The martyr of the Pongas: being a memoir of the Rev. Hamble James Leacock...

Preface

Few Missionary heroes have been more remarkable than the man of God whom the West Indian Church is now lamenting. Seldom has more encouraging success attended so brief a career ; seldom has a nobler example of self-devotion adorned the records of the extension of Christianity.

The history of such a man, if faithfully told, is well adapted to show the elements which form the able missionary, and to exhibit the modes of action by which, with Divine help, the Gospel may, in our own age, be eifectually propagated.

The Author is fully aware of the difficulty o^ giving due effect to such a history. Yet he has done all that a long and hearty friendship could dictate, to perpetuate the blessed memory of one whom he loved and revered. With the hope of representing him as he really was, he has allowed him to speak for himself whenever opportunity permitted. He has at-

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tempted to show the varied connexions and associations of his life, and the origin, as far as it can be traced, of his principles and habits. It is not pretended that Hamble Leacock was in all respects perfect. It is not denied, for example, that he may have been sometimes restless and self-willed, sometimes hasty and over-sensitive, and sometimes mistaken. Yet his failings were generally the result of those very qualities which constituted the peculiar eminence of his character. His stern and unflinching mind (so tender and holy withal) was doubtless given him that he might dare in a wonderful way amidst the prejudices of the West Indies, the doctrinal laxity of America, aiid the heathenism of Africa.

The reader will not see in Mr. Leacock an unamiable abstraction destitute of human feelings and sympathies, but a r^ian thoroughly real and unaffected. He will see in him a religion which, though supremely devoted to God, still cherished the impulses of affectionate attachment to friends, relatives, and country ; a religion which though profoundly adoring the mysteries of Redemption, was by no means blind to the glories of Providence and Creation. There will be found in it no undue estimate of spiritual condition, no idea of exclusive sanctity or wisdom, no fondness for loud professions, no habit of displaying frames

PREFACE.

and feelings. On the other hand, there will be seen a superiority to the world, practically manifesting itself in the surrender of property and prospects, in the readiness to take a secondary place, and in the cheerful willingness to endure any sacrifice required by justice, truth, and duty.

In the ministry of Christ's Church, it is well that there should be decided varieties of type, and that all should not be formed precisely according to the same model. It is not desirable, for instance, that a clergy designed for service m various nations and climates should be always trained by English Universities and amid the conventionalisms of English society. It will be seen, that the man of God whose life is recorded in the following pages, grew up remote from our fashions of thought, and from the traditionary influences of our Colleges and Cathedrals. Yet it cannot be denied that he was not only a worthy representative of our Reformed Church, but a true specimen of the class of men produced in our distant fields of Christian enterprise. Though his early theological training was, in some respects, defective, he was yet sound in the faith, and inflexible in his adherence to the great bulwarks of orthodoxy. Though firmly attached to the distinctive principles of Episcopacy, he lived in charity with those whose lot had fallen among

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separatist communities. Believing in the divine origin of the' Christian ministry, and upholding a high standard of clerical responsibility, he yet had none of that asceticism which prescribes terms of salvation more severe than are to be found in the Word of God. Faithful in his friendships, firm in his convictions, and sincere in his conversation, he possessed an honest dignity which neither honours nor preferment could have bestowed, and which he maintained throughout all the changes of his eventful life.

Those who have done great things in the world have usually been peculiar persons, different from other men. They have shown uncommon fire, energy, and decision, and, at the same time, have tempered these qualities with knowledge and wisdom. Men of this stamp are not only able to accomplish much, but, amidst the difiiculties which surround them, they are susceptible of the choicest encouragements and consolations. ]^ow a mission, properly understood, is no common thing. Persons of an ordinary cast of mind are unfit for such a work. The true missionary cannot be expected to think and feel like those who walk in the beaten track, and, consequently, he will often be reproached as an eccentric person or an enthusiast. Yet his enthusiasm, if such it be, is of the same kind which glowed in the bosoms of the Prophets and

PEEFACE.

Apostles. It must be carefully distinguished from that enthusiasm which pnifs men up with yain conceit, and makes them arrogant, dictatorial, and assuming. Keenly alive to his own personal imperfections, the man who is blessed with this holy fervour looks beyond himself for support, and believing in the power of prayer, habitually and confidently, in all his undertakings, expects strength and succour from above.

In this sense alone Mr. Leacock possessed enthusiasm. But in addition to this, he had qualifications not always combined with a fervid temperament. His habits were regular, economical, active, diligent, and persevering. He was brave and intrepid without being insensible to the real value of life. His piety was of a vigorous and manly character, and at the same time entirely free from that melancholy which has hindered the usefulness of many faithful missionaries. ^ While maintaining habitual communion with his Saviour, he exhibited a genial disposition, which in every place gained him hearty friends. His practical earnestness led him, not to teach people to say certain things or use a certain formula, but to aim at turning them in reality " from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God."

From early life he had shown the spirit of a mar-

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tjr, and his death was in all respects worthy of his life. He might probably have escaped dying in Africa, but he deliberately chose to face " the last enemy," in the conviction that his decease wonld be less injurious to his mission than his abandonment of his post. Christians like Hamble Leacock are truly " the chariots of our Israel and the horsemen thereof." By their deaths they bear the strongest possible testimony against the unbelief of a self-indulgent generation, and having themselves " fought the good fight," and encouraged others to follow their example, they receive a " crown of glory which fadeth not away."

Besides exhibiting Mr. Leacock as a missionary, this little work incidentally affords some insight into the widelj^-extended operations of our Reformed Church. The Episcopate is seen actively engaged in furthering the salvation of men, not only in England and the "West Indies, but in Eastern and Western America, and on the pestilential shores of Africa. Facilities of intercourse and co-operation are disclosed, which, when more fully employed, will result, with the Divine blessing, in great and permanent additions to the Bedeemer's kingdom. We may behold an augury of happier times in the loving sympathy with which Churchmen of different schools, climates, and nationalities, have cheered the heart of the veteran soldier of Christ on the banks of the Pongas.

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The brief services of Mr. Leacock in Africa have been far from fruitless, even independently of the good which he saw accomplished in his lifetime. Thej have paved the way for new labom-ers in the same field, who, confidently relying on Providence, may now carry on the work so favourably commenced. We may hope that our Church will continue to exercise an important influence in the conversion of the people of that great continent, in which part of our Lord's infancy was spent, and out of which God was pleased to call his Son. To the West Indian Church in particular this African mission, so manifestly favoured by heaven, will probably become a source of many blessings. In " watering" others she will be herself " refreshed." She has in truth offered unto God, for the sake of the Gospel, one of her own beloved children. Believing that the offering is to Him " a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing," we have reason to hope that He will " supply all her need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

With these prefatory remarks the Author commits this little volume to the blessing of God, and to the favourable consideration of Christian people.

Vicarage, Figheldean, Epiphany, 1857.

OOJSTTEl^TS

Chapter I

Birth and Parentage of Mr. Leacock. Development of his Character. He becomes decidedly religious. Entrance on a Course of Study at Codrington College. His Ordination. His firmness in respect to the Slaves. His Character as a Clergyman. Marriage. Settlement in Nevis. Death of Mrs. Leacock. Effect of an Earthquake. Second MaiTiage. Removal to the United States, 17

Chapter II

Arrival of Mr. Leacock at Lexington, Kentucky. Society in Lexington. Dr. Coit. Dr. Cooke. Amos Cleaver. The Bishop of Kentucky. The Professors. The Southern Planters. Efforts for the Promotion of Religion. Christ-Church. Instruction of the Slaves. Confirmation of Mr. Leacock. He undertakes the charge of Pupils. He is elected Rector of St. Paul's, 31

Chapter III

A General Scattering of Mr. Leacock's Friends. He removes to Tennessee. Journey with the Bishop of Tennessee. He accepts a Church at Franklin. Anecdote of him by Mrs. Wheat. He purchases an Estate in New Jersey. Brief connection with a Church at Louisville. His Character as a Preacher and a Pastor. Removal to New Jersey. Settlement during four years at Perth Amboy. Return to the West Indies, . . 42

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Chapter IV

Reasons tor his Return. State of Nevis. African practices. Obeah. Mr. Leacock delivers Lectures against Obeah. Death of the Obeah-man. Effect of Charms on the African. Return to Barbados. Temporary- Charge of St. Peter's. Death of Amos Cleaver and Dr. Cooke. Mr. Leacock is appointed to the Chapel at Bridgetown. Testimonial of the Parishioners of St. Peter's. Commencement of efforts in behalf of Africa. Formation of the Society for the furtherance of the Gospel. Outbreak of Cholera. Death of Mrs. Leacock, 62

Chapter V

Mr. Leacock volunteers to go as a Missionary to Africa. He is accepted, and is joined by Duport. His Negro Servant desires to accompany him. Letter to Archdeacon Trew. Arrival in London. He attends a Meeting of the Church Emigrants' Aid Society. He visits the Crystal Palace. Visit to Wiltshire — Stonehenge — Salisbury. Meeting of the S. P. G. His Cheerfulness. Conversation with Young Persons. His views of Prophecy, of the Church of Rome, and of the Church of England. His opinion of the Voluntary System. Thankfulness for Mercies. Note on the Effects of Emancipation in the West Indies, .... 77

Chapter VI

Providential Preparation in Africa for the West Indian Mission. The Chief Wilkinson introduced. Remarkable Dream in Africa. Mr. Leacock attends various Meetings in the Diocese of Salisbury. He meets with a Portrait of Mrs. Trimmer. Verses by Mr. Marriott. Mr. Leacock's opinion of the S.P.G. He visits Malvern and the Bishop of Barbados. His Admiration of England. His Feelings in Wells Cathedral. He embarks at Plymouth for Africa, 96

Chapter VII

Voyage of the " Ethiope." Dangerous Storm. Arrival at Madeira. Warm Reception by a Governor on the African Coast. Arrival at Sierra Leone. Description of Freetown. Various Opinions as to the Site of the Mission. Similarity of Sierra Leone to the West Indies. Joy at the Discovery of Devil-grass. Dr. Bradshaw's advice as to a House. The Niger Considered. Plaintain Island and John Newton. Further Delay. Interview with the Spanish Consul. Meeting of the Church Missionary Society, Ill

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CHAPTER YIII.

When the Episcopate is a Blessing, and when the Reverse. Value ot the Episcopate to Sierra Leone. Its Benefits in the West Indies. Rise of the West Indian Church in consequence of the Episcopate. Establishment of the West Indian Mission. Episcopacy acknowledged by Christendom. Grreeting to the Bishop of Sierra Leone. Prophetic declaration, 126

Chapter IX

Melville Home on the Qualifications of an African Missionary. The Rio Pongas is mentioned to Mr. Leacock. The Governor promises to send Mr. Leacock to the Pongas in a Steamer. Character of Governor Hill. Meeting with a Mohammedan King. Landing at Tintima. Palaver with Kennyback Ali and King Katty. Description of the Pongas River. Hut at Tintima. Wretched character of the people. Deceitfulness of Kennyback Ali. Mr. Leacock visits him. Encounter with a Mohammedan, 136

Chapter X

Events of St. Thomas's Day. Arrival of Lewis Wilkinson. Interview with the chief of Fallangia. Mr. Leacock opens his Ministry among the Heathens. Mr. Wilkinson gives him a Site for a Church, &c. The Missionaries are attacked with Fever. Anxiety of Governor Hill on their Account. He sends a Steamer and removes them to Sierra Leone. They return to Fallangia. John Duport begins to teach. Supplies ordered in England, 156

Chapter XI

American Sympathy towards Mr. Leacock. Dr. Coit and the Editor of the " New York Church Journal." The parish at Perth Amboy and the Slaves in Tennessee. Joint Offerings from America and England to Africa. Appointment of an English Secretary. Account of the martyred French Missionaries, 171

Chapter XII

The School at Fallangia. Return of Fever. Conversation with Wilkinson. Extent of the Soosoo Language. Need of additional Teachers. Welcome from King Jelloram Fernandez. The Missionaries again taken ill. Con-

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tinuance of Journal. Duport sent for his health to Sierra Leone, Resemblance of the Negroes of Fallangia to those of Barbados. Conversation with " old Martha." Witchcraft. Second Conversation with " old Martha." Retvirn of Dupoi't. Death of Kennyback Ali. Description of neighboring Chiefs. Agriculture and Animals, . . . .181

Chapter XIII

Assurance of King Katty. Miseries of the People. Visit from Mr. Co lumbini de Wasky. Application from Cassini. Excursion to the Bangalong River. Domingia. Sangha. Farrangeah. Increase of the Congregation under Duport. Journal continued. Relapse of Mr. Leacock. He visits Sierra Leone, and is ordered to return to England. He determines to remain at his Post, 206

Continued improvement in Mr. Leacock's Health. Letter to his Son. Letters to the Bishop of Barbados. Letter to the Author. Mohammedan Opposition. Assistance from Governor Hill. Contest between Christ and Mohammed. Last Letters of Mr. Leacock, .... 248