Rev A Brandram No.36
Kingston, Jamaica, 22nd September 1834.
My dear Friend,
Your letter of the 8th of August is now before me, having had a rapid conveyance from England of just one mouth. We are glad to see the kind sympathy which you good people of England feel for those of us here who once were slaves, but who are now apprentices, and hope, in a few years, to be free indeed. By the expression here, "free indeed," you will perceive that I refer to British freedom, when we shall be emancipated from our apprenticeship as well as our slavery. But the phrase in itself has, as you well know, another meaning, and a higher one; namely, that meaning given to it by the Son of God, whose words you have, in your Resolutions on our behalf, conveyed to us, along with your wishes, and your prayers, arid your promised magnificent gift. Your donation will, we hope, soon be here ; and will on the appointed day be put into the hands of all concerned. In the meantime, it is truly gratifying to learn that so many in England met together, in various places, and of all denominations, on the first of August, to give thanks to God for what he has wrought in setting the captives free, and to pray for us, that our redemption may prove a temporal and an eternal blessing. Your prayers and your alms-deeds in this matter, will surely come up for a memorial before God; and some angel will be despatched to us from on high with blessings to this island, and to our other colonies, as ample as your expectations, and beyond them.
I believe I stated to you in my last letter, that it was my intention to set out from this city on the first of this month, in order to make a tour round the island. That intention has not been verified; and the cause is the weather and the season. On the day I had intended to set out, as well as the day before, it rained all the day long. The consequence of this was the rising of the rivers I had to pass, and also the injuring of the road. It was some days before the elements settled, and my setting off was delayed for a week. During this time I was necessarily led to make particular inquiries about, the season, and the weather that might be expected after this break up. The result has been the putting off my journey altogether until the unsettled season is over. Having so arranged, my attention was forthwith given to what, could be done in this city and neighbourhood in our concerns; the great civil question among us having passed by, as to its immediate engrossment of public and private attention. We have, in consequence, had several Committee Meetings of our Bible Society. I am anxious to see something done in a systematic way in this island, and on a large scale; I have, therefore, recommended the revision and reorganisation of the Jamaica Bible Society, and the connecting with it a Branch Society in each of our twenty-one parishes, if it possibly can be done: and again I recommend the filling of each parish with Bible associations. This arrangement would cover our whole island with Bible institutions; and would, I trust, soon, or at least in a few years, put a Bible into every house, and into the possession of every individual of our whole population. For this object we have bent our bow, and to this object we aim our arrow; but whether we shall soon, or at all, hit our mark, is of God, and to Him do we pray for success.
I shall inform you more particularly of our plans and operations as we go on. My present arrangements are to occupy the three or four months of the usual rainy season in this city and neighbourhood, including Spanish Town, and places adjacent to it. After that—say in December or January—I would propose making my long tour, and would make it leisurely; occupying probably about four months, or perhaps six. This, you see, is calculating upon a tolerably long stay in Jamaica; but you know this is done at your request, and in obedience to direct Resolutions of the Committee, conveyed to me in different letters since my arrival. I should not have projected such a stay, but for the instructions referred to. I think, however, the Committee have done well in making their arrangements to give a good trial to the Jamaica field, and to see what, with proper culture, it may produce in your work, and in what ought, from every consideration, to be their work also. I trust the results will be good. I have good hopes, and will not give them up until I see experiments made and their failure.
Your last letter contains nothing additional respecting your ample gift; but I suppose we should look for the books by the next Frigate that arrives. I should like to see them come so, I confess, though perhaps there is both pride and vanity in my wishing it. Nevertheless I should like to see the Bible inscribed upon the Nation more than it is.
It has occurred to me that, in addition to the Pica Testaments with Psalter, &c. for your gift, it would be desirable to have on hand a considerable number of the same kind of books above what the gift requires; as undoubtedly we shall find many of the free blacks, to whom the gift does not apply, anxious to possess the identical volume they see others having; and it is desirable we should be able to meet their wishes without delay, by having the same book at hand to offer them on sale. It would be well, also, to let us have a good supply of the Brevier Testament, with the Psalms bound up with it. The additional expense in putting in the Psalms is small, whilst the additional value is great.
It is very pleasing to us here, though at your cost, to see your anxiety to learn the result of your gift upon our population, so far as it can be at present seen. My letter, now in your hands, or near you, will relieve you somewhat of your anxiety on this score; your own ideas and mine have coincided exactly in the matter, as you will see; but the effects, I think, are still better than the favourable calculations of us both upon the subject. What I have already written will show this; and to show it yet more, I now give you extracts from several letters received from various places and persons, and of different dates, in the interior of the island. They are as follow: ―
"Accept my thanks for your kindness in sending me the printed Resolution of the Parent Society. I do feel grateful for their intended magnificent Christian gift to the negro population on their liberation from earthly bondage. May the precious gift received by each individual be duly prized, and prove the inestimable blessing intended by their kind friends! It was a happy thought; and may our Covenant God pour His richest blessing on both the givers and receivers on the occasion! I gave the printed letter to Mr. S yesterday (the 1st Aug.) and, according to your request, he communicated its pleasing contents to a most crowded congregation, which we were favoured to see assembled at N. E., to return thanks to the Lord for his wonderful dealing in bringing about so great an event as the abolition of slavery in peace; and enabling so many, of different classes and grades, through the sanctifying influences of his religion, to meet together to bless his glorious name. Christian proprietors, who had encouraged the instruction of the negroes when they belonged to them, could meet with them in the house of their God, to rejoice at the termination of their earthly bondage, while also they united in the prayer and entreaties of their faithful minister, to seek for deliverance from the bondage of sin and Satan. It was, indeed, a fine sight. The hill was crowded, and the church could not contain half the assembled multitude. Joy and peace beamed in every countenance; the quietness, considering the numbers, surprised me, and proved their joy was sanctified. It was pleasing to witness the happiness and gratitude of the regular congregation, in seeing many negroes there for the first time: it was a hopeful omen to them that more would now seek the Lord and his ways, which alone can give peace and happiness to a never-dying soul.
"P. S. (3rd Aug.) I cannot help taking up my pen to communicate to you what must be pleasing to every Christian to hear, that, if possible, the numbers that were at N. E. to-day, exceeded what we were privileged to witness on Friday last. Most attentive were all, and anxious to be instructed."
Another:—" I have been favoured with your letter, which informed me of the Resolution of the Bible Society. I need not say how much I was surprised and pleased with the intelligence it conveyed. What will Infidels say? Can they boast of so noble an act since the beginning of time? The idea was grand, the sentiment noble! Surely nothing but true philanthropy and real piety could have dictated such a noble, disinterested, and Christian act. When I read the letter to our congregation, they were as much surprised as myself. I had just received nine pounds' value of books and cards from the Tract Society, for the use of our congregation: and those in the neighbourhood who could read. Some of the most sensible of the slaves came to me afterwards, and showed their gratitude by tears of thankfulness. One man, an Ebooe, said, "The good people in England must have formed a better opinion of us than we deserve. They send us out missionaries to teach us to know the Lord, and send us books, and all that is for our good. People of the world may say what they choose, but the Lord's way is a good way."
Another: — "On the first of this month, when my congregation assembled to give God thanks for the abolition of slavery, I read the resolutions of the Bible Society, to present to every emancipated slave who can read a copy of the New Testament and the Book of Psalms ; which produced a very strong sensation of gratitude for the kindness, congratulations, and prayers of the Christian friends connected with the Bible Society. The catholic and truly Christian spirit which they evinced, called forth a similar feeling among my people, to a degree which surprised myself. After reading and commenting on the resolution, I asked whether I should convey to the Committee of the Bible Society their thanks for the very handsome donation this presented; to which I received a sufficiently explicit answer in the affirmative by a number in front of me standing up and making a bow."
"On my leaving the pulpit, however, my attention was arrested by one of the most intelligent of the emancipated slaves addressing me, and requesting me to express their sincere gratitude to the Committee of the Bible Society for their handsome donation, as well as for their kind feeling in behalf of the emancipated slaves ; in which sentiments a great number expressed their concurrence. May I beg you to convey the thanks of myself and congregation (nine-tenths of which are emancipated slaves), for their very suitable present. And may their prayers on our behalf, which I hope will be answered by a most copious effusion of the spirit of grace, also descend in rich blessings on their own souls! I fear, however, that the Committee did not think of the large expenses which the carrying their resolutions into effect will occasion. In my congregation alone, there are 130 adults who can read, besides children, who will amount at least to the same number."
Another from the same person, at a later date:—"The following is a list of adults connected with my congregation, and of the young people attending the school, as well as of those who belong to the estate where I give lessons, who are able to read.
"I fear the number is much greater than what was expected; but I could not curtail it without doing injustice to some. A few of the children are not yet able to read the New Testament; but they are making such fair advances, as to warrant the hope that they will be able to peruse it by the time the books arrive. During the last two years, my congregation has made more rapid improvement in reading than during the previous seven years I was in the country; and the promise of the New Testaments has given a considerable impulse to their diligence, as I assure them, that if any are found unable to read them with tolerable fluency, the books will be given to others who may be more industrious."
Another: — "I understand that several of the people have sent their children a considerable distance to learn to read of a man of the name of Allen."
Another: —"Our people anticipate with great pleasure the time when the Christian donation of the British and Foreign Bible Society shall be conferred upon them. Many of the young, especially, appear anxious to improve themselves in reading."
Another: — "Our hearers, and members generally, received the welcome news contained in your circular with joyful hearts; their gratitude was seen in their countenances, and expressed with their tongues."
Another :—"I subjoin a list of apprentices above 12 years of age, on this property, who are able to read. Were I to mention the names of those who are desirous of learning, it would be necessary to enumerate the whole. To encourage this disposition, and in furtherance of the benevolent views of the Bible Society, I intend to open a school, next week, for the gratuitous instruction of the apprentices attached to this place, and upon such terms for others as will, I trust, induce the neighbours to avail themselves of the opportunity."
Another:—"At present there is certainly a great and most pleasing excitement among our people, both to hear, and to learn to read, the Word of God; and both of us are fully employed on the Sabbath days, as our chapel, which may contain 700 people, is by far too small. It is pleasing to hear that this is the case every where in this island."
Another, from the same as the first extract:—"I received your printed circular, and have endeavoured to accede to the wishes of the Bible Society therein specified, and herewith forward you as correct a statement as the limited time would permit, of the number of adults and children on this property and the two adjoining ones, who, according to the proposed munificent gift of the Parent Society, will be entitled to Testaments, &c. I can truly say I am within the number of those who are trying to learn. We have 90 names down from the adjoining property, of those who have begun, since the first of this month, to come here in the evenings, and on Sundays, to learn ; and, from the earnestness with which they are applying to their books, I have little doubt of the greatest proportion being entitled to a Testament at Christmas next. Still I have kept within the number, knowing that we must meet with some disappointments. At the same time t must acknowledge that we have great cause for encouragement from the diligence shown by these hitherto ignorant people to learn to read, and to attend to the concerns of their never-dying souls. May He who alone can effectually do it, lead them to the truth, as it is in Jesus!"
The extracts which I have now given you, will, I doubt not, gratify and encourage you; and will dilate your heart, too, I am sure, on behalf of this interesting people; whilst we shall receive a benefit through these your feelings, in another and another prayer for us, as you think and talk upon the subject. You will see by these extracts, that not only is there great anxiety on the part of the people to receive your boon, and gratefully to receive it; but also that you have created a mighty movement among them to learn to read. This is most happy, and will have most favourable results, connected as it is with the Holy Scriptures. There is with us here in Kingston, a full correspondency to our friends in the country, about learning to read; and several adult and children's schools have been opened, both on Sundays and week-days. Spelling-books, and more spelling-hooks, is now the cry. Some months ago I fortunately had ordered a case of such books to be sent here, and found it on my arrival; but it is long ago empty, and those who have received the books are just like Pharaoh's lean cattle after they had eaten up the others, that is—seem not a bit the better for all they have got; thus great is our demand. A month ago I received another case, and shall, by this opportunity, order a third, which must be nothing less than a Noah's ark, to satisfy our wants. Again, schools and more schools are desired, both by those who wish to learn, and by all others. Every body is now favourable to education, and none against it.
Will you tell all the people of England, when you see them, or at least make them all hear you, or at all events print these words for them. Tell them our need of spelling-books and of schools — our pressing, very urgent need. Tell them they should instantly set up a "West India School Society," for the purpose of aiding, say with a £5 donation, and annually, to set up and keep up a school in one place; £10 similarly, for the same in another place; £20 in a third; and so on, according to need. This, with proper supplies of school-books, is all we want of such a Society. The plan is simple — good people of England, set it a going if you can (and there is no doubt of the can), and let the next packet that leaves England after this letter arrives, make us leap for joy at hearing of its establishment, and its ample disposable funds. This is, I know, not Bible Society business; and I seldom or never trespass on such forbidden ground, but keep, in my correspondence with you, to our own single and glorious concern to circulate God's Word only, and know nothing else. But the present occasion is extraordinary, and I may be allowed, perhaps, or at least pardoned for this transgression ; and so may you, for winking at my error, and publishing all I have said. The time and the occasion will justify and applaud you ; and those who are least your friends, will say, that your failing here "leans to virtue's side,"— and such will be the truth.
But, returning to our business from this digression, I must tell you, that I have two more extracts to give you of letters from the interior of our island respecting your gift, and the communications sent out from this city to the country in annunciation of it. These two extracts might well be spared perhaps, and you would be spared by my not giving them. But it would not be a fair register of the weather to notice all the sunshine days and leave out all the others that may be rainy and stormy. I will treat you fairly, then, and give you both sides. The first of the two extracts now in question is dated at some rectory, in some parish, and is as follows: – "Rev. Sir, – I received your circular of the 12th instant, and would cheerfully comply with your request, but with one solitary exception, I have not had any application made to me, neither do I believe there is a single Negro who places the least value, or can in any way appreciate, the gift intended for him. There are but few, very few, who can read; and those who can are, I think, in general provided already with a copy of the New Testament. It is very far from my wish to say anything which may be in the remotest degree considered disrespectful of so pious a body as the Gentlemen composing the Standing Committee of the British and Foreign Bible society undoubtedly are; but I cannot refrain from observing, that the resolutions entered into on this occasion is only another proof of how little is really known of our peasantry by persons in England. To use a homely phrase, it is putting the cart before the horse. If the Society had granted a small sum of money to assist in the founding of schools for the infant children of our Apprentices much practical good might, by God's blessing, be effected: but until this is done (and I hope I may yet see 50 such schools in this extensive and wealthy parish) we cannot reasonably expect to see the pious wish of George III, of blessed memory, fulfilled, 'that every cottar in his kingdom might be able to read, and be in possession of the Bible.' Most ardently do I echo this wish, convinced as I am, that except a man frame his life according to its blessed precept he cannot attain that holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Wishing you every success, and God's blessing on I doubt not, your sincere and pious intentions, I remain, &c."
The next extract, if not solecism to say so, comprises the whole letter, and what it wants in length, it has got in strength. It likewise, as its foregoer, is dated at some Rectory, and begins and ends as follows: – "Sir, I cannot act under any instructions but those of my Diocesan, I beg leave to return your circular of the 12th instant. – I am Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant."
I close this part of my letter by copying for you the note I received from the Bishop, in answer to one I sent, as noticed in my last.
"The Bishop of Jamaica presents his compliments to Mr. Thomson, and begs to acknowledge the receipt of his letter of the 7th inst. and the enclosed papers, which he takes the opportunity of returning. The Bishop regrets that he was absent from home when Mr. Thomson did him the favour to call at Bishop's Pen. With respect to Mr. Thomson's proposal, the Bishop feels assured that, without any direct interference on his part, or any official instructions to the clergy in a matter of private judgment, and which had much better be left to the spontaneous suggestions of their own minds, the clergy of the Established Church will generally be found anxious to avail themselves of the opportunity now offered for distributing among their parishioners, duly qualified to benefit by the precious gift, copies of the Scriptures, and co-operating, at this crisis more especially, in furtherance of that great cause which sincere and well-disposed Christians, of all denominations, have equally at heart. Union Hill, August 9, 1834"
September 26.-—This letter was pretty well advanced to a close on the morning of the 23rd, the day the mail was made up for the Packet; but, whilst I was going on with it, I was seized with fever, which laid me up completely all the day, and until the Packet was gone. The truth is, I am, in regard to fever, something like our negroes here in their new condition; that is, both free and not free; for, ever since that severe attack in St. Thomas, which had so nearly cut the thread of life, I have been seized, again and again, by partial attacks of about a day's continuance, but so strong as to put all business, or any thing akin to it, entirely out of the question: these returns have come nearly at periods of six weeks. I was told, on my recovery in St. Thomas, that I might expect this for six or twelve months after; otherwise, blessed be the Lord! I am as well as ever.
The "John" arrived a few days ago, and the books were landed yesterday. I opened the three English cases, and had the happiness to find four reports for 1833, together with some copies of the speeches at the annual meeting of this year. I am glad of these few reports and the other papers. Do you have the goodness to beg your clerks and warehousemen to notice always in the invoice, and in what individual case reports, papers and parcels may be placed, and that all such be put in one case only of a given shipment. There is not the slightest notice of these reports in the shipment of the John.
That is nothing else I believe that requires special notice of the moment. I might say perhaps, that I am as occasion offers preaching and making collections for the funds of the Jamaica Bible Society, and in order also to make our object more generally known. – My letters in future may be addressed to my own name only, putting on, Agent of the B & F Bible Society.
Believe me, My dear Friend,
Always Yours and Truly
James Thomson.