Arrow on browser to return back to
previous page
to bottom of pageInteresting Stories and Notes
Click
Arrow on browser to return back to
previous page
to bottom of page
John Burgar (1787-1816) - Methodist Minister
We know quite a lot about John Burgar because there
is a long Biography about him in two articles in the Methodist Magazine,
Volume XL111, September 1820 pages 641 to 653 and
Volume XL111, October 1820 pages 721 to 729.
This biography is based on the diary that John kept. Although the diary was mainly
to do with his spiritual and religious life it also includes details about his
early family life. The following excerpt is taken directly from the above Magazine.
I was born in the City of London, May 11 1787. My parents were in humble life,
but rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom. They likewise enjoyed the privilege
of being in connexion with the Wesleyan Methodists. And as they felt the importance
of being religious themselves, so they endeavoured to train up their children
in the way they should go, that when they came to be old they might not depart
from it. Hence at an early age, we were taken to the house of the Lord and the
subjects that were explained and enforced from the pulpit were the topics of
conversation at home.
The conversions of children were likewise often the subject of their discourse,
to which I have frequently listened with pleasure and delight, wishing at the
same time that I were converted and made happy.
The spirit of the Lord strove with me mightily when I was about eight years old,
and I was led in the bitterness of my soul to cry “God be merciful to me
a sinner! What shall I do to be saved?” In this distress I was encouraged
by my pious parent s to seek the help of the Lord; till I found him precious
to my wounded spirits; - and I can truly say, that, for some time, I was in a
happy state of mind. My language then was, “Come, all ye that fear the
Lord, and I will declare all that he hath done for my soul.” I continued
in this state for some time, till mingling with some careless boys, I insensibly
lost my reverence for God and love for devotion.
In the 10th year of my age it pleased the Lord to call my father from a world
of suffering to a glorious reward. He had been the subject of affliction for
above thirty years. His last illness, however, was short; as he was not confined
to his room for more than five or six days. “mark the perfect man, and
behold the upright, the end of that man is peace.” My father who was such
a character, experienced that blessedness. He did not die stupidly (as multiudes
do, who,after a life spent in sin, are said to go off like lambs;) but was properly
aware of the awfulness of going out of time into eternity. And as he had been
trained up by repentance and faith, through pardon and holiness, to understand
the deep things of religion, he possessed a hope full of immortality; and thus
was able to say with holy confidence “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”.
I saw him expire - and my prayer to God is that “my last end may be like
his”.
A little before he expired, I heard as well as several friends that were present,
the melodious sound of the most delightful music. It continued about half an
hour, moving backward and forward about my father's head. In the face of infidelity,
I do not hesitate to say, that I believe the music was produced by heavenly beings,
who came to convey his happy spirit to the presence of Jehovah.
My mother was now left in care of six small children of whom I was the oldest
but one. Under such circumstances I was obliged to take my lot in a wide world,
having no able friend but my heavenly Father. Uneducated, unprovided for, without
instructors, and without experience, I had to labour through the difficulties
of human life. And what but the mercy of God could preserve me from the degradation
and ruin! But I desire to honour the Lord by observing that his grace strove
with me under all these unpleasant circumstances. Added to this I often received
council from my surviving parent.
She oft with care instructed me,
The Godly path to tread,
But still I ran on carelessly,
And took no serious heed.
The diary continues with his teen age years when he fluctuated from running
wild to being reconciled to God. Eventually he left the family which had looked
after him and
went to live with persons of my own inclination . Being about 18 years
of age, I took as much pleasure so called, as my purse and other circumstances
would allow.
At 19 he went back to the family and became progressively more interested in
becoming a Minister.
John was eventually ordained a Methodist Minister in
October 1814. Soon after, on the 1st December 1814, he and his family set sail
for Jamaica. During the journey he had tried preaching onboard
ship but without success since, as he records:
none on board the ship are very partial to the Parson as they call me
Although he suffered from poor health most of the time he seems to have worked
unstintingly. He increased the number of congregation from 625 to 952, and started
2 new churches on the island. However his diary continually records that he
had great trouble with doubts about his vocation. The exact reason is unclear.
After an attack of yellow fever he died a week later on the 1st August 1816,
just 2 years after reaching Jamaica. As a unique tribute to him the Parish Vestry
voted a gift of £100.00 to his widow.