The Baptist Magazine, Vol. 27, January, 1835Various
Religion
The Baptist Magazine, Vol. 27, January, 1835
Various
Baptists -- Periodicals
We mentioned, in our last number, that Mr. Coultart had encountered much
annoyance in the neighbouring parish of St. Ann's, the birth-place of
the Colonial Church Union, and disgracefully conspicuous for the blind
and furious determination shown by several of its leading men, to
prevent the spread of religious instruction among the negroes. Humanly
speaking, nothing but the wise, humane, and dignified conduct of the
Custos, the Hon. S. M. Barrett, saved this parish from the horrors of
martial law. He applied to Mr. Coultart, requesting him to use all his
influence with the negroes to quell the spirit of insubordination which
had begun to show itself among them; and in addition to this, met them
in person at Ocho Rios, gave them an excellent and animated address,
explaining to them the nature of the new law, and expostulating with
them, in the warmest and kindest manner. All present were much pleased
with his kindness, and promised to do all they could to allay the
existing evil.
Mrs. Coultart, in a subsequent letter, adverting to the same subject,
remarks, "The poor things were puzzled. They were told they were free on
the first of August, had a general holiday, and rejoiced at the event;
and then they were called to work again as before. 'Free, no free at
all; work like before-time.' Many said, they would not work without a
proper understanding, or some pay. I was present when a poor woman in
the Methodist Society made a speech to the following effect: 'From the
creation down to now we work, work, work. Now, Lord Mulgrave and the
King give we free, we take free, we happy; then master come, tell we
work like before-time. No, me say, better take shot at one than make we
fool so.' The minister's wife talked to her, and explained that this
work for six years was to help pay the owner what the King could not
afford to do, of the money that purchased her; and she seemed quite
content, and said she would go to her work. If it were possible to speak
to each thus, in the tone of a friend, they would believe; but their
confidence in their owners is shaken--and who can wonder?"
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