French Dirt is the Worst
An amusing anecdote from a Methodist pioneer in the island.
Methodism reached the Channel Islands at the end of the 18th century, having been introduced here by fishermen returning from Newfoundland. Its spread was aided by the presence of substantial British army garrisons stationed in the Islands to defend them against the French threat. Preachers who came here had to speak French and were met with either abusive hostility—often physical—or absolute dedication.
One of the first preachers sent here by John Wesley was Adam Clarke (1762-1832), who operated alongside the Jerseyman Jean de Quetteville. He arrived in Jersey but soon based himself in Guernsey and did most of his preaching in the Bailiwick, including Alderney, which was, in his opinion at that time in a state of darkness almost without parallel, being peopled chiefly by outlaws.'
In a biography of him by James Everett, published in 1843,¹ we find the following anecdote concerning his 'exile in the Norman Isles:'
Mr. Clarke was extremely particular in his person and habits; and was, therefore, still less able to bear the dirt and slovenliness of the islanders, and the irregularity and confusion with which they were mixed up;—yet in both, (for they generally support a twin existence in the same person,) his patience and forbearance were often called into exercise.
'One of Mr. Wesley's motto's,' said he, when speaking upon the subject,' was,—'cleanliness is next to godliness.' When I went into the Norman Isles, I found French dirt, the worst of all dirt. I have seen a large quantity of butter dashed down on the pavement for sale, and the suet of beasts lying in the window in a filthy state. After my marriage, and on Mrs. Clarke's arrival on the islands, she found it equally difficult with myself, to be comfortable, or silent, in the presence of dirt. On one occasion, she took courage to speak to a good woman, whose children appeared never either to have had their faces washed, or their hair combed. ' Do you think,' said she, placing the subject in the least objectionable form, by proposing a question;—'Do you think your children are as orderly as they might be ?'
Woman.—'Indeed they are.'
Mrs. Clarke.—'Would it not be better to wash them?'
Woman.—'O! away with your English pride.'
Mrs. C.—'Does not Mr. Wesley say,—that cleanliness is next to godliness?' hoping, by this reference, as she knew the woman entertained great respect for him, to win her over to compliance with more agreeable habits. 'Thank God!' exclaimed she, in return, as though cleanliness had been viewed as an intolerable burden, and deliverance from it a blessing; 'Thank God, that it is not written in my Bible!'
¹ Everett, James, Adam Clarke portrayed, London, Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1843