that its
inhabitants have encouraged in a particular manner, the laudable
endeavours of certain pious men, who have undertaken, from the purest
and best motives, to enlighten the minds of the negroes, and to lead
them to the knowledge of religious truths. In the report of the lords of
the committee of council on the slave trade, is an account of the
labours of the society known by the name of the Unitas Fratrum, commonly
called Moravians, in this truly glorious pursuit; from which it appears
that their conduct in this business displays such sound judgment,
breathes such a spirit of genuine Christianity, and has been attended
with such eminent success, as to entitle its Brethren and missionaries
to the most favorable reception from every man, whom the accidents of
fortune have invested with power over the poor Africans, and who believe
(as I hope every planter believes) that they are his fellow-creatures,
and of equal importance with himself in the eyes of an all-seeing and
impartial Governor of the Universe."--_Edward's History of the West
Indies. Vol. 1, page 487. Fourth Edition._

In the autumn of 1786 the Rev. Dr. Coke, accompanied by three other
Methodist preachers, destined for Nova Scotia, sailed from England for
that country, but after being ten weeks at sea, the violence of the
gales, a leak in the ship, and apprehensions of the want of water,
forced the captain to change his course, and bear off for the West
Indies. Having landed on the island of Antigua, the Dr. and his
companions resolved, that, instead of proceeding to the original place
of their destination, they would attempt to begin a mission on this and
some of the neighboring islands. Of these establishments we shall now
give a short account.

In the course of their labours the Methodist Missionaries established
missions among the slaves in Antigua--in Dominico--in St. Vincents--in
St. Kitts--in St. Eustatia--in Nevis--in Tortola and the Virgin
Islands--in Jamaica--in Barbadoes--in St. Bartholomews--in Grenada--in
Trinidad--in St. Thomas--in New Providence--and the other Bahama
Islands. In these labours the Methodists often met with little
encouragement. Thus in Nevis many of the most opulent planters at first
opposed the design, from an apprehension that it would introduce a
spirit of insubordination among the negroes. Hence for a considerable
time they would not permit the Methodists to have access to the slaves
on their estates; and when some at