From the day the sun of negro freedom arose in 1834, it was hoped by all friends of Africa that, among the emancipated Christians of the West Indies, valuable agents would be found for propagating the gospel in the land of their progenitors. The subject engaged the attention of our Presbytery in 1839. But on many essential points we were so deficient in information, that we could resolve only to make it a matter of reflection, inquiry, and prayer. At its meeting, in 1840, we resolved to come to our next meeting prepared for deciding the grave question of a mission to Africa, from our Jamaica congregations.

Ere the appointed period came round, the necessary information was unexpectedly supplied. A venerable and honoured relative in Dublin sent me Sir T. F. Buxton's book, just then published, on “The Slave Trade and its Remedy,” which opened up the whole subject. And when the Presbytery met at Goshen, in July 1841, and resumed consideration of it, the conviction was produced in all our minds that the way was ready for our going forward. We felt bound to take some decided step; yet, seeing that the gravest consequences would result to ourselves and our congregations from our decision, we suspended business; and, under an inexpressible solemnity of mind, devoted the rest of the day to prayer for divine direction.

When the subject was resumed next morning, a deep feeling of awe was on the minds of all present, as each gave his opinion in favour of the new mission, and expressed his readiness to go forth on it, if called thereto by his brethren, and approved of by the church at home.