THE was EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE AND MISSIONARY CHRONICLE. JUNE 1825. MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. THOMAS DEXTER, MISSIONARY OF THE COURA QUARTER, TRINIDAD. THE subject of the following Memoir was born at Bedworth, in Warwickshire, but removed with his parents in early life to reside at Atherstone, in the same county. He not favoured with a religious education, and therefore nothing of an interesting or edifying nature occurred during the first thirteen years of his life: carelessness about reliligion, and eagerness for worldly amusements, were equally apparent. But soon after this period, by an overruling and kind Providence, he was placed in a religious family where his privileges were numerous, and, under the blessing of heaven, highly beneficial. For a considerable time, however, the restrictions imposed, and the regulations observed, by no means suited the state of his mind. With nothing was he more wearied than the exercises of the sanctuary on the Lord's Day. To attend regularly the preaching of the gospel, he considered a severe requisition, while he envied the situation of those who, without restraint, followed the desires of their own hearts. Continuing, however, to attend the ministry of the Rev. R. M. Miller at Atherstone, his mind became impressed with divine truth, and his conscience often con VOL. III. demned him in the house of God. One conviction succeeded another, till the salvation of his soul became the principal object of his solicitude. In secret he thought much of religion, frequently reflected on his past life, and was filled with shame and sorrow of heart. Prayer now became a frequent exercise; he mourned over sin before God, and sought with earnestness an interest in his mercy through Christ Jesus. His love for worldly pleasure, and his idea of the imagined freedom of the wicked departed, and with them all his objections to the regulations of the family in which he resided. To attend the house of God was now no restraint, but a delight; and when there, too, he listened as one personally addressed. His thirst for the knowledge of salvation induced him to use all the means of grace, and to read the Scriptures with meditation and prayer. Thus, being neither agitated by the thunders of Sinai, nor enraptured by special manifestations of divine favour, but drawn with the cords of love, he was gradually led to embrace Christ as all his salvation and all his desire. He saw and felt great cause for repentance, and deep humility before God. He now perceived X the advantage of residing in a pious family; religious exercises afforded him great delight; he found Christ to be precious to his soul, and chose his people for his intimate associates; and in Feb. 1817, joined the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. R. M. Miller. Here he was not to remain long; for he very soon earnestly desired that others might become partakers of divine grace; even those of our fellow-creatures, who are living in heathen countries, and perishing for lack of knowledge. To use his own language, "The pleasure I found in religion I wished others to enjoy, therefore first engaged as a Sabbath-school teacher, and afterwards in instructing the villagers in the neighbourhood of Atherstone. Though in these exercises I found some delight, my mind was far from being tranquil; for the destitute state of the heathen had excited my pity, and I earnestly desired to carry to them the gospel of Christ." Previous to his application to the Missionary Society, his attention was much devoted to the secret workings of his mind; and often did he seek by prayer the teachings of the Holy Spirit, to keep him from self-deception, and to direct him in the path of duty. At length, when he was no longer able to conceal his feelings, he embraced an opportunity of acquainting Mr. Miller with what occupied his thoughts by day and by night. Mr. M. inquired particularly respecting the commencement. nature, and strength of his desire; and at the same time enjoined on him self examination, fervent prayer, and a diligent attention to the movements of Providence. He considered the difficulties, responsibilities, and privations of a Missionary to the heathen; and though it was necessary to bid adieu to his native land, and to a large circle of acquaintance and relatives, by whom he was beloved and respected, yet none of these things moved him, so anxious was he to carry the glad tidings or salvation to his perishing fellow-men. The consideration of their ignorance, cruelties, and wretchedness, increased his compassion for them, and his desire for an opportunity to convey to them the gospel of Christ. In short, he wished to spend and be spent in doing good; and was, after the usual examination, accepted, and placed for four months under the care of the Rev. G. Collison, from whence he was removed to Gosport Academy, under the care of Dr. Bogue, whose instructions and good counsels he enjoyed and much valued. It was in Sept. 1820, when he arrived at Gosport, and in Jan. 1823, he received his appointment to the Coura and part of Savanetta Quarters, in the island of Trinidad. On the estates in this part of the island the planters were desirous of having a minister among them; and accordingly wrote to the London Missionary Society for one; they were also desirous that the negroes belonging to them might be religiously instructed. The ordination of Mr. Dexter, which was most affecting to the hearers, and peculiarly trying to his own feelings, took place at Burnly, in Lancashire, April 2, when Mr. Calvert, of Colne, commenced the service by reading and prayer; Mr. Cockin, of Halifax, gave the introductory address; Mr. Payne, Theological Tutor of Blackburn Academy, asked the usual questions, and offered the ordination-prayer; and Mr. Parsons, of Leeds, gave the charge. On this occasion an Auxiliary was formed in aid of the Parent Institution. May 28. Mr. Dexter, with Mrs. D. sailed from Spithead in the brig Whim, commanded by Captain Heard. Violent sea - sickness accompanied both, during the whole of the voyage; this, however, was not at all injurious; the only mischief was that it rendered Mr. D. incapable of preaching while on board; but in the end it proved highly beneficial to him. As soon as they arrived at Port-au-Spain, a very kind gentleman took a boat and came to the ship for them; and when they landed he invited them to his house, and requested them to make it their home until their removal to the place of their destination. Here every kindness which could possibly be received from this gentleman and his sister, was experienced by them. Mr. Dexter being prevented from having an interview immediately upon his arrival with the Governor, and the house intended by the planters for them to reside in being at that time occupied, they were under the necessity of remaining a month in Portau-Spain. Mr. Dexter was, previous to his leaving town, introduced to the Governor, Sir Ralph Woodford, who received him politely, and had that morning received a letter from Lord Bathurst, informing him that Mr. D. was sent out by the London Missionary Society, and recommending him to his Excellency's notice. Mr. D. presented him with several copies of Dr. Watts's Catechisms, which his Excellency ac cepted, and did not object at all to their being taught to the negroes. His Excellency also remarked to Mr. D. that he had arrived at the most injurious time of the year in the island; and advised him not to be out at night, or get wet, and that he must take great care of himself. Aug. 12. Mr. and Mrs. Dexter left Port-au-Spain for the Coura, when the former immediately commenced preaching at the planters' houses, and catechising the negroes on the estates; and all who lived near were invited to the house on the Sabbath morning, and in the evenings of other days, to receive instruction: here met some of all ages, delighting to be instructed and taught to sing. Every thing appeared favourable to these missionaries; the planters were exceedingly kind, and commenced building a house and chapel in the centre of the field of labour; but, oh! how different are the ways of the Most High to man's ways. On the 21st of November Mr. D. was sent for to bury a gentleman, brother to one of the planters; the following Sabbath he preached at the same house, when he gave out before sermon, the 90th Psalm, Lord, what a feeble piece is this our mortal frame;" and then he preached from the following words: "See that ye refuse not him who speaketh," Heb. xii. 15. On Monday he visited several estates, and returned in the evening quite well. The next morning he took Mrs. D. to visit Dr. and Mrs. Collins; the heavy rain coming on in the middle of the day obliged them to stay all night; the next day was the same; Thursday appeared much finer, and they prepared for returning. As soon as they had dined, Mr. D. went to his chamber, followed by Mrs D., when he sat down and immediately began complaining of headach and a little fever, saying, "We cannot go home to-day; I must go to bed and take some medicine, and to-morrow I hope I shall be better;" but he never got up again. The next morning he was bled, and very much reduced (by taking a quantity of medicine,) so much so, that he was, from the time he took to his bed, unable to feed himself, and constantly in a state of fainting. The following Sabbath he ap peared so much better, that the medical attendant, and indeed all were filled with hopes of recovery. These hopes, however, were short; and soon were they all blasted! The fever returned more violent than before; his head and hands were constantly kept bathed in cold water. Wednesday morning he had two large blisters applied to his body; and the morning previous to his death, his head was shaved and another ap plied, but all proved ineffectual. Extreme bodily pain accompanied the fever, but not a murmuring word ever escaped his lips. Indeed, the medi cal attendants observed, they never knew one so patient amidst such sufferings. The very short and few intermissions of fever which he had, X 2 |