In this he preached to large and serious congregations, and mány appeared to profit by the word delivered.*

From this transient survey, we may perceive the astonishing change which had taken place in the short space of two years. On a former occasion, few places could present a more hostile front to the Gospel of Christ, than these islands exhibited. These circumstances the biographer of Dr. Adam Clarke will hereafter delineate, and give to posterity in detail. But now, on the present occasion, all was harmony and peace; and the same tongues that had exclaimed "crucify him," were now employed, in several instances, in uttering hosannas to the name of God. We may learn from hence, the duty of perseverance in the cause of truth, even though our efforts of love should be repelled with frowns. We may infer also, that the want of a favourable reception is no evidence of the Divine disapprobation. In many places where our most flourishing societies are to be found at present, the frowns of persecution at first forbade us to introduce the Gospel. And perhaps, if these hostilities had been made the exclusive criterion of action, Methodism, as well as Christianity in the abstract, would have been nearly unknown in the world.

Several places, on the contrary, where the early smiles of approbation seemed to invite the Gospel with flattering promises, soon put on a forbidding aspect, and presented a host of difficulties too formidable to be withstood. Among the islands of the West Indies such places are still to be found. Unhappily, the planter too frequently thinks, that the moral improvement of his slaves is inimical to his interest. He therefore conceives it to be his duty to secure that ignorance which a privation of instruction will ensure. Wretched, however, must that system be, which derives its chief support from the shadows with which it is enveloped, and whose existence seems to depend upon the exclusion of light. Time and experience have demonstrated the delusiveness of these apprehensions, in all places where experiments have been made,

*See Life of Mr. Wesley, by Coke and Moore.

and many of the planters now find it to be their interest and their duty, to support those principles and doctrines they once endeavoured to suppress, and against which many still continue to exert their power.

Against this host of prejudices Dr. Coke was called to contend, in the course of his missionary labours. But through Divine grace he was prepared for his work, by that activity, zeal, and perseverance, which invariably marked his character. Of this fact, the following circumstance furnishes a striking instance :-On his second visit to these islands, he was taken by Mr. Brackenbury into the country, to hold a meeting at St. Mary's, in Jersey, that he might have an opportunity of noticing the various characters and objects which presented themselves to view. Unhappily, the tempest of persecution had not yet wholly subsided. At this meeting the ringleader of a daring mob was present, who assailed the Doctor in a most brutal and ignominious manner, almost lifting him from the ground by his ears. But bearing these indignities with the most exemplary patience, the more sober part of the congregation were rather edified by the spirit which he manifested, than injured by the disturbance which the rioters had occasioned.

On leaving the Norman Isles he repaired to England, visiting many of the principal towns, and employing his time in preaching the Gospel, and recommending the case of the unfortunate negroes to the benevolent attention of the congregations, and to the compassion of wealthy individuals. Being polite in his manners, and deeply interested in the issue of his undertaking, no circumstance, however forbidding, could prevent his appeal. And although he was occasionally repelled from the doors of the irreligious, and the unfeeling, he was frequently successful in places which most other men would have tried in vain. In thus making provision for the missionaries, he spent his time without meeting with any remarkable incident, until the Conference of 1788, soon after which he again prepared to revisit the West Indies.

CHAPTER X.

Dr. Coke sails for Barbadoes-Proceedings on his arrivalEstablishment of a mission-Repairs to St. Vincent's-Visits the Caribbs-Reflections on Savage life-Repairs to Dominica-The work prospers in Antigua, and in St. Christopher's

-Remarks on a persecuting Edict, passed in Eustatius— Driven from this island-Forbidden to establish a mission in Saba-Visits Tortola and Santa Cruz-Pleasing prospects in these islands-Delivered from imminent danger in a boat -Promising appearances of missionary success in Jamaica -Revisits the continent-Difficulties of travelling-Picturesque scenery-Nocturnal Fires-Progress of Religion in Georgia-Resolution to build Wesley college--Prosperous state of religion in South Carolina-In North Carolina-In Virginia-In Maryland-In Pennsylvania and DelawareAnd in New-York-Total increase of the societies—Returns to England--Reflections on the condition of the heathen world.

THE conference of 1788, having appointed three missionaries for the West Indies, in addition to those that were already there, placed them under the immediate superintendence of Dr. Coke, who made preparations to accompany them thither. A passage was taken on board of a ship bound for Barbadoes, which was an island that he had not yet visited. Their voyage was pleasant in a high degree, as the weather was favourable, and no memorable accident occurred. In addition to this, the accommodations on board were excellent, and the captain, who was deeply impressed with the fear of God, did every thing in his power to render their situation comfortable. On any of their devotions he never attempted to lay the least

restraint, and scarcely ever omitted to join in them, when the duties of his station afforded him leisure.

The men who were on board conducted themselves in a manner not unworthy of their captain. Many seemed to be deeply affected with the sermons which were delivered; and throughout the whole voyage, they read with earnestness and apparent delight the books that were presented to them. Nor was this conduct assumed out of a mere artificial complaisance. When the missionaries parted from them, their sincerity was demonstrated by the tears which suffused their faces, and by the earnestness with which they squeezed their hands. "And when our boat dropt astern," says Dr. Coke, "they gave us three as hearty cheers, as I believe were ever given by a company of sailors."

The missionaries, who accompanied Dr. Coke in this expedition, were Messrs. Lumb, Gamble, and Pearce; but neither they nor himself expected to find any individual whom they knew upon the island. On entering Bridgetown, the capital, they repaired to an inn; but finding this abode likely to be expensive, and being assured that the labours of all would not be wanted in this place, they seized an opportunity which immediately offered, and despatched Mr. Lumb and Mr. Gamble to St. Vincent's, on board of a merchant ship that was about to sail for that island the same evening.

Dr. Coke and Mr. Pearce were now left alone, to declare their intentions, and to seize such openings as Providence might present for the introduction of the Gospel. Scarcely had their colleagues departed, before it occurred to Mr. Pearce, that a regiment of soldiers, among whom he knew several pious persons when in Ireland, was at this time stationed in Barbadoes. On communicating this information to Dr. Coke, he was directed to go in search of them, and, if possible, gather from these the dispositions of the inhabitants towards the Gospel. Mr. Pearce accordingly departed, and in about two hours returned with a soldier, who still retained his faithfulness to God. The excursion of Mr. Pearce among publicity to the mission, and almost

the soldiers, soon gave

immediately brought to the inn a pious sergeant, who be longed to the same regiment. The sergeant gazed for a few moments on Mr. Pearce, and instantly recollecting his features, clasped him in his arms with all the joy which an unexpected meeting of Christian friends in a distant region of the globe is calculated to inspire.

From these soldiers they learnt, that after they had continued for some time in silence on the island, the love of Christ constrained them to call sinners to repentance. The singularity of their conduct soon excited the attention of a merchant, whose name was Button, who provided for them a large room, which had formerly been a warehouse, and in this they regularly assembled for public worship.

Guided by these rays of light, in this gloomy region, Dr. Coke determined to pay Mr. Button a visit on the ensuing morning, and consult with him on the most eligible means to be adopted for carrying their designs into execution. But these contrivances were soon rendered useless by the benevolence of the gentleman on whom they intended to wait. Mr. Button, having heard of their arrival, sent them an invitation to breakfast with him; thus unexpectedly furnishing them with an opportunity of introducing the object they had in view.

Arriving at Mr. Button's, Dr. Coke was surprised to find himself accosted by his name. Mr. Button, it appears, had frequently heard him preach on the continent of America, during his visits to the United States; and while there, several of his servants had been baptized by him, one of whom was now truly alive to God. Being hospitably entertained by this friendly gentleman, whose house and heart seemed alike open to receive them, Dr. Coke and Mr. Pearce, at his request, discharged their bill at the inu, and immediately took up their abode at his friendly habitation. Dr. Coke intending to preach at Mr. Button's house, the novelty of the report drew together a concourse of people, nearly three times as large as could be accommodated. Among these many seemed to hear with deep attention, and all behaved with the utmost propriety.