370 ATTENTION TO PUBLIC WORSHIP. Their attendance on the public means of grace is not only numerous, but, wherever those means are statedly supplied, both regular and punctual. Habits were contracted during slavery of attending the house of God only on every alternate Sabbath, and it is so at the present time where the public means of grace cannot be more frequently afforded, or where difficulties arise from indisposition or remoteness of residence. But referring especially to the towns and thickly populated districts in which missionaries reside, not only is the attendance of the people regular as to the day, but also as to time. Some are seated in the house of God an hour or more before the service commences, and on the morning of the Sabbath, almost all are in their places before the minister enters the pulpit. Like Cornelius to Peter, they seem to say, "Now, therefore, we are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." The services of God's house are evidently their delight" times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." Pleasure beams in every eye and animates every countenance. Their behaviour is serious, suited to the place and the occasion; whilst usually their attention is remarkable, occasionally expressed by responses and other signs of interest and approval. In hundreds of instances some of these poor creatures have travelled fifty miles to enjoy the advantage of a single Sabbath; and there is scarcely a place of worship in the island but numbers who are in the constant habit of attending have to travel a distance of from DEVOTION TO RELIGIOUS DUTIES. 371 three to ten or fifteen miles; and whether going or returning, they give an impression that they regard the worship of God as a high and holy privilege. On particular occasions, such as baptisms, chapel openings, as well as at missionary meetings, they are enthusiastic, sometimes attending in such numbers as to fill the whole premises, and manifesting such signs of gratification as demonstrates that their love to Christ and to his cause is supreme. On such occasions in the lowlands some come from almost incredible distances. The roads leading to the stations where these festivals occur are literally thronged; some are seen in chaises, some in carts, some in waggons drawn by oxen, some on horseback, with hundreds on foot, bearing baskets on their heads containing their best apparel; but all pressing on with vivacity and speed. They identify both their interest and their happiness with the cause of God. The performance of their religious duties is their meat and drink. With regard to Zion, it may be almost literally said that 66 they take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof." During the disturbances in 1832, the anxiety manifested for the preservation of their places of worship, and the grief expressed when any were demolished, was intense. Where danger was apprehended, some were guarded by hundreds of the poor people day and night, for two or three successive weeks, they being fully determined to perish in their efforts to save them, should any attempts be made for their destruction. The attachment of the people to their pastors is pro 372 AFFECTION FOR THEIR MINISTERS. verbial. On their minister paying a visit to their villages, especially if accompanied by his wife and children, the expressions of regard towards them on the part of the inhabitants are enthusiastic. All, from the youngest to the oldest, pour forth to welcome them. Every eye sparkles with delight, and everything that kindness of heart can suggest is done for them. The boys vie with each other in climbing the cocoa-nut trees to refresh them with the wholesome beverage which the unripe fruit of that tree affords. They are regaled with fruit of different kinds, and seats are provided for them usually beneath a tree in some particular part of the village, the most convenient for the social interview. These are often seasons of refreshing to the aged and infirm particularly; and their kindness and gratitude are often almost overwhelming on leaving, benedictions follow the visitors until they are out of hearing. "God bless minister and misses, and de children! come call, come see we; give we comfort." If unexpectedly discovered among the settlements of their own people when travelling in the interior of the country, the tidings are shouted from hill to hill, and the whole place presents a scene of joyous excitement. If compelled to leave their charge for a time from ill health, the scenes at parting are oftentimes affecting in the extreme. Of this the following occurrence may afford a specimen. It happened in the case of a missionary a few years ago. Urged to take a voyage to some cooler climate without delay, he decided on going for a few weeks to America, and on the following Sabbath announced his intention to his beloved people. |