THE

METHODIST MAGAZINE,

FOR OCTOBER, 1820

BIOGRAPHY.

Memoir of Mr. John Burgar, late a Missionary in Jamaica. [Concluded from page 653.]

September 13. I am sorrowful, through many temptations. Indeed, for some time past, satan has thrust sore at me: he desires to have me, that he may sift me as wheat; but the Lord Jesus has prayed for me, and my faith has not failed. I found my soul much humbled and blessed in the afternoon in private prayer; and in the evening preached from Psalm viii, 4. Sept. 15. I have to minister the word of life to the people: but have fightings without, fears within, and a deep sense of my own insufficiency; but let me examine, did God call me by his grace, and did he forgive my sins? I humbly believe so, nearly nine years ago. Have I endeavoured to serve God since that time, faithfully? I have endeavoured so to do, though I am conscious of many infirmities and transgressions; yet, by the help of God, I continue to this day. Am I satisfied I am called to the ministry? I thought so six years ago, and several Christian friends were of the same opinion; and having the inward call, the providential opening, and the concurrence of my brethren, I have continued to do a little in my poor way till the present ume Have I done any good? I really cannot tell: the people seem glad to hear me, and that is all I can say. O Lord, make me a better Christian; and if I am sent by thee, use me for thy glory! May I see the careless become careful; may I see the lukewarm become zealous for God! May I see backsliders reclaimed, and mourners comforted! believers growing in knowledge, in humility, in love, in zeal, in uniform obedience and usefulness in the Church of the living God!

Sept. 25. I gave tickets to two classes of men, and was satisfied, on the whole, with the answers which they gave. Sept. 26. Met three female classes, and found my soul refreshed by their VOL, XLIII. OCTOBER, 1820.

good attendance and well-timed answers. Sept. 27. I gave tickets to two more women's classes, and in the evening held a prayer-meeting.

Sept. 29. Set off for Kingston. Sept. 30. At three in the morning set off for Morant Bay. Took some refreshment at P. Here are a few persons allowed by the proprietor to hold religious meetings without any hinderance, though conducted by one of themselves, that person being a serious, prudent, and useful member of our society. At twelve I arrived at Morant Bay, and found Mr. White in good health, and the people going on well. October 2. In company with Mr. White, I waited on one of the Magistrates. We conversed about half an hour upon the subject of the mission, during which time he started many objections, which I answered in general, I believe, to his satisfaction. He treated us kindly, and although he did not absolutely promise his support at the ensuing Quarter Sessions, he recommended the application. On the 3d I attended the court. The magistrates entered into particulars, examined my papers, and made a number of inquiries; after which, consulting for a considerable time on the subject, they informed me I should be allowed to take the oaths on the following day-which I did accordingly. Thus, by the great and rich mercy of God, have I been the honoured instrument of setting the chapel open at Morant Bay-the first Methodist missionary that ever obtained licence there.

I returned to Kingston immediately, anxious to communicate there the agreeable intelligence. The following morning, rose at four, and went to Spanish Town, where I packed up for a removal. Returned to Kingston the next day, but was so much indisposed as to be obliged to take my bed; and my indisposition was very severe. I recovered in about a week, but was too weak to take the journey to Morant Bay immediately. On the 17th, it began to rain and blow very severely, which continued for several days. Oct. 21. I set out for the Bay. The roads were dreadfully bad, and it was with difficulty we got on six miles, but then meeting with a river which appeared to be deep, and was very near the sea, it would have been highly dangerous to attempt to ford it. I was, therefore, under the painful necessity of returning to Kingston. Oct. 28. Over dreadful roads, and through dangerously swollen rivers, through the mercy of God, I got safely to Morant Bay, leaving Mrs. Burgar very poorly in Kingston. Sunday, 29. I preached twice to very good congre gations. The people appeared to be truly thankful for their renewed privilege. God was present with us during Divine worship. Nov. 4. During the week I have enjoyed a good degree of the presence of God in my soul. I have been endeavouring to arrange things for a stay of some time. Nov. 5. I hear that Mrs. Burgar

is much better. I preached on a subject peculiarly adapted to backsliders, after which I gave the sacrament to about fifty of our society. I felt the presence of God throughout the whole of the service; and can say, upon the whole, that although my outward trials are many and various, yet the presence of God is my comfort and support. After preaching in the evening, I conversed an hour with several of the friends, and, in the end, was affected at seeing the people part with brother White, who has resided among them for a year. May God grant to us all a meeting at his right hand, to part no more for ever! On the 6th we rode to Kingston, and found Mrs. Burgar's health improved. I felt titude to God, and a determination to live to his glory. I see by the connected stations of the missionaries, that Mr. William White is appointed to labour as my colleague in Jamaica. May God make him a general blessing to the society. Amen!

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Nov. 11. Returned to Morant Bay. Nov. 12. Preached twice to pretty large congregations. Nov. 18. I felt the power of God very present to my soul, whereby I received an earnest of God's further protection. Nov. 19. Read prayers, preached thrice, and met the society. Nov. 20. Rode to town. Nov. 21. Brother Shipman applied to the Quarter Sessions in Kingston, and succeeded in gaining permission to re-open the chapel. To God be all the glory! There are four of us in the island-one at Morant Bay; one at Kingston; one at Spanish Town; and one at St. Mary's. May God sanctify the fourfold opening! Not being able to procure the means of removing Mrs. B. to Morant Bay, I set off at four this morning by myself. I have been greatly tempted this week. Nov. 26, Sunday, preached twice, and in the evening, notwithstanding it was wet, I had a large and very attentive congregation. Dec. 2. About noon Mrs. B. and myself got to the Bay, Mrs. B. however, being much indisposed. On the 10th I preached to a pretty large congregation in the morning; after which I met classes, and gave tickets till nearly five o'clock in the afternoon, and then preached again in the evening to many people assembled. Dec. 19. Rode to P. in the parish of where a woman of colour has the care of a class, consisting of about sixty members, male and female; and surely God has done great things for them. Many of them gave me the most satisfactory account possible of a genuine work of grace on their hearts. Here I married a couple, gave tickets to about fifty, and expect to make two new leaders. Dec. 20. Returned to Morant Bay.

Dec. 27. Rode to Kingston with our society steward, to attend the quarterly meeting. Returned on the 30th. Sunday, 81. Preached twice to numerous congregations.

January 18. For several days I have been severely tempted, but to-day I feel greater nearness of access to a throne of grace