Related commentaries – Slavery

Joy Was Replaced by Sadness And Mourning – Lamentations 5:7 – 5:18

Celebration: Slaves in Jamaica Set Free

In 1838, on the night when the slaves were set free in Jamaica, a large mahogany coffin was made and a grave was dug. Into that coffin the liberated slaves threw the reminders of their former life of slavery-whips, torture irons, branding irons, coarse frocks and shirts, large hats, fragments of a treadmill, and handcuffs. Then the lid of the coffin was screwed down. At the stroke of midnight the coffin was lowered into the grave and buried. Then the liberated natives sang the doxology:

            Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

            Praise Him, all creatures here below,

            Praise Him above ye heavenly host,

            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!  (Source Unknown)