respectable man, but in the island if a sufficient number would join

he had been placed under circumstances of great embarrassment and difficulty. Particular acts had made him extremely unpopular in the island. A negro had been shot by some person unknown: the governor had immediately offered a large reward for the discovery of the offender. A negress, in the act of pulling some grass, (as we understood,) had been likewise shot; and he also offered a reward for the discovery of the party who should be found to have committed the crime. Some time after wards, it happened that a white man, an Englishman, was found dead in the woods. The individual was a person of the most dissolute and drunken habits; and the governor offered no reward in his case, not thinking it to be requisite to do so when the decease of the party was rather to be accounted for from natural causes. But this forbearance raised a great outcry against the governor immediately. It was said that in the case of each of these two slaves a reward had been proposed; but when a white man was murdered -for that was assumed to be the fact-none was offered. It perhaps was unnecessary to add that Mr. Shrewsbury did not apply to the magistrates, as recommended by the governor, which was the only point the honourable gentleman on the other side (Mr. W. Horton) could urge. That was the only point in his case-the only leg he had to stand upon.He (Mr. Buxton) should like to know, if Mr. Shrewsbury had been disposed to attend to the suggestions of the governor, to which of the magistrates he could have applied? Could he have gone, with any hope of redress, to Mr. Haynes, the senior magistrate, who had fold a person of respectability that

him, he would go himself to pull down the chapel? (Hear, hear!) Ought he then to have solicited the assistance of Mr. Moore, who had summoned him to appear for not enrolling himself in the militia, at a time when his appearance would have been attended with the utmost personal danger ?— (Hear.) Ought he to have gone to Mr. Newsome, the lawyer, who had hallooed on the mob, in order to request protection from him? (Hear, hear!) Or, finally, was he to apply to Mr. Walton, junior, of whom he should have occasion to say more presently? To the magistrates, then, Mr. Shrewsbury did not resort-but he made his application in another quarter: he went to a clergyman of the church of England, who, very much to his honour, and proving that he was superior to any petty jealousy, had shown Mr. Shrewsbury the greatest possible kindness. That kindness he (Mr. Buxton) would now endeavour to return, in some degree, by concealing his name, for if it were disclosed, the reverend gentleman would most likely share the fate of Mr. Austin, in Demerara. The clergyman had advised Mr. Shrewsbury to apply to the council in the next week, and in the interim to shut up his chapel.— Mr. Shrewsbury did not in all respects coincide in this opinion, but he did shut up his chapel, and he prepared an address to the council. Having gone thus far with the detail of facts, he would here pause to observe, that if the case had stopped here, and if nothing more had occurred, it would have presented the most perfect specimen of religious intolerance and persecution that was ever presented to the public eye, with the exception of the case of Mr. Smith

of Demerara. Riots of the most should they be called out. The outrageous kind had taken place governor represented that many on the 5th, 8th, 10th, 12th, and of the persons surrounding the 15th of October, and on the Sun- chapel were furnished with weaday following the chapel of Mr. pons of various kinds. The mulShrewsbury was closed. Never- titude attacked the chapel, broke theless, notwithstanding this series the windows and doors, and deof disturbances, the governor had stroyed a collection of Bibles and never interposed his authority, and tracts, intended for the children of the magistrates had only interfered the school. They then entered the for the purpose of augmenting the house of Mr. Shrewsbury, destroyIn short, ed every article of furniture, chopviolence of the tumult. it seemed as if there had been a ped up the chairs and tables, tore total absence of all law in the co- up the linen, of which they made lony for the protection of indivi- a flag, and, waving it three times duals. Subsequent events, how- in the air, they gave three cheers. ever, threw completely into the Having occupied five hours in this shade all previous transactions. work of demolition, the lawless On Friday, the 17th of October, multitude retired until the next what was termed a secret com- evening, when they reassembled mittee met, and issued its first to complete the good work they proclamation, inviting the inhabit- had commenced on the previous ants to meet on the following Sun- day. It was completed; and the day, to pull down the chapel. All chapel was so wholly annihilated, who were disposed to aid in this that the editor of the Barbadoes laudable undertaking, were to come paper observed with triumph upon armed with saws, pickaxes,swords, the occasion, "The chapel in Barand other weapons. The assailants met accordingly, and the assembly consisted again entirely of whites, without the mixture of any negroes or mulattoes, save one only, with whom the people of colour since that time would hold no intercourse. The mob was headed by persons of respectability; and one of Mr. Shrewsbury's enemies, writing on the subject, admitted that the crowd consisted of about 1,000 headstrong fools. In the report of the governor, it was termed "an immense concourse of persons." The parties were armed for the purpose of resisting the public authorities, if necessary; and the planter, whose authority he (Mr. Buxton) had already quoted as to the number and character of the mob, wrote that they were so desperate that they were prepared with arms to oppose the military,

badoes has shared the fate of the temple of Jerusalem: not one stone remains upon another." (Hear, hear!) The following placard was then published, and posted upon every wall, entitled "The great and signal triumph over Methodism, and total destruction of the chapel :"

“Bridgetown, Tuesday, Oct. 21st, 1823. "The inhabitants of this island are respectfully informed that, in consequence of the unmerited and unprovoked attacks which have been repeatedly made upon the community by the Methodist missionaries, (otherwise known as agents to the villanous African Society,) a party of respectable gentleman formed the resolution of closing the Methodist concern With this view they altogether. commenced their labours on Sunday evening, and they have the

greatest satisfaction in announcing those persons who are unacquaintthat by twelve o'clock last night ed with the circumstances which they effected the total destruction occasioned the said proclamation, of the chapel. To this information they have to add that the missionary made his escape yesterday afternoon, in a small vessel, for St. Vincent, thereby avoiding that expression of the public feeling towards him, personally, which he had so richly deserved.

"It is to be hoped that, as this information will be circulated throughout the different islands and colonies, all persons who consider themselves true lovers of religion will follow the laudable example of the Barbadians, in putting an end to Methodism and Methodist chapels throughout the West Indies."

Next day the governor of the island published a proclamation of a very singular description, in which he condescended to argue the point, and to use entreaties with the rioters. This was followed by another manifesto from the enemies of Methodism, in which they imitated the form, but not the manner, of the proclamation of the governor. It was as follows:

:

"Bridgetown, Barbadoes, Oct. 23d, 1823"Whereas a proclamation having appeared, &c, &c, public notice is hereby given to such person or persons who may feel inclined, either from pecuniary temptation or vindictive feeling, that should they attempt to come forward to injure, in any shape, any individual, they shall receive that punishment which their crimes will justly deserve. They are to understand that to impeach is not to convict, and that the reward offered will only be given upon conviction, which cannot be effected whilst the people are firm to themselves. And whereas, it may appear to

that the demolition of the chapel was effected by the rabble of this community, in order to create anarchy, riot and insubordination, to trample upon the laws of the country, and to subvert good order. It is considered an imperative duty to repel the charge, and to state, firstly, that the majority of the persons assembled were of the first respectability, and were supported by the concurrence of nine tenths of the community; secondly, that their motives were patriotic and loyal-namely, to eradicate from this soil the germ of Methodism, which was spreading its baneful influence over a certain class, and which ultimately would have injured both church and state.With this view the chapel was demolished, and the villanous preacher, who headed it and belied us, was compelled by a speedy flight to remove himself from the island.

"With a fixed determination, therefore, to put an end to Methodism in this island, all Methodist preachers are warned not to approach our shores, as, if they do, it will be at their own peril. "God save the king "and the people."

It appeared that Mr. Shrewsbury retired through the fields to the seaside, and next morning, receiving information from various quarters that if he remained on the island he would certainly be hanged by the infuriated multitude, he got on board a small vessel, and with his wife arrived at St. Vincent's. His wife was confined immediately on her landing. As some imputation, however unfounded, had been thrown upon the conduct and character of Mr. Shrewsbury,

.

have taught you, both in public and in private, from day to day. And as to political matters, whether ye be bond or free, never meddle with them; but mind higher and better things-the things relating to God and eternity. Never speak slightingly of the regular clergy: in this respect imitate the example I set you while I dwelt among you."

he (Mr. Buxton) would here mention the effect produced upon Mr. Shrewsbury's well-regulated mind by the sufferings he had experienced, and that effect was evidenced by a letter which he wrote just after the event. Nothing could be more natural than that his passions should be roused-that he should be even exasperated at the conduct of his enemies. It might be expected that he should feel Upon his arrival at St. Vincent's, strongly, and some expression of the governor received him with that feeling could easily be justi- kindness, but told him, as it was fied. But the temper of Mr. his duty, that as he came under Shrewsbury on this trying occa- suspicious circumstances, his clesion deserved the highest praise. rical functions should be suspendHe (Mr. Buxton) had never read ed until testimonials were produced a letter which deserved higher of his character and conduct. To praise than that which he wrote: procure such testimonials, another it did not contain even a com- missionary (Mr. Rayner) was sent plaint-not an expression in the to Barbadoes, but he was not alslightest degree inflammatory-lowed to land. The planters threatbut it inculcated peace, obedience, and a willing forgiveness. A part of that letter was as follows:

"Be patient towards all men. Never speak disrespectfully of any in authority, nor revilingly of any one who injures you. Whatever you are called to suffer, I beseech you take it patiently. In general it will be best for you to be wholly silent. From the affection you bear towards me, you will perhaps find it difficult to refrain when you hear me spoken against; but your wisest plan will be to hold your peace, for you would be in great danger of speaking with undue warmth, were you to undertake to defend my character. You that are slaves will, I hope, be exceedingly careful to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.' Let no slave, who is a Methodist, be dishonest, or lazy, or impertinent, either in speech or in behaviour; but let every one be sober, honest, industrious, and useful to his owner, even as we

ened to burn the vessel, and put the missionary to death; and the captain was in such a state of alarm that he removed from his station, and placed himself under the guns of the battery. Mr. Walton then came on board. He had before alluded to this gentleman. He was at that time a magistrate, but he is not so now. He and Mr. Neusom were detected breaking the windows of a Methodist. This had been often done. A watch was set, and Mr. Walton, the magistrate, and Mr. Neusom, the lawyer, were found breaking the windows. This gentleman, a magistrate, came on board the vessel, and gave a second edition of the proclamation. He told Mr. Rayner to be gone in twenty-four hours; that he remained at his risk. Men also were stationed on the shore to shoot him if he landed. The officers of the vessel went ashore, and received testimonials in favour of Mr. Shrewsbury from some of the most respectable in