from James Frnser, Esq., Golden Eleece, Berbice, acknowledging a parcel of Keports of the Missionary Society, and tracts for religious instruction, offering a building on his estate for the purposes of such instruction, promising his mite towards the support of the Avork, and saying that, on Mr. Wray's removal to the Colony, he should be happy to converse further on the subject. Mr. Eraser was friendly to the establishment of schools, to which many objected. It was on Lord's Day, 7th Eebruary, that jMr. Wray, though feeling very poorly, again attempted to preach, and "got better through than he expected." But during the week he and his co-workers experienced a sad shock in the sudden loss of a seafaring friend, one Captain Langley. The captain was a good man, with whom Mr. Davies had voyaged from England, and was very friendly to the mission, all the members of which were much affected by his death. Mrs. Wray was writing a note to him when a messenger arrived with the news that, on the 10th, wdiilst crossing the river in his boat, along "with another gentleman and two of his sailors, all were drowned. Mr. Davies, with the mate, had recovered the body, and the day after attended the funeral. On Sabbath, the 14th, Mr. Wray preached again; this time a funeral sermon for him whose living presence had been expected there that day. Improvement in health continued, and work resumed its greatly varied course ; success also, its progress. On 7tli 94 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, March, meeting for the first time in 1813 around the Table of the Lord, seventeen new members appeared, the Church now numbering fifty-nine, all slaves except two ; but all, as the faithful and careful pastor hoped and believed, "were the Lord's freemen, who had been delivered from the slavery of sin and Satan." On the loth Mr. Wray had a long-cherished wish gratified in being able to visit an eccentric character, of whom he had heard soon after first arriving in Demerara, and how natural the wish of a pioneer in Christian missions to see such a recluse will appear from the account given of his call. Old Mr. Glen is designated the " Swedenborgian Hermit." Many years before he had lived at the back of Le Eesou- venir, and he and Mr. Post had been very great friends. He then went up the river for several years, living in a hut on little else than salt fish and plantains, and generally wear- ing only a checked shirt. Now he was living at the back of an estate neighbouring to Le Resouvenir. He employed himself in reading Swedenborg's works and the Bible, and in drawing pictures of the Indians, their houses, &c. Governor Nicholson had shown Mr. Wray a great number of these drawings, which the hermit had sent his Excellency as presents, and strongly recommended the missionary to pay him a visit, with the forewarning, however, that he did not like clergymen, and would not generally speak with people Avho did not understand Latin and Greek. A few days pre- ceding Mr. Wray's visit to him, he had sent to borroAV the memoir of Mr. Post, which copy, returned with marginal remarks, penned in English, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, is before us as we write. The missionary found him at the door of his hut, dressed in a checked shirt and an old pair of stockings. " We sat down," says his visitor, " in the shade, under a large silk-cotton tree, and conversed some time on religious subjects. Saying he was much pleased with the missionary and Bible PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 95 Reports I liad sent him, lie told me to read tlie Bible by Sweden- borg's works. After some conversation he said, ' Do you read Greek V 'A little, sir,' I replied, ' but only the New Testament.' He said, ' I read that only.' ' Have you got a Greek Testament 1 ' 'Yes, sir; I have got three.' 'Do you read Hebrew?' 'Yes, a little, sir.' ' Have you a Hebrew Bible ? ' ' Yes, sir.' I was now qualified to enter his hut. He made me a present of a very beautiful Hebrew Psalter, to read Hebrew with him. Possessing Parkhurst's Greek Lexicon, he requested me to lend him the Hebrew one, which he had not seen, and also Campbell's Translation of the New Testament. This eccentric character understood Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, English, French, Dutch, and German, and was familiar with Divinity, Law, Physic, and other subjects. He had an extensive acquaintance with the Indians." After a pleasant morning with him, a pressing invitation to visit him again, and the loan of Michaelis on the New Testament, Mr. Wray went home to send him the books he desired, and, in the evening, to be at the usual work of instructing and catechizing the negroes, aged ones and younger, but all so ignorant and so long uncared for. In the afternoon of Tuesday, 20tli April, the pioneer began a second journey to Berbice, arriving at New Amster- dam on Friday following. During his absence from home it rained almost every day, so that travelling was rendered very fatiguing and unpleasant. But the visit confirmed what already appeared favourable to the projected mission, and afforded some additional prospects of success. Going to Sandvoort on Saturday, Mr. Wray spoke to several of the principal negroes, and on Sabbath morning, accompanied by the manager, he called at some of their houses, explaining the object of his visit, and speaking to them of God and Christ. All said it was their desire he should come and live in Berbice. The whole body of slaves were then called together and addressed, as plainly as the missionary could, on the subject of religion, with questions 96 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, afterwards, an old driver named Jan acting as interpreter for those not understanding English. Jan had been much instructed in Scripture by a Dutch gentleman who formerly lived on the estate, and he became very useful to the missionary, in subsequent days, as an interpreter. Returning to town, Mr. Wray spoke to the Crown slaves there, who expressed a great wish for instruction. He also had much conversation with a respectable planter from the East Coast, who invited him to visit his estate, and pro- mised to assemble his negroes for him to preach to. "His Excellency, Governor Gordon, received me politely, and promised his patronage and support, but objected to the negroes meeting together in the evening for Divine worship. I told his Excellency that the Sabbath was not sufficient to instruct ignorant negroes, but to make them understand, it was absolutely necessary to catechize them in the evening, after their work was done. He observed that the conduct of the whites would have an unhappy effect. I told him that I should not hold them up as examples for the negroes to follow, but the Christian character as described in the New Testament." Mr. James Eraser on the West Coast introduced the missionary to Mr. Rader, another planter there who, like Mr. Eraser, was desirous to establish a mission in his neigh- bourhood ; wishing to begin immediately, inviting the l^ioneer to his house, and requesting that he would always make it his home in visiting Berbice. Despite wet days and weary journey ings, Mr. Wray was preserved in health, and found his family well on arriving at home in time for the first Sunday of May. On the nth a great loss befel the mission and the Colony. Between eight and nine in the evening. Governor Carmichael died of apoplexy. He had been riding out the preceding day. In his death, Mr. Wray testifies, — "the slaves and poor people have lost a kind friend. He was an advocate for the instruction of all classes, and rendered PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 97 the missionaries all tlie assistance in liis power. In his govern- ment he met with great opposition, as all must expect whose office it is to make great changes and rectify great abuses. Not- withstanding all, he has done much good in the Colony, where a monument was afterwards erected to his memory." Before the end of May, Mr. Wray had paid a third visit to Berbice, whence he returned on the 31st, having "had an opportunity of preaching twice on the West Coast, on the estates of Messrs. Eader and Eraser, where the negroes were very attentive." On Sandvoort, cofifee-picking had begun, and — " I am happy to find they have not yet used the whip. I have recommended the agent to substitute the name of 'foreman' instead of 'driver' for the headmen, and to call the people together for their rations by ringing the bell instead of cracking the whip." But a crisis and time for decision had now come, and there was another side which the pioneer did not and could not rightly overlook. To leave such a sphere as Le Kesou- venir and Demerara had now become, was no light matter. Many things there were, not only to attach him and to claim his continuance, but, humanly speaking and humanly view- ing, to make life and work easier. So we read on : — " My mind is much exercised about moving to Berbice, as it will be neither so pleasant nor healthy as the East Coast of Demerara ; and the Crown estates being very distant one from another, very inconveniently situated, and in unhealthy spots, great labour will attend the undertaking. The negroes also are mostly unacquainted with English, and to be understood, it will be necessary to learn the Creole." It must indeed have appeared a great sacrifice of self, and certainly for some years, proved to be. But the sanction of the Directors of the Missionary Society had come to hand, who were also prepared to make arrange- ments for another to occupy Le Eesouvenir ; so "believing it to be our duty to introduce the Gospel into Berbice, where H 98 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, SO wide a door, under the express patronage of the Crown, is opened," Mr. Wray prepared to depart. As might be expected, it was a sorrowful business; how saddening let his own words tell : — "6th June, 1813. — I preached my farewell sermon at Le Eesouvenir from Acts xx. 16, and following verses, and afterwards administered the Lord's Supper. The time was solemn and affecting. Many of the people wept aloud. My voice was drowned by their sobs and tears. I could not go on, and was obliged to sit down. It was hard parting. Mrs. Wray was much affected. Next day, when we took our leave of several people who came to see us, they wept sore, and some of the aged females literally hung about Mrs. Wray's neck. I had some difficulty to get her from them. Some of the children ran after us along the road, saying, ' Good-bye, missy ! poor missy ! good-bye missy ! ' It is impossible to describe our feelings. "At 5 P.M. on I6th June we sailed from (Georgetown) Demerara, in a Colony schooner, and arrived in Berbice river at half-past eight the next evening ; considered a good passage, as we had to beat up against the wind. The sea was very rough at times, and a heavy rain coming on made it very unpleasant. It was quite dark when we landed, and Mrs. "Wray had a narrow escape from serious injury on account of the wharf being full of holes, but the Lord preserved her from harm. Thus we bade farewell to Demerara, and to our beloved home and congregation at Le Resouvenir. During our residence there we had experi- enced many blessings, and though we had met with great opposition, yet we had many friends among the planters who had treated us with great kindness, and who expressed much sorrow at our leaving. I trust also the Lord has blessed our labours, and that many, by the preaching of the Gospel, have been called out of darkness into marvellous light, and have been turned from sin and Satan to serve the true and living God. We have entered on a new field of labour, which, by the grace of God, I trust we shall exert ourselves to cultivate. We shall now enjoy superior opportunities of doing good both to the bodies and souls of our fellow-creatures, and of ameliorating the state of the slave population ; particularly of establishing schools among them, PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 99 and of introducing marriage. "We pray that the Lord may bless our labours." We close this chapter with the words of a writer in the Missionary Magazine for 1861, who, speaking apparently from personal acquaintance, says of the pioneer at this juncture : — " Mr. Wray was well qualified for commencing a mission in a country so peculiarly circumstanced as Berbice, in which slavery had long been one of the established and most cherished institu- tions of the land. He was kind and conciliatory. Where he thought he could act with advantage to the slave, he did so, and wlien he knew he could not, by his friendly advice and sympathy he assisted the oppressed bondman to endure patiently what he might deem to be most unjust, but at the time inevitable. By his upright and judicious conduct Mr. Wray soon gained the goodwill of the well-disposed among his fellow-colonists, and to some extent overcame the prejudices of those hostile to his mission. Thus, though for many (eighteen) years, single-handed, he was enabled to establish no fewer than eight stations in different parts of the Colony, it was not to be expected that he could efficiently superintend all the stations he was instrumental in commencing, and that, too, at a time when native assistance was not easily obtainable— but his great object was to prepare the way for the labours of others." CHAPTER IV. SETTLEMENT IN BERBICE TO SECOND RETURN TO ENGLAND. June 1813— December 1817. House in Neio Amsterdam — Different Receptions — Commencement of Worh — Sad state of Dageraad — Day Schools — Family Worship — Prohibi- tion of Bell — Le Resouvenir : collapse of Arrangements — To Demerara — Trying Hour — Interviews loith Governor Murray — Differences of Opinion— Prosperity — Extension of Schools — Up the Canje — Four- teenth Day obtained for Croiun slaves— Limitation of Cart-iohipping — Transgression thereof Investigated — Encouragements — To Dageraad — Singing by Mohammedan — Removal to Sandvoort — Obeah — Interview loith Obeah man — To Demerara — Success there — Home an Hospital — Pioneer laid up — To Dageraad and Dankbaarheid — Inventory of Slaves — Children and Chigoes— Services at Christmas — Orderly Conduct of Crown Slaves— Prostrate again. Such manner of persons then Avere John Wray and his estimable companion as now, with their little ones, they landed in Berbice, pioneer mission workers there. A slender hold they had upon the Colony, but they availed themselves of it — drawbacks came, more serious than any contemplated, still they held on ; former success seemed long in appearing, still they persevered. Continuing associated with the London Missionary Society, they yet had entered into new relationships, having now become largely responsible to the Commissioners of the Crown estates as their agents of instruction, religious and moral, sacred and secular. So they began their work in their accustomed way, and with their accustomed diligence, 100 PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 101 among the Crown slaves placed, as we have seen, partly in town and partly on three 'estates separated one from another by considerable distances ; Dankbaarheid and Dageraad up the river, to be reached by water, and Sandvoort near to town, on the Canje creek, accessible more directly by land, thongh with a road so bad at times in the rainy season, that their horses' feet sank almost literally to stick fast. At the outset, and for a little while, they dwelt in their own hired liouse in town. The best they could find, and rented, as exchange of money then was, at <£10 per month ; it was a hot, leaky, filthy place. Formerly a butcher's shop, it had become infested with noxious vermin, rats, scorpions, centipedes, and, more serious still, "we do not enjoy that pure, delightful sea-breeze which we had on the Demerara coast." Entering into possession on 18th June, all, during the tenancy, were more or less ill. On the next day, the new arrival called on Major Grant, acting for Governor Gordon, gone to the Islands seeking health. He was politely received by the Major, " who made many inquiries respecting the effects of instruction in Demer- ara, and promised me all the assistance in his power." Mr. Wray's object was becoming pretty well-known, and not all the first callers upon himself were so polite or promising. Writes Mrs. Tuckett: — "Among them was an influential planter, Mr. K. 'Well Mr. AVray,' he said, ' come to Berbice to make your fortune? We all come here for that, you know.' My father replied that was not his object. He had come to Berbice to tell to all, white and black, that 'Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.' Mr. K. replied, ' That won't do, Mr. Wray ; we won't have the blacks taught. Now, we wish to be friendly, and if you Mull give up that nonsense we will soon put you in the way of making your for- tune.' My father of course declined; the interview ended; Mr. K. left, politely telling my father he was either a fool or a madman." On Lord's Day, the 20th, he began his missionary labours in New Amsterdam, when — 102 MFE OF JOHN WRAY, "the Crown negroes in town, with many others, assembled to- gether to hear the Gospel. I preached to them ' Christ and Him crucified.' They were very attentive, and expressed a desire to be taught the things of God." Many children were present, a great pleasure to the pioneer. Before the end of the week he was on his way to Dage- raad, thirty-five miles up the river. This estate occupies a prominent place in the history of the Colony, as it was here that a remaining handful of Dutch forces made and main- tained their last stand during the slave insurrection, some fifty years before, when, for many months, the country was in the power of the insurgents. Solitary and very unhealthy, it was now sharing the mass of disease, bodily and mental, which, through long neglect and abuse, through the cruelty of slavery, the curse of heathen superstitions, and unbridled indulgence in vice, the Crown property was inheriting when taken over by the Commissioners ;'^ and which in effect led, before long, to the entire abandonment of Dageraad. On hearing from a gentleman well acquainted with the place a horrid account of the unheal thin ess then existing there, the pioneer confesses he felt his spirits low. But he pursued his way, and arriving, "the negroes were assembled, and I addressed them on the great subject of religion. Some of them understood English pretty well and interpreted what I said into the Creole. I also visited them in their houses. They expressed a wish for instruction and also their gratitude to the Conmiissioners for preventing them being cut up with the cart- whip as formerly, though it is yet used occasionally." Returning they stopped at Dankbaarheid for Lord's Day, the 27th, and — " I spoke to the people, for the first time, the words of eternal life ; when one of the drivers interpreted what I said. I also attempted to teach some of the children their alphabet." * See thtir Report to the Lords of the Treasury. PIONEEIl MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 103 Getting home the same evening, he was ready for the commencement of a clay school in town on the following morning, to be conducted, as far as possible, upon the plan of mutual instruction; the plan, i.e., upon which Joseph Lancaster had so successfully worked. At the end of the week, each day showed an attendance of forty to fifty child- ren, some making good progress and appearing to come very willingly. Every evening, too, adults were welcome to unite with the missionary's household in family worship, when the Scriptures were explained to them. Thirty or forty free coloured people availed themselves of the opportunity, and "behaved with great seriousness and attention." One evening thirteen or fourteen white people put in an appear- ance, but they were so disorderly and rude that " we were obliged to show them the way out, and desire them to come no more except they set a better example. I suppose," Mr. Wray pertinently adds, " these are the people who cry out that we are going to make an insurrection among the negroes." It certainly was an earnest of many like instances of misconduct and interruption on the part of the whites, which the missionary for years had to put up with as best he could. On Lord's Day, 4th July, after preaching in town, he went with Mrs. Wray to Sandvoort, inviting many negroes whom, riding along, they saw fishing in the trenches, to come and hear the Gospel ; which many did. Here they remained some days, guests of Mr. De-la-Court's, and commenced the instruction of children and adults, just as at New Amster- dam in the previous week. A serious attack of illness seizing Mrs. Wray, sent them home. Amid many and greater troubles the pioneer had a pro- portionately large share of those little annoyances which are all the more annoying because of their occurrence when most inconvenient. On Lord's Day, IStli July, one such came in the shape of a note from the Fiscal, prohibiting the ringing 104 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, of the AYinkel bell for assembling the slaves to hear the preaching. This belonged to the Crown, and would be used at other times for calling the men to their work. The prohibi- tion was on the ground of its being " contrary to law and order." But, though it came through the Fiscal, the origina- tor, Mr. Wray heard, — " was the old Dutch clergyman, who, a slave-ti older himself, and opposed to the instruction of the slaves, came from his estate up country to preach in town on the Sabbath, and claimed it as his prerogative alone to have a bell rung for assembling people to public worship." John Wray, nevertheless, got his congregation ; afterwards had thirty adults remaining to read ; and in the evening preached in his own house to a great many of all colours who attended, among whom was his Honour the Fiscal himself. On Wednesday, the 21st, he returned to Demerara, travelling by land ; the first object being to visit his old flock and see how they did. Here it may at once be briefly explained that arrangements for another missionary to occupy Le Resouvenir, eventually and to the deep regret of the Directors, collapsed. Neither Mr. John Kempton, who went out for the purpose, nor the Rev. Richard Elliot, who had left Tobago, and whom Mr. K. had found in charge, remained. The former returned again to England, and Mr. E., after staying awhile, went to labour among tlie more numerous population in Georgetown, and on the West Coast ; so that no suitable missionary, as permanent successor, settled there, until 1817, when the Rev. John and Mrs. Smith sailed for Demerara. Meanwhile, what help could be afforded was rendered from Georgetown, and Mr. Wray returned at intervals. On this occasion he arrived about dark, the day after start- ing. A month had elapsed since manse and chapel and great congregation and first friends had been left ; the intervening weeks had furnished opportunity for acquaintance with life PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 105 and work in the new sphere, with its sickly conditions and its scattered peoples, so lost, most of them, in darkness, disease, and death ; the lone hours on horseback would fur- nish time for reflection and questionings, such as the pioneer puts here and there in his diary pages, " Can these dry bones live? Lord God, Thou knowest." But, whatever the cause, Mr. Wray passed on to one of those affecting and solemn hours which occasionally surprise a faithful pilgrim or preacher. "As soon as I turned up the road leading to the chapel, my mind was much affected with many things that had transpired during the last five and a-half years. Sending word of my arrival to the people, a large congregation soon assembled. I read, or tried to read, Eph. i., suitable both to them and to me, but found myself unable to proceed, and could not refrain from weeping. The people were affected, and wept aloud. Giving out a verse of a hymn, I then went on, and was enabled to explain the chapter ; but I think this was the most solemn time I ever experienced in the pulpit." Matters had gone back with some of the slaves in the neighbourhood as to privileges allowed and permission to attend worship. This had discouraged them, and, with some cases of cruel punishment, rightly, however, reported to the Fiscal, was a subject of grief to Mr. Wray, who had never- theless to press on to Georgetown upon other important business. It was to see General Murray, who was acting as Governor of Demerara, but who had been appointed to the Governorship of Eerbice."^ " We had a long conversation respecting the instruction of the negroes. His Excellency approves of their being orally instructed, * John Wray, the pioneer, on his way from Le Resouvenir to see Governor Murray ; and John Smith, his successor, with Mrs. Smith, on their way, nine years afterwards, from the same Le Resouvenir, prisoners under military escort, after shameful arrest, to siiameful imprisonment and trial under the same Governor, and one of them to virtually a martyr's death ! Those intimate with Demerara's intervening history will mark the contrast with peculiar and painful interest. 106 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, but says lie will set his face against teaching them to read, whether adults or children. He thinks reading will endanger the peace of the Colony. He however x^romised me his patronage in com- municating religious instruction when he assumed the govern- ment of Berbice." Mr. Wray preached on Sabbath, 25th July, to a very full congregation, and arrived at home on Wednesday the 28th to find his eldest child just recovering from a serious attack of fever ; continued thunder, lightning, and rain, and very bad roads, the latter greatly interfering wdtli attendance at Divine worship. On 16th August he travelled in a new direction — viz., up the Canje creek to visit some of the Crown slaves wlio were in the forest cutting timber. The opportunity w^as afforded by Mr. De-la- Court's having to go thither. The distance proved to be a pull of eight hours by six oarsmen, and necessitated a night from home. This was spent in a hut made of leaves, where the two had just room to sling their hammocks. To the pioneer it was a dreary passage, only however from the monotony, and evidently not from any lack of interest or of observation on his jmrt. For here, as indeed constantly throughout his pages, are interesting details concerning his fellowmen, with descriptions of their employ- ments and implements, or concerning the wonders met with in the animal and vegetable worlds; all which ^Ye omit, either for brevity's sake, or as being similar to what is now so readily accessible in the many excellent works on Natural History. His Excellency, Governor Murray, took the reins of government in Berbice on 30th August, and Mr. Wray at once again waited on him, and again — " We had a long conversation respecting teaching the slaves to read. He highly disapproves of it, and wishes me to desist. I told him I could not except he officially forbade me. He said, ' Very well.' I feel a little uncomfortable on this head, though PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 107 I am convinced the Commissioners will interfere and obtain per- mission from tlie Government." The matter was an essential one in Mr. Wray's present position and work, and could not be allowed to remain thus, so — " I returned home, and wrote his Excellency a long letter on the subject, to prove that teaching slaves to read could be attended with no evil consequences, but that we had reason to believe it Avould be (attended) with the haj^piest effects. What effect this had on his Excellency's mind I know not, but he did not inter- fere with me. He found I was determined to persevere except some official steps were taken on his part to prevent reading. But his prejudices appeared to be very strong, and I have no doubt that if I had not been under the direct patronage of His Majesty's Commissioners I should have been obliged to suspend the schools which by this time we had established." Wray was right in his surmises, as is shown by this same General Murray's own words three years after, when, as Governor of Demerara, he threatened to expel the newly- arrived missionary, John Smith (not an agent of the Com- missioners), from the Colony, if he ever heard of him teaching a slave to read. Withal then, Major-General John Murray kept on his way, a few months as Governor of Berbice, and afterwards some years Governor of Demerara, and John Wray went his way. The outcome was seen when the former, by his own disobedience to orders from home, caused what ultimately proved a terrific explosion in the Colony under his control; an explosion that also shook Berbice, saved, however, from like fearful results largely by the efforts and influence of the latter. The pioneer, as we have said, went on his way — this was, to continue and, if possible, to increase the opportunities for giving the young people of the Crown slaves useful instruc- tion. Very close upon our last quotation are the following entries : — 108 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, " Oar school in New Amsterdam now consists of eighty scholars, a few of them free^ but chiefly slaves. We are much XDleased with their attention. They are very fine children, and come very decent and clean. Mrs. Wray proposes to establish a school of industry among the Crown girls under fourteen or fifteen years of age, and to employ them in making clothing for the Crown negroes ; also to have some of the little girls from the estates to teach them to work at their needles." All duly carried out. It was hoped that such a school would be of use in other ways — e.g., "in forming habits of virtue and industry; as many of these girls were hired out to people in town, and were exposed to great temptations." On Tuesday and Friday evenings, Mr. Wray instructed adults in town, and on Wednesday evenings, preached in his own house ; going to Sandvoort two or three times a-week to look after the instruction of old and young there. Our friends were successful in another happy attempt, made about this time, to benefit their charge. Slaves, it must be explained, worked six days in the week ; having Sabbath days only for any marketing they had to do or for the cultivation of their provision-grounds. A day in a fortnight was asked on their behalf, tliat they might have more time on the Sabbath for purposes of religious worsliip and instruction. The thing was opposed " by many planters on the ground that, if the Crown slaves were allowed this, it would create dissatisfaction among the slaves of others." The experiment, however, was made, and it proved a blessing to the people. Translating parts of Watts' " Catechisms " into Creole, or writing a simple discourse in it, to read, when needful, what as yet he could not fluently speak, filled up intervals of time ; as did visitation of the Crown slaves in their own houses and at opportune seasons. The last, specially if before worship or preaching, was followed by larger attend- PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 109 ances ; the numbers being swelled not by Crown slaves alone, but by relatives or friends from other neighbourhoods, met with during the call. Sadly, however, was it then visible, even in town where the people were healthiest and finest looking, how many because of feebleness and disease, age, leprosy, old sores, and such like, could not come. Much of it was the fruit of habitual neglect by others, or of a wilful defiance of the laws of health on their own part, Avliich the risk of a cart- whipping did not always prevent ; as was seen in cases that still, on the Crown estates, led occasionally to the shocking punishment. Thus, when the pioneer was up the Canje, a woodcutter was adjudged it, part of the charge being that he had brought a leprous woman to some of his company; and on Dageraad, a few weeks after, an old woman suff'ered, having neglected to take her sick child to the manager for treatment, on account of which neglect the child was said to have died. Believing in other or milder methods, but powerless to prevent such penalties, Mr. Wray's unavoidable nearness or presence at the time of infliction was with peculiar pain to himself ; some satisfaction, however, being felt that it was administered after a period of waiting for Mr. De-la-Court, and of due inquiry by him. This was a step in advance which our pioneer could and did insist should be maintained. In his own neighbour- hood ears were not seldom saluted by the crack of the formidable scourge and the cries or shrieks of the writhing suff'erer tied or held naked on the ground as, with unmiti- gated frequency or in bursts of passion, the torture was inflicted by slave-owners or their underlings. But on the Crown estates it was not to be so ; if otherwise, Mr. Wray might justly and would, in fact, complain. A case of this kind occurred in September during Mr. De-la-Court's absence, for some days, in Demerara on business. Taking advantage of it, the manager on Sand- no LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, voort, a young man, spent most of his time in town visiting his friends ; and the negroes, taking advantage of the manager's absence, neglected their work, with the result that several were cart-whipped and punished in other ways for not finishing their tasks. Much dissatisfaction ensued. It was the first section of an oft-told tale : — the proprietor or chief agent is away, under officials, &c., " will play " ; such play, in the long run, leading to pilfering of substance, and persecution of helpless ones; ending in persons outraged, properties damaged, and proprietors ruined. Two of the offending negroes came, one after another, to beg for letters of intercession, which Mr. Wray eventually wrote ; with no saving result however, and, on his visiting the hospital, other cases of shameful usage presented themselves. He, therefore, became anxious for Mr. De-la-Court's return, and all the more as the manager went on to censure the mission- ary and to misrepresent what he had done as an interference which prevented his own getting the negroes to do their work. AYlien the agent came back, the whole business was investigated, and ended in expressed disapproval of the young man's conduct, who, on his part, expressed great dissatisfaction with Mr. Wray's visiting the hospital, and was for resigning his situation at a day's notice which, however, did not come to pass. The position calmly taken by Mr. Wray is best expressed in his own words : — " I am sorry the people come to me to complain, and will not encourage them ; but, when I think they are ill-treated, I shall certainly plead their cause. Visiting the hospital I consider a part of my duty." Encouragement was now afforded by the willinghood with which some would come long distances to attend worship and instruction ; also by the manifestly growing impression made upon several individuals, such as Jas, the driver, and Amsterdam, the sick-nurse on Sandvoort, Heindrick, the PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. Ill sick-nnrse on Dankbaarheid ; and if, on the other hand, cast down for the moment, as on the first Lord's Day in October, when the thought of his large congregation at Le Resouvenir came up as the preacher stood to address but 150 hearers in New Amsterdam, still he was there a forlorn hope to " hold the fort ; " and that was not the only part of his charge. Next Lord's Day he was at Dageraad, addressing another and different assembly, and afterwards holding classes both for children and adults. The passage up on that 'occasion had been with Mr. De-la-Court, the preceding day ; and the return was with him on Monday, the 12th; a short stay, but illustrative of the medley of persons and things amid which the pioneer had to move. They arrived towards evening, just as the slaves were carrying the remains of an old negress, with deep lamentations and superstitious rites, to burial — an affecting scene ; and they departed just after being enter- tained with a song in Arabic, sung before the house by an aged negro Mohammedan, who, in his own country, had been a parson; and who, when desired, and allowed paper and pencil, furnished each visitor with a copy in Arabic of what, he said, were the first words of their sacred book. The nights had been sleepless, owing to both being compelled by the mosquitoes to leave their hammocks and walk about in the mill-house. Painful above all was the punishment of the old woman, already referred to, charged with the death of her child ; and a case against two men on Dankbaarheid, for Mr. De-la-Court's investigation of which, on the way down, a stop was made at that estate, when the decision went against the accused, who were sentenced to a like punishment. October did not close before the missionary's whole house- hold had removed to Sandvoort. Mr. De-la-Court, purposing to visit England for health's sake, wished them to occupy his house until his return, a wish with which the poor condition of their own present tenement made them glad to comply. 112 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, The agent's house was large, in a solitary situation, however, specially as compared with town, having only one cultivated estate on the way, much land having been abandoned. It faced the Canje, on the opposite bank of which were the front and dwelling-house of another cultivated estate ; on other sides it was almost surrounded with bush. The change took place on the 25th. Eeserving the spacious hall for chapel and school-room, they made their abode in the rooms of the higher storey. All in town at the time was slowly but surely progressing. Thither now, of course, the journeys had to be made ; three, at least, each week, besides going for the Sabbath services, &c. But any loss the work in town sustained by the removal, was compensated in measure by the stimulus their coming gave to the work at Sandvoort. Many, old and young, came to greet them as residents ; and the alteration was not made without, as was his habit, Mr. Wray's thought- fully and devoutly reviewing the past, and renewing purposes and plans, in dependence on his God and Saviour, for the future. If any readers have never consciously heard of the Obeah superstition, they may thus make acquaintance with it, and some of its connections, by reading 1 Sam. xxviii. For the woman there is a woman of Obi (Hebrew term) ; and Saul, in earlier days punishing such with death, in later days, as he wanders farther and farther from God, becoming himself entangled in the superstition ; finding his use of it bringing him no good, but rather leaving him much worse than before ; is an illustration of what has occurred times innu- merable. We know not through how many ages the super- stition had, in Saul's time, been growing ; but we know that through Africa and, along with Africans, in the Xew World, the name and thing have long been known; known, how- ever, with all the grosser delusion, the greater craft and cruelty, and therefore consequent misery — terrors, diseases, PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. Il3 death— wliicli ages of wandering from God, and of destitution as to the Light of Life ; of correspondingly increasing corrup- tion and wickedness of every kind, could alone entail. Such is the mischief it makes that, if not at this hour, in very recent days, a public flogging with the '' cat " w^as the penalty, in British Guiana, inflicted on any convicted of practising it ; the great difficulty, however, being, as always, to secure a conviction, so afraid and unwilling were the dupes and victims to inform. In 1810, by the Colonial Court, it was made there, as in Jamaica, a capital offence, punishable with the gallows, "or such other punishment ns the exigency of the case shall appear to require." But all was without the desired effect. " Superstition and witchcraft will fall before light and knowledge," is Wray's expressed belief, as it was the opinion of the Commissioners of the Crown property, wdio wisely preferred instruction and milder penal- ties to the gallows. For some time the superstition had been unusually rife on Dageraad, but at last a seizure was made of a negro called "Joe" as the culprit; and on 2nd November he was sent down the river for Mr. Wray to see. At the interview Joe professed not to be an Obeah man, but rather the possessor of supernatural powers, by which he counteracted the mischief of such ; and that a long while since, when the negroes on Dageraad had been practising their evil work to such an extent that all were going to die, he had undertaken to put an end to it, which, by certain rites and incantations that he detailed as gone through in the presence of them all, he said he had succeeded in doing, and had blessed the estate with health and prosperity. Had Joe stopped at this point, Mr. Wray might have been puzzled how to deal with his man ; but, unfortunately for his case, Joe went on professing " that he had intercourse with invisi- ble powers, that from the ' good spirits ' he learnt how to do these things." ii4 LIFE OF JOHN WRAf, Here was "Wray's opportunity, who at once said : — " I am desirous to see tliem. Joe. You will be afraid. W. No, sliow them to me. Joe. If we go to windward they will smell us and go away. W. Then let us go to leeward. Joe. They can only be seen in the night, and very far off ; you will be too weary. W. I am so desirous of seeing them that I will go anywhere and at any time. Joe. They do not appear every night, and my images and instruments for telling when have been taken from me. W. I will obtain them for you again. Joe. They have now been tumbled about so much that they are spoiled." * Joe went on to declare himself a sufferer from the Obeali men, who, he said, in retaliation for the frustration of tlieir purposes, and for his restoring health and prosperity to the estate, had put Obeah for him, conveying it in a glass of rum ; ever since drinking which he had been ill. A negro, named Moses had given it to him, and, in consequence, the people, enraged against Moses, put Obeali upon him, of which he died. Recently, one, Peter, had died from the effects of the super- stition, and a negro named Class had become suspected. The people (it was thought at the instigation of Joe, who professed to have found Class's implements in the ground by means of one of his own little images) fixed upon Class as the instru- ment of Peter's death. Hence Class, who had formerly been flogged as an Obeah man, was again in danger. Joe's tale to Mr. Wray was that this and other discoveries he made not by images, which were only to frighten the people, but by some particular leaf of a tree, wherein the virtue and knowledge lay. Wray came to the conclusion that Joe was at the bottom of the mischief, and that Class was perfectly innocent ; at his request, therefore. Class was neither punished on the estate nor given up to the authorities. He adds, among other remarks, "It is impossible to describe the influence these men obtain over the minds of the negroes." * They consisted of feathers, hair, and four little images, which had been discovered hid in the ground, and were in possession of the Crown Agent. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUTANA. 115 Schools and other work all being arranged in accord with the new circumstances of residence at Sandvoort, Mr. Wray went to Demerara for the last two Sundays in ]^ovem]>er ; taking passage on tlie 18th, and preaching, &c., at Le Eesou- venir, where the chapel was filled with attentive hearers, who rejoiced to see him and who, he was glad to find, were going on as well as could be expected. His lament was that, suffer- ing from fever and the weather proving very rainy, he was unable during week-days to preach on the coast so often as he could have wished. But he could record the efforts of others, and rejoice. in their success; noting the crowds that came to Georgetown for worship and instruction, no fewer than 5000 of whom were learning or teaching the Catechism, hundreds applying to ]Mr. Davies from Sabbath to Sabbath for copies, and a visible change coming over many ; that Mr. Davies had been invited by the Protector of the Indians to go some 200 miles up the river and undertake their instruction, but, for want of help, had been obliged to decline ; and that a visitor from the Islands about this period writes, "Demerara seems the most pleasing missionary station in the West Indies." Preaching on the 28th was followed by illness in the night; but on Monday, the 29 th, Mr. Wray left on horseback for Berbice, riding seventy miles in two days under a hot sun, and experiencing great thirst, as well as great fever pains in knees, legs, and head. He arrived at home on 1st December to find it literally an hospital ; wife and servants ill, also a friend residing with them in a very dangerous state. By two successive and severe attacks of fever he himself was rendered helpless for work on the succeeding Sabbath ; and another attack occurring on the 8th, his stomach so nauseated as to be at times unable to retain the medicine deemed absolutely necessary, he had to be content, on a second Sabbath, with assembling negroes and children in the house at Sandvoort for simple catechizing and instruction. On Wednesday, 15th December, however, he was ofi" again 116 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, for Dageraad, stopping in town and at Dankbaarheid on his way, and returning on the 18th, much pleased with the tokens of interest and progress at every place. On the 21st an " inventory " was taken of the Sandvoort people by the estate authorities, which afforded Mr. and Mrs. Wray an opportunity of seeing the whole array. They were painfully struck with the number of poor, emaciated people, full of sores. A number of children, too, beside others, were still infested with chigoes, the result of parental or personal neglect. This had already presented itself to notice in a very disagreeable way. After classes of children had been reading, the place where they stood was, in parts, powdered over as with flour; being, in reality, covered with nits from the nests of numerous chigoes allowed to remain in the scholars' feet. Accordingly, their instructors had given Amsterdam, the sick nurse, a dollar, to clean the feet of such. No one in the AYest Indies escapes tlie pest (here most accurately described by Mr. Wray), but a little attention detects the intruders and will prevent their spread. Sores and permanent lameness are the fruit of neglecting tliem. Christmas brought holidays for the slaves, &c., in Berbice, as in Demerara ; days hitherto generally spent by them " in dancing, drumming, rioting, and drunkenness." Mr. Wray became anxious as to the behaviour of those for whom he had wrought, and, though weak, did not spare efforts to interest them in better ways. Beginning with Saturday, Christmas Day, he held services both at Sandvoort and in town on each of the three days kept as holiday, travelling thirty miles and preaching eight times ; his only disappoint- ment being on Sunday evening, when an increase of fever prevented his preaching on Sandvoort. He had his reward. Where he lived the hall was filled, people of almost every age and description coming to hear the Word from his lips. In town, also, there were good congregations. During the night, much yelling and noise were heard on the opposite PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 117 estate, but none on Sandvoort. So witli the Crown people in town, and throughout the holidays ; all was orderly. '' We have been much pleased," he writes, " with their con- duct." Mrs. Wray spent a good deal of time in conversing with the children and people ; and, along with her husband, walking on Monday among the negro houses, they received many kind salutations from the people, and expressions of great gratitude from fathers and mothers for the pains they had taken with their children. ''The Lord," concludes Mr. Wray, " has far exceeded our expectations, and we desire to praise His holy name for His great goodness." On the 28th, the holidays being over, numbers of people generally went into the hospital; on this occasion it rejoiced the pioneer to find that only two on Sandvoort had done so. But the end of 1813 was at hand, and such efforts, by one so weak, led to his increased sickness. On the 29th, pains and poorliness, fever and thirst, returned. The next day, use of Peruvian bark was again attempted, but none could be retained, and the doctor sent for from town could not come. Mr. Wray became too weak for anything, and the year closed as it had begun, with himself a prostrate patient. 18 14. New Yearns Greetings — With Family to Demerara — Ordination of Deacons — Many Baptisms — Fruit after many Days — Stay at BlanTcen- burg — Report of Insurrection in Berhice : Sad Results — Proclamation — Le Resouvenir School examined hy Chief Justice — Prosperity- Return to Berhice : Improvements there — Governor Bentinch — Oppos- ing Influences — Long Affliction — Deaths of Children — With Family again to Demerara — Unfortunate Journey — Yellow Fever — Kindness of Planter Friends — Stay at Friendship — Death of Mrs. Tyson — • Return again to Berhice — Increasing Opposition and Difficulties — Encouragements — Laundress kidnapped — Expeditions in search — Licentiousness of Whites — A Happy Christmas. Many came on New Year's day to greet their friends, offer their good wishes, and, in lengthy addresses, profess their 118 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, desires to " cease doing evil and learn to do well," to be able to read their book, professing also their prayers to God that He would renew their hearts. We pause to remark how strange the scene in that land ; strange, as compared with past ages of neglect ; strange, in view of to-day's diffusion of knowledge and religion. Mr. and Mrs. Wray were both " pleased and affected," and in response he read and explained the 103rd Psalm. With return of strength during the first week of the year, and considering the weak state of the whole family, the resolution grew that all should try a change to Demerara. On Saturday the 8th, therefore, they left Sandvoort to voyage thither. It was a rough and uncomfortable passage to Georgetown, and much of the drive thence to Le Resou- venir was through pouring rain, which so softened the road, as almost to bring them to a standstill. Mr. Wray helping, however, their horse pulled them through ; they met with a very kind reception, the negroes being delighted to see Mrs. Wray again. On Sabbath, 16th January, though very unwell, Mr. Wray preached twice; he adds, "the Lord helped me, as He has often done in times that are past." During the week five candidates for Church fellowship were admitted, and a refreshing season at the table of the Lord followed on the 23rd. Most of January the little girls were ill, so ill at times that life was despaired of; Mrs. Wray, also, being often sick, and having constantly a sense of fatigue. They were left, therefore, at the house of a kind friend on the coast, Mrs. Tyson, to be cared for and entertained, whilst the pioneer, at the beginning of February, went over to Berbice. Going and returning by land this occupied nine days, Sunday, the 6th, being spent on Sandvoort and in town, holding meetings for worship, preaching, and teaching. As usual, much hospitality and kindness were shown the travel- ler wherever he called to lodge, and he gained all the PIONEEK MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 119 information possible that he thought might be useful to the agents of the Crown property, or as preparatory for com- mencing mission work on the Berbice West Coast, where, between Abary creek and the river, were 5000 slaves entirely without means of instruction. After services at Le Eesouvenir on Lord's Day, 13th February, there came on the evening of the 14th a church- meeting, important and noticeable as involving an ordination of deacons, the first, whether as regards minister or people. " Having read and explained the account which the apostles of Christ give of the office, and described the qualifications of a deacon, I set aj)art with prayer and laying on of hands, five of the members." " Among the number," afterwards writes Mr. Wray, " were two, Romeo and Jason, who became venerable men, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and truly devoted to God."^ The Sabbath following was also a day of solemn joy, Mr. Wray baptizing twenty-five adults, and thirty children of believing parents. But the hearts of himself and his partner in life must have continually been filled with gratitude and gladness, for the tokens on every hand of the seed sown in past years now bearing precious fruit ; of " bread cast upon the waters, found after many days ; " as the record of these baptisms is followed by most interesting cases of such; instances of change for the better in both planter and slave, oppressor and oppressed, young and old. But on the 21st the pioneer and his family moved on to Demerara West Coast, still seeking restoration to health. * Both these were witnesses on the occasion of the Rev. John Smith's shameful trial. Romeo, Mr. Wray informs us, " was a Moham- medan, and was one of the first he baptised in November, 1808 ; and was then registered by Mr. Post as fifty-two years old. At this age he learnt to read the Scriptures well, and when sixty, being exempted from labour, spent his last twenty years as a Scripture-reader and cate- chist, and proved a blessing to many. He died, March, 1835, and was buried near his master, Mr. Post, twenty-six years after he had assisted in bearing his mortal remains to the silent tomb— master and slave now possessing each an equal space of Le Resouvenir." 120 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, They were most hospitably entertained by their kind friends, Mr. and Mrs. Dardier of plantation Blankenburg, about eight miles from town. During their stay, the eldest child, Elizabeth, " became so ill as for several days to lose the use of hands, feet, and speech." Deeply affected, out of their dis- tress her parents looked unto the Lord, and were rejoiced to receive her again as one alive from the dead, and gratefully to witness the gradual restoration of all her faculties. It was a fine coast, and had at the time about 8000 slaves, though with no place of worship, or minister to direct them to the Saviour of sinners. But the truth of the last item was about to cease ; missionary operations by Messrs. Davies and Eliott commencing there, and one of their best stations being founded shortly after the visit of Mr. Wray. An alarming rumour, meanwhile, here reached him as it spread throughout the Colonies ; a rumour which, whatever of truth or fact, little or none, might be at the foundation, gathering, as it went, size and gloom, and dust of slander, was calculated to make them all feel very unhappy. The report was that a slave insurrection had been discovered, having its centre on the Berbice West Coast, but extending right and left so as to include all the shore from the Corentyne Coast to Mahaica, about eighty miles ; that the negroes had chosen a governor and other officers ; that it was their intention to murder all the white men, and take possession of all the rest; that some of the Demerara East Coast negroes were leaders in the rebellion, especially Philip, a member of the church on Le Resouvenir ; and that instruction of the negroes was to blame. Mr. AYray at once wrote off to a gentleman of position and respectability, asking him to furnish any information he could on the matter ; and received answer that he possessed no correct information ; but, as showing how readily a report of insurrection was got up, he told what came under his notice only on the preceding December, when an official PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 121 report was made to the Governor of Demerara, that some negroes on the Essequibo were about to revolt and kill all the white people, and take possession of the Colony — a report founded upon some declarations made by some Indians who had quarrelled with some negroes on one of the estates, and which had no connection whatever with the accused negroes, and missionary establishment or Christian meeting. This was some relief. However, it turned out that in Berbice the authorities had taken alarm ; that some slaves on the AVest Coast had been seized ; and private slander had been helping to do the rest, specially as regards Mr. Wray and his work causing the trouble. A letter to hand from Mr. De-la-Court in Berbice, informed the pioneer that a neighbour had accused him (Mr. Wray) of this insurrectionary movement ; that the Court had written to the Sandvoort manager for information as to the time allowed the Crown slaves, exclusive of the Sabbath ; and that a planter on the West Coast had written him (Mr. De-la-Court) a letter upon the suliject of the present plot, copy of which was furnished. It was from one who owned 1000 slaves, and who, abusing "Wray and all Wilberforce's party," expressed the opinion that, " We planters must stir to have some alteration," — i.e., as to Wray's and the Commis- sioners' work ; also, " the hope that you will give your assistance in private ; " in other words, whilst receiving pay, &c., from the Commissioners, exert, as Wray puts it, " his influence, m private, against their humane plans." Kow, not a single Crown negro was concerned in the plot (if plot there was), and not one who lived even in the neighbourhood of the Crown estates. What negroes were taken up belonged to the West Coast of Berbice, where no Crown estate or missionary establishment existed; but the slanders, and the spirit they manifest, show the bitter feel- ings which then existed against the humane plans of the British Government. According to report, a report after- 122 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, wards confirmed by Mr. "VYray's personal inquiry, the account which the negroes gave of the matter was, that there had been formed a society in imitation of the Freemasons, they wishing to have, as well as their buckras or masters, a society of that nature ; and that the money collected was to support the poor and defray the expense of their dances, &c.; just as it had been formerly very common for them to assume the names of their masters, or of the Governor or Fiscal, and send invitations to friends to supper or a dance, and appoint a captain of their own as president of the feast ; sometimes to put feathers in their hats at holiday time and parade the streets. "IN'o one," as far as Mr. Wray could learn, " had been injured by them, neither was any property destroyed," yet on 12th April six of the unhappy people apprehended on the West Coast were executed in New Amsterdam as ringleaders, their heads cut off and fixed upon poles on the different estates to which they belonged ; one of them white with age, whose master, Mr. Eader, told Mr. Wray that he denied to the last having any bad intentions. Several others were flogged under the gallows, and some were transported. A proclamation was subsequently issued to the eff'ect that as "the privilege allowed the slaves of the Colony, of publicly or privately dancing on estates and other places at stated periods, had been perverted by tliem to purposes of the most dangerous nature^ all dancing was forbidden until next year, 1815, or the further pleasure of the Court;" but, notwithstanding the charges brought against the missionaries and instruction, assigning no blame to them. This was followed, late in the year, by another calling upon the colon- ists to pay their quota of the exj^enses incurred in crushing the plot and indemnifying the proprietors of the slaves capitally punished ; to raise which a tax of two guilders (2s. 8d.) per head, to be paid by the owners, was levied upon each and every slave they possessed, that was at the time liable PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 123 to the ordinary capitation tax. Better still, the law concern- ing Sunday labour was amended in favour of the slave, forbidding field-work on that day, except in sudden emer- gencies ; and further enactments were issued limiting and regulating the excessive use of the whip, and forbidding the burial of any slave dying suddenly or by suicide, or in consequence of punishment or hurt, without previously acquainting the authorities and procuring a certificate from the surgeon of the estate, who had inspected the body, as to the nature of the disease, or as to the cause from which the negro had died. But we have been somewhat anticipating. As March drew towards a close, Mr. "VYray and family prepared to return to Berbice. Before doing so, however, an event took place at Le Resouvenir so gratifying, specially in contrast with what has just been engaging attention, and with what came to pass there in later days, that we transcribe the account verbatim. " 28th March. — This evening, according to promise, his Honour the President of the Court of Justice visited Le Eesouvenir, and heard several of the negroes read tlie Bible. He was much pleased with them, and observed that they appeared by their tones and emphasis to understand what they read. I catechized them in his presence. We went nearly through the Catechism, and his Honour expressed his pleasure to hear them answer the questions with so much correctness and propriety, and observed that he thought they understood as well as many congregations in England. They sang 'Salvation: oh, the joyful sound!' and ' Let the Indian, let the Negro, &c.,' delightfully." At this period Mr. Davies also reported that the Gospel was preached to a greater number than ever, and, he trusted, with greater success, hundreds inquiring the way of salva- tion ; and to judge from their moral conduct, from the pains they took in learning the Catechism, the distance many of them came to hear "Christ crucified" preached, and their liberal contributions toward the chapel building — if these 124 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, were signs of a Christian, they had become such. More than £150 had been contributed to the Auxiliary Missionary Society. Leaving Demerara with such signs of encouraging progress, on 1st April, Mr. Wray and his family crossed the river Berbice, and in the evening reached home again at Sand- voort, to find they were not without signs of encouraging progress there. Left in charge of a young man as catechist, the people and children had made improvement in reading, singing, cleanliness, attention to their gardens and houses ; and went on doing so. Best of all, some of the adult negroes were manifesting more and more interest in the things of salvation ; one of them in particular, who had been a pro- fane, drunken, repulsive-looking man, forsaking his sins and showing a decided change. On Dageraad too, as on Sand- voort, the missionary was greatly pleased to see the cultiva- tion of their gardens and the amount of provisions tliey had raised for themselves, utilizing every piece of ground avail- able, since a day in fourteen had been allowed them for the purpose ; nor less gratified to find a custom introduced by the managers on Dageraad and Dankbaarheid of daily mak- ing a large quantity of nutritious soup for the children, which they saw shared out to them at the door. A new Governor, though an old acquaintance, had arrived in Berbice — Mr. Bentinck, recalled, as we have seen, from Demerara in 1812. The pioneer soon waited on him, and was received very politely. Much conversation on the old topic, the instruction of the slaves, ensued. " His Excellency disapproved of teaching them to read and write, but told me I was to go on agreeably to the wishes of the Commissioners of the Crown property." His visitor left, trusting " that past experience had taught him not to interfere with the religion of Jesus." Before long the catechist, Mr. Meadowcroft, went to labour among the people and children on Dageraad, and a PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 125 young black man named Lambert was engaged to teach the children on Dankbaarheid to read, so that on each Crown estate the work of instruction, &c., was better established ; Mr. Wray still continuing his visits to the different places as heretofore. But with all these encouragements, and though able him- self, in the middle of May, to pay a short visit again to Le Kesouvenir, his consciousness of a stronger stream running in opposition to him and his Berbice work generally becomes evident. How things might have been had less personal and family affliction befallen him at this period, and had he not been compelled to spend another three months, July to October, on the Demerara coast, we cannot tell. Apart, however, from particular incidents and events which he details, expressions here and there imply a more than usual discountenancing and thwarting of his plans in Berbice, which troubled him greatly. It might be, probably was, a product of the alarm with which professedly the authorities and a number of the planters had just been seized, and which, if soothed, would not be sweetened by the punish- ments inflicted, the extra poll tax levied, and the privileges prohibited ; a prohibition which, as the year went on, was extended to any shout or song on the part of slaves travelling up and down the river, and to any going from one estate to another without a pass. But what with that which was tangible enough, and that which was not so easily accounted for, the pioneer was now entering a very distressful period of his life and labours. First then, to notice the course of family affliction. In the former part of May, Mrs. Wray and several younger members of the household were again prostrate, so much so that thoughts of returning to reside in town were seriously enter- tained. As to Mrs Wray, indeed, the doctor so strongly urged a voyage to England as alone sufficient to re-establish her health, that, after serious deliberation, she consented to 126 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, the proposal, and a passage was engaged for her. Before the sliip sailed, however, finding herself somewhat better, she determined to try a little longer, which little, happily for her husband, the children, and the mission, lasted seventeen years. Besides much interruption of instruction, tfec, on Sand- voort caused by gathering, preparing, and exporting the coffee crop, parts of May and June proved very wet. It was during the third week of the latter month that, in addition to three negroes who had died, Mr. Wray lost one of his most promising school children, and within a day or two after- Avards, his own infant son. The tender fatherly heart of the pioneer shows vividly in the details of sickness, death, and burial of these youthful ones. Flora, thirteen years old, had been at school on the preceding Sunday, saying her catechism and prayers and joining in the singing. She had been a very attentive scholar, and had learned Watts' First Catechism. Her mother sent, asking the missionary's prayers for her sick child who, in another day was gone ; and whose remains, on the succeeding day, were conveyed in an orderly and peaceful manner and consigned to the grave with Christian burial, INIr. and Mrs. Wray attending, also the school child- ren, down whose black faces, whilst he was speaking, silent tears ran. On 2.3rd June Mrs. Wray and children were again down in fever, the greatest sufferer being an infant boy, John Thompson Wray, nine months old. He was strongly con- vulsed, and suffered much. From seven in the evening until three the next morning, the straggle went on, they doing their best for the little sufferer ; no medical assistance, owing to the impassable state of the roads through heavy rains, arriving till too late ; and so in agony he expired. "On the 25th, after a solemn night, a night of thunder, lightning, and rain, at 10 a.m., we committed the mortal remains of our dear boy to the cold tomb, under a large mango tree, imtil PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 127 the resurrection day. I spoke to tlie people who attended. As I was following the corpse of my dear child, my mind was carried on to the world of spirits, and I was led to contemplate the happiness of heaven. The soul of our lovely boy, for such he was, has learned more of God, of Jesus Christ, and of heaven than is possible for me here to know. I cannot doubt of his happi- ness." On the following day. Sabbath, 26th June, both Mr. and Mrs. Wray were too unwell to do more than attend to the children, &c., who came to their house. Mrs. Wray con- tinuing in fever most of the week, thoughts of again spend- ing some time on the Demerara East Coast, and instructing the people there, ripened to decision. So, after preaching, Lord's Day, 3rd July, on Sandvoort and in town, then visiting the negroes on Dankbaarheid and reaching home about eleven at night, preparations were made and, Tuesday 5th July, early in the morning, the family crossed the Berbice to journey overland to Demerara. Fine at the out- set, and with some of their kindest friends to be found on the road, it nevertheless proved a most unfortunate journey. The first night they slept at N'o. 22, Bel Air, Mr. Kader's estate ; with whom, as a friend of instruction, we have already made acquaintance; and were hospitably entertained. I^ext day they dined at No. 29, Trafalgar, and Mrs. Fraser gave them a note to the manager on Xo. 47, Golden Fleece. Here, on account of heavy rains, they were obliged to remain two nights, mosquitoes and sand-flies, however, rendering it impossible to rest. Proceeding on the 8th, first their chaise broke down ; next their horse was taken sick ; but by the kindness of different managers they got over these troubles. On the 9th heavy rains fell, making the roads very bad, and necessitating Mr. AVray's getting out to lead the horse. Arrived at Mahaica, both parents wdtli one of tlie children became very ill, and consequently remained here until the morning of the 13th, when they started for Bachelor's 128 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Adventure, Jonathan Hopkinson, Esq., an opulent and hos- pitable gentleman, who had invited them to spend a few days at his house. He had been their sincere friend when they lived on Le Eesouvenir, and some of his children had been educated by Mrs. Wray. Arrived there in the evening, Mr. Wray was attacked by yellow fever, a most fatal disease, which continued three days and nights. Brought very low, he knew not what passed, and his life was despaired of. Dr. Robson, their former attendant in Demerara, was sum- moned and was very attentive ; remaining four nights with his patient and, by God's blessing, succeeding in bringing him round. Mr. Hopkinson did all he could for his guest's restoration and comfort, and when, taking leave of him, Mr. Wray thanked him for his kindness, replied that " he was very glad he had had it in his power to show us attention." It was to another and like-minded friend that the family passed on, William Postlethwaite, Esq., proprietor of Plan- tation Eriendship, who, hearing of their position and desires, had written the following letter, dated 25th July, 1814, which, as it should be, is given entire : — " Dear Sir, — I have directed my little manager to have a bed put up for you. In a few days the house will be better furnished, well cleaned out, and put to rights, so as to make you as comfort- able as possible. My seine and fisherman and gamekeeper aback, will supply you with fish and pigeons, my gardens with what they afford, my cassava field with sweet cassava, and my plantain walk with West Indian bread fruit, and my cows with milk ; and you are welcome to anything else the estate affords except my breeding stock, which I don't kill for myself. And, with all, a hearty welcome, /ree of exjpense. The Logic, too, is at your service to teach your flock in, so that I hope you will be comfortable, and under that pleasing hope, I remain, dear sir, your humble servant, " (Signed) Wm. Postlethwaite. « The Rev. Mr. Wrat." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 129 Such an offer at such a time filled their hearts with grati- tude to God for inclining their friend to proffer his house, so well accommodated and in so healthy a spot. To Friendship accordingly, only about three miles short of Le Resouvenir Chapel, they moved on 6th August, and at once commenced the work of instruction and preaching. Thirty to forty people attended their family worship. On the first Sabbath the Logie, a room 70 feet by 28, was filled with attentive hearers, and every evening the large hall with scholars. More than two months now elapsed before they returned to Berbice. Meanwhile the cotton crop in the surrounding neighbourhood was being gathered, but planters were often in straits about providing animal food for the large numbers dependent on them. Prices of cotton ruled very low, and prices of salt provisions very high ; small supplies reached the Colony because of the war ; in all which things Mr. Wray, as shown by his reading, by his descriptions, aud the details he gives, took a lively and sympathetic interest. So the time passed, the family receiving, and doubtless con- ferring, much benefit. While in the vicinity, by the death of one of their best friends, Mrs. Tyson, at the age of sixty-nine, they sustained a loss that could not have been very unexpected. She was next to Mr. Post in receiving the Gospel into her house, which ever since had been a place for Christian worship and instruction. Though a person of colour, she had been highly respected by all the whites in the neighbourhood. Kind and obliging to all the managers around, she always rendered assistance in times of affliction. She appeared to love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, was a friend to His people, ahvays expressed an earnest desire to do His will, and to be found in Him. For some time sick and blind, she died in the first hour of 18th October, on which day, after seeing her remains committed to the grave, the Wrays departed again for home, travelling overland. Their journey was a pleasant 130 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, one, and they arrived at Sandvoort on Saturday, the 22nd. The day following, Mr. Wray was too weary and poorly to extend his labours beyond Sandvoort, but when rested and refreshed, all had for the rest of the year, if we except a short period in ISToveniber when some were again prostrate with fever, a course of comparative health and strength. He had not, however, to go far beyond either his first Sunday or Sandvoort to find how increased and varied were the adverse influences against which, in Berbice, he would have to con- tend. AVhen guests, or callers for accommodation at the houses of the managers of the Crown estates, could be guilty, as occasionally they were, of the grossest violations of polite- ness and decency towards the pioneer, it may be taken as an indication that ill-will towards the plans and purposes of the Commissioners had, since the apj)reh ended insurrection, become more general, certainly more loud-voiced. E.g., one Sunday evening, company at the Sandvoort manager's set up loud song-singing, seemingly to outrival hymns being sung at worship ; and later, when going home, the rowdy guests visited Mr. Wray's residence, rousing the retired inmates with indecent shouts and attempts to effect an entrance, all with apparent impunity. Sad to say, this manager in particular showed himself too much in sympathy with such like, and multiplied obstacles to the work and to the benefits of instruction ; while the general agent, Mr. De- la-Court. neglected even the very things he had been specially charged to provide — provisions, clotliing, houses, and common comforts for the negroes ; whilst no exertion at all had been made to erect chapels, schoolrooms, &c. " Indeed, ever}^- tliing was done to discourage us, to render the negroes dis- satisfied, and bring the plans of the Commissioners into disrepute." The penalties of the new laws, too, were very severe, a slave leaving his estate without a pass being liable to lashes PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 131 up to 39 ; singing or shouting or uttering songs of certain kinds to slaves on other estates when passing along river or creek, liable to lashes up to 100; and a white person per- mitting his slaves so to sing, (fee, to a fine up to 100 guilders (nearly £7). So the very first Sabbath, as on after occasions, many, having had only salt given them, went to catch the fish ; whilst both on Sandvoort and in town, the day in fourteen allowed to the CroM'u slaves having come to be very irregularly given, Sunday was often much taken up with their own work. None came from other estates to worship, and Wray felt he could look for none, being persuaded that, had they courage to ask for passes, these would be refused them. A rumour, too, had got abroad that the Colonies were about to be restored to the Dutch, and wherever the Crown slaves went they were told that then those who had learnt to read would be severely flogged. What surprised the missionary was the perseverance with which, in face of all and under trying circumstances, a number did continue both their attendance at worship and instruction, and their attempts at learning. Whatever the drawbacks, therefore, Mr. and Mrs. Wray were as determined to persevere with their work, hoping that in due time the Commissioners, hearing and finding how things stood, would rectify all in their power. So with those who came, whether older or younger, they did what they could. Mr. T^feadowcroft, the catechist on Dageraad, however, was rendered so uncomfort- able that he was obliged to leave. Some encouragements, nevertheless, still remained. Visit- ing Dankbaarheid the first time after his return, the pioneer was happy to find considerable improvement under Lambert; and afterwards, on Sandvoort, was so impressed with the diligence and demeanour of some, their constancy and con- fession, that he began to teach them a short catechism on baptism. Mrs. Wray, too, succeeded in cutting out and 132 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, superintending the making, by the sewing school, of between 600 and 700 shirts for the negroes, besides the repairing of clothes brought for the purpose. Lord's Day, 1 3th November, was a day of peculiar distress to the household; Antoinette, one of their laundresses, having, on the preceding night, been kidnapped by Bush negroes. Her family lived at the Winkel village, and she had left Sandvoort at a late hour on Saturday to go thither, having got the manager's man-servant to accompany her. On the way, two runaway negroes rushed out of the bush, one seizing Antoinette, and the other, with a cutlass, chasing and threatening death to her companion who, however, outran him and so escaped. Mrs. Tuckett remembers the event, and gives the additional particulars that Antoin- ette, at the time, was guilty of disobedience ; she and Jenny, another laundress, having been forbidden to go to town and having been refused passes by Mrs. AYray, who had heard of a great dance coming off there, and who pro- mised them Monday instead. On hearing of the deed, Mr. Wray at once informed the manager and, as he treated it lightly, went to the authorities in town, agent, commissary, fiscal, to find all three from home. The AVinkel negroes would have gone in pursuit, but had no white person to lead them. Not until the 15th did a Sandvoort overseer and some of the negroes go in search. They found the track and following it, sometimes having to creep on hands and knees, came at last to a place where the remains of provisions including those of an alligator, traps set to catch bush rats, and short, sharpened stakes fixed in the ground and covered with leaves to check pursuers, indicated a spot used for rest and refreshment. Bringing pieces of Antoinette's frock, torn off as she was being dragged along, the party returned ; to be followed, in a few days, by an organised expedition commanded by Mr. Galley who, in addition to many of his own negroes, had some PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 133 Indians. They were absent about a month; often np to their knees in water, and sleeping in liammocks suspended between trees. Discovering a settlement of the Bush negroes, they pursued the men. Unable to overtake them, they shot two and brought away their right hands ; together with four or five women that, at some distance of time or other, had likewise been kidnapped, and one of whom, attempting to run with the men, had thrown her child into the water that she might escape being caught. But nothing was seen of Antoinette, who must have been taken to some other camp, and who was destined to remain in the bush upwards of eleven years before she escaped, afterwards again to form part of the pioneer's charge and care. Sad details these, and calculated to cast a gloom over the household ; but not less so surely the following Avhich, in the more concise of two parallel paragraphs recording them, we give as we find, w^ritten in December. Well might the pioneer feel as if in the very depths of discouragement. "The licentiousness of some of the Whites is awful. We cannot keep a servant virtuous, for the manager takes a delight in prostituting those in our house. He obliges them to compl}' by threats and actual punishments. We have been constrained, by his base conduct, to part with four or five valuable servants, three of whom have each a child by this unnatural man." Christmas day, this year, was on a Sunday, and was a day of solemn joy to the missionary who baptized nine adults and six children, first fruits in Berbice. The adults came forward two at once, a short prayer and hymn intervening between the couples, each and all making " a good confes- sion before many witnesses." Afterwards they brought forward their children to present them to the Lord in baptism. On Sandvoort, the holidays were again decently spent, and this notwithstanding incitements to do otherwise, even on the Sabbath day. Mr. Wray, though but poorly, held 134 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, services on each day j the children attended school apparently with pleasure, and Mrs. Wray gave them a little treat. Some crossed over to the estate opposite where, from Saturday night to Tuesday morning, the negroes were danc- ing, baAvling, singing songs, and drinking rum ; their mistress, professedly Christian, and her friends cheering them on. The last words of the pioneer, for 1814, are : — "This has been a year of great persecution, affliction, fever and pain, and of great anxiety ; but the Lord has delivered us, and He will deliver. Blessed be His holy name." 181S-1817. Prospective New Opening — Opposition — Cart-iohipping a Watchman — Consequent Inquiry — New Croion Agents — Improved Management — White Roivdies on Sandvoort — Cart-iohipping a Plundered Slave — Case before Court — Planters' Opinions and Experiences — Removal to Town — Visit to Demerara — Arrival there of First Wesleyan Missionary — Return to Berbice — Wor]c among Sailors — Visit to Indians — Improve- ment at Bankbaarheid — Entertainment — Unhealthy Time — Consequent Deaths — Increased Congregations — Subjects of Discourse — Class for Aged and Infirm — Vai'ious Events — Dageraad Abandoned — Auxiliary Bible Society —Journey to Corentyne — Cruelty to Innocent Negro — Encouragements and Hindrances — Arrival at Le Resouvenir of Rev. John and Mrs. Smith — Reasons for Second Return to England — Diabolical Cruelty. Eighteen hundred and fifteen opened with a Sabbath, with good congregations at Sandvoort, and with a month that, when half way through, saw Mr. Wray guest of a respectable planter on the Berbice East Coast, who was wishful to for- ward any plans for the instruction and improvement of his slaves. Of tliese he had taken particular care. Like-minded men had been met with on the West Coast, and, in Demerara, on the coasts both East and West. Here in another quarter was an additional encouraging sign. But the condition of thinpjs on the Crown estates was PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 135 growingly such as to cause the pioneer increasing anxiety and unpleasantness. Himself and the nearest officials at variance, how could it be otherwise ? With a now neglect- ful agent, who too could be having his Sunday ball in town on one side of the street, while the missionary was preaching in a building just opposite ; and with a dissolute manager who, every few weeks, could make midnight at Sandvoort hideous with his companions' drunken revelry, how could they be at peace or pull together ? It must have been during such period that one or both of these officials were intent upon getting rid of the missionary, as Mrs. Tuckett, when telling how the first chapel was raised, declares was the case : — " The manager of the estate soon showed he did not approve of the work of instruction, but, as he could not prevent it, he did all in his power to make my parents as uncomfortable as he could. He would not pay him his salary, and so they were obliged to live as well as they could without it. He was mistaken if he thought to drive the Pioneer from the field. What they could not get in the way of food they did without. Plantains, yams, could be had for little money ; fowls and ducks could be raised. They had a shelter over their heads ; they could work on — this was enough. They had counted the cost, and were not disappointed."* Happily the conclusion of all this Avas not very distant, though, meanwhile, the rupture went on and grew ; the following event, which occurred in the latter part of Janu- ary, tending to widen it. On Monday, the 23rd, whilst at breakfast, the family were startled by the cracking of the cart-whip and the cries of a negro under their window. It proved to be the infliction of thirty-nine lashes upon a man held down by four others. He was sixty years old, a watchman over the plantain-walk, * Mrs. Tuckett's first letter. Mr. Wray was afterwards paid what had been so maliciously withheld by these officials. The noble use he made of the money remains to be told. 136 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, but, being afflicted with spasms, and the weather being wet and cold, he had gone to his house to sleep. What plantains could be had were only half-grown, but plantains were scarce on the estate, and several of the people had gone and taken some. Mr. Wray went, therefore, and informed the Fiscal both of the punishment and of the scarcity of provisions which prevailed on the Crown estates. In such a case the law authorized the Fiscal to visit the estates, but, for some reason, his Honour said that he would petition the Governor to authorize him. This coming to the ears of Mr. De-la-Court, the agent began complaining and soliciting on his own account, representing that the negroes on the Crown estates, and particularly on Sandvoort and Dankbaarheid, were very dissatisfied and impertinent, and had been so for some months back, and requesting the Governor that the Fiscal might be immediately sent. His Honour appeared at Sandvoort, attended by another official, to find the negroes when assembled behave in the most respectful manner, whilst he carefully and impartially investi- gated matters, their request being that they might have a sufficiency of plantains given them, and all inquiry showing that this had not been the case, either as to quantity or ripe- ness. But the manager, he who could so frequently run oil" to town from his own duties, had his complaint. This was against a particular negro, Augustus, one of those who had been baptized at Christmas ; and it was, not that Augustus did not work, but that since he was baptized he thought himself too great a man to work, &c., and had said so to a negro on the other side of the creek. Augustus, called forth and called upon to answer for himself, explained tliat a woman on the estate opposite had asked him why he did not go to dance at Christmas as formerly, and that he replied he used to go from one estate to another to dance and get drunk, and was frequently engaged in quarrels, for which he PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 137 was put ill the stocks and flogged the next day, hut now that the Gospel had come, he had learned hetter things, and had given himself to Christ, &c. This was all, and charges more unfortunate for those wlio made them could not well have been brought ; since, in Mr. Wray's experience, the Sandvoort negroes were the quietest gang he had ever seen, and the most contented ; the manager's leaving the estate so frequently showing that he had no fear of them. At the conclusion, the Fiscal expressed a wish that his own negroes were instructed and baptized, and reproved the manager, says Mr. Wray, " for carrying my name about the Colony as he had done." Afterwards the Fiscal visited Dankbaarheid. Mr. A^'ray was not present, but learnt that he found the same scarcity of provisions prevailing, and that the negroes being clamorous while he was there, a charge, too, of spoiling some produce being made against them, his Honour punished two or three. That the management here was at fault, however, was after- wards shown by the voluntary return of some negroes who, having frequently complained to Mr. De-la-Court and got no redress, but rather punishment in the stocks, had betaken themselves to the woods, and lived there for months until they knew a different management had begun. Had such variance continued, the evil results, both on tlie estates and in mission work, can hardly be conceived. Eut new agents to amend matters were already on their way. These were James Walker, Esq., of Edinburgh, formerly a planter in Tobago, who was appointed principal agent ; and William Scott, Esq., formerly a planter in Berbice, and several years Commissary for the Winkel DeiDartment, thus well acquainted with the Crown estates and negroes, assistant agent. Arriving in the early part of February, they relieved Mr. De-la-Court of his official duties as agent of the Commis- sioners on the 15th. It will be remembered that Mr. De-la-Court at first had 138 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, been but assistant agent to the more experienced and tried Col. Macalister, who had died after five weeks' residence ; and, in justice to the Commissioners, it should be said that — though Mr. De-la-Court, in his correspondence, displayed con- siderable talent and intelligence, and acted with great energy in conducting the estates' affairs, and this amid great opposi- tion from private individuals and some of the local author- ities, also under great difficulties arising especially from past neglect, from the almost impossibility of getting managers willing to carry ameliorating plans into effect, and from cap- ture, in the first year, of the Sydney Smithy laden with £5000 worth of stores for the estates, by an American privateer — the Commissioners would never have confirmed him as their principal agent had they been prepared to send out a successor whose age, experience, and tried moral prin- ciples and prudence entitled him more fully to their con- fidence."^ As it was, after being for some time deeply inter- ested, to all appearance, in the views of the Commissioners, he became one of the executors of a very rich old lady, into whose family he had married, and hence his change of feeling and conduct. The Commissioners, judging from his later communications, as well as some from other quarters, that their own plans were not being carried into efi'ect, asked for distinct explanations on several points. Tliese proving unsatisfactory, they resolved to supersede him. Before actually taking over the duties of his office, jMr. Walker visited Sandvoort, attended a religious meeting, him- self, at Mr. Wray's request, closing it with prayer. During the week he had much conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Wray on the management and instruction of the negroes ; and particularly respecting the provision of rooms as a lying-in hospital, for which nothing had as yet been done, and for want of which much misery and great mortality existed among the negro infants. Mrs. Wray was very * Commissioners' Report, pp. 5, 7, 11. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. I39 urgent on this matter, and engaged to make all things need- ful in the way of garments, &c. But the first act of the neAv agents was to plant 150 acres of plantains and other provisions ; the plantains, cooked in various ways, and especially as foofoo, being the staple and favourite food of the negro. Encouraged by the new agents to raise for themselves Ijotli pigs and fowls, a multiplication of these soon began to appear among the negro dwellings. So deficient, meanwhile, were the estates that £250 per month had to be spent in provisions. The plans of Mis. Wray, however, for the welfare of mothers and infants, Avere soon carried into effect, and with the happiest results. Every needful comfort was afforded during the time of confinement; a dollar was given to each on leaving the hospital, together with two or three frocks for the little one ; and a dollar to the nurse ; whilst Mrs. Wray constantly visited these rooms, instructed the midwives in their duty both to mother and infant, and, in fact, took the entire management. More work, our devoted friends could hardly well have undertaken ; but what a difference in the doing, tlie kind of spirit makes ! With such men as had now come to super- intend affairs, and, with a fair measure of health still continued, they pursued their course, but manifestly with more cheerful hearts ; hearts assured of some at hand able and willing to sympathize with them in their toil, gratified by an occasional addition to the number of such, also by increasing tokens that renewed efforts were producing happy results in various ways. Visits, therefore, to the more distant estates ; reasoning with suspected agents of Obeah, and especially with the victims of disease who were dejected by superstitious fears and by dark suspicions of the designs of such agents ; settling domestic quarrels ; seeking to get persons living as man and wife to be faithful to the only bond, their mutual promise, which as slaves could unite them; attending to critical cases connected with the new 140 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, hospital ; reading the Scriptures ; teaching the young ; preaching the AVord ; visiting the sick ; burying the dead ; were constantly carried on. Jas of Sandvoort, himself once a believer in Obi, informed Mr. Wray about the time (Good Friday, 24th March) that the two or three agents, living there, found their occupation gone, and had to visit other estates^ seeking dupes. At the Easter holidays there was not a drunken negro on the estate. Several times towards midnight the missionary walked among the houses, but all was quiet. The Sunday and other services were very well attended. About two o'clock one Saturday morning indeed, the whole family were waked out of sleep to find the negroes roused and all in an uproar ; but it was caused by the shouting and swearing of the manager and a companion Avho had both just arrived in a half- drunken condition — a like thing occurring about a month afterwards, when midniglit was made hideous by a drunken party of his which included several managers, revelling, curs- im.^, and shoutincj most indecent lanf^uau^e. As houses are there, it would require no effort of Mr. Wray to hear himself, as he did, made the subject of their mockery and hate. Between the two dates, however, another most painful event had occurred, causing some stir in town as it did on Sandvoort. On Easter-Tuesday morning, Mr. AVray saw two white gentlemen with the manager and a strange boat at the wharf; afterwards, while teaching some children, a white man in a blue jacket and, with a stick in his hand, driving a negro, who passed the window, Init too far off to hear what was said between them. Soon drivers came, fixed some stakes in the ground just opposite, then brought the negro, stretched him all naked on the ground, and tied his hands and his feet to the stakes. Standing one on each side, they began to flog him with their cart-whips. About seventy lashes had been given when Mrs. Wray, who was looking PIONEER MISSIONARY TO OITIANA. 141 out of another window, called to the white men for God's sake to have mercy on the sufferer ; they, however, going on till the poor fellow had received one hundred. Anxious to know what the man had done to deserve all this, Mr. Wray was told that it was for impertinence to a magistrate, himself a slaveholder, who had come to visit the provision grounds. It seems that one of this visitor's slaves had, some time before, stolen four guilders (5s. 6d.) from this negro on Sandvoort who, hearing that the thief's master was in the manager's house, came and pressed his request that the money should be refunded. The magistrate was angry, and told him to go. " N. Massa, so long as me poor negro, massa no want for give me right ; massa no tell me if the negro shall pay me or no. M. If you do not go, I will flog you. N. If we had come on massa's plantation and tieved, massa would come and flog all we, and our massa would make us pay the negro what we tieved from him. M. (Strikes him on the head with a stick.) iV. Me come to beg massa for me right, and massa beat me upon the top of my right. M. (Drives him forth and, becoming judge, jury, and virtual executioner in his own cause, inflicts the punishment narrated.)" But the Crown agents had to be reckoned with, and under a sense of duty, they resolved to bring the case before the criminal court in town. Attempts were made to alter their decision, as afterwards a request made that the circumstances should not be written home. The agents, however, felt it right to let the prosecution take its course. Mr. and Mrs. AVray were amongst the witnesses summoned to testify what they could not help hearing and seeing, as all their windows were open. Ko oath was administered to any witness, and the court justified the punishment on the ground of impertin- ence — a conclusion worthy of the Colony, as it then was. The pioneer had met with planters under various circum- 142 LIFE OF JOHN WE AY, stances ; here came in a word Math one, ahnost novel. Daring this month alone, he had conversation with a planter from Essequibo, come to Berbice to buy slaves, strongly but ignorantly opposed to their instruction, but content to let the missionaries live and labour if only at a distance from his neighbourhood ; again with another, after a six years' absence, just returned from England to a property that had been sold, since his return, for almost nothing ; the estate having been so neglected by his agent that his negroes had diminished one-third, his fields were all desolate, and all was involved in debt ; a tale echoed by a lady present, whose husband's property, during a short absence, had narrowly escaped a like condition. Now, however, after this sem- blance of a trial, it was a planter who came and said — " that he was sorry anything unpleasant had taken place between him and me, and that he now believed it was all from false reports and tale-bearing ; that if I would come to live in town, all his negroes should attend me, and that he would subscribe towards building a cliapel and a house, and if I would draw up a subscription-paper he would hand it about luniself." A few more weeks and their return to live in town, whether anticipated or not, had become a fact. It seems likely to have been a change required by the re-arrangement of things nnder the new agents, as, in course of time, Mr. Scott became manager of Sandvoort as well as assistant- agent, and Mr. Walker would possibly require some accommodation for himself in the house formerly occupied by Mr. De-la-Court. The people were very sorry to lose their teachers as residents, but, of course, the work went on, not excepting Mrs. Wray's care for the women in their maternal experiences. Their efforts and the results had not been all they could have wished; some changes for the better had, however, been accomplished in people and things at Sandvoort. But in his review and prospect at the time Mr. Wray remarks : — PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 143 " We have seen enongli of West Indian management, having lived seven years on estates. A person may reside many years in a West Indian town, and be in the hahit of visiting phmta- tions, and know very little of the treatment of the negroes. I am astonished that insurrections are not more common than they are." On the evening of Thursday, 5tli May, they were settled again at jSTew Amsterdam; and on Whitsunday, the 14th, attendances at worship, both at Sandvoort and in town, filled the rooms, and, by express wish of the people, a meet- ing was held, and was well attended, both in the morning and evening of Whitmonday. On Friday, 2nd June, he voyaged to Demerara, preaching at Le Resouvenir on the 4th. Generally in his visits to the Colony, our pioneer had the satisfaction of noting some advance. On this occasion it is an event well worth specifying — the first settlement there of the W^esleyan missionaries. "On the evening of the 7tli I preached for Mr. Talboys, a Wesleyan missionary Avho lately came from the Islands to establish a Mission in Georgetown. The place will hold 300 or 400 people. It was crowded chiefly with free coloured hearers, also a number of whites attended." " There are now three j)laces of public worship in town (London ]\lission Chapel, St. George's Church, Wesleyan Mission Room), and all well attended." Later on in the year he was happy in being able to place a gift of Scriptures at the service of the Wesleyans, forward- ing them from Berbice. Instances of the good effect of former labours in Demerara, and of the circulation of the Scriptures there, were constantly coming to light. He rode back on the 12th. Visiting some sailors dangerously ill, belonging to the ship Antelope, a vessel that lay some time in the river, was followed by his preaching occasionally on board; ''a new field of labour," he says, "in which I hope to be useful." 144 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, With a few Indians, who now and then came down the river, Mr. Wray had ah^eady made some acquaintance ; but, on Monday, 17th July, along with a Captain Ellis for his companion, he started on his first visit to their nearest villages, which lay about as far again up the Berbice as plantation Dageraad. Spending some time at each of the Crown estates on their way, as well as at one or two solitary houses higher up the river, they came on Thursday to two little settlements, and had some interesting converse with the dwellers, not the least so being with an old Indian, who professed himself a Christian, and who turned out to have been baptized long years before by the Moravians on the Corentyne river, prior to their enforced retirement. Wray was able to inform him of their return again, and subse- quently to write a happy account of the week's excursion, with some particulars of good fruit that afterwards appeared growing out of his passing efforts at the houses of call. August proved an unhealthy month. Spared themselves, and responding to signs of improvement and encouragement on Dankbaarheid, Mr. Wray in his visits was twice accom- panied by his wife, on both occasions for a few days' stay. The opportunities were turned to good account by all parties. A further impetus was given to instruction, and additional arrangements made. In company with the agent, the sick and disabled were visited in their houses, and comforts furnished to the helpless and neglected ones. With one voice the people requested that, during their holidays at the end of the month, they might have their friends to instruct them, and not be left to themselves and their African dances. The request was complied with, and, holidays over, Mr. Walker was so well pleased with their conduct that — " He had an ox killed to give them an entertainment, Mrs. Wray superintending the cooking. Eighty gallons of soup were made in one of the large sugar boilers, an abundance of beef was roasted and boiled, and a beverage made of lime juice and PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 145 sugar. Old and young came neat and clean, and close upon 450 sat down at five long tables fitted ujd in a large building near tlie dwelling-liouse. Parts of the lOOtli Psalm served for grace before and after meat. The invalids in hospital and at home were then supplied, afterw^ards the assembled company. The negroes were very mucli delighted with the entertainment ; and old Sampson came next morning to the agent with the thanks of the planta- tion, saying ' they had never spent such happy holidays.' " The unhealthy weather that prevailed continued into September, and went on seriously to affect a great number of people and to become very fatal. In liis own house, Mr. Wray bad little Rebecca laid like a dead child ; a young man who had brought a letter of introduction from Mr. Talboys, very unwell ; and at Sandvoort Mr. Scott w^as laid up. Report said that five, out of eight passengers arrived by one ship a little while before, were dead. The mission- ary several times visited one young man, settled only a few weeks in the Colony, but seized with an illness which proved fatal. Gratified with the converse thus held, he accompanied his remains to the grave, trusting that the " early called " had been taken from "the evil to come." Happil}^, the lives of all in his own house and the life of the agent were spared. About the middle of the month they removed to another house in town, the ground floor of which made an excellent store for tlie Crown agents, the second storey was turned into a place of worship, and the third became their dwelling. The congregation at New Amsterdam grew in numbers both of whites and free coloured people, as well as of negro slaves. Thus, 1st October, twenty whites were present at evening service, and on the 8th, twenty whites and from thirty to forty free people of colour. Bat of the twenty whites present on the 1st he notes that four Avere living in open and notorious adultery, another was a profane infidel, and most were living in fornication. L 146 LIFE OF JOHN WllAY, " It requires more resolution to be faithful tlian is generally supposed, and it is exceedingly difficult to keep from giving offence. I pray that I may have grace to be faithful in all things." On the evening of the 8th his subject was " The reciprocal duties of masters and slaves." He was also going through a course of lectures on the Ten Commandments, which seemed to excite much interest, and on the evening of the 15th he had the largest attendance, particularly of whites, that had ever come to this service ; a number, however, much diminished on the following Lord's Day evening, when the Seventh Commandment came to be considered. " Such subjects as this strike at the very root of the customs of the country. I felt pleasure in quoting the sentiments of Archbishops Leighton, Seeker, and Bishop Hopkins. They say all I wished to say, perhaps with much better effect." Wednesday, 11th October, after visiting on the previous day among the sick and afflicted of the AVinkel negroes and arranging with them, about thirty old and infirm people, some half blind, some hopping on crutches or sticks, but all very decent and clean, came to be instructed, being the first members of a class that continued for twenty years. Con- ducted first by Mrs. Wray, who could speak Creole fluently (and they understood none other), Mr. Wray afterwards shared the labour, the only other change being on the day of the week, from AVednesday to Friday. '' It proved a bless- ing to many." A visit to an adulterous and wicked driver on Dankbaar- heid, who had attempted to hang himself ; another to a very different character, a negro named Joest, on Sandvoort, who had embraced the Gospel, and who died in the faith of it, clinging to the Lord Jesus, his prayers and longing spirit- utterances deeply impressing all who visited him ; and the departure, on the 19th, of Mr. Walker, principal Crown PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 147 Agent, for England on business, leaving meanwhile the whole management of the estates to Mr. Scott, are the chief events noted of this month. In the first days of November, Mrs. AYray accompanied her husband and Mr. Scott to Dankbaarheid, also to Dagc- raad. Important changes in reference to the latter had been decided on, and already in large measure carried out. On account of its distance from the other properties, its very unhealthy situation, and the amount of nightwork M'hich, owing to peculiar circumstances, was absolutely necessary, it had been resolved to abandon Dageraad. Houses on Dank- baarheid, therefore, were prepared for the younger and abler negroes, who willingly removed to be nearer town and the means of instruction. No separation of families took place, but a number of old people who had not as yet made up their minds to leave the home of their earlier days and the tombs of their friends, were let alone, though not left to them- selves. On this occasion " Mr. Scott conveyed to them some tobacco and fish, rum and salt." Of course, all oppor- tunities for preaching, teaching, visiting, were utilized ; the would-be self-murderer of last month not forgotten, and found in a somewhat better mind. rinding his stock of Bibles and Testaments, English and Dutch, becoming exhausted, the pioneer, Monday, 6th November, suggested the formation of an Auxiliary Bible Society ; and on 'Wednesday night following, after Divine ser- vice, a gentleman asked if he had made any plans, as some other gentlemen had expressed their willingness to subscribe. In response, therefore, to an announcement on the next Sabbath, nine gentlemen met at Mr. Wray's house, on the evening of the 13th, to form an auxiliary. Committee, treasurer, and secretary were duly appointed, and it was resolved to request his Excellency, Governor Bentinck, to become the Patron, with which request the Governor kindly complied. Thus, amid the missionary's prayers, and long to be followed by 148 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, his efforts for its usefulness, came into existence the first Bihle Society in Berbice. The river Corentyne, flowing northwards, separates British from Dutch Guiana, having Berbice for its left bank, and up this river the Moravian missionaries had returned to settle. ]N'aturally the pioneer wished to visit them, particularly as he had a long-standing invitation from AVilliam Ross, Esq., Protector of the Berbice Indians, who resided on the Coren- tyne, to accompany him to their settlement. 5tli December, therefore, Mr. Wray started in a light one- horse chaise to carry out his cherished intention. Travelling on the East Coast road, he spent the 6th with a respectable planter, whose wife, a pious, good woman, greatly lamented that on all the coast there was neither minister nor school. Leaving Avith early morning of the 7th, he breakfasted about ten miles further on. The coast lands between the Berbice and Corentyne rivers had been laid out, about the beginning of the century, in estates, chiefly cotton ; but, from several causes, many of the planters had become involved, the slaves, except where the cultivation was changed to sugar, were being sold into Demerara, and the estates being fast aban- doned. An incident by the way is painfully significant. As the pioneer journeyed, a solitary negro accosted him, pointing behind to blood-covered marks of stripes — " Sec, massa, what that buckra do me ! Me do nothing but call for beg a drink of water, and me have pass from me massa." Shortly before, he had been severely flogged with the cart- whip — why, we shall presently see. Coming to the mouth of the Corentyne : — " I drove my chaise close to the water for five or six miles, on a beautiful sand-beach, which was very pleasant. I had seen nothing like it in the country, for in general there is nothing but mud along the water's edge." Approaching a creek, he spent the night in a white man's hut, and next morning, leaving horse and vehicle in his care. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 149 crossed in a boat sent by his friend, by whom, soon after, ho was politely received. Spending the 8th there, he met with the master of the negro just mentioned, greatly enraged at the man who had committed the outrage, and saying that the negro was a very excellent and quiet man that had never been punished ; in which he was corroborated by another gentleman present, under whose management the negro had been some time before. It seems that his master had met with a negro who had no pass, had taken and put him in the stocks for the night, and next day sent him home with a letter ; home happening to be the estate where afterwards the drink of water had been begged; so, out of spite, the innocent . caller had been cart-whipped. Any prosecution for the cruel injustice was deemed absurd, as no evidence but that of negroes, which would not be taken, could be got, and it would have been an easy matter to accuse the negro of impertinence. On the 9 th, the pioneer and protector, along with three Warrow Indians, and a boy ^Ir. Wray had brought, pro- ceeded together up the river by an early tide, reaching Equevi creek, about forty miles u]), where were two villages of Warrows, and where they breakfasted. Unfortunately, the pioneer's own papers, for a considerable space, are now missing. But much may be learnt of the IMoravian Missions in Dutch Guiana from their own records ; and what has been said of himself and his devoted wife, of their labours and trials hitherto, will give some idea of the manner of persons and of life, their patience to endure, and their unwearied industry in active service, greatly varied ; which we must carry along with us where we have more briefly to pass over seasons and events which concern them. From a very brief history of the Berbice Mission, pub- lished in the Evangelical Magazine for ISSS,"^ therefore during the pioneer's lifetime, we learn that in 1815 he * Page 523. 150 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, baptized fourteen negroes, and, on the last day of tlie year, admitted eleven to the privilege of Christian communion — that many adults, as well as children, had learnt to read. " In the following year he was gratified by seeing his place of worship filled on the Sabbath with well-behaved negroes, but suffered a severe trial in consequence of the British Government restoring a moiety of the Crown estates to the Dutch company, to whom tliey formerly belonged ; an arrangement fatal, for a time, to Mr. Wray's usefulness on the estates thus restored ; the mana- gers being averse to the instruction of the negroes. This abridg- ment, however, of his labours, enabled him to give more of his time and attention to the Crown negroes in town, where, the attendance on his ministry continuing to increase, he formed the design of erecting a chapeL" Le Resouvenir would, of course, still have what help he could give it, and early in 1817 he had the pleasure of welcoming to it, as their sphere of labour, the Rev. John Smith and his devoted wife; as afterwards of occasionally visiting them ; kindnesses duly acknowledged by Mr. Smith in his letters to the Society. Writing, 10th July — " Mr. Wray has been here and 2:)reached to the people, lie has rendered me much help." Again, in December, concerning a baptism of twenty-eight persons in September — " The sermon was preached by Mr. Wray, who had unexpectedly come from Berbice," and who " during inter- vals gave out verses from Dr. Watts." * "But serious impediments having been thrown in the way of liis labours," says the brief account of 1835, '• by individuals inimical to the instruction of the negroes, he was induced to visit England for the redress of these grievances." What these impediments were, is not specified, any more than in the entry of the Missionary Register, which simply runs : — " Visited England for a purpose similar to the for- mer, arriving early in 1818." Not unlikely, the humane * Evangelical Magazine, 1817, 1818. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 151 efforts to ameliorate his condition, put forth by the friends of the slave, and the professed fears of an insurrection, were rousing into activity the opposition of the more virulent and unscrupulous part of the slave-holders. It would seem, indeed, from expressions used on a later occasion and quoted by us in their place, that in connection with the Crown estates and the changes of ownership, &c., affecting them, Governor Bentinck was again troubling the missionary ; and barbarous cruelty on one of them had certainly to do with his return. Reprimands, addressed by the Governor to the pioneer, were followed by disputes with his Excellency, who professed to derive his authority from Earl Bathurst, grounds of which profession Mr. Wray, not without reason or success, proceeded to test ; and as in a subsequent diary he speaks of their ears, during the earlier days of residence at New Amsterdam, being constantly saluted with the cracking of the cart-whip and the cries of the sufferers, at what time more likely than after the passing of such enactments touch- ing passes, singing, &c., as have been detailed. In par- ticular, he incidentally refers to the circumstances of a case which seems to have been the climax that determined him. "2Zrd July, 1835. — I buried poor old America on Sandvoort,^ I suppose eighty years old. It is now nineteen years since that dreadful cruelty was committed upon her, which brought upon me great persecution and cost me a voyage to England ; but I do not repent of the interest I took in it. The state of the negroes has improved ever since, and, blessed be God, slavery is now abolished by law, and I trust will soon be so in practice. Blessed be God for the great change which has taken place." Mrs. Tuckett prevented the request for any explanation of the above, by furnishing an account in her second letter. " I have remembered also the reason of this second visit to England. The account also, was in the Journal (the part mis- sing). It was this. A most cruel punishment was inflicted on a woman — I think her name was America. She was in the last * In 1817-8, Sandvoort was again in the hands of the Dutch Company. 152 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY. stage of pregnancy. In that state, stripped of all clotliing, she was fastened down to the ground and inhumanly flogged by the drivers within an inch of her life. The babe of course was killed, and she was for a long time at death's door. And what was her offence ? The manager who witnessed the punishment had, as almost all the white men, his kept mistress, and she had, as her servants, as many negro girls as she chose. One of these girls was a daughter of America. This girl, for some trifling offence, was most severely flogged. Her mother, hearing of it, went to her mistress to inquire into the affair. When she saw her child had been so cruelly treated, she no doubt spoke her mind. Her off"ence was 'impudence' to this mistress. When my parents heard of it, and more too, my father could bear it no longer. The lashes inflicted on these jDoor creatures seemed to eat into his very soul. No redress could be got in the Colony, and he deter- mined to go to England."* This on an estate so recently a Crown estate, on which Mr. Wray had lived and laboured, on which but recently Crown agents had willingly fitted up rooms for the comfort and safety of women in their hour of pain and peril ; and Mrs. Wray had so assiduously looked after all ! But what matters the estate to which America belonged 1 The British Government was the supreme authority and, at some cost, helped to maintain a small army in British Guiana in case of servile insurrection. Berbice, too, like Demerara, was a Cro-svn Colony, subject therefore to legislation by Orders in Council. Would His Majesty's Ministers then not interfere 1 At any rate the pioneer Avould go and see. So again they parted ; he returning alone, and his self-denying wife remain- ing to watch over her own little ones, and, for others, to do what she could. *A printed account since met with {Evangelical Marjazine, 1818, p. 343), gives the girl as being a little daughter, and the mother as receiving 170 lashes ; " the savage manager meanwhile deliberately smoking his pipe during the punishment. He was, however, tried for the offence, found guilty, and sentenced to a fine of about £25, and three months' imprisonment ; " whether before or after Wray started for England is not said, CHAPTER Y. ENGLAND ; T DEMERARA, AND DEATH OF JOHN SMITH. December 1817— August 1823. Departure for England— A Wonderful Deliverance — Position of Affairs : Worlc in England — Return to Berhice — Improved Prospects, d:c. — First Chapel — ^' No me da Massa" — Auxiliary Mission Society — III Health: Stay in Georgetoion — Change of Governors — Neio Schoolroom Enlargement of Chapel — Progress Generally. In the brig Cambrian of Liverpool, Captain Watson Sheriff, and on tlie Gth December, 1817, Mr. AVray took his departure, landing safely toward the latter end of January following. During the voyage they were the happy instru- ments of a " wonderful deliverance," particulars of which appear in the news of the time. When twenty-two days out, their ship hoisted English colours responsive to a small boat discerned about a mile away, and to the inexpressible joy of its occupants. These proved to be Captain Andrew Harraden and seven of eight, crew of the brig Superb, that on 29th jS'ovember, had sailed from Salem, U.S., bound for Martinique. On 10th December, the Superb had capsized so suddenly as to cause the death of a seaman, drowned in its forecastle ; ultimately it sank, and for nine- teen days of a winter season, in a poor tub IG ft. long by 6 feet beam, the men had been tossing about the Atlantic, subsisting each on a daily allowance of three gills of brackish 153 154 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, water, and about six ounces of more solid food. Continually- wet, with hands and feet swollen, their sufferings were extreme. For nine days the captain had been unable to feed himself ; and when hauled up each by a rope on board the Cambrian^ not one was able to stand. But they were most kindly received, and every possible assistance and com- fort was administered to them ; after all which, — "The Eev. John Wray read and commented on part of the 107th Psalm, and then offered up with them thanksgiving to God for their wonderful deliverance." " Captain Harraden, who was an attendant on the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Worcester of Salem, and had a family living there, was deeply affected by these tokens of God's goodness to him and his." It was during the night their boat and the ship had been brought so near, as at daybreak, on 28th December, to allow the mariners ready to perish the sight of a sail, for the first time apparently, and at only about six miles' distance ; then, whilst with what feeble strength remained they did their utmost to lessen the distance, and attract the ship's atten- tion, baffling and light M^inds checked the vessel's course, so that at length they succeeded, and were thus " brought out of their distresses." If less deeply affected than the immediate sufferers, their spiritual friend would derive equal encouragement with them from the striking event. Out of the ocean of difflculties sur- rounding him and his work, could not the same Providence bring about deliverance, and ultimately great success % The Lord could and would, so Wray believed, though after many days, to all appearance, and through great toils and sufferings. Meanwhile, thus encouraged, as we may well suppose, he landed to labour on. At this time his position, in more than one respect, was peculiar and critical; as was indeed the position of others with whom he had co-operated, not excepting that of the older and inore influential friends pf the African. His PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 155 business in England was more with these and with the Government. Not so fully connected, as once and as after- wards, with the Missionary Society, his name barely appears in their Chronicles. During the May meetings in London, he gave an address at a communion service in Silver Street Chapel. This would be but a few days before he sailed again for Berbice, and is the only engagement connected with the Society recorded of him. On the other hand, he apparently obtained the redress, wholly or in part, which he came to seek, for when he did return, it was with improved prospects of usefulness. His appeal to Earl Bathurst was answered by a denial that his Lordship had given the authority asserted by Governor Bentinck, and a promise to call for an explanation ; also the assurance that if Mr. "Wray " returned to Berbice he should receive protection from the Colonial Government, and the respect due to a minister of the Gospel." An Official Keport of the Commissioners for the Crown Estates having been attacked, Mr. James Walker, in defence of the Commissioners and of himself, was on the eve of publishing his "Letters on the West Indies," which appeared with a final note, furnished probably by Wray. An entry in Mr. Wilberforce's diary, dated 13th February, runs : — " j\Ir. Wray called and told me of the insurrection in Berbice. Alas, this I fear will make against us, though it ought to have an opposite effect." (Life, &c., vol. 4, p. 370.) At page 365 of the same volume, we read : — "The year 1818 was an important era in the West Indian struggle ; for, though no ameliorating measure was actually carried, the friends of the African were led into new counsels, and assumed a new position. The opposition made to the Eegis- tration Act forced them to establish its necessity, by going into an examination of the actual state of the slave population ; and these inquiries revealed at once such an amount of crime and cruelty, as proved there was no cure for the evils of the system, short of its entire subversion," 156 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, One might well conjecture that, from the outset, Wray had a share in all this, as we find from his own journal of after years that he continued to have ; a surmise which becomes a certainty in presence of the following testimony from Mrs. Tuckett's second letter: — " He appealed to His Majesty's ministers, stirred up the anti- slavery party, and, wherever his voice could be heard, he denounced slavery. He pleaded that the flogging of women should be abolished, that the long hours of work should be curtailed ; and though it took some time, and though it brought great persecution on him after his return to Berbice, he eventu- ally gained what he asked. He was in constant communication with Buxton, Wilberforce, and others, to whom he had personally appealed ; never let the matter rest, and though he did not live to see entire emancipation (repeal of the apprenticeship clauses), he had the settled conviction that it would come, that the negroes would receive it gratefully, and that not a hair of a white man would be injured." After a safe voyage i\Ir. AVray arrived again in Berbice, 17th July, 1818, to find his family increased by the birth of a son, whom he named John Davies Wray. His improved prospects of usefulness did not disappoint him. AVelcomed by the poor negroes, they again diligently attended his ministry, and many longed for Christian instruction. The work, centred henceforth in JN'ew Amsterdam, went on in its varied kinds, and on every side more encouragingly than ever. Applications for Testaments, catechisms, spelling-books, were made to him daily. On the AYest Coast too, numbers Avere learning to read, and like applications from that quarter were almost of weekly occurrence. A respectable planter, favourable to religious instruction, purchased what of the Crown estates had been restored to the Dutch Company, and invited the missionary to resume his labours there. This, Mr. "Wray did ; arranging to go personally to Dankbaarheid every alternate Saturday, and to Sandvoort every alternate Sunday morning. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 157 His imiiiediate want was a commodious chapel in town. To get land, however, was the difficulty, since none would sell land for such a purpose. But God opened the way. For just at this time, a house and a large piece of ground upon which it stood were for sale, possessor of which, he could quietly pursue his object; and the pioneer was in receipt of money, which an investigation of the affairs of the Crown estates had shown to have been due to him, but wrongly withheld, as we have already seen, by an unprincipled official. The sum thus opportunely to hand became part of an amount with which A^"ray purchased the property for his own residence ; then, reserving one half of the site for a garden (his only recreation), the other half, Mrs. Tuckett informs us, he made over to the London ^Missionary Society, whose agent he came again fully and finally to be. On that part, the first missionary chapel in Berbice was built. Meanwhile, a gentleman lent a commodious building for purposes of worship, and subscribed 154 guilders (about £10) towards the chapel ; another subscribed 566 guilders (about £37) and obtained several other subscriptions from his friends; £400 in all being contributed by residents, and £200 being voted by the Directors of the Missionary Society. 1818 did not close before another difficulty had been over- come, and the work had been more than commenced. This other difficulty was somewhat unique. Mr. Foreman men- tions it in his "Echoes from Slave-time," so does Mrs. Tuckett, who well remembers the scene. On the site for the chapel, and exactly opposite the house, was a large silk-cotton tree, which stood in the way, and for some time Mr. Wray could get no one to venture upon cutting it down; for the negroes held the tree in great veneration, and feared to offend its spirit, who, they thought, could punish them. So at last Mr. Wray said : — " That tree has got to come down, and if you won't cut it down, I will," and taking off his coat he seized the axe and commenced the work, the men looking on 158 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, for some minutes. But when, says Mrs. Tuckett, they saw my father was not afraid, and was the real transgressor, they took courage, came for the axe, and, receiving it, began cut- ting; at every stroke crying out, " Xo me da massa ! No me da massa ! " and levelled the tree to the ground. In February, 1819, the cliapel was opened. Premising that in town all was accompanied by a growtli, more or less steady, in piety and desire for instruction, also in the numbers respectively of scholars, hearers, catechumens, and church members ; here is a brief detail of little more than the unusual events of each year. In August, about six months after opening the chapel, the Berbice Auxiliary Mission Society was formed. It was com- posed chiefly of free people of colour, about 100 becoming subscribers, and it raised during the first eight months about £35. In the former part of 1820, the labours, both of Mr. and Mrs. Wray, were interrupted by ill health, but a visit to Georgetown later on proved very beneficial. Governor Bentinck, whose health had long been declining, died ; and was succeeded in March, 1821, by Henry Beard, Esq., who had arrived in Berbice in 1819, to be President of the Court of Justice, and who proved a true friend to Mr. AVray. During 1821 the debt on the chapel was liquidated, and the building of a new school-room, to accommodate 200 children, was commenced ; while the inhabitants of New Amsterdam, generally speaking, manifested an increased attention to the means of religious instruction, and the improved behaviour of the negroes in the vicinity attracted common observation. Consequently, it is no surprise to read, under 1822, not only of the opening of the new school- room, but that an enlarge- ment of the chapel was rendered necessary. And so on towards August of 1823, the prospects of the mission progressively improved, and Mr. Wray had entered into engagements to instruct the negroes on several additional estates, one of which contained upwards of 1600. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 159 1808-1823. Cares — Troubles of a Constant Kind — Difficulties of Marriage Question — Annoyances hy Whites — Training of Family — Raising a Native Agency — With Illustrative Details. Pausing in the more continuous history, we here find a con- venient opportunity of noting and iUustrating several matters which, throughout his whole course as Missionary Pioneer, were constantly a source of anxiety, of toil and disappoint- ment, or of annoyance and distress. One of these was the marriage question, as it presented itself in the man with more wives than one ; or in the pair sold far asunder ; or in the people that were fickle in their attachments ; or in view of the illegality of slaves marrying. What has been discussed in connection with missionary enterprise until well thrashed out, Wray had to settle pretty much for himself. Is it lawful for a man, having more than one wife, to retain more than one on his becoming pro- fessedly a Christian *? As a condition of church membership, the pioneer decided that but one should be retained, and he held fast to his decision. Agreeing with him or not, we cannot but admire his self-denial ; for there were occasions when to stand firm was at no small cost of time and feelintr, if not of other temporal advantage. Greater sacrifices still of time and effort had to be made in inducing parties at variance to be at peace, and com- panions, as man and wife, to be faithful one to the other. Pages are filled with such details ; and, considering the hard lot often to be borne and the atmosphere of selfishness and ignorance, M'ell they may be. But to proceed further was at the peril of accumulating risks. Nevertheless Wray did ; and if it had been less than an almost imperative necessity, amid such a clime and people, for man to have a helpmeet, he would, as in the sight of God and of the congregation, with certain pre- liminaries and prayers, have a marriage service, even thoucjh 160 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, it was illegal for slaves to be married. In his " Echoes from Slave-time,"* ^Ir. Foreman puts this pithily, with a glance at still existing awkward consequences. " The Order in Comicil — the marriage law of the Colony to this day — was passed on the 7th day of September, 1838, and bears the name of Queen Victoria. In slave-time, the slaves could not be married. But slaves who had been taught some- what of the Bible expressed a wish to be married. The Rev. John Wray, therefore, acted in the following manner. He read out their names three successive Sundays, as those of persons wishing to be married. At the close of the service on the following Sunday, he called them up to the front of the con- gregation and said : — ' Thomas, will you have Susan to be your wife 1 ' ' Yes, massa.' ' And Susan, will you have Thomas to be your husband?' ' Yes, massa.' 'And will you both promise to live good together ? ' ' Yes, massa.' Mr. Wray then joined their hands together, and offered prayer to God on their behalf, when, as my informant said, ' tlie story was done.' A very simple and inexpensive matter, you see; yet the Rev. John Wray, I have been assured, was liable to fine and imprisonment for every couple he thus married. "1 had occasion to mention this on the West Coast of Berbice, Avhen a man (I believe he is still alive) came up to me and said : — ' Papa, how did you get to know how Mr. Wray married us ? ' ' Never mind,' I said, ' was what I said right ? ' He replied, ' If you had said Joe and Sarah, instead of Thomas and Susan, I should have thought you meant me and my Avife.'" " Slaves had only one name, as may be seen above. At Freedom, very many took also their ' old uiassa's nanie.' About two years ago, amongst some other papers relating to some property which were brought me to look at, was a certificate of marriage signed by my predecessor, the late Rev. James Scott, of a marriage between William (I think) and Mary. What was wanted of me was that I would certify that the ' Mary ' of that certificate, was the Mary then before me. That I could not do. 1 could certify the certificate was a correct copy of the Register, that it was in the handwriting of the late Rev. James Scott, and * Bemerara Daily Chronicle, 1st August, 1888. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 161 that I liad known that Mary, as Mary, for some years, but to certify that she was the Mary of the marriage certificate, I could not." The behaviour of the whites w^as another such matter. If a Governor of Berbice couhl urge it as a reason for not attempting tlie mission at all; and if, at the outset, the missionary soon tasted its quality ; it is little surprise that, failing improvement in legislation or in the social system, he should long have the odour and not seldom a draught of the bitter stream. Lines here and there in the diaries indicate, where they do no more, how it went on ; milder or more virulent ; ceasing awhile, then breaking out afresh. Anonymous letters or letters forged in his name, involving, when not of the viler kind, some practical joke ; lying reports; interruptions of public worship or misbehaviour during its observance ; such were the milder forms it took. But these were trying enough, and were met or overcome in various ways — by tact, patience, or, when things grew worse, by an appeal to some official in high civil authority for a letter of remonstrance to be addressed to such "gentlemen " ; never forgetting, as opportunity offered, to return good for evil. Mrs. Tuckett writes (first letter) : — " The white young men used to amuse themselves by playing practical jokes on him. He thought silent forbearance was the best. Sometimes they were very annoying in the chapel, but mother used to keep her eye on them. I remember one Sunday evening in the first chapel we had (the chapel had only a few pews on each side of the pulpit, the body was filled with benches), mother, being in very delicate health, had an arm- chair. On this particular evening, about a dozen white young men came in, evidently brimful of fun. They commenced by repeating all that my father was reading or speaking ; they inter- rupted the singing, and behaved in such a disgraceful manner that mother felt a stop must be put to it. So she rose, took up the chair on which she had sat, placed the chair in front of them, and so continued to the end of the service. The object was 162 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, gained, they sat perfectly quiet. On rising to go, mother said, ' Gentlemen, I am sorry to find you require a governess to keep you in order.' ' Mrs. Wray,' they replied, ' we are so sorry ; it shall never occur again : only say you forgive us and, in token of it, shake hands.' Mother did so, and, with a word of advice to which they politely listened, they departed." Mr. Foreman records the following (Echoes, &c.) ; — " When that first chapel was built, the Sunday evening service was frequently disturbed in the following manner. I have already said there w^ere, at that time, European soldiers stationed in the fort, where is now the lunatic asylum in Berbice ; and the band, after playing wdiilst the officers dined, were then ordered to go and play round the town, and especially round ' old Wray's chapel.' I was told this by a European, who at that time had been a drummer in the band, and who added : — ' I was a giddy young fellow then, and didn't mind it ; indeed, I thought it was fine fun to bait old Wray.' " The following is an instance of what was done, perhaps when the time was getting past for worse things to be attempted. It was told in the author's hearing by a successor of Mr. Wray at New Amsterdam, and as an illustration of the pioneer's adaptation in meeting his peculiar circumstances there. " Mr. Wray was in the desk conducting some meeting, when four young men, sons of planters or managers, having edged their way to the corners of the pulpit, attempted by united and varying pressure to make it unsteady, pushing it about, or raising it from the floor. The movements were not wide nor high, but sufficient to tease and provoke. Wray knew well the secret of his safety, of his power, and of the way to victory. In fact, patience, in his case, must by this time have had its perfect w^ork. If they could keep at it, so could he ; and as for the negroes, they could sit it out at meeting with any man. The minister, laying hold on each side of the book-board, to steady himself, went on and on ; the hearers, sitting still, listened on and on ; the gay young fellows pushed and lifted on. But no ! they wearied. The speaker does not stop, much less get into a jpassion ; the meeting does not PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 163 become a row, much less disperse. As tliey pause, tlie proceed- ings of tlie assembly continue, and at last the troublers slink away outside, defeated."* Yet the chief butt of all this, cherishing no ill-will, but seeking to sow beside all waters, was, as Mrs. Tuckett on another page writes : — " Ever ready to visit the sick among the careless white young men, who, perhaps, had often disturbed public worship, but when death stared them in the face would say, ' Oh, send for Mr. Wray, to pray for me.' He has even been aroused in the middle of the night to visit some who had praying parents in England, and who, at the eleventh hour, remembered what they had been taught in their early home. For such, his pity would be intense, and he ofttimes quoted Doddridge's hymn, ' Ai'ise, my tenderest thoughts, arise ' — the last two verses especially : — ' My God, I hate the mournful scene ; My bowels yearn o'er dying men : And fain my pity would reclaim, And snatch the firebrands from the flame. But feeble my compassion proves, And can but weep where most it loves, &c., &c.' " * Such things, of course, were confined neither to Berbice nor to first years of the mission work, as the private diary of the Demerara martyr would alone serve to show. From the Rev. James Scott, who went out as missionary in 1831, and on the premises where it occurred, the author in conversation had the following incident: — "I was preaching one week-time to a few people, when in came two white 'gentlemen,' planters or managers, smoking cigars. They sat down on a bench just below, and in front of the desk, went on smoking, and looking up at me, began to puff their smoke toward my face. I looked at them steadily, and said : — ' Gentlemen, put out those cigars ! I am surprised at you. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, coming into the house of prayer, and acting in this manner, &c., &c.' " For so Mr. Scott went on, his searching remonstrances penetrating further than did the smoke of their cigars, as they became ill at ease and retired, upon which the minister resumed his former theme. Not for long, however. Noises convinced him and his hearers that the disappointed pair, after new mischief, had got entrance into the other storey of the building, which was the missionary's residence, to make disorder or do worse damage 164 LIFE OF JOHN WE AY, The upbringing of his children was of course a care con- stantly present with the pioneer and his devoted wife; their thoughts of upbringing too, almost superfluous to remark, extending beyond health and growth of body or of mind, but including habits of virtue, and "nurture in the chastening and admonition of the Lord." And this in an atmosphere so void of useful learning, and socially corrupt ; so godless, cruel, and profane, as to resemble the swamp reeking with rottenness, or its miasm filled with pestilence. Yet those out of a numerous offspring, who, struggling through the many sicknesses of infancy in that clime, attained maturity, grew up useful, virtuous, Christian characters. For Wray began at the outset. " If a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God 1 " Discipling by baptism was no meaningless rite to him. His children were reminded of it, and taught accordingly. The home, in their younger days, was never left without a parent ; and, as much as in them lay, was made the happiest place. Let Mrs. Tuckett give some particulars (second letter) : — " When I now remember the state of morals then prevailing, I can only wonder at the unceasing care which guarded us from the contamination around us in early life. Our parents were our only companions, and our garden and the ground around our only recreation. We had no beautiful walks ; no gathering sweet Spring flowers ; though flowers we had in great variety, for my father was especially fond of his garden, and often, in the early morning, before the sun was hot, he was in it helping and directing the gardener. Nearly all the trees were planted by him. We were never allowed to slap, or in any way to behave to the number of little black girls about us but Avith strict pro- priety. For when my father had the Crown slaves at the Winkel village under his instruction, we always had numbers about to there. " So out I had to turn, along with the stalwart negroes of my congregation, to protect my property, and to get rid of them, in which we at length succeeded." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 165 wait on us, &c., but mother was very particular tliat we sliould not imbibe the spirit of slavery." And in a later coniniunication : — "When Mr. Davies baptized me in those far-off years, he preached for my father, and took for his text, Ps. xcii. 13-15. These verses were taught to me by my mother as soon as I was capable of learning anything ; and I always read them with great pleasure, thinking of those who are gone, and I can add, ' He is faithful to His promises.' " (First Letter). "Almost from infancy we were engaged in teaching. I have often sat on the lap of some grandmother with perhaps some forty or fifty sitting around, it may be on the floor, and 'pegged away' with Dr. Watts' First Catechism and the texts of Scripture we had been taught or learnt during the week. We always had attentive scholars, and we often wearied before they did ; for they could stand any amount of teaching. During this ' pegging away ' with the old people, my father was engaged with those who desired baptism, &c. He was very cautious ; he baptized none but those who he believed had experienced a change of heart. Mother also had her peculiar work, and so time went on." A native agency again, Mr. Wray soon had in view, and early began and for years continued, as opportunity offered, to prepare such, meeting with varied success. This care and work had both negroes and Indians in prospect. Mrs. Tuckett says (first letter) : — " My father's great desire was to raise up native agency. To this end he selected the most promising of the young boys, and gave them extra attention of an evening. These boys, chiefly belonging to the Crown, he made monitors to assist him in the free school which was under the chapel ; and he was anxious to fit them as catechists, who he hoped would be useful in that important part of missionary work. Of these were W^illiam Henry, a young man of colour, and Henry B,ose, one of the Crown slaves." "Nor were the poor Indians forgotten. As often as possible he, accompanied by his faithful servant George, would go up the river to their settlement, swing their hammocks 166 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, between two trees, and (sometimes), after waking, find that the vampire bat had been drawing blood from his feet. But it was enough for him if he could get their attention while he told them that God so loved them as to give His Son to die for them ; and whenever they came to town, they w^oiild come to our house to hear again and again that old, old story, and in some cases it was not heard in vain. " My father was very fond of children ; he had often noticed a young boy, the son of one of the chiefs. The child would stand by his side and listen most attentively to what he was saying. One day as he was bidding good-bye to the Indians, this child came up to him with a smiling face also to say good-bye. My father said to him in Creole language, ' Well, my little friend, would you not like to come w^ith me and learn to read this book ? ' (he had his Bible in his hand). The little child immedi- ately replied, ' Yes.' My father turned to his parents to hear what they would say ; but the idea was too sudden. They promised, however, that the next time they came to town, they would bring him, and if he still wished it, they might perhaps leave him with us for a little while. Time passed on, and as they did not come we thought they could not make up their minds to give up the child. But one day they arrived ; the boy had gained their consent ; he was to be left with the understanding that at any time, if the parents wished it, he was to be given up to them. They came to see him from time to time, but finding that he was happy and had no wish to leave, he remained with us. He was about my own age (seven). I remember him perfectly, though I have forgotten his name. He quickly learnt to read, and we used to tell him Bible stories. Mother taught him to sing. Of this he was very fond. He would sing softly to himself the doxology, ' Glory, honour, praise, and power ; ' and the last line, ' Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, hallelujah ! hallolujah ! ' he was very partial to; and 'Salvation, oh, the joyful sound!' (a great favourite with the negroes). He would sit by mother of an evening and say, ' Tell me about heaven.' We could never get him to sit down to table with us, and mother thought it best to let him do as he liked in such things, saying, 'it would come to him in time.' While we were at dinner, he would stand behind mother's chair and in a soft, sweet voice sing, ' Glory, honour, praise, PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 167 and power.' It disturbed no one ; my parents loved to hear him. How long he remained with ns I cannot remember, but he never returned to his tribe. He was taken ill of fever, and in a few hours he ' was not, for God took him.' God does indeed ' move in a mysterious way.' My father had hoped to see him teaching his people in years to come that Jesus Christ is their Kedeemer also." A second disappointment of the kind, we may add ; the pioneer having, several years back, recorded in his diary the death of one in whom he had taken a like interest, and who died at the hut of his father, living near, and engaged for some estate as hunter. Such were the circumstances and concerns, or some of them, constantly attending the pioneer's path. 18 23. Letter to Society's Treasurer — Prof/ress in Demerara : Extracts from Letters. We resume the thread of our narrative with an extract from a letter, confirmatory of the progress and state of the Berbice mission in the middle of 1823, as already briefly told. The letter, it will be seen, is filled with bright hope, asks for a helper, and shows how the pioneer could look with gratifica- tion and interest on the success of other mission fields as well as on that which was peculiarly his own. It is addressed to William Alers Hankey, Esq., Treasurer of the London Missionary Society, and is dated 17th July. Will our readers please mark the date. " I have lately taken a sliort journey on the Corentyne Coast. I had two objects in view in going up. The first was to obtain subscriptions towards enlarging the chapel, in which I was successful to a certain degree. I obtained nearly 300 guilders. One gentleman, a member of the Council, gave me five joes, and took me to see his little Creole children^ with whom I was highly delighted ; they are the finest I have seen in the Colony. In January last he had 130 under ten years. He had them 168 LIFE OF JOHN WKAY, altogether in a yard approi3riatecT for tliem, witli proper buildings and nurses, wliere they are daily fed, cleaned, and taken care of. As we walked among them, five or six at a time came around us ; one taking hold of our hands, another of our coats, &c., so that we could hardly pass along, saying " How de massa ? " " How de massa?" as fast as they could. They seemed as happy as the days are long. I spoke to him about going up to catechize them ; he said he would consider of it. "Another object I had in view was, to prepare the way, if possible, for the introduction of the Gospel; and I am happy to say that I found the planters, in general, favourable to it, and desirous of encouraging it, particularly the gentleman at whose house 1 slept. He is putting his estate in sugar, and says that as soon as his buildings are in order, I shall preach to his negroes. Wherever I called, I was treated with the greatest politeness and hospitality. A great part of this fine healthy coast is abandoned, but I think in this neighbourhood a congregation of 500 would be obtained. " Lord^s day, 6th July. — Last evening L. F. Galley, Esq., came with his manager, to request me to preach to-morrow on plant- ation Wurtzburg, which he has lately bought, and which he took over this week, with upwards of 80 slaves : more have been put on since. This was a call to preach the Gospel which I could not resist, and I promised to be there this morning at seven o'clock. On my arrival, I found Mr. Galley waiting for me. He ordered all the people into the coffee logie, a very large substantial build- ing. They detained us some time by dressing, and came neat and clean. They do not understand English, but 1 explained the Ten Commandments in the Creole language, and pointed them to Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, and told them how thankful they ought to be that their master had introduced the book of God among them, and that I hoped they would be obedient people. They thanked me and him, and all expressed a wish for me to visit them again. There are about 1500 slaves in the immediate neighbourhood. The estate is about four miles from town. ^^ Lord's day, ISth July. — This morning at seven o'clock I crossed the river, to preach on plantation Ithaca, belonging to L. F. Galley, Esq., at his particular request. We were just twenty minutes in crossing the river to it. I explained the Ten Com- PIONEEK MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 169 mandments in Creole, for they do not understand a word of English. I, of course, also directed them to the Lamh of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, and who is ' the end of the law for righteousness, unto all who believe,' whether bond or free. They seemed to understand well, and expressed a great wish for me to go again, and some of them said they would try to come to chapel in town. They also expressed their thankfulness that God had given them a master who had sent the Word of God amoug them. This is surely the best thing he could have done to secure their affection and obedience ; and sixteen years' labour and experience, and almost daily converse among them, have con- vinced me that the Gospel alone can eradicate Obeah, fornication, theft, &c., and establish good order and contentment among them. There are on Ithaca 117 slaves, and upwards of a thousand in the neighbourhood. " Mr. Galley made none of those objections against preaching on the Sabbath morning which some do — viz., that the slaves are employed in fetching wood and grass, and taking out their allow- ance of fish, plantains, &c. To teach them the nature and use of the Sabbath is one of the first things to attend to. I informed them that the Fourth Commandment not only teaches us to remem- ber the Sabbath to keep it holy, but also that we are to attend to our work on the six days of the week. Thus they are taught their duty to God on the Sabbath, and their duty to their master in the week. The glorious Gospel of the blessed God has been pro- claimed on the two last Sabbaths in two parts of the Colony where it was never preached before. Oh, that it may have free course, run, and be glorified ! After I had done, they began to explain to one another what I had said. " I feel thankful to my heavenly Father that I have lived to see the day when so many seemed inclined to permit the blessed Gospel to be preached among their slaves. This richly repays us for all our toil and opposition in years that are past. May God help me to devote every moment to His service in pointing sinners to the Saviour who died to redeem them from all iniquity, and to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works ! It will appear, however, to the Directors, that without help it is impossible for me to carry on and extend this blessed work. May some devoted missionary 'come forth and no LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, liclp us ! ' Indeed, I have been tliinking tliat till a missionary- be obtained I must give up preaching one Sabbath in a month in town. "We have been highly delighted in perusing the Quarterly Chronicles, &c., lately received. Oh, what a wonderful work is performing among the people in the South Sea Islands ! I never read of them and the negroes in Sierra Leone without the greatest interest and delight. The Owhyeean Chief brought to our minds some of the simple questions put to us by a few of the old negroes, ' Whether God can understand the Berbice Creoles when they pray, or whether they must learn English 1 ' Blessed be God for what He is doing, and blessed be His glorious Name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. — Believe me, dear and honoured sir, yours sincerely, "John Wray." As in Berbice, so at Le Resouvenir and in Demerara generally, Mission work had been progressing, and religions institutions, too, had been multiplying. In 1819, St. Andrew's Church, for professors of the Church of Scotland, was opened, and intended originally for the sole use of Scotch Colonists, as had been St. George's, of the Church of England, for English Colonists. The London Society's missionaries also, increased by the stay for several years of the Rev. James Mercer, who had been obliged to leave Trinidad for a time, had more than doubled the number of their chapels and preaching stations, and had extended their labours to the slaves in Essequibo. In 1822, Mr. Mercer returned to Trinidad, and Mr. Davies, accompanied by Mrs. Davies, visited England for the benefit of his health, not landing in Demerara again until October, 1823, so that the work, and at a critical juncture too, had to be carried on with a diminished staff. Nevertheless, up to that year, and during the earlier part of it, all went on prosperously. Mr. Wray, under date 22nd August, 1822, thus writes the Directors concerning a visit paid to his former congregation at Le Resouvenir : — PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 171 "On the lltli of last month I arrived at Le Eesouvenir, spent two days with Mr. Smith, and jDreached to the people on Friday evening. I had great pleasure in seeing many of those who were the first-fruits of the Gospel there, walking in truth and rejoicing in the Lord Jesus ; others have been taken to their heavenly rest. They manifest great zeal in the ways of religion, and adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour. "On my return from Georgetown on Monday, Mr. Smith pressed me much to remain all night, and speak in the evening to his people. We visited many of the negro houses, just when they were leaving work, and conversed with a considerable number. I was much pleased with two young men, who were little boys when I lived there. They have been baptized and married, and are highly commended for their good conduct by Mr. Smith. They seconded the exhortation I gave to the people with great earnestness, especially one of them, who told the people that they must attend to what I said, turn to God, go to hear His w^ord, and love and serve Him. " In the evening a great many came together, with whom we conversed a long time. I rejoice that they have a minister so much interested in their spiritual welfare as Mr. Smith. I was also much pleased with some of his plans, particularly his divid- ing them into classes, according to the estates to which they belong, and examining their progress in the Catechism in rotation. He thinks the number under regular instruction is about 2000. " I greatly lament that the missionaries in Demerara are not permitted to teach the slaves to read. Mr. Smith would will- ingly devote part of the day to this work ; and yet, after all, many do acquire the art of reading. I met with a negro, half- way between New Amsterdam and Georgetown, who has no opportunity to attend chapel, learning to read, and studying Dr. Watts' Catechism. Indeed, all along the coast, which is about seventy miles, a desire for instruction prevails." And, later on, in February, 1823, after having laboured six years at his station, Mr. Smith communicated to the Directors of the Missionary Society the following gratifying particulars. After stating that the number of marriages 172 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, during the preceding year was 114; that the number admitted to the Lord's Table during the same period was 61; and that the total number of Church members was 203 ; he observes : — " We have now many candidates for baptism and the Lord's Supper. Our average congregation is 800 persons. We have certainly much cause to be thankful to the great Head of the Church for the success that attends our labours. We behold every Sabbath an overflowing congregation, behaving with praise- worthy decorum ; and we see them zealous for the spread of Christianity. Tliey are fast abandoning their wicked practices for more regular habits of life, as is evident from the number of marriages, few of whicli (not one in fifty) have been hitherto violated. A great proportion of them are furnished with Bibles, Testaments, Dr. Watts' First or Second Catechism, and a hymn- book ; and tliese, being their whole library, they usually bring to chapel on the Sabbath. All our congregation, young and old, bond and free, are catechized every Sunday, first individually in classes, and afterwards collectively." The subsequent labours of Mr. Smith and those of his excellent wife, who was actively employed in instructing the female negroes, were attended with the most pleasing results."*^ It might then seem that missionary operations, now well launched in both Colonies, had only to go on and prosper ; especially as planter after planter, and manager after manager testified to the beneficial results, and in Lerbice, a Governor friendly to Mr. Wray and his work had succeeded Mr. Bentinck. But there still existed in large numbers, persons of another stamp, planters, (i:c., whose language and spirit WT.re bitterly inimical, the lives of many of them godless and profane, and tlieir view of the pious missionary and liis work one of malignant and cruel hatred. These, and tlieir like in Britain, keenly opposed to any interference or attempt at improving the slave and his condition, had of late watched * " Demerara Martyr," pp. 55, 56. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 173 such attempts with increasing excitement, which grew as 1823 went on, and cuhninated at last in words and deeds of such bi'utaHty and cowardice, cruelty and crime, as to form one of the darkest passages of our colonial history. It is painful writing, but the page cannot be avoided. We would, how- ever, pen it, overshadowed by the thought that those involved have gone to the tribunal of Him who "sits in the throne, judging right," and from Avliose sentence there is no appeal. 1818-1823. Revived Activity in England of African Institution — Wilherforce and Buxton — Petition and Motion in House of Commons — Canning's Amendment— Negotiations with Government — Order in Council sent to Colonies — Growth of Excitement — How Received in Berhice — Assault on Wray's Children. For a few moments we must glance at the position and pro- cedure of the friends of the slave in England. The Anti-slavery Committee which saw its long years of effort crowned with the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, was then merged into the African Institution. "There were various reasons which prevented those who had effected the abolition of the slave trade attempting also the emancipation of such as were already slaves," although "in that year (1807) the Earl of Percy, afterwards Duke of Northumber- land, proposed the emancipation of their children, but with- out effect." The African Institution, after seekhig mainly to get other European Powers, by persuasion or purchase, to decree the slave trade unlawful, then became somewhat inactive. Dithculties were great, discouragements many, and the position of its leader, who was at times almost worn out in the struggle, one of no small delicacy and perplexity. Such was the position during Wray's second return home. Measures for protecting the slave and improving his position were thwarted by the difficulty of securing, at such a distance, legal proof. A few extracts from the great philanthropist's diary, &c., during the period covered by the present chapter, 174 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, will lead us into the working of liis mind and heart, and of more besides.^ " 14th February, 1818 (the day after Mr. Wray had called upon him). — Lieutenant Gordon at breakfast . . . generously offering to go out to the West Indies if he could thereby bring out the oppression and cruelty which is now veiled over. But Stephen says nothing can be brought to light. It is shocking that we now know of one of the most horrid murders ever perpetrated, and tried to be fastened on another, yet we cannot bring it out because we should ruin our informant." "lU/i March. — Sadly distressed in mind about the proper course as to West Indian matters. "28i/i March.— I still am in no little embarrassment what course to pursue as to the West Indian question. Denunciations not ordy against those who are guilty of the positive acts of oppres- sion, but against those wdio connive at its continuance, are so strong that I am truly uneasy at my having permitted so much time to pass away without having done anything for relaxing the yoke of the most degrading and bitter bondage that ever ground down the human species. " I3lh March, 1819.— General Hall, late governor of Mauritius, with us to breakfast. He opened a world of villainy in slave trade, peculation, &c.t " ^nd April. — Then to a meeting of the Berbice Commissioners. ^^June, 1820. — I am often prompted, by the injustice and unfairness of men, to look upwards, and to say to myself — well, the time will come, wdien He will make thy righteousness as clear as the light, and thy just dealing as the noonday. " I6th March, 1821. — The rest of the week was occupied in opposing Maxwell's bill for removing his slaves from Antigua to Demerara. " 2nd June, 1822. — But it was not to spare himself that he consented to postpone another year his great attempt for the West Indian negroes. ' I think you are quite right,' was Mr. Stephen's judgment, 'as to this being an unfavourable occasion for bringing forward our case against the Colonies. * Life, &c., Vol. iv. pp. 370, 374, 376. t Ibid. Vol. V. pp. 15, 16, 65-6, 97, 128, 158, 168-9, 170. PI0NP:ER missionary to GUIANA. 175 Tliey have quite overlaid us with their intrigues, and have got some of our real as well as nominal friends committed against us,' "Near end of 1822. — Mr. Buxton informed me that he should be in town ' by the 10th of January,' and expressed his hope that the ' Congress on the subject would not be later. It is exceeding well for you, who have powder and ball — i.e., know- ledge of the whole subject, and the power of projecting it with force, to be primed and loaded of a morning, and fired off at night, but it won't do for me. I can do nothing in this rapid method.' " But no counsel of war was needful to decide that the first steps in the new attempt must be taken by himself, and that the subject must be introduced to the parliament and to the nation by the long acknowledged patron of the negro race ; the duty of improving it, and of gradually emancipating them. Indeed ' my conscience reproaches me,' he says, 'with having suffered this horrible evil to go on. We must now call on all good men through- out the kingdom to join us in abolishing this wicked system, and striving to render the degraded race by degrees a free peasantry. Oh, may God bless our attempt ! ' "Early in March, 1823, his Appeal was published.* He then speaks of himself as ' busy for the first time on ' his ' slavery abolition work. My pamphlet is well liked, thank God ! ' " No address was ever better qualified to produce that mighty eftect which followed its publication. Its kindness and forbear- ance towards individuals rendered its earnest expostulations irresistible. Its perusal, a West Indian proprietor told him, ' has so affected me, that it cost me my whole property ; I surrendered it willingly, that my poor negroes might be brought, not only to the liberty of Europeans, but especially to the liberty of Christ- ians.' " But the nation was slow to be persuaded of the cruel and debasing nature of a system which it had so long maintained, and which was linked with innumerable private interests. Mr. Wilberforce had learnt too much in his thirty-five years' appren- ticeship in African controversy, to expect the chains of slavery to crumble under a single blow. He did not dare anticipate so * " An Appeal to the Religion, Justice, and Humanity of the Inhabit- ants of the British Empire, in behalf of the Negro Slaves in the West Indies." 176 LIFE OF JOHN AVE AY, speedy a result as tlie eager wishes of liis friends besought ; that, ' though it seemed too great an honour for one man to effect the abolition of the trade in negroes, and their emancipation, he might yet live to see the fruit of his present labours.' " The second act of the drama was now ojDcniiig ; and on the 19th day of March (1823), he presented to the House of Commons a petition from the Quakers, who, having been the first to protest against the slave trade, now led the way in the attack on slavery." This point, however, was not reached until men of fresh and younger blood had been enlisted and had become actively engaged in the cause. First among equals was Thomas Fowell Buxton, whom Wilberforce bad persuaded to take the leadership, and who is the party referred to, wdien, asked by Mr. Canning " Whether it was his intention to found any motion upon it (the petition)?" Mr. Wilberforce replied, " It was not, but that such was the intention of an esteemed friend of his." How this came about can better be seen by another brief series of quotations, covering the same period, and drawn from the memoirs of that Baronet as edited by his son, Charles Buxton, Esq."^ "27i/i January, 1821.— I had spent the morning with Wilber- force, who was quite delightful. I begin to think that of all men he is the most subjected and controlled, and invariably in the right frame of temper. ZOth. — I got notice of the meeting of the African Institution for to-day. In the course of the meeting an opportunity occurred, which I could not pass over, of declaring my mind, as to the inactivity and ineffectiveness of the society. I told them it was certain we once had the confidence of the country, and it was now certain the public knew little and cared less on the subject. I really felt, and still feel, exceedingly grate- ful that I did not shrink from the duty. My remonstrance was well received, and a meeting was appointed for Saturday next, at Lord Lansdowne's, of all the members of both houses interested in the subject, and perhaps it may be a means of great good." "3nZ February.— 1 was quite astonished at Wilberforce yester- day. I had not seen him since my vehement reprobation of the * See pp. 92-120. PIONEER MISSION AEY TO GUIANA. 177 African Institution. Yesterday, he was warm to excess ; over and over again ' thanked me for the boldness and openness of my remarks, and said they had penetrated deeply into his heart.' " Terrible evils engaged the efforts of himself and other good men of the time — e.g., the state of prison discipline and of the criminial code ; the slave trade ; Suttee in India ; and all with an iinreformed Parliament, and with slavery existing in most countries. Some hard work, and one of his most powerful speeches in favour of the abrogation of the punishment of death for forgery, had proved vain, so far as then passing the bill was concerned ; but, " the evening after Mr. Buxton had delivered his speech on criminal law, he received a letter from Mr. Wilberforce, dated 24th May, 1821," announcing his choice of ]\Ir. Euxton as his parlia- mentary successor, saying that : — "Now, for many, many years, I have been longing to bring forward that great subject, the condition of the negro slaves in our trans-Atlantic colonies, and the best means of providing for their moral and social improvement, and ultimately, for their advancement to the rank of a free peasantry ; a cause this, recom- mended by me, or rather enforced on me, by every consideration of religion, justice, and humanity," and entreating him, "if I should be unable to commence the war — and still more if, when commenced, I should — be unable to finish it, — that you should continue to prosecute it." Causes concurring to prepare Mr. Buxton for accepting this w^ere many. The impressions of early training, his con- nection with the African Institution, a letter from his brother-in-law Mr. Wm. Forster, the dying charge of his much beloved sister-in-law Priscilla Gurney ; but it was not until after long and mature deliberation that he acquiesced. Many of his other friends encouraged him to accept, but he does not appear to have fully resolved till a year and a half after the receipt of Mr. Wilberforce's letter; an interval spent by him, as far as other claims would permit, in closely 178 I^IFE OF JOHN WP.AY, studying the question in all its bearings. How serious and critical were some of the connected questions, may be judged from the fact that — " What chiefly led him to hesitate in adopting this question as his own, was the fear that the discussion of it in England might lead to a servile insurrection in the West Indies. He deeply felt the weight of this responsibility, and it was the subject of long and anxious thought. 'If,' said he, ' a servile war should break out and 50,000 perish, how should I like that ? ' But even this extreme supposition he met by the consideration, that if ' I had two sons, I would rather choose to have one free and one dead, than both living enslaved." It was autumn, 1822, before Mr. Buxton finally decided; in the course of which season he had INIr. AVilberforce and j\Ir. Zachary Macaulay visiting at Cromer Hall, " for the purpose of discussing the question with him, and also with Dr. Liishington and Lord Suffield ; when was drawn the first outline of those plans, in which each, from this time, took his respective and important share." A short time afterwards, Mr. Macaulay and Mr. Buxton were visiting Wilberforce at Marden Park to arrange their plan of operations for the ensuing session. "I have often rejoiced of late years," wrote Mr. Wilberforce, when inviting Mr. Buxton, " in thinking of having you for an associate and successor, as indeed I told you. Now, my dear Buxton, my remorse is sometimes very great, from my conscious- ness that we have not been duly active in endeavouring to put an end to that system of cruel bondage, which, for two centuries, has prevailed in our West Indian Colonies ; and my idea is, that a little before parliament meets, three or four of us should have a secret cabinet council, wherein we should deliberate to decide what course to pursue." " Long and deep were their deliberations, how best to shape their measures, which were to change the structure of society throughout the Western World." With how much of the spirit of Christ, of faith and prayer PIONEEE MISSIONAEY TO GUIANA. 179 for Divine guidance, will be well understood by any who are at all acquainted with the eminent and robust piety of these devoted men. On the publication of Mv. Wilberforce's Appeal in March, 1823, public feeling was soon roused into activity, and petitions began to flow in. At about the same time the Anti-Slavery Society was formed, Mr. Euxton being appointed vice-president; and the lead was taken by the Society of Friends. After presenting their petition to the House, and answering, as we have seen, Mr. Canning's inquiry, Mr. Wilberforce's "esteemed friend, '^ Mr. Buxto°n, then gave notice that on the 15th of ]\ray, "he should sub- mit a motion that the House should take into consideration the state of slavery in the British Colonies." A few weeks before this motion came on, Mr. Euxton communicated his intentions to the Government, stating his views. An urgent request for delay from the Government was declined as follows : — "lOthMaij. " Your letter really gives me great pain. I do not like to refuse anything you ask. I do not like to appear obstinate, but the opnnon of all the persons with whom I act is strongly opposed to any delay, in which opinion I as strongly concur. The more the subject opens upon me, the more do I think that I should he answerable for a great crime if I consented to let the session slii) away without proposing something. In short, pray excuse me for saying that on Wednesday I toill bring forward my motion." On the 15th of Maj, he wrote to Mrs. Upcher :— "In five minutes I start for the House. I hope to begin at five o clock. I am in good health, in excellent spirits, Avith a noble cause and without fear. If I am only given a nimble tongue, we shall do." Then took place the first debate on the subject of neo-ro slavery. ^ Mr. Buxton began by moving " That the state of slavery is repugnant to the principles of the 180 LIFE OF JOHN WKAY, British Constitution and of the Christian religion ; and that it ought to be gradually abolished, with as much expedition as may be found consistent with a due regard to the well-being of the l^arties concerned." In his speech, Avliile he plainly declared that the object was the extinction of slavery, he explained that the method they desired was not by sudden emancipation, but by such preparatory steps, as first fitting and qualifying the slaves for it, shall gently conduct them to freedom. This, and the propositions beforehand submitted to the Government, ought to have shielded Mr. Buxton and his friends from the blame, long and severe, of having set the slaves free before they were fitted for it. It was the planters who, rejecting such preparatory measures, paved the way for a more immediate emancipation. An animated debate ensued, Mr. Canning, on behalf of the Government, moving and carrying amendments which were : — " 1st. That it is expedient to adopt efl'ectual and decisive measures for ameliorating the condition of the slave popula- tion in His Majesty's Colonies." " 2nd. That, through a determined and persevering, but at the eame time judicious and temperate enforcement of such measures, this House looks forward to a progressive improvement in the character of the slave population, such as may prepare them for a participation in those civil rights and privileges which are enjoyed by other classes of His Majesty's subjects." " 3rd. That this House is anxious for the accomplishment of this purpose at the earliest period that shall be compatible with the well-being of the slaves themselves, with the safety of the Colonies, and with a fair and equitable consideration of the interests of private proprietors." Various communications, and a long interview "svitli Mr. Canning followed ; Mr. Canning's opinions on all points of the subject were thoroughly ascertained, and Mr. Buxton PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 181 learned exactly what were the intentions of Ministers at this period. In accordance with the Resolutions passed, circular letters were addressed by the Government to the various Colonial authorities, containing copies of the Resolutions, and recom- mending certain reforms. In the case of the Crown Colonies, regulations were sent in the shape of an Order in Council enjoining, among other salutary enactments, the limitation of the hours of daily labour to nine, and the abolition of the flogging of females at once and for ever. On receipt of these in Berbice by Governor Beard, he communicated in due course with Mr. Wray, desiring him to explain the matter to the slaves from the pulpit. By the adoption of such like means all was quiet, in a way — i.e., the slaves were informed and were peaceable. But with what had been going on in England, and with this as the outcome, there were not a few of the slaveholding party who were highly dissatisfied and growingly excited to insolence and injury, of which the missionary before long had painful experience. The following, told by Mrs. Tuckett as occurring in 1823, was perhaps a foretaste of Avhat later on he was called to endure. " The AYinkel village was only a pleasant walk from our house. My mother was in the habit of sending us when we were children, accompanied by a servant, to the village to see the poor old people, and to convey to the sick some Httle comfort, such as wine, &c. They were always so glad to see us, and to hear us read or repeat Scripture or hymns to them. I remember them well, Daddy Tom, Daddy Gabriel, and a good many more. I remember on one occasion, in 1823, we were on our way from the village, Elizabeth, Robert, self, and servant, when we were rudely stopped by half-a-dozen white men, who tore off our bonnets, shook us violently, shoved us into the trench, using dreadful language. As soon as we could we hastened home, very much frightened, but rejoicing that our poor people had received the 182 LIFE OF JOHN WPwAY, tilings we had brought for them before we met these ' gentle- men' {?y TliG letter of marked date (I7th July) to the Society's Treasurer, however, seems all oblivious of outrage, whether present or prospective ; as does one of about a month later, addressed to the Eev. John Smith, Le Resouvenir, received by him on Saturday, 16th August, and which, to use John Smith's own description when surrendering it on the seizure of his papers, — " contained pleasing information as to the manner in which the inhabitants of Berbice had met the views of the Government and of the people of England in ameliorating and improving the condition of the slaves." * And such might have been the character of communications immediately following, but for the different action taken by the authorities of Demerara. There, within two days of the last-named letter being received, an explosion occurred which could not but make Berbice feel something of the shock. 1823-4. Insurrection in Demerara — Stoppage there of Mission Worl — " The Missionary Smith's Case." Insurrections of slaves in the West Indies were no uncom- mon things; but the rising of 18th August, 1823, on the East Coast of Demerara was an event of interest, of causes and issues more than common. For some months in that Colony, Governor Murray, himself a planter and slave holder it will be remembered, and still unchanged in his opposition to the instruction of the slaves and in his sympathy with the more vehement part of the slave owners, had begun a process of "stroking the cat's back the wrong way." Aware of what was proceeding in England, as well as of the growing acceptance and success of Mission work in the * See London Missionary Society's full report of Smith's Trial, &e., p. 61, PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA, 183 Colony, these men set themselves more decidedly on the opposite tack. Xot only did the Governor block the way to erecting a second Mission chapel, which parties were pre- pared to build farther up the East Coast, he also issued regulations calculated to hinder attendance at what means of instruction already existed, and to harass the people who still made use of them. The whip, which it was talked of abolishing to some extent, received, on one part of the coast, the addition of a cat-o'-nine-tails. At another part, and at the time when the news began to ooze out that some- thing greatly good had come from England for the slaves' benefit, a large sale of bond-servants was impending, which would involve the forcible and final severance of the closest human ties. The Governor, in fact, on 7th July had duly received the Order in Council, but was keeping it back. Nevertheless he talked about it at his table, and was over- heard by his servants. Other chief men likewise talked. On Success, the very next estate to Le Resouvenir, and from which, more than from Le Eesouvenir itself, people attended the chapel, one of his Excellency's own servants had com- municated to Jack Gladstone, head cooper, what, as he thought, he had heard talked of at dinner, that "freedom had come out." Managers knew something, and told the mistresses they kept ; sailors knew, and talked to the slaves as they were taking in or discharging cargo. But weeks passed, and the Governor made no public sign. Twice had the Colonial Court of Policy met, but nothing had been proclaimed. So rumours got afloat ; reports, more and more exaggerated, became rife ; and it can well be supposed that, what the Governor afterwards termed, an " existing suscepti- bility," should not only be existing, as he and most other people were well aware, but that it must have been becoming keenly intensified. The idea, in fact, became prevalent that freedom, in some form, for the enslaved had indeed been ordered by the King, and that the Governor would not make 184 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, it known. On more than one occasion Mr. Smith was appealed to by individuals, whom he assured to be mistaken as to " freedom having come out ; " but said that "something was come for their good; and advised patience, therefore, nntil the Governor should see fit to make it known." Sub- sequently he expressed to two neighbouring gentlemen, both officials in the planting interest, an inclination he had, on account of the growing impatience, to make some such explanation from the pulpit ; but was cautioned " not to take anything of that sort upon himself, as it might be exaggerated to his own prejudice." Later on, the Rev. W. S. Austin, minister of St. George's Church, and chaplain to the Garrison, had been led to feel serious apprehension that something unpleasant might ensue, and spoke, accordingly, to the Governor. Six weeks elapsed; no change was made either in the long day of their unrec^uited toil, or in the cruel severity of their treatment; so the idea of something like a present-day strike, which had secretly got abroad, came, on the East Coast especially, to be more talked about and earnestly thought of by those in bondage. A boat captain, named Paris, and Jack Gladstone, the head cooper already men- tioned, neither of them more than a very occasional attend, ant at Le Resouvenir chapel, and the latter a gay, dissolute young fellow, were the two chief ringleaders in what eventu- ally assumed some appearance of a revolt. In the afternoon of Sunday, 17th August, when all services at the chapel were over for the day, a number of the last congregation went to a meeting of slaves on Success, whither they were followed by Quamina, chief deacon. Quamina lived there, was head carpenter, and father of Jack Gladstone; but with two or three of his brethren had first gone for a few minutes to the manse, as was their custom, to say "good- bye " to the minister. "With minds naturally running on the object of the slaves' PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 185 meeting, conversation in a low tone had already begun between Quamina and another when they entered the dwelling. Mr. Smith, a little distance from them at the time, overhearing the words "manager" and "new law," spoke up about their talking of such things; to whom Quamina replied, " It is nothing particular, sir ; we were only saying it would be good to send our managers to town to fetch up the new law ; " on which the minister, after at once remarking the folly of saying anything to the managers about it, as they were not the law makers, added, "that if there was anything for them they would soon hear of it, but if they behaved insolently to their managers, they would lose their religious character, and would provoke the Governor here and the Government at home ; to which Quamina again replied, "Very well, sir, we will say nothing about it, for we should be very sorry to vex the King and the people at home." Mr. Smith, who knew nothing of the meeting, and had not the least idea of any revolt, simply thought of the two men's talk as arising from that "existing susceptibility" with which nearly all the whites in the Colony, as well as the Governor himself, were well acquainted. At the slaves' meeting, which did not last many minutes, various opinions were expressed. Some were for waiting ; a simple cessation from work was most in favour by those dis- posed to take any step ; whilst a proposition to seize any guns for the purpose of self-defence, which was urged by the leaders and some others, led a number who were only for milder action to hesitate altogether. Of these was Quamina. He had so far yielded to the growing impatience of waiting, and to the opinion more and more prevailing, that something should be done to bring out official information, as to say that they should "put down shovel, hoe, and cutlass,"^ and sit down." Disposed at the end of the meeting to draw * A very common implement ; a kind of broad and loug-bladed knife with short haft, used in cutting grass, sugar-cane, &c. 186 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, back, and even, according to subsequent report, entreating afterwards his son, Jack Gladstone, with tears to refrain; eventually he may be said not to have gone beyond his own counsel, protecting his manager from hurt, and resting or rambling only on the estate or its immediate vicinity. The people separated ; part of them, including a few con- nected with the chapel, determined on something, and, more definitely still, on beginning about sundown of the next day; of course communicating this decision to others on various estates. Long, however, before sundown of Monday, 18th August, the matter became known to the authorities. A militia captain, resident in the very centre of the disturbance, heard of it, but said and did nothing; afterwards, Avlien charged with this negligence, being excused by a Court of Inquiry, on the ground of his not wishing to raise needless alarm. A planter and cavalry captain heard of it through his servant ; by ten o'clock had informed the Governor, and by one o'clock, the manager himself of Le Kesouvenir, whom he happened to meet in town. His Excellency ordered " the intelligence to be communicated to those in cliarge of the several estates along the coast, with directions to be on their guard and to secure their firearms." The manager remained in town to finish business, then to dine with a friend, not returning until after three o'clock, and not saying a word to his near neighbour, Mr. Smith. The missionary liimself had been early in town, and, as 3^et all uninformed of any intended outbreak, had by this time probably made what proved to be the last entry in his strictly private diary : — ^^ Monday, I8th August, 1823. — Early this morning I went to town to consult Dr. Eobson on the state of my health. It is ten months since I had his first advice, during which time pains and debility have been increasing. I have not indeed been obliged to take to my bed, nor to omit one public service, though it has been very difficult for xne to keep about, and more difficult for me to PIONEER MISSIONAEY TO GUIANA. 187 preach. He says cupping and blistering may ease the pain in the side, and allay the cough, but that a thorough change of air, such as a voyage to Bermuda or England, would be preferable."' At four o'clock the work on places near had already begun, and the Governor, who had mustered a detachment of Colonial cavalry, and with some other Government officials had proceeded up the coast, met about forty armed negroes, to whom, in a parley, he then and for the first time com- municated the chief particulars of what, in his own disobedi- ence to the home Government, he had so long kept back. But the little crowd distrusted him ; would not lay down their arms ; one at last firing his musket at the Governor, who thereupon immediately began a return to town. It was six o'clock when Mr. Smith got first intimation of the intended rising. As he and his devoted partner were preparing to take a short walk, a note was delivered which had been brought by one Guildford from Dochfour, an estate fourteen miles higher up the coast. It was written and signed by a fellow-slave, Jackey Eeed, who, complaining of a note he had received from Jack Gladstone, and which he enclosed ; that in it Jack Gladstone (Jack had assumed all to be of the same mind with himself) assumed that he (Jackey) had made an agreement and promises which, says Jackey, "I never did ;" concluded with the hope "that you will see to it, and inquire of the members Avliatever it is they have in view, which I am ignorant of," adding, "the time is determined on for seven o'clock to-night." These notes brought to mind what Mr. Smitli had casually overheard on the preceding day, and caused him to suspect some hidden meaning, and to apprehend that the " existing susceptibility" was about to ripen into serious mischief. Incjuiring of Guildford as to some particulars, the man appeared to know nothing about the matter. Mr. Smith thereupon told him to return with all possible haste, and tell Jackey Reed: "I am surprised, and vexed, and grieved to 188 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, find the people are meditating mischief, and hope he will endeavour to keep the people quiet, and have nothing to do with the project, whatever it may be." Just as Guildford was going away, however, it occurred to Mr. Smith that he would write, and so prevent mistake of any kind. Quickly, therefore, he pencilled in few words his ignorance of the affair ; that it was too late for inquiry, and, referring to what had been overheard, that, without asking questions, he had begged them to be quiet ; concluding, " I trust they will ; hasty, violent, or concerted measures are quite contrary to the religion we profess, and I hope you will have nothing to do with them. — Yours, for Christ's sake, J. Smith." The intended short walk, by this interruption and the consequent uneasiness, was happily made still shorter; for on returning at half-past six, they heard a great and an unusual noise, and Mr. Hamilton, the manager, in a liurried voice calling Mr. Smith to come to him. Proceeding, they found the great house besieged by forty or fifty men, all naked, armed with cutlasses, (fee, looking very fierce, and about effecting an entrance by forcing the outer doors. Mr. Smith following, asked what they wanted, and was answered by brandishing of cutlasses. On repeating his question, they replied, "the guns and our riglits." Entreating them to desist and to depart peaceably, they became furious and determined, behaving most rudely to him, but desiring him to return home, and saying, " they were not going to hurt any one, only they would have their rights.'"' The guns they soon obtained, and the manager they were intent upon put- ting into the stocks. Prevailing upon them to refrain from this, thanked by Mr. Hamilton for his friendly interposition, and unable to do more in quelling the riotous proceeding, Mr. Smith returned to his own house, whither his wife, terrified and in tears, had already repaired. On Success, the slaves had risen about an hour and a-half PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 189 before, and service like what the missionary rendered on Le Resouvenir had been rendered by Quamina ; for, said the manager, Mr. Stewart, afterwards on oath, " I did not see Quamina do anything improper ; he was keeping the rest of the people from hurting me," after which, neither as an armed man nor as a rebel, but simply as a man without work, or at last and worst as a runaway, Quamina continued on or near the estate. Similar scenes took place during the even- ing on a number of the estates, and several negroes connected with Le Resouvenir chapel were involved : but as on Le Resouvenir and Success scores, so on other properties hundreds, were simply the naked heathen, and the down- trodden, ignorant, and brutish slaves they had ever been. Tw^elve ringleaders lived on estates where none had been baptized by Mr. Smith, and the attornies of which were great enemies to the instruction of their slaves. The bene- ficial influence generally of mission work, however, was seen in the fact that, when they had the fairest opportunity of murdering every white person on the coast, the insurgents contented themselves with putting such in the stocks ; these of course being released by the troops as they arrived. Opposed on one or two plantations with firearms, the like had been used in return, and thus a white or two was killed, and three or four were wounded. " AVe will take no life," said they, "for our pastors have taught us not to take that which we cannot give;" — "A memorable peculiarity," remarked Lord Brougham, " to be found in no other passage of negro warfare in the West Indian seas." It was nine o'clock in the evening before the Governor again reached town. By midnight fresh troops were on their way up the coast, and at break of day the militia were called out, and martial law was proclaimed. The Scotch Church, its minister an earnest defender of slavery and a most bitter opponent of the missionaries, was turned into barracks, and all free people were put under arms. The Wesleyan minister 190 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, presenting himself, his services were declined, the Governor politely hinting that he might do more good in his own line of things than by handling a mnsket. The Rev. W. S. Austin proposed that Mr. Smith and himself should go amongst the people and use their joint influence as ministers of the Gospel of peace in persuading them quietly to return to their accustomed employments, wise counsel which, remarks Mr. Wallbridge, "Avas madly rejected." "An insane, unreasoning prejudice against Mr. Smith and the Missionary cause led the rulers of that day to set aside the inter- position of one who might thus have rendered them the most valuable service." Instead of this, "an immediate appeal was made to military force." During the 19th, further detachments of troops were despatched up the coast, and all united met with a large body of the negroes early on Wednesday morning at Bachelor's Adventure. A few of these had firearms, but l)y no means skill to use them ; others, cutlasses or ba^'onets fixed on poles. A parley ensued; the commander of the troops. Colonel Leahy, asking the slaves what they wanted; and they in reply, after details of hard usage, concluding, " and we hear for true that the great Buckra at home (the king) give us our freedom for true." Peremptorily refusing to lay down their arms unless certain requests for time in the week for them- selves were at once granted, which requests the Colonel said he would communicate to the Governor ; an hour was allowed them for consideration. As they still continued obstinate, the soldiers were ordered to fire ; and a conflict ensued, fatal to nearly 200 of the negroes. Several other brief skirmishes on that and the two following days took place, much to the disadvantage of the slaves ; and what of revolt existed, then ceased. Some fled into the bush, but the greater part had returned to their respective plantations and had resumed their labours. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 191 ]^ot a single white soldier lost his life, yet shocking slaughter of the negroes, and a display of horrible brutality accompanied and followed these events. Little mercy was shown. Many prisoners were wantonly shot by the militia for mere sport, and Colonel Leahy stood upon no ceremony as to trial, not less than twenty-three being put to death by his sole authority. Martial law was continued for five calendar months, and a Court Martial assembled to try prisoners, of whom there remained nearly 200. So, whilst the military were being honoured — Colonel Leahy by the Court of Policy with a vote of 200 guineas for a sword, and, jointly with the other officers of his regiment, with a vote of 500 guineas for the purchase of plate, besides a piece of plate of 350 guineas' value presented to the Colonel by people on the West Coast ; the officers of another regiment by the Court of Policy Mdtli a vote of 200 guineas, and a Lieutenant with one of fifty guineas — trials, floggings, and executions were going on incessantly. Seventeen prisoners were sentenced to lashes numbering from 200 to 1000, and to work in chains ; ten, within a week, receiving some 600 or 700, and five 1000 each, of which one received the whole, and two almost the whole, at once. More still were con- demned to death, and before the end of September, forty- seven had been executed — e.g.^ thus : — 26tli August, two ; 27th, two ; 28th, four; 6th September, six; 12th, nine, &c., &c., several being hung in chains along the East Coast road, others decapitated, and their heads stuck on poles. On 24th May, 1824, fifty prisoners still remained under sentence of death ; but the British public who had now begun to learn and, though late, to believe the true state of the case, were becoming horrified, and the bloody proceedings were arrested by orders from home. The outbreak, caused really by disobedience to his Sovereign's commands of one who had taken oath and office both as a military General and a civil Governor, cost the Colony chest more than £50,000. 192 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, But our present concern is with its results, &c., upon the work commenced here and elsewhere by the pioneer, and continued and extended in Demerara by men of like spirit. False reports and lying statements were soon afloat as to the extent to which the congregation of Le Eesouvenir chapel were involved in the attempt, but a calm and minute investigation, made in the spring of 1824 by a writer whose account is given in Appendix I. of the " Martyr of Demerara," shows that, comparing the list of persons baptized by Mr. Smith, as those who were willing to put themselves under regular Christian instruction (Mr. Smith not admitting such to the Lord's Supper until evidence was afforded of repent- ance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ), a list kept by him with the greatest exactness, not more than five or six out of about 2000, and these of no note in the con- gregation, had been executed, and only one communicant out of about 200 ; whilst on estates where there was any con- siderable proportion of these, either no outbreak occurred, or they behaved well during its continuance. How little, nevertheless, this would avail to save either the property or the agents of the mission from the fierce malignity of its enemies, who now found their opportunity for perpetrating, in the most cowardly fashion, deeds of cruel and monstrous injustice, was soon seen in the fate of poor Qiiamina. Leading deacon of the church, and universally respected among the memliers, his character is given hj this investi- o-ator as that of, " in every sense of the word, a peacemaker, and a good father, husband, and servant." On the 18th, after endeavouring to keep his son Jack from commencing proceedings, and after protecting his manager from ill-usage, he left the buildings, but, as has been already said, not the estate or its near neighbourhood. Coming on Wednesday evening, the 20th, in his ramblings to Le Resouvenir build- ings, he called at the manse, unexpectedly to Mr. Smith, when, without responding to his pastor's expression of great PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 193 grief that the people had been so wicked and mad as to revolt ; of hope that he was not concerned in it ; or to the more direct inquiries that his silence produced, as to where he had been all the time and whence he had come ; he turned round, and not having remained more than two or three minutes, he suddenly departed. In fact, his call had been made consequent upon a wish to see Quamina or Bristol (another deacon), incidentally expressed by Mrs. Smith on the previous day when conversing with a w^oman named Anchey, one of two or three persons left on Le Resouvenir, for whom she had sent to inquire of her what the people were doing, and if she thought they w^ere going to return home. Anchey appeared to be as ignorant as Mrs. Smith her- self ; who then, thinking of Quamina and Bristol as deacons, naturally spoke as she did ; not knowing any more than her husband that they were even reputed rebels, and not men- tioning the casual utterance to Mr. Smith until, the caller come and gone, he began to wonder what had brought Quamina there. A day or two more, and a reward having been offered, Quamina was shot in the bush as a runaway by an Indian. Buried then, of course % ISTo ! Despite his character and service rendered, his prayer-book and hymn-book still found in his pocket ; such, one has well noted, "was the wild savagery, called justice, then in Demerara, his dead body was dragged to the front of Success estate, and there, between two trees, he was gibbeted as a rebel, the corpse bound together with chains allowed to swing in the breeze for many months after, to the terror and disgust of every passer-by." But already the manse of the minister was shut up and silent ; private revenge having started the course which, carried on and crowned by monstrous public injustice, presented to the view of Britain and of the civilized world, what was then and for years afterwards notorious as " the case of the Missionary Smith." 194 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, No sleep came to Mrs. Smith after the disturbance on the evening of Monday the 18th, and not a soul to give any information had been near the house, when on the 19th, walking anxious and alone up and down the front part, or gallery as there called, it occurred to her to send for Anchey as we have seen ; after which she tried to get some rest. Mr. Smith occupied himself, according as his weak state would permit, in reading or writing. On Wednesday, the 20th, he penned a letter to his friend Mr. Mercer, then at Trinidad, which, after telling of the outbreak, closes thus : — " How all this will end I know not. I feel perfectly safe, not because we have so many soldiers patrolling about, but because I am conscious we have not wronged any one. Here I must come to a hasty close. You say, ' Write me a long letter.' I am too unwell to write much at a time. Dr. Robson advises me to take a trip to Bermuda, as it is too late in the season to go to England. Some remove I shall certainly make ere long, either into another climate or into the grave, and sometimes I feel indifferent as to which of the two. To leave the country just now does not appear desirable, though I shall be of little or no use here." At night Quamina came, and after saying '* how do " to Mrs. Smith, seeing Mr. Smith sitting in a room, passed on to speak to him, with the result just now told. Having heard from his wife her word to Anchey about seeing Quamina, Mr. Smith remarked — " that she was very foolish for so doing, for that from the manner in which he (Quamina) had suddenly gone away, there was no saying but that he might be also engaged in the revolt, and if that was the case he (Mr. Smith) never wished to see him." On Thursday Mr. Smith began a letter to the secretary of the Missionary Society, informing him of the condition and real causes of the sad affair. At three o'clock, however, and whilst writing, he and it received a check as final to the letter as it was amazing to the writer. Soldiers moving about in the name of peace and of protection, if to any in PIONEER MISSION AKY TO GUIANA. 195 particular, specially to the whites, were the instruments of this rude interruption and wrong. A file of militia infantry appeared, headed by a lieutenant who desired to speak with Mr. Smith. They had been sent by Mr. M'T , a doctor residing near, and holding a superior command. This Dr. M'T is remembered as one who never forgot an insult, nor forgave an injury. IS'ot that Mr. Smith had been guilty of either, but some years before a misunderstanding and consequent difference had arisen between them. The doctor was a determined enemy to the mission, and in dealing with some cases of small-pox on Le Resouvenir, had, in Mr. Smith's opinion, vexatiously pro longed his interference with slaves' attendance at chapel. Seemingly the doctor's opportunity had now come, and the errand of the soldiers was to require the missionary's presence at M'T 's, and his enrolment there as a soldier. All this, hoAvever, was, as soon appeared, a mere pretence. If the Governor's rebuff of the Wesleyan minister was not known, or John Smith's ailing condition, the revolt had begun to cease. But these facts were not needed to burst the bubble or to show the hollowness of the summons ; for, as soon as Mr. Smith objected, pleading his profession as entitling him to legal exemption ; the lieutenant, instead of marching off or taking the minister with him if he doubted the validity of the objection, proceeded to say that he had another command to execute — viz., to seal up all the minis- ter's papers. Inquiring what authority he had for this, Mr. Smith was answered, " the order of Captain M'T ." Resistance was out of the question ; all papers were sur- rendered, even to some class books which the minister requested might be left out, and the letter from Mr. Wray, received on the 16th, which Mr. Smith wished to answer. The officer and his men then went away. Nothing tells us what the lone missionary and his poor wife, when left to themselves, thought of all this. Possibly 196 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, as time went on they were beginning to deem it only another scheme of M'T 's to annoy them. And it might have come to nothing more had not Mr S n, a planter near, who was another enemy to the slaves' instruction, and a captain of cavalry, called just then at the doctor's. He could not understand the sense of security felt by Mr. Smith and his wife, "not so much because," as the missionary had written, '• we have so many soldiers patrolling about, but because I am conscious we have not wronged any one." On the contrary, when afterwards put upon his oath, S n said : — "I stated to Captain M'T that it had a very bad appear- ance, that the parson and his wife remained on an estate where the negroes were all, to a man, in a state of revolt ; and that they could not remain there, his wife especially, unless they were in collusion with those negroes so revolted ; that it more properly came under his department to have them removed from the estate, but that if he would not do so, I would by my own authority. Captain M'T said he would do so." Perhaps we can nowhere so well as in this place inter- polate the conclusion, different and better, of another actor in the scenes. The Rev. W. S. Austin, Episcopal clergyman and chaplain, had only heard of Mr. Smith's character and labours, and was not personally acquainted with him when, at the outset, he made the suggestion to the " powers that be," as we have told. Within a day or so afterwards, from some reports that were circulating, he began to fear that the missionary had been taking part in promoting the insurrection. On Wed- nesday, the 20th, however, landing at six in the morning from a schooner in which he had been sailing to a part of the coast with the object of saving life, and meeting with a number of the revolters, "in no one instance," he says, "among his numerous inquiries, did it appear or was it stated that Mr. Smith had been instrumental in the insurrection." Remark- PIONEEE MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 197 ing that little bloodshed had marked its progress, the answer was : " It is contrary to the religion we profess ; we cannot give life, and therefore we will not take it." Some weeks later, and after sitting on a Committee of Inquiry into the evidence got up against Mr. Smith, in a private letter to a friend, Mr. Austin thus writes : — " I feel no hesitation in declaring, from the intimate knowledge which my most anxious inquiries have obtained, that nothing but those religious impressions which under Providence Mr. Smith has been instrumental in fixing, nothing but those principles of the Gospel of peace which he has been proclaiming could have prevented a dreadful effusion of blood here, and saved the lives of those very persons who are now (I shudder to write it) seeking his life." Such was he who, not only at the mere whim of one neighbour, was removed from his house, but on the plea of non-compliance with the call made in pretence by another, removed to a prison, and in the following fashion : — " In about three-quarters of an hour afterwards our house was again beset with soldiers, consisting of a troop of cavalry, under the command of Mr. S n, and the company of infantry under the command of Mr. N . Mr. S n, in the foulest language and the fiercest manner, demanded why I had dared to disobey Captain M'T 's orders. 1 told him that I was entitled to an exemption from military services. 'Damn your eyes, sir,' said he, ' if you give me any of your logic, I '11 sabre you in a minute ; if you don't know what martial law is, I '11 show you,' at the same time brandishing his sabre in my face, in a menacing man- ner, and swearing that I was the cause of all this disturbance. He then called for a file of men to seize me, while others ordered my chaise to be got ready, and Mr. N , or some one by his order, I suppose, went upstairs and took away all my papers, some sealed up in a desk, and the others loose in a drawer which had been sealed. As they insisted on Mrs. Smith leaving the house, I requested Captain M'T to allow us five minutes to pack up some linen and lock up the place. But in less than three minutes, I apprehend, a file of soldiers came to the bottom of the 198 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, stairs and said to me, ' If you don't fetch Mrs. Smith, by God, sir, we will.' In this manner we were hurried away from our house and property, without being allowed time to bring away a change of clothes, or to lock up our doors. After keeping us in the road about three-quarters of an hour, they escorted us to town under a military guard." This, written the day after, and by official request for the information of Fiscal and Governor, did not save Mr. and Mrs. Smith from treatment worthy of such a commencement. Confined in a small room near a roof exposed to the burning rays of a tropical sun, with door open day and night, and Mr. Smith challenged every two hours by a sentry, at first with no needful change of apparel; for seven weeks they continued, denied pen, ink, the sight of any face except that of some prison official, or liberty to communicate in any way with the Society's Directors. Meanwhile his enemies w^ere at work, changing the charge into one of inciting to insurrection ; raking up any word or deed of his, not under martial law merely, or during the few weeks preceding, but belonging to years past, and said or done elsewhere than in the Colony, that could be made to appear suspicious; and when at last, on 13th October, he was produced for trial before a Court Martial ordered by the Governor, not only was the opportunity for challenging the legality of such a court past, but he had to hear the charges against himself whilst still destitute of a legal adviser, and, at first, seemingly, of a single white face as his friend. But he could afterwards write, " Thanks be to God, I have not been left altogether without a friend." Asking for time to obtain legal assistance, it was allowed ; and in Mr. William Arrindell, a gentleman of the Colonial bar, he found an able counsellor, also, as likewise in the Rev. W. S. Austin, a friend, both of them faithful even at the cost of present earthly prospects. Dr. Chapman too, his medical attendant in gaol, had a warm interest in his case ; and Mr. Elliott, a PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 199 brother missionary, himself in custody, after being released, put forth much effort on his behalf. Here it may be remarked that for the lengthened existence of martial law there was no necessity, and there can be no question, as Mr. Wallbridge concisely writes, — " That the erection of this military court at such a time, and for such a purpose, was most unconstitutional, illegal, and unjust, —a breach of the first principles of British law. It had no rightful jurisdiction in the case of Mr. Smith ; and had its pro- ceedings been the most unexceptionable, instead of being as they were, the most unjustifiable, still its fundamentally illegal and unconstitutional character vitiates its every act. But the Governor having, by his own wrong-doing, set the Colony in a blaze, must now have been endeavouring to make the unoffending missionary the scapegoat of his crime." But Mr. Smith had to conduct his own defence, a work which, with all his disadvantages, he did most efficiently. The trial occupied twenty-eight days, closing on the 24th of November. On the evidence, &c., adduced by the prosecu- tion, we shall presently quote the highest human opinion ; but that much of it was wholly irrelevant, some of a kind (hearsay) such as Mr. Smith was not allowed to bring for the defence, that the animus of the Court was strongly against the accused, that things said on his behalf were received with ill-favour, that the official report to the Home Govern- ment was a garbled document, are plain matters of fact. " ' When we went into the Court we were daunted, there were so many people there, and the gentlemen kept making signs and threatening the witnesses,' is the unterrified testimony, twenty- two years after, of a principal witness, who also says — ' On my conscience, I do not believe that Mr. Smith had anything to do with the rebellion.' " Worse still, revolters under sentence of death were encour- aged to utter falsehoods, which they voluntarily confessed to be such, when after all they found it availed them nothing. But the evidence at the trial does not sustain even the \ 200 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, mitigated charge (misprision of treason)"^ on whicli at length a verdict against the missionary was returned ; nor, again, was " misprision of treason " a capital offence. Yet in his prison-room, situate ahove the Court room, loud shoutings of joy heard on 24th November, indicated to the persecuted man that he was pronounced "guilty," and on the same day he was sentenced " to be hanged by the neck until dead. But the Court, under all the circumstances of the case, begs humbly to recommend the prisoner, John Smith, to mercy." Fortunately this decision had to be sent to the Home Government before further action was taken. But the prisoner was now removed to the common gaol, put in a room on the ground floor, having stagnant water underneath, with apertures admitting its pernicious miasma, and where, despite the loud complaints of his medical attendant, he was kept for seven more weeks. His disease, which all along had been gaining ground, now advanced at a rapid pace, and little hope of recovery was left when at last removal to a more healthy part of the gaol was permitted. Here, after a short and slight improvement, came a final relapse. During the time since the trial, communication with the Society had been renewed, in fact his persecutors had com- pelled Mr. Smith to draw a bill upon its funds in order to defray the expenses of trial, f But early in December Mrs. Smith and himself each wrote a letter to the secretary, he another to his old friend and former employer in London, and on 12th January, 1824, after one just to hand from the * " Aiding the rebellion because he did not tell, what by the evid- ence given on the trial, it is seen he did not know, and because he did not secure a man whom he did not hnoio to he a rebel.''' — "Demerara Martyr," p. 130. Yet Captain Spencer, who really did know of the intended outbreak hours before, and said nothing, was afterwards excused by a Court of Inquiry. t On a corner of this bill, years afterwards, the secretary found written in very small hand, the reference, 2 Cor, iv. 8, 9. PIONEER MTSSIONAEY TO GUIANA. 201 Society's treasurer and secretary, dated 19th November, 1823, Mr. Smith acknowledged it by the last letter he ever wrote. As the end drew near, Mrs. Elliott made an effort to gain admittance to the prison. Seven times had she to call at the Government office, and thirteen or fourteen days to wait before permission, and only for one day, was given. 'Now, however, the sufferer was so far gone that the strictness of prison rules in his case was relaxed, and Mrs. Elliott remained to render help. But all the constant care of his medical attendant, the great humanity of the keeper of the prison, the watchful nursing of the devoted women, could only alleviate pain and express sympathy ; for on 6 th February, 1824, just sixteen years after John Wray's first landing in the Colony to begin the work now apparently destroyed, and only three days before such news of deliverance by the Home Government reached Demerara as would at least have gratified the patient, John Smith sank, dying in great peace. Within twenty-four hours his remains were in the grave ; a short period, but not without acutely painful scenes. The First Fiscal and some members of the Government came to the room and held inquest. Difficulty arose with the doctor, who repeatedly refused to sign his deposition on the ground of its being so different from the answers he had given. Mrs. Smith's evidence also was only in part admitted ; on which Mrs. Elliott, who had at first replied, " I do not consider this a legal meeting, and do not feel bound to answer any questions ; " and had been answered by the Fiscal, "Do not you know that I have the arm of power, and can oblige you to speak ? but I should be sorry to be put to the painful necessity of so doing ; " * persisted in * He afterwards became paralyzed, and that arm of power which, writes Mrs. Tuckett, the Fiscal stretched forth to intimidate them, was thus rendered useless. It is a fact too, explain it as men may, that several ready witnesses against Mr. Smith came before long to sad and strange deaths. These will be noted as they occur. 202 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, refusing, and would only assent to corroborate what Mrs. Smith had said as to dieting and nursing, also as to the con- duct of the prison-keeper. Afterwards it was found that neither widow nor her friend was to be allowed to follow the coffin ; being the order of his Excellency, which they would not have observed had they not been told of further orders being issued to detain them until the burial was over, in case they attempted to follow. At half-past three, therefore, on the morning of the 7th, the two left the gaol to meet the coffin at the grave-side. A free negro, carrying a lanthorn, went with them, as it was quite dark. At four a head-constable called for the corpse ; the Rev. W. S. Austin, who had dared to vindicate the character of the deceased, attended and read the service, and so " somewhere in the burial ground in the centre of which St. Philip's Church now stands," the remains were interred,* amid circumstances thus touchingly detailed by James Montgomery : — " Come down, in thy profoundest gloom, Without one vagrant fire -fly's light, Beneath thine ebon arch entomb Earth, from the gaze of heaven, night ! A deed of darkness must be done. Put out the moon ! hold back the sun ! " Are these the criminals that flee Like deeper shadows through the shade ? A flickering lamp, from tree to tree, Betrays their path along the glade ; Led by a negro : — now they stand, Two trembling women hand in hand. " A grave, an open grave appears ! O'er this in agony they bend ; Wet the fresh earth with bitter tears. Sighs following sighs their bosoms rend ; These are not murderers : they have known Grief more bereaving than their own. * See "Martyr of Demerara," and "Echoes from Slave Time." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 203 " Oft through the gloom, their streaming eyes Look forth for that they fear to meet : It comes ; — they catch a glimpse ; — it flies ; Quick glancing lights ;— now trampling feet Among the rank grass, seen, heard, gone ! Return, and, in dead march, move on. " A stern procession ! gleaming arms. And spectral countenances dart, By the red torch light, wild alarms And with'ring pangs through either heart ; A corpse amidst the group is borne : A prisoner's corpse, who died last morn. " Not by the slave-lord's justice slain, That doom'd him to a traitor's death ; While royal mercy sped in vain O'er land and sea, to spare his breath ; But the frail life that warmed his clay, Man could not give, nor take away. " His vengeance and his grace, alike, Were impotent to save or kill ; He may not lift his sword to strike, Nor turn it's edge aside at will : Here, by one Sovereign act and deed, God cancell'd all that man decreed. " Ashes to ashes ! dust to dust ! That corpse is to the grave consign'd ; The scene departs ; — this buried trust The Judge of quick and dead shall find, When things that time and death have seal'd Shall be in flaming fire reveal'd. « The fire shall try thee, then, like gold, Prisoner of hope ! await the test ; And, oh ! when truth alone is told. Be thy clear innocence confest ! The fire shall try thy foes : may they Find mercy in that dreadful day ! " Sheffield, 20th July, 1824. 204 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, A carpenter and a bricklayer, negroes and members of Mr. Smith's congregation, began to fence and brick over the grave ; work stopped by the First Fiscal, who " ordered the bricks to be taken up, the railing to be torn down, and the whole frail memorial of gratitude and piety to be destroyed." "As they began, so they concluded," afterwards remarked Sir James Macintosh, " and at least it must be owned that they were consistent in their treatment of the living and "of the dead." Mr. Wray, who as we shall presently see, had his own share of trouble and danger in Berbice, " afterwards saw the grave, and had a piece of board with the initials J. S. painted on it, hoping some day to be able to raise a better monument, but he died before that day came." " He entirely believed in Mr. Smith's innocence. The feeling against my father in Demerara was quite as bitter, nothwithstanding which, he would have gone and stood by Mr. Smith, but Governor Beard refused him a pass, without which no one could leave Berbice. The Governor told him his enemies were looking out, and had declared if they could only catch him 'they would tar and feather him.' When matters were quieted down he got leave and went, I think before Mr. Smith died, but was not permitted to see him. After his death my father went again and saw Mrs. Smith before she left the Colony. She gave my father Fox's ' Book of Martyrs.' I remember Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and have it now. We brought it to England as it was her gift." (Mrs. Tuckett's second and third letters.) Mr. Elliott of the West Coast, after being detained prisoner, was compelled to leave the Colony. A letter which he had addressed to the Society's treasurer was taken from his person, and not until a copy of it was forwarded by circuitous means, had the Directors information of the real circumstances in which their agents were placed. His chapel, as also that on the East Coast, were arbitrarily appro- priated by others. Mr. Davies who, returning from England, landed shortly after the revolt, was so discountenanced and opposed, deserted too by many of his flock, that he sank PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 205 discouraged, and, after a short illness, died in April, 1826. Thus dealt the violent slavery party, in their hector and the heyday of their seeming triumph, with the missionary work. Like one of the country's pythons, fabulous in size and anew emerged from the bush ; its head in the prison mouthing its victim, its enormous folds encircling the property, its tail sweeping away or scattering former attendants and friends, the monster stretched its huge length along the coast, to receive at last, however, its death-wound, though to remain for years in rottenness and decay, exhaling a fetid odour that nauseated every true free man who came nigh. ** Recommendation to mercy " was no small disappointment to the many who expected and desired speedy execution. But when the mail of 9th February arrived, remitting the sentence, requiring John Smith's transmission to England, and superseding Governor Murray by the appointment of Sir Benjamin D 'Urban as Governor, amazing offence was given to these persecutors. Meetings were held ; strong feelings of indignation were expressed ; a resolution to present the Gover- nor with plate of 1200 guineas' value, "in memorial of the late happy suppression of the revolt," was passed; also a resolu- tion " that the Court of Policy be forthwith petitioned to expel all missionaries from the Colony, and to pass a law prohibit- ing the admission of any missionary preachere for the future." The meeting at which this latter passed was held " under the approving sanction of Governor Murray," and the resolution, aimed more particularly at the London Missionary Society, was opposed by only four gentlemen present. But nothing could exceed the virulence of planters and press shown at that date towards missionary work, unless it were the virulence of their friends and party in Britain. To say the least, this did not come far short, and, preventing for months any word other than their own reaching this country, all had an opportunity much to their taste, of which they swiftly took full advantacce. 206 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Filling the land with assertions of Smith's guilt, and with abuse of missions and of the Missionary Society, a storm arose, and the Directors were without advice. The Society's November Chronicle could but entreat members to suspend judgment. December found them in the same plight, as only letters from Mr. Wray had been received, and these said nothing of Demerara. But the despotic faction in Berbice had evidently caught the fever, and Mr. Wray had been in peril through charges brought against himself, such and so brought as to lead to his being summoned before Governor Beard, who, at Mr. Wray's instance, ordered an official investigation. This resulted in a letter, written by his Excellency's command, entirely exonerating the mission- ary. The anxious Directors reasoned therefore that thus it may prove elsewhere. They had confidence in their men ; and as John Smith at his trial was seeking to vindicate the Society whatever befell himself, so did they withhold vindi- cating the Society apart from the defence of their mission- aries. " They believed in a day when the vindication of the mission- aries would wipe away all the opprobrium thrown upon the Society, and judged it their duty to wait with confidence and calmness till it came." * Against the anti-slavery party the outcry was both longer and louder. With the exception of Granada, St. Vincent's, and St. Kitt's, all our West Indian possessions had received the despatches of Government with vehement indignation, shared largely by sympathizers on home shores ; and as news from these Colonies would arrive at about one and the same time, the sadder tidings of revolt in Demerara, which followed in a few weeks, came as a climax, and produced an outburst before which even the Government quailed. Great indeed were the disappointment and grief of the anti-slavery leaders. * "Martyr of Demerara," p. 158. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 207 " Their luke-warm partisans left them at once, and joined in the loud outcry. They were denounced as the causes of the dis- affection of the Colonists, and the disorders among the slaves. The people at large did not remember how gentle a remedy was proposed by Mr. Buxton, that all parties in England had agreed as to its prudence, and that only the wilfulness and prejudice of the Colonists caused these unhappy results." But to Mr. Buxton, angry reproaches were as nothing com- pared with the mortification experienced on finding that the Government were determined to forfeit the pledge which Mr. Canning had given. Prospects were wretched. Difficulties abounded. The small party was furiously attacked on every side. Hardly more than half-a-dozen could be counted staunch friends in the Commons' House. The weight of business that ensued Avas overwhelming. But occasional messages from praying and true friends came to cheer ; letters, too, began to arrive, casting a different light on matters. Mr. Buxton had never flinched ; and now he and his party determined to move onwards, whatever came of it. So, with further tidings, determined also the Missionary Directors. In a letter to his wife the former writes : — "As to the Demerara insurrection, we have a capital case. Smith is innocent. I am in excellent spirits, and hold my head very high in the matter, and mean to be rather bold in my defence." Again to J. J. Gurney : — " I have been reading Smith's trial. If ever I speak on that subject, as I surely will, it will be without qualifying circum- stances. He is as innocent as you are." Eeplying to Mr. Canning in debate on 1 6th March, when Mr. Canning " informed the House that the Government was determined to compel the amelioration only in Trinidad," Mr. Buxton fearlessly attacked the Government for its vacillating conduct. He read over the resolutions of the 208 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, year before, which he justly denominated "a distinct pledge given by Government that the condition of the slave popula- tion should be ameliorated." He added : — " I well know the difficult situation in which I stand. No man is more aware than I am of my inability to follow the brilliant and able speech which has just been delivered. But I have a duty to perform, and I will perform it. I know well what I incur by this. I know how I call down upon myself the violent animosity of an exasperated and most powerful party. I know how reproaches have rung in my ears since that pledge was given, and how they will ring with tenfold fury now that I call for its fulfilment. Let them ring ! I will not purchase for myself a base indemnity with such a sting as this on my conscience — You ventured to agitate the question ; a pledge was obtained ; you were therefore to be considered the holders of that pledge, to which the hopes of half-a-million of people were linked. And then, fearful of a little unpopularity, and confounded by the dazzling eloquence of the right honourable gentleman, you sat still, you held your peace, and were satisfied to see his pledge in favour of a whole archipelago reduced to a single island." He concluded his speech, in which he laid bare a series of acts of atrocious cruelty in the treatment of the negroes, by stating distinctly, — " What I have now said I have said from a sense of public duty. I have no hostility to the planters. Compensation to the planter, emancipation to the children of the negro — these are my desires, this is the consummation, the just and glorious consummation on which my hopes are planted, and to which, as long as I live, my most strenuous eflForts shall be directed."* He was well supported by Dr. Lushington, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Wilberforce. But leaving the steps taken and measures proposed in con- nection with slave emancipation, we confine our present notice to action in defence and vindication of the missionary^ A motion for the production of a copy of the minutes of the * Life, &c., pp. ] 28, 129. PIONEER MISSIONAEY TO GUIANA. 209 trial and other papers relating thereto, was agreed to in the House of Commons. Though but imperfect as compared with the copy furnished to the Missionary Society by the prisoner's counsel, Mr. Arrindell, the papers were sufficient to convince many of his innocence. Fully convinced themselves, the Directors prepared a petition for revision of the proceedings of the Court Martial and repeal of the unjust sentence. This was presented to the House, 24tli April, 1824. As correct information was spread throughout the country, its influence soon became apparent. The tide began to turn. Special donations were forwarded to the Missionary Society, as a sort of atonement for expressions of resentment against the supposed criminal. Meetings were held, resolutions published, and petitions agreed to in every part of England, 200 of which last were presented to Parliament in eleven days j all witnessed to the intense and favourable interest now awakened ; and the dis- cussion of the case in the House of Commons, a case which, Mr. Canning himself affirmed, "all parties agreed was the most painful ever discussed within these walls," was awaited with more than ordinary solicitude by the public at large. On 1st June, therefore, the day appointed for Lord Brougham (then Henry Brougham, Esq.) to bring forward his motion respecting "the missionary Smith," the gallery of the House, opened at an unusually early hour, was instantly filled. Immense crowds unable to gain admission occupied avenues, and the House itself was more crowded than on any previous night of the session. The diminished band of Abolitionist members, eminent men however, held well together; Mr. Wilberforce, eight weeks confined to a sick chamber, leaving it to be present. A better case and cause they could not have had, painful as the subject and circum- stances were, and skilful as needed to be the lawyer and advocate who should clearly disentangle the web of falsehood and sophistry, and then worthily display the whole with r 210 LIFE OF JOHN WPvAY, its horrid accompaniment of brutality, to the gaze of an astonished and growingly indignant people. But Mr. Brougham, who, unsolicited, had undertaken the work, proved quite equal to the occasion. His opening speech, well on to four hours in length, and his final reply were amongst his greatest and most successful efforts. Both are published with an introduction written, it is believed, by himself ;* and if nothing else of the history, trial, and debate is perused, these should certainly be read. Here we can give only short extracts on two or three points. The case as a whole : result of an experiment : — " It will be my duty to examine the charge preferred against the late Mr. Smith, and the whole of the proceedings founded on that charge. And in so doing, I have no hesitation in saying that from the beginning of those proceedings to their fatal termination, there has been committed more of illegality, more of the violation of justice — violation of justice in substance as well as in form — than in the whole history of modern times, I venture to assert, was ever before witnessed in any inquiry that could be called a judicial proceeding. I have tried the experiment upon every person with whom I have had an opportunity of conversing on the subject of these proceedings in Demerara, as well members of the profession to which I have the honour of belong- ing, as others acquainted with the state of affairs in our Colonies, and I have never met with one who did not declare to me that the more the question was looked into, the greater attention was given to its details, the more fully the whole mass was sifted ; the more complete was his assent to the conviction that there was never exhibited a greater breach of the law, a more daring violation of justice, a more flagrant contempt of all those forms by which law and justice were wont to be administered, and under which the perpetrators of ordinary acts of judicial oppres- sion are wont to hide the nakedness of their crimes." After reviewing at length the nature of the court, individuals composing it, kinds of evidence and manner of proceeding, comes the summary : — * A copy forms Appendix 5 to "The Martyr of Demerara." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 211 "But, in truth, there is not a tittle of evidence that Mr Smith knew of the revolt, while there is abundant proof that he took especial measures and watchful care to tell all he did know to the proper authorities, the managers of the estate. The Court then having no jurisdiction to sit at all in judgment upon this preacher ot the Gospel-their own existence as a court of justice bein- wholly without the colour of lawful authority-tried him for things which, had they ever so lawful a title to try him were wholly beyond their commission ; and of these things no evidence was produced upon which any man could even suspect his c^uilt It the jurisdiction had been ever so unquestionable, and the accused had been undeniably within its range. But in spite of all the facts; m spite of his well-known character and upright conduct ; it was necessary that he should be made an example for certain purposes; it was necessary that the missionaries should be taught in what an undertaking they had embarked ; that they should be warned that it was at their peril they preached the Gospel, that they should know it was at the hazard of their lives that they opened the Bible to their flocks; and therefore it was that the Court Martial deemed it expedient to convict Mr Smith and to sentence him to be hanged by the neck until he was dead.'' What means the " recommendation to mercy " ? "Who propagated those reports? Certainly not Mr Smith The negroes naturally flocked together to inquire whether the reports were true or not, and Mr. Smith immediately communi- cated to their masters his apprehensions of what he had always supposed possible, seeing the oppression under which the slaves laboured, and knowing that they were men. But it is said, that at six o'clock on the Monday evening, one half hour before the rebellion broke out, he did not disclose what he could not have known before-namely, that a revolt was actually about to commence. Now, taking this fact for the sake of argument to be proved to its fullest extent,* I say that a man convicted of misprision cannot by the law be hanged. The utmost possible vengeance of the law, according to the wildest dream of the highest prerogative lawyer, could not amount to anything like a * A point afterwards well examined and disposed of by Mr Brougham in Lis closing speech. 212 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, sanction of this. Such I assert the law to be. I defy any man to contradict my assertion that, up to the present hour, no English lawyer ever heard of misprision of treason being treated as a capital offence, and that it would be just as legal to hang a man for a common assault. But if it be said that the punishment of death was awarded for having aided the revolt, I say the Court did not, could not, believe this ; and I produce the conduct of the judges themselves to confirm what I assert. They were bold enough in trying, and convicting, and condemning the victim whom they had lawlessly seized upon ; but they trembled to execute a sentence so prodigiously illegal and unjust ; and having declared that in their consciences, and on their oaths, they deemed him guilty of the worst of crimes, they all in one voice add that they also deem him deserving of mercy in respect of his guilt ! Is it possible to draw any other inference from this marvellous recommendation than that they distrusted the sentence to which it was attached 1 When I see them affrighted by their own proceedings— starting back at the sight of what they had not scrupled to do — can I give them credit for any fear of doing injustice, they who from the beginning to the end of their course had done nothing else? Can I believe that they paused upon the consummation of their work from any motive but a dread of its consequences to themselves; a recollection, tardy indeed, but appalling, that 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed ?' And not without reason, not without irrefragable reason did they take the alarm, for, verily, if they had perpetrated the last act— if they had dared to take this innocent man's life (one hair of whose head they durst not touch), they must themselves have died the death of the murderer ! Monstrous as the whole proceedings were, and horrid as the sentence that closed them, there is nothing in the sentence from first to last so astounding as this recommendation to mercy, coming from persons who affected to believe him guilty of such enormous crimes. If he was proved to have committed the offence of exciting the slaves to acts of bloodshed, how unspeak- ably aggravated was his guilt compared with that of the poor untutored slaves ! How justly might all the blood that was shed be laid upon his head ! How fitly, if mercy was to prevail, might his deluded instruments be pardoned, and himself alone PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 213 singled out for vengeance as the author of their crimes ! Yet they are cut off in hundreds by the hand of justice, and he is deemed an object of compassion ! ''By the negroes, indeed, little blood has been shed at any period of the revolt, and in its commencement none at all; altogether only one person was killed by them. In this remark- able circumstance, the insurrection stands distinguished from every other movement of this description in the history of Colonial society. The slaves, inflamed by false hopes of freedom, agitated by rumours, and irritated by the suspense and ignorance in which they were kept, exasperated by ancient as well as by more recent wrongs (for a sale of fifty or sixty of them had just been announced, and they were about to be violently separated and dispersed), were satisfied with combining not to work, and thus making their managers repair to the town, and ascertain the precise nature of the boon reported to have arrived from England. The calumniated minister had so far humanized his poor flock, his dangerous preaching had so enlightened them, the lessons of himself and his hated brethren had sank so deep in their minds, tliat, by the testimony of the clergyman, and even of the over- seers, the maxims of the Gospel of peace were upon their lips in the midst of rebellion, and restrained their hands when no other force was present to resist them. 'We will take no life,' said they, ' for our pastors taught us not to take that which we cannot give ; ' a memorable peculiarity to be found in no other passage of negro warfare within the West Indian seas, and which drew from the truly pious minister of the Established Church the exclamation that ' He shuddered to write that they were seeking the life of the man whose teaching had saved theirs.' But it was deemed fitting to make tremendous examples of these unhappy creatures. Considerably above a hundred fell in the field, where they did not succeed in putting one soldier to death. A number of the prisoners also, it is said, were hastily drawn out at the close of the affray and instantly shot. How many in the whole have since perished by sentences of the Court does not appear ; but up to a day in September, as I learn by the Gazette which I hold in my hand, forty-seven had been executed. A more horrid tale of blood yet remains to be told. Within the short space of a week, as appears by the same document, ten had been 214 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, torn to pieces by the lash : some of these had been condemned to six or seven hundred lashes ; five to one thousand each ; of which inhuman torture one had received the whole, and two almost the whole at once. Look now to the incredible inconsistency of the authorities by whom such retribution was dealt out, while they recommend him to mercy, whom in the same breath they pro- nounced a thousand times more guilty than the slaves. Can any man doubt for an instant that they knew him to be innocent, but were minded to condemn, stigmatize, and degrade him, because they durst not take his life, and yet were resolved to make an example of him as a preacher ? " The great aim of Smith's opponents : — "The whole proceedings demonstrate the hatred of his persecutors to be levelled at his calling and his ministry. Nay, for teaching obedience to the law which commands to keep holy the Sabbath, he is directly, and without any disguise, branded as the sower of sedition. Upon this overt act of rebellion, against all law, human and divine, a large portion of the prosecutor's invectives and of his evidence is bestowed ? What though the reverend defendant showed clearly, out of the mouths of his adversary's witnesses, that he had uniformly taught the negroes to obey their masters, even if ordered by them to break the rest of the Sabbath ; that he had expressly inculcated the maxim, * Nothing is wrong in you which your master commands ; and nothing amiss in him which necessity prescribes 1 ' What though he reminded the Court that the seventh day, which he was charged with taking from the slaves, was not his to give or to withhold ; that it had been hallowed by the Divine Lawgiver to His own use, and exempted in terms from the work of slave as well as master, of beast as well as man ? He is arraigned as a promoter of discontent, because he, the religious instructor of the negroes, enjoins them to keep the Sabbath holy when their owners allow them no other day for working ; because he, a minister of the Gospel, preaches a duty prescribed by the laws of religion and by the laws of the land, while the planters live in the contempt of it. In short, no man can cast his eye upon this trial without perceiving that it was intended to bring on an issue between the system of the slave-law and the instruction of the negroes." PIONEER MISSIONAEY TO GUIANA. 215 Sir James Macintosh followed on the same side, Govern- ment meeting the motion by a direct negative, and an adjournment was agreed to. Such, however, was the effect already of the debate that the ministry again quailed, and on its resumption, finding they were in peril of a defeat; though to prevent an incon- venient rupture with the West India interest, opposition was not withdrawn, and a simple act of justice allowed to proceed ; Mr. Canning substituted " the previous question." This was done after powerful speeches by Dr. Lushington, Mr. J. "Williams,^ Mr. Wilberforce, and Mr. T. Denman.t Dr. Lushington, after analyzing the evidence, remarked : — " And yet on such evidence did they, after five days' delibera- tion, sentence him to the punishment of death ; on such evidence did the Governor of the Colony, to his eternal shame and everlasting disgrace, sanction the sentence. No honest jury ever pronounced such a sentence as that which the Court Martial at Demerara pronounced upon Mr. Smith, and it could have emanated from nothing but the most virulent spirit of prejudice. They Inowingly and wilfully gave a false verdict." He then, reading extracts from the public journals, exposed the hateful spirit existing in Demerara. \ Mr. Wilberforce rose amid loud and long-continued cheer- \ ing, and made, in vindication of the missionary's character, an impressive address, his last speech in the House. When Mr. Canning, with an eloquent attempt to soften down matters, had moved "the previous question"; Sir Joseph Yorke expressed his opinion that it was only an eloquent apology, but no defence. Mr. Brougham then closed with a most powerful and eloquent reply, involving a scathing exposure of the assumptions, speculations, sugges- tions offered in excuse ; and on a division 146 voted for his motion, 193 against. * Afterwards a Judge hi the Court of Queen's Bench, t Afterwards Lord Chief Justice. 216 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, But though lost in outward form, it was felt that a victory of no ordinary value had been achieved. "The discussion had an extreme and powerful effect in changing the current of public opinion. The nation which before had shared the consternation of the Government, began to awaken to the truth. Henceforth the religious public in England was strongly enlisted on behalf of the oppressed missionaries and their persecuted followers.* *The Missionary Smith's Case' became a watch- word and a rallying cry with all the friends of religious liberty, as well as the enemies of West Indian slavery. The measures of the abolitionists all over the country became more bold and decided, as their principles commanded a more general and warmer concurrence. All saw that at the fetters of the slave a blow was at length struck which must, if followed up, make them fall off his limbs for ever." t An earnest of this appeared only four days after the debate, when, 15th June, Mr. Wilberforce renewing the subject, a promise was wrested from the Government to uphold the Order in Council at St. Lucia and Demerara, as well as Trinidad. It only remains to add that Mrs. Smith, on her arrival in England, was met with tokens of esteem and affection by Christians of every name. Provision was made for her support by a life-annuity, purchased with a sum generously contributed for the purpose. This, however, was not long needed, she surviving her husband but four years and four days, which were spent chiefly with highly esteemed friends in London. 31st January, 1828, in a very debilitated condition, she went to Rye on the Sussex coast, but had no sooner arrived than it became plain that the end could not be far off. On Lord's day, 10th February, in great peace and in the full faith of Christ as her Saviour and Lord, she passed away, being only in her thirty-fourth year. The mission work checked in Demerara, had not even * Life of Buxton, p. 131. t " Martyr of Demerara," Appendix 5. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 217 then been resumed ; 1828 about closing before this was done ; but the sentence upon her devoted husband as di felon and to ^feloris death, though one of the best of men, and long now universally accounted innocent, still remains unrepealed ! — "though unexecuted; sanctioned, nay, adopted by the Government of this country, because suffered to remain unrescinded " (Brougham). CHAPTER VI. INSURRECTION IN DEMERARA, TO VISIT OF MR. AND MRS. WRAY TO ENGLAND. August 1823— April 1831. Effects upon Berbice and Mission there — Attitude of Whites — Governor Beard, a Friend — Wray a chief Sufferer — False Charge-— Destruction of Mission Premises — Sympathetic Aid from Enyland — Second False Charge — Letter to Mr. Brougham — Attempt to silence Wray — Memorial to Home Government — Base Slanders — Letters from Wray to Governor— Duplicity and Meanness of Whites — Intervieivs loith Gover- nor — Disfavour, d:c., of Whites — Encouragements by Governor — Good News from Abroad — Adherence of Negroes, d-c. — Pastor^ s Fidelity — Birth of Twelfth Child — Missionary's spiritual Condition — Virulence of Slavery Press—Memorial disapproved — Escape from Berbice Council — Happy Results of Labours — Pupils from High Places — Deaths among Persecutors — Signs of Progress — Use of Anniversary Days — Rcvieio of Doctrines held, and of Pulpit Work. That Berbice should afterwards be the first to Ivnow and feel the shock of these events, goes without saying. Its sea coast a continuation of the Demerara East Coast, though the outburst itself did not extend beyond Mahaica Creek, intelli- gence thereof would in a few hours have reached the Abary, and as many minutes would suffice to bear the news across. Unhappily, the malignant spirit and violent reprisals of the slavery party found too large and continuous a sympathy in Berbice ; and the meanness of the whites generally for some time to come, towards the missionary and mission work, became almost incredible. They could not have been 218 PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 219 exceeded unless it were by the fresh outburst of licentious- ness and of heathen revellings which seems to have taken place. In these respects there was little to choose between the two Colonies ; and nothing more likely to bring either to ruin or to cause fresh and far more widely-spread thoughts of insurrection. The language of the press, the bickerings of proprietors and officials, yet the almost complete una- nimity with which they rejected the proposals of philan- thropy, opposed the presence of missionaries, and repelled co-operation with any not their own colour ; betokened ill for the settlement and peace of communities already in a state of panic, and in which the word " freedom " was not to be spoken. Had such beneficent agencies been completely withdrawn, and had the Home Legislature, whose Ordi- nances were so resented, recalled its regiments and ships of war, leaving the slave holders to themselves; where then, with all their bluster and bitterness, would these men have been ? Humanly speaking, but for the presence in Berbice of a Governor ready to respect the Avishes of the Home Govern- ment, wise to carry them out, impartial to hear the accused as well as the accuser, and ever willing, as far as was right, to befriend the missionary ; the mission there — notwith- standing years of labour by the agent, his high and long tested character, the many deeds of kindness shown by him- self and his equally devoted partner in life, towards any in need, whether bond or free, and without respect to age or colour, rank or occupation — would have been made as desolate as that in the adjoining Colony. Even as it was, Mr. Wray, with his wife and growing family, could but hold on to what was immediately at hand ; other work near having to remain in abeyance for awhile : and the work in Demerara for years to be let alone, until much quieter times. This, relying on an all-wise and gracious God, with strength vouchsafed according to his day, he succeeded in 220 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, doing. Billow after billow, the effects of the storm, long continued to roll on. John Wray met each and surmounted it; not swamped, nor wrecked, nor driven from his moorings. But among the sufferers from the sad events of 1823, we find a chief one in him who, amid his own perils and wrongs and losses, had to hear, from week to week and month to month, of cruel wrong to much-loved brethren, himself unable to render aid ; then of their removal entirely, and of the destruction largely of the work, both his and theirs. He had to hear of all, as his copious private diary shows, with the sensitive heart of one who loved and cherished the mission as his own soul ; and, with a tender affection long accustomed to sympathize with others, " in all their affliction himself to be afflicted ; " whilst fully conscious of his own imperfections and frailties, the uprising within of " passion's storms both loud and high," that had to be controlled, happily were so, despite most grievous provocations. Thus several years passed • but, when gone, and happier oppor- tunities had returned, how many, friends and foes alike, had been removed from the scene ! The first piece of mischief followed closely upon news received of Demerara doings. It consisted of the lying rumours and false charge referred to by the Directors, as we have seen, in their December Chi'onicle^ and it exposed Mr. Wray to much unmerited reproach. At the Governor's request he had, weeks before, publicly in the chapel, ex- plained to the slaves attending, all that concerned themselves in the Orders in Council that had been received. With some aggravating additions, the report and charge now were that he had been inviting such to a private meeting for the purpose of communicating important intelligence from England. His prompt response to the Governor's summons, and his request for a thorough investigation; the inquiry itself, with the resulting complete and official vindication of PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 221 liis character, were all over in time for their being reported to the Directors by a mail leaving early in September. JSIot more than a fortnight then elapsed before the next blow fell. It was indeed a heavy one, and its effects were much less easily repaired. I On 22nd September, his twice-enlarged chapel and new ; school-house were consumed to ashes, and his dwelling- house, scarcely saved, received much damage. Mrs. Tuckett, then twelve years old, was a witness of the scene, and unhesitatingly affirms it to have been a piece of incendiarism : certainly the words and deeds of some present were worthy of such a crime. She writes in her first letter : — ; " This chapel was burnt down at the time of the Insurrection in Demerara. It was no accident, for there was no dwelling- house near, only a small cottage, uninhabited, at some distance from the chapeL That was set on fire ; it was blazing hot sun, no water near, the white people rushing about, crying out, ' Down with chapel and the house ; ' ' Seize his papers ! ' such a wild confusion I shall never forget. My poor father stood opposite the chapel with arms folded and lips firmly compressed until it was burnt out (for it did not take long) ; he said not a word ; it was no use seeking redress. This was a terrible time : I remem- ber it well. Providentially the Governor (Beard) was his friend, also the Fiscal, whose wife mother had been kind to in sickness, and she was much attached to her. " The under part of our house was again fitted up, and there the teaching went on. God blessed the words spoken, and this satisfied him ; but, like righteous Lot in Sodom, his soul was daily vexed at all he saw and heard of iniquity, oppression, and cruelty, heartrending cruelty." The safety of his house must already have been seen to, as only by the most vigorous measures, including ejectment through the window of all his books and tracts, was it secured ; and not until nothing more could be done was John Wray a man thus to stand. But when, the fire out, no further fear of its spread remained, there would come enough 222 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, to be done, and all the more upon himself now that he was so ignored, where not worse treated, by his white neighbours. Thankful then for the preservation of life, his OAvn and that of wife and children, also for a dwelling spared in great measure ; he would, among his first works, have to plan accommodation of some sort for scholars and worshippers, and to see to its speedy execution. What arrangement was made, Mrs. Tuckett has already told us. To send the sad intelligence home would be no second thing. The information arrived after the long and anxious suspense of waiting for word from their Demerara mission- aries had been ended ; and it of course only deepened the Society's sympathy and the sympathy which had begun to spread throughout the country. Five hundred pounds promptly voted him by the Directors toward new buildings cheered him in return not a little, as did also the attitude of Christians and of the nation generally, now being roused to indignation at the tidings each mail brought from Guiana. But as yet he had to pass on cautiously, content with much smaller things than had been his, and quietly doing the little he could as opportunity offered. For, diminished though they had become, neither he nor his remaining work were yet out of danger. In common with the Demerara missionaries, Mr. Wray was slandered as having extorted money from the slaves in the sale of publications and in other ways. Sti^ange as it may seem, the persecutors of Mr. Smith relied upon this as one means of helping on their case to a verdict of "guilty." Friends in England, preparing for their great attempt in Parliament to vindicate their martyred agent and themselves, needed all the reliable testimony that could be adduced. A letter dated 27th April, 1824, and addressed to ;Mr. B. (presumably Mr. Brougham) contains what the pioneer has to say. Part of it is here quoted almost verbatim. PIONEKR MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 223 " Along with the Catechisms, the Directors request I send yon the plain Sermon on the Duties of Slaves, &c., preached on Sunday Evening, 7th October, 1815, in New Amsterdam. Not- withstanding the vile misrepresentations and false assertions of the anti-mission party, I can truly affirm that for the space of sixteen years I have taught no doctrines or principles contrary to those contained in the discourse, and that I have hundreds of times impressed the substance of them upon the attention of the slaves of these Colonies ; directing them, however, at all times to Jesus ' the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world ' ; and who alone can save them and enable them to perform these duties in a way which will be pleasing to God. "As we have been charged with selling books to the negroes and extorting money from them, I would observe that I have distributed about 200 Common Prayer Books, a few of which have been sold at one guilder (Is. 4d.) each, while Prayer Books are sold at stores at six to twelve guilders each. I have also dis- tributed a great number of Homily Tracts, perhaps as many as any clergyman in the West Indies. With respect to Bibles and Testaments, I have sold about 170, and distributed gratis about 240 : a large number in a country where so few can read. I have supplied bond and free ; sailors and soldiers ; prisoners and scholars with Bibles, Prayer Books, Homilies and Tracts. To the Bible Society I account for the Bibles I sell, and remit them the money. They have been sold much cheaper than Bibles can be purchased at a store ; at from three guilders to twelve, according to the size, value, and to the ability of the purchaser. I believe twenty-two guilders, or a Joe, is a common price for a Bible at a store. There is not one to be had at present. As to Spelling books I have generally had that of the Sunday School Union, which I think upon the whole is the best for the negroes. Besides what the Directors have sent, I have had about 1500 out on my own account, a few of which have been sold at one bit (4d.) a piece, the smallest money we have, to assist in paying for the rest : but hucksters and stores sell Spelling books for from six bits to three guilders. Catechisms, with very few exceptions, have been given by me ; also Watts's Divine Songs. " Now, I know not how this can be called extorting money from the negroes. 224 LIFE OF JOHN WE AY, " It appears from the Parliamentary Keports that man} of the Clergy of the Islands, particularly Jamaica, have a dollar (4s. 2d.) a head for baptizing slaves, sometimes more, and that this is often paid out of the slaves' own pockets. I am not aware that Mr. Smith or any of the missionaries receive anything of the kind : what would be said of them if they did ? " As instances, Mr. Wray adduces one clergyman in Jamaica who informs the Governor of having baptized 5000, and of expecting in about three months to baptize the rest of his parish, which numbers about 24,000 ; the fee being 2s. 6d. each, and the masters paying it : another who states he had baptized nearly 3000 in one year, the fee being 2s. 6d., paid sometimes by the master, sometimes by the slave : another who states that for twenty-three slaves baptized on estates, he had received two dollars each, paid by the master ; for forty -four baptized in church, four bits each ; and for five baptized in church, two bits each, paid by the slaves : a fourth case runs — 2032 baptized in 3 J years, fee 2s. 9d. or 2s. 6d. ; the clergyman stating that the fee is frequently paid by the slaves. " Such clergymen," adds Mr. Wray, " the good people in Demerara want." Such clergymen, it may here be remarked, the people, or rather the whites of Demerara, in excuse for opposing and expelling the missionaries, soon obtained, as some years afterwards did those of Berbice ; paying them liberal stipends out of the Colony-chest ; clergymen, however, who, as a rule at that time, were of a character not particularly high, and who did little or nothing to instruct those in bondage ; whatever number might go through the form of baptism at their hands. At the date of the letter just quoted, Mr. Wray was engaged in repelling an attack of another kind, which came to his knowledge about the beginning of April, but the result of which was not finally known until the 18th of August. It would seem as if, disappointed in not getting PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 225 rid of the missionary by the burning of his chapel and in preventing all likelihood of its re-erection, his enemies were determined upon silencing the man himself. On 10th April, the entry is : — " The people called Christians still imagine a vain thing and take counsel against the Lord and His blessed Gospel. It seems to me that many of them are like the Jews of old who are filling up their sins by forbidding us to speak to the poor Gentile Negroes that they may be saved. May God have mercy upon them ! " I find a memorial has been drawn up against me and signed by a great number of people — chiefly overseers, trades-people, managers, &c. ; and is to be presented to the Governor in Council, to obtain, if possible, my suspension from preaching. I am well aware that the Governor will sanction no such thing, but I thought it proper to write him that he might be on his guard. In the evening he sent his servant to say that he had got my letter, that it was very good, and that I need not trouble myself. Though I do not fear these men, yet I certainly feel it much after labouring sixteen years in these Colonies, in some measure with a conscience void of ofience to God and man, and then to meet with such treatment as this from those people whose good I am seeking, many of whom were schoolboys when I first arrived here, and others hardly able to speak. But the servant cannot expect to be above his Master. If they persecute Jesus, they will persecute His servant. my God ! do Thou change the hearts of mine enemies, and remove every obstacle out of the way of the preaching of Thy blessed Gospel." Mr. Wray, who has preserved copies of his letter and sub- sequent short notes to the Governor, after referring to the signatures as being, some of persons quite ignorant of him, and other some of parties already convicted of slander or misconduct toward himself, proceeds in his letter of 8th April : — " Ten years ago the Crown agent was called upon by a planter to give his private assistance in getting that fellow Wray out of the Colony who, he says, 'would not care one farthing if we Q 226 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, were all killed in a day * ; but, after ten years, not an individual has been injured by him. If I have broken the laws of the Colony, I am liable to be punislied by them ; but I solemnly jjrotest against such measures as I understand are now in agita- tion against me and to be submitted to your Excellency and the honourable the Council of Government. I am sure indeed that your Excellency, as a British Governor and as the representative of our beloved King, who, like his venerable father, will maintain the Toleration inviolable and suffer no persecution for conscience sake, will never sanction such proceedings. It is not necessary for me to state to your Excellency that the Toleration laws travel with the British Flag into all the dependencies of the British Crown, and that I am, as a British subject (a name in which I glory), and as a Protestant minister, as much entitled by the Toleration Act to preach the Gospel of Christ as the Archbishop of Canterbury. " As to the Directors of the Missionary Society consisting of all denominations of Christians, they are in general men of as exemplary piety, learning, talents, and respectability as Great Britain has produced. As a Society they are entirely uncon- nected with any political party whatever ; their whole object is to spread the Gospel of Christ. It is true that sometimes, through the opposition of 'unreasonable men,' they are obliged to lay their complaints before the King and Parliament, and sometimes before the British public, to obtain redress or liberty for their Missionary to preach the Gospel in the Colonies ; and they have never appealed in vain. It is only in this way that they have any connection with political parties. Besides, in this Colony, every man has absolute power over his slaves in a moral and religious view, as no one can come to town without a written per- mission. This Law is sufficient to prevent slaves from being instructed. With respect to the negroes obtaining any idea of freedom, it is not from the Missionaries, but from the colonists themselves. I need not inform your Excellency that it was at a meeting of the Inhabitants that the Negroes of this Colony imbibed the idea." Of course Mr. Wray made diligent inquiries on what ground, new or old, the request to be conveyed in the PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 227 memorial was based ; and, by the end of the month, had not only been notified by the Governor of its reception, and, in response to a consequent summons, had attended upon his Excellency, but had furnished the Directors with full particulars — forwarding to them, as he had to the Governor, specimens of publications both for their own examination and, if thought needful, for submitting to Earl Bathurst ; to whom, as Secretary for the Colonies, the memorial was to be referred. The alleged grounds were — first, that the negroes attend- ing Bethel chapel (Le Eesouvenir), Demerara, had been the chief leaders in the revolt ; and next, that pernicious doctrines were contained in the Missionary Hymn Book. Mr. Wray, happily, was already in a position to disprove the former assertion, and to show exactly, as he does in his letter to the Governor, the very small proportion of such negroes to the wliole body of leaders and insurgents. As to the latter, he not only turned the tables on his assailants, but exposed a piece of theft and forgery, of duplicity and slander, worthy of characters so mean and vile as many of them were. What about the books of Common Prayer, is his argument in brief, disposed of by himself, or on sale at the stores ; and the hymn books of Watts and Wesley that are articles of merchandise in the town, from which books a number of the Hymns in the Missionary Hymn Book had been selected 1 Yet, so far were these thought otherwise than dangerous that Watts's Hymns had been used by an Episcopalian clergyman in the town. If again, a line or two here and there might be picked out and severed from the connection, how all might stand condemned as dangerous in the hands of slaves ! Lines thus picked out and severed, were being adduced as illustrations in support of the memorial ; and a copy of the Hymn Book in the little book-bag of a school-boy, about 228 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, eight years of age, after being pilfered and inscribed on the title-page as if given by John Wray, was forwarded to the Governor. In the boy's bag was also the " Catechism on the Duties of Slaves," drawn up by the pioneer, but it, for plain reasons, had been left. Now, it so happened that the Hymn Book was not a child's book, and Mr. Wray, careful in the distribution of literature as in other departments of his work (who had even returned to the Tract Society publications containing expressions which, in such a social state as then existed, might have laid him under suspicion), had never given a copy to a child. His conjecture is that the boy, if he had not received the book as a gift from his father, a free man, or from one of the free people, had picked it up during the fire ; as several children afterwards returned books which, at that time thrown out of the window, they had taken away. The memorial was confined to the whites, who in it state also their wish for established clergy ; ^ and was not to be shown to any coloured person, lest, the missionary further conjectures, they should inform himself. A white lad, pre- senting it to a doctor for signature, then asked a young man present, so nearly white as at first to be mistaken for such, to sign it. The young man took it and began to read ; when it was snatched out of his hand by the impudent lad, with the exclamation : " You are a mulatto ! " The missionary, some weeks later, calling on a gentleman who could speak little English, to pay him a small account, he candidly in- formed Mr. Wray in the course of conversation that he had signed the memorial. Mr. Wray found that he had been completely imposed upon. Expressions from a paraphrase * Upon which Mr. Wray remarks that they do not employ the one they have ; and that the Rev. Austin, Senior, who was zealous for the instruction of the negroes, was as much persecuted as any mis- sionary, and at last left the Colony in disgust ; like treatment being at that moment experienced by his son, the Rev. W. T. Austin, in Demerara. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 229 of the 45tli Psalm, quoted as if standing alone in the book in which the entire paraphrase was given, he had been made to believe as having been picked out by the African Society and then sent to the missionaries for distribution among the negroes. Of course he was informed that the picking out had been done in Berbice, and by whom. Declaring himself astonished, and remarking that the Bible itself if so treated might, most of it, be made revolutionary, he told his visitor that had he known he would not have signed. " 27th April, the Governor sent for me. On my arrival at his office he put the memorial into my hand. After having read it, he gave me the Hymn Book to look at with my name written on the title page. I returned it and said it was not my writing. His Excellency observed, he thought not, for he had compared it with my signature in my letters. He asked me if he should call Col. Innes, the (Berbice) Colonial Secretary, as a witness that I denied the signature to be mine. I, of course, agreed ; Colonel Innes examined and compared it with my signature, and gave it as his opinion that it was not my writing. The Governor looked at the printer's name, and observed it could be bought in London by any one. His Excellency said that he should inform Earl Bathurst that I had seen it. " The signature had evidently been written but two or three months, though dated 1st April, 1822 ; and I never write a name on the title page between the letters as this is written, nor in the way it is written." Having done what he could in the matter, the pioneer left it and pursued his work. Occasional incidents did not let him forget the more than disfavour with which generally the whites now regarded him. None came near his religious meetings, and some of the other people who attended were threatened with loss of custom for so doing. His horse takes off and, followed by an old man, its keeper, turns into the timber yard of a merchant, where caught, it is being led out, but is seized by a clerk, sent to the Pound, and a charge of £2 made, professedly for the consumption of the mer- 230 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, chant's guinea grass. Cases long employed in conveying Bible and Tract Societies' publications, passed at the Customs heretofore without question, are now opened and searched : a circumstance reported to the Governor, whose inquiries into the matter proves vain. It reaches the missionary's ear also, that some captains fear to bring him freight on account of the clamour against him and the mission. Mean- while there is shocking impiety around, and often, for so small a community, some shocking event of suicide or other violence, the outcome of such sin ; all sadly painful to the pious mind. But again, there were things to cheer. Meeting one day with the Governor, he has his Excellency's opinion that nothing will come of the memorial ; and is told that he (the Governor) had written Earl Bathurst to the effect that he had nothing to say against Mr. Wray. At another interview, by a liberal private gift and promises of further aid, his Excellency readily seconded Mr. Wray's efforts to relieve two widows in sore distress. When in Demcrara, the pioneer had expressed to Governor Murray his opinion that, notwithstanding the sentence of the Court Martial upon Mr. Smith, the home country would take means for bringing to view the righteousness of the departed missionary ; and now, mail after mail contained news of efforts and speeches all tending to this end ; very cheering, though to him very affecting also, in their details. His meeting-room was some- times filled to its utmost capacity with hearers of the Word, and often had smaller companies of devout worshippers, believers in Jesus, and steadfast adherents of His tried minister ; who " declared their determination to go on in the ways of religion, notwithstanding the persecutions they met with." Yet Mr. Wray continued the same Pastor he had been ; faithful and sound-minded ; caring not to purchase numbers by the sacrifice of principles. One who expressed her in- tention to give up business and to become religious, he PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GtllANA. 231 sought to convince that she could be religious in her business. Two old negro women, waiting admission to Church-fellow- ship, he deferred as yet too noisy among their neighbours. Sickness or sudden seizure appeared now and then in' his family; but on 26th May "God was graciously pleased," he writes, *' to deliver Mrs. Wray of her twelfth child, a little girl " ; received^with thanksgiving and prayers ; named Emily Thompson Wra}^, and baptized on 11th June. The following extract speaks what must frequently have been the conflict within, and the varied emotions of the missionary's soul during this period : — " Saturday, 5th June. — I feel my heart deeply affected with all the wonderful things that have taken place in the course of the last eight months. My mind is continually led to think upon them. I feel my thoughts wander too much from my God and fix upon the troubles which have befallen us. Oh, that I could stay my mind upon Him and take comfort in this time of darkness and distress ! Oh, my God ! gather in all my wandering, roving thoughts, and help me to ' set my affection on things above ' ; help me to trust under the shadow of Thy wings until these troubles are overpast. I bless Thee, my God ! that Thou art in some measure bringing forth the righteousness of Thy departed servant. I rejoice at the verdict that appears to be passed upon him by his country, at least the best part of it. " I have read with much pleasure the account of him and Quamina in the British and Colonial Register. They reprobate the conduct of the Colonists in hanging a man in chains merely for advising the people to lay down their tools — for nothing else can be proved against him. When he was shot, he had his prayer- book and hymn-book in his pocket, but no arms in his hands.* There can be no doubt now, that the whole blame is to be thrown on the Governor and Court for keeping back the instruc- tions of Government in July." * On 22nd August a free woman and member of the church at Le Resouvenir coming to Berbice, informed Mr. Wray that the people said Quamina begged his son Jack, with tears on his face, the night before to have nothing to do with the affair, and Jack told his father that " he was an old man, but that he himself was young." 232 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, The following may serve also as introductory to what of good news comes immediately after : — " I6th August — I have been much affected with reading some of the speeches delivered at the Anti-SLavery Society (meeting), respecting the Demerara business ; and the motion of Lord Calthorpe in vindication of Mr. Smith. But the speech of Mr. (Zech.) Macaulay's son * is wonderful. I could not read it without shedding many tears. Blessed be God that he is treading in the steps of his father, and that the young ones are now pledg- ing themselves to carry on this glorious work. I was much struck with his remark on the Demerara Court Martial: — 'That the plea of the vindicators of it was, that a Court formed of Planters would have acted with far more injustice ; and yet this Court none of them would defend — a Court which has not found a single lawyer to stake his professional character on its legality. What then must a Court, formed of Planters, be ? It must be bad indeed.'" — British and Colonial Register^ 26th June. " 'The newspapers of this Colony (Demerara) continue to pour out the most infamous abuse on the subject of the late Mission- ary. The character of Mr. Smith is bitterly assailed ; he is branded with the epithets of wretch, murderer, and is compared to Thistlewood, Holloway, &c. The Court Martial is censured for recommending him to mercy ; the Governor, for not execut- ing him in spite of that recommendation ; and the Ministers, for presuming to make him an object of royal mercy. Even His Majesty does not escape licentious reflection. We are not sorry to see this display of these extravagances, brutal and disgusting as they are. They plainly show what Demerara is.' " — Ihid. So 18th August again came round; a day not to be for- gotten by the Mission ; a time, the recurrence of which was always felt by the pioneer, and made this year still more memorable for reasons thus reported : — " 18f/<, August. — This is indeed a memorable day ; a year since all the troubles in Demerara began ; a day on which we ought to humble ourselves before our God for all our sins, and, at the same time, to praise Him for the difficulties He has enabled us to overcome. ■^ The late Lord Macaulay. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 233 " His Excellency the Governor sent to say lie wished to see me at two o'clock. He informed me that Earl Bathurst highly dis- approved of the memorial sent against me ; that he said tlie book Avas printed for the Society in England and not for the slaves ; that the meaning (of passages adduced) was spiritual and so to be understood ; that I did not appear to have been in the habit of giving copies to slaves ; that the masters who did not wish their slaves to attend me had power to prevent them, but that nothing was to be put in the way of those slaves whose masters wished them to attend ; that a church would be provided, and that they could attend which their masters thought proper. " His Excellency also mentioned that the Council (i.e., of the Berbice Colony) at the time of the revolt (in Demerara) had wished him to seize all my papers, but he would not comply with them." From this time, things seem gradually to become a little more settled, though not without an occasional reminder of the storm that was passing away. In short, the returning self-respect of the Home Government and consequent firm- ness in maintaining that their instructions should have some measure of observance, began to produce their due effect ; and officials and society in general, both in the Colonies and at Home, would be led to feel that dominion in the West Indies was not to be left altogether in the hands of bluster- ing bullies and cruel brutes. Mr. Wray was encouraged "with tokens of deeper earnest- ness in prayer and life shown by a number who regularly met for Avorship ; and illustrations, in other ways, of good resulting from his labours, with instances of it in particular individuals, now and then came to his knowledge. A visitor of the prisoners in gaol, he remarks the absence, as a rule, of any there who have been under instruction ; whilst a free man informs him of the happy change on an estate where instruction and religion had for some years been cherished, how that thieving and Obeali had ceased. Dis- tributing tracts on board vessels, Mr. Wray left "The End 234 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, of Time" on a ship. Afterwards, from the captain of another vessel, he learnt what had been the result. On his way home the captain of that ship cursed wind and weather and Him that made them. Shocked at his own language, he went down into his cabin, took up the tract, and read it. The reading brought his sins to remembrance and deepened his convictions. To divert his mind he took a quadrant and went on deck for an observation, but the sun at that moment becoming obscured, caused his utterance of Watts's lines : — " Well might the sun in darkness hide ; And shut His glories in, When God, the mighty Maker, died For man the creature's sin ; " and such a change followed in himself that he was led w^ith deep emotion to address all his men on the subject of religion ; and he had become a Christian character. " This," notes Mr. Wray, after he had looked out a large bundle of tracts for his informant with the prayer that God would bless them to all readers, " encourages me to go on distri- buting." When, therefore, from among soldiers of the 60th regi- ment newly arrived from Bermuda, one with his wife appeared at the mission-room, and were found to be very pious and excellent people — the man glad not only to read the offered tracts himself, but to convey them to his fellow-soldiers, from Avhom he had numerous applications, and who read them with great attention — we naturally find the entry closes with the remark : — " I gave him a large supply to-day." And if white colonists at present could in general shun the pioneer, it was otherwise with his white countrymen, or with white officials of Government. Here is an entry not to be omitted : — " Srd November. — The Governor sent for me to ask if Mrs. Wray would undertake to teach his little girl an hour a-day." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 235 "Mr. Morris, the Governor's secretary, requested if I would undertake the education of a little white orphan boy, left very destitute, whom he had kindly taken under his care out of mere pity." But if the face of a white friend here and there showed itself, that of some faltering one, or of some foe, disappeared altogether from among men, under circumstances sadly painful — e.g., " Mr. S , manager of , from whom at Smith's trial it was with the greatest difficulty truth could be elicited, in some cases only by producing his own signature, soon after Mr. Smith's death, was obliged to leave for England, on account of his health, and died on the way." ^^ August. — George M , late a memb^ of Council, gone to England for his health, died as soon as he landed. One of his last acts was to sign the memorial against me ; also one of those who before lodged a complaint against me founded on a slanderous report. He is now gone to answer for his stewardship." " 4th September. — Mr. J , the searcher and waiter (Customs'), who interfered with my parcels, taken ill at the beginning of the week, resolutely refused to take any medicine, in an awful passion saying, ' I will be d d to hell if I will take it,' died. Poor man ! this is an awful state to die in. His interference with my parcels will not profit him now." "237Y? December. — Last night heard that one of the R 's, who so much persecuted Mr. Smith and the negroes, on his way to England, jumped out of the cabin window and was drowned."' " I hear that Mr. H , one of the agents of the Berbice Association, who joined in so dreadfully persecuting the poor slaves after the British Government had returned (part of) the estates, became mad soon after he went to Europe, and died." Towards the end of September occurs the entry : — " As for the whip, I seldom hear it. Formerly it was almost daily sounding in our ears, and sometimes often in a day. Blessed be God for it." And the following has some promise of progress, though it closes with a not inappropriate question : — 236 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, "Sunday afternoon I went to church. Only four or five adults there. Mr. W was catechizing some little slave children belonging to the Crown. He did not hesitate to make them say the preface to the Ten Commandments : ' I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.' This, in a missionary, Avould have been looked upon as treason. The children have been taught to read by me, but were never taught that. Mr. Smith, in publish- ing the Ten Commandments for slaves, left out these words. Suppose, as they grow up, they should interpret that passage of Scripture as meaning they were to be delivered from slavery, are the missionaries to be blamed for it ? " Mr. Wray not only distributed Books of Common Prayer, but himself at times employed its petitions, and also encour- aged members of his congregation who were so disposed, to commit portions to memory for their own nse. Important anniversary days in his own life and work he did not let pass without corresponding reflection, humiliation, praise or prayer ; now and then especially utilizing them in some such way. This year, the anniversary of his landing in Guiana, seventeen years ago, was preceded by reviewing and recopying his Confession of Faith made at Ordination, and says he : — "I am more than ever confirmed in those truths which I have so long preached, and which I believed to be contained in the Bible. I have also compared them with the doctrinal Articles of the Church of England, and find they are conformable there- unto." Also when again another Christmas and the end of another year came to pass, he reviews his preparation for pulpit work ; noting his increased pleasure and profit, upon the whole, in studying his sermon, and that though " some discourses were what I may call ' second editions,' as at first they were written either at Gosport or in Demerara," still they were carefully revised ; some had been made very useful ; and though " all my preparation is very imperfect, PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 23Y and needs pardon, without due preparation my heart is greatly condemned," and though he took pains to write his sermons correctly, in delivering them he used no notes, but " I have also in general found much liberty in the delivery, and I desire to bless God for the assistance He has given me." With the closing year one or more meetings were daily held in their only place of assembly, several days in succession. Small had been the increase in numbers during the eventful period which was terminating, but not a few were the tokens of growth in grace and knowledge shown by those who remained faithful, and of the Church's deepening piety amid the affliction which the year now past had seen. So all were ushered into the year 182S. Commissioners of Legal Enquiry — Freed Slaves and Field Worh — English Peasant and Negro Bondman — Dedication of Chapel- Site — Governor's Departure for England : Missionary's Daughters'' Ditto — Travels of Latter — Opening of Neto Chapel — Beginning of Long Bodily Disorder — The Ten Commandments — ShocTc of Earth- quake— Whikel Village: Official Inquiry and Change of Managers — Wray Examined — Return of Antoinette — Illness of Mrs. Wray — Misconduct of Whites: of a Military Officer — Climax in the Conflict — Court Martial— Officer Sentenced — Peaceful Results and Cheering Tokens. Usual congratulations and good wishes of negro and coloured Christian friends, if of none other, greeted him and his on Saturday, 1st January ; which day and the following were much occupied with conference and preach- ing, praise and prayer. The cheer of another year thus entered seems to have stimulated enterprise, for, on the third day, the determination shortly to commence erecting a new chapel became settled, though not without feelings of anxiety on the subject. The year had its important events in the history both of missionary and mission, which will be 238 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, detailed as they occur ; and there was gradual improvement. But all went on, we should never forget, amid a shocking state of morals around and in every class, noticed, as are also the shocking consequences of such living, here and there in the diary ; and amid serious sickness in the manse, or sad misbehaviour of whites, who began again to appear at the religious meetings, that must have been sore trials to patience. Much of these we leave with this brief mention, as we must leave the cases of earnest inquirers after truth who came from far and near, and the notes of catechumen classes, baptisms^ admissions to fellowship, and of impressions at particular services, which are the usual experience of the faithful preacher of Christ and Church-pastor in such a sphere. AVhat, too, befell bitter opponents of the work in Demerara must here be dismissed with Mr. Wray's own remark, penned in JJ^ovember, on hearing of the seizure of a newspaper there by the Governor, and the reported arrest of its new editor ; that editor's predecessor of 1823, on the way to England, being lost with the ship and all on board, and never more heard of : — " God seems in a very awful and striking way to have marked His abhorrence of this (Mr. Smith's) persecution, even in this world, in His judgments upon individuals." His Majesty's Commissioners of Legal Inquiry having lately arrived in Berbice, on 16th January, Mr. AYray called upon them to pay his respects. Many questions' respecting the instruction and amelioration of the slaves were asked, and a request was made that he would write them on the subject ; a request, in a few days, duly complied with. One Commissioner, inquiring how it was that no slaves, made free, went to labour in the field ; was answered that such, in general, had never been accustomed to field-work, for rarely was it a field-negro that was freed. " This seemed to strike their minds," but, adds Mr. Wray in his private notes, " other reasons may be given which arise from slavery itself." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 239 And these, in brief, are all founded on the degradation which healthy honest labour suffers from being always done by slaves, associated ever with bondage and its cruel accompani- ments. It comes to be thought too degrading for a free person ; and a slave, made free, thinks himself far superior to a slave. Besides, a free man or two labouring in the field, would be followed by a driver with a whip in his hand, and it was not likely they would submit to this, and so not astonishing that — " I am not aware that any planters have ever offered to hire free people to perform field labour." How such a system seems to degrade all it touches ! Mr. Wray was not anxious to say much on topics other than religion and instruction. He was in a colony long and thoroughly permeated with the atmosphere of slavery ; the Commissioners themselves, or some of them, do not seem to have been free from its influence ; and events of the past eight- een months showed how a missionary's utterances, the most simple or innocent, could be perverted by his enemies. One of the Commissioners, therefore, expressing the thought that, — " we should teach them (the slaves) that they are better off than the poor in England," — his visitor remarks : " I did not make a direct reply, but this is a doctrine not found in the Bible." The slave better off than the free man ! We should think not. Was it not enough that the pioneer was there to teach those in bonds to make the best, and how to make the best of their circumstances, as the Bible would have him, and, as he says, " I hope we do " 1 But that he should teach them they were better off than those without the bonds, would have been to teach what, we need not say, is not only want- ing in the Bible, but is utterly opposed to it, and, in fact, what was a plain falsehood, such as it should have shamed at least a Briton to utter. To have thus answered the Commissioner, however, would have been to invite as plain an intimation that he and his must prepare to leave the 240 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Colony finally and for ever. But in his diary Wray waxes lengthy on the subject, running the risk of what it, if ever seized and used against him as his younger brother- missionary Smith's strictly-private journal had been against its owner, might say. John Wray well knew what country life and labourers in England were. Had he not spent his years up to manhood in the Yorkshire East Kiding, with some years afterwards in the South ? And now he had spent most of his missionary life on estates. So he is led on to compare the two, in substance thus : — " (1). Unceasing reports of slaves run away to gain freedom : none of free people running away to become slaves. " (2). Testimonies to the preciousness of liberty by slaves made free : none to the preciousness of bondage, by men made slaves. "(3). (a) A pass, often tedious or difficult or impossible to obtain, required before a slave can go to a neighbouring estate, to worship in town, to market there, or be out after 8 p.m. with- out risks of stocks, flogging, gaol, seizure of market basket — a thing unheard of in England. " (b) As is also the requirement of a master's consent to labourer's marriage, attendance at worship, child's baptism, or its going to school. " (c) Or again, as is a change of masters — e.g., a bad for a better, being beyond the labourer's power ; the labourer's liability to be sold and forcibly separated from wife and children ; liability, for a trivial neglect, to be laid down, male or female, and cruelly whipped ; to have wife outraged by whites and no legal redress, often none at all ; to be without house as one's own, and liable to be searched at any moment : " all so different with the free peasantry at home ; not to men- tion the lack of independence and openness, and of the ease with which neighbours visit one another, chat of politics or read the newspaper, or of the freedom with which a clergyman can visit the poorest of his flock without interruption, degrada- tion, or suspicion ; more than enough, surely, to give the lie to such teaching, even without a vision of the man of Tarsus PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 241 lifting his chained hands before his judges ; and, personi- fication of Scripture truth, saying, " except these bonds." In the afternoon of Lord's Day, 13th March, a company assembled on the site intended for the new chapel, and held a dedication service which consisted of Scripture-reading, prayer, and praise ; all seemly and sacred ; brought, however, into stronger relief by the occasional remark of some passing white, shocking as it was shameful. During the same week Mr. Wray called on the Governor, who was shortly to depart for England on leave of absence, and who then promised him an introduction and recom- mendation to Sir Benjamin D'Urban, Governor of Demerara, meanwhile to be also Acting Governor of Berbice. The promise was fulfilled on the 21st, when Sir Benjamin told the missionary he would give him all that protection and patronage which the Governor himself had afi'orded. When, therefore, on the 23 rd, amid all the honours of martial parade and music and salute of cannon that Berbice could furnish. Governor Beard took his departure, without mis- giving Mr. Wray witnessed the scene, *' pleased to see so much honour paid to one who has been my sincere friend and patron for about six years." Less than two months and there came another departure to England, trying to the parental heart. " Friday, \3th itfa?/.— Elizabeth and Eebecca went to Demerara to go on board the Cecilia for England, Captain Hepburn, who has kindly off"ered to give up his part of the passage-money. Mrs. Wray went with them. They took leave of me with many tears. We have long wished to send them for a short time to our native land that they may see something of a land of freedom, and of moral and religious society. They have made considerable im- provement in writing, arithmetic, &c., &c. It is hard parting from them now that they have become, as it were, companions, especially to Mrs. Wray, but it is our indispensable duty for their benefit and usefulness. They have taught many poor heathen to read the Word of God, and instructed them in the Catechism R 242 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, Oh, that they may feel the influence of religion on their own souls ! " ]^o Blackheatli or Walthamstow " Schools for Mis- sionaries' Children " then existed. To meet the expense, a school for young ladies, kept by Mrs. Wray, helped in large measure ; but — " My good friend, Mr. Thompson, who has been a father to me, and, indeed, to my father also, has kindly provided a school for them, and promises to render them any assistance in his power. In him, I know, they will find a friend. What reason have I to bless God for His goodness to me in raising up such a friend, and continuing him for more than twenty years ! " And so with the prayers of their loving father and of Christian friends in the church, they went and, with their mother, were nine days on board the Cecilia before the vessel sailed, when, bidding them farewell, Mrs. Wray returned to Berbice. The rest must be told in the words of Rebecca, now Mrs. Tuckett, as penned at the age of seventy- eight, in her first letter to the author : — " We were sent to England together, I think in 1824 or 1825. Captain Hepburn, a friend of my parents, had the care of us. He took us to his home in Greenock. From that place we were sent on to Glasgow, where a family named Semple lived, who formerly resided in Berbice, and to whom mother had been very kind in sicknesses, and who were very pleased to do her a kind- ness in return. Mrs. Semple took us to Leith, put us on board a steamer bound for London, but which took passengers to a certain point near Scarborough, and sent them ashore. It was arranged that Mr. and Mrs. Thompson (the life-long friends of our father) should go to Scarborough (they lived in Hull) to meet us. I shall never forget the feeling of awe as we were put in the boat with two sailors all alone (it was quite dark), and rowed to the appointed place where Mr. Thompson had promised we should be met. Oh ! what should we do if no one met us ? But the God of our parents took care of us, and as we neared the place of PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 243 landing- joyful sound !-a voice out of the darkness was heard Have you on board two young ladies from Berbice for Mr Thompson ? ' Our fears were dispelled : we were kindly received Mr. Thompson was unable to come himself, for he was an old man, but trusty friends had supplied his place ; and we were soon at his lodgings and in bed, thankful to feel that for a time our wanderings had ceased. MVe soon went to Hull, and, after a time of rest, we were again on our travels to Wakefield, where was a school for mmisters' daughters, though not exclusively so, but ministers paid less than the others. We spent three or four years there only going to Hull for the midsummer holidays." On 12th June, the new chapel was opened. Like all structures there, it was built of wood. Attentive hearers filled it when, in the forenoon, Mr. Wray preached from Isaiah Ivi. 5, " My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people " ; and he remarks :— "People of every colour and in every situation shall have free access to it, without respect of persons. Nothing of a sectarian principle shall ever enter its door as far as I can hinder it." In the evening, the sermon was from Romans xv. 29 : "And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ." After solemn prayers for himself and the work, he writes :— " We have called it ' Protestant Mission Chapel,' because I hope and trust the great doctrines of the Eeformation, and no other, will always be preached in it. I am well persuaded that they are the doctrines of the Bible, and that they alone will prove effectual to the conversion of sinners. They are despised doctrines, but they always have been so." In July came the first tokens of a long and trying com- plaint, which ultimately necessitated a visit to England. The effects of a moist tropical climate on the liver are well known, and on Lord's Day, the 10th, Mr. Wray notes :— " I have experienced such severe pains in my back that I have •cely been able to move and to attend to the duties of the day. scar 244 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, On the next day sent for the doctor ; found it arose from bile, and that a large dose of medicine was needed to prevent a severe attack of illness." Successful in this, the mischief, nevertheless, upon the intestines went on until, after years of gradual advance, and, at times, of much suffering, only an operation would serve to meet the case. Meantime, with what relief he could otherwise obtain, the pioneer remained at his post. Continuing his faithful ministry, the attendance of free people, as also the number of baptisms and marriages, slowly increased. Expounding again the Ten Commandments, the preacher found it difficult work, and — " sometimes felt almost ashamed of being so pointed as I must necessarily be in this j)lace, particularly on the 4th, 7th, 9th, and 10th. I have, however, reason to believe they have been useful, and many of the people have been very attentive. I have written the substance, but have often been led with earnestness to apply the subject in language not committed to paper, and in all my discourses have endeavoured to lead the people to Jesus." Shocks of earthquakes, so terrible and fatal on some of the neighbouring islands and countries, are but seldom and slightly felt in Guiana. About ten o'clock on the night of 20th September, however, the mission household and the whole town were roused by a severe shock which lasted two or three minutes. Mr. AVray woke to find all the house rocking like a cradle or a ship at sea. Happily no buildings fell, and, beyond the fright, no persons suffered. The Commissioners of Legal Inquiry, as part of their labours, held an investigation into the management of the Crown people at the Wink el Village. This had been in the hands of Mr. Walker, formerly agent for the Crown estates, and then friendly and helpful to Mr. Wray. But about 1823, a difference arose between him and the missionary, who, not able to approve a course proposed by the agent, consequently withdrew from any day-school instruction of PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 245 tlie children ; and Mr. Walker, besides further opposing its minister, stopped the children's attendance at the mission chapel. During the inquiry Mr. Wray was before the Commissioners three times examined on oath ; and though the first time he refrained as far as he could involvinrr Mr. o Walker, since the latter in a communication to the Com- missioners blamed Mr. Wray for his failure, the pioneer was obliged afterwards to say many things in his own vindication which otherwise he would not have done — " for God, my heavenly Father, knows that I did not wish to injure him, and all that I have written and said has been in self- defence. I freely forgive Mr. Walker for all the injury he has tried to do me." On 8th October Mr. Walker was dismissed by the Home Government, and Mr. Kyte appointed in his place ; and on the 16th, the new agent allowing it, as many of the Crown children as their parents wished, began again their attend- ance at chapel. iN'ovember saw another return ; for on Wednesday, the 8th, Antoinette, the laundress kidnapped by Eush negroes eleven years before, was brought back to town by two of them who had themselves been eighteen years away, and who, put in gaol, escaped during the night and set off again. On the 10th Mr. Wray went to see her. She knew him and, throwing herself at his feet, exclaimed, " 0, my massa, my massa ! " She looked very wild, and had forgotten some parts of the Creole language, but made inquiries after Mrs. Wray, and two daughters each by name. The man who stole her was killed a fortnight afterwards in a quarrel about her. Often wishing to escape, she could not. She tried to get into the hands of the white people who formed an expedition into the bush in 1818, but was dreadfully beaten for attempting, and, with hands and feet tied, carried along by the runaways. The only daughter of an old respectable negro attending the mission chapel, the aged man was 246 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, almost overcome with joy at having found her wlio had been so long lost to him. Yov some weeks Mrs. Wray had been seriously unwell, and for many more, until far into February following, continued so. A fall some time before, was thought, at least in part, to have induced a condition of body which several times seemed beyond the possibility of cure, and to threaten speedy dissolution. Happily the support and stay of the Christian were her's and her husband's, else, indeed, heart must have failed in view of the many claims of family, school, and pastoral duty which had to be met. However, the pioneer did what he could ; notwithstanding all, succeed- ing on 24th November in re-organising the Sunday School, and the improvement of the Mission went on. But as if Satan, by his children amongst men, must make one more effort to check the work or destroy it, the gross misconduct of some whites about this time caused con- siderable annoyance, if nothing worse, and several months' unpleasantness. On Lord's Day, 13th JSTovember, some whites at chapel behaved so ill that several of the conOTe^ation sent after- o O wards to the missionary to say that, unless a stop was put to it, they could not attend ; which led to Mr. Wray's addressing a letter to the Fiscal on the subject. This grosser ill-conduct may have been connected with a previous piece of behaviour on the part of a military official, so scandalous and dangerous that Mr. Wray had taken a very determined course. " Friday, Ath November. — I was much disturbed and annoyed by Mr. Sherburne. 1 was obliged to engage in writing un- pleasant letters instead of preparation for the Sabbath." This led in the long run to the arrest of the offender, his trial by Court Martial, a verdict against him on some of the charges, and to the sentence that, in presence of the troops assembled on parade, he should be publicly and severely PIONEEE MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 247 reprimanded ; the Court Martial being induced, as they expressly assert, — "to award so lenient a sentence from its appearing that on his feeling convinced of the great impropriety of his conduct towards Mr. Wray, he made the only reparation in his power, by tendering his apology on his honour, and expressing his sincere concern that he should so far have forgotten himself as to address that gentleman in the manner he did." Pulteney J. Poole Sherburne was Lieutenant and Barrack Master. " He had put himself," says Mr. Wray, "at the head of the anti-mission faction, and had become bolder in the attack than any before him, at least openly." In addition to addressing " certain scurrilous, abusive, and improper letters and papers to the Rev. John Wray," he is charged with threatening violence to him and Mrs. Wray, " to the terror and injury of the latter, she being in a very weak state of health." The whole proceeding, in fact, besides the toil and fatigue in which they involved her husband, were calculated to have anything but a favourable effect upon her health, distressed as she became as to what would happen to the accused, " who, according to common report, began much to fear the issue," and at the thought of having to give evidence, " which was much against her (recovery)." The Court Martial met on 2nd January, 1826, and sat for nine days. Mr. Wray thought the members composing it, "just and conscientious men, desirous to find out the truth." On Saturday, 7th January, they attended at the manse to take Mrs. Wray's evidence, when fourteen or fifteen officers were there most of the day. " They behaved in the most gentlemanly and polite manner, as they have done through the whole affair." "Mr. Sherburne seems to have taken considerable pains to scrape up all the idle tales about town that have been propagated 248 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, against me for the last twelve years, and even applied to the Secretary's office for papers containing the reprimands addressed to me by Governor Bentinck in 1817 respecting the late Crown estates, and the disputes I had with him (Bentinck) on that account ; but I protested against it, and produced the Minutes of the Council myself, and my correspondence with Earl Bathurst on my appeal to him from the ill-treatment I received from the Governor, who professed to have derived his authority from the Earl, but which his Lordship denies, promises to call for an explanation, and also writes me that if I return to Berbice I may be assured of receiving protection from the Colonial government, and the respect due to a minister of the Gospel. The correspond- ence was read in open court. Mr. Sherburne had also a long list of witnesses from whom he evidently intended to draw all the scandal against me he could, for they knew not a word of the matter that was before the Court (one of them was at Gibraltar at the time). The two or three that he did examine were as much in my favour as his. It is evident the poor man had been deceived by the false reports he had heard from time to time, and that he had eagerly listened to all the scandal of the town. I pity him, and pray that God may give him true repentance. I hope and trust that this affair will have a good effect in giving us peace and rest " Which hope was realized, for this seems to have been the end of such troubles. The proceedings and finding of the Court Martial were approved by the Home authorities, and about the 1st of March, 1826, Mr. Wray received from head- quarters an official report of the charges, finding, and sentence, which is still preserved. Doubtless he and his suffering partner refrained from expressing their utmost, and the accused may well have thought himself happy in escaping with so light a sentence; but the object was gained; that was enough for the pioneer. With all these clouds about, the change of years was not without several cheering tokens. 1825 closed with a fellowship of fifty-three members, a Sunday school of 125 attendants ; the mission had begun to re-assume its former PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 249 progressive character, and by the time March, 1826, was reached, the health of Mrs, Wray had begun to revive. 182 6. Busy Life — Sad Death of Mission Enemies : Cohen, Mc Watt — Mysteries Solved — Mrs. D th: Sad End of a Strange Course — Prosperity of Mission — Beginning at Lonsdale — Fareioell to Pious Soldiers — Indifference of Clergyman — Return of Governor — Dismissal of Council — Kindness of Governor — Occasions of Dreary, d:c.. Work — Arrival of Slave-Protector — Transport of Chapel to Missionary Society — Protector's Approval — Neio Code of Slave Law: Consequent Stir — Chapel Broken into — Legal Slave Marriages — First Arrival of Steam- boat and Bishop — Kindness of a Coiamissioner — Tokens of Progress, In addition to Mrs. Wray's more private and select ladies' scliool, and a day school conducted on the plan of the British and Foreign School Society, three or four week-day religious meetings were held, besides three, sometimes four public services and a meeting of the Sunday School on the Lord's Day. These, with family claims, and constant visits from slaves and others living at a distance, when such came to town ; with calls to converse with persons under spiritual concern, to visit the sick or to bury the dead ; and with a growing correspondence ; kept all occupied. Numbers more rapidly grew, and a spurt occasionally was given by some event foreshadowing tlie passing away of the old and the coming in of something new. Now it was the departure of some notorious opposer, then the arrival of some new friend or some order from the Home Government, begun, at last, in earnest to amend the lot of the slave. " 2Qth January. — I hear that Cohen, who threatened to burn down the chapel, leaving the Colony for the benefit of his health, died at sea. He looked miserable as he passed in the street. The unhappy white woman, who lived in fornication with him, left him some time ago." ^ ^ 19 (h February. — About three weeks ago Mr. William McWatt, a witness against Mr. Smith, went on horseback into the bush on 250 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, the Berbice East Coast, and has never been heard of since. Negroes sent in search could not find him. His brother, with the postholder and a party of Indians, spent some days searching, but not the smallest vestige of him or his horse could be dis- covered. A suspicion that the negroes of the estate, upon whom he was reported to be very severe, had had some concern in making away with him, was, after inquiry on the spot by the Fiscal, I believe thought groundless. It is now supposed that some of the runaway negroes have captured him." Accordingly in March another expedition, including several of Mr. Wray's Sunday School Teachers, entered the bush, and, after about ten day's absence, returned, but without any account of McWatt. Another month passed without a clue, and then and therefore, about 16th April, " a proclamation by the Governor stating that strong suspicion is entertained of McWatt's having been murdered, offers 100 Joes reward for the discovery of the perpetrators." All in vain, and the matter remained a mystery. In truth William McWatt never entered the bush, and Mr. Wray, and something like a generation, were to pass before the mystery was solved. This solution, taken from Mr. Fore- man's " Echoes from Slave-Time," we append in a note,* as * " Years rolled on. The estate changed hands. Many of the slaves had died or been removed to other estates, when, on the new proprietor having one of the trenches on the estate deepened, the shovel- men came on some bones and the stirrup of a saddle. The master having been informed of the circumstance, he had these remains care- fully removed, when the conviction fastened on himself and also on others, that these bones were those of the missing horse and its rider of so many years before. But how came they there ? That was the puzzle. Some of the old slaves were sought out, and promised that nothing should be done to them if they would only tell all they knew about it. And this was their story. That one morning the Massa rode into the field where they were hoeing the cotton plants, with the big whip in his hands he always carried ; that, without a word he gave a severe cut with this whip across the back of a tall and powerful slave, who, in the anguish of the moment, swung round and dealt his assailant a blow on the back of the head with the hoe he had in his hand. The PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 251 also, from the same paper, the solution of a similar mystery connected with an estate often passed by the present author. The two will serve to illustrate the condition of things under that Slavery which was so cherished and defended by some as a happy institution both for master and man. We here proceed with the following, similarly illustrative, but master fell from his horse and never recovered consciousness ; in fact, in a few moments he ceased to live. Great was the consternation of the slaves when they found the master was dead. They secured the horse, and held a consultation as to what was to be done. At length it was decided to kill the horse, and bury it together with the saddle, bridle, and whip, and their dead master's body all together at the bottom of the trench nigh at hand, and in which there was not very much water. Two ' stop-oflfs ' were put in the trench, the water baled out of the space between them, and a huge pit dug, into which the man and the horse with the saddle, bridle, and whip were laid. This being done, the bottom of the trench was carefully levelled, the ' stop-offs ' as carefully removed, so as to leave no trace of their exist- ence, and the water flowed over the grave of the dead. The driving of the herd of cattle, and the flock of sheep, for a day or two along the road from the house, past the field where the slaves had been at work, effectually destroyed all traces of the marks of the feet of the horse thereon. So that at the time the master was missed— beyond the fact that the master had been seen to ride out of the house-yard —no trace of him could be found. The slave who struck the fatal blow had been dead some years when the remains of the horse and its rider were found." " There was an estate with a long Dutch name up the Berbice river, but to which the name of Egypt got attached. I have heard it spoken of as Egypt by persons who had no idea how it got that name. It be- came noted for the cruelty with which the slaves were treated on it ; and when the slaves in Berbice came to know a little of Bible history, some of them gave to it the name of Egypt. One of the modes of punishment adopted there was to put the slaves into an old boiler or old iron chest, and to set others of them to beat the outside of it with hammers, by means of which some, so punished, lost entirely the sense of hearing. Near to the buildings was a long row of tombs of managers and overseers who had died there. One result of the cruelty practised on the slaves was that they bound themselves together by what they deemed an oath of the most solemn and terrible character, that no 252 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, selected as indicative also of the changes and the often strange events going on around the pastor, which not seldom called for his presence and effort in some form or other. " 26th February. — This evening I attended the funeral of a Mrs. D th. About seven years ago she was brought from Barba- does by a Berbice merchant as his kept mistress. Soon after her arrival she suffered three months' imprisonment for cruelty, he also paid a heavy fine ; and for this cruelty her name is in the tract lately published by the Anti-Slavery Society. Two or three years ago the man who kept her went to England. She soon followed him. Making over to her his property in town (New Amsterdam), which he valued at 30,000 dollars (i*6250), manager or overseer should live more than six months on the estate. This came to my knowledge in the following manner. When my dear friend, the late Rev. John Dalgliesh, had been about a year in the Colony, he was sent for to see an old woman who was very ill. He was asked to go at once, as she said, * She could not die till she had seen him.' He went, and after she had ordered all other persons out of the room, she told Mr. Dalgliesh what I have narrated above, and a great deal more. The burden on her mind was this : she had been one of the slaves in the house, and hence on her devolved the work of putting into the gurglets that which acted as a slow poison. She told Mr. Dalgliesh what this was, l>ut for very obvious reasons I shall not mention it here. She also told from how many persons she had thus taken away their life, giving their names, or the names by which they were known to her, or a description of some personal peculiarity they possessed ; and now, as she said, 'She could not die,' because all these murders were on her soul. * Yet,' said she, ' had I not done it, the other slaves would have killed me.' There was one overseer who escaped. He was a young man, who treated the slaves on that estate with such exceptional kindness that they did not like to carry out on him their oath of vengeance. Yet, what were they to do ? * How could they let him off ? They must kill him for their oath's sake,' said some. Others, that this woman should try and frighten him away by the awful stories she could tell him, or manage that he should hear. Apparently the plan succeeded, for he shortly after left the estate, and went back, the woman said, to his own country. There seems to have existed in slave-time a great dread of being poisoned — and probably not without cause — on the part of slaveowners, or those who managed the estates." PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 253 he got married. AVliere she lived in London, she represented herself as under the guardianship of Mr. A., and that the pro- perty was left her by her mother. She appeared so very modest and virtuous that a simple-hearted young man fell in love with her, and married her as a virtuous young lady of property. She left England to settle her property and then return; but the young man came after her. Not until this morning, when it was discovered to him by her j)apers, and by a youug friend, as he assured me, had he found that she had kept him entirely in the dark ; and he knew not a word of her former conduct, or that she came by her property in the way she did. He asked me many particulars about her, and told me he had been completely taken in. He believes she died of a broken heart, for having so deceived him ; but, afraid to discover her own character, keeping everything perfectly secret. Poor, unhappy woman ! She is gone to render an account of her conduct and deception to the Judge of all. A few days ago he wished to have a pew in the chapel ; but behold, instead of a pew, a coffin. It was a very large funeral, and I felt much earnestness in speaking to the people. The poor young man is much distressed. He opened his mind freely, and I endeavoured to comfort him." Accompanying the many and now more unfettered labours of the mission, amid the changes around, there appeared tokens of general improvement in the manners of the town, and cases of decided renewal in the hearts and lives of individual sinners. Prayers for the presence and work of the Holy Spirit were not without marked response. "Paul planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase." On Lord's Day, 23rd April, Mr. Wray notes with joy, not only the cheering numbers, and the aspect of things in town, but, pioneer-like, the first sign of extension. " Whatever may be the feelings and sentiments of individuals and lukewarm Christians on the subject 'of missions, I rejoice greatly in God's great goodness to-day. Baptized a woman from the country, the wife of Bernard, whom I baptized last holidays. Two or three came for books. They have now a small society on Lonsdale. May God help them to look to Him for His blessing !" 254 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, Which was vouchsafed, and the small society became, before long, the Lonsdale Mission Church and Station. Soldiers and soldiers' wives, among whom a good work had been going on, had, about this time, to say farewell, being under orders to leave. The parting was with deep, mutual regret. They had been blest and made a blessing. As if in mitigation of the loss, a pious American sea-captain arrived, who remained a-while, helping and being himself helped in Divine things. The following is indicative of a difference in more respects than one : — ^^ Lord's Day, 25th June. — Mr. W (the clergyman) absent some time previously in the Islands, after an absence of about nine months in England, I believe on private business, has returned and preached to-day. Had it not been for our Chapel, the peoj)le would have been destitute of any worship in the English language. But such ministers are the most approved by a large majority." On the evening of 9th July, Governor Beard had returned again, and Mr. Wray was amongst the many who, Monday, the 10th, called on him to pay their respects. Soon after, important changes were announced. "I see by the Wednesday paper that the old council who have been opposed to religion and amelioration, the very men who were opposed to me as well as to the Governor, are dismissed by His Majesty and another council appointed. Lately a very strong party of the leading people presented a strong memorial against him (the Governor), the council taking the lead ; but God has completely confounded their devices. I have full confidence in God that He will accomplish His own purposes in His own time in the conversion and salvation of poor sinners." Toward the end of the montli, Mr. Wray called again on his Excellency, and had a longer interview than was possible just after landing ; found him as affable and kind as ever ; "promising, when time permitted, to come and see the new chapel." His Excellency, some weeks later, contributed PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 255 c£20 towards the cost, and, later still, informed the mission- ary of donations obtained from the Fiscal and several members of the Council, and of others he hoped to obtain, as opportunity offered for commending the work to the rest of the members. And the end of July was not reached without further news of intended attacks on mission work by bitter enemies, editors of the press, being thwarted through the death or discomfiture of the assailants. With an increasing flow of engagements, it is not strange to read occasionally of some work as dreary, trying, or weary —e.g., " l^th July. — This evening, a funeral of the poor person I have visited a few times in her sickness, but saw no change in her. Have lately visited another person in the same state. But it is indeed dreary work to speak to people who know nothing of God or of Christ. Felt very different in visiting another person who has been accustomed to attend religious instruction and whose heart has been affected with it." " 12i/i August.— T\nQ week, have been much tried by some of the children in the school. Sometimes I think my lot among them is a hard one, and I long to have more time for study, but yet I hope it will in the end prove useful to many, particularly here, where education is in so low a state." "Lord's Day, 13th August. — (After recording numerous engage- ments.) Both myself and Mrs. Wray have spent the whole of this day in the active service of our blessed Redeemer. At night, we felt very weary in the work, but not of it, for it is blessed work to labour for Jesus. Oh that I may live and die in His service, and reign with Him for ever in heaven ! " The following are red-letter days : — " Wednesday, 30th August.— Called on a gentleman (David Power, Esq.) who has arrived as Protector of the slaves. Find he was acquainted with Dr. Milne in the East, and that Mr. Hastie, in Madagascar, was a friend of his. He seems an excellent man, and very zealous. I bless God that I have lived to see such a day as this. I certainly did not think it would take place in my time." 256 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, " 2nd October. — Have been able to take out a transport convey- ing the chapel to the Missionary Society. Much distressed lest I should meet with opposition, but I bless God that I have been able to accomplish it. Evident, however, from questions asked, that there had been a wish in some to stop it on the pretext that the land was purchased with the subscriptions raised in the Colony and was consequently public property. "Was able to show that the land was not so purchased, that they were applied entirely to the erection of the chapel destroyed by fire ; and, had it been otherwise, the money, as appears by the wording at the head of the paper, was given to the Society to erect a chapel. Blessed be God, it is now secured to the Society, and I hope and trust it will prove a blessing to multitudes." "29f/i October, Sabbath. — Just before Sunday-School com- menced, the Protector called and expressed his high gratification with the Wiukel people and their improvement. He also expressed in very flattering terms his high approbation of our poor labours and of the benefit the Colony had received from them." " Wediiesday, 1st November. — A morning long to be remem- bered in the Colony of Berbice. This day the new Negro Code commences. Blessed be God that I have lived to see the day. Ten years ago, when we were labouring under such persecution, and when, in New Amsterdam, we could hear the whip daily in almost every direction, and the screams of the punished negroes, both male and female, we had not the most distant idea of such a change. But, blessed be God, it has gradually decreased and for the last three or four years we have hardly heard it at all." Among chief points in the Code were — considerable modi- fications of punishment by the whip, and its abolition in the case of females. Another point was : Admission of slave evidence in Courts of Justice, if the witness understood the obligation of an oath. Consequent on this, the Protector, on 1st November, sent to the three ministers of religion belonging to New Amsterdam — viz., the Lutheran, the Missionary, and the Church of England clergyman, for a return of all the slaves sufficiently instructed in the Christian PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 25? religion to understand the nature of an oath. The pioneer would be able to meet the requirement " with confidence and not be ashamed." But the Lutheran minister is reported as answering that he had not instructed any, but he would now begin ; whilst the English clergyman, two days after, gave in his resignation. "I suppose," remarks Mr. Wray, "he was not able to stand the test, but there is another day fast approaching when he and I must stand before the judgment seat of Clirist." Certainly the new Code must have made plenty of stir in men's minds ; but one way of expressing opinion upon it, if the pioneer's conjecture be right, Avas not polite, much less reverential ; characteristic, however, of foul slavery. " Saturday, ^tli. — Last night some person or persons broke into the yard, entered tlie Chapel, took out the Ten Commandments which were pasted on a ]joard with another Scripture lesson, daubed them over with mud, and hung them up as a sign upon the gate, I suppose to signify their contempt of the laws just come into force. Fiscal came to see the mischief done. In to-night's paper Governor and Fiscal offer twenty Joes reward for the detection of the offenders." Another chief point w^as the Legalization of Slaves' Marriages, Hence : — "19^/t November. — A day long to be remembered. The first two legal marriages of slaves under the New Laws, by Licence from the Protector, took place ; and, by the consent of the parties, before the whole congregation. Everything was conducted with the greatest order. One of them was also baptized. The chapel was crowded with slaves from the country. I preached on the subject of marriage. The Protector and Mr, Kinchela, who is one of His Majesty's Commissioners, attended chapel." Sunday, 3rd December, was another day of mark. Steam vessels had come into use for coasting voyages, and the first to appear in Berbice now arrived. Further, she had on board the first Bishop to put in an appearance. It was his 258 Llt^E OF JOHN WKAY, lordship of Barbacloes, one of the two appointed under the new laws, which included State Establishments for religious instruction in the West Indies ; the other Bishop being his lordship of Jamaica. Many Episcopalians as well as others, will share John Wray's sentiments at the sight. " Steamer arrived from Demerara with the Bishop of Barba- does. They excited great curiosity ; the Bishop as well as the steamboat being a new sight here. In the forenoon the bugle sounded for the mihtia to turn out and receive the Bishop. I am sorry his Lordship did not dispense with this honorary Sabbath- breaking. He did not preach, but confirmed six persons. 4th. — In the forenoon the Bishop took his departure. The militia were turned out and a number of troops from the Fort came to honour his Lordship's departure. A salute was fired from the Eort. I went with my little boy to see the steam-boat. I wislied him also to see that the Bishop was only a man. To me, so much military parade to honour a minister of Jesus Christ, particularly on the holy Sabbath, seemed strange ; and I could not help contrasting it with the circumstances related of Paul, Acts xx.* " 8th. — I certainly count it a greater honour to have been the instrument, unworthy as I am, of establishing the first Christian churches among the heathen in these Colonies, and introducing education and marriage among them, than all the worldly honours bestowed upon the Bishop in the beginning of the week." " I2th December. — His Majesty's Commissioners of Colonial Inquiry left Bcrbice. One of them, J. Kinchela, expressed to the Protector his high approbation as to the improvement the * Happily much of this state parade is a thing of the past. It would have gratified the venerable Wilberforce as well as the pioneer, could they have foreseen that one of the first to discard so much ostentation was Samuel, son of the philanthi'opist, when made Bishop of Oxford. '' I recollect," said one, who is now almost, if not quite, the senior mem- ber of the University, " I recollect when a Bishop of Oxford never drove into Oxford without four horses and two powdered footmen ; and what does Sam do ? He gets upon a horse and rides in by himself, without so much as a groom behind him ! I met him myself to-day." Life of the Might Reverend Samuel Wilberforce, D.D., vol. i. p. 353. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 259 Crown slaves have made, and desired liiiii to say that at any time he should l)e willing to give his testimony to the beneficial effects of moral and religious instruction among them. He left 44 guilders with the Protector towards the cost of the chapel." Though *' sorry to see so little fruit of my labours among the free people, and to see them lead such a useless life, and manifest so much indifference to Christianity ; " and though his little daughter Jane had lately been long and very un- well, the year closed with many encouraging signs of progress. The Gazette of 27tli December says : — " A most favourable and visible change has taken place in tlie customs of the slaves at holidays. We no longer behold them indulging in those disgusting practices which used to be considered indispensable to the celebration of their festivals. In town, during the Christmas holidays, every respect was paid to sobriety, decency, and good order. We have not seen or heard of a single instance of intoxication among them." The congregation had considerably increased : forty-one adults had been baptized, and twelve admitted to com- munion. The Sunday School numbered 230, being con- siderably more than one-fourth of the children in town ; lack of a better room and a better supply of good teachers beginning now to be much felt. Marriages of slaves grew more numerous, and " almost daily applications for books evinced the thirst of the negroes for knowledge, and their desire to be taught to read." 18 27. Uninterrupted Prosperity — T'errlble Accident — Opposition to Manu- mission-Clause — Protectors Courage and Success — Death of Mr. Davics — Arrangements for Woric in Demerara — Shocking Sights — Protector s Departure for England — Also of Mr. Wraifs Son, Robert — Economical Management. Amid customary salutations, therefore, 1827 was entered with brighter hope and more of cheer than several Januarys of late. His record is : — 260 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, " In peace, as far as I know, with all around ; m3'.self, iny dear wife, and our children are in health, and we have a brighter 2)rospect of extending the kingdom of our blessed Saviour than at any former period. ' Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me ; bless His holy name.' " And his aspiration naturally — " Oh that this may be the liest year we have ever enjoyed !" It was not unrealized. Of course lie was occasionally cognizant of some painful event such as came from old slavery or in other ways ; and though a few who began to run well grew weary, or one now and then openly went back, the number attending instruction and worship continued to grow, and persons from far and near seeking the missionary's guidance or the means of learning, gradually and, as years followed, more uninterruptedly multiplied ; so that 1827 may be viewed as the period when, shallows and rapids passed, the current ran a safer, deeper, quieter, larger stream, that thus continued until life and labours on earth came to an end. Xot a small gratification was it to discover in those who came, sometimes the child of years ago that had been taught and then lost sight of ; or adults first seen, who yet had been taught by some such former scholar, or had them- selves picked up the knowledge of reading and religion from some stray manual. But, whether with old attendants or new comers, religion was his chief concern ; and pages of particulars, many concerning individuals expressed by name, testify his patient, faithful, tender care, both as a minister of the Word and a pastor of the flock. The year was but seventeen days old when a terrible accident shocked the neighbourhood. The Crown slaves were engaged in erecting a steam saw-mill for Government, the chimney of which had reached a height of eighty feet, when the scaffolding gave way and one fine young man of twenty years, a mason, highly esteemed by his manager, fell PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 201 from the top. Others in imminent danger escaped unhurt. The poor fellow, alive when picked up, died in a few hours ; and on the next day, amid many tokens of respect and the lamentations of a multitude that followed the remains, was buried by the missionary, who conducted a short and suitable service l^oth in the Winkel village and at the grave side. 13th February was an important day in Berbice, as touch- ing the new Slave-Code. Opposition was made to the manu- mission of a female and her child according to the compulsory manumission clause. The Protector and the parties could not agree about appraisers, and the Court was applied to. Mr. Wray, in common with many of the whites, including most of the members of the old Council, with the principal planters and merchants, attended the Court-House. The opposition was by the attorneys of the child's uncle, then absent in Holland, and was Ijased upon the assertion that the money offered was not honestly and honourably obtained. But, says Mr. Wray — "Their whole address was rather an indirect attack on tlie clause of the law than anything else. The Protector, however, completely confuted all that was said, reading a letter from the Fiscal in favour of the woman, and maintaining that the state in which she lived with the child's father was to be charged rather upon the whites than upon the slaves. He observed, ' As for the scurrility of this small community he had heard enough, but he attended only to authentic facts.' The word ' cant ' was never more strikingly applied than by him to the speech just delivered, and to the idle conversation so general among us. The opposi- tion being made l3y the agents of the child's uncle, he also dwelt, with considerable energy and feeling, on that avarice which makes men traffic in their own blood." " Such plain truths had not been delivered before in their hearing with sucli boldness and energy. He spake as one that cared not for the face of man. The Governor presided with great dignity, prudence, and impartiality ; and as the other party refused to comply with the law in appointing an appraiser, the Court did it for them. The father had lived for years with the mother of the 262 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, cliilcL The discussion was considered as very important to the whole Colony. I rejoice that the Protector was so pointed on the reception that scurrility and scandal meet with in the Colony, particularly of any one who may appear to be friendly to amelioration and instruction. For my part, I have suffered a martyrdom of feeling from base and false reports, and I thank God the time has come when a man is not afraid to stand up in the Court-House and tell them the truth. Not long ago he dined at the Governor's, in company with President Wray* and . Colonel Goodman (both members of the Court Martial that tried Mr. Smith), and boldly told them his opinion of their treatment of Mr. Smith." Some weeks later the Protector, having, along with the Governor, been attacked through the press by several ex-Councillors, again replied vigorously and fearlessly ; helping thus to clear the air, and make it possible for friends of humanity more easily to live and breathe. 23rd April brought sad tidings of Mv. Davies, Demerara. The first missionary to follow tlie pioneer, he had, since the insurrection, struggled on, but now sank. A letter, telling of his serious illness, came to hand but a little while before a messenger arrived to say he was dead. In lialf-an-hour ^Fr. AYray was sailing thither to see if he could render any assistance ; '' weather very rainy and disagreeable, and I was as wet all night as I possibly could be." Friends, however, had done all that was recpiired, and the disappointment in not seeing his old friend and fellow-worker once more before death, was modified l)y the information tliat an earlier arrival would have only found the patient unable to recognize him. After other reflections, naturally comes the following : — " I earnestly hope the Directors will send out a steady, pious, and affectionate minister to his people. I doubt not a large church and congregation will soon be gathered, and that many of the East Coast negroes and members will join with them. A few of these now live in town, and have repeatedly requested * No relation to the pioneer. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 263 my advice respecting what churcli they should join, and if another missionary would come among them. It would be a pity to give up this promising missionory field, where the labours of the Society have been so abundantly blessed, and especially when a large chapel is ready for their hands." Returning on the 26th, Mr. Wray reached home on the 28th, with face so dreadfully burnt through exposure to the hot sun, " that I was rendered almost incapable of doing anything." Demerara Avas now destitute, indeed, of its first mission- aries. More than three years had elapsed since the blow fell which followed the disturbance, and nothing had been done to repair the ruin. But the pioneer hoped on, not only in wish but in work, doing liis utmost to stay further declension, and to give a turn to affairs. Despite, therefore, his many engagements and much toil in Berbice, he voyaged to Georgetown at intervals of two or three months, to spend ten days or a fortnight in unceasing preaching, catechizing, administration of ordinances, converse with candidates for fellowship, or any who wished an interview ; until at last, after a further twenty months' interval, his request and wishes were gratified by the arrival at Demerara, in 1828, of another brother Avho was long to labour, and under whom, by God's great blessing, another happy and prosperous course of the mission was inaugurated. Yet on went the work in Berbice, steadily growing, not- withstanding the follies and sins of a few of the baptized, or an occasional reminder of what had been a frequent experience, now happily to prove only a relic of receding institutions. " l2tlL June. — Called to see the Protector. While engaged in conversation he was called out to two negroes, who presented a most disgusting and shocking appearance. Their fleshy parts were cut into large furrows with the cart whip, blood dropping or standing upon their lacerated parts, or, as one walked along 264 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, stoojiing, oozing out of tlie wounds. Tlie very sight made the Protector quite faint. Their owner is in England. I was in hopes such barbarous punishments had ceased, but it would seem not." " Lord's Day, 17th June. — -After morning service, between eight and nine o'clock, found a boy about eleven years old in our passage waiting for me. He had a chain upon him, fast locked with two or three padlocks, and a large weight hanging down his thigh in the shape of a window-weight. Found he was a boy Mr. Sherburn hired, and had put in chains. The boy had worn them about a week, and Mr. Sherburn had frequently beaten him severely. Sent to fetch beef, the boy took the opportunity of calling to inquire if it were proper for him to go to the Protector. I of course told him the Protector was here on purpose to inquire into the complaints of slaves, and directed him to go to him." With such an official, many beside the missionary, would be sorry to part ; but, " Mr. Power, His Majesty's Protector of Slaves, on 7th July, sailed for England. In the morning he called to take his leave of us. We parted from him with great regret. He has boldly advocated both humanity and religious instruction, and has paid high compliments to our feeble labours." Another parting was at hand : — " I6th July. — Our dear Eobert went to England. We hope and trust our God will go with him. Many of every colour, bond and free, from the Fiscal to the slave in the field, showed their respect by making him presents. In very delicate health, it is necessary to send him home ; also on account of his religious and moral improvement. Oh that God may provide for him and bless him, and carry him in safety to the land of our nativity ! He goes under the care of a kind lady ; also Lindoe, a member of the church, and a person of an excellent char- acter." Robert arrived safely with letters to Mr. Thompson (Hull), PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 265 to his sisters, and tlieir teacher, Miss Arnold, Westgate, Wakefield ; and himself entered Silcoates School, near that town, to continue his education. Postage in those days was costly, and many were the business letters IMr. Wray had to write ; but several cherished epistles to his daughters at school or elsewhere, chiefly folio sheets well filled, convey the words of an intelligent, affectionate. Christian father's heart and mind. One or two sentences from that of which their brother was the bearer, will show, among other things, tlie economy that had to be practised. " We liave received Elizabeth's letter of 26th March, and were happy to hear you were well, and diligently engaged in your studies. We also rejoice that you wish to remain another year at school, and gladly comply with your desires. We hope and trust that you will endeavour to make all the improvement you can, and store your minds with useful knowledge. Pray to God for the direction of His Holy Spirit, and He will bestow upon you the blessings you seek." "Captain H. kindly offers to forward a box to you from London. In it you will find contained two French Bibles and the other books you request. Some of them want binding, which you can have done in Hull. Your mother has also sent a small sum to Mrs, Thompson to assist in purchasing you any clothes you may want. We hope you will be careful of your clothes. Remember that we feel it very difficult to support you at school, but we hope by your good conduct and attention you will give us every satisfaction." The hope was not disappointed. In his notes of 31st December he is able to record : — " God has been very gracious to us as a church through this year. Thirty adults and twenty-two children have been bap- tized, nine admitted to the Lord's Table, and a number added to the list of Catechumens. Blessed be God for His goodness ! " 266 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, 182 8-9. Painful Pastoral Cares — New School-Room — Dandy Fever — Awful Event — Letter to Daughters — Their Return — Antoinettes Marriage, ibc. — Desperadoes in Prison — Pioneer re Religious Equality — Letters from England — Arrival of Rev. Joseph and Mrs. Ketley — Arrival of Pioneers Daughters — Visit to Demerara — Governors Restoration of Chapel there : Neio and Prosperous Course— Crown Slaves : Testimony of Military Official— Interesting Pastoral Cases— Free School — Crown Slaves : Earnest of Freedom. The new year began as usual with an early meeting for praise and prayer. But its opening clay had hours of pain to the pastor's mind. " Visited one of the baptized who is full of leprosy. He is in a most awful state, but says he trusts in Jesus for salvation."' " ]\Iucli pained to find one of the members, a free person of colour, had gone from our solemn meeting last evening and acted inconsistently, setting a pernicious example to the more ignorant members of the Church." j\[rs. G., who had always been a consistent useful member until this time, confessed she had felt very unhappy, and promised an acknowledgment of her fault. But she had attended her last meeting. Neither to that of the Church nor to the Supper of the Lord did she come. Another Sabbath, she was very unwell ; before a third, and after being unable for two or three days to speak, she had passed away. Her pastor visited her, and on Lord's Day, 20th January, preached her funeral sermon, the event making a deep impression on the Church. The mission still grew ; work also. At times, when — e.g.^ " my dear wife lias been very poorly, and confined to her room two or three weeks," the burden and continued strain told heavily, and would have been too much as a permanent thing. Of course, the private school had to go on, and in March — " The school lies heavy upon me, so that I have little time left PIONEER MISSION A.RY TO GUIANA. 267 for study, reading, meditation, and prayer. Mj whole life is indeed a life of hurry. I long for more time to devote to reading and study. God, however, abundantly sustains me in my public labours." 1st June, the new Sunday School was opened. It had been fitted up nnder the new chapel, wdiich, like most structures there, being erected on pillars, was some feet above the ground. On the 11th Mr. Wray was gratified by a liberal grant of 1000 guilders towards the cost, voted by the Governor and Council, a sort of gift in aid of educa- tion. '' The Governor himself called to inform me as he rode by. He said it was done with excellent feelings on the part of the members. Who would have thought this a few years ago, for the express purpose of teacliing all conditions to read ? I lament that I am so little acquainted with the best method of conducting Sunday Schools ; but I trust my God will enable me to superin- tend this blessed work in the way whicli is pleasing in His sight. We labour under great disadvantages in having so few efficient teachers ; but God can also raise up these,'as well as put it into the hearts of men to make us so liberal a grant of pecuniary assistance." For the forthcoming of which helpers he off'ers fervent prayer. It is well established that the so-called '' Russian Influ- enza," or La Grippe, of 1889-90, is no new epidemic, though of rare occurrence. Was this a visit thereof to the West Indian tropics during the summer of 1828? " Lor(Vs Day, 6th July. — A rheumatic fever very prevalent in the country. In town hardly a fanuly escapes, or an individual in a family ; sometimes four or five members are down at once. It is attended with very severe pains and stiffness, and leaves great debility, but only lasts a few days. They call it the ' Dandy Fever,' on account of the stilTness which attends it. Gone through several parts of the West Indies, it is said to have proved fatal to 268 LIFE OF JOHN \YEAY, several in Deiiierdra and Barbadoes, but I have beard of no death here." In common with his neighbours, ]\Ir. Wra3^'s family suf- fered from the strange mahidy. Beginning with little Emily, who had it very severely, in a fortnight it had successively and not less severely attacked each member. " 2271(1 Juhj (Tuesday). — I was unable to preach last Sabbath, and to attend Sunday School, and was very poorly yesterday. My ankles were very painful, so that I could hardly walk, and I felt very low. My dear wife is very ill of the fever ; her legs very much swelled, and she has pains all over her." During this period a most awful event occurred in high quarters. On Saturday evening, the 12th, Mr. M., the Governor's nephew, formerly Government Secretary, shot himself through the heart while sitting at the Governor's dinner table. " Some disagreement existed between him and his uncle. His mind seems to have been greatly oppressed, and I understand infidel authors formed his principal reading. He died instantly." He was not unknown to the missionary's daughters in England, who were now shortly to return, and to whom, on the 16th, their father communicates this among other intelli- gence, all with affectionate and pious counsel, and in glad hope of shortly seeing their faces and having their help : — " I suppose you are now with your friends at Southampton, who I am sure, will do all they can to make you happy, and will introduce a^ou to many pious and excellent people. You will also have the opportunity of hearing the Kev. Mr. Adkins, and I trust you will pray to God to help you to profit by what you hear. Remember that He sees you in the midst of all your friends and amusements, and that you can hide nothing from Him. Pray to Him daily that He would bestow upon you His blessing, and that it may accompany you wherever you go ; and be kind and aff'ectionate one to another. Remember the words of Joseph to his brethren : ' See that ye fall not out by the way;' PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 269 and also tlie advice of Paul, Pliil. ii. 3 : ' Let notliiiig be done tliroiigh strife or vain gloiy ; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem otlier better than themselves.' One excels in one thing, and another in another thing, but the best have nothing to boast of, and those who possess the least gift have much to be thankful for. God has not given to all, gifts alike ; and He requires us to improve to His glory and to each other's good, the gifts He has been pleased to bestow. " We long much to see you, and I trust you will try to make yourselves as useful as you can in our schools. You know our situation, and also that you are coming to an unfriendly soil as it respects spiritual improvement and society of your own age and complexion ; but I hope you will be happy in yourselves, in your books, and in your own amusements. Last Saturday evening we had an awful instance of depravity and the ill effects of angry passions. You will remember Mr. M., the Governor's secretary (formerly), and also his nephew. He shot himself through the heart at the dinner table at the Governor's, and died instantly without a groan. We should learn to bear the disappointments of life with Divine resignation to the will of God, and in every change and adverse scene, to put our trust and confidence in Him, also to mortify all jealous and angry passions. Pray to God to sanctify you wholly, and make you His." Correspondingly, we read in Mrs. Tuckett's first letter : — " AYhen we finally left school, we went to London to visit some of our mother's relatives ; and then to Southampton, where aunts, and uncles, and cousins kindly entertained us for some months. On 8th November, 1828, we went on board the High- Jmry, Captain Cook, bound for Berbice. We had dreadful weather, being detained in the Channel by contrary winds for some time, but at last we landed safely in Berbice, and were once more at home. My sister and self soon found plenty of work. Our mother had kept up her school, through the means of which our expenses to England had been met ; but she was worn out, and gladly gave it up to us ; so, what with school keeping and mission work we were fully employed." Antoinette, the kidnapped laundress, will not have been 270 I^IFE OF JOHN WRAY, forgotten by the reader. Brought back three years ago, after eleven years' captivity among the Bush negroes, she at length married, and on Lord's Day, 7th September, she and Dominic, her husband, were baptized by Mr. Wray. They belonged to the Crown. He had long been a very wild fellow, but an affliction with which he had lately been visited, seems to have had a very happy effect. " He now regularly attends the ordinances of religion. I do think him truly penitent, and rejoice in the change which has taken place. May it be real and lasting ! We were very thank- ful to our God to see A. married and baptized, and pray that God may bless and teach her." Very different place and service were his when, a month later, • he visited several sailors in prison, two or three of whom, in a drunken fit on the previous Sabbath, had nearly killed one of the constables and the Fiscal's son; and another who, having stabbed his captain in Demerara, afterwards broke out of jail, and had been caught in Berbice ; but all these events were turned to account in a sermon preached on a subsequent evening. The following casts some light on the pioneer, re " Reli- gious Equality." It comes before the November dates. "In reading the Parliamentary Reports, I find they have published my letter to the Protector, on Toleration ; and I could not help observing the similarity of sentiments expressed in Mr. Huskisson's celebrated letter to Jamaica. Indeed, Mr. Power said he thought it was founded on it. My letter, dated 9th November, 1826, on Article 35 of the New Code (says) : — ' Every Protestant Dissenter from the National Church, on receiving a licence, is obliged to swear that he " abhors and detests popery from the heart;" but here, in this Protestant Colony, the Roman priest and the foreigner are admitted to privileges of which the English Protestant is deprived. He must take out a licence merely to qualify himself to give a certificate of the character of a slave, though he may have been a preacher of the Gospel for twenty years by the laws of his country : for it is expressly provided PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 271 tliat " no licensed teacher of religion, except of tlie sects there specified, shall be competent to grant any such certificate."' Mr. Huskisson, 22nd September, 1827, in his letter to the Governor of Jamaica, observes :— 'It is impossible to pass over without remark the invidious distinction which is made, not only between Protestant Dissenters and Roman Catholics, but even between Protestant Dissenters and Jews.' Page 2." Little Emily and her mother had been and were very poorly, but on 11th November Mr. Wray left them for a week's work, his last in Demerara, returning to find them much the same ; and on 14th December the parents were "anxiously looking out for our dear children; we are expect- ing them every day." The next day brought letters, but the daughters themselves, detained by rough weather and con- trary winds, did not arrive till more than a month later. One letter from his friend, Mr. J. Thompson (Hull), — - "informs me that Mr. T. Thompson (brother) is dead. He was a truly excellent man ; spent large sums in promoting the cause of Christ and in acts of charity ; and a long life in the service of Jesus. My beloved friend is also drawing near the eternal world. Blessed be God for giving me such a friend, and for continuing him to be a friend also to my beloved children. He speaks highly of the disposition of Robert. Oh that God may bless the lad and give him His grace ! " 17th December brought a letter from the Eev. Joseph Ketley, " to state that he had arrived in Demerara to minister to Mr. Davies's congregation and to request me to go down. He arrived on the 7tli and he wrote on the 8tli. I rejoice that the poor people are again supplied with the Gospel, and pray that Mr. K. may be a pious, devoted, prudent missionary of Jesus Christ. I wrote him to-day (18th)." The burden was now lightened a good degree, and Mr. Ketley, spared to a ripe old age, proved himself such a minister as the prayer desires ; and after thus serving, it 272 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, may be said, two generations according to the will of God, left a son in the ministry Avho has long held the father's position, and is following in the father's steps. The rainy season was more than, as sometimes, such in name; hut on Lord's Day, 28th December, though roads were bad at ^ew Amsterdam, — "a very large congregation crowded the chapel, and numbers could not get in. I never saw f o many before. The service was very solemn and the people were very attentive." The year closed amid the usual services. During 1828 there had been twenty-two adults baptized, and twenty-four admitted to church-fellowship. 1829-1831. Arrival of Daughters — Vhlt to Dcmerara — Governor s Restoration of Chapel there: New and Prosperous Course — Croion Slaves: Testimony of Military Official — Pioneers Age: Fifty Years: Retrospect and Prospect — Deaths of Friends, d-c. — Free School— Agnes, or a " Select Incident of Slavery " — Further Improvement in Slave Laws — Improved Methods in Catechizing — Unhealthy Season — Rev. Michael Leiois, a Helper — Jane sent to England — ShocMng Death of Planter — An Historical Character — Increasing Disahility — Kind Letters from Directors — Enlargement of Chapel — Return, icith 3Irs. Wray, to England. 24th January of the new year, brought a further alleviation of the burden, not to say a cessation of anxious looks sea- wards, and a return of joy to the home. " Our eldest daughters arrived from our native country, when we received them with great joy, and are much pleased with the improvement they have made both in body and mind. We trust that God will bless them with His rich grace and lead them into the way everlasting. May He pour His spirit upon them and bless them I " These aide now to help in the private school and to take more responsible duties in the home life, their father Avent on 9th February to see Mr. and Mrs. Ketley. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 273 "They are young," lie writes, "but they appear very pious, and truly devoted to God and His cause ; and are much pleased with the people. I thank God that I have accomplished the object. ;May He bless His minister and the people ! Some of them thanked me for getting them a minister. I was much pleased with the plans Mr. K. is adopting." " Uth.— Went with Mr. K. to see the West Coast chapel. The Governor has ordered it to be given up to us. It is a fine situation in the centre of a large population of slaves. May God again revive His work in those Stations and give His blessing to the exertions of His servants ! Lord's Daij, 15th. — Preached at Providence Chapel in the morning and the Methodist in the evening. It is a very spacious buihling and was crowded to excess. The female who used to begin the singing for me more than twenty years ago, led the singing this evening. I8th, — Left Demerara this morning in the steamboat and arrived at home this evening." AA^hich last would be a new experience, as compared with the voyages made in the small coasting schooners; and would be truly a symbol of the new course of mission work just inaugurated, which now in Demerara, after and despite all and such attempts to crush and destroy or displace the work, was to have as rapid and unchecked a progress during the next five or ten years, as that in Berbice itself. The following is a fit conclusion to the entries of this month. " 28th February. — Captain Gipps of the Eoyal Engineers communicated to me a plan laid before Government for the amelioration and ultimate freedom of the AYinkel negroes. He states respecting them :— ' that having had the most effective part of them under his superintendence for three years, and also a number of other negroes from a variety of proprietors, he can with great satisfaction say— that they are decidedly superior to any other in intelligence and cheerful obedience,— that they are decidedly in a state which calls for some further amendment, and that he had learnt to entertain for many of them respect and esteem ; that they have a desire for comfort in their houses, for furniture and good clothing; that they will work for wages when 274 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, wages are regularly paid to tliem ; that many of them are married ; the younger ones can read and some can write ; whilst under the laudable exertions of a Missionary from the London Society that they have all attained a greater degree of religious and moral instruction than perhaps any other of their unfortunate race in the world.' " Eelieved then of some duties by the recent arrivals, Mr. Wray was able to give more time to pastoral care and private reading. His journals, therefore, for this and the following year, have much of their fewer pages taken up with details of his visits to the sick, or of his dealings wdth catechumens. Cases, entered at some length, are indeed interesting as showing in various ways the power of Divine grace and truth ; and must have been great encouragements to the faithful but now, through depressing weakness and sickness, often languid pastor.* * E.g.y Good old Mary Ann Scott, who died 6th May, at the age of eighty-two ; and who, years before, was among the first-fruits of mission work in Demerara ; having entered into fellowship there, and preceded Mr. Wray to Berbice. She was an ornament to her Christian profession, and "I never knew her act inconsistently with it." By the younger members of the family to which she belonged, she was looked on rather as a mother and a friend than as a servant, frequently receiving kind and affectionate letters from her young mistresses in Scotland. She was highly esteemed by the members of the church, and was on all occasions a peacemaker. Happy in the ways of religion, she acknow- ledged the support afforded by her heavenly Father under all the trials and difficulties through which for many years she had been called to pass ; and was very fervent in prayer on the behalf of her children, her minister, the members of the church, and for the spread of the Gospel. A truly humble, pious disciple of Jesus, always ascribing her salvation to the free grace of God ; she died as she had lived. Unable to speak in response to her pastor's utterance : — *' There shall we see His face. And never, never sin ; There from the rivers of His grace, Drink endless pleasures in ; " she expressed her approbation by the motion of her hand and a sweet PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 275 Of the Free School which had tlie pioneer's symjiathy, he writes : — " LonVs Day, ^Oth December.— 1 preached two sermons for the benefit of the Berhice Free Schooh Very rainy weather and the roads ahuost impassable. The congregation was very small both morning and evening. The Governor honoured us with his attendance, also the Fiscal. I trust the Free School will be a blessing to many poor children, but at present it is not well managed. Many children are admitted Mdiose parents are well able to pay for them. The Governor is very anxious about its prosperity." The last half of 1829 proved, both in its earlier and later part, very wet, and the months from June to September very smile on her countenance. Her remains were conveyed to the silent tomb, amid the tears of many, both bond and free. Poor Andries the leper, growingly afflicted with leprosy until he was one mass of sores, and full of pain, knew well both his Bible and Hymn Book ; but had all the more realized the truth of the Gospel since his affliction began ; and now, borne up in faith, praying without ceasing, with hope of better things beyond, was, on these accounts, a wonder to his minister, who visited his hut to the very last. Among learners, fine intelligent men who in increasing numbers had begun to punt themselves across the river to attend a Bible class, &c., Toby was especially interesting. As a boy in his own country (Houssa) he had been taught the Koran, and had nev^er seen a white man. Brought over when a big lad and sold into slavery, he had formed a very low but true estimate as to the amount of religious knowledge among the whites with whom he had hitherto met. Acquainted now with Mr. Wray, and having opportunity, he and his companions were " greedy " of knowledge, particularly that of the Holy Scriptures. Shown in succession Hebrew characters, Chinese, Bengalee, &c., &c., Toby shook his head. But Arabic he recognised as an old acquaintance, and afterwards wrote some passages of what he could remember as having learnt long ago from the Mohammedan parson. Toby will reappear in these pages. Meanwhile he would be drinking in Christian truth, and at present was learning to read his Bible in English ; answering also the occasional inquiries of the pioneer as to the probability, were a Station established on his side the river, of the slaves there helping and attending. 276 I^IFE OF JOHN WRAY, hot and unliealtliy. The ill effects Avere fully shared both by the missionary himself and by his household. Thirty-nine adults and forty-three children were baptized during the year, and thirteen persons admitted to the Lord's Table. Another item of consequence is unique, a drop of the shower not far away, which again, as the little cloud, was harbinger of abundance of rain. The Crown slaves were not yet to be freed as a whole, much less were slaves generally ; but " four slaves, belonging to the Crown, who are members of the mission church, another not yet a member, but very useful to the chapel, and for several years our faithful servant, and another young man who attends occasionally, have been freed by the express command of His Majesty's Government ; having been previously commended for their industry and good behaviour by his Excellency, Governor Beard. Their names are Louis, George, Daniel, David, Jacob, and James. May God preserve them and help them to persevere in well-doing, that Government may be encouraged to grant the same boon to others ! " With 12th January, 1830, the date of his baptism, ^Iv. Wray pauses to reflect upon his having attained the age of fifty years, twenty-two of which had now been spent as a missionary. Gratefully he recounts past and present mercies, particularly in his calling, his family ; the churcli and the work. His elder children were proving very useful, intent on improving their minds by reading, very dihgent in the private school, and giving considerable assistance in the schools and classes held on Sunday or on week-day evenings ; cheerfully declining invitations, even from the higliest quarters, to receptions or assemblies, attendance on which would then have been the almost sure precursor of a life of frivolity, if not of dissipation. His prayer, not unanswered, was that indeed they may choose and possess the one thing needful, even God as their portion, from their youth giving up their hearts to Him. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 277 " Many of the members too have given me much satisfaction and some rendered themselves particularly useful ; Miss Grimes, Gabriel and Tom, and Thomas and Henery of Lonsdale." He adds :— " I am now going down the hill and cannot expect to be very long, but I desire to devote myself to my God and Saviour, this day, that my few remaining days or years, as God shall see fit, may be to the promotion of His glory. I love His M'ork and I love His people. I feel my own deficiencies and imperfections, and the plague of my own heart ; and I daily lament these things ; but I cast myself on my Saviour ' whose blood cleanseth from all sin.' my God, take my poor sinful heart ; cleanse it from every sin, and fit me for Thy heavenly Kingdom." The impressions recorded at the outset of this last quota- tion, were intensified by the growth of his disease, and the passing away of former friends both in the old country and in the circle immediately around. As the year passed on, he could neither relish nor perform work at his desk, as he had done. In other ways he toiled on, and progress was main- tained. Whites, including ladies and sometimes officers from the garrison, were again regular in attendance at the chapel services ; and happy results still appeared. But to the unbroken continuance of these efforts he at length proved unequal, and the year had but half gone when additional help was peremptorily needed. Fortunately this was forth- coming in the person of the Rev. Michael Lewis, who, having been sent out to take charge of the restored chapel on the Demerara West Coast, landed there with Mrs. Lewis, a sister of the Rev. J. Ketley, 3rd April But we have been anticipating. 23rd January, news arrived of the death of his long attaclied friend, Mr. J. Thompson, of Hull ; of whom the pioneer now writes what has already been given in Chapter I. of this memoir. Another death, 6th February, nearer at hand, was a sad close of a short and sad course. About three years previously, on a Wednesday evening, Mr. Wray noticed at chapel the minister of the old Dutch Lutheran 278 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, cliiircli and one of liis people ; wlio, after service, spent an hour with the missionary. Wrote Mr. Wray at the time : — " He has been represented as very wild, but I found him to be quite agreeable, and intelligent on religious subjects. He is young and surrounded with temptations, but I think there is something good in him and I shall try to cultivate his acquaint- ance." More promising at first sight perhaps than some clergymen of that period, there was, alas, no root; and there is no further mention of him until 4th January of this year : — " Visited some sick people, among them the late Lutheran clergyman, who is in a most miserable stater brought on by licen- tiousness and drunkenness. He wept much while I spoke to him. He seems to be in want of necessaries. What is man when left to himself and liis wicked companions ! '' 6th February, the end had come : — "The Rev, Mr. Yos, late Minister of the Lutheran Church, died this evening, aged about 30. He has been a most awful instance of human depravity ; ruined his character and constitu- tion by whoredom, drunkenness, and extravagance. Since his dismission he has been in distress and want. Two or three ladies to whom I spoke, kindly sent him nourishment daily, and lately the Lutherans have allowed him something. He seems to have possessed good talents, and might have been useful, but was led away by dissipated companions, chiefly Lutherans, who were living in fornication and given to intoxication. At last he was forsaken by them and dismissed. An awful warning to those who enter the ministry without due preparation and without experiencing the regenerating influences of the Spirit of God. During ni}^ visits to him, he expressed his regret for his conduct in general terms ; but nothing like true and sincere repentance. In the evening of the 7th, I buried him." The prospects of the Berbice Free School, still an anxious care, somewhat brightened; and on the 22nd March, — " Attended the Committee. The Governor, chosen president at the annual meeting last week, as well as patron, took liis seat PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 279 among us to-day. Two or three resolutions were passed, whicli I think will prove beneficial ; and the subscriptions have greatly increased. I trust that education will be greatly promoted by it. If we could obtain a person well instructed in the British system it would prove a great blessing." Funerals, more numerous than usual during the last days of March, were followed by one on 1st April, eight or ten miles from town, which was the finish of what might be termed a "Select Incident of Slavery." The hearts of the humane missionary, his partner, and household, must have exclaimed, — "How long, LordT' " Thursday, 1st April. — Heard of the death of Agnes, a young mulatto girl, who was formerly with us for upwards of a year. She was the daughter of a former attorney of plantation ' Profit' by a slave-woman. Her father died some years ago. It was intended tliat she and her mother should be emancipated, and Agnes therefore was sent to Mrs. Wray for three years. She was a cheerful and well disposed girl, and was making consider- able progress in reading. At the end of last year, the ' Profit ' gang were advertised to be sold, and were purchased by the proj^rietor of the 'Friends' estate up the river ; and through the neglect of her friends, Agnes was sold among them. In conse- quence of this, we received an order to send her to tlie estate. It was like a thunderbolt to the poor girL Some attempts were made to purchase her, but in vain. She, of course, after the expectation of freedom, was reduced to slavery. Last Tuesday, taken with a fit, she never came round till aljout half-an-hour before her death on Wednesday evening, but she never spoke again. I doubt not it broke her heart. Her friends sent for me at five o'clock to bury her. The distance is eight or ten miles, and, in consequence of rain, the roads were bad. I buried her by candle light. It was an aftecting scene. Her poor mother and friends wept bitterly. Thus men die and leave their blood in slaver}^, and they are bought and sold like cattle. About twelve o'clock before I reached home." Easter Sunday, Whitsunday, as well as Christmas Day, even when on a Sunday, had long been legally proclaimed 280 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, dancing days for the slaves; Mr. Wray had frequently represented to the Governor the importance of changing the day to some other in the week, and his Excellency had always seemed to favour the idea. The effort at length bore fruit, for under date 11th April (Easter Sunday) is the record : — '*In my retm'n to the Protector last August, I particularly enlarged on the evil of legally setting two or three Sabbaths in the year (as dancing days) and of holding the public market on the Sabbath. I find Sir George Murray has been pleased to notice with approbation my statement respecting the dancing days, and has requested that they shall be removed from the Sabbath ; and in new laws by the King in Council which came out a few weeks since, the Sabbath markets and compulsory working (of the slaves) on the Sabbath are for ever abolished. Also the compulsory manumission clause is established, and there are several other beneficial regulations for the slave. Blessed be God for putting it into the hearts of our great men to do these things." With improved circumstances, the pioneer wisely adopted improved and suitable methods, even though, so far, appar- ently new in Berbice. On AVhitsunday of this year, according to previous announcement, he held a public examination in Scripture knowledge, of all children who had been baptized and taught ; also addressing them along with their parents and others who presented them : following all up, on the succeeding Sunday afternoon, by a further examination and by the distribution, to the most deserving, of medals from the British and Foreign School Society, and of Bibles, Testaments, Hymn and other books from the Bible and Tract Societies. He still did what he could, though increasingly disabled by his personal affliction. But with July came another time of sickness throughout the whole town, continuing to the end of September. Doctors said tliey never had so much. Mr. Wray, for several weeks, was quite unable to preach, and members of his family and inmates of his house were PIONEEE MISSIONAKY TO GUIANA. 281 frequently stricken with fever. Several churcli-members died very snddenl}^, and a most promising youth of nineteen, a Crown slave employed at the sawmill, baptized when a little boy and in whom the missionary took a deep interest, passed away in the faith of the Gospel. The Rev. M. Lewis, hearing of Mr. Wray's prostration, arrived early on Sunday, 11th July, and stayed until the 29th, conducting public worship and preaching. His services proved very acceptable, the chapel being crowded by persons of all colours. " He seems," the pastor writes, " an excellent, pious young man, and I trust will be very useful." Young Jane, who, after being seriously unwell, had somewhat recovered, it was decided, should go to England ; and all alone, but in charge of their friend Captain Cook of the HiyJihury, Avho kindly gave her a free passage, the child, in September, took her departure. Though most affectionate, " the dear girl went willingly and manifested much decision and firmness." Happily all went well, and like her elder sisters, Jane lived to become a useful Christian lady and to attain a good old age.^ One awful event in July, shocking to the Colony, was particularly so to the two missionaries. Going on the 12th w^ith ^Ir. Lewis to introduce him to the Governor and the Fiscal, at the house of the latter Mr. Wray met a Mr. Kewley, owner of estate No. 49, on the East or Corentyne Coast, who, it is remarked, quite shocked Mr. Lewis by his profane swearing. This Mr. K. had hired some slaves who had long lived on the West Coast, and who, having heard their mistress was hiring them out to go so far off, ran away. The Fiscal, however, had succeeded in getting them back, had brought them over the river and put them in gaol until the schooner was ready to take them. On the 14th, they and IMr. K., with some other whites, about thirty souls altogether, * In later days she became Mrs. Goss, Exeter ; surviving her husband until the close of 1890. 282 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, set sail. It was customary to hail vessels passing the fort and, if they did not answer, to bring them to. " I never heard of any accident or injury done before," writes Mr. Wray, " but as these were passing the fort a gun was fired to bring them to, and whether obeyed or not I cannot say ; but a second was fired and, by accident or mismanagement, the shot struck the vessel. Some on board narrowly escaped, but none received hurt except Mr. K., whom the ball struck dead on the spot, rending his body almost in twain." In a few hours, the shattered remains were buried, " a very great number of people attending." As the year drew to a close, the pioneer again became very weak, disposed also to write bitter things against himself. " I am very low ; I have indeed need of patience, yet my temper is very irritable and I manifest great impatience. Oh that my God would be with me and help me to bear my afiliction with patience and resignation ! " But again j\Ir. Lewis, coming over witli Mrs. Lewis, was able to render help. Forty adults and twenty-five children had been baptized during the year ; eighteen persons admitted to the Lord's Table, all slaves, except one ; and there had been seventeen legal marriages of slaves. The new year, 1831, was begun, as usual, with a service at 7 A.M , which consisted of prayer and praise. "Thus far tlie Lord has led us ou," Mr. Wray notes, "I trust from the prospects before us that the increase will be far greater this year as the people are advancing in knowledge, and tliere is a growing desire among the slaves for improvement." Its opening day saw the last of a very aged and somewhat historical character. " 1st January. — Buried old Frederick. He was past ninety- nine years of age. For the services he rendered to the Wliites in the dreadful insurrection of the slaves in 1763, he was freed, and has received an annual j)ension ever since." The growing attendance at the chapel services, advancing PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 283 beyond the capacity of the building to accommodate it, demanded an enlargement of the edifice, which was now planned and put into execution. Besides this, land had been obtained on the otlier side of the river, and people were sul)scribing weekly and monthly sums for a place of worship there. Also a few miles higher up the river, on tlie East Bank, a favourable opening for work was presenting itself. Mr. Wray's increasing affliction seemed the only drawback. This more frequently rendered him helpless. Then, ^ ' I see my dear wife and daughters constantly engaged, while I do nothing but moan and groan." In January, however, he was cheered, not only by hearing of the safe arrival of young Jane, her good health and that of his son Robert, but by " a very kind and sympathetic letter from the Society, promising another to take his jDlace and to arrange for himself and Mrs. Wray returning to England for a short time." All which was very grateful to the heart of the tried but devoted pioneer. February brought further communications to the effect " that myself and Mrs. Wray are at liberty to return to England as soon as we wish, and authorize me to invite Mr. Lewis to take care of the congregation in my absence." This arrangement was ultimately adopted. Propped up a few weeks until the work of enlarging the chapel was about completed, then leaving the Rev. Mr. Lewis in charge of the mission, and the two eldest daughters in charge of the private school and of the home : the suffering minister and his dear wife embarked on board the Highbury, Captain Cook, amid the most affectionate attentions of their poor people, and assurances of unceasing prayers on their behalf ; also amid the politest attentions shown by the white and coloured inliabitants. . In three days the Iliyhhury left the bar, and on Uth April, just twenty-two years since Mrs. AVray had arrived in Guiana, and which had been spent by her witliout intermission there, the voyage home was fairly begun. CHAPTER VII. VISIT WITH MRS. WRAY TO ENGLAND; TO NEGRO EMANCIPATION. April, 1831— August, 1834. Reception hi Earjland — History of Mission — Early Return — Death of Rev. M. Lcivis — Reception in Berhice — In Harness Again — William 0. Ramsey — Coming Changes — Berbice Colony : Union loith Dcmerara, tCr. — Lonsdale Chapel : Liberality of New Governor, cOc. ; Sudden Death of Builder — Town Chapel: I'hird Enlargement — Rev. James and Mrs. Scott — Lonsdale Chapel : Opening — Increase, 1832 — Reported Schism. The voyage to England, also that back again to Berbice, seem to liave been ^vithout particular incident, IMr. Wray making no note upon either. Of the interval, about seven months, we have the following memorandum, here slightly condensed : — '^6th June. — This day myself and Mrs. Wray landed in England. We were received with great kindness by our nephew. On the Monday evening following I was introduced by Mr. Hankey to the Board of Directors, in the most affectionate and flattering manner, so much so that I felt quite ashamed. They have manifested the greatest kindness to me. I have always attended their Monday evening committee, when in London ; and have been treated with great respect. I also generally attended the Committee meeting of the Tract Society on Tuesday morning ; felt much interest in it, and was always edified. The Committees of the Bible Society and the School Society also I had the pleasure of attending, and was kindly received. On the 5th 284 Rev. JOIJN WEAY. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 285 July I underwent a surgical operation, performed by Dr. Kay, and was confined about a fortnight to the house."^ From the end of August to the end of October I was travelling for the Society in the shires of Warwick, Stafford, Norfolk, and Lincoln, and preached and spoke twice almost every day. I was received everywhere with the greatest kindness ; and I trust the mission- ary spirit is increasing. They often brought me on my journey after a godly sort. We received our dear Emily, who had been very ill, and (was) sent over (to us in charge of) Captain Cook, much improved by the voyage. (Rev.) Mr. Clayton, in particular, treated us with great kindness ; also did Mrs. Clayton. We got quite attached to them. (Rev.) Mr. and Mrs. Collison, and (Rev.) Mr. and Mrs. Arundell showed us kindness. Blessed be God for His great goodness to us. Having recovered, it is our wish to return to our field of labour." The Directors would have had liim prolong his stay, and even write a History of the Mission before returning ; other considerations too were not wanting to delay their return. Like Emily, their youngest, a most interesting child, would, it was thought, have to be left behind, as also young Jane, who had preceded them to this country ; while their son Robert, who had now left Silcoates and for whom some suit- able situation had been sought but not obtained, would have no further opportunity here of personal inquiry, as it was concluded he should return with them. But the now rapid growth of the mission ; the promise of further openings ; and the march of events in Britain, specially the tokens of some great changes as to negro slavery in our colonies, presented by a long-forbearing but growingly aroused and indignant people, would doubtless weigh heavily in the scale which decided them to return as soon as they did. It was fortunate, for, had they deferred, another event, when known, would alone have hastened their departure. This was the decease, on 22nd January, 1832, of the Rev. * Later on, Mr. Wray sat for the portrait whence our engraving is taken. 286 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, M. Lewis after three days' illness. But the pioneer and Mrs. Wray were then on their way : of course, therefore, did not hear the sad news until they landed. ^^ 4th Januanj, 1832. — We went on hoard the Bosanna, Captain Foster, Mr. Arundell accompanied us to the ship. We sailed from tlie Downs on the 13th, reached Berbice on 20th February, and were received by a number of people on the stelling, who all kindly welcomed our return. We found our dear children much better than we expected, and from all classes had testimony to their good conduct. They have been diligently employed in their school from eight to four : and in the Sunday School on the Sabbath. Mr. Lewis has made one of them Superintendent, and admitted both to the Lord's Table. I hope and trust God, by His Spirit, has wrought a change in their hearts, and that they will grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were much shocked to liear of the death of Mr. Lewis on 22nd January. Only three days ill, he was cut down in the midst of usefulness. He was indefatigable in his missionary labours, as well as for the promotion of the Divine glory. He died in a most happy state of mind, ' rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.' He is gone to his Father and his crown. May God prepare me for the rest which remains for His people ! *' For the first three or four days after our arrival we had a number of visitors ; sometimes the house almost full." AVork of necessity, and in all its usual forms, then began forthwith. "Lords Bay, 26//t February. — The chapel was full notwith- standing its enlargement. A great number of negroes from the country. I improved the death of Mr. Lewis. All lament it." "Lord's Day, 4th March. — I had the happiness of meeting again with the dear people of Berbice at the Table of the Lord, my beloved girls among them. May they be the Lord's for ever, and devote themselves entirely to His service ! Preached from 3 John 4. ' I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.' As well as my own beloved children, I found all my spiritual children also walking in the truth of the Gospel of our blessed Saviour, and others added to their number. Thanks be to God, none had been excluded. Two PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 287 aged members liaci been removed from the cliurcli below to tlie diiircli above. Mr. Lewis wrote me that they bolli died in a very happy state." ^^ Friday, 23nZ March. — Nearly every day since my arrival I have visited a young man, aged 23, born at Perth, in Scotland, and named William Orme Ramsey. Baptized by the late Mr. Orme, and named after him, his father and mother seem to be very pious people, members of the church over which Mr. Orme was pastor. Since leaving Scotland, the young man has been in (North) America, Demerara, then came to Berbice, where he was working on an estate as a plumber, when he and one of the white people having had a quarrel he had been beaten by his fellow, had come to town, and been taken ill at the house of a poor woman near the chapel. She sent to request me to visit him. He received my instructions with the greatest thankfulness, and was exceedingly anxious for them. I have reason to believe that he died a sincere penitent, and that the kind instruction of Mr. Orme, and of his father and mother, were ' not in vain in the Lord.' » After details of visits to the sufferer, the missionary takes this as one, — " among other instances, which afford encouragement to pious parents to persevere in educating their children in the fear of tlie Lord, and in training them up in the wa3''S of true religion." We cease further quotation here. Enough has been given to indicate the reception met with, and Mr. Wray's full re-entrance at once upon preaching and pastoral work. A few weeks were sufficient to show the influence of current events, as these tended to a relaxation of the bonds of slavery and pointed to their speedy dissolution. In a last letter written to his daughters before his return, ^Ir. Wray had said : — " New laws have been sent out. I suppose they will create considerable commotion in the Colonies. The i^rejudices existing against the West Indies are very great. I should be glad if some great measure were adopted to satisfy all parties. Twenty years ago I did not expect to live to see the progress which has been 288 LIFE OF JOHN WEAY, made. I trust that the time is not far distant when 'the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea ;' and that in Berbice the Gospel will spread tlirough the Colony." Berbice, as we shall see, seems to have received the new laws more wisely than some other colonies, particularly Jamaica, where the violence of the planting interest was such as to hasten, rather than retard, the day of emancipa- tion. On the part both of many slaves and their owners or managers, in Berbice there appeared a disposition to utilize the means of instruction which the Mission had at hand.* It may here be noted, too, that during the Missionary's absence an important change had taken place in the civil government of the Colony. For, July, 1831, Berbice ceased to be an independent colony ; Governor Beard returning to England, and Sir Benjamin D'Urban taking the governorship in union with that already held of Demerara and Essequibo. Henceforth the three colonies had their one seat of Govern- ment in Georgetown. The first sign of what were to prove rapidly increasing numbers in attendance at the Mission, appeared on Good Friday, 20th April, under the new Order in Council now become a holiday for the slaves. A good number from an estate high up the river, with a letter from the manager, came to worship, &c., and a great many from other planta- tions. On Easter Sunday and Monday they come in still larger numbers, and from all directions, many neatly dressed, and all behaving well; a sight constraining the audible repetition at times, by Mrs. AVray, of Watts's lines : — * The course of events in the Slave-Colonies cannot be fully appre- ciated without a knowledge of the course of events touching slave- amelioration and emancipation in the Mother country. No volume, probably, gives the latter at this period, so concisely yet so well, as the Life of the great leader of emancipation. Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton ; a work which, for this reason, were there none other, should be in every English Library. PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 289 " That day shall show Thy power is great, When samts shall flock with willing minds, And sinners crowd Thy temple gates, Where holiness in beauty shines." Succeeding Sabbath days and other opportunities only tended to augment these numbers, despite loss of friends or the missionary's sickness ; for toward the end of May, Mr. Power died, of whom says Mr. Wray : — "I am afraid we shall not obtain a man of humanity and amelioration like-minded in the negro cause." And in the middle of June, the pioneer himself had attacks of fever severe enough to lay him aside from work. But on 6tli May seventeen ne^v members were admitted to the Table of the Lord, chiefly, however, of those who from childhood had been instructed in the faith of Christ; and on 29th June, — "had the pleasure to lay the foundation of a new chapel on plantation ' Lonsdale,' and to entreat that God would be pleased to bless this new undertaking." " Lord's Bay, 1st July. — There is now a large pick of cofl'ee. The people are tired on the Sabbath and cannot come so well ; yet the chapel is always full. I often feel very poorly ; but God enables me to preach His holy word, and to attend to the duties of my calling." 3Lst July, be is further cheered : — " Last week Governor D'Urban visited Berbice. His Excellency sent me a donation of 10 Joes (about £18) towards the new chapel. I have had far more encouragement to go on tlian 1 expected. During the month I have been very successful in obtaining donations. Several respectable planters have subscribed liberally, and most with whom I have conversed seem pleased with the undertaking. Some of the white gentlemen in the neighbour- hood have told me that they will regularly attend. One planter wished for a pew for the white people on his estate, and said he would have no objection for all his little slaves to attend Sunday School." Wednesday, 15th August, brought a sad interruption to the work : — u 290 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, " The poor man, Mr. M'Kinsie, wliom I employed to put up the chapel on Lonsdale, died this evening. Last Wednesday he went out of the manager's house without his hat, and received a stroke from the sun. He lay in a state of unconsciousness for two or three days. I went to see him on Friday, and found him quite insensible. He afterwards became quite mad, and died. I was deeply affected with this awful dispensation. He seemed to be a very quiet, inoffensive, industrious man ; had only been about eighteen months in the Colony, and was very little known." In town, the chapel, on Sabbath days crowded in every part, witnessed in September such further increase in num- bers both of adults and children, that manse, schoolroom and chapel were all utilized for meetings of one kind or another, which, beginning early in the morning, continued almost uninterruptedly until night ; not less than 700 being in actual attendance and 1000 under instruction. Many of those who came were from the country, some travelling ten or fifteen miles ; and great numbers of such, after service, applying for catechisms and spelling books to convey back to their distant homes. Though assisted by a number of willing helpers, so closely did one assembly of learners succeed another, the missionary says of his family: — "we had hardly time to take any refreshment " — and though, in addition to former enlarge- ment, a gallery for the children had, during the pioneer's absence in England, been put up, he now writes : — "it has become absolutely necessary to make another addition to the chapel." This crowding, due, of course, in part to the abolition of Sunday labour by the new code, and its securing the right of public Divine worship to the slaves, went on ; the people from the country districts, however, becoming increasingly wishful to have places of worship in their respective neigh- bourhoods, and Mr. Wray longing for "an assistant who w^ould labour humbly and affectionately for Christ among PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 291 them." Letters informing friends and the Society of what was coming to pass, and earnestly entreating help, were accordingly sent home. Meanwhile all did what they could, and in December welcomed the company and help of the Rev. James and Mrs. Scott who, occupying the sphere in Demerara left vacant by the death of Mr. Lewis, now paid a fortnight's visit to Berbice. They were gratified with the prospects presented by the mission, and, arriving on the 4th, took part in a glad and important event ; the first of several such shortly to be brought about correspondently with exten- sion of the work — the opening of the chapel on Lonsdale. " Lord^s Day, 9th December. — The new chapel on Lonsdale was opened. It was crowded to excess and numbers could not gain admittance. The day was very fine. It was delightful to see the groups of people along the road from town and the different plantations, returning from the interesting scene. All seemed pleased. Such a sight had not before been seen in Berbice. I opened the service by a short address, reading the Scriptures, singing hymns, and earnest prayer. The Rev. James Scott from Demerara, preached an appropriate sermon from Ps. xxvi. ver. 8 (' Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the j^Zace ivhere Thine honour diceUeth'). To me it was a most interesting day. I bless God that the desire of my heart has at length been fulfilled in the erection of a place of worship in this populous dis- trict. May thousands be born in it for eternity ! " A new gallery in the town chapel, holding between eighty and 100 persons, was also finished before the end of the year. As this drew on, during Christmas week and closing days, crowded services, both at Lonsdale and in town, were held. The Crown slaves had all been emancipated during the year, and since his return from England, Mr. Wray had baptized sixty-five adults and nineteen children. Forty-two had been admitted to the Table of the Lord, half of them slaves, and nine from among the newly emancipated Crown negroes. Thirty-six couples of slaves had been married. Forty-one boys and ninety-six girls of the town children had 292 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, been admitted to the Sunday School, which now numbered 317 scholars, under tlie care of twenty-seven teachers. In addition, great numbers of adults and children from the country were taught in a separate building. But on the last night of 1832, business of an unpleasant nature occupied the attention of pastor and church. That schism should exist, was no new thing in the history of Christian churches, whatever be their constitution; but that it should be appearing in that under his charge, was news to the pioneer. However, no circumstances perhaps were more likely to favour its appearance than those of the church during the closing year ; and no fellowship more than this mixture of nationalities and colours, of bond and free ; a ie^v of them taught, but the mass uneducated. Certainly, if not rightly met and checked, in none can it so easily spread or work mischief as in churches of the Congregational order. The freedom they enjoy is great, but correspondingly so are the perils. Mr. Wray was no bigot in the matter of church government ; he was, nevertheless, as we have seen, a Con- gregationalist ; continued such, and continued therefore to organize churches on the Independent or Congregational principle. We have him now meeting a crisis in an intelli- gent, faithful, open, and candid manner — meeting it success- fully too, as the event proved. It was from friends in Demerara, about a month pre- viously, that a report reached him of a division in the church, and during December he had been endeavouring to ascertain if indeed this was the case. He had not succeeded ; yet, says he,— "there are a few of whom I am suspicious, and as a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump, and as with such suspicions in my mind I could not administer the Lord's Supper with comfort, I thought it best to call the church together and tell them what I had heard. This I did ; explaining to them, in the first place, the right all had to attend where they could receive the most PIONEER MISSIONARY TO GUIANA. 293 benefit ; that if tliey could not profit Ijy their own minister, it was their duty to tell him, and if it was their wish to separate, to do it openly and honourably ; but that for any one in a secret, underhand manner to form a division in the church, unknown to the minister and members in general, was a sin of heinous nature. This I proved from Scripture, reading also some passages on the subject from Mr. (John Angell) James's ' Church Fellowship.' Telling them that I had tried to find out who the people were, but in vain, and that consequently I was not able to speak to them in private, I charged any who were thus trying to under- mine my character and to make a division in this Jesuitical manner, not, with such sentiments in their hearts against me, to approach the Lord's Table." The individuals suspected turned out to be the real par- ties. They were a Mr. A and some sergeants from the fort. Mr. Wray thought they had tried to inflame some coloured young men and women against him ; but not that they had gone amongst the people in general. During his absence in England they had begun a kind of meeting which the pastor could not sanction, as neither could he Mr. A.'s wish, after leaving the fort, to be ordained a missionary, or to gain the hand of a Miss G in marriage. In this last jMr. A. ultimately succeeded, but in nothing else. " He must blame me for not being received as a missionary — but I should not have done my duty to the Society had I, after becoming more acquainted with him, recommended him." Less than another year, and his connection with the church came to an end. 294 LIFE OF JOHN WRAY, 1833. Imp7'cssive Communion — Sad Character of Clergyman — Arrival of Rev. James and Mrs. Mirams — Lonsdale : Church Formed — Slaves' Need of Instruction — Contrast — Bishop^s Testimony — Remarkable Conversion — Difficulties of Trans it ion- State — Renewed Protest — Pass- ing of Emancipation Act — Preparations for Change — New Governor — His Visit to Berbice : the Mission,