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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ed54429 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #64628 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64628) diff --git a/old/64628-0.txt b/old/64628-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2b3f399..0000000 --- a/old/64628-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7966 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Narratives of Colored Americans, by A. Mott - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Narratives of Colored Americans - -Author: A. Mott - M. S. Wood - -Release Date: February 25, 2021 [eBook #64628] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: hekula03, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was - produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital - Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NARRATIVES OF COLORED -AMERICANS *** - -+-------------------------------------------------+ -|Transcriber's note: | -| | -|Obvious typographic errors have been corrected. | -| | -+-------------------------------------------------+ - - -NARRATIVES - -OF - -COLORED AMERICANS. - - -God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the -face of the earth."--ACTS xvii., 26. - - -PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE RESIDUARY ESTATE OF LINDLEY -MURRAY. - -NEW YORK: - -WILLIAM WOOD & CO., 27 GREAT JONES STREET. 1875. - - -Lindley Murray, the Grammarian, and author of several excellent -School and Reading books, in his last Will bequeathed certain funds -to Trustees in America, his native country, for several benevolent -objects, including the gratuitous distribution of "books calculated to -promote piety and virtue, and the truth of Christianity." - -The Trustees have had "The Power of Religion on the Mind, in -Retirement, Affliction, and at the approach of Death," stereotyped, and -several thousand copies printed and distributed. - -They also publish the following Narratives compiled by A. Mott, and M. -S. Wood, believing they will prove acceptable reading to our Colored -Americans. - - -JOHN F. TROW & SON, -PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS, -_205-213 East 12th St._, -NEW YORK. - - - - -CONTENTS. - PAGE -AFRICAN SERVANT, THE 88 -AFRICAN PRINCE, THE 212 -AFRICAN SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK 242 -AFRICANS, THE INJURED 245 -ANCASS 74 -ANECDOTE 101 -ANECDOTE 205 -AN INCIDENT 62 - -BANNEKER, BENJAMIN 60 -BAYLEY, SOLOMON 133 -BELL, LET ME RING THE 53 -BENEZET, ANTHONY 230 -BIBLE, LOVE FOR THE 272 -BILLY AND JENNY 182 -BOWEN, WILLIAM 229 -BOYD, HENRY 251 -BUCCAN, QUAMINO 257 - -CAREY, LOTT 191 -CHRISTIAN, AN AGED 45 -CHRISTIAN KINDNESS 48 -CLARINDA, A PIOUS COLORED WOMAN 143 -COFFIN 210 -COSTON, EZEKIEL 203 -CUFFEE, CAPTAIN PAUL 126 -CHRISTMAS HYMN AT ST. HELENA'S ISLAND 273 - -DADDY DAVY 37 -DERHAM, JAMES 211 - -EMANCIPATION IN NEW YORK 263 - -FAITH OF A POOR BLIND WOMAN 241 -FERGUSON, KATY 69 -FOUNDLING, THE COLORED 206 -FREEDMEN OF AMERICA 264 - -GOOD MASTER AND HIS FAITHFUL SLAVE, THE 200 -GRATITUDE IN A LIBERATED SLAVE 225 - -HAM, FALLACIES RESPECTING THE RACE OF 14 -HARDY, GEORGE 186 -HOSPITABLE NEGRO WOMAN 222 -HYMN SUNG AT ST. HELENA'S ISLAND 272 - -INDIAN, THE GOOD OLD 238 - -KINDNESS, A LITTLE ACT OF 102 - -LETTERS FROM A LADY IN RICHMOND, VA. 270 -LIBERTY, EXTRAORDINARY EXERTIONS TO OBTAIN 228 -LIE, HE NEVER TOLD A 37 -LION, DELIVERANCE FROM 9 -LITTLE WA 83 -LUCAS, BELINDA 164 -LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVE 276 - -MISSIONARY BOX, THE 35 -MONTJOY, ZILPAH 160 -MORRIS, AGNES 226 -MUNIFICENCE, EXTRAORDINARY 234 - -NAIMBANNA 150 -NEGRO, THE GENEROUS 123 -NEGRO, THE GRATEFUL 208 -NO-ACCOUNT JOHNNY 18 -NURSE, THE FAITHFUL 209 - -OLD DINAH 16 -OLD SUSAN 103 - -POOR POMPEY 74 -POOR SARAH 111 -PRAYER, ANSWER TO 12 -PRAYER, THE AFRICAN SERVANT'S 100 -PROVIDENCE, TRUST IN 23 - -REPENTANCE AND AMENDMENT IN A COLORED SCHOOL 62 - -SAAT 30 -SACRIFICE, THE LIVING 27 -SLAVE, THE BLIND, IN THE MINES 97 -SLAVE, FLIGHT OF A 55 -SLAVE, THE PSALM OF THE 34 -SLAVE SHOEMAKER, THE 51 -SLAVES, GRATITUDE OF 50 -STORM AT SEA, A 81 - -TEACHERS, A HOTTENTOT'S LOVE FOR HER 26 -TEMPTATION RESISTED AND HONESTY REWARDED 236 -TRUTH, SOJOURNER 65 -TEMPERANCE MEETING IN AFRICA 274 - -UNCLE HARRY 213 -UNCLE JACK 46 - -VASSA, GUSTAVUS 169 - -WHEATLEY, PHILLIS 5 -WIFE, THE 24 - -ZACHARY AND THE BOY 21 - - - - -PHILLIS WHEATLEY. - - -In 1761 John Wheatley's wife went to the slave market in Boston, for a -girl whom she might train to wait upon her in her old age. At that time -ships were sent from Boston to Africa after cargoes of slaves, which -were sold to the people of Massachusetts. Among a group of more robust -and healthy children just imported from Africa, the lady observed one -of slender form, suffering from change of climate and the miseries of -the voyage. She was interested in the poor little girl, bought her, and -took her home. The child, who was named Phillis, was almost naked, her -only covering being a strip of dirty carpet; but in a short time the -effects of comfortable clothing and food were visible in her returning -health. - -Phillis at the time of her purchase was between seven and eight -years of age, and the intention of her mistress was to train her as -a servant; but the intelligence which the young girl soon exhibited, -induced her mistress's daughter to teach her to read. Such was the -rapidity with which she learned, that in sixteen months from the time -of her arriving in the family, the African child had so mastered the -English language, to which she was an utter stranger before, that -she could read with ease the most difficult parts of the Bible. Her -uncommon intellect altered the intentions of the family regarding -Phillis, and she was kept about the person of her mistress, whose -affection she won by her amiable disposition and pleasing manners. All -her knowledge was obtained without any instruction, except what was -given her in the family; and in four years from the time she was stolen -from Africa, and when only twelve years of age, she was capable of -writing letters to her friends on various subjects. - -The young colored girl became an object of very general attention and -astonishment; and in a few years she corresponded with several persons -in high stations. As she grew up to womanhood, her attainments kept -pace with the promise of her earlier years; the literary people of -Boston supplied her with books and encouraged her intellectual powers. -This was greatly assisted by her mistress, who treated her like a child -of the family, admitted her to her own table, and introduced her as an -equal to the best society; but Phillis never departed from the humble -and unassuming deportment which distinguished her when she stood a -little trembling child for sale in the slave market. She respected the -prejudice against her color, and, when invited to the tables of the -great or wealthy, she chose a place apart for herself, that none might -be offended at a thing so unusual as sitting at table with a woman of -color. - -Such was the modest and amiable disposition of Phillis Wheatley. She -studied Latin, and her translations show that she made considerable -progress in it; and she wrote poetry. At the age of fourteen she -appears to have first attempted literary composition, and by the time -she was nineteen the whole of her printed poems appear to have been -written. They were published in London in 1773 in a small volume of -above 120 pages, containing thirty-nine pieces, which she dedicated to -the Countess of Huntington. This work has gone through several editions -in England and America. - -Most of her poetry has a religious or moral bearing; all breathes a -soft and sentimental feeling; many pieces were written on the death of -friends. In a poem addressed to a clergyman on the death of his wife, -some beautiful lines occur: - - - "O come away," her longing spirit cries, - "And share with me the rapture of the skies. - Our bliss divine to mortals is unknown, - Immortal life and glory are our own. - Here too may the dear pledges of our love - Arrive, and taste with us the joys above; - Attune the harp to more than mortal lays, - And join with us the tribute of their praise - To Him who died stern justice to atone, - And make eternal glory all our own." - - -A poem on the Providence of God contains the following: - - - "All-wise, Almighty Providence, we trace - In trees, and plants, and all the flowery race, - As clear as in the nobler frame of man, - All lovely ensigns of the Maker's plan. - The power the same that forms a ray of light, - That called creation from eternal night." - - -From a beautiful address and prayer to the Deity: - - - "Great God, incomprehensible, unknown - To sense, we bow at thine exalted throne. - O while we crave thine excellence to feel, - Thy sacred presence to our hearts reveal, - And give us of that mercy to partake, - Which Thou hast promised for the Saviour's sake." - - -About the twenty-first year of her age Phillis was liberated; but she -continued in her master's family, where she was much respected. Her -health was delicate, and her physician having recommended a sea-voyage, -it was arranged that she should visit England. She had not before been -parted from her adopted mother, and the separation was painful to both -of them. - -Phillis was received and admired in the first circles of English -society, her poems published, and her portrait engraved. Her -countenance appears to have been pleasing, and her head highly -intellectual. The health of Mrs. Wheatley declined, and she longed -for her beloved companion. On the first notice of her benefactress's -desire to see her, Phillis, whose humility was not shaken by flattery -and attention, re-embarked for Boston. Within a short time after her -return she stood by the dying bed of her mistress, mother, and friend, -and Phillis Wheatley found herself alone. - -Shortly after the death of her friend she married a respectable -man of her own color, named Peters. He was a remarkable person--of -good character, a fluent writer, a ready speaker, and altogether an -intelligent, educated man. He was a grocer by trade, and, as a lawyer, -pleaded the cause of his brethren, the Africans, before the courts. -Phillis was twenty-three at the time of her marriage. The connection -did not prove a happy one, and she being of a susceptible mind and -delicate constitution, fell into a decline, and died in 1780, about the -twenty-sixth year of her age. - - - - -DELIVERANCE OF A HOTTENTOT FROM A LION. - - -A Methodist missionary named Kay, relates the following occurrence: - -I visited a poor sick Hottentot in the south of Africa, who recently -experienced one of the most remarkable and providential deliverances -I ever heard of. I found him in great pain, from the wounds he had -received on that occasion. He gave me a description of his escape -from the jaws of a lion, which he ascribes wholly to the gracious -interposition of the Father of mercies. - -About a month ago he went on a hunting excursion, accompanied by -several other natives. On an extensive plain they found an abundance of -game, and discovered a number of lions, who appeared to be disturbed by -their approach. A very large male lion began slowly to advance towards -the party, many of whom were young and unaccustomed to such formidable -animals. They all dismounted and prepared to fire, and, according to -custom, began to tie their horses together by the bridles, with a view -to keep them between themselves and the lion until they were able to -take deliberate aim. - -Before the horses were properly fastened, the monster made a tremendous -bound or two, and suddenly pounced upon the hind part of one of the -horses, which plunged forward and knocked down the poor Hottentot. His -comrades took flight, and ran off with all speed. He rose as quickly -as possible to follow them; but no sooner had he regained his feet -than the majestic beast stretched forth his paw, and, striking him -behind the neck, brought him to the ground again. He then rolled on -his back, and the lion set his foot upon his breast, and lay down upon -him. The poor man now became almost breathless, partly from fear, but -principally from the pressure of his terrific load. He moved a little -to gain air, but, feeling this, the lion seized his left arm, close to -the elbow, and amused himself with the limb for some time, biting it in -different places, down to the hand. - -All this time the lion did not seem to be angry, but merely caught at -the arm as a cat sports with a mouse that is not quite dead, so that -there was not a single bone broken, as there would have been if the -lion had been hungry or irritated. While in great agony, and expecting -every moment to be torn limb from limb, the sufferer cried to his -companions for assistance, but cried in vain. On raising his head a -little, the beast opened his dreadful jaws to receive it, but his hat -only was rent, and points of the teeth only grazed his skull. The lion -set his foot on the arm from which the blood was freely flowing, his -paw was soon covered therewith, and he again and again licked it clean, -and, with flaming eyes, appeared half inclined to devour the man. - -"At this critical moment," said the poor victim, "I recollected having -heard that there is a God in heaven who is able to deliver at the last -extremity, and I began to pray that He would save me, and not allow the -lion to eat my flesh." While the Hottentot was thus engaged in calling -on God, the animal turned himself completely round. On perceiving this, -the man attempted to get from under him, but the lion became aware of -his intention, and laid terrible hold of his right thigh, which gave -excruciating pain. He again sent up his cry to God for help, nor were -his prayers in vain. The huge creature rose from his seat, and walked -majestically off about thirty or forty paces, and then lay down on -the grass as if to watch his victim, who ventured to sit up, which -attracted the lion's attention; he made no attack, but rose, took his -departure, and was seen no more. The man soon arose, took up his gun, -and hastened to his terrified companions, who had given him up for -dead. He was set upon a horse, and taken to the place where I found him. - -Dr. Gambier hastened to his relief, and thought the appearance of the -wounds so alarming that amputation of the arm was absolutely necessary. -To this, however, the man would not consent, as he had a number of -young children, whose subsistence depended on his labor. "As the -Almighty has delivered me," said he, "from that horrid death, surely -He is able to save my arm also." Astonishing to relate, his wounds are -healed, and there is now hope of his ultimate recovery. - - - - -ANSWER TO PRAYER. - - -"I well remember," said the son of a Christian missionary, "hearing -my mother speak in touching terms of the narrow escapes my father -had during our sojourn in Jamaica. He endured five attacks of yellow -fever, and on one occasion suffered so much that the medical attendant -gave up all hopes of his recovery. For sometime he lingered in a state -of insensibility hardly to be described. My mother watched and wept; -friends did the same; the faithful Christian colored people also wept -as they saw life ebbing away. Death seemed just about to seize his -prey. - -"Prayer-meetings were held, and at last some hundreds of negroes were -assembled, earnestly beseeching Almighty God with tears to spare the -life of their beloved missionary. Often had he stood up before judges -in their defence. Often had he been cast into prison for protecting -them from their tyrannical oppressors; and now, with a warmth of -affection and intensity of feeling unknown amongst Christians in -England, they cried mightily to God. Hour after hour passed by; -messengers were passing from the chapel to the mission-house to obtain -tidings of the sick man. At length, when his spirit appeared about -to depart and to leave all earthly scenes, the pious negroes agreed -to unite _silently_ in one heartfelt petition to Him 'in whose hand -our breath is;' and believing that 'man doth not live by bread only, -but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord,' they -thus silently, unitedly prayed. The multitude joined in one petition, -ascending from their inmost souls; and at that very hour the shadow of -death was removed at the rebuke of the Lord! - -"A change took place, signs of health appeared, and he for whom so -many supplicants prayed was raised up from his bed of languishing, and -that chapel did indeed become filled with songs of joy, praise, and -thanksgiving. 'He lives! he lives!' was the joyful exclamation that ran -from one to another through that congregation." - - - - -FALLACIES RESPECTING THE RACE OF HAM. - - -It is thought by some that the race of Ham, one of the sons of Noah, -had a curse pronounced upon it at the beginning, whereby through -all time this particular branch of the human family was to be kept -in an inferior and servile condition. This is not correct. No curse -stands recorded in the Bible against the race of Ham. The curse in -question was pronounced upon Canaan, one of the four sons of Ham, whose -descendants settled in the hill country, called after his name, along -the east end of the Mediterranean Sea. There they dwelt for several -centuries, and built up a corrupt and idolatrous nation, until they -were dispossessed of their inheritance by the invading hosts of the -Jews. By this invasion vast numbers of this Canaanitish race perished, -and those who survived were brought into an abject, dependant, and -servile condition. - -The perversion of the passage is the more noteworthy from the fact, -that while Ham was the offender, on account of whose conduct the curse -was pronounced--so that the reader is naturally looking for some -manifestation towards him personally--his name does not appear. The -curse, though three times repeated, falls steadily upon Canaan, one of -the four sons. When the three sons of Noah came forth with their father -out of the ark, the historian simply says, "And Ham is the father -of Canaan." True, so he was, and was also the father of Misraim, and -Cush, and Phut. Shem, too, was the father of five sons, and Japheth of -seven; but nothing is said at that time about all these, only, "Ham is -the father of Canaan." And so also when Ham's irreverent wickedness is -mentioned, it is "Ham the father of Canaan." - -What is perhaps still more noticeable, when the curse is passed, and -the historian in the next chapter takes up the genealogy of the race -after the flood, and shows us the first founders of kingdoms and -nations, the only instance in all that long list, when he stops to give -us the boundaries of any people, is in this case of Canaan. It seems -as if God took especial pains to set the people who were to be cursed, -apart from the rest, that there need be no doubt who they were, and -where they lived. - -But if we take the race of Ham generally, we shall find that for two -thousand years after the flood it continued by far the most noticeable -and conspicuous of the three branches. For some reason the early -developments of civilization were almost entirely in this race. Egypt -and Assyria, by far the grandest empires of antiquity, were both of -this Hametic order. Misraim, the son of Ham, is the reputed father of -the one, and Nimrod, the grandson, of the other. So obvious was this -fact, at least as respects Egypt, that it is familiarly called in the -Scriptures "the land of Ham." "Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob -sojourned in the land of Ham." And again, "He sent Moses His servant, -and Aaron whom He had chosen. They showed His signs among them, and -wonders in the land of Ham." - - - - -OLD DINAH. - - -Dinah was a slave. Her mistress was an Indian woman, into whose dark -mind not a single ray of gospel light had ever penetrated. She lived -among a small tribe on the borders of Tennessee, and although at the -age of forty, or a little over, she was called Old Dinah. The Indian -mistress and all her servants had been baptized by a Roman priest; -but why, or wherefore, none of them knew. Dinah said, in relating the -circumstance, "I allers thought the white folks had something to tell -that we did not know about, and I used to think what could it be. When -the missionaries come here with the Bible, then I know what it is." - -Her veneration for the "Good Book," as she always called it, was -remarkable. Getting on a stool in her little cabin one day, I noticed -on a shelf, far above the reach of her little ones, a pile of torn, -dingy bits of paper. I said, "What have you here, Dinah?" - -"Oh, missus, don't mind _them_ now. I picks 'em up when I come from the -meeting. I spose the children throws 'em out of the school-house, but I -thinks it may be they are pieces of the Good Book, and when I learns to -read I can find 'em out." - -Dinah did learn to read. She had a family to provide for, and Saturday -was the only day in the week allotted to her in which to look after -her little patch of corn and potatoes, cook their food, and prepare -her children for the Sabbath. The morning she gave to her farming in -summer, then the washing and mending, and at night after the children -were washed and stowed away for sleep, she would take the youngest -on her back, and, tired as she often was, trudge away two miles to -the mission station; and favored indeed was the teacher who could get -rid of the earnest appeal, "Let me learn just a little more," before -the morning dawned. Every Sabbath morning a little time was spent in -imparting to her Daniel the lesson of the previous evening--his master -living in a village some miles distant, so that he could not secure -any other instruction; but Daniel soon outran his teacher, and having -a warm Christian heart, learned to expound as well as read the Good -Book, much to the edification of his colored friends. This was also an -unfailing source of comfort and grateful recollection to Dinah. Once -when listening to his fervent appeals, she said to me, while the big -tears chased each other joyously down her cheeks, "Oh, missus, look at -Daniel! I taught that man his a, b, c, and now he knows so much, and I -can only pick out a little of the Good Book yet." - -In the preaching of the gospel she took great delight, and never -but once, during our nine or ten months among that people, do I -remember her being absent from our meetings on the Sabbath. It was -in the female prayer-meeting that Dinah was invaluable. Here all her -tenderness of conscience, her desire for instruction, her delicacy -and tact in eliciting it, not only for herself but for the benefit of -others whose spiritual wants she had made her study, and above all, -her meek and earnest supplications, rendered her a helper never to be -forgotten, and I loved her for the image of my Master shining in her -face. - - - - -"NO-ACCOUNT JOHNNY." - -BY M. E. SANGSTER. - - -"No-Account Johnny" had had a hard time all his life. He was a poor -boy, so homely, and dirty, and ragged, so nearly idiotic, that few -people would look at him twice. He lived with a French dyer, who had -taught him how to stir the vats at a certain time every day, and who -gave him in return enough corn-bread and bacon to keep him alive. A -damp, ill-smelling cellar was the place where he spent his days, and -his nights were passed in an equally repulsive attic. To dodge a blow, -to tell a lie, to eat, to sleep, to be glad in a vague sort of way when -the sun shone on him warmly, these were all the accomplishments of poor -"No-Account Johnny" Long. - -Christmas, with its green boughs and its gifts, went by, and brought -no gift to him. He did wish, as he heard the other boys tooting away -on their tin horns, that he had one; but as he could not get one by -wishing, he contented himself with turning somersaults on the pavement. -By an unfortunate miscalculation, he lay bruised and unconscious at the -foot of the cellar-steps. - -Aunt Lizzie, the washerwoman, at the end of the court, took him home to -her poor little house, and took care of him till he was well again, for -in the fall he had broken his arm. Her children went to Sunday-school, -and one of them brought his teacher to see Johnny. - -"Well, my poor little fellow," said the gentleman, looking with pity on -the thin face, clean now, through Aunt Lizzie's care, "I see you are -sick; what's your name?" - -"No-Account Johnny!" - -"Johnny! well, Johnny, do you know that Jesus loves you?" - -"Never hearn tell of the Mister, I'm no account. Reckon He don't know -me! Missis says I'm no account nohow!" - -"But that is a mistake, my boy. You are of great account. You have a -soul that can never die. Did you never know that?" - -"No," shaking his head; "I don't un'erstand, Mister." - -"Was anybody ever good to you, Johnny?" - -"Nobody but Aunt Liz. Aunt Liz been good." - -"Well, Jesus is better than Aunt Liz. Jesus is God. He died for you! He -lives up there among the stars! He loves you, poor No-Account Johnny. -Think of that." - -The teacher went away. At the door old Aunt Lizzie thanked him for -coming, but said: - -"It's of no use, sir, to teach that boy. He a'nt right here," tapping -her forehead. - -"Ah! Aunt Lizzie, our blessed Jesus can make him understand," said Mr. -Allen, as he went away. - -After a few weeks Johnny was able to go back to the dyeing -establishment. The first Sabbath after, however, he lost his place, for -he refused to work, and astonished his master by saying that he was -going to Sunday-school. Thither he went, and walking up to Mr. Allen -said: - -"Here I am! Tell me more 'bout Jesus; I've found out a heap since you -told me 'bout Him, and I'm going to be Jesus Christ's Johnny now. -No-Account Johnny's gone off altogether." - -Nobody could tell how it happened, but that magic word, "Jesus," had -done wonders for the little heathen. "He loves me," he had said to -himself again and again, and then he had listened, with that unlocked -heart, to every word he heard about Jesus, and had learned a great -deal. "No-Account Johnny" became one of the best scholars in the little -mission-school. - - - - -ZACHARY AND THE BOY. - - -Zachary was an Indian of the Mohegan tribe, and belonged to the -royal family of his people. He was one of the best of hunters, never -returning empty-handed from the chase. But he was a poor, miserable -drunkard. He had learned from the white man how to drink "fire-water," -and had become so fond of it that he was drunk nearly all the time when -he was not hunting. When he had reached the age of fifty years, several -of his superiors in the tribe died, leaving only one person between him -and the position of chief. - -One day Zachary was returning from hunting, and while on his way began -to think of his past life and of his future prospects. "What a fool -I have been," said he to himself, "having lived so long to act so -foolishly. How can such a drunken wretch as I ever hope to be the chief -of my tribe? What will my people think and say of me? I am not worthy -to fill the place of the great Uncas. I will drink no more!" - -When he reached his wigwam, he told his wife and friends that he would -never, as long as he lived, taste any drink but water. And he kept this -resolution to the day of his death. - -Many of the whites who heard this story could not believe it. They -said Zachary had been so long in the habit of drinking that he could -not live without it, and they had no doubt that he often took a glass -slyly when no one was looking on. Among these was a young man, the son -of the governor of one of the New England colonies; for this story I am -telling you is about matters which took place many years ago, before -America was a separate nation, and when what are now States were called -colonies, and governed by rulers sent over from England. - -Zachary had by this time become the chief in his tribe, and the -governor invited him one day to dine with him. While they were seated -at the table the governor's son thought he would try the temperance -principles of the old chief, and offering him a glass of beer, said: -"Zachary, this beer is excellent, will you taste it?" - -The old man dropped his knife and fork, and leaning over the table, -looked with a sharp eye upon the youth, and said: "John, you do not -know what you are doing! Boy, you are serving the devil! Do you want -to make me what I once was, a poor, miserable man, unfit to govern -my tribe? John, the acorn grows into an oak; the cub becomes a bear; -the brook swells into a river; and a single spark of fire will spread -through a whole forest. So one drop of your beer would make me want -more, and then I should want something stronger, and I would drink rum -until I became as wretched as I once was. Do you not know that I am -an Indian? I tell you that I am; and that if I begin to drink beer I -cannot stop without tasting rum. _John, while you live, never again -tempt a man to break a good resolution._" - -The young man knew not what to say. He felt that he had done a mean -thing in trying to get old Zachary to break his pledge. His parents -were deeply affected at the scene, and often reminded their son of it -afterward, charging him never to forget it; and he did not. For years -after the Indian chief died, John made frequent visits to his grave, -repeating to himself the valuable lesson he had learned, never to tempt -a man to break a good resolution. - -Men, and children too, who are trying to become better, ought to be -helped, not hindered. Kind words and kind deeds will greatly encourage -them; but to frown upon them, to sneer at them, or to make sport -of them, is often a sure way of making them as bad as ever.--_The -Christian._ - - - - -TRUST IN PROVIDENCE. - - - On a bridge I was standing one morning, - And watching the current roll by, - When suddenly into the water - There fell an unfortunate fly. - - The fishes that swam to the surface, - Were looking for something to eat, - And I thought that the hapless young insect - Would surely afford them a treat. - - "Poor thing," I exclaimed with compassion, - "Thy trials and dangers abound, - For if thou escap'st being eaten, - Thou canst not escape being drowned." - - No sooner the sentence was spoken, - Than lo, like an angel of love, - I saw, to the waters beneath me, - A leaflet descend from above. - - It glided serene on the streamlet, - 'Twas an ark to the poor little fly; - Which, soon to the land reascending, - Spread its wings to the breezes to dry. - - Oh, sweet was the truth that was whispered, - That mortals should _never_ despair, - For He that takes care of an insect, - Much more for His _children_ will care. - - And though, to our short-sighted vision, - No way of escape may appear, - Let us trust, for when least we expect it, - The help of _our Father_ is near. - - - - -THE WIFE. - - -Dr. Livingstone, in his travels in Africa, came one night to the house -of Mozinkwa, a friendly man, with a pleasant-looking wife and fine -family of children, very "black, but comely." Perhaps their hospitable, -kind ways made them look handsome to the lonely missionary, so far -from home and friends. He was caught in a heavy rain, but he and -his companions received a warm welcome and plenty of food from this -friendly couple, till they were able to proceed. - -They had a large garden, cultivated by the wife, with yams, sweet -potatoes, and other vegetables growing in it, and all surrounded by -a fine hedge of the banian tree. Under some larger trees, in the -middle of the yard, stood the huts in which they lived, and no doubt -the fine-looking little children played many happy days under their -mother's care in the shade. - -When Dr. Livingstone took his leave of this interesting family, the -wife asked him to bring her some cloth from the white man's country. -When he returned, after a long journey, he was surprised to find the -pleasant home silent and deserted; the garden given up to wild weeds, -and the huts in ruins, and no sign of life in the spot where he last -saw a large family of frolicking children. Poor _Mozinkwa's wife was -dead_ and in her grave under the large trees, while the huts, garden, -and hedge, of which she had been so proud, were fast going to ruin; -for, according to the custom of that heathen country, a man can never -continue to live where a favorite wife has died. He is so lonely and -sorrowful when he thinks of the happy times they have had together, -that he cannot stay where everything reminds him of his loss. If ever -he visits the spot again, it is to pray to his dead wife and make some -offering. So for want of a knowledge of the Friend of Sinners, who -binds up the wounded heart, they must move from place to place, and can -never have any settled villages in that part of the country. - -How different would the scene have been on Dr. Livingstone's return, -if poor Mozinkwa and his wife had been _Christians_. Then he might have -been happy even in his loneliness, for he would have prayed to God for -strength to bear his loss, and read the Bible, and taught his children -to live so as to meet their mother in heaven. Instead of flying from -place to place to forget their troubles, those poor Africans might have -permanently happy homes, if they knew the peace the gospel gives. - - - - -A HOTTENTOT'S LOVE FOR HER TEACHERS, AND THE POWER OF PRAYER. - - -During the persecution to which the Moravian missionaries in South -Africa were exposed some years ago, a woman, living about an hour's -walk from the mission house, had a daughter who attended the school, -and had become a Christian. One day this girl returned home in terror, -bringing her little sister. Her mother inquired the reason; she -replied: "We and our teachers are all to be shot dead, and I have -brought my sister back, that you may at least keep one child; but as -for me, I will return to my teachers and suffer with them." - -"What!" said her mother, "do you mean to go and be killed?" - -"Yes," replied the poor girl; "for it is written in the Bible, 'Whoever -will lose his life for my sake, shall find it.'" - -Her mother was much affected, and taking up her younger daughter, said, -"My child, where you are there will I be." - -The party then set off for Bavian's Kloof, weeping all the way. When -they had arrived at the top of the hill which commanded a view of the -settlement, they saw a number of the natives approaching it, as if to -attack the missionaries. The Hottentot woman and her children fell upon -their knees and cried fervently to God, beseeching Him to prevent the -enemy from hurting their beloved teachers. When they again looked up, -they saw the men going towards another plantation, at some distance -from the mission. The woman and children went to Bavian's Kloof, and -found the Hottentots there all in tears, some kneeling, some prostrate -on their faces, crying to God, and their most urgent prayers seemed to -be, "Preserve the teachers whom Thou hast sent us." - - - - -THE LIVING SACRIFICE. - - - Amid the forest's silent shades - Where nature reigns supreme, - A little band had met to hear - The glorious gospel theme. - - I gazed upon the dusky forms - Of Indians gathered there, - And thought how once the red man owned - Those lands so rich and fair. - - But now he roams throughout the plains - Where once his fathers dwelt, - A poor heart-stricken wanderer, - For him none pity felt. - - But hark! the preacher's solemn tone - My wand'ring thoughts recall; - He preaches Jesus crucified, - Jesus who died for all. - - He tells, with simple eloquence, - How the Good Shepherd came - To save the erring sheep He loved, - From ruin and from shame. - - He speaks of sad Gethsemane, - Then tells the eager crowd, - How Jesus Christ was crucified - By cruel men and proud. - - And at his words like forest trees - Moved by the rushing blast, - O'er the proud hearts of those dark men - A wondrous change then passed. - - They wept--nature's lone children wept - At that sweet tale of love-- - To think that Jesus died that they - Might dwell with Him above. - - And one of that wild forest's sons, - Of tall and noble frame, - While tears bedewed his manly cheek, - Towards the preacher came. - - "What? did the blessed Saviour die - And shed His blood for me? - Was it for _my_ sins Jesus wept - In dark Gethsemane? - - "What can poor Indian give to Thee, - Jesus, for love like thine? - The lands my fathers once possessed - Are now no longer mine; - - "Our hunting-grounds are all upturned - By the proud white man's plough, - My rifle and my dog, alas! - Are my sole riches now. - - "Yet these I fain would give to Him - On Calvary's cross who bled; - Will Christ accept so mean a gift?"-- - The stranger shook his head. - - The Indian chief a moment paused, - And downward cast his eyes: - Then suddenly from round his neck - His blanket he unties. - - "This, with my rifle and my dog, - Are all I have to give; - Yet these to Jesus I would bring; - He died that I might live! - - "Stranger! will Jesus Christ receive - These tokens of my love?" - The preacher answered, "Gifts like these - Please not the God above." - - The humble child of ignorance - His head in sorrow bent; - Absorbing thought unto his brow - Its saddening influence lent. - - He raised his head, a gleam of hope - O'er his dark features passed, - As when on some deep streamlet's breast - The sun's bright beams are cast. - - His eyes were filled with glistening tears, - And earnest was his tone; - "Here is poor Indian! Jesus, take, - And make him all thine own." - - A thrill of joy passed through the crowd, - To see how grace divine - Could cause the heart of th' Indian chief - With heav'nly love to shine;-- - - Such love as made him yield with joy - Body and soul to Him - Whose watchful care can never fail, - Whose love can ne'er grow dim. - - - - -SAAT. - - -Sir Samuel Baker and his wife made a dangerous and toilsome journey -into the burning regions of Central Africa. From a book of travel and -adventure published by him we glean such portions as relate to their -faithful servant, Saat, the African boy. - -When a child of six years old, minding his father's goats in the -desert, Saat was captured by a hostile Arab tribe, and thrust into -a sack, which was placed on a camel's back, and thus he was carried -hundreds of miles from home. Every time that the poor child screamed -or offered resistance he was threatened that he would be killed by -his cruel captors. Saat shortly found himself in the hands of a -slave-dealer, by whom he was offered to the Egyptian government as a -drummer-boy, but being too small was rejected. A fellow slave told -little Saat of an Austrian mission-house in the very town in which they -were, that would protect and care for him if he could escape to it. -Thither the little boy fled, and found shelter for some time, gaining -such instruction as his mind could receive, together with other little -waifs and strays, which the missionaries had received at different -times. - -Sickness reduced the number of the good men who had cared for and -taught the children, and they found it necessary to turn adrift the -friendless little ones, who apparently without result had been watched -and tended, and little Saat, "the one grain of gold," was a second time -without a home. But God guided him on a good way. - -One evening Sir Samuel Baker and his wife were sitting in their -courtyard on the Nile, when a starved, miserable boy crept up to them, -and crouching in the dust, begged to be allowed to live with them -and be their boy. They did not take him then, and he came again the -next day, praying them to allow him to serve them. They endeavored -to discourage him by telling of the long and dangerous journey they -were about to take. Saat was firm; he would go with them to the end -of the world. Touched by the boy's story they went to the mission to -inquire the truth of it. There an excellent character was given of him, -with the remark that he must have been turned out by mistake. This -determined the traveller to adopt him. A good washing and a new suit of -clothes made Saat quite respectable, and being well-disposed he soon -made himself useful. Mrs. Baker taught him to sew, and Sir Samuel gave -him lessons in shooting. When his day's work was done, he was allowed -to sit by his mistress while she told him stories from the Bible and -from the history of Europe. There was plenty of time for such talk, the -long, weary journey in the Nile boat, which they had just commenced, -enabling that gentle lady to instruct the poor ignorant boy thrown on -her hands. Their native servants robbed, betrayed, and deserted the -travellers at every turn, but among them little Saat shone as a bright -star, honest, truthful, and devoted to those who had rescued him from -starvation, and he daily won their love. To him they most probably owed -their lives, as he detected and exposed to them a plan their servants -had agreed on, to seize their master's arms and leave him in the -desert, or murder him and his wife if they met with resistance. - -This child of the sun seemed to have all the best points of a happy -English boy; he delighted in active sports and shooting with his light -gun. Through dangers and distresses he was always bright and cheerful. -Saat was sometimes in mischief, too, and he spoilt two watches by -trying to examine their inside works. He was very fond of a drum; but a -camel which carried it rolled over and spoilt that musical instrument; -then he destroyed a tin kettle and a tin cup by drumming on them. -Neither watch nor tinware could be replaced when shops were thousands -of miles away. Once, when he was not well, a powder was given him to -take, and he asked if he should eat the paper it was in. - -Sir Samuel followed his plans for his journey through all obstacles, -and Saat's name is never mentioned, except in praise. He endured hunger -and thirst, and rejoiced with his kind protectors in the success of -their undertaking. During these years of travel, sickness and death -had visited their little band, but as yet the boy had been spared; but -on the homeward journey his time came,--that fearful sickness, the -plague, attacked the vessel in which the party journeyed: first one was -smitten, then another, and then it was Saat. Mrs. Baker herself nursed -the sick boy with tender care, but he lay day and night in delirium. At -last came a calm; he was gently washed and dressed in clean clothes, -and laid to rest. He slept; his mistress hoped it was the sleep of -recovery; but a kind servant presently covered the boy's face while -tears ran down her cheeks. Saat was dead. The boat was stopped, and -the faithful boy was sadly buried beneath a tree, the wonderful river -Nile rolling by his grave. - -Saat was converted from Paganism to Christianity, and reached his home -and rest in heaven. - - - - -THE PSALM OF THE SLAVE. - - _God heard it; and he is free._ - - - Loud he sang the Psalm of David, - He a negro and enslaved, - Sang of Israel's victory; - Sang of Zion bright and free. - - In that hour when night is calmest, - Sang he from the Hebrew Psalmist, - In a voice so sweet and clear, - That I could not choose but hear-- - - Songs of triumph and ascription, - Such as reached the swarth Egyptian, - When upon the Red-Sea coast - Perished Pharaoh and his host. - - And the voice of his devotion, - Filled my soul with strange emotion; - For its tones by turns were glad, - Sweetly solemn, wildly sad. - - Paul and Silas in their prison, - Sang of Christ, the Lord arisen; - And an earthquake's arm of might - Broke their dungeon-gates at night. - - But, alas! what holy angel - Brings the slave this glad evangel? - And what earthquake's arm of night - Breaks his dungeon-gates at night? - _Longfellow._ - - - - -THE MISSIONARY BOX. - - -A few years ago two young Africans went to England to obtain an -education, and then return to Africa to teach their countrymen the -gospel of Jesus Christ. One of them, George Nicol, while staying -near London, walked a considerable distance. In his walk he came to -Hampstead Heath, from which he could see the city of London before him. -The principal buildings attracted his attention. A laborer who was -breaking stones on the other side of the road, kept looking at him; no -doubt it seemed strange to him to see a colored man looking at the view -he had himself seen every day for many years past; and in his eyes, -perhaps, the wonder would be increased by seeing the African dressed -like a respectable Englishman. - -While George Nicol stood gazing on the scene the laborer kept peeping -at him from time to time, but never thought of speaking. Presently -George Nicol turned to him, and asked in good English, what a certain -building was which he saw in the distance. The laborer answered civilly -that it was St. Paul's Church; and then replied to several other -questions, till he had pointed out the chief buildings of the great -city, which could be seen from the hill on which they were standing. - -When this was done, after a short pause the African said: "Well, -my friend, you have here a very large and magnificent city; but, -after all, it is not to be compared to the city of God, the heavenly -Jerusalem, which I hope you and I will both see one day." - -If the honest laborer was surprised before, his astonishment was much -greater now. - -"Why," said he, "do you know anything about such things?" - -"Yes, thank God," replied the African, "I am happy to say I do. It was -not always so. I was once in darkness, and knew nothing of the true -God; but good missionaries from England came, and taught me about Jesus -Christ; and now I live in hope of one day seeing Him in that beautiful -city, the heavenly Jerusalem, where I shall dwell with Him forever." - -By this time the good Englishman had thrown down the hammer with which -he had been breaking stones. He came across the road, and grasping -Nicol's hand exclaimed, "Why, then, you are one of them that I have -been praying for these twenty years. I never put a penny into the -missionary box without saying, 'God bless the colored man.'" - -It rejoiced the heart of the good African not a little to find in the -humble stone-breaker a friend who had taken such a deep interest in -the people of Africa. And if his pleasure was so great, the laborer's -was not less, for he saw in George Nicol an answer to his prayers, and -a sure proof that his missionary money had not been spent in vain. He -felt the truth of the words, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou -shalt find it after many days." - - - - -HE NEVER TOLD A LIE. - - -Mungo Park, in the account of his African travels, relates that a negro -youth was killed by a shot from a party of Moors. His mother walked -before the corpse, as it was carried home, frantic with grief, clapping -her hands, and declaring her son's good qualities. "He never told a -lie," cried the bereaved mother; "he never told a lie; no, never." - - - - -DADDY DAVY. - - -One winter evening, when a little orphan in my seventh year, I climbed -upon my grandfather's knee, and begged that he would "tell me a story." -The candles were not yet lighted in the parlor, but the glowing fire -sent forth its red blaze, and its cheering heat seemed more grateful -from a fall of snow, which was rapidly collecting in piles of fleecy -whiteness on the lawn. - -I had taken my favorite seat on the evening I have mentioned, just -as a poor negro with scarcely any covering appeared at the window, -and supplicated charity. His dark skin was deeply contrasted with the -unblemished purity of the falling snow, whilst his trembling limbs -seemed hardly able to support his shivering frame; and there he stood, -perishing in the land of boasted hospitality and freedom! - -With all the active benevolence which my grandfather possessed, -he still retained the usual characteristics of the hardy seaman. -He discouraged everything which bore the smallest resemblance to -indolence. The idle vagrant dared not approach his residence; but he -prized the man of industrious habits, however lowly his station; and -his influence was ever extended to aid the destitute and to right the -injured. - -On his first going to sea he had been cabin-boy on board a Liverpool -ship; he afterwards lived several years in the island of Trinidad, in -the West Indies, where the slaves were rigorously treated. He there -became well acquainted with the colored people, and now he no sooner -saw the dark face of the poor perishing creature at his window, than he -hastily rang the bell, and a footman entered. - -"Robert," said he, "go and bring that poor fellow in here." - -"Poor fellow, did you say?" inquired Robert. - -"Yes, yes," replied my grandfather, "yonder man, fetch him here to me." - -The servant quitted the room, and it was not without some feelings of -fear, as well as hopes of amusement that, a few minutes afterwards, I -saw the poor African stand bowing before the parlor door. The twilight -had faded away, and except the reflection from the snow, night had -thrown its sable shadows on the scene; but as the bright gleam of the -fire shed its red hue upon the features of the negro, and flashed upon -his rolling eyes, he presented rather a terrific appearance to my young -mind. - -"Come in!" exclaimed my grandfather in a shrill voice; but the poor -fellow stood hesitatingly on the border of the carpet till the command -was repeated with more sternness than before, and then the trembling -African advanced a few steps towards the easy-chair in which the -veteran was sitting. - -Never shall I forget the abject figure which the poor creature -displayed. He was a tall, large-boned man, but was evidently bent down -under the pressure of sickness and of want rather than of age. A pair -of old canvas trowsers hung loosely on his legs, but his feet were -quite naked. On the upper part of his body was a striped flannel shirt, -one of the sleeves of which was torn away. He had no covering for his -head; and the snow which had fallen on it having melted in the warmth -of the room, large, transparent drops of clear water hung glistening on -his thick woolly hair. - -His look was inclined downwards, as if fearful of meeting the stern -gaze of my grandfather, who scanned him with the most minute attention, -not unmingled with agitation. Every joint of the poor fellow's limbs -shook as if struck with ague, and the cold seemed to have contracted -his sinews; for he crouched his body together, as if to shrink from the -keen blast. Tears were trickling down his cheek, and his spirit seemed -bowed to the earth by distress. - -"Tell me," said my grandfather, "what brought you to England, and what -you mean by strolling about the country here as a beggar? I may order -you to be put in the stocks." - -"Ah, massa," replied the negro, "buckra never have stocks in dis -country; yet he die if massa neber give him something to fill hungry -stomach." - -While he was speaking my grandfather was restless and impatient. He -removed me from his knee, and looked with more earnestness at the poor -man, who never raised his head. "We have beggars enough of our own -nation," said my grandfather. - -"Massa speak true," replied the African, meekly; "distress live -everywhere; come like race-horse, but go away softly, softly." - -Again my grandfather looked sharply at the features of the man and -showed signs of agitation in his own. "Softly, softly," said he, -"that's just your cant. I know the whole gang of you, but you are not -going to deceive me; now wouldn't you sacrifice me and all I am worth -for a bunch of plantains?" - -"Massa have eat the plantains, den," said the man, "and yet massa -think hard of poor negur who work to make them grow. God Almighty send -rain--God Almighty send sun--but God Almighty send negur too." - -"Well, well," said my grandfather, softening his voice, "God is no -respecter of colors, and we must not let you starve, daddy; so, Robert, -tell the cook to get some warm broth, and bid her bear a hand about it." - -"God forever bless massa," exclaimed the poor man, as he listened to -the order, and keenly directed his eye towards the person who had -issued it; but my grandfather had turned his head toward me, so his -face was not seen by the grateful man. - -"So I suppose you are some runaway slave?" said my grandfather, harshly. - -"No, massa," rejoined the African, "no, massa; never run away--I free -man. Good buckra give freedom; but then I lose kind massa, and"---- - -"Ay, ay," replied my grandfather, "but what about Plantation Joseph, in -Trinidad?" - -"Ky!" responded the man, as his eyes were bent upon his questioner, who -again hid his face; "de buckra knows ebery ting; him like the angel of -light to know the secret of the heart." - -"Come nearer to the fire, Daddy Davy," said my grandfather, as he bent -down to stir the burning coals with the poker. - -Never shall I forget the look of the African; joy, wonder, and -admiration were pictured in his face, as he exclaimed, while advancing -forward-- - -"De buckra know my name too!--how dis?" - -My grandfather having kindled a bright flame that illuminated the whole -room, turned his face towards the African; but no sooner had the poor -fellow caught sight of his features than, throwing himself at his feet, -he clasped the old sailor's knees, exclaiming, "My own massa!--what for -you give Davy him freedom? and now do poor negur die for want! but no, -neber see de day to go dead, now me find my massa." - -"Willie, my boy," said my grandfather, turning to me, "fetch my -pocket-handkerchief off the sofa." - -I immediately obeyed, but I used the handkerchief two or three times to -wipe the tears from my eyes before I delivered it to him. - -At this moment Robert opened the door, and said the broth was ready, -but stood with amazement to see the half-naked man at his master's feet. - -"Go, Davy," said my grandfather, "go and get some food; and, Robert, -tell the cook to have a warm bath ready, and the housemaid must run a -pan of coals over the little bed in the blue room, and put some extra -blankets on. You can sleep without a nightcap, I dare say, Davy. There, -go along, Davy, go along;" and the gratified negro left the room with -unfeigned ejaculations of "Gor Amighty for eber bless kind massa!" - -As soon as the door was closed, and I was once more seated on my -grandfather's knee, he commenced his usual practice of holding converse -with himself. "What could have brought him here?" said he. "I gave him -his freedom, and a piece of land to cultivate. There was a pretty hut -upon it, too, with a double row of cocoa-nut trees in front, and a -garden of plantains behind, and a nice plot of guinea-grass for a cow, -and another of buckwheat--what has become of it all I wonder? Bless me, -how time flies! it seems but the other day that I saved the fellow from -a couple of bullets, and he repaid the debt by rescuing my Betsy--ah, -poor dear! She was your mother, William, and he snatched her from a -dreadful and terrific fate. How these things crowd upon my mind! The -earthquake shook every building to its foundation--the ground yawned -in horrible deformity, and your poor mother--we can see her gravestone -from the drawing-room window, you know, for she died since we have -been here, and left her old father's heart a dreary blank. Yet not so -either, my child," pressing me to his breast and laying his hoary head -on mine, "not so either, for she bequeathed you to my guardian care, -and you are now the solace of my gray hairs." - -I afterwards learned that Davy had rescued my dear mother from -destruction, at the risk of his own life, during an earthquake in -Trinidad, for which my grandfather had given him his freedom, together -with the hut and the land. But he had no protector in the west: the -slaves plundered his property; sickness came, and no medical attendant -would minister to his wants without the accustomed fee; he contracted -debts, and his ground was sold to the estate on which it was situated, -to pay the lawyers. He quitted the island of Trinidad to go to Berbice; -but, being wrecked near Mahaica Creek, on the east coast of Demerara, -he lost his free papers, was seized by the government, and sold as a -slave, to pay the expense of advertising and his keep. He fortunately -fell into the hands of a kind master, who at his death once more set -him at liberty, and he had come to England in the hope of bettering his -condition. But here misfortune still pursued him: the gentleman whom he -accompanied died on the passage; he could obtain no employment on his -landing; he had been plundered of what little money he possessed, and -had since wandered about the country till the evening that he implored -charity and found a home. - -My worthy grandfather is now numbered with the dead; and I love to -sit upon his gravestone at the evening hour; it seems as if I were -once more placed upon his knee, and listening to his tales of bygone -years. But Daddy Davy is still in existence, and living with me. -Indeed, whilst I have been writing, I have had occasion to put several -questions to him on the subject, and he has been fidgeting about the -room to try and ascertain what I was relating respecting him. - -"I am only giving a _sketch_ of my grandfather, Davy," said I. - -"_Catch_, massa! what he call _catch_?" - -"About the schooner, and Trinidad, and the earthquake, Davy." - -"And da old massa what sleep in de _Werk-en-rust_?" - -"Yes, Davy, and the snow-storm." - -"Ah, da buckra good man! Davy see him noder time up dare," pointing -toward the sky. "Gor Amighty for eber bless kind massa!" - - - - -AN AGED CHRISTIAN. - - -"One afternoon," writes an American missionary in Africa, "I went to -see old Father Scott, an aged dying African. He sent me word he would -like to see me. He is in an old dilapidated shanty. A few boards -knocked together, raised about a foot from the floor, served as a -bedstead. The straw bed we made for him on our first arrival. A little -bench, on which were two Bibles and an earthen jar for water, was all -the furniture he possessed. He is dependent for food and care on his -neighbors, as he is perfectly helpless. - -A woman who was near brought me a stool, and I sat down beside him. He -was delighted to see me; he told me he had served the Lord for forty -years. He had been a Methodist preacher for many years, and had often -preached three times a day, though he could never read a word. He would -get some boy to read to him several chapters in the Bible, till he got -hold of just the text that would suit him. I was very much surprised at -his familiarity with the Bible. He could tell me where to find almost -any passage. - -I could not but look at that poor old man, with his few privileges, and -compare them with those of our more favored people. As I looked at him -in his penury, witnessed his happiness and his implicit faith, and -saw how near home he was, I felt that he was really to be envied. Who -can doubt the power of Divine grace? I read to him, and talked to him -on the glories of the resurrection, and the mansions our Saviour has -prepared for those who love Him; and then I left him with the promise -of soon seeing him again. He is almost blind. He begged me not to -forget him in my prayers. He is dying of old age, yet no one knows how -old he is. - - - - -UNCLE JACK. - - -He was a remarkable African slave of Virginia. It is probable he was -brought to James River in the last slave-ship that brought slaves to -that State. Such was the regard in which he was held that, on the death -of his master, several benevolent persons subscribed a sufficient sum -to purchase his freedom. - -Uncle Jack's talents were of a high order, and his knowledge of human -nature very remarkable. Dr. Rice, of Richmond, said of him, "The old -man's acquaintance with the Scriptures is wonderful. Many of his -interpretations of obscure passages are singularly just and striking." -He spoke pure English. A few anecdotes will convey a good idea of his -ready and apt mode of illustration. A person addicted to horse-racing -and card-playing, stopped Uncle Jack on the road and said, "Old man, -you Christians say a great deal about the way to heaven being narrow. -Now if this is so, a great many who profess to be travelling it will -not find it half wide enough." - -"That's very true," was the reply, "of all that have merely a name to -live, and all like you." - -"Why refer to me," said the man; "if the road is wide enough for any, -it is for me." - -"By no means," said Uncle Jack. "You will want to take along a -card-table, or a race-horse or two. Now there is no room along this way -for such things." - -A man who prided himself on his morality said to Uncle Jack: "Old man, -I am as good as I need to be. I can't help thinking so, because God -blesses me as much as he does you Christians; and I don't know what -more I want than He gives me." - -To this the old preacher replied, with great seriousness, "Just so with -the hogs. I have often looked at them, rooting among the leaves in the -woods, and finding just as many acorns as they needed; and yet I never -saw one of them look up to the tree from whence the acorns fell." - -On one occasion some unruly persons undertook to arrest and whip him, -and also several of his hearers, for holding religious meetings. After -the arrest one of the men thus accosted Uncle Jack, "Well, old fellow, -you are the ringleader of these meetings, and we have been anxious to -catch you; now what have you to say for yourself?" - -"Nothing at all, master," was the reply. - -"What! nothing to say against being whipped! how is that?" - -"I have been wondering a long time," said the old Christian, "how it -was that so good a man as the Apostle Paul should have been whipped -three times for preaching the Gospel, while such an unworthy man as I -am should have been permitted to preach twenty years without getting a -lick." The young men immediately released him. - -Uncle Jack died in 1843, aged one hundred years. - ---_Blake's Biographical Dictionary._ - - - - -CHRISTIAN KINDNESS. - - -In one of my early journeys, says Moffat, with some of my companions, -we came to a heathen village on the borders of Orange River, South -Africa. We had travelled far, and were hungry, thirsty, and fatigued. -From the fear of being exposed to lions, we preferred remaining at -the village to proceeding further during the night. The people of the -village rather roughly directed us to halt at a distance. We asked -for water, but they would not supply it. I offered the three or four -buttons which still remained on my jacket for a little milk; this also -was refused. We had the prospect of another hungry night at a distance -from water, though within sight of the river. We found it difficult to -reconcile ourselves to our lot; for in addition to repeated rebuffs, -the manner of the villagers excited suspicion. - -When twilight drew on, a woman approached from the height beyond which -the village lay. She bore on her head a bundle of wood, and had a -vessel of milk in her hand. The latter, without opening her lips, she -handed to us, laid down the wood, and returned to the village. A second -time she approached with a cooking-vessel on her head, a leg of mutton -in one hand, and water in the other. She sat down without saying a -word, prepared the fire, and put on the meat. We asked again and again -who she was. She remained silent until affectionately entreated to give -us a reason for such unlooked-for kindness to strangers. A tear stole -down her sable cheek as she replied: "I love Him whose servants you -are; and surely it is my duty to give you a cup of cold water in His -name. My heart is full; therefore I cannot speak the joy I feel to see -you in this out-of-the-way place." - -On learning a little of her history, we found she was a solitary light -burning in a dark place. I asked her how she kept up the life of God -in her soul, in the entire absence of the communion of saints. She -drew from her bosom a copy of the Dutch New Testament, which she had -received from brother Helm when in his school several years since, -before she had been compelled by her connections to retire to her -present seclusion. "This," she said, "is the fountain whence I drink: -this is the oil which makes my lamp burn." - -I looked on the precious relic, and the reader may imagine how I felt, -and my companions with me, when we met with this disciple, and mingled -our sympathies and prayers together at the throne of our heavenly -Father. - - - - -GRATITUDE OF SLAVES. - -BY DR. LETTSOM. - - -Dr. Lettsom was born in the West Indies, and inherited fifty slaves, -which was all the property his father left him. He gave freedom to his -slaves; and during a long life, with a large practice as a physician -in London, he kept up a correspondence with some of those who were -indebted to him for their liberty. When he went to the West Indies to -settle his father's estate, he made a visit to Tortola, and wrote to a -friend as follows: - -"I frequently accompanied Major John Pickering to his plantations, and -as he passed his numerous negroes saluted him in a loud song, which -they continued as long as he remained in sight. I was also a melancholy -witness to their attachment to him after his death. He expired -suddenly, and when few of his friends were near him. I remember I held -his hand when the final period arrived, but he had scarcely breathed -his last breath before it was known to his slaves, and instantly about -five hundred of them surrounded the house and insisted on seeing their -master. - -"They commenced a dismal and mournful yell, which was communicated -from one plantation to another, till the whole island of Tortola was -in agitation, and crowds of negroes were accumulating around us. -Distressed as I was by the loss of my relation and friend, I could not -be insensible to the danger of a general insurrection; or, if they -entered the house, which was constructed of wood, and mounted into his -chamber, there was danger of its falling by their weight and crushing -us in its ruins. - -"In this dilemma I had resolution enough to secure the doors, and -thereby prevent sudden intrusion. After this precaution I addressed -them through a window, assuring them that if they would enter the house -in companies of only twelve at a time, they should all be admitted to -see their deceased master, and that the same lenient treatment of them -should still be continued. To this they assented, and in a few hours -quiet was restored. It affected me to see with what silent, fixed -melancholy they departed from the remains of this venerable man." - - - - -THE SLAVE SHOEMAKER. - - -A lady, who was a Quaker, travelled several years ago through some of -the Southern States on a gospel mission. When near the borders of North -Carolina, while the horses were being fed, she walked towards a poor -hut, and on entering it saw an aged man engaged in making shoes. He -was very black, but his hair was white and his countenance thoughtful; -he looked up surprised, and when she asked if she might come in and sit -down, he replied, "Will mistress sit with me?" She inquired if he was -a slave, and if he had a wife and children. He said, "If mistress will -hear me I will tell her. I have a wife and four children, but massa -sold them into Georgia." Wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt, -he continued, "I am a slave, but, mistress, ever since I got religion -God has sweetened my bitter cup, and made smooth my rough path; my -bitter cup was parting with my wife and children--my rough path is -slavery." - -She asked him how he got religion. He replied, "My massa let me go to -hear preaching, and I remember what the minister said." - -"Can thou read?" - -"No, mistress, but God helps me remember; fourteen years ago I got -religion; I was bad before; massa bad too. When I got religion, I was -good; massa was kind too; hard things were made easy; bitter cups were -sweetened. Mistress knows what that means (looking at her earnestly). I -know you do. Massa gives me work, and I must do it; nobody comes here, -but overseer walks by once a day to see if I at work; then the rest of -the time is my own; I have one and sometimes two hours." - -"How does my Christian brother employ his own time?" asked the lady. - -"I will tell you, mistress: I shut the door, then sit down on that -bench and wait upon God; and what good times I have! Sometimes I go to -prayer, and God puts words into my mouth; then other times something -here (laying his hand upon his breast) tells me not to pray, but to be -still--wait upon God in silence; and did my massa and the white people -know how good I felt, they would be glad to come and sit with me. In -heaven, mistress, God makes no difference--massa and slave all one." - -The lady's companions now called for her, and put an end to this very -interesting conversation. His parting address was: "Farewell, mistress, -till we meet again in heaven. God bless you." With tears they parted. - - - - -LET ME RING THE BELL. - - - A missionary far away, - Beyond the Southern sea, - Was sitting in his home one day, - With Bible on his knee, - - When suddenly he heard a rap - Upon the chamber door, - And opening, there stood a boy, - Of some ten years or more. - - He was a bright and happy child, - With cheeks of dusky hue, - And eyes that 'neath their lashes smiled - And glittered like the dew. - - He held his little form erect, - In boyish sturdiness, - But on his lip you could detect - Traces of gentleness. - - "Dear sir," he said, in native tongue, - "I do so want to know, - If something for the house of God - You'd kindly let me do." - - "What can you do, my little boy?" - The missionary said, - And as he spoke he laid his hand - Upon the youthful head. - - Then bashfully, as if afraid - His secret wish to tell, - The boy in eager accents said, - "Oh, let me ring the bell! - - "Oh, please to let me ring the bell - For our dear house of prayer; - I'm sure I'll ring it loud and well, - And I'll be always there!" - - The missionary kindly looked - Upon that upturned face, - Where hope, and fear, and wistfulness - United, left their trace. - - And gladly did he grant the boon: - The boy had pleaded well, - And to the eager child he said, - "Yes, you shall ring the bell!" - - Oh, what a pleased and happy heart - He carried to his home, - And how impatiently he longed - For the Sabbath-day to come! - - He rang the bell, he went to school, - The Bible learned to read, - And in his youthful heart they sowed - The gospel's precious seed. - - And now to other heathen lands - He's gone, of Christ to tell; - And yet his first young mission was - To ring the Sabbath bell. - - - - -THE FLIGHT OF A SLAVE. - - -James ---- was born a slave in the State of Maryland. He was so useful -as a blacksmith that his value was at least one thousand dollars. He -was brought up in total ignorance of letters or of religion, but he -always aimed to be trustworthy. He sought to distinguish himself in -the finer branches of the business, by invention and finish, making -fancy hammers, hatchets, etc. One day his master thought James was -watching him improperly, and fell into a panic of rage. "He came down -upon me with his cane," said James, "and laid over my shoulders, -arms, and legs about a dozen severe blows, so that my flesh was sore -for several weeks." He felt the disgrace of the beating so acutely -that he determined to abscond, and if possible reach the free soil of -Pennsylvania. - -One Sunday night, in November, he stole away into the woods, with only -half a pound of Indian corn-bread to sustain him on his journey, which -would take several days. At three o'clock in the morning his strength -began to fail, his scanty supply of food afforded poor nourishment, and -the only shelter he could find, without risking travelling by daylight, -was a corn-shock but a few hundred yards from the road, and there he -passed his first day out. As night came on he pursued his journey; -it was cloudy, and he could not see the north star, which was his -only guide to freedom. His bread was all eaten, he felt his strength -failing, and his mind was filled with melancholy. - -In this condition he travelled all the night, and just at the dawn of -day he found a few sour apples, and took shelter under the arch of a -bridge, where he lay in ambush through the day. Night came on, and -he once more proceeded on his wearisome journey. Frequently he was -overcome with hunger and fatigue, and sat down and slept a few minutes. -At dawn of day he saw a toll-bar, and here he ventured to ask the best -way to Philadelphia, and set off in the right direction. His taking the -open road was fatal. He was observed by a man, and ordered to give an -account of himself. After a parley, James took to his heels; but a hue -and cry being raised he was speedily captured. Led to a tavern as a -prisoner, he was questioned. He persisted in saying he was a free man, -but he had no free papers. Though his story was false, we must remember -that he knew not the wickedness of a lie, for he knew nothing of God -and our Saviour. - -Toward night, being watched only by a boy, he contrived to slip away, -and again took to the woods. - -Wandering in darkness, the north star being covered with clouds, he -was at a loss as to what course to pursue. "At a venture," says he, "I -struck northward in search of a road. After several hours of laborious -travel, dragging through briers and thorns, I emerged from the woods -and found myself wading through marshy ground and over ditches, and -came to a road about three o'clock in the morning. - -"It so happened I came where there was a fork in the road of three -prongs. Which was the right one for me? After a few moments' parley -with myself, I took the central prong of the road, and pushed on with -all my speed. It had not cleared off, but a fresh wind had sprung up; -it was chilly and searching. This, with my wet clothes, made me very -uncomfortable." - -He saw a farm with a small hovel-like barn; into this he went and -buried himself in the straw. Here he lay the whole day; his only danger -was from the yelping of a small dog, and the noise of horsemen who -passed in search of him. He heard them say they were after a runaway -negro, who was a blacksmith, and that a reward of two hundred dollars -was offered for his recovery. Night came, and he was again on his way, -but all he could do was to keep his legs in motion. There came a heavy -frost, and he expected every moment to fall to the ground and perish. - -Coming to a corn-field covered with heavy shocks of corn, he gathered -an ear and then crept into one of the shocks; he ate as much as he -could, expecting to travel on, but fell asleep, and when he awoke the -sun was shining. He was obliged to conceal himself as well as he could -through the day; he began again to eat the hard corn, and it took all -the forenoon to eat his breakfast. Night came, and he sallied out, -feeling much better for the corn he had eaten. - -He now believed himself near to Pennsylvania, and under this -impression, skipped and danced for joy. He says: "A little after the -sun rose I came in sight of a toll-gate; for a moment I felt some -hesitation, but on arriving at the gate I found it attended by only an -elderly woman, whom I afterwards heard was a widow and an excellent -Christian. I asked her if I was in Pennsylvania. On being informed -that I was, I asked if she knew where I could get employment. She said -she did not, but advised me to go to W. W., a Quaker, who lived about -three miles from her, and whom I would find to take an interest in me. -In about half an hour I stood at the door of W. W. After knocking, the -door opened upon a comfortably spread table. Not daring to enter, I -said I had been sent to him in search of employment. - -"'Well,' said he, 'come in, and take thy breakfast and get warm.' - -"These words made me feel, in spite of all my fear and timidity, that -I had, in the providence of God, found a friend and a home. He at once -gained my confidence, and from that day to this, whenever I discover -the least disposition in my heart to disregard poor and wretched -persons with whom I meet, I call to mind these words: 'Come in, and -take thy breakfast and get warm.' - -"I was a starving fugitive, without home or friends, and no claim upon -him to whose door I went. Had he turned me away I must have perished. -Nay, he took me in, and gave of his food, and shared with me his own -garments." - -By W. W. the wretched wanderer was fed, clothed, and employed, and not -only so, but he was instructed in reading, writing, and much useful -knowledge. Here, for the first time, did he learn one word of the -truths of religion. - -James resided with the benevolent Quaker for six months, when it became -necessary for him to depart and go elsewhere. He found employment on -Long Island, opposite New York. By the kindness of his friends he was -educated, and became a Christian minister and pastor of a colored -congregation in connection with the Presbyterian Church. - - - - -BENJAMIN BANNEKER. - - -He was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, in the year 1732. There -was not a drop of white man's blood in his veins. His father was born -in Africa, and his mother's parents were both natives of Africa. What -genius he had must be credited to that race. Benjamin's mother was a -remarkable woman. Her name was Morton before marriage, and her nephew, -Greenbury Morton, was gifted with a lively and impetuous eloquence -which made its mark in his neighborhood. Her husband was a slave when -she married him, but she soon purchased his freedom. Together they -bought a farm of two hundred acres, which though but ten miles from -Jones' Falls, was at that time a wilderness. - -When Benjamin was approaching manhood he attended an obscure country -school, where he learned reading and writing, and a little arithmetic. -Beyond these rudiments he was entirely his own teacher. - -Perhaps the first wonder among his neighbors was when, at thirty years -of age, he made a clock. It is probable that this was the first clock -of which every portion was made in America. He had seen a watch, but -never a clock; and it was as purely his own invention as if none had -ever been made before. - -The clock attracted the attention of the Ellicott family, well educated -men, and Quakers. They gave him books and astronomical instruments. -From this time astronomy became the great object of Benjamin's life. -He remained unmarried, and lived in a cabin on the farm his father left -him; he still labored for a living, but his wants were few and simple. -He slept much in the day, that he might observe at night the heavenly -bodies, whose laws he was studying. The first almanac prepared by -Banneker was for the year 1792, when he was fifty-nine years old, and -he continued to prepare almanacs till 1802. - -He had become known and respected by scientific men, and received -tokens of regard from many of them. The Commissioners to run the lines -of the District of Columbia invited Banneker to assist them, and -treated him in all respects as an equal. - -A gentleman writes of Banneker: "When I was a boy I became very -much interested in him, as his manners were those of a perfect -gentleman--kind, generous, hospitable, humane, dignified, and -pleasing--and he abounded in information on all the various subjects -of the day." His head was covered with thick white hair, which gave -him a dignified and venerable appearance. His dress was uniformly of -superfine drab broadcloth, made with straight collar, a long waistcoat, -and broad-brimmed hat. In size and personal appearance the statue of -Franklin, in the Library of Philadelphia, as seen from the street, is a -perfect likeness of him. - - - - -REPENTANCE AND AMENDMENT IN A COLORED SCHOOL AT CHRISTIANSBURG. - - -Two days since, one of my boys had been behaving badly all the -afternoon. I think I spoke to him three times during the session, and -it seemed to have no effect; so when five o'clock came, I told him -I would see him after school. When the other scholars had left, I -went and sat down by him, and talked to him a short time. Among other -things, I told him that I could not teach a boy who would do so badly, -and that I wanted him to kneel down with me, and I would ask the Lord -to watch over him after I had to give him up. He was crying very hard, -and we knelt down together. When I came to that part of my prayer, -he screamed out, "O Lord! don't let Miss Lucy turn me out of school. -_Please_, Lord, don't let her! I know I have been a bad boy, but I -won't do so any more. Oh! help her to forgive me. O Jesus! I love to -come to school! do forgive me for being so wicked!" Of course I forgave -him. He has given me no trouble since, and I do not think he will. - ---_Am. Freedman._ - - - - -AN INCIDENT. - -During the late rebellion the Confederate army burnt the town of -Hampton, Va., as they left it, to prevent the Union troops, who were -approaching, taking possession of the houses for winter-quarters. Soon -afterwards a gentlemen was riding through the deserted streets and -heard the voices of children, but saw no one; all the white inhabitants -of the town had fled with the Confederate army, and the colored people -were employed around the camp beyond the town. He stopped his horse and -listened, then advanced in the direction from which the voices seemed -to come, and looked within the four blackened walls and half-burnt -wood-work of what had been a lordly mansion. There he saw forty colored -children seated on heaps of stones and charred wood, rejoicing and -singing "The Christian's Home." They added the last verse. - - - I have a home above, - From sin and sorrow free; - A mansion which eternal love - Design'd and form'd for me. - - My Father's gracious hand - Has built this sweet abode, - From everlasting it was plann'd, - My dwelling-place with God. - - My Saviour's precious blood - Has made my title sure; - He passed through death's dark raging flood - To make my rest secure. - - The Comforter is come, - The Earnest has been given; - He leads me onward to the home - Reserv'd for me in heaven. - - Bright angels guard my way; - His ministers of power - Encamping round me night and day, - Preserve in danger's hour. - - Lov'd ones are gone before, - Whose pilgrim days are done; - I soon shall greet them on that shore, - Where partings are unknown. - - But more than all I long - HIS glories to behold, - Whose smile fills all that radiant throng, - With ecstasy untold. - - That bright, yet tender smile - (My sweetest welcome there), - Shall cheer me through the little while - I tarry for Him here. - - Thy love, thou precious Lord, - My joy and strength shall be; - Till Thou shalt speak the glad'ning word - That bids me rise to Thee. - - And then through endless days, - Where all Thy glories shine, - In happier, holier strains I'll praise - The grace that made me Thine. - - Before the great _I AM_, - Around His throne above, - The song of Moses and the Lamb, - We'll sing with deathless love. - - There is no sorrow there! - There is no sorrow there! - In heaven above where all is love, - There is no sorrow there. - - - - -SOJOURNER TRUTH. - - -A man and his wife and their children were brought from Africa to -America, and were sold as slaves. One little girl and her mother kept -together, but the others were so far separated that they never met -again. The little girl's name was Isabella; but when she grew to be a -woman and became a Christian, she adopted the name of Sojourner Truth. - -She told a lady, "I can remember, when I was a little thing, how my ole -mammy would sit out of doors in the evenin', an' look up at the stars -an' groan. She'd groan, an' groan, and says I to her: - -"'Mammy, what makes you groan so?' - -"An' she'd say, 'Matter enough, chile! I'm groaning to think of my poor -children; they don't know where I be, and I don't know where they be; -they looks up at the stars, an' I looks up at the stars, but I can't -tell where they be.' - -"'Now,' she said, 'chile, when you be grown up, you may be sold away -from your mother an' all your ole friends, an' have great troubles come -on ye; an' when you has these troubles come on ye, ye jes go to God, -an' He'll help ye.'" - -Isabella was sold to a hard master and mistress. She thought she had -got into trouble, and she wanted to find God; she prayed that He would -make her master and mistress better, and as He did not do so, she -concluded they were too bad to be made better, and that she might leave -them. So she rose at three o'clock one morning, and travelled till late -at night, when she came to a house and went in, "And," she said, "they -were Quakers, an' real kind they was to me. They jes took me in, an' -did for me as kind as ef I had been one of 'em, an' I stayed an' lived -with 'em two or three years. An' now, jes look here; instead o' keeping -my promise an' being good, as I told the Lord I would, jest as soon -as everything got agoing easy, I forgot all about God, an' I gin up -praying." - -Sojourner did not long continue in this dark state, but she found -the Lord Jesus, and she said, "I shouted and cried, Praise, praise, -praise to the Lord; an' I began to feel such a love in my soul as I -never felt before,--love to all creatures. An' then all of a sudden it -stopped; an' I said, 'There are the white folks, that have abused you, -an' beat you, an' abused your people,--think o' them!' An' then there -came another rush o' love through my soul, an' I cried out loud, 'Lord, -Lord, I can love even the white folks. Jesus loved me! I knowed it, I -felt it.'" - -When slavery was abolished in the State of New York, Sojourner went -back to her old mistress and demanded her son; he had been sent to -Alabama. After some trouble and expense her son was brought back to -her, though her mistress said to her: - -"What a fuss you make about a little nigger! got more of 'em now than -you know what to do with." - -"Sojourner," said a gentleman, "you seem to be very sure about heaven." - -"Well, I be;" she answered triumphantly. - -"What makes you so sure there is any heaven?" - -"Well, because I got such a hankering arter it in here," she said, -giving a thump on her breast with her usual energy. - -"Sojourner, did you always go by this name?" - -"No, 'deed! My name was Isabella. No, 'deed! but when I left the house -of bondage, I left everything behind. I want goin' to keep nothin' of -Egypt about me, and so I went to the Lord and asked him to give me a -new name. And the Lord gave me Sojourner, because I was to travel up -an' down the land, showing the people their sins, an' being a sign -unto them. Afterwards I told the Lord I wanted another name, 'cause -everybody else had two names; and the Lord gave me _Truth_, cause I was -to declare the truth to the people." - -Wendell Phillips relates a scene of which he was witness before the -abolition of slavery in the United States. It was in a crowded public -meeting in Faneuil Hall, Boston, where Frederick Douglas was one of the -chief speakers. Douglas had been describing the wrongs of the colored -race, and as he proceeded he grew more and more excited, and finally -ended by saying that they had no hope of justice from the whites, no -possible hope except in their own right arms. It must come to blood; -they must fight for themselves, or it would never be done. - -Sojourner was sitting, tall and dark, on the very front seat facing -the platform; and in the hush of feeling after Frederick sat down, she -spoke out in her deep peculiar voice, heard all over the house: - -"Frederick, _is God dead_?" - -The effect was perfectly electrical, and thrilled through the whole -house, changing as by a flash, the whole feeling of the audience. Not -another word she said or needed to say, it was enough. - - -The following is from a letter from a lady who visited Freedman's -Village, near Washington, where Sojourner Truth was residing in a -little frame building with the American flag over the door. - -"We found Sojourner Truth, tall, dark, very homely, but with an -expression of determination and good sense by no means common. She -apologized for her hoarseness, as she had a meeting last evening. We -asked what she had been doing there. 'Fighting the devil,' she said. -What particular devil? 'An unfaithful man who has undertaken work for -which he is not competent. My people,' she added, 'have fallen very -low, and no one need take hold to help raise them up as a matter of -business, it must be done from love.' She greatly complained of some -one who had an office in relation to the Freedmen, and said he ought to -be removed. She was asked why she did not go to the President with her -story of the wrongdoing. She said, 'Don't you see the President has -a big job on hand? Any little matter Sojourner can do for herself she -aint going to bother him with.'" - - - - -KATY FERGUSON; - -OR, WHAT A POOR COLORED WOMAN MAY DO. - - -About the year 1774, Katy Ferguson was born. Her mother was a slave, -and was taken from her young child and sold to another master. - -Uneducated and unaided in her parental duties, this poor Christian -mother had been faithful to the extent of her abilities, and left -upon the mind of her child indelible religious impressions. Katy, in -speaking of this cruel separation, many years afterward, said: "Mr. B. -sold my mother, and she was carried away from me; but I remember that -before they tore us asunder, she kneeled down, laid her hand upon my -head, and gave me to God." - -Katy's active mind sought every opportunity of acquiring knowledge. -Her mother had taught her much that she herself remembered of the -Scriptures. Other persons had taught her the catechism, and her -retentive memory seldom lost what had been committed to it. - -In her fifteenth year, the Holy Spirit applied to her conscience and -heart the truths of Scripture which she had thus received. But when -awakened to a perception of her sinfulness, she felt the need of some -kind counsellor. - -Neither master nor mistress had ever encouraged her to communicate her -thoughts on religious subjects. The minister on whose services she -attended, Dr. John M. Mason, was a man of such a commanding figure -and bearing as to inspire her with fear, rather than confidence. Yet -she knew he was a faithful servant of Christ, and that he would care -for her soul. She accordingly ventured to call on him. She remarked -afterward, "While I was standing at the door, after having rung the -bell, my feelings were indescribable. And when the door was opened, -and I found myself in the minister's presence, I trembled from head -to foot. One harsh word or look would have crushed me." But this -faithful minister of Christ at once appreciated her solicitude, and -in the gentlest manner inquired, "Have you come here to talk with me -about your soul?" This kind reception at once relieved and encouraged -her to open her whole heart. The interview was blessed of God to her -conversion. And from that day, her course was remarkably direct and -upward. She was, in a word, an earnest, self-denying follower of Christ. - -At the age of eighteen, by the aid of friends, she was made a free -woman; and very soon afterwards married; but her husband and children -did not live long. - -She lived in a part of the city where there were many very poor -families, and many of both colored and white children who had none to -care for their bodies or souls. Some of these she took to her own home -and taught them to take care of themselves; and for others she found -places, where they would be provided for. In this way, during her life, -she secured homes for _forty-eight_ of these neglected and suffering -ones;--thus anticipating one of the benevolent movements of our time. - -But her concern for the spiritual welfare of those around her was -especially manifest, and in most appropriate ways. She invited the -children to come into her house every Sabbath day, for religious -instruction. Feeling her own incompetency to instruct them fully, -especially as she was herself unable to read, she obtained the -assistance of other Christian people in this work. The well-known -Isabella Graham thus aided Katy by occasionally inviting her little -flock to come to her own house. - -Thus Katy's labor of love went on for some time, unobserved for the -most part, even by Christian people, but not unnoticed by God. He -smiled upon her, and as He often does in the case of humble efforts -like hers, made her little school on the Sabbath the beginning of a -great and good work in that city. It was about this time that the house -of worship on Murray street, in which Dr. Mason preached, was built. -This good man of God had not forgotten Katy, the trembling inquirer. -Having heard of her Sabbath assembly of children, he went one day to -see what she was doing. As he entered her lowly dwelling, and looked -around upon the group of interested, happy-looking faces, he said, with -his wonted kindness: "What are you about here, Katy? Keeping school -on the Sabbath? We must not leave you to do all this." He immediately -conferred with the officers of his church, telling them what he had -seen, and advising that others should join Katy in this good work. Soon -the lecture-room was opened for the reception and instruction of Katy's -charge. This was the beginning of the Sabbath-school in the Murray -Street Church; and KATY FERGUSON, the colored woman, who had been a -slave, is believed to have thus gathered THE FIRST SABBATH SCHOOL IN -THE CITY OF NEW YORK. - -But Katy's benevolent heart was not satisfied with this effort for the -good of children. She established and maintained, during the last forty -years of her life, a weekly prayer-meeting at her house, and during -the last five years of her life, when she could not attend the public -services of divine worship, she made her own house a Bethel on Sabbath -afternoons, by gathering the neglected children of the neighborhood, -with such others as did not attend at any place of public worship, and -obtaining some suitable person to lead in the services of prayer and -praise. - -The cause of foreign missions was also dear to Katy. On one occasion, a -young man who was about to sail for Africa as a missionary, was invited -to attend a meeting at her house. Three years afterwards, on speaking -of this man and his associate missionaries, she said: "For these three -years I have never missed a day but I have prayed for those dear -missionaries." - -The question may occur to some persons, where did this poor woman -procure the means of doing so much good--clothing children and -assisting missionaries? Uneducated as she was, she possessed -extraordinary taste and judgment. Of a truly refined nature, she -appreciated the beautiful, wherever found. Hence a wedding, or other -festival, in some of the best circles of New York, could scarcely be -considered complete unless Katy had superintended the nicer provisions -of the table. She was also uncommonly skilful in the cleaning of laces -and other fine articles of ladies' dresses. This constant demand for -her services must, however, be likewise traced, in part, to the great -esteem in which she was held, and to the desire to furnish her the -means of continuing her useful Christian labors. - -She was a cheerful believer; occupied less in complaining of her own -deficiencies and her troubles, or boasting of her attainments, than in -commending her Redeemer to others, and in trying to imitate His active -benevolence. - -Thus was this beloved disciple ripening for heaven. And when death, in -that fearful disease, the cholera, came for her, she was ready, and -calmly expressed her Christian confidence by saying: "Oh, what a good -thing it is to have a hope in Jesus!" Her last words were, "All is -well." - - - - -POOR POMPEY. - - -An old African who had long served the Lord, when on his death-bed, was -visited by his friends, who came around him lamenting that he was going -to die, saying: "Poor Pompey! poor Pompey is dying." The old saint said -to them, with much earnestness: "Don't call me poor Pompey. _I_, KING -Pompey," referring to Revelation i. verse 6.--"_And hath made us kings -and priests unto God and His Father._" - - - - -ANCASS. - - -"I was born in Africa, about the year 1789; the country of the Iboes -was my home. My father's name was Durl, and mine, Ancass. My mother was -my father's only wife, and she was the daughter of a great chieftain. -Of four children I was the only son, and therefore my father's pet. He -always liked to have me near him, and even when he went out to work -he would take me along with him. In the midst of our ignorance we -had a vague idea of the existence of a Supreme Being, which we know -that every heathen can see from the works of creation. We called him -'Thunderer,' and appealed to him for aid in case of illness. - -"A young man began to pay us frequent visits, under pretence of wishing -to marry one of my sisters, but in reality, doubtless, with a view to -getting possession of me, a growing, healthy boy, about twelve years -old. One day my father had gone out, leaving me with my sisters, and -the young man made use of the opportunity to persuade me to accompany -him to a market in the vicinity, which he described to me in glowing -colors. We walked all that day, and never reached the place; the night -was spent with an acquaintance of my guide, and our journey continued -all the next day. I was struck by the circumstance that persons who -met us often asked the man what he was going to do with the boy he had -with him, whether he was intending to sell him, etc. He invariably gave -an assurance of the contrary, but I was soon to learn what his scheme -really was. - -"The end of the journey was reached at last, and proved to be a trading -place on the coast. I lay down under a large tree, and gazed on the -scene with delight. - -"Suddenly a stranger appeared, and proposed that I should try a sail -in his boat. I was frightened and refused: but found myself seized by -the man's strong hand, and rapidly dragged away. Then I knew that I was -being taken as a slave. The man who had brought me from home and sold -me to the traders, looked on unmoved as I was hurried to the water's -edge, and I could only implore him to take a last message to my dear -father, letting him know what had become of me. - -"There were several negroes already in the boat, bound with ropes, -and others were added. When the boat put off for the ship I was so -exhausted with crying, that the gentle rocking motion lulled me into -a sound sleep, from which I awoke to find that we were being lifted -into the vessel. The white color of the captain's face filled me with -no less astonishment than his black, shining feet without toes, as I -regarded his polished boots, which I now saw for the first time. The -next morning I was horrified to see great numbers of people brought up -from the hold on deck, to be fed with yams and rum. As for myself, I -was heartily glad to be spared this confinement. I was at liberty to -remain on deck with some other boys, slept in the captain's cabin, and -was soon very happy. - -"On reaching Kingston, in Jamaica, the slaves went ashore, and I looked -with intense longing at the beautiful land, visible from the ship. I -was kept on board for several weeks, and the captain told me I was -destined to be his servant, and should not be allowed to go ashore. On -my declaring, however, that I was resolved, at all hazards, to leave -the vessel, and would leap overboard if he should try to prevent me, -he changed his mind, and I was sent to a white man, who took me, with -eleven others, into the yard adjoining his house. We were purchased -for the owner of the estate Krepp, and thither we were taken without -further delay. My companions were sent to work in the fields; I was -retained as servant in the overseer's family, and called Toby. After -the lapse of a year my master took me as servant into his own house, -making me the companion and play-fellow of his children, and treating -me with great kindness. - -"About eight years afterwards my master left the island for England, -and I was sent with the children to the seaport-town, Savana-la-Mar, -where we were to attend the church and school. This was anything but -agreeable to us, and I persisted in neglecting every opportunity of -learning, which I might have enjoyed. As to the church, I invariably -played outside during the services, and my master's children were -generally with me. In three years' time the master returned, and took -us all back to the estate, where he soon died. The eldest son became -owner of the property, and he immediately appointed me his overseer at -Krepp, and subsequently at Dumbasken, when the former estate was sold. - -"In the year 1824 the owner of a neighboring estate (Paynstown) -returned to Jamaica from a visit in England. This gentleman and his -lady were true Christians. One evening, when passing his plantation on -my way home, I met a female servant of the family, Christina by name, -who was going to draw water from a neighboring spring. I entered into -conversation with her, and she told me that on Sunday there would be -prayer and singing at Paynstown, and that her master invited his people -to attend. I asked if strangers were admitted, and was told that Mrs. -Cook had frequently expressed her regret that no one from the vicinity -would come to join them at prayers, and that strangers would be -welcomed, not only on Sundays, but also in the morning and evening of -the week-days. - -"This conversation made a deep impression upon me, and the thought -of the prayer-meeting at Paynstown was continually recurring day and -night, until I at length resolved to go there on the following Sunday. - -"Sunday came, and I started on my way to Paynstown. On reaching the -house, a negro servant addressed me in a friendly voice; at the same -moment Mrs. Cook appeared at the door, and I heard her say to the -attendant, on his mentioning my name, 'Let him enter; I am glad that he -comes!' Feeling very shy, I waited outside the hall till a bell gave -the summons for prayers. Mr. Cook conducted the service, which was -commenced with singing a hymn: then a portion of the Scriptures was -read and prayer offered. I have no recollection of what was read, nor -could I understand the prayer, as I knew nothing of our Saviour; yet -I shall never forget this hour; it was a turning-point for the whole -of my life. I had a feeling that I was in the presence of Almighty -God, _my_ Lord and God, and my inmost soul was deeply moved, while I -trembled from head to foot. Unable to utter a word, I hurried away and -remained alone in my hut. - -"Some time afterwards Mrs. Cooper offered to teach me to read if I -wished to learn, and I gladly accepted her offer, though exposing -myself to no little ridicule on the part of my fellow-slaves, who -thought it very foolish of me to attempt to learn to read 'the white -men's book.' How thankful have I felt ever since that I was enabled -to read the Bible for myself, and thus come into the enjoyment of a -wonderful privilege! - -"Saturday and Sunday were free days for the slaves; Sunday was -market-day in the neighboring town, and we negroes were in the habit -of cultivating our own plots of ground on our return from the service -at Paynstown, or carrying their produce to the market. One Sunday I -was so eagerly bent on making the most out of my garden, that I did -not go to Paynstown, but was busy at work from earliest dawn. Suddenly -the conviction seized my mind that I was not acting right in the sight -of God, in thus digging and planting in hope of gain. Quite overcome -with the thought, I threw away my hoe, and kneeling in the hole which -I had just dug, I cried aloud to our Saviour, imploring Him to help me -in my darkness, and show me what I ought to do. The comforting light -was vouchsafed to me at once. While recognizing my sinful conduct in -striving for outward gain to the detriment of my soul, I was assured -that all my need would be supplied from the bountiful hand of my -heavenly Father, and that the right course for me was to seek first the -kingdom of God and His righteousness. From that day I never touched a -hoe on Sunday, and I have been so blessed in regard to externals that I -have never suffered any want. - -"Some time afterwards I made a proposal of marriage to a young woman, -whom I had known as one of the most regular attendants at the services -in Mr. Cooper's house, and she accepted it. My master and mistress -were at first greatly opposed to this step, but were led eventually to -withdraw their prohibition, and we were married on the 8th of June, -1826. - -"A few months afterwards I became a member of the Moravian Church, one -of twelve, who at that time constituted the whole congregation. Many -others, however, joined the church at Carmel, and the number of those -who desired to cast in their lot with us as children of God, increased -most surprisingly from week to week. - -"The office of native helper, to which I was soon afterwards appointed, -gave me many opportunities of telling others what the Lord had done for -me, and directing them to the same Saviour. - -"I had a great desire to purchase my freedom. I went to my master, -who tried to persuade me to wait, seeing that I should be legally -emancipated in three years' time. My longing for freedom was, however, -so strong that I remained unmoved. I paid down all my savings, and was -soon afterwards able to complete the required sum, and my certificate -of freedom was signed. O how full my heart was! how overflowing with -thanks and praise to God! This day has always been to me a day of -special rejoicing and thanksgiving. It was the 1st of June, 1837. - -"Subsequently I was asked by several gentlemen to undertake the -management of their estates, but I declined, not wishing to fetter -myself in such a manner as would be prejudicial to my work in the -Lord's cause. I was greatly rejoiced when Brother Zorn proposed to me -to devote my time entirely to the duties of a native helper, receiving -£12 a year to provide subsistence for myself and family. I purchased -a small cottage and piece of ground, and here I have lived ever since -with my dear wife and the only daughter whom the Lord has been pleased -to give us." - -Ancass died July, 1864.--_English Tract._ - - - - -A STORM AT SEA. - - -Some few years since, a minister was preaching at Plymouth, when a -request was sent to the pulpit to this effect: "The thanksgiving -of this congregation is desired to Almighty God, by the captain, -passengers, and crew of a West Indiaman, for their merciful deliverance -during the late tempest." - -The following day the minister went on board, and entered into -conversation with the passengers, when a lady thus addressed him: -"O, sir, what an invaluable blessing is personal religion! Never did -I see it so exemplified as in my poor Ellen during the storm. When -we expected every wave to entomb us all, my mind was in a horrible -state--I was afraid to die. Ellen would come to me and say, with all -possible composure: 'Never mind, missie; look to Jesus Christ. He -made--he rule the sea.' And when we neared the shore, and were at -a loss to know where we were, fearing every minute to strike on the -rocks, Ellen said, with the same composure as before, 'Don't fear, -missie; look to Jesus Christ--He the Rock; _no shipwreck on that Rock_; -He save to the uttermost. Don't fear, missie; look to Jesus Christ!'" - -The minister wished to see this poor, though rich African. She was -called, and, in the presence of the sailors, the following conversation -took place: - -_Minister._ "Well, Ellen, I am glad to find you know something of Jesus -Christ." - -_Ellen._ "Jesus Christ, massa! Oh, He be very good to my soul! Oh! He -be very dear to me." - -_Minister._ "How long since you first knew the Saviour?" - -_Ellen._ "Why, some time ago me hear Massa Kitchin preach about the -blessed Jesus. He say to us colored people--the Lord Jesus come down -from the good world; He pity us poor sinners; we die, or He die; _He -die, but we no die_. He suffer on the cross--He spill precious blood -for us poor sinners. Me feel me sinner; me cry; me pray to Jesus, and -He save _me_ by His precious blood." - -_Minister._ "And when did you see Mr. Kitchin last?" - -_Ellen._ "Sir, the fever take him; he lie bed; he call us his children. -He say, 'Come round the bed, my children.' He then say, 'My children, I -go to God; meet me before God;' and then he fall asleep." - -_Minister._ "Oh, then, Mr. Kitchin is dead, is he?" - -_Ellen._ "Dead, sir? oh, no! Mr. Kitchin no die; he fall asleep in -Jesus. He has gone to heaven." - - - - -"LITTLE WA." - - -There is a boy of tender years now in England, whose story beautifully -illustrates the loving care of God for an afflicted heathen child. He -is the son of an African chief, and two or three years since you might -have seen him playing about his father's and mother's yard--as happy -as the day was long--no kid frisked so merrily, no kitten was fuller -of fun. But "little Wa" was deaf and dumb, and soon his mother, "Ti -Bla," was to die, and then his father, "Ta Qwia," was to be laid by her -side under the palm-tree. God foreknew this, and see how graciously He -provided for this helpless orphan. - -Little Wa was very fond of wandering from home; and wherever he went, -whether to the huts of the natives or the houses of the colonists, he -was a great favorite, and everybody treated him kindly. He liked to -sport about with those of his own age, and would amuse the tribes by -the hour. Often he came to the mission station, and the missionary got -quite attached to him, and encouraged him to stay, and gave him a white -shirt--his first civilized suit. This delighted him, and kept him -hovering around for a week together; then off he trotted to the town. - -By-and-by he reappeared with his shirt dirty, and the missionary -exchanged it for a clean one. "He seemed so pleased to be with us, and -was such a good boy," says the missionary, "that pitying his sad case, -I thought I would try and get him into my family." He asked his father, -who was still an idolater, if he would let him keep him. His father -said, "Yes, he might keep him if he could." He meant that "Wa" was -such a gad-about that no one could keep him. However, the missionary -determined to try it. He had some new clothes made for him, bound with -scarlet; he set him a stool to have his meals, and he had his own plate -and fork, and a snug corner to sleep in at night, and a warm blanket to -wrap himself in. - -Now, do you suppose that "Wa" stayed with the missionary, or that he -ran away? He stayed, and he grew fonder and fonder of the missionary -and the missionary of him. Whenever he ate his meals, before tasting -anything, he would bend his head and shut his eyes, and be still, as -if he was saying grace. So also, night and morning, he would always -drop on his knees, and for a time remain in the attitude of prayer. -Occasionally he would go into the school-room, and sitting beside the -girls, take a book, and make believe that he was studying his lessons. -The missionary would frequently have him in his room, and kneel down -with him, and pray God to teach him by His Holy Spirit, and deliver -him from all evil. God did indeed watch over him, and preserve him -from danger, to which he was exposed. No lion was permitted to terrify -him; and no scorpion or serpent was allowed to bite his bare feet. The -angels had charge of him. - -When, on account of his bad health, the missionary had to leave Africa -for a season, he much desired to bring "little Wa" to England with him. -He had a talk with his father (his mother was now dead) about it. He -told him what Christian people had done in England for the deaf and -dumb, what attention was paid to them, and how they were taught to -write and read. He looked very serious, and shook his head. "I can't -let him go;" he said, "I let his brother, 'Wia,' go to New York, and -he is buried there. I can't let 'Wa' go." But when he assured him -that England had a milder climate than New York, and that he would be -a parent to him, and that it was only the child's welfare he sought, -"Well," he said, "I will consider it." Shortly after he called and -said, "Take him; do with him what you choose. He is yours." So the -missionary began at once to get him ready for sea. He was fitted -with red and yellow flannel smocks and trousers; and when he saw the -preparations, and knew that he was going, he jumped for joy. - -At length the steamer hove in sight. The captain agreed to charge a -shilling a day for the "coal scuttle," as he called him. So he was -brought off with them in a boat through the surf, and he bade adieu -to the scenes of his infancy, in better spirits than the missionary -did; but soon the rocking of the ship upset him. He lay down sick -on the deck. When he recovered, he became a great favorite with the -passengers and crew. He had a wonderful power of mimicry, and he amused -many with his imitations. Now he would act as he saw the monkeys or the -chimpanzee act; now he would mock the way in which the gentlemen walked -when the vessel rolled; now he would pretend to be preaching; now he -would dance as his country people do; and now, when a lady would be -moving about alone, he would run up to her and offer her his arm. The -officers would feed him with good things, and let him sleep in their -state-rooms, though he had a comfortable box of his own. - -When the missionary arrived at Liverpool, "little Wa" was an object of -curiosity to all. His dark skin and his flaming-colored dress made him -ridiculously conspicuous. The children in the streets followed him, and -gathered round the shop-doors pointing at him jeeringly; but whenever -they were rude the missionary said to them, "He is deaf and dumb," and -then they would say, "Poor boy! poor little fellow!" You may be sure -he was in ecstasies at the sights, such as he had never even dreamt -of. Especially he noticed the horses, and tried to trot as they trot; -and the sliders on the ice, and when one tumbled down he was convulsed -with laughter. I have had him at my table, and he behaved himself like -a gentleman, only he would open the whole plate of sandwiches to see -which had least mustard on it; and when I presented him with a pear, he -wanted to put it into his mouth whole. - -It was decided that he should go into the Bath Deaf and Dumb -Institution. The money, a large sum, was speedily raised by the ladies -of Brighton. Far and wide contributions flowed in. "Little Wa" was -loaded with presents beside; indeed, ladies began to be so kind to him -that it was high time he was out of the way of being spoiled. News -of his father's death reached England by the next mail; so now the -missionary felt that "little Wa" was wholly his, and he took him to -Bath without any further doubt as to its being God's will for him. - -Before "little Wa" left London, he stole into the missionary's wife's -sick chamber, and seeing that several persons were with her, he sat -down quietly until they withdrew, then he quickly touched her; and then -raising his eyes, he clasped his hands, and by other signs gave her to -understand that he wished her to pray with him. She did so. On getting -up, he looked into her face so bright and satisfied, and shook her hand -to thank her. As he bade her good-bye, he signified that after two -days and two nights he would come back to her. When the missionary was -leaving him at the Institution, and broke the intelligence to him that -he must stay there a long while, "little Wa" was downcast for a moment, -but he did not cry; he nodded his head bravely, and stood watching him -at the door till he turned the corner. - -A recent letter informed us that at first he showed considerable -self-will, but was daily improving. If we recollect how short a time -he has been under control at all, we cannot but wonder that the wild -African is as tractable as he is. When he saw the handwriting of the -missionary the tears started, and he pressed the envelope to his lips. - -Now, my dear young readers, does not this narrative _prove_ that God -thinks of children, and loves them, and cares for them? He is busy with -the affairs of the universe, and yet He can turn from them to provide -for a heathen mute. He dwells in the high and holy place, and yet He -can stoop to be a friend to the fatherless African boy. Who is a God -like unto Him? Oh, give your heart to Him, that _you_, too, may have -His wing spread over you, and be able to confide in Him for whatever -you want. - -May "little Wa's" Almighty protector and all-loving provider be -yours!--_The Family Treasury._ - - - - -THE AFRICAN SERVANT. - - -During a residence of some years' continuance in the neighborhood of -the sea, an officer in the navy called upon me and stated that he had -just taken a lodging in the parish for his wife and children, and that -he had an African whom he had kept three years in his service. - -"Does he know anything," I asked, "of the principles of the Christian -religion?" - -"Oh, yes, I am sure he does," answered the captain; "for he talks a -great deal about it in the kitchen, and often gets laughed at for his -pains; but he takes it all very patiently." - -"Does he behave well as your servant?" - -"Yes, that he does: he is as honest and civil a fellow as ever came -aboard a ship or lived in a house." - -"Was he always so well-behaved?" - -"No," said the officer; "when I first had him he was often very unruly -and deceitful; but for the last two years he has been quite like -another creature." - -"Well, sir, I shall be very glad to see him, and think it probable I -shall wish to go through a course of instruction and examination. Can -he read?" - -"Yes," replied his master; "he has been taking great pains to learn to -read for some time past, and can make out a chapter in the Bible pretty -well, as my maid-servant informs me. He speaks English better than many -of his countrymen, but you will find it a little broken. When will it -be convenient that I should send him over to you?" - -"To-morrow afternoon, sir, if you please." - -"He shall come to you about four o'clock, and you shall see what you -can make of him." - -With this promise he took his leave. I felt glad to see him the next -day, and asked: - -"Where were you born?" - -"In Africa. I was very little boy when I was made slave by the white -men." - -"How was that?" - -"I left father and mother one day at home to go to get shells by the -sea-shore; and, as I was stooping down to gather them up, some white -sailors came out of a boat and took me away. I never see father nor -mother again." - -"And what became of you then?" - -"I was put into ship and brought to Jamaica, and sold to a massa, who -keep me in his house to serve him some years; when about three years -ago, Captain W----, my massa that spoke to you, bought me to be his -servant on board his ship. And he be good massa; and I live with him -ever since." - -"And what thoughts had you about your soul all that time before you -went to America?" I asked him. - -"I no care for my soul at all before then. No man teach me a word about -my soul." - -"Well, now tell me further about what happened to you in America. How -came you there?" - -"My massa take me there in a ship, and he stop there one month; and -then I hear the good minister." - -"And what did that minister say?" - -"He said I was a great sinner." - -"Did he speak to you in particular?" - -"Yes, I think so; for there was a great many to hear him, but he tell -them all about me." - -"What did he say?" - -"He say all about the things that were in my heart." - -"Who taught you to read?" - -"God teach me to read." - -"What do you mean by saying so?" - -"God gave me desire to read, and that make reading easy. Massa give me -Bible, and one sailor show me the letter; and so I learn to read by -myself with God's good help." - -"And what do you read in the Bible?" - -"Oh, I read all about Jesus Christ, and How He loved sinners; and -wicked men killed him, and He died and came again from the grave, and -all this for poor negro. And it sometime make me cry to think that -Christ love me so." - -Not many days after the first interview with my African disciple, I -went from home on horseback, with the design of visiting and conversing -with him again at his master's house, which was situated in a part of -the parish near four miles distant from my own. The road which I took -lay over a lofty down or hill, which commands a prospect of scenery -seldom equalled for beauty and magnificence. It gave birth to silent, -but instructive contemplation. - -As I pursued the meditations which this magnificent and varied scenery -excited in my mind, I approached the edge of a tremendous perpendicular -cliff with which the hill terminates; I dismounted from my horse and -tied him. - -I cast my eye downwards a little to the left, towards a small cove, -the shore of which consists of fine hard sand. It is surrounded by -fragments of rock, chalk cliffs, and steep banks of broken earth. -Shut out from human intercourse and dwellings, it seems formed for -retirement and contemplation. On one of these rocks I unexpectedly -observed a man sitting with a book, which he was reading. The place was -near two hundred yards perpendicularly below me: but I soon discovered -by his dress, and by the color of his features, contrasted with the -white rocks beside him, that it was no other than my African disciple, -with, as I doubted not, a Bible in his hand. I rejoiced at this -unlooked-for opportunity of meeting him in so solitary and interesting -a situation. I descended a steep bank, winding by a kind of rude -staircase, formed by fishermen and shepherds' boys, in the side of the -cliff down to the shore. - -He was intent on his book, and did not perceive me till I approached -very near to him. - -"William, is that you?" - -"Ah, massa, I very glad to see you. How came massa into this place? I -thought nobody here but only God and me." - -"I was coming to your master's house to see you, and rode round by this -way for the sake of the prospect. I often come here in fine weather to -look at the sea and the shipping. Is that your Bible?" - -"Yes, sir, this is my dear, good Bible." - -"I am glad," said I, "to see you so well employed; it is a good sign, -William." - -"Yes, massa, a sign that God is good to me; but I never good to God." - -"How so?" - -"I never thank Him enough; I never pray to Him enough; I never remember -enough who give me all these good things. Massa, I afraid my heart very -bad. I wish I was like you." - -"Like me, William? Why, you are like me, a poor helpless sinner." - -"Tell me, William, is not that very sin which you speak of, a burden to -you? You do not love it: you would be glad to obtain strength against -it, and to be freed from it, would you not?" - -"Oh, yes; I give all this world, if I had it, to be without sin." - -"Come then, and welcome, to Jesus Christ, my brother; His blood -cleanseth from all sin. He gave himself as a ransom for sinners. He -hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our -transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of -our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. The Lord -hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Come, freely come to Jesus, -the Saviour of sinners." - -"Yes, massa," said the poor fellow, weeping, "I will come, but I come -very slow; very slow, massa; I want to run; I want to fly. Jesus is -very good to poor me to send you to tell me all this." - -I was much pleased with the affectionate manner in which he spoke of -his parents, from whom he had been stolen in his childhood; and his -wishes that God might direct them by some means to the knowledge of the -Saviour. - -"Who knows," I said, "but some of these ships may be carrying a -missionary to the country where they live, to declare the good news -of salvation to your countrymen, and to your own dear parents in -particular, if they are yet alive." - -"Oh, my dear father and mother; my dear, gracious Saviour," exclaimed -he, leaping from the ground, as he spoke, "if Thou would but save their -souls, and tell them what Thou hast done for sinners; but--" - -He stopped and seemed much affected. - -"My friend," said I, "I will now pray with you for your own soul, and -those of your parents also." - -"Do, massa, that is very good and kind; do pray for poor negro souls -here and everywhere." - -This was a new and solemn "house of prayer." The sea-sand was our -floor, the heavens were our roof. The cliffs, the rocks, the hills, -and the waves, formed the walls of our chamber. It was not indeed a -"place where prayer was wont to be made," but for this once it became a -hallowed spot; it will by me ever be remembered as such. The presence -of God was there. I prayed. The African wept. His heart was full. I -felt with him, and could not but weep likewise. - -The last day will show whether our tears were not the tears of -sincerity and Christian love. - -I had, for a considerable time, been accustomed to meet some serious -persons once a week, in a cottage at no great distance from the house -where he lived, for the purpose of religious conversation, instruction, -and prayer. Having found these occasions remarkably useful and -interesting to myself and others, I thought it would be very desirable -to take the African there, in order that there might be many witnesses -to the simplicity and sincerity of real Christianity, as exhibited in -the character of this promising young convert. I hoped it might prove -an eminent means of grace to excite and quicken the spirit of prayer -and praise among some over whose spiritual progress I was anxiously -watching. - -It was known that the African was to visit the little society this -evening, and satisfaction beamed in every countenance as I took him -by the hand and introduced him among them, saying, "I have brought a -brother from Africa to see you, my friends. Bid him welcome in the name -of the Lord." - -"Sir," said a humble and pious laborer, whose heart and tongue always -overflowed with Christian kindness, "we are at all times glad to see -our dear minister, but especially so to-day, in such company as you -have brought with you. We have heard how gracious the Lord has been to -him. Give me your hand, good friend," turning to the African; "God be -with you here and everywhere; and blessed be His holy name for calling -wicked sinners, as I hope He has done you and me, to love and serve Him -for His mercy's sake." - -Each one greeted him as he came into the house, and some addressed him -in very kind and impressive language. - -"Massa," said he, "I not know what to say to all these good friends; I -think this looks like little heaven upon earth." - -He then, with tears in his eyes, which, almost before he spoke, brought -responsive drops into those of all present, said: - -"Good friends and brethren in Christ Jesus, God bless you all, and -bring you to heaven at last." - -After some time passed in more general conversation on the subject of -the African's history, I said, "Let us now praise God for the rich and -unspeakable gift of His grace, and sing the hymn of 'redeeming love,' - - - "'Now begin the heavenly theme, - Sing aloud in Jesus' name,'" etc. - - -which was accordingly done. Whatever might be the merit of the natural -voices, it was plain there was melody in all their hearts. - -The African was not much used to our way of singing, yet joined with -great earnestness and affection, which showed how truly he felt what -was uttered. When the fifth verse was ended-- - - - "Nothing brought Him from above, - Nothing but redeeming love"-- - - -he repeated the words, almost unconscious where he was. - -"No, nothing, nothing but redeeming love bring Him down to poor -William; nothing but redeeming love." - -The following verses were added, and sung by way of conclusion: - - - See, a stranger comes to view; - Though he's black, he's comely too: - Come to join the choirs above, - Singing of redeeming love. - - Welcome, brother, welcome here, - Banish doubt, and banish fear; - You, who Christ's salvation prove, - Praise and bless redeeming love. - --_Abridged from Legh Richmond._ - - - - -THE BLIND SLAVE IN THE MINES. - - -With a companion I had descended a thousand feet perpendicularly, -beneath the earth's surface, into one of the coal mines of East -Virginia, called the Mid-Lothian pit. As we were wandering through its -dark passages--numerous and extensive enough to form a subterranean -city--the sound of music at a little distance caught our ears. It -ceased upon our approach; but we perceived that it was sacred music, -and we heard the concluding sentiment of the hymn, "I shall be in -heaven in the morning." - -On advancing with our lamps we found the passage closed by a door, in -order to give a different direction to the currents of air for the -purpose of ventilation; yet this door must be opened occasionally to -let the rail-cars pass, loaded with coal. And to accomplish this we -found sitting by that door an aged blind slave, whose eyes had been -entirely destroyed by a blast of gunpowder many years before, in -that mine. There he sat, on a seat cut in the coal, from sunrise to -sunset, day after day; his sole business being to open and shut the -door when he heard the rail-cars approaching. We requested him to sing -again the hymn whose last line we had heard. It was, indeed, lame in -expression, and in poetic measure very defective, being in fact one of -those productions which we found the pious slaves were in the habit of -singing, in part at least, impromptu. But each stanza closed with the -sentiment, "I shall be in heaven in the morning." - -It was sung with a clear and pleasant voice, and I could see the -shrivelled, sightless eyeballs of the old man rolling in their sockets, -as if his soul felt the inspiring sentiments; and really the exhibition -was one of the most affecting that I have ever witnessed. There he -stood, an old man, whose earthly hopes, even at the best, must be very -faint--and he was a slave--and he was blind--what could he hope for on -earth? He was buried, too, a thousand feet beneath the solid rocks. In -the expressive language of Jonah, he had "gone down to the bottom of -the mountains; the earth with her bars was about him for ever." There, -from month to month, he sat in total darkness. - -I would add, that on inquiry of the pious slaves engaged in these -mines, I found that the blind old man had a fair reputation for piety, -and that it was not till the loss of his eyes that he was led to the -Saviour. It may be that the destruction of his natural vision was the -necessary means of opening the eye of faith within his soul. And though -we should shudder at the thought of exchanging conditions with him on -earth, yet who can say but his peculiar and deep tribulation here may -prepare his soul for a distinction in glory which we might covet. Oh, -how much better to endure even his deep degradation and privations, -sustained by his hopes, than to partake of their fortune who live in -luxury and pleasure, or riot in wealth! - -The scene which I have now described affords a most animating lesson -of encouragement to the tried and the afflicted, and of reproof to the -complaining and discontented. - -Suppose health does fail us, and poverty oppress us, and our friends -forsake us, and our best laid plans prove abortive, so that a dark -cloud settles upon our worldly prospects--who of us is reduced so low -as to be willing to change places with this poor slave? And yet he is -able to keep his spirits buoyant by the single hope of future glory. He -thinks of a morning that is to come, when even his deep and dreadful -darkness shall pass away; and the thought has a magic power to sustain -him. If we are Christians, shall not that same hope chase away our -despondency, and nerve us to bear cheerfully those trials which are far -inferior to his? - - - - -THE AFRICAN SERVANT'S PRAYER. - - - I was a helpless negro boy, - And wandered on the shore; - Men took me from my parents' arms, - I never saw them more. - - But yet my lot, which seemed so hard, - Quite otherwise did prove; - For I was carried far from home, - To learn a Saviour's love. - - Poor and despiséd though I was, - Yet Thou, O God, wast nigh; - And when Thy mercy first I saw, - Sure none so glad as I. - - And if Thy Son hath made me free, - Then am I free indeed; - My soul is rescued from its chains; - For this did Jesus bleed. - - Oh, send Thy word to that far land - Where none but negroes live; - Teach them the way, the truth, the life; - Thy grace, Thy blessing give. - - Oh, that my father, mother, dear, - Might there Thy mercy see; - Tell them what Christ has done for them, - What Christ has done for me. - - Whose God is like the Christian's God? - Who can with Him compare? - He has compassion on my soul, - And hears a negro's prayer. - - - - -ANECDOTE. - - -A worthy old colored woman in the city of New York was one day -walking along the street on some errand to a neighboring store, with -her tobacco-pipe in her mouth, quietly smoking. A sailor, rendered -mischievous by liquor, came down the street, and when opposite Phillis, -crowded her aside, and with a wave of his hand knocked her pipe out of -her mouth. He then halted to hear her fret at his trick, and to enjoy -a laugh at her. But what was his astonishment when she meekly picked -up the pieces of her broken pipe, without the least resentment in her -manner, and giving him a look of mingled sorrow, kindness, and pity, -said: "God forgive my son, as I do." It touched a tender part of the -young sailor's heart; he felt ashamed and repented; the tears started -in his eyes. He confessed his error, and thrusting both hands into his -two full pockets of change, forced her to take the handfuls of money, -saying: "God bless you, kind mother, I'll never do so again." - - - - -A LITTLE ACT OF KINDNESS. - - -One dull night I sat by my window watching the people as they passed to -and from the market. The wind blew hard, and the rain was beginning to -patter against the window panes, and make large drops on the pavement. - -Soon I noticed two little colored girls hurrying past with an empty -basket, and I heard one of them say: "Oh, be quick, for it is going to -rain hard, and the chips will all be wet." - -"Yes, I'm coming in a minute," said the other, who lingered behind--for -what purpose, do you think? - -Leaning against the lamp-post at the corner of the street was a -poor old woman, bent with age and infirmities. In one hand was her -market-basket, in the other a bundle, and she was trying to open an -umbrella. The wind blew against her, the bundle slipped from her poor -old fingers, rolling into the gutter, and the umbrella would not come -open. - -But the quick feet and fingers of this little girl soon set things -all right. First she hastened to rescue the bundle, and restore it to -its owner; then opened the umbrella and placed it securely in the -old woman's hands. She waited for no more--hastening on after her -companion; but, amid the falling rain, I heard the old woman say, "God -bless you, my child!" - -Ah! it was a little deed, but done so cheerfully and quickly that I -knew the child had a kind heart. Was the act not seen and noticed by -our Father in heaven, and will He not bless the child who helps the -aged and infirm? - -Dear little ones, do not let _one chance_ of helping another, or of -doing good, pass by. - -If your eyes are open, you will see these opportunities _every day_, -and oh, how happy you may make your own heart, and the heart of -some other, while your dear Father in heaven will smile upon your -efforts.--_Angel of Peace._ - - - - -OLD SUSAN. - -BY GERTRUDE L. VANDERBILT. - - -"Bless de Lord, I'm pretty well, and granny's no wuss." I heard the -voice below my window just as the dawn of a bright summer day was -coloring the eastern horizon. Then another question was asked by the -cook below, as she threw open the shutters, but I could only hear old -Susan's reply: "No, I can't come in; I'm up so airly to look for wood -to bile the kittle. Granny'll be a-wantin' breakfast." - -Soon after I saw the poor old woman bent almost double with the weight -of fagots on her back, and her check apron filled with chips and -corn-cobs from the wood-yard. I raised the sash, and called her: - -"Aunt Susan, do come in! Flora will get your breakfast, and you can -take some home with you for granny," said I. - -She lowered the bundle of fagots from her shoulders, and pushed back -the long gingham sun-bonnet, as she looked up at my window. - -"Bless yer heart, chile, but I couldn't--wouldn't!" She shook her head -very decidedly, and adjusted the red bandana turban which had been -crushed down by the sun-bonnet. "Ye see, me and granny ain't had fambly -prayers yit this morning. That's it; obliged to yer jes' the same." - -I suggested that our Heavenly Father would not reject prayers that -were offered after breakfast. She looked up at me as I leaned from the -window to catch the glory of the sunrise, and said, with rather a touch -of sadness in her tone: - -"No, chile, yer hadn't oughter think so. De Lord fust, an' everything -else afterwards. Ef ye eat, or ef ye drink, do it all to de glory of -God; but it tain't ter His glory ef yer please yerself fust. I'll be -round biemby; then we 'splain the matter together." And reloading her -tired shoulders, she tottered off under her burden. - -This poor colored woman, bent down by her seventy years of sickness, -and poverty, and hard work, and constant care, had a conscience so -tender that nothing could have induced her to partake of the proffered -meal before she had offered up her morning prayer, lest the act might -seem like want of reverence and respect. - -This was not an occasional spasmodic outburst of piety; she seemed -always anxious to talk about God, and, as she could not read herself, -to hear others read about Him. I never knew one who seemed to be in -such constant and close communion with God. In my visits among the -poor, I remember calling at her door one day, and being obliged to wait -some time after knocking, although I heard her voice within. I was -surprised that she should keep me waiting, for she had such a delicate -sense of the duties of hospitality that she was particularly careful -never to oblige a visitor to remain standing at her door. I soon -discovered that she was engaged in prayer; one greater than any earthly -guest was with her; it almost seemed as if she pleaded before one who -was visibly present. She waited and wept, she urged, entreated, and -earnestly pleaded; then gradually her tone changed, and her voice rose -in prayer and loud hallelujahs, and then she was silent. I knocked once -more, and hastily now she threw open the door; the traces of tears were -still on her cheeks, and in her poor, dim eyes. - -"Welcome, welcome!" she exclaimed: "come in. De Lord's bin wid me dis -day. Praise and bless His holy name. I'se had sich a blessed time." - -Then she dusted the only spare seat her poor room afforded, and placed -it so that as she seated herself upon her bed she should face me. - -"Oh, chile!" she exclaimed; "de prayers dat's gone up from dis poor -shanty for you and de Sunday-school! Dey's gone right up from dis poor, -low, mean place, right up through dis old roof, straight up to de great -white throne!" And she clasped her hands and looked up as if she saw -the vision beyond. "God's holy angels has heard 'em, Jesus's listened -to 'em, and God's treasured 'em up, and dey'll come down in blessin's -when old Susan's dead and gone. When I gits rid of dis mis'able, sickly -body, and rises up to where my prayer's gone before me, oh, how I'll -sing wid de holy angels, praise de Lord, praise de Lord!" - -She used to go off in these rhapsodies frequently; she had dull prosaic -neighbors, who never got excited over praise or anything else, and -they used to say that old Susan was crazy when she prayed. In alluding -to this she once told me, smiling, that she was going to ask the Lord -to make them crazy in prayer. She thought a little more earnestness -on the subject would be an improvement. Her faith was so strong that -it seemed to have an element of sublimity in it; it was grand! The -extreme poverty in which she lived, and her reliance upon others for -every comfort in life, made her realize her dependence upon our Father -in heaven more strongly than those who live in ease and luxury. She -has often said to me, "I am poor and sick, broken down with hard work, -crooked and bent with rheumatism, my wrists are so weak, and my -fingers so stiff, that I can hardly pick up chips; boys often laugh -at me in the street, because when I bend down I cannot always get up -again; sometimes my fire goes out, and I have nothing to eat until the -Lord sends some kind friend with food. But bless the Lord I am going -home. The Lord is my Father, and in my Father's house there is plenty; -more than enough. Oh, when I get home! Dear Lord, dear Lord! When I -shall reach my home, I shall forget all the troubles I have had in this -poor shanty." Looking at her in her poor room, I have often thought -that if possible, heaven would seem more glorious to her, coming out -of distress and misery, sickness and want, darkness and cold, into the -full blaze of heavenly light. - -She was very grateful to those who paid her rent. Of one lady in -particular, she often spoke to me with great affection. She said to me -once, naming this lady: "She is to be paid back every cent." It was -spoken with so much earnestness that I involuntarily looked around -as if I expected to see some one standing there with the money. She -smiled, and told me she had been reminding God of His promise to pay -her debts. - -I once called on passing, to leave some dinner for her, she met me at -the door, and insisted on my coming in. "I know'd you was a comin'," -she said, "for I had nothin' t'eat, and I prayed de Lord ter send me -somethin'." - -"Well," I replied, "He has heard your prayer, and has sent this to you." - -She placed the dish on her stove to keep warm, and then she began to -talk of prayer. "I does pray fur you," she said, "and fur Mr. and Mrs. -L., and Miss C. I prays fur all de world, but the Lord lets us choose -out those who's good to us, and pray fur them most of all. Mr. L. has -been so good, so good to me, never gettin' tired of being good to me, -oh, I do pray fur him!" She paused, and sat thinking a moment, and then -added: "When Aunt Susan stops a prayin', she'll be cold and dead." - -"Aunt Susan" was by no means a gloomy Christian, she had a sense of -humor, and was often very quick-witted in reply. - -During those terrible riots in New York, in which so many of her race -fell victims to the mob, she fled to her white friends for protection. -Some time after this, when she was speaking of her faith and her trust -in the Lord, an Irish Roman Catholic taunted her with having failed -to trust in the Lord at that time. Her reply was very characteristic. -"Did you ever read in the Old Testament of a man named Lot?" she asked. -"Well, Lot showed his faith by running away, and so did Aunt Susan!" In -relating to me this story, she laughed very heartily, and concluded by -saying: "Yer see as I understan's it, Lot showed his faith by leavin' -his home and flyin' accordin' to the command of der Lord, and Aunt -Susan did jes de same, fur I showed my faith by usin' de means de Lord -hed appinted, and not temptin' de Lord by stayin' behind. Jes so." - -Old Susan's "family" consisted of her aged mother, at that time in her -hundred and first year, her dog Prince, her cat Tom, her hen Toby; a -more aged and decrepit family were surely never before gathered under -one roof. If I had been told that old Dinah's age was a hundred and -twenty, from appearances I should have been inclined to believe it. -Smoking was the sole recreation which years had left her. Susan would -fill her pipe at intervals during the day, and after using it, Dinah -would sit gazing vacantly around her until it was refilled and placed -in her hand. The dog, proportionately to canine years, had reached an -equally advanced age with his mistress, and his scabby back gave him -the appearance of having been eaten by moth. The cat and the hen had -reached a greater age than the time usually allotted to their species; -each would sit for hours perfectly motionless on the door-step, as if -musing on the singing and exhorting they were constantly hearing within -the house from their old mistress. Susan was very fond of animals, and -seemed to have a curious power in taming and controlling them. I once -told her, that had she lived earlier, she might have been taken up for -a witch, with Tom and Toby as her familiar spirits. - -Old Susan's faith led her to believe that she could see the hand of God -in even the most trifling events of life, and that, as He was leading -her, and teaching her through these means, she should be ever on the -watch, so as not to lose the lessons His providence set in her way. -She came to me one day with the utmost gravity, to tell me of a lesson -in resignation. This pet dog, through some inadvertence, had eaten a -portion prepared for rats; her tender heart was much troubled by the -suffering so carelessly inflicted. Just before extinguishing her light -at night, she turned to Dinah and--to let her tell her own story, as -she told it to me: "Sez I, granny, look yer last on poor Prince, fur -you'll never see him alive no more. Then it kinder struck me that I -wasn't resigned, so I kneels down, and sez I, 'O dear Lord, he's bin -a faithful dog to me. He's watched over my things many a day when I -was out a beggin' for daily bread; he's bin very faithful, but I gin -him up to de Lord. If de Lord says his time's out, I gin him up. I's -resigned.' Next mornin' I opens de winders, an' behold, dere's Prince, -jis as well as ever! Sez I, granny, de Lord has gin him back to me. He -was jis a tryin' my faith! His will is the best fur us all, ye mus larn -dat, granny, dat's the lesson from dis providence." - -Old Susan still lives, but her faculties seem gradually failing, while -life yet retains hold in her weak frame. She is helpless, poor, and -old. While earthly matters seem fading out of her memory, her thoughts -still cling to things above. In my last tract-distributing visit to her -room, I found her holding an open Testament, with the leaf folded down -at the fourteenth chapter of St. John's Gospel. She cannot read, but -she sat pathetically looking at the text. As I entered, she exclaimed: -"Oh, read it, read it, for me!" It seemed as if her faith, so sorely -tried by her long waiting, and her earthly sufferings, was for a moment -wavering. As I slowly and distinctly read the words, "In my Father's -house are many mansions," etc., the glimmering rays rekindled, her -faith re-asserted itself. "Yes, yes!" she exclaimed, "I knew it was so, -I knew it was written somewhere there; now I remember it. I'll yet have -a home in my Father's house." As I looked at the poor, worn-out frame; -the weak, helpless hands; the wrinkled face, and the dim eyes, my faith -could see through these the glorious spirit that should one day arise -and take its upward flight towards the heavenly mansions. - - - - -POOR SARAH; - -_Or, Religion Exemplified in the Life and Death of a Pious Indian -Woman._ - - The subject of the following narrative lived and died in a town in - the eastern part of Connecticut. We are well acquainted with the - writer, and we can assure our readers that the account here given - is true.--_Editor of the Religious Intelligencer._ - - -It was a comfortless morning in the month of March, 1814, when I first -formed an acquaintance with the subject of the following sketch. - -She called to solicit a few _crusts_, meekly saying she "deserved -nothing but the _crumbs_--they were enough for her poor old body, just -ready to crumble into dust." I had heard of _Sarah_, a pious Indian -woman, and I was therefore prepared to receive her with kindness. And -remembering the words of my Lord, who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done -it unto one of the _least_ of these my brethren, ye have done it unto -me," I was ready to impart a portion of my _little_ unto her (for -little, alas! was my store). - -"And how," I asked her, "have you got along, this long, cold winter, -Sarah?" "O misse," she replied, "God better to Sarah than she fear. -When winter come on, Sarah was in great doubt. No husband, no child -here but one; she wicked, gone a great deal. What if great snow come? -What if fire go out? Nabor great way off. What if sick all 'lone? What -if I die? Nobody know it. - -"While I think so, in my heart, then I cry: while I cryin', somethin' -speak in my mind, and say, 'Trust God, Sarah; He love His people, He -never leave them, He never forsake them; He never forsake Sarah, He -friend indeed. Go tell Jesus, Sarah; He love hear prayer; He often hear -Sarah pray.' So I wipe my eyes; don't cry any more; go out in bushes, -where nobody see, fall down on my old knees and pray. God give me great -many words; pray a great while. God make all my mind peace. - -"When I get up, go in house, can't stop prayin' in my mind. All my -heart burn with love to God; willin' live cold, go hungry, be sick, -die all 'lone, if God be there. He know best; Sarah don't know. So I -feel happy; great many day go singin' hymn-- - - - 'Now I can trust the Lord for ever, - He can clothe, and He can feed, - He my rock, and He my Saviour, - Jesus is a friend indeed.'" - - -"Well, Sarah, have you been comfortably supplied?" "O yes," she -replied, "I never out corn meal once all winter." "But how do you cook -it, Sarah, so as to make it comfortable food?" "O, I make porridge, -misse. Sometimes I get out, like to-day, and I go get some crusts bread -and some salt put in it, then it is so nourishing to this poor old -body; but when can't get none, then make it good I can, and kneel down, -pray God to bless it to me; and I feel if God feed me, and be so happy -here"--(laying her hand on her heart). - -Oh, what a lesson, thought I, for my repining heart! "But do you have -no meat or other necessaries, Sarah?" "Not often, misse; sometimes I -get so hungry for it, I begin feel wicked; then think how Jesus hungry -in the desert. But when Satan tempt Him to sin, to get food, He would -not. So I say, Sarah won't sin to get victuals. I no steal, no eat -stole food, though be hungry ever so long. - -"Then God gives me small look of His self, His _Son_, and His glory; -and I think in my heart, they all be mine soon; then I no suffer -hunger any more--my Father have there many mansions." "Sarah," said -I, "you seem to have some knowledge of the Scriptures; can you read?" -"I can spell out a little; I can't read like you white folks; O, if I -could!" Here she burst into tears. - -But after regaining her composure, she added, "This, misse, what I want -above all things, more than victuals or drink. Oh, how often I beg God -teach me to read, and He do teach me some. When I take Bible, kneel -down and pray, he show me great many words, and they be so sweet, I -want to know a great deal more. Oh, when I get home to heaven, then I -know all; no want to read any more." - -In this strain of simple piety, she told me her first interesting -story. And when she departed, I felt a stronger evidence of her being -a true child of God, than I have acquired of some professors by a long -acquaintance. In one of the many visits she afterward made me, she gave -me, in substance, the following account of her conversion:--She lived, -according to her own account, until she became a wife and mother, -without hope and without God in the world, having been brought up in -extreme ignorance. - -Her husband treating her with great severity, she became dejected and -sorrowful, and to use her own simple language, "I go sorrow, sorrow, -all day long. When the night come, husband come home angry, beat me so; -then I think, Oh, if Sarah had friend! Sarah no friend. I no want tell -nabor I got trouble, that make only worse. So I be quiet, tell nobody, -only cry all night and day for one good friend. - -"One Sunday, good nabor come, and say, 'Come, Sarah, go Meetin'.' So I -call my children, tell 'em stay in house while I go to Meetin'. When -got there, minister tell all about Jesus; how He was born in stable, -go suffer all His life, die on great cross, bury, rise, and go up into -heaven, to be always sinners' friend. He say, too, if you got trouble, -go to the Lord Jesus. He best friend in sorrow, He cure all your -sorrow, He bring you out of trouble, He support you, make you willin' -suffer. - -"So when I go home, think great deal what minister say; think this the -friend I want--this the friend I cry for so long. Poor ignorant Sarah -never heard so much about Jesus before. Then I try hard to tell Jesus -how I want such friend. But oh, my heart so hard, can't feel, can't -pray, can't love Jesus, though he so good. This make me sorrow more and -more. - -"When Sunday come, want to go to Meetin' 'gain. Husband say, 'You -shan't go; I beat you if you go.' So I wait till he go off huntin', -then shut up children safe, and run to Meetin'; sit down in door, hear -minister tell how bad my heart is--no love to God, no love to Jesus, no -love to pray. So then I see why can't have Jesus for friend, 'cause got -so bad heart: then go prayin' all way home, Jesus make my heart better. - -"When got home, find children safe, feel glad husband no come: only -feel sorry 'cause my wicked heart don't know how make it better. When -I go sleep, then dream I can read good book: dream I read there, Sarah -must be born 'gain. In mornin' keep thinkin' what that word mean. When -husband go work, run over my good nabor, ask her if Bible say so. - -"Then she read me, where that great man go see Jesus by night, 'cause -'fraid go in day-time. I think he just like Sarah. She must go in -secret, to hear 'bout Jesus, else husband be angry, and beat her. Then -feel 'couraged in mind, determined to have Jesus for friend. So asked -nabor how get good heart. She tell me, 'Give your heart to Jesus, -He will give Holy Spirit, make it better. Sarah don't know what she -mean--never hear 'bout Holy Spirit. - -"She say must go Meetin' next Sunday, she will tell minister 'bout -me--he tell me what to do. So Sarah go hear how must be born 'gain; -minister say, 'You must go fall down 'fore God; tell Him you grieved -'cause you sin--tell him you want better heart--tell him for Christ -Jesus' sake give Holy Spirit, make your heart new.' Then Sarah go home -light, 'cause she know the way. - -"When get home, husband beat me 'cause I go Meetin'--don't stay home -work. I say, 'Sarah can't work any more on Sunday, 'cause sin 'gainst -God. I rather work night, when moon shine.' So he drive me hoe corn -that night, he so angry. I want to pray great deal, so go out hoe corn, -pray all the time. When come in house, husband sleep. Then I kneel down -and tell Jesus take my bad heart--can't bear bad heart; pray give me -Holy Spirit, make my heart soft, make it all new. - -"So great many days Sarah go beg for a new heart. Go Meetin' all -Sundays; if husband beat me, never mind it; go hear good nabor read -Bible every day. So, after great while, God make all my mind peace. I -love Jesus; I love pray to Him; love tell Him all my sorrows. He take -away my sorrow, make all my soul joy; only sorrow 'cause can't read -Bible--learn how to be like Jesus; want to be like His dear people -Bible tell of. - -"So I make great many brooms; go get Bible for 'em. When come home, -husband call me fool for it; say he burn it up. Then I go hide it; when -he gone, get it, kiss it many times, 'cause it Jesus' good Word. Then I -go ask nabor if she learn me read; she say, 'Yes.' Then I go many days -learn letters, pray God all the while help me learn read His Holy Word. - -"So, misse, I learn read hymn; learn to spell out many good words in -Bible. So every day take Bible, tell my children that be God's words, -tell 'em how Jesus die on cross for sinner: then make 'em all kneel -down, I pray God give 'em new heart; pray for husband too, he so -wicked. Oh, how I sorry for him; fear his soul go in burnin' flame." - -"Sarah," said I, "how long did your husband live?" "Oh, he live great -many year." "Did he repent and become a good man?" "No, misse, I 'fraid -not; he sin more and more. When he got sick, I in great trouble for -him; talk every day to him, but he no hear Sarah. I say, 'How can you -bear go in burnin' fire, where worm never die, where fire never go -out?' At last he get angry, bid me hold my tongue. So I don't say any -more, only mourn over him every day 'fore God. - -"When he die, my heart say, 'Father, thy will be done--Jesus do all -things well. Sarah can't help him now, he be in God's hands; all is -well.' So then give my heart all away to Jesus; tell Him I be all His; -serve Him all my life; beg Holy Spirit come fill all my heart, make -it all clean and white like Jesus. Pray God help me learn more of His -sweet words. - -"And now, Sarah live poor Indian widow great many long years; always -find Jesus friend, husband, brother, all. He make me willin' suffer; -willin' live great while in this bad world, if He see best. 'Bove all, -He give me great good hope of glory when I die. So now I wait patient -till my change comes." - -While she was giving this narration, her countenance bore strong -testimony to the diversified emotions of her soul. I might greatly -swell the list of particulars; but I design only to give the outlines -of an example which would have done honor to the highest sphere in -life; and which, in my opinion, is not the less excellent, or the -less worthy of imitation, because shrouded in the veil of poverty and -sorrow. It was evident she meditated much on what little she knew of -divine things; and what she knew of the Bible was to her like honey and -the honeycomb. - -She was in the habit of bringing bags of sand into the village, and -selling it to buy food. Sometimes she brought grapes and other kinds -of fruit. But as she walked by the way, she took little notice of -anything that passed (except children, whom she seldom passed without -an affectionate word of exhortation to be good, say their prayers, -learn to read the Bible, etc., accompanied with a bunch of grapes or an -apple--thus engaging the affection of many a little heart), but seemed -absorbed in meditation; and you might often have observed her hands -uplifted in the attitude of prayer. - -One day, after having observed her as she came, I asked her how she -could bring so heavy loads, old as she was, and feeble. "Oh," said she, -"when I get great load, then I go pray God give me strength to carry -it. So I go on, thinkin' all the way how good God is give His only Son -die for poor sinner; think how good Jesus be, suffer so much for such -poor creature; how good Holy Spirit was, come into my bad heart, make -it all new: so these sweet thoughts make my mind so full joy, I never -think how heavy sand be on my old back." - -"Here," said I to my heart, "learn how to make the heavy load of iron -cares easy." One day she passed with a bag of sand. On her return she -called on me. I inquired how much Mrs. ---- gave her for the sand. -She was unwilling to tell, and I feared she was unwilling lest I -should withhold my accustomed mite, on account of what she had already -received; I therefore insisted she should let me see. - -She at length consented, and I drew from the bag a bone, not containing -meat enough for half a meal. "Is this all? Did that rich woman turn -you off so? How cruel, how hard-hearted!" I exclaimed. "Misse," she -replied, "this made me 'fraid let you see it; I 'fraid you would be -angry: I hope she have bigger heart next time, only she forget now that -Jesus promise to pay her all she give Sarah. Don't be angry, I pray God -to give her a great deal bigger heart." - -The conviction, that she possessed, in an eminent degree, the Spirit -of Him who said, "Bless them that curse you," and prayed for His -murderers, rushed upon my mind with energy, and I could compare myself -in some measure to those who said, "Shall we command fire to come -down from heaven," etc. I think I never felt deeper self-abhorrence -and abasement; I left her for a moment, and from the few comforts I -possessed, gave her a considerable portion. - -She received them with the most visible marks of gratitude--arose to -depart, went to the door, and then turned, looking me in the face with -evident concern. "Sarah," said I, "what would you have?" (supposing she -wanted something I had not thought of, and she feared to ask). "Oh, my -good misse!" said she, "nothing; only 'fraid your big heart feel some -proud 'cause you give more for nothing than Misse ---- for sand." - -This faithfulness, added to her piety and gratitude, completed the -swell of feeling already rising in my soul; and bursting into tears, I -said, "O Sarah! when you pray that Mrs. ---- may have a bigger heart, -don't forget to pray that I may have an humbler one." "I will, misse, I -will," she exclaimed with joy, and hastened on her way. - -Another excellence in her character, was, that she loved the habitation -of God's house, and often appeared there, when, from bad weather or -other causes, many a seat of affluence was empty. She was always early, -ever clean and whole in her apparel, though sometimes almost as much -diversified with patches as the shepherd's coat. - -She was very old and quite feeble, yet she generally stood during -public service, with eyes riveted on the preacher. I have sometimes -overtaken her on the steps, after service, and tapping her on her -shoulder, would say, "Have you had a good day, Sarah?" "All good; -sweeter than honey," she would reply. - -In the spring of 1818, it was observed by her friends that she did -not appear at Meeting as usual, and one of her particular female -benefactors asked her the reason; when she, with streaming eyes, told -her that her clothes had become so old and ragged that she could not -come with comfort or decency; but said she had been praying God to -provide for her in this respect, a great while, and telling Jesus how -much she wanted to go to His house of prayer, and expressed a strong -desire to be resigned and submissive to His will. - -This was soon communicated to a few friends, who promptly obeyed -the call of Providence, and soon furnished this suffering member of -Christ with a very decent suit of clothes. This present was almost -overpowering to her grateful heart. She received them as from the hand -of her Heavenly Father and kind Redeemer, in answer to her special -prayer. - -But this did not in the least diminish her gratitude to her -benefactors; but she said she would go on, tell Jesus how good His dear -people were to this poor old creature, and pray her good Father to give -them great reward. Two of the garments given her, she received with -every mark of joy. On being asked why she set so high a value on these, -she replied, "Oh, these just what I pray for so long, so as to lay out -my poor old body, clean and decent, like God's dear white people, when -I die." - -These she requested a friend to keep for her, fearing to carry them -home, lest they should be taken from her. She was, however, persuaded -to wear one of them to Meeting, upon condition that if she injured -that, another should be provided; the other was preserved by her -friend, and made use of at her death. - -Thus was this humble band of female friends honored, by anointing, as -it were, the body, beforehand, to the burial. And I doubt not that her -prayer was heard, and will be answered in their abundant reward. The -last visit I had from her was in the summer of 1818. She had attended a -funeral, and on returning, she called at my cottage. She complained of -great weariness, and pain in her limbs, and showed me her feet, which -were much swollen. - -I inquired the cause. "Oh," said she, with a serene smile, "death comes -creeping on; I think in graveyard to-day, Sarah must lie here soon." -"Well, are you willing to die? do you feel ready?" "Oh, I hope, misse, -if my bad heart tell true, I willin' and ready to do just as Jesus bid -me. If He say, 'You must die,' I glad to go be with Him; if He say, -'Live, and suffer great deal more,' then I willin' do that; I think -Jesus know best. - -"Sometime I get such look of heaven, I long to go see Jesus; see happy -angel; see holy saint; throw away my bad heart; lay down my old body; -and go where I no sin. Then I tell Jesus; He say, 'Sarah, I prepare a -place for you, then I come to take you to myself.' Then I be quite like -child, don't want to go till He call me." - -Much more she said upon this interesting subject, which indicated a -soul ripe for heavenly glories. When we parted, I thought it very -doubtful whether we should ever meet again below. In the course of -three weeks I heard Sarah was dead. - - - - -THE GENEROUS NEGRO. - - -Joseph Rachel resided in the island of Barbadoes. He was a trader, -and dealt chiefly in the retail way. In his business, he conducted -himself so fairly and complaisantly, that in a town filled with little -peddling shops, his doors were thronged with customers. Almost all -dealt with him, and ever found him remarkably honest and obliging. - -If any one knew not where to obtain an article, Joseph would endeavor -to procure it, without making any advantage for himself. In short, -his character was so fair, and his manners so generous, that the best -people showed him a regard which they often deny to men of their own -color, because they are not blessed with the like goodness of heart. - -In 1756, a fire happened, which burned down a great part of the town, -and ruined many of the inhabitants. Joseph lived in a quarter that -escaped the destruction, and expressed his thankfulness by softening -the distresses of his neighbors. Among those who had lost their -property by this heavy misfortune, was a man to whose family Joseph, in -the early part of his life, owed some obligations. - -This man, by too great hospitality, an excess very common in the West -Indies, had involved himself in difficulties, before the fire happened; -and his estate lying in houses, that event entirely ruined him. Amid -the cries of misery and want, which excited Joseph's compassion, this -man's unfortunate situation claimed particular notice. The generous and -open temper of the sufferer, the obligations that Joseph owed to his -family, were special and powerful motives for acting toward him the -part of a friend. - -Joseph had his bond for sixty pounds sterling. "Unfortunate man," said -he, "this debt shall never come against you. I sincerely wish you could -settle all your other affairs as easily. But how am I sure that I shall -keep in this mind? May not the love of gain, especially when, by length -of time, your misfortune shall become familiar to me, return with too -strong a current, and bear down my fellow-feeling before it? But for -this I have a remedy. Never shall you apply for the assistance of any -friend against my avarice." - -He arose, and ordered a large account that the man had with him, to -be drawn out; and in a whim that might have called up a smile on the -face of Charity, he filled his pipe, sat down again, twisted the bond -and lighted his pipe with it. While the account was drawing out, he -continued smoking, in a state of mind that a monarch might envy. When -it was finished, he went in search of his friend, with the discharged -account and the mutilated bond in his hand. - -On meeting him, he presented the papers to him with this address: "Sir, -I am sensibly affected with your misfortunes: the obligations I have -received from your family give me a relation to every branch of it. I -know that your inability to pay what you owe gives you more uneasiness -than the loss of your own substance. - -"That you may not be anxious on my account in particular, accept of -this discharge, and the remains of your bond. I am overpaid in the -satisfaction that I feel from having done my duty. I beg you to -consider this only as a token of the happiness you will confer upon me, -whenever you put it in my power to do you a good office." - -The philanthropists of England take pleasure in speaking of him: -"Having become rich by commerce, he consecrated all his fortune to acts -of benevolence. The unfortunate, without distinction of color, had a -claim on his affections. He gave to the indigent; lent to those who -could not make a return; visited prisoners, gave them good advice, and -endeavored to bring back the guilty to _virtue_. He died at Bridgetown, -on that island, in 1758, lamented by all, for he was a friend to all." - - - - -CAPTAIN PAUL CUFFEE. - - -Paul Cuffee, the subject of this narrative, was the youngest son -of John Cuffee, a poor African slave; but who, by good conduct, -faithfulness, and a persevering industry, in time obtained his -freedom. He afterward purchased a farm, and having married an Indian -woman, brought up a family of ten children respectably, on one of the -Elizabeth Islands, near New Bedford, Massachusetts. - -In the year 1773, when Paul was about fourteen years of age, his father -died, leaving a widow with six daughters to the care of him and his -brothers. Although he had no learning except what he had received from -the hand of friendship, yet by that means he advanced to a considerable -degree of knowledge in arithmetic and navigation. - -Of the latter, he acquired enough to enable him to command his own -vessel in its voyages to many ports in the Southern States, the West -Indies, England, Russia, and to Africa. The beginning of his business -in this line was in an open boat; but by prudence and perseverance, he -was at length enabled to obtain a good-sized schooner, then a brig, and -afterward a ship. In the year 1806, he owned a ship, two brigs, and -several smaller vessels, besides considerable property in houses and -lands. - -Feeling in early life a desire of benefiting his fellow-men, he made -use of such opportunities as were in his power for that purpose. -Hence, during the severity of winter, when he could not pursue his -usual business in his little boat, he employed his time in teaching -navigation to his own family and to the young men of the neighborhood. -Even on his voyages, when opportunity offered, he instructed those -under his care in that useful art. - -He was so conscientious that he would not enter into any business, -however profitable, that might have a tendency to injure his -fellow-men; and seeing the dreadful effects of drunkenness, he would -not deal in ardent spirits on that account. - -In the place where he lived, there was no school; and as he was anxious -that his children should obtain an education, he built a house on his -own land, at his own expense, and gave his neighbors the free use of -it; being satisfied in seeing it occupied for so useful and excellent a -purpose. - -In many parts of his history, we may discover that excellent trait of -character which rendered him so eminently useful--a steady perseverance -in laudable undertakings. It is only by an honest, industrious use of -the means in our power that we can hope to become respectable. - -His mind had long been affected with the degraded and miserable -condition of his African brethren, and his heart yearning toward them, -his thoughts were turned to the British settlement at Sierra Leone. In -1811, finding his property sufficient to warrant the undertaking, and -believing it to be his duty to use a part of what God had given him for -the benefit of his unhappy race, he embarked in his own brig, manned -entirely by persons of color, and sailed to Africa, the land of his -forefathers. - -After he arrived at Sierra Leone, he had many conversations with the -governor and principal inhabitants, and proposed to them a number of -improvements. Thence he sailed to England, where he met great attention -and respect; and being favored with an opportunity of opening his views -to the Board of Managers of the African Institution, they cordially -united with him in all his plans. This mission to Africa was undertaken -at his own expense, and with the purest motives of benevolence. - -He was very desirous of soon making another voyage, but was prevented -by the war which took place between England and the United States. -In 1815, however, he made preparations, and took on board his brig -thirty-eight persons of color; and after a voyage of thirty-five days, -he arrived safe at his destined port. These persons were to instruct -the inhabitants of Sierra Leone in farming and the mechanic arts. His -stay at this time was about two months, and when he took his leave, -particularly of those whom he had brought over, it was like a father -leaving his children, and with pious admonition commending them to the -protection of God. - -He was making arrangements for a third voyage, when he was seized with -the complaint which terminated his labors and his life. He was taken -ill in the winter, and died in the autumn following, 1817, in the -fifty-ninth year of his age. For the benefit of his African brethren, -he devoted a portion of his youthful acquisitions, of his latter time, -and even the thoughts of his dying pillow. - -As a private man, he was just and upright in all his dealings. He was -an affectionate husband, a kind father, a good neighbor, and a faithful -friend. He was pious without ostentation, and warmly attached to the -principles of the Society of Friends, of which he was a member; and -he sometimes expressed a few sentences in their Meetings, which gave -general satisfaction. Regardless of the honors and pleasures of the -world, he followed the example of his Divine Master, in going from -place to place doing good, looking not for a reward from man, but from -his Heavenly Father. - -Thus walking in the ways of piety and usefulness, and in the enjoyment -of an approving conscience, when death appeared, it found him in peace, -and ready to depart. Such a calmness and serenity overspread his soul, -and showed itself in his countenance, that the heart of even the -reprobate might feel the wish, "Let me die the death of the righteous, -and let my last end be like his." - -A short time before he expired, feeling sensible that his end was near, -he called his family together. It was an affecting and solemn scene. -His wife and children, with several other relations, being assembled -around him, he reached forth his feeble hand, and after embracing them -all, and giving them some pious advice, he commended them to the mercy -of God, and bid them a final farewell. - -After this, his mind seemed almost entirely occupied with the eternal -world. To one of his neighbors who came to visit him, he said, "Not -many days hence, and ye shall see the glory of God. I know that my -works are gone to judgment before me; but it is all well, it is all -well." - -He lived the life, and died the death of a Christian. He is gone whence -he never shall return, and where he shall no more contend with raging -billows and with howling storms. His voyages are all over, he has made -his last haven, and it is that of eternal repose. Thither, could we -follow him, we should learn the importance of fulfilling our duty to -our Creator, to ourselves, and to our fellow-creatures. - -Such was his reputation for wisdom and integrity, that his neighbors -consulted him in all their important concerns; and what an honor to -the son of a poor African slave! And the most respectable men in Great -Britain and America were not ashamed to seek him for counsel and advice. - -Thus we see how his persevering industry and economy, with the blessing -of Providence, procured him wealth; his wisdom, sobriety, integrity, -and good conduct made him many friends; his zealous labors for the -honor of his Maker, and for the benefit of his fellow-men, gave him -a peaceful conscience; and an unshaken belief in the mercies and -condescending love of his Heavenly Father, afforded, in his dying -moments, that calmness, serenity, and peaceful joy, which are a -foretaste of immortal bliss. - -The following is an extract from his address to his brethren at Sierra -Leone:--"Beloved friends and fellow-countrymen, I earnestly recommend -to you the propriety of assembling yourselves together to worship the -Lord your God. God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him acceptably, -must worship in spirit and in truth. - -"Come, my African brethren, let us walk in the light of the Lord; in -that pure light which bringeth salvation into the world. I recommend -sobriety and steadfastness, that so professors may be good examples in -all things. I recommend that early care be taken to instruct the youth -while their minds are tender, that so they may be preserved from the -corruptions of the world, from profanity, intemperance, and bad company. - -"May servants be encouraged to discharge their duty with faithfulness; -may they be brought up to industry; and may their minds be cultivated -for the reception of the good seed which is promised to all who seek -it. I want that we should be faithful in all things, that so we may -become a people giving satisfaction to those who have borne the burden -and heat of the day in liberating us from a state of slavery. - -"I leave you in the hands of Him who is able to preserve you through -time, and crown you with that blessing which is prepared for all who -are faithful to the end." This appears to be the simple expression of -his feelings, and the language of his heart. - -When you have read this account of your brother Paul Cuffee, pause -and reflect. Do not think because you cannot be as extensively useful -as he was, that you cannot do any good. There are very few people, if -any, in the world who cannot be useful in some way or other. If you -have health, you may, by your industry, sobriety, and economy, make -yourselves and your families comfortable. - -By your honesty and good conduct, you may set them and your neighbors -a good example. If you have aged parents, you may soothe and comfort -their declining years. If you have children, you may instruct them -in piety and virtue, and in such business as will procure them a -comfortable subsistance, and prepare them for usefulness in the world. - - - - -SOLOMON BAYLEY. - - -In the narrative of his own life, Solomon Bayley says: "The Lord tried -to teach me His fear when I was a little boy; but I delighted in vanity -and foolishness, and went astray; but He found out a way to overcome -me, and to cause me to desire His favor and His great help; and -although I thought no one could be more unworthy of His favor, yet He -did look on me, and pity me in my great distress. - -"I was born a slave in the State of Delaware, and was one of those that -were carried out of Delaware into the State of Virginia; the laws of -Delaware did say, that slaves carried out of that State should be free; -and I asserted my right to freedom, for which I was put on board of a -vessel and sent to Richmond, where I was put in jail, and in irons, and -thence sent in a wagon back into the country. - -"On the third day after we left Richmond, in the bitterness of my -heart, I was induced to say, 'I am past all hope;' but it pleased the -Father of mercy to look upon me, and He sent a strengthening thought -into my heart--that He that made the heavens and the earth was able -to deliver me. I looked up to the sky, and then on the trees and the -ground, and I believed, in a moment, that if He could make all these, -He was able to deliver me. - -"Then did that Scripture come into my mind, 'They that trust in the -Lord shall never be confounded.' I believed it, and got out of the -wagon unperceived, and went into the bushes. There were three wagons -in company: when they missed me, they looked round some time for me, -but not finding me, they went on; and that night I travelled through -thunder, lightning, and rain, a considerable distance." - -His trials and difficulties in getting along were many and various; -but at Petersburg he met a man from his neighborhood, circumstanced -like himself: they got a small boat, went down James River, and landed -on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, and travelled to Hunting -Creek, where their wives were. "But," says he, "we found little or no -satisfaction, for we were hunted like partridges on the mountains." - -His poor companion, being threatened again with slavery, in attempting -to escape, was pursued and killed; on which Solomon makes the following -remarks: "Now, reader, you have heard of the end of my fellow-sufferer, -but I remain as yet a monument of mercy, thrown up and down on life's -tempestuous sea; sometimes feeling an earnest desire to go away and be -at rest; but I travail on, in hopes of overcoming at my last combat. - -"It being thought best for me to leave Virginia, I went to Dover, -in Delaware, the distance of about one hundred and twenty miles." By -travelling in the night, and laying by in the day-time, he at length -reached that place, but not without great difficulty, from being hunted -and pursued. - -In concluding this part of his narrative, he says, "Oh, what pains God -takes to help His otherwise helpless creatures! Oh, that His kindness -and care were more considered and laid to heart! and then there would -not be that cause to complain that 'the ox knoweth his owner, and the -ass his master's crib, but Israel doth not know, my people doth not -consider;' but they would see that they are of more value than many -sparrows; and that they are not their own, but bought with a price. -Now, unto the King immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be glory and -honor, dominion and power, now and forever. Amen." - -In the second part of his narrative, he proceeds by remarking, "Seventh -month, 24th, 1799, I got to Camden, where my master soon came from -Virginia and found me, though he had not seen me since he put me on -board the back-country wagon, nearly three or four hundred miles from -Camden. Upon first sight, he asked me what I was going to do. I said, -'Now, master, I have suffered a great deal, and seen a great deal of -trouble; I think you might let me go for little or nothing.' He said, -'I won't do that; but if you will give me forty pounds bond and good -security, you may be free.'" - -After much conversation between them on the subject of his right to -freedom, he continues: "Finally, he sold my time for eighty dollars, -and I went to work, and worked it out in a shorter time than he gave -me, and then I was a free man. And when I came to think that the _yoke -was off my neck_, and _how_ it was _taken_ off, I was made to wonder -and admire, and to adore the order of kind Providence, which assisted -me in all my way." - -Here he very feelingly recites the trials and exercises of mind that -attended him for not adhering to that wisdom and goodness of his -Creator, which had been so marvellously manifested for his deliverance, -and then proceeds to relate the circumstances respecting his wife -and children. "My wife was born a slave, and remained one until she -was thirty-two years of age; when her master, falling out with her, -proposed sending her, with my eldest daughter, about three months old, -into the back country. - -"To go with her, I knew not where, or to buy her at his price, brought -me to a stand; but, by the pleading of his wife and little daughter, he -agreed to let me have her for one hundred and thirty-three dollars and -a third, which is thirty-one pounds Virginia money. I paid what money I -had saved since paying for my own freedom, and the rest as I earned it, -and she was manumitted. But I had one child in bondage, my only son, -and having worked through the purchase of myself and wife, I thought I -would give up my son to the ordering of Divine Providence. - -"So we worked and rented land, and got along twelve or thirteen years, -when my son's master died, and his property had to be sold, and my son -among the rest, at public sale. The backwoods-men having come over and -given such large prices for slaves, it occasioned a great concern to -come over my mind, and I told it to many of my friends, and they all -encouraged me to buy him, but I told them I could have no heart to do -it, because at his master's death he was appraised at four hundred -dollars; however, I went to the sale. When the crier said, 'A likely -young negro-fellow for sale,' and then asked for a bid, I said, 'Two -hundred dollars.' - -"As soon as I made this bid, a man that I feared would sell him to the -backwoods-men, bid three hundred and thirty-three dollars, which beat -down all my courage, but a thought struck me--Don't give out so--and -I bid one shilling, but they continued to bid until they got him up -to three hundred and sixty dollars, and I thought I could do no more; -but those men who had engaged to be my securities, encouraged me, and -some young men who were present, and had their hearts touched with a -feeling for my distress, said, 'Solomon, if you will make one more bid, -we will give you five dollars apiece;' so I turned round and said, -'One shilling;' so he was knocked off to me at three hundred and sixty -dollars and a shilling: this was in the year 1813. - -"Then I believed that God would work, and none could hinder Him, and -that a way would be made for me, though I knew not how; and I confess -the eyes of my mind appeared to be dazzled as I was let into a sight of -the great goodness of the Highest in undertaking for me; but I felt a -fear lest my behavior should not be suitable to the kindness and favor -shown toward me. - -"Oh, that all men would study the end of their creation, and act -accordingly! Then they would walk in the light of His countenance -indeed, and 'in His name rejoice all the day, and in His righteousness -for ever be exalted.' - - - 'Then should their sun in smiles decline, - And bring a peaceful night;' - - -which may all who read these lines, desire, and seek, and obtain, -through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." - -In the account of his mother, he says, "She was born of a woman brought -from Guinea about the year 1690, then about eleven years old. She was -brought into one of the most barbarous families; and though treated -hard, she had many children, and lived to a great age. My mother had -thirteen sons and daughters, and served the same cruel family until -they died. - -"Then great distress and dispersion took place. Our young mistress -married, and brought our family out of the State of Virginia into the -State of Delaware; but by their removing back to Virginia, we were -entitled to our freedom, and attempting to recover it by law, we were -sold and scattered wide. My father and two of his children were taken -unaware, and sent to the West Indies. My mother was in the house at -the time, but made her escape, leaving a child about eleven months -old, which some kind friend carrying to her, she took, and travelling -through Delaware, went into New Jersey. - -"We were separated about eighteen years, except that I once visited -her, and carried her seventeen or eighteen dollars, which, in my -circumstances, was a sacrifice, but I was favored to find that -satisfaction which I esteemed more than time or money. Being thoughtful -about my mother, I sent for her to come to the State of Delaware, and -when we were brought together, it was very comfortable, and we could -sit and tell of the dangers and difficulties we had been brought -through. She lived to a great age, and departed without much complaint, -like one falling asleep. - - -"_An account of my eldest daughter Margaret, who died in the -twenty-fourth year of her age._ - -"She was a pleasant child in her manners and behavior, yet fond of gay -dress and new fashions; yet her mind was much inclined to her book, and -to read good lessons; and it pleased the Father of mercy to open her -understanding to see excellent things out of His law, and to convince -her that it was His will she should be holy here, and happy hereafter; -but custom, habit, and shame, seemed to chain her down, so that she -appeared like one halting between two opinions. - -"But about a month before she was taken for death, she went to a -Meeting, under a concern about her future state; and the Meeting -appeared to be favored with the outpouring of the Spirit of love and of -power. Margaret came home under great concern of mind, and manifested -a wonderful change in her manners and behavior; I believe the whole -family were affected at the sight of the alteration, which indeed -appeared like that of the prodigal son coming home to his father. For -my own part, I felt fear and great joy--such was her delight to read -the Bible and ask the meaning of certain texts of Scripture, which -evidenced a concern to make sure work for eternity. - -"In this frame of mind she was taken for death. She appeared very -desirous to live, for the first four weeks; but was very patient, and -of a sweet temper and disposition all the time. I recollect but one -instance when she was known to give way to peevish fretfulness; then -I, feeling the evil spirit striving to get the advantage of her, very -tenderly and earnestly admonished her not to regard trifles, but to -look to that Power which was able to save her; and from that time she -became passive and resigned. - -"The following two weeks her pain was great, and baffled all the force -of medicine. A few days before her departure, she was urged with much -brokenness of heart to make confession, when she was let into a view -of the vanity of the world, with all its glittering snares, and said -she could not rest till her hair was cut off; for, she said, 'I was -persuaded to plait my hair against my father's advice, and I used to -tie up my head when father would come to see me, and hide ruffles and -gay dress from him, and now I cannot rest till my hair is cut off.' I -said, 'No, my daughter, let it be till thee gets well.' She answered, -'Oh, no, cut it now.' So I, to pacify her, took and cropped it. - -"After this, she appeared filled with raptures of joy, and talked of -going, as if death had lost its sting. This was about three days before -her departure; and she seemed to have her senses as long as she could -speak. A little before her speech left her, she called us all, one by -one, held out her hand, bade us farewell, and looked as if she felt -that assurance and peace that destroy the fear of death; and while she -held out her hands, she earnestly charged us to meet her in heaven. - -"I desire now to give the pious a brief account of the life and death -of my youngest daughter, Leah Bayley, who departed this life the 27th -of 7th month, 1821, aged twenty-one years and six months. She, from a -child, was more weakly and sickly than her sister Margaret, and the -thought of leaving her here in this ill-natured world, caused me many -serious moments; but the great Parent of all good, in the greatness of -His care, took her away, and relieved me of the care of her forever. - -"Weakness of body and mind appeared in her as she grew up, and an -inclination to vanity and idleness; but being bound out under an -industrious mistress, to learn to work and to have schooling, her -mind soon became much inclined to her book and then to business. Her -school-mistress gave her a little book concerning some pious young -people that lived happily, and died happily, and were gone to heaven; -namely,-- - - - "Young Samuel, that little child - Who served the Lord, lived undefiled. - Like young Abijah I must be, - That good things may be found in me. - Young Timothy, that blessed youth - Who sought the Lord and loved the truth. - I must not sin as others do, - Lest I lie down in sorrow too. - - -"These blessed examples won her heart so as to bury every other -enjoyment; she seemed to possess as great a deadness to the world as -any young woman I ever observed. She seemed not ashamed to read in -any company, white or colored; and she read to the sick with intense -desire, which appeared from her weeping and solid manner of behavior. -She seemed to desire to walk in the fear of the Lord all the day long; -and every body that observed her remarked her serious, steady behavior. - -"She seemed as if she was trying to imitate those good children whom -she read about; and so continued until she was taken sick; and though -her sickness was long and sharp, yet she bore it like a lamb. A few -days before her decease, I was noticing how hard she drew her breath; -she looked very wistful at me, and said, 'Oh, father! how much I do -suffer!' I answered, 'Yes, my dear, I believe thee does.' - -"Then, after a long pause, she said, 'But I think I never shall say I -suffer too much.' This, I apprehended, was extorted from a view of the -sufferings of Christ and her own imperfections. The day she died, she -called us all, one by one, and, like her sister Margaret, held out her -hand, and with much composure of mind bade us farewell, as if she was -only going a short walk, and to return." - -The last accounts from Solomon Bayley say, that he was very diligent -and faithful in his calling--laboring not only for the souls of his -brethren, but for their bodies also--by setting them the best example -he was capable of, in cultivating his land to the best advantage, and -by improving his plans, to show the natives, as well as the emigrants, -the usefulness and comforts of civilized life. - - - - -CLARINDA, - -A PIOUS COLORED WOMAN OF SOUTH CAROLINA, WHO DIED AT THE AGE OF A -HUNDRED AND TWO YEARS. - - -The subject of this memoir was brought up in a state of ignorance -unworthy of a Christian country; and following the propensities of a -corrupt heart, she was, by her own confession, "sold under sin," and -involved in almost every species of iniquity. And for the furtherance -of her wicked designs, she learned to play on the violin, and usually, -on the first day of the week, sallied forth with her instrument, in -order to draw persons of both sexes together, who, not having the -fear of God before their eyes, delighted, like herself, in sinful and -pernicious amusements, which keep the soul from God and the heart from -repentance. - -But even on these occasions she found it difficult to struggle against -the Spirit of the Most High. Often was it sounded in her conscience, -"Clarinda, God ought not to be slighted--God ought not to be -forgotten;" but these monitions were treated with derision, and in the -hardness of her heart she would exclaim: "Go, you fool, I do not know -God--go, I do not wish to know Him." - -On one occasion, while on her way to a dance, these blasphemous -thoughts, in answer to the monitions of conscience, were passing -through her mind, and in this frame she reached the place of -appointment, and mingled in the gay throng. While participating in the -dance, she was seized with fits, and convulsively fell to the ground. -From that moment, she lost her love of dancing, and no more engaged in -this vain amusement. - -She did not, however, forsake the evil of her ways, but continued her -course of wickedness. Thus she went on for about twenty years, when she -lost her only child, and was confined for several months by severe -illness. During this period of bodily suffering, her mind was brought -under awful convictions for sin: she perceived that the great Jehovah -is a sin-hating and sin-avenging God, and that He will by no means -clear the guilty. - -She remained in a distressed state of mind for about three months, and -when a little bodily strength was restored, she sought solitary places, -where she poured out her soul unto the Lord, and in His own good time -He spoke peace to her wounded spirit. One day being thus engaged in -earnest prayer, and looking unto the Lord for deliverance, the evening -approached unregarded, her soul was deeply humbled, and the night -passed in prayer, while rivers of tears (to use her own expressive -language) ran down her cheeks, and she ceased not to implore mercy from -Him who is able to bind up the broken-hearted. - -While thus engaged, and all this time ignorant of her Saviour, -something whispered to her mind, "Ask in the name of Christ." She -queried, "Who is Christ?" and in reply, these passages of Scripture -seemed repeated to her: "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in -God, believe also in Me." "In My Father's house are many mansions: I go -to prepare a place for you, that where I am there ye may be also." "I -am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but -by Me." - -Being desirous to know whence these impressions proceeded, she was -led to believe that they were received through the influence of the -Holy Spirit. This remarkable passage was also presented to her mind: -"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through -our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." - -She now felt the love of God shed abroad in her heart; the overwhelming -burden of sin was removed, and she received ability to sing praises to -the Lord on the banks of deliverance. - -Having been thus permitted to see the desire of her soul, she was -anxious to learn more of the divine will, and inquired, like the -apostle, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" and like him she was -commanded to be a witness of what she had seen and heard. Believing she -had a commission given her to preach the Gospel, she began to warn the -sinful and licentious, that they must crucify the man of sin, or for -ever forego the hope of salvation. - -This raised her a host of enemies, both white and colored; and she -underwent, many years, cruelty and persecution which could hardly -obtain credence. She bore about on her body the visible marks of her -faithful allegiance to the Lord Jesus; yet, while alluding to this, -tears filled her eyes, and she said with emotion, "I am thankful that I -have been found worthy to suffer for my blessed Saviour." - -Although living in great poverty, and subsisting at times on casual -charity, with health impaired by the sufferings through which she had -passed, yet neither promises of protection, accompanied with the offer -of the good things of this life, on the one hand, nor the dreadful -persecution she endured on the other, could make her relinquish the -office of a minister of the Gospel. - -This office she continued to exercise, holding meetings regularly -on the first day of the week, at her own little habitation, where a -greater number at times assembled than could be accommodated in the -house. It may be interesting to add some particulars relative to the -trial of her faith and the persecution she suffered. - -One individual in whose neighborhood she lived, who was much annoyed by -hearing her sing and pray, offered, if she would desist, to provide her -with a home and the comforts of life; but she replied, she had received -a commission to preach the Gospel, and she would preach it as long as -she had breath. Several ill-intentioned persons one night surrounded -her house, and commanded her to come out to them. This she refused to -do. After threatening her for some time, they forced open the door, and -having seized their victim, they beat her cruelly, so that her head was -deeply indented with the blows she received. - -At another time she was so much injured that she was left nearly -lifeless on the open road, whither she had fled to escape from them; -but her unsuccessful efforts increased the rage of her pursuers, and -after treating her with the utmost barbarity, they left her. She was -found after some time, but so exhausted by the loss of blood that she -was unable to walk, and from the effects of that cruelty she did not -recover for years. But it may be said of her, that she joyfully bore -persecution for Christ's sake. - -A man who lived in the same village, being much incensed at the -undaunted manner in which she stood forth as a minister of the meek -and crucified Saviour, swore that he would beat her severely if ever -he found an opportunity. One evening, as she was walking home on a -solitary road, she saw this person riding towards her. She knew his -intentions, and from his character she did not doubt that he would -execute them. - -She trembled from head to foot, escape seemed impracticable, and prayer -was her only refuge. As he advanced, she observed that his handkerchief -fell and was wafted by the wind to a little distance. She picked it up, -he stopped his horse, and she handed it to him in a submissive manner; -he looked at her fiercely for a moment, when his countenance softened; -he took it, saying, "Well, Clarinda," and passed on. - -She was not able to read a word till her sixty-sixth year, but she was -in the practice of getting persons to read the Holy Scriptures to her, -much of which she retained in her memory with remarkable accuracy. By -dint of application, she was at length able to read them herself; and -those who visited her in advanced life, found her knowledge of the -Scriptures, as well as her growth in grace, very surprising. - -When she was one hundred years old, and very feeble, she would, if able -to get out of bed, on the Sabbath morning, discharge what she thought -to be her duty, by conversing with and exhorting both the white and -colored people who came to her house, often standing for half an hour -at a time. Her zeal was indeed great, and her faith steadfast. - -She said she often wished she could write, that she might in this way -also express her anxiety for the good of souls. Then she would have -described more of the exercises of her mind upon the depravity of man -by nature and by practice, with the unbounded and redeeming love and -mercy of God through Jesus Christ. - -The person who gives the account of Clarinda's death, says, "I was -prevented from seeing her often in her last moments; when I did see -her she was always the same--her one theme the love of God to poor -sinners, which was always her style of speaking. One day, as I sat by -her bedside, she said to me, 'Do you think I am a Christian?' 'Yes,' -I answered, 'I do believe you are a Christian.' 'I have tried to be,' -she replied, 'but now that I suffer in my body, when I think what an -unprofitable servant I have been, I am distressed.' She then wept. -'You know,' I said, 'it is not how _much_ we can do, but what we do -_sincerely_ for the love of Christ, that is acceptable.' She seemed -comforted, and talked as usual. - -"She showed me much affection when I left her, saying, 'I shall not -live long, my dear ----,' and, adding a few other words, blessed me, -and bid me pray for her. She had frequently expressed her fears of the -bodily sufferings of death, but not accompanied with a dread of eternal -death. I asked her, when she was ill, if she _now_ feared to die. She -said 'No; this fear was taken away some time previous to my illness.'" - -She requested that her people, as she called them, might continue to -meet at her house, but this was not allowed. I am told they sometimes -meet elsewhere, and are called "Clarinda's People." When dying, she -told those near her to follow her _only_ as she had followed Christ. -Her death occurred in 1832. "Those that be planted in the house of the -Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth -fruit in old age." - -While perusing this remarkable account of "a brand plucked from the -burning," let those who from their earliest years have enjoyed the -inestimable privilege of access to the sacred volume, and various other -religious means, seriously consider the blessed Saviour's words: "Unto -whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." - - - - -NAIMBANNA. - - -When the Sierra Leone Company was first settled, they endeavored to -bring over to their friendship all the petty African princes in their -neighborhood. Among others, they applied to a chief of the name of -Naimbanna, who was remarkable for a good disposition and an acute -understanding. He easily saw that the intention of the company was -friendly to Africa, and entered into amity with them. - -They spoke to him about the slave trade, and gave him reasons for -wishing to have it abolished. He was convinced of its wickedness, and -declared that not one of his subjects should ever go into slavery -again. By degrees, they began to talk to him about religion, but he -was rather wary on that head. It seems he had formed some prejudices -against Christianity. - -Finding, however, that the Company's factory contained a very good -sort of people, and that they lived happily among themselves, he began -to think more favorably of their religion; but he was still backward -either in receiving it himself, or in making it the religion of his -country. He was well convinced of the barbarous state of his own -people, on a comparison with Europeans, and he wished for nothing more -than a reformation among them, especially in religion. - -But as he found there were several kinds (or forms) of religion in -the world, he wished to know which was the best before he introduced -either of them. To ascertain this point as well as he could, he took -the following method: He sent one of his sons into Turkey, among the -Mohammedans; a second into Portugal, among the Papists; and the third -he recommended to the Sierra Leone Company, desiring they would send -him to England, to be there instructed in the religion of that country. - - -It appears he meant to be directed by the reports of his sons in the -choice of a national religion. Of the two former of these young men, -we have no particulars, only that one of them became very vicious. The -last mentioned, though I believe the eldest, bore his father's name, -Naimbanna. The Sierra Leone Company received the charge of him with -great pleasure, believing that nothing could have a better effect in -promoting their benevolent schemes, than making him a good Christian. - -Young Naimbanna was a perfect African in form, and had the features -with which the African face is commonly marked. While he was with the -Company, he seemed a well-disposed tractable youth; but when opposed, -he was impatient, fierce, and subject to violent passion. In the first -ship that sailed he was sent to England, where he arrived in the year -1791. - -We may imagine with what astonishment he surveyed every object that -came before him: but his curiosity, in prudent hands, became, from the -first the medium of useful instruction. During his voyage he acquired -some knowledge of the English language; and although he could not -speak it with any degree of fluency, he could understand much of what -he heard spoken, which greatly facilitated his learning it, when he -applied to it in a more regular way. - -The difficulty of learning to speak and read being in a great degree -subdued, he was put upon the grand point for which he was sent to -England--that of being instructed in the Christian religion. The -gentlemen to whose care he had been recommended, alternately took -him under their protection; and each gave up his whole time to him, -faithfully discharging the trust which he had voluntarily, and without -any emolument, undertaken. - -Naimbanna was first made acquainted with the value of the Bible; the -most material parts of the Old Testament, as well as the New, were -explained to him. The great necessity of a Saviour, for the sinfulness -of man, was pointed out; the end and design of Christianity, its -doctrines, its precepts, and its sanctions, were all made intelligible -to him. With a clearness of understanding which astonished those who -took the care of instructing him, he made those divine truths familiar -to his mind. He received the Gospel with joy, and carried it home to -his heart as the means of happiness both in this world and the next. - -His love for reading the Scriptures, and hearing them read, was such -that he never was tired of the exercise. Every other part of learning -that he was put upon, as arithmetic, for instance, was heavy work with -him, and he soon began to complain of fatigue; but even when he was -most fatigued, if he was asked to read in the Bible, he was always -ready, and generally expressed his readiness by some emotions of joy. - -In short, he considered the Bible as the rule which was to direct his -life; and he made a real use of every piece of instruction which he -obtained from it. This was evident in all his actions. If his behavior -was at any time wrong, and a passage of Scripture was shown to him, -which forbade such behavior, whatever it was, he instantly complied -with the rule he received. Of this there were many instances. - -One related to dress. He had a little vanity about him, was fond -of finery, admired it in other people, and was always ready to -adorn himself. His kind instructors told him these were childish -inclinations; that decency and propriety of dress are pleasing, but -that foppery is disgusting. Above all, they told him that the Christian -is ordered to be "clothed with humility, and to put on the ornament of -a meek and quiet spirit." Such passages, whenever they were suggested -to him, checked all the little vanities of his heart, and made him -ashamed of what he had just before so eagerly desired. - -The irritable passions, where lay his weakest side, were conquered in -the same way. His friends once carried him to the House of Commons, to -hear a debate on the slave trade, which Colonel Tarlton defended with -some warmth. When Naimbanna came out of the house, he exclaimed, with -great vehemence and indignation, that he would kill that man wherever -he met him; for he told stories of his country. He told people that his -countrymen would not work, and that was a great story. His countrymen -would work; but Englishmen would not buy work; they would buy only men. - -His friends told him that he should not be angry with Colonel Tarlton, -for perhaps he had been misinformed, and knew no better. Besides, -they told him that, at any rate, he had no right to kill him: for the -Almighty says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." This -calmed him in a moment; and he never afterward expressed the least -indignation toward Colonel Tarlton; but he would have been ready to -show him any friendly office if it had fallen in his way. - -At another time, when he saw a drayman using his horse ill, he became -enraged, and declared he would get a gun and shoot that fellow -directly. But his anger was presently assuaged by this or some similar -passage of Scripture: "Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go -down upon your wrath." He showed so much tenderness of conscience that -he seemed anxious about nothing but to know what his religion required -him to do. - -When he could determine the rectitude of an action, he set an example -even to Christians, by showing that he thought there was no difficulty -in the performance. He said his father had ordered him, when he arrived -in England, never to drink more at one time than a single glass of -wine; and he considered his father's injunction as sacred. On this -head, therefore, all the instruction which he wanted was to turn his -temperance into a Christian virtue, by practising it with a sincere -desire to please God. - -In the gay scenes which often presented themselves to his view, he -never mixed. His friends were very solicitous to keep him from all -dissipation, which might have corrupted the beautiful simplicity of -mind that was so characteristic in him. He was fond of riding on -horseback, but when he got upon a horse, it was difficult to govern -his desire for rapid motion. After remaining in England a year and a -half, and being carefully instructed in the Christian religion, he only -waited for an opportunity of returning home, which did not occur for -five or six months afterward. - -In the meantime, two great points were the burden of his thoughts, -and gave him much distress. The first related to his father, whose -death he heard had happened about a year after he left the country. -The principal cause of his solicitude was his uncertainty whether his -father had died a Christian. He knew that he had been well disposed -toward Christianity, but he had never heard whether he had fully -embraced it. - -His other difficulty regarded himself. He had now attained the end -at which he had aimed. He had been instructed in a religion which he -was convinced would promote the happiness of his people if it could -be established among them. But how was that to be done? With regard -to himself, he had had wise and learned men to instruct him. But what -could his abilities do in such a work--especially considering the wild -and savage manners of his countrymen? In every light, the greatness of -the attempt perplexed him. - -With a mind distressed by these difficulties, he took an affectionate -leave of his kind friends in England, and embarked for Africa in one of -the Company's ships, which was named after him, the Naimbanna. Though -he had shown great affection for his own country and relations, yet -the kindness which he had received from his friends in England had -impressed him strongly; and it was not without a great struggle that he -broke away from them at last. - -The distress he felt was increased by the society he mixed in at -sea--being very different from that which he had left behind. The -profligate manners and licentious language of the ship's company -shocked him exceedingly. The purity of his mind could not bear it. He -had hoped, that in a Christian country he should always find himself -among Christians, but he was greatly disappointed. - -The company he was in appeared to him as ignorant and uninformed as his -own countrymen, and much less innocent in their manners. At length, the -oaths and abominable conversation which he continually heard, affected -him so much that he complained to the captain of the ship, and desired -him to put a stop to so indecent language. The captain endeavored -to check it, but with little effect, which gave Naimbanna increased -distress. - -But still the great burden of his mind, was the difficulty which he -foresaw in the attempt to introduce Christianity among his countrymen. -Many were the schemes he thought of; but insuperable obstacles seemed -to arise on every side. All this perplexity, which his active and -generous mind underwent, recoiled upon himself. - -His thoughts were continually on the stretch, and this, it was -supposed, at length occasioned a fever, which seized him when his -voyage was nearly at an end. His malady increasing, it was attended -with delirium, which left him only a few lucid intervals. In these, his -mind always shone out full of religious hope and patient resignation to -the will of God. - -In one of these intervals, he told Mr. Graham, a fellow-passenger with -whom he was most intimate, that he began to think he should be called -away before he had an opportunity to tell his mother of the mercies of -God toward him, and of his obligations to the Sierra Leone Company. He -then desired him to write his will, which he began in the presence of -Captain Wooles and James Cato, a servant that attended Naimbanna. - -When Mr. Graham had written a considerable part, as particularly -directed, manifesting the feelings and generosity of his heart, -Naimbanna complained of fatigue, and said he would finish it after he -had taken a little rest. But his fever came on with increased violence, -and his delirium scarcely ever left him afterward. - -The night after, the vessel, though close to the African coast, durst -not attempt to land, as the wind was contrary, and there was danger of -running on the Scarries bank. Next morning, though, the wind continued -contrary, Mr. Graham went off to the settlement in an open boat to -procure medical aid. But when the physician came on board, Naimbanna -was just alive; and in that state he was carried to the settlement, the -next morning, July 17th, 1793, when the ship came to anchor. - -On the first account of his illness, an express was sent to inform his -friends at Robanna; and soon after he was landed, his mother, brothers, -sisters, and relatives came to the settlement. The distracted looks of -his mother, and the wildness of his sisters' grief, affected everyone. -His cousin Henry, an ingenuous youth, who stood among them, attracted -the attention of all by the solemn sorrow of his countenance, which -seemed to discover a heart full of tenderness and woe. In the meantime, -the dying youth appeared every moment drawing nearer the close of life. - -His voice failing more and more, the little he said was with difficulty -understood. Once or twice, those who stood around him caught hold of -something like our Saviour's words: "Many are called, but few chosen." -About an hour before he died, his voice wholly failed. He was awhile -restless and uneasy, till, turning his head on his pillow, he found an -easier posture, and lay perfectly quiet. - -About seven in the evening of the day on which he was brought on shore, -he expired without a groan. When his mother and other relatives found -his breath was gone, their shrieks and agonizing cries were distressing -beyond measure. Instantly, in a kind of frantic madness, they snatched -up his body, hurried it into a canoe, and went off with it to Robanna. -Some of the gentlemen of the factory immediately followed in boats, -with a coffin. - -When the corpse was laid decently into it, Mr. Horne, the clergyman, -read the funeral service over it, amid a number of people, and finished -with an extempore prayer. The ceremony was conducted with so much -solemnity, and performed in so affecting a manner, that the impression -was communicated throughout the whole crowd. They drew closer and -closer, as Mr. Horne continued to speak; and though they understood not -a syllable of what he said, they listened to him with great attention, -and bore witness, with every mark of sorrow, to the powers of sympathy. - -After the ceremony was over, the gentlemen of the factory retired to -their boats, leaving the corpse, as his friend desired, to be buried -according to the custom of the country. - - - - -ZILPAH MONTJOY. - - -In the year 1821, died, in the city of New York, an aged woman of -color, named Zilpah Montjoy; whose pious circumspect life rendered her -an object of peculiar interest to many of her acquaintances; to some of -these, whose friendly notice she had experienced, she more than once -related the following circumstance:-- - -Being a slave, inured to hard labor, she was brought up in such extreme -ignorance as to have no idea that she was an accountable being--that -there was a future state--not even that death was universal, until the -sixteenth year of her age, when a girl of her own color dying in the -neighborhood, she was permitted to attend the funeral. - -The minister's text was, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days -and full of trouble: he cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he -fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not!" by which and subsequent -remarks, she understood that all were to die; that there was a state of -existence after death, a preparation for which was necessary while here. - -She was much affected, and returned home in great agitation. Revolving -these things in her mind for several days, she at length asked her -mistress whether she had understood right, that all must die. The reply -was, "Go to your work." She continued thus exercised for a considerable -time, earnestly desiring to know what she had to do, but had no one to -give her instruction. - -In this tried state, the Lord was pleased to reveal Himself, and -impress on her untaught mind a belief in an omnipotent and omniscient -Being, and that His law was written on the heart. Thus, gradually -becoming calm and settled, her confidence was made strong in Him, who, -hiding His counsels from the wise and prudent in their own eyes, "hath -revealed them unto babes." And it is believed she was from that time -guarded and careful in her conduct. - -She married, and had two daughters, one of whom was taken at an early -age, and placed at so great a distance from her that she never saw her -after. The other died when about grown, and being also bereaved of her -husband, she was very lonely. But under these trials she appears to -have been sustained, as was David when he could say, "Thy rod and thy -staff they comfort me." - -She was a member of the Methodist Church, and a diligent attender -of their meetings as long as her strength permitted. When she was -(as near as can be ascertained) about sixty-eight years old, the -Clarkson Association for teaching colored women to read and write was -established. - -And when she received the information, she offered herself as a -scholar, but the teachers endeavored to dissuade her, telling her she -was too old to begin, as she did not know a letter, and her sight was -so impaired as to require two pairs of spectacles; she however urged -admittance, stating that her only motive was a desire to be able to -read the Bible, and she believed "the Lord would help her," adding, "We -are never too old to do good." - -And being admitted, she was very diligent in her attendance, and by -great perseverance became able to read a little in the New Testament; -and one with large print being given her, she prized it very highly, -and would frequently open it and read one of the chapters contained in -Christ's sermon on the mount, calling it "the blessed chapter." - -But notwithstanding her great desire to learn, she did not allow her -studies to interfere with her religious engagements; and the time -for meeting with her class being fixed on one of the afternoons that -the school was taught, it was inconvenient to her; but as the school -commenced at three o'clock, and the meeting at four, the hour between -she generally spent at the school, staying as long as it would do, -and then going as quickly as she could, to be punctual to the time. -Sometimes she has been seen running, when she heard the clock strike -and found herself a little too late. - -She was industrious and frugal, but liberated late in life, she barely -procured a subsistence; and for the last two or three years, being -nearly past labor, she was dependent on the benevolence of others: but -at no time, however destitute and tried, did she lose her confidence in -the power of Him "who provideth for the raven his food," often saying -at such seasons, "The Lord has been my helper, and I trust in Him." -And when any favor was conferred on her, she feelingly expressed her -gratitude, yet mostly with reference to the Great Supreme, for giving -her friends so kind. - -At a certain time, a friend, being unusually thoughtful about her, -went to see how she was situated, taking with her a loaf of bread. She -found her unable to go out, and without provision; and querying with -her, "Zilpah, art thou here alone?" she replied, "No, I am never alone; -my Master is with me. When I awake in the night season he talks with -me. He has promised to take care of me, and He has done it; He has now -sent me that loaf of bread." At another time, she said to a person who -visited her, "How good the Lord is; I have always something to eat, for -if I take my last morsel, some one comes and brings me more before I -want again." - -Her understanding failed, so that for several weeks before her death -she knew very little; but her conversation was innocent, sometimes -saying, "If it is the Lord's will to take me, I am willing to go, but I -must wait His time." And He was pleased to release her, after a short -confinement, without any apparent disease but the decline of nature, -about the seventy-ninth year of her age. - - - - -BELINDA LUCAS. - - -A woman of color, living in Chrystie street, New York, is now, 1825, -about one hundred years old. She retains her faculties remarkably well, -and she recently gave the following account of herself: "When I was a -small child in Africa, being one day at play in the woods, some people -came along; one of whom catched me, and throwing me over his shoulder, -ran away with me. After he had gone some distance, he put me down and -whipped me to make me run. - -"When we came to the water, they put me into the ship and carried me -to Antigua. Soon after, the captain of a vessel from New York, taking -a liking to me, bought me, and brought me here. I was then so little, -that I slept sometimes at my mistress's feet. I think there was only -one house for worship in the city then; and I remember very well that -up Broadway there were only a few small houses; and where the college -(in Park Place) stands it was woods. - -"I was sold several times, married twice, and had one child that died -young. I was baptized in St. Paul's church, not long after it was -built; and when I was about forty years old, I bought my freedom for -twenty pounds. Not long after I married my last husband, I paid for -his freedom, and we went to Charleston. After living there about seven -years, he died; and knowing I had many friends and acquaintances in New -York, I came back. - -"I brought a hundred dollars with me, which I put into the church -stock. From that I have received seven dollars every year, and with it -I buy my winter firewood. By working early and late, besides my day's -work, I earned money, and got a life lease of this spot of ground, and -built this house; and in this room" (which is on the first floor) "I -have lived many years. - -"The upper part I rent; but sometimes the people have been poor, and -could not pay me; then I lost it; but these people pay me very well. I -have been asked many times to sell it, but I think it is much better -for me to stay quietly here than to be moving about: and besides, I -let Mr. ---- have fifty dollars, and when he failed, I lost it; and the -bad folks have several times taken money out of my chest; and I was -afraid, if I did sell, I should lose that also, and then I should be -very bad off. - -"As I have no relation of my own, when I am gone, and don't want these -things any more, they are to be divided among my husband's folks." A -person present told her she should have a writing drawn, to tell how -they should be divided; saying, "Perhaps they will quarrel about it." -She said, "I have told them if they did, them that quarrelled must not -have anything." - -When asked if she could read, she answered, "Yes; when I was young I -learned to spell a little, but I did not know how to put the words -together, till I went to the Clarkson school. There I learned to read; -and though I can't read all the hard words in the Bible, I can read -Matthew and John very well." A representation of the crucifixion of -Christ hanging over the chimney-piece, she pointed to it, and explained -it very intelligibly, remarking that, "To Mary, who was kneeling near -the cross, it was said, 'Woman, behold thy Son,' and to one of those -standing by, 'Behold thy Mother.'" - -This representation appeared to afford her much interest in -contemplating it, though she looked only to the Lord for consolation, -and several times, while giving this account, testified of His goodness -and mercy to her; saying, "It is the Lord's will that I should be so -comfortably provided for. When I was younger, and worked so steadily, -the people used to say, 'Belinda, what do you work so hard for, and lay -up money? you have no children to take it when you are gone.' - -"I did not know then, but the Lord knew that I was to live a great -while, and He put it into my heart to do so, and now I have plenty, and -trouble nobody for a living. I am unwell this morning, but by and by, -when I feel better, I intend to clean up. I used to live very snug and -comfortable; I can't get anybody now to put up my things for me so well -as I can do it for myself." Her bed had curtains, and appeared to have -comfortable covering on it. She had a looking-glass, an arm-chair, a -carpet on her floor, and other necessary furniture. - -She further said, "When I was able, I went often to see the sick, and -the suffering poor, and do something for them, and I sometimes prayed -by their bedside;" and added, "I believe the Lord heard my prayers." -Placing her hands in an attitude of supplication, and turning her eyes -upward, "I often pray now, and I leave it to Him, and He gives me -what I pray for. If He thinks it best for me to live longer yet, I am -willing to stay; and if He thinks best to take me away, I am ready to -go." - -On being asked how old she was, she replied, "When Peter Williams was -going to Hayti, and he came to see me and bid me farewell, he said, -'Belinda, I have been calculating your age, as near as I can from -circumstances, and I believe you are about a hundred years old.' I -thought I was older, but I suppose he must be correct. - -"I used to work for the rich folks, and they seemed to love me, and -treated me very kindly. Mrs. T----, and Mrs. H----, and many others, -have been to see me a great many times. Mr. Livingston, the lawyer, who -died at Washington, you remember--with his first wife's father, Mr. -Kittletas, I lived, and of him I bought my freedom. And when I went to -Mr. Livingston's, he would say, 'Why, Belinda, you have a long life of -it here.' I would say, 'Yes, master, the Lord knows, but I don't, why I -stay so long'--but, dear man, he is gone!" - -On being asked why she lived alone, she said, "If I have somebody with -me, they will want other company, and that will make more noise than -I like. I love to be still; then I can think. And when I am sick, the -people up stairs are kind to me, and do what little I want done." - -When speaking of reading, she said, "I met with a bad accident lately; -I dropped my spectacles in the fire, and it spoiled them: when I can -get into the Bowery, to Mr. ----'s store, I can get another pair; -but nobody can get them for me--they would not know how to suit my -eyes--and then I always pay cash for what I get--I have found it the -best way. In all my life long, there has never anybody had the scratch -of a pen against me. I have been saving too: them plates there" -(pointing to her closet), "I brought them with me from Charleston -before Washington's war." - -In this unpolished narrative, we see the benefit of acquiring steady -habits in early life--of honest, persevering industry--and frugality in -the use of what was so obtained. From the one hundred dollars put into -church stock, she has in fifty years received three hundred and fifty -dollars; and in such a way as to be particularly useful to her. Her -pious care of the sick; her quiet, decent, and comely way of living; -and her exertions in learning to read, even at the advanced age of -eighty years, are also worthy of particular notice. - - - - -GUSTAVUS VASSA. - -TAKEN FROM HIS NARRATIVE, WRITTEN ABOUT THE YEAR 1787. - - -"I offer here neither the history of a saint, a hero, nor a tyrant. I -believe there are few events in my life, which have not happened to -many; but when I compare my lot with that of many of my countrymen, -I acknowledge the mercies of Providence in the occurrences that have -taken place. - -"That part of Africa known by the name of Guinea, to which the trade -for slaves is carried on, extends along the coast above 3,400 miles, -from Senegal to Angola, and includes a variety of kingdoms. The most -considerable of these is Benin, as it respects its extent, wealth, and -richness of soil. It is bounded on the sea 170 miles, and its interior -seems only terminated by the empire of Abyssinia, near 1,500 miles from -its first boundaries. - -"In one of the most remote and fertile provinces of this kingdom I was -born, in the year 1745. As our country is one where nature is prodigal -of her favors, our wants, which are few, are easily supplied. All our -industry is turned to the improvement of those blessings, and we are -habituated to labor from our early years; and by this means we have no -beggars. - -"Our houses never exceed one story, and are built of wood, thatched -with reeds, and the floors are generally covered with mats. The dress -of both sexes consists of a long piece of calico or muslin, wrapped -loosely round the body; our beds are also covered with the same kind -of cloth; this the women make when they are not engaged in labor with -the men. Our tillage is in a large common, and all the people resort -thither in a body and unite in the labor. - -"My father being a man of rank, had a numerous family; his children -consisted of one daughter, and a number of sons, of which I was the -youngest. As I generally attended my mother, she took great pains in -forming my mind, and training me to exercise. In this way, I grew up to -about the eleventh year of my age, when an end was put to my happiness -in the following manner: - -"One day, when all our people were gone to their work, and only my dear -sister and myself were left to watch the house, two men and a woman -came, and seizing us both, stopped our mouths that we should not make a -noise, and ran off with us into the woods, where they tied our hands, -and took us some distance, to a small house, where we stayed that night. - -"The next morning, after keeping in the woods some distance, we came -to an opening, where we saw some people at work, and I began to cry -for assistance; but this made them tie us faster, and again stop our -mouths; and they put me into a sack until we had got out of sight of -these people. When they offered us food we could not eat. Often bathing -each other in tears, our only respite was sleep; but alas! even the -privilege of weeping together was soon denied us. While enclosed in -each other's arms we were torn asunder, and I was left in a state of -distress not to be described. - -"After travelling a great distance, suffering many hardships, and being -sold several times, one evening my dear sister was brought to the same -house. We were both so overcome that we could not speak for some time, -but clung to each other and wept. And when the people were told that we -were brother and sister, they indulged us with being together; and one -of the men at night lay between us, and allowed us to hold each other's -hand across him. - -"This comfort, small as it may appear to some, was not so to us: but it -was of short duration; when morning came, we were again separated, and -I never saw her more. I remember the happiness of our childish sports, -the indulgence of maternal affection; and fear that her lot would be -still harder than mine, fixed her image so indelibly on my mind, that -neither prosperity nor adversity has ever erased it. - -"I once attempted to run away; but when I had got into the woods, and -night came on, I became alarmed with the idea of being devoured by wild -beasts, and with trembling steps, and a sad heart, I returned to my -master's house, and laid down in his fireplace, where I was found in -the morning. Being closely reprimanded by my master, he ordered me to -be taken care of, and I was soon sold again. I then travelled through a -very fertile country, where I saw cocoa-nuts and sugar-cane. - -"All the people I had hitherto seen, resembled my own; and having -learned a little of several languages, I could understand them pretty -well; but now, after six or seven months had passed away, from the time -I was kidnapped, I arrived at the sea-coast, and I beheld that element -which before I had no idea of. It also made me acquainted with such -cruelties as I can never reflect upon but with horror. The first object -that met my sight was a _slave ship_ riding at anchor, _waiting for her -cargo_! - -"When I was taken on board, being roughly handled and closely examined -by these men, whose complexion and language differed so much from any I -had seen or heard before, I apprehended I had got into a world of bad -spirits, which so overcame me that I fainted and fell. When I came to, -their horrible looks and red faces frightened me again exceedingly. But -I had not time to think much about it, before I was, with many of my -poor country people, put under deck in a loathsome and horrible place. -In this situation we wished for death, and sometimes refused to eat, -and for this we were beaten. - -"After enduring more hardships than I can relate, we arrived at -Barbadoes, in the West Indies. When taken on shore, we were put into -a pen like so many beasts, and thence sold and separated--husbands -and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, without any -distinction. Their cries excited some compassion in the hearts of those -who were capable of feeling, but others seemed to feel no remorse, -though the scene was so affecting. - -"I, with some others, was sent to America: when we arrived in Virginia, -we were also sold and separated. Not long after, Captain Pascal, coming -to my master's, purchased me, and sent me on board his ship, called the -Industrious Bee. I had not yet learned much of the English language, -so I could not understand their conversation; and some of them made -me believe I was going home to Africa. This pleased me very much, and -the kind treatment I received made me happy; but when we came in sight -of England, I found they had deceived me. It was on board this ship I -received the name of Gustavus Vassa. - -"Having often seen my master, and a lad named Richard Baker, who was -very kind to me, reading in books, I had a desire to do so, that I -might find out how all things had a beginning. For that purpose, I -often took a book, talked to it, and then placed it to my ear to hear -what it would say; but when I found it remained silent, I was much -concerned. - -"The summer of 1757, I was taken by a press-gang, and carried on board -a man-of-war. After passing about a year in this service, on the coast -of France and in America, on my return to England, I received much -kindness, and was sent to school, where I learned to read and write. My -master receiving the office of lieutenant on board one of those ships, -took me with him up the Mediterranean. My desire for learning induced -some of my shipmates to instruct me, so that I could read the Bible; -and one of them, a sober man, explained many passages to me. - -"As I had now served my master faithfully several years, and his -kindness had given me hopes that he would grant my freedom when we -arrived in England, I ventured to tell him so; but he was offended, for -he had determined on sending me to the West Indies. Accordingly, at the -close of the year 1762, finding a vessel bound thither, he took me on -board, and gave me in charge of the captain. - -"I endeavored to expostulate with him, by telling him he had received -my wages and all my prize money, but it was to no purpose. Taking my -only coat from my back, he went off in his boat. I followed them with -aching eyes, and a heart ready to burst with grief, until they were out -of sight. The captain, whose name was Doran, treated me very kindly, -but we had a tempestuous voyage. - -"When we came in sight of Montserrat, remembering what I had seen on -my first arrival from Africa, it chilled me to the heart, and brought -nothing to my view but misery, stripes, and chains: and to complete my -distress, two of the sailors robbed me of about eight guineas, which I -had collected by doing little jobs on board the ships of war, and which -I hid when my master took my coat. - -"Having unladed the ship, and laded her again for sea, the captain sent -for me: when, with trembling steps and a faltering heart, I came to -him. I found him sitting with Robert King, a Quaker, and a merchant: -and after telling me the charge he had to get me a good master, he said -he had got me one of the best on the island. Mr. King also said he had -bought me on account of my good character (to maintain which I found to -be of great importance), and that his home was in Philadelphia, where -he expected soon to go, and he did not intend to treat me hard. - -"He asked me what I could do. I answered, I can shave and dress hair -pretty well; and that I have learned to refine wines; I could write, -and understood arithmetic as far as the Rule of Three. The character -Captain Doran had given of my master, I found to be correct. He -possessed an amiable disposition, and was very charitable and humane. - -"In passing about the island, I had an opportunity of seeing the -dreadful usage, and wretched situation of the poor slaves; and it -reconciled me to my condition, and made me thankful for being placed -with so kind a master. He was several times offered a great price for -me, but he would not sell me. Having obtained three pence, I began a -little trade, and soon gained a dollar, then more; with this I bought -me a Bible. - -"Going in a vessel of my master's to Georgia and Charleston, a small -venture I took on my return answered a very good purpose. In 1765, my -master prepared for going to Philadelphia. With his crediting me for -some articles, and the little stock of my own, I laid in considerable, -which elated me much; and I told him I hoped I should soon obtain -enough to purchase my freedom, which he promised me I should have when -I could pay him what he gave for me. - -"Between Montserrat and several ports in America we made many trips. -One circumstance occurred when I was in Georgia that was a serious -one to me. Being in a yard with some slaves one evening, their master -coming home drunk, and seeing me, a stranger, he, with a stout man to -help him, beat me so that I could not go aboard the ship, which gave -the captain much anxiety. When he found me, and saw the situation I -was in, he wept; but by his kind attention, and that of a skilful -physician, I was in a few weeks able to go on board and attend to my -business. - -"Thus, passing from one port to another, with my kind master's and -captain's indulgence, and my own indefatigable industry and economy, -I obtained the sum required for my liberty. So, one morning, while -they were at breakfast, I ventured to remind my master of what he had -promised, and to tell him I had got the money--at which he seemed -surprised. The captain told him I had come honestly by it, and he must -now fulfil his promise. - -"Upon which he told me to get a manumission drawn, and he would sign -it. At this intelligence my heart leaped for joy. When the whole was -finished, and I was in reality free, I felt like another being--my joy -was indescribable. My master and Captain Doran entreated me not to -leave them, and gratitude induced me to stay, though I longed to see -Captain Pascal, and let him know I was _free_. - -"I now hired as a sailor, and our next voyage was to Savannah. When we -were preparing to return, and were taking some cattle on board, one of -them butted the captain in the breast, which affected him so that he -was unable to do duty, and he died before we reached our port. This was -a heavy stroke to me, for he had been my true friend, and I loved him -as a father. - -"The winter following, I sailed again for Georgia, with a new captain, -in the Nancy: but steering a more westerly course than usual, we soon -got on the Bahama banks, where our vessel was wrecked, but no lives -were lost. Getting on one of the islands, with some salt provision we -had saved, we remained there many days, and suffered much for want of -fresh water. - -"When we were almost famished with hunger and thirst, we were found and -carried to New Providence, where we were kindly treated. Thence we were -taken to Savannah, so to Martinico and Montserrat, having been absent -about six months, and experienced the delivering hand of Providence -more than once, when all human means seemed hopeless. - -"After relating to Mr. King the loss of the Nancy, and the various -hardships we had endured, I again told him my desire to go to England; -and although he wished me to remain in his service, he consented, and -gave me the following certificate:--'The bearer hereof, Gustavus Vassa, -was my slave upward of three years; during which time he always behaved -himself well, and discharged his duty with honesty and assiduity.--R. -KING.' - -"Obtaining this certificate, I soon parted with my kind master, and -arrived in England. When I here received my wages, I had thirty-seven -guineas. I soon found my old captain, Pascal, who was surprised to see -me, and asked how I came back. I told him, 'In a ship.' To which he -replied, 'I suppose you did not _walk_ on the _water_.' - -"I now set my mind on getting more learning, and attending school -diligently. My money not being sufficient, I hired myself to service a -while; but having a desire to go again to the Mediterranean, I engaged -on board a ship, where the mate taught me navigation. While at Smyrna, -I saw many caravans from India. Among other articles, they brought -great quantities of locusts, and a kind of pulse resembling French -beans, though larger; they are sweet and palatable. - -"In the spring of 1773, an expedition was fitted out to explore a -northwest passage to India. Dr. Irving concluding to go, I accompanied -him, and we went on board one of the vessels the 24th of May; and about -the middle of June, by the use of the doctor's apparatus for making -salt water fresh, we distilled from twenty-six to forty gallons a day. -On the 28th we reached Greenland, where I found the sun did not set. - -"We found large fields of ice, and to one of them, about eighty yards -thick, we made our vessel fast: but we soon became so surrounded with -ice that we could not move, and were in danger of being crushed to -pieces. In this perilous situation we remained eleven days, when the -weather becoming more mild, and the wind changing, the ice gave way, -and in about thirty hours, with hard labor, we got into open water, -to our great joy, and arrived at Deptford, after an absence of four -months, wherein we had experienced imminent dangers. - -"Rejoicing to be again in England, I entered into service, and remained -a considerable time; during which I began to reflect seriously on the -many dangers I had escaped, particularly in my last voyage, and it -made a serious impression on my mind; and my reflections were often -turned to the awfulness of eternity. - -"In this state, I took to my Bible, rejoicing that I could read it for -myself, and I received encouragement. While my mind was thus seriously -impressed, I went several voyages to Spain, and being often led to look -over the occurrences of my past life, I saw there had been the hand of -Providence to guide and protect me, though I knew it not; and when I -considered my obligations to the Lord for His goodness, I wept. - -"On our return, the last voyage, we picked up eleven Portuguese. Their -vessel had sunk, with two of the crew, and they were in a small open -boat, without victuals, compass, water, or anything else, and must soon -have perished. As soon as they got on board our vessel, they fell on -their knees and thanked God for their deliverance. Thus I saw verified -what was written in the 107th Psalm. - -"From the year 1777 to 1784, I remained more quiet; but about the -latter period I made a trip to New York, and one to Philadelphia. At -the latter place, I was very much pleased to see the worthy Quakers -easing the burdens of my oppressed countrymen. It also rejoiced my -heart when one of these people took me to the free school, and I saw -the children of my color instructed, and their minds cultivated to fit -them for usefulness. - -"Not long after my return, I found government was preparing to make -a settlement of free people of color on the coast of Africa, and that -vessels were engaged to carry such as wished to go to Sierra Leone. -I engaged as commissary, and we set sail with 426 persons. But the -time of our arrival there, the rainy season having commenced, proved -unfavorable, and some of us soon returned to England; where, since -that period, I have been doing what I could for the relief of my -much-injured country people. - -"Having been early taught to look for the hand of God in minute -circumstances, they have been of consequence to me; and aiming at -simple truth in relating the incidents of my life, I hope some of my -readers will gather instruction from them." - -Gregorie, in his Inquiry into the Intellectual and Moral Faculties -of the Negroes, states, that after thirty years of a wandering and -stormy life, Vassa established himself in London, where he married, and -published his memoirs, which have been several times reprinted--the -last edition in 1794; and it is proved by the most respectable -testimony that he was the author. In 1789, he presented a petition to -parliament for the suppression of the slave trade. - -He also says, that a son of his, named Sancho, having received a -good education, was an assistant librarian to Sir Joseph Banks, and -secretary to the committee for vaccination. And he concludes with -this remark: "If Vassa still lived, the bill which was lately passed, -prohibiting the slave trade, would be consoling to his heart, and to -his old age." - - - - -BILLY AND JENNY. - - -About the year 1738, a man and his wife, named Tom and Caty, who were -in bondage to Thomas Bowne, on Long Island, had a little son whom they -called Billy. This little boy, when old enough to work, was sold to -a farmer in the neighborhood; who, according to the custom of those -days, went with his servants into the field, and allotted to each one -his portion of labor. By this means, Billy became acquainted with the -different branches of husbandry, and was inured to industry. - -With this farmer, he was pretty comfortably cared for, and kept to his -daily labor until the thirty-first year of his age. About the year -1744, the master of one of those ships employed in bringing the poor -Africans from their native land, among others brought away a little -girl--too young, alas! to tell even by what means, or in what way she -was taken. - -This little girl, after suffering all the hardships attendant on her -situation, and a long confinement on shipboard, was landed in New York, -and sold according to the custom of that time. She was bought by Samuel -Underhill, and taken to Long Island to wait on his wife and children -and they called her Jenny. As she advanced in age, she became more and -more useful in her master's family, and satisfied with her situation. - -Her mistress being a woman of an uncommonly amiable disposition, -having known the subjugation of her own will, by the operation of -that principle which brings into harmony all the discordant passions, -and one of that description also, that "looked well to the ways of -her household, and ate not the bread of idleness," she was qualified -to govern her family with mildness and discretion, and to set them an -example of economy, sobriety, cheerfulness, and industry. - -Jenny, being placed under the tuition of such a mistress, in due time -became qualified to fill the station allotted her with propriety, -as an honest, sober, industrious, and useful servant. When she had -arrived at about the twentieth year of her age, she was visited by the -before-mentioned Billy, in the character of a suitor. After mature -deliberation, and their affections becoming more strongly fixed, with -the approbation of those concerned, the marriage ceremony was performed. - -Thus were they united, not only in the bonds of wedlock, but those of -sincere affection, which abundantly manifested itself in their conduct -toward and respect for each other, during a long and laborious life, -and in their care of their numerous offspring, which consisted of nine -sons and one daughter. - -Time passing on with them, they partook of such a share of happiness -as their situation in life would permit, until the year 1769, when the -master of Jenny, having purchased a farm in Westchester county, was -preparing to remove his family thither. This circumstance became a very -close trial to this affectionate pair, who by this time had several -children. - -The thoughtfulness and anxiety felt by them on this occasion being -reciprocated by their masters, a proposition was made for an exchange. -The wife of one of Billy's fellow-servants being in the family with -Jenny, accommodations were soon made, and Billy was admitted a resident -in the family with his beloved partner: when they all proceeded to -their new settlement, where they lived in harmony and concord for many -years, and until their master's children were all married and settled. - -During this period, Billy and Jenny, with all their children, were -liberated by their master, and such of them as were old enough, were -placed where they might be brought up to habits of industry, and be -prepared to provide for themselves a comfortable subsistence; but Billy -and Jenny remained with him. - -Age and infirmity at length put a period to their kind master's life. -And his family, being thus deprived of his care and exertions, were -induced to leave their abode. The mistress, who had long exercised an -affectionate care over her household, finding herself lonely, retired -to live with her children. And with her youngest son, she remained to -an advanced age, and was then gathered into rest, as a shock of corn in -its season. - -Billy and Jenny having a house provided for them, remained under the -care of their former master's descendants, and with their own industry, -and the generosity of their friends, they were comfortably situated. -But when Billy was so disabled by infirmity, that he could not work as -a day-laborer, he cultivated a little garden, and did some light jobs -for his neighbors. - -Their children being out, while Jenny's health and strength remained, -she went out to washing and housecleaning. Billy generally waited on -her to the place of destination, and then, returning to his habitation, -nursed his garden and poultry until toward evening, when he would go to -accompany her home. More genuine politeness and unremitting attention, -between a man and his wife, are rarely to be found, in city or country, -than were manifested by this sable pair. - -Thus they lived several years; but Jenny at length became enfeebled -by age, and her sight failed, so that she was no longer capable of -laboring abroad, or using her spinning-wheel at home, as heretofore, -which made it necessary for them to be placed in a different situation. -One winter, while they remained at housekeeping, there came a very -severe snow-storm, with high wind, so that passing from one place to -another was rendered very difficult for several days. - -As soon as practicable, their friend, who had the care of them, and -supplied their wants, went to see how they fared; when Jenny, meeting -him at the door, and being asked how they were, etc., said, "Oh, Master -Richard, I am wonderful glad to see thee--if the storm had lasted much -longer, I believe we should have froze to death; our wood was 'most -gone, and Billy is one of the honestest niggers in the world; for he -had rather freeze to death than steal a rail from the fence." This -circumstance is recorded as one specimen of their honest simplicity. - -In the spring of 1815, they were removed to the habitation of one of -their sons, where they were boarded; and there they remained, until -death, the destroyer of all earthly comforts, put a period to Jenny's -life, after a few days' severe illness, about the seventy-eighth year -of her age. - -The same affectionate attachment that pervaded her mind in youth and in -health, remained unshaken to the last. Her sight, as before remarked, -being almost gone, when lying on her bed, she frequently inquired for -Billy; but when she was told he was lying behind her, or sitting by -her, she was satisfied. - -Thus she closed a long and laborious life, beloved and respected for -her many good qualities, and her consistent conduct. Billy died at -Scarsdale, Westchester county, New York, on the 4th of Third month, -1826, after a few days' illness, aged about eighty-seven years, and was -decently interred by the side of Jenny, on the 6th of the same month. - - - - -GEORGE HARDY. - - -During the winter of 1832, the writer of the narrative of which this -account is an abridgment, became acquainted with Hannah Hardy, an -interesting old colored woman, and her son George. They were the -suffering tenants of a miserable garret, lighted only by a few panes of -glass, and ill-secured from the inclemencies of the weather. - -Hannah had been an industrious woman, who supported herself comfortably -for many years, until her sight, which had long been declining, so -nearly left her as to disqualify her for all kinds of work. George, who -was her youngest son, disclosed in his earliest years great quickness -of discernment and readiness of apprehension. He could read the Bible -when only four years old; and he continued to be remarkable for -docility, and for preferring his books and other profitable employments -to the idle sports of children. - -When about eleven years old, he was placed from home, where he remained -until four years since, when he became so much diseased with scrofula -as to make it necessary for him to return to his mother. From that -time, she became his constant and only nurse, and evinced, through -numberless privations and difficulties, the most unwearied attention -and patient endurance. - -When he was able to sit up and use his arms, he made rope-mats; by -which, with casual help from his friends, he supported his mother and -paid her rent. He always mended his own and her clothes, and allowed -no time to pass away in idleness, which he was able to employ; and so -cheerful, so thankful, and so happy did this interesting couple appear, -that it afforded a lesson of instruction to be with them. - -Hannah, who could only distinguish the glare of noon from the gloom -of darkness, had lived so long in the forlorn tenement they then -inhabited, and knew so well all the turnings of its steep and dangerous -stairs, that she could not bear to hear the proposal from some of her -friends to provide one more comfortable. Through the latter part of the -winter, and the commencement of the spring, George's sufferings greatly -increased; he was wholly confined to his bed, and so emaciated with -pain and disease, that although he was seventeen years of age, his arms -were not thicker than an infant's. - -He had been a diligent reader of the Holy Scriptures; and though he -told me they had been to him a sealed book, until he was brought to -that bed of suffering, yet it was evident that his mind had long been -enabled to appropriate to his own necessities many of their precious -precepts. Though he labored under the combined effects of scrofula and -dropsy, in their highest degrees of virulence, yet I never heard him -repine; and often, while suffering extreme bodily anguish, he would -speak of the relief it afforded the poor afflicted body, to have the -mind composed and tranquil, and would say, "O, I feel like a poor worm -in the fire; yet all I desire is, to be favored with patience to bear -all my pain, and with a willing mind to wait the Master's will to take -me away." - -For many days and nights together he was able to obtain but little -sleep; yet he showed no marks of restlessness or discontent. Once, -calling me to his bedside, he said, "I am afraid I am not patient -enough; but I often feel very weary, and I fear I shall wear my poor -mother out. I am more concerned for her than for myself--what should -I do for a care-taker if she were gone? She is very kind to me, and I -have many kind friends. I am afraid I am not grateful enough for all my -favors. To some, this garret would look like a dull place, but it never -looks gloomy to me; I have had more pleasure in it than I could have -had in the nicest parlor." - -Having called one day after he had passed a sleepless and languishing -night, I found him, with the Bible fixed before him, reading. He looked -animated, and said, "I always loved to read the Bible, but I never -understood it until very lately; now I understand it, and I find that -religion and pleasure are in no way inconsistent. I feel now that I -shall never recover. I am willing to die, and I shall be happy when -I am gone from earth--but the Lord is very merciful, and can make me -happy as long as He chooses that I should stay. I have trusted in Him -through pain and through want, and I believe He will never forsake -me. My Fifth has sometimes been closely tried, but I never let go my -confidence." - -His disease now rapidly increased, and with it his suffering. On -the 23d of Fifth month, he conversed a long time with the doctor, -and seemed more comfortable than usual; but he passed a sleepless -and distressing night. The next day, he was able to take but little -nourishment, owing to the great soreness of his mouth and throat, but -he could converse intelligibly, and seemed anxious to do so. About two -o'clock this day, I found him in great pain, but quite tranquil in mind. - -On my going to him, he said, "My sufferings are now nearly over; I -shall not live many days--not more than two. The Lord's time has nearly -come, and then He will take me where I shall never suffer any more. O, -how marvellous His mercy is, to look down upon such a polluted sinner -as I am! - - - 'I the worst of sinners am, - But Jesus came to save me.'-- - - -Yes, He will save me--I know it. I have a hope--a pretty certain -hope--O, it is a very certain hope--it is a very sure hope." He then in -a low and indistinct voice, supplicated for many minutes; after which -he said, "I have been talking to my Saviour." - -Not expecting him to hear, I asked his mother if he had always been a -serious boy; but before she could reply, George said, "No! I was always -bad, always wicked; but since I was brought to this bed of sickness, -I have sought for repentance, and I have found it: my sins were as -scarlet, but now they are washed as white as snow. But it is all mercy, -pure mercy; we have no righteousness of our own to depend upon--no -works, no merit of our own will avail us at such a time as this. If -these were all we had to look to, we should never be saved. But this -is what Jesus came into the world for--to save us poor sinners; and -salvation belongs to Him alone." - -After this, he desired me to read to him in the Bible--said he would -like to hear me read in the Psalms, where David deplored his sins. I -did so, and he afterward composed himself and slept a few minutes; but -the pain soon awoke him, and he said, "I hope my patience will hold -out--I must not get impatient so near the end." - -On the 25th, his sufferings greatly increased, and on the afternoon of -the 26th, he was unable longer to speak, but he appeared to be sensible -of what was passing, and to know those about him. He several times -embraced his mother very tenderly and wept. The impress which the pain -and anguish of the preceding day had left upon his countenance, now -yielded to a placid and heavenly serenity; and his breath continued to -shorten, until he ceased to breathe. - - - - -LOTT CAREY. - -PRINCIPALLY FROM GURLEY'S LIFE OF ASHMUN. - - -This interesting individual was born a slave, on the estate of William -A. Christian, in Charles City county, about thirty miles below -Richmond. In 1804, he was sent to that city, and hired out by the year -as a common laborer at the Shockoe warehouse. At that time, and for -two or three years after, he was excessively profane, and much addicted -to intoxication. - -But God, who is rich in mercy, was pleased to awaken him to a sense of -his lost estate; and in the year 1807, he made open profession of his -faith in the Saviour. A sermon which he heard about that time, founded -on our Lord's interview with Nicodemus, awakened in him so strong a -desire to be able to read and write, that he obtained a Testament, and -commenced learning his letters, by trying to read the chapter in which -that interview is recorded. - -He was occasionally instructed by young gentlemen at the warehouse, -though he never attended a regular school. In a little time, he was -able to read and write, so as to make dray tickets, and superintend -the shipping of tobacco. In this business, and in overseeing the labor -of the other hands in the warehouse, he was particularly useful; so -much so, that he received 800 dollars salary in 1820, the last year he -remained there; and he could have received a larger sum, if he would -have continued. - -In the year 1813, he bought himself and his two little children (his -wife being dead) for 850 dollars, and thus became free. The manner -in which he obtained this sum of money to purchase himself and his -children, reflects much credit on his character. It will be seen from -the salary he received after he was free, and which he relinquished for -the sake of doing good in Africa, that his services at the warehouse -were highly estimated; but of their real value, no one except a dealer -in tobacco can form an idea. Notwithstanding the hundreds of hogsheads -that were committed to his charge, he could produce any one the instant -it was called for; and the shipments were made with a promptness and -correctness, such as no person has equalled in the same situation. For -this correctness and fidelity, he was highly esteemed, and frequently -rewarded by the merchant with a five-dollar note. He was allowed also -to sell for his benefit many small parcels of waste tobacco. It was -by saving the little sums obtained in this way, with the aid of a -subscription by the merchants to whose interests he had been attentive, -that he procured these 850 dollars which he paid for the freedom of -himself and children. When the colonists were fitted out for Africa, -he defrayed a considerable part of his own expense. With a design to -improve his condition, he emigrated to Africa among the first settlers -of Liberia, where he was the means of doing much good to both colonists -and natives. - -In reply to one of his friends, who desired to know what inducement he -had for going to Africa, when he was already so comfortably situated, -he said, "I am an African; and in this country, however meritorious my -conduct and respectable my character, I cannot receive the credit due -to either. I wish to go to a country where I shall be estimated by my -merits, not by my complexion. And I likewise feel bound to labor for my -suffering race." - -Soon after he made a profession of religion he commenced holding -meetings and exhorting among the colored people; and, though he had -scarcely any knowledge of books, and but little acquaintance with -mankind, he would frequently exhibit a boldness of thought, and a -strength of native intellect, which no acquirement could ever have -given him. - -At the close of his farewell sermon, on his departure for Africa, he -remarked in substance as follows: "I am about to leave you; and I -expect to see your faces no more. I long to preach to the poor Africans -the way of life and salvation. I don't know what may befall me--whether -I may find a grave in the ocean, or among the savage men, or more -savage wild beasts, on the coast of Africa: nor am I anxious what may -become of me; I feel it my duty to go. - -"I very much fear that many of those who preach the gospel in this -country will blush when the Saviour calls them to give an account of -their labors in His cause, and tells them, 'I commanded you to go into -all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'" And with the -most forcible emphasis he exclaimed, "The Saviour may ask, 'Where have -you been? What have you been doing? Have you endeavored to the utmost -of your ability to fulfil the commands I gave you? or have you sought -your own gratification and your own ease, regardless of my commands?'" - -In his new home, his intellectual ability, firmness of purpose, -unbending integrity, correct judgment, and disinterested benevolence, -caused him to be beloved and respected, and gave him great influence: -and he soon rose to honorable distinction. The interests of the colony, -and the cause of his countrymen, in both Africa and America, were -very near to his heart. For them he was willing to toil, and to make -almost any sacrifice; and he frequently declared that no possessions in -America could induce him to return. - -He possessed a constitution peculiarily fitted for toil and exposure, -and he felt the effects of the climate perhaps less than any other -individual in the colony. During the sickly season of the year, he -was usually wholly employed in attending the sick; and for more than -a year, they had no other physician among them. The little medical -information he had obtained from Dr. Ayres and others on the coast, -together with several years' experience, enabled him successfully to -contend with the peculiar fevers of the climate. - -Under date of March 12th, 1824, shortly after the arrival of the Cyrus -with 105 emigrants, he wrote: "The fever began about the 24th ult., -and on the 28th we had thirty-eight cases; and by the 2d inst. we had -sixty-six under the operation of medicine; and at present, I have about -a hundred cases of fever to contend with; but we have been very much -favored, for they all appear to be on the recovery, and we have lost -none, saving three children. I have very little time to write to you, -myself being the only man that will venture to act in the capacity of -a physician." - -The managers of the American Colonization Society, in 1825, invited -Carey to visit the United States, in the expectation that his -intelligent and candid statements, concerning the condition and -prospects of the colony and the moral wants of Africa, would exert -a beneficial influence on the opinions of the people of color, and -recommend the cause of the society to the public regard. - -In the month of April, 1826, he made arrangements to embark in the -Indian Chief, on her return from taking a large number of emigrants -to the colony, and received from Ashmun testimonials of his worth and -services. The following is an extract from a letter from Ashmun to the -managers of the Colonization Society: - -"The Rev. Lott Carey has, in my opinion, some claims on the justice of -the society, or the government of the United States, or both, which -merit consideration. These claims arise out of a long and faithful -course of medical services rendered to this colony. More than one-half -of his time has been given up to the care of the sick, from the day -I landed in Africa to the very moment of stating the fact. He has -personally aided, in every way that fidelity and benevolence could -dictate, in all the attentions which our sick have in so long a period -received. - -"Several times have these disinterested labors reduced him to the very -verge of the grave. He has hitherto received no compensation, either -from the society or the government, for these services. I need _not_ -add, that it has not been in his power to support himself and family, -by any use he could make of the remnants of the time left him, after -discharging the amount of duties devolving upon him. In addition, he -has the care of the liberated Africans." - -Until near the time of the Indian Chief's departure, he cherished -the hope of embarking in her for America. But as there was no other -physician in the colony, it was finally thought best for him to -postpone his departure until another opportunity. - -Notwithstanding he on one occasion manifested a disposition for -insubordination, yet, like a wise man and a Christian, he soon saw his -error, and acknowledged it with humility and submission. He was elected -in September, 1826, to the vice-agency of the colony, and discharged -the duties of that important office until his death. - -In his good sense, moral worth, public spirit, courage, resolution, and -decision, the colonial agent had perfect confidence. He knew that in -times of difficulty or of danger, full reliance might be placed upon -the energy and efficiency of Carey. - -When compelled, in the early part of 1828, to leave the colony, Ashmun -committed the administration of the colonial affairs into the hands of -the vice-agent, in the full belief that no interest would be betrayed, -but that his efforts would be constantly and anxiously directed to the -promotion of the public good. - -Soon after Carey wrote thus: "Feeling very sensibly my incompetency -to enter upon the duties of my office, without first making all the -officers of the colony well acquainted with the principal objects which -should engage our attention, I invited them to meet at the Agency House -on the 27th, at nine o'clock, which was punctually attended to, and I -then read all the instructions left by Mr. Ashmun, without reserve, -and requested their co-operation. To get the new settlers located on -their lands, was a very important item in my instructions; and I trust, -through the blessing of the great Ruler of events, we shall be able to -realize all the expectations of Mr. Ashmun." - -He soon purchased a large tract of land for the Colonization Society of -the native kings; and further said, "Captain Russell will be able to -give something like a fair account of the state of our improvements, as -he went with me to visit the settlements, and seemed pleased with the -prospect at Millsburg, Caldwell, and the Halfway Farms." - -For about six months after the departure of Ashmun from the colony, -Carey stood at its head, and conducted himself with such energy and -wisdom as to do honor to his previous reputation, and fix the seal upon -his enviable fame. But, alas! he was suddenly and unexpectedly, and -in a distressing manner, forced from life, in all its vigor, by the -explosion of gunpowder, on the 8th of November, in which eight persons -lost their lives. - -Carey was thrice married, and thrice he was left a widower. His first -wife died, as before related, previous to his becoming free. His second -wife died at Foura Bay, near Sierra Leone, shortly after arriving in -Africa. Of her triumphant death, he has given a most affecting account -in his journal of that date. His third wife died at Cape Montserado. -She was the daughter of Richard Sampson, from Petersburg. - -It has been very well said of Carey, that he was one of nature's -noblemen. Had he possessed the advantages of education, few men of -his age would have excelled him in knowledge or genius. To found a -Christian colony which might prove a blessed asylum to his degraded -brethren in America, and enlighten and regenerate Africa, was, in his -view, an object with which no temporal good, not even life, could be -compared. - -The strongest sympathies of his nature were excited in behalf of his -unfortunate people, and the divine promise cheered and encouraged him -in his labors for their improvement and salvation. A main pillar in the -society and church of Liberia has fallen! But we will not despond. The -memorial of his worth shall never perish. It shall stand in a clearer -light, when every chain is broken, and Christianity shall have assumed -her sway over the millions of Africa. - - - - -THE GOOD MASTER AND HIS FAITHFUL SLAVE. - -Translated from the French. - - -Warner Mifflin, for his candor, affability, and knowledge, was ranked -among those who are an honor to their country and their age. He had -received from his father thirty-seven negroes, old and young. The day -that he had fixed upon for their emancipation being come, he called -one after another into his chamber, and this was the conversation that -passed with one of them: - -"Well, my friend James, how old art thou?" "I am twenty-nine and a -half years old, master." "Thou shouldst have been free, as thy white -brethren are, at twenty-one. Religion and humanity enjoin me this day -to give thee thy liberty, and justice requires me to pay thee for -eight and a half years' service, at the rate of twenty-one pounds -and five shillings per annum, including in it thy food and raiment, -making altogether a sum of ninety-five pounds, twelve shillings, and -sixpence owing to thee; but as thou art young and healthy, thou hadst -better work for thy living: my intention is to give thee a bond for it, -bearing interest at the rate of seven per cent. - -"Thou hast now no master but God and the laws. Go into the next room; -thou wilt find there thy late mistress and my nephew; they are engaged -in writing thy manumission. May God bless thee, James! Be wise and -industrious; in all thy trials, thou wilt find a friend in thy old -master." - -James, surprised at a scene so new and affecting, shed many tears; -astonishment, gratitude, and a variety of feelings, shook his frame. -He shed a flood of tears, and could scarcely articulate these words: -"Ah, my master! why do you give me my liberty? I have always had what -I wanted: we have worked together in the fields, and I have worked as -much for myself as for you. - -"I have eaten of the same food, and been clothed like you--and we have -gone together on foot to meeting. We have the Sabbath to ourselves: we -don't lack any thing. When we are sick, our good and tender mistress -comes to our bedside, always saying something consolatory to us. Ah, my -dear master! when I am free, where shall I go? and when I am sick--" - -"Thou shalt be as the whites; thou shalt hire with those who will -give thee generous wages: in a few years, thou shalt purchase a piece -of land, marry a wife, wise and industrious as thyself, and rear up -children, as I have reared thee, in the fear of the Lord and love of -labor. After having lived free and happy, thou shalt die in peace. - -"Thou _must_ accept liberty, James; it is a great while since it was -due to thee. Would to God, the Father of all men, that the whites had -never thought of trading in thy African brethren; may He inspire all -men with the desire of following our example. We, who regard liberty -as the first of blessings, why should we refuse it to those who live -among us?" - -"Ah, my master! you are so good is the reason I wish not to leave -you--_I have never been a slave_. You have never spoken to me but as -you speak to white men; I have lacked nothing, either in sickness or in -health; I have never worked more than your neighbors, who have worked -for themselves. - -"I have been richer than many whites--to some of whom I have lent -money. And my good and tender mistress never commands us to do -anything, but makes us do everything by only saying, 'Please to do it.' -How shall I leave you? give me by the year what you will, in the name -of a freeman or a slave, it is of little consequence to me--I shall -never be happy but with you--I will never leave you." - -"Well, James, I consent to what thou desirest; after thy manumission -shall have passed through the necessary forms, I will hire thee by the -year; but take at least one of relaxation; it is a great epoch of thy -life; celebrate it with joy, and rest by doing whatsoever thou wilt." - -"No master! it is seed time--I will take my pleasure another time--one -day only shall be a holiday in my family. Then, since you will have it -so, I will accept my liberty; and my first action, as a free man, is -to take your hand, my master, press it between mine, and lay it on my -heart, where the attachment and gratitude of James will not cease until -that ceases to beat; and until that moment be assured that no laborer -in the county of Kent will be more industrious than he who henceforth -shall be called FAITHFUL JAMES." - - - - -EZEKIEL COSTON. - - -Aged upwards of eighty-three years, related to Samuel Canby, of -Wilmington, Delaware, in 1825, the following circumstances of his -freedom from his master, the late Warner Mifflin, a Quaker: and it may -be observed, that he always supported an unblemished character: - -That he was born a slave in the family of Daniel Mifflin, of Accomack -county, Virginia, with whom he lived until about twenty years of age; -about which period Warner Mifflin (son of Daniel) married a daughter -of John Kensey's, of West River, Maryland, and settled near Camden, in -the State of Delaware. Ezekiel, and five other slaves, were given him -by his father; there were also a number of slaves belonging to his wife -brought into the family. - -He lived with Warner Mifflin about eighteen months, when he put him on -a plantation of his to work it, about six miles from his residence, -where he continued about four years a slave. At this period Ezekiel was -informed by his master that he had concluded to set his slaves free; -and very soon after his master came to his residence, and calling him -from the field where he was ploughing, they sat down together, when -he told Ezekiel his mind had long been uneasy with holding slaves, and -that he must let him go. - -Ezekiel was so well satisfied with his present situation, that he told -his master he could not leave him. Their conversation on the subject -produced such feelings of tenderness that they _both wept much_. -Finally, as an inducement to comply, his master told him he might -remain on the farm, and they entered into a mutual engagement, which -was carried into effect, and Ezekiel continued to live on the farm -fourteen years, when his master gave him a piece of land, upon which he -built a house, where he remained until he came into the neighborhood -of Wilmington, where and in that town he has resided until the present -time. - -After relating the foregoing narrative, he was inquired of respecting -the account entitled "The Good Master and his Faithful Slave"--a -circumstance which took place about the time of his being liberated, -and in the same family--to which he bore the following testimony, -shedding many tears while the reader was pursuing the theme, saying, -"It is just so, poor Jem and I lived together with master, and worked -together in harmony. How well I remember when Jem told me that Master -Mifflin had done the same by him as he had done for me. - -"It is all true--mistress brought a number of slaves with her into the -family, after master married her--one of them was my wife--all the rest -of us, making, I suppose about thirty, were given by old master to -Master Warner, who is now an angel in heaven. Oh, how it comforts me -to believe that, after suffering a few more pains, I shall live with -him for ever in communion sweet! We were brought up children together, -slept together, eat at the same table, and never quarrelled." - -The dear old man seems indeed like one waiting with Christian -resignation for an entrance into the heavenly kingdom. I have no doubt -of the correctness of his testimony. He appears to have as perfect -a recollection of the days of his childhood as though they had just -passed. - - - - -AN ANECDOTE, - -Communicated to a Friend on the way from Charleston to Savannah by a -Fellow-Passenger. - - -A slave belonging to his grandmother was carried off when a boy by the -British, in the time of the revolutionary war, to Nova Scotia, where he -lived several years; but he did not forget his old home and friends, -and he returned to his mistress, giving himself up as a slave. But she, -not having employment for him, talked of selling him. He told her if -she did, he was determined to destroy himself, for that it was nothing -but his attachment to the family that brought him back. He was then -suffered to work out, paying a certain part of his wages to his owner. - -The family soon after became embarrassed; and one of the grandsons was -sent to the West Indies to a relation. Just as he was embarking, the -faithful black put into his hand a purse containing all his little -earnings, and insisted upon his young master's taking it, saying he had -no use for the money himself, and his master might want it in a strange -country, away from his friends. The slave, still living in Charleston, -was suffered to work for himself. He has had repeated offers of his -liberty, but he prefers living in the family that brought him up. - - - - -THE COLORED FOUNDLING. - - -A poor, but honest and respectable old man, whose name was Hector, -resided in Philadelphia. He and his wife lived on the scanty earnings -of their own hands, in a very small cottage. One evening, at a late -hour, a woman of their own color, with an infant, stopped at their -dwelling and asked for a night's lodging, to which his wife answered, -"We can't lodge you, we got but one bed." "Oh," said the old man, -seeing her a stranger and in difficulty, "let her tag [stay], she sleep -in de bed with you, I go make a bed on de floor--must not turn her out -o' doors." - -The woman accordingly stayed; and in the night, Hector was awakened -by the cries of the child. He arose to ascertain the cause of it, and -found the mother was gone; on which he aroused his wife, saying, -"Well, Sukey, you see de woman has gone off and lef' de child for you." -"Oh," said his wife, "what shall we do now? She never come again." -"Well," returned Hector, "then you must take care of him: who knows God -Almighty send him here for something--may be to take care of us in our -old age--must not turn him out o' doors." - -So they fed and nourished it with milk from the market--the old man -going regularly to procure it. No one appearing, the child became their -adopted. When he had attained the age of eight or nine years, proving -an active lad, they put him to a chimney sweeper, as the most likely -way for him to become early useful, and he soon contributed a little to -his guardian's subsistence. - -They at length grew quite infirm, and the wife died. After which, the -neighbors, thinking it too much for the lad to have the whole care of -the old man, prevailed on him to go to the Bettering House. When there -the boy did not forsake but frequently visited him, and continued to -add to his support until he died; a few days after which the lad died -also, having grown up beloved and respected. - - - - -THE GRATEFUL NEGRO. - - -Some years since, a gentleman, who was the possessor of considerable -property, from various causes became embarrassed in his circumstances -and was arrested by his creditors, and confined in the king's bench -prison; whence there was no probability of his being liberated, unless -some law proceedings (upon his succeeding in which the recovery of a -great part of his property depended) were decided in his favor. - -Thus situated, he called a colored man who had for many years served -him with the greatest faithfulness, and said, "Robert, you have lived -with me many years, but I am now unable to maintain you any longer; you -must leave me, and endeavor to find another master." - -The poor man, well remembering his master's kindness, replied, "No, -massa, me no leave you; you maintain me many years, me now try what -I can do for you." Robert then went and procured employment as a day -laborer, and regularly brought his earnings to his master; on which, -though small, they managed to subsist for some time, until the law-suit -was decided in the master's favor, and he thereby regained possession -of a very considerable property. - -Mindful of his faithful servant, one of his first acts was to settle an -annuity upon him for the remainder of his life, sufficient to secure -to the poor fellow the enjoyment of those comforts he had so well -deserved. This little anecdote may afford instruction both to the -nominal and professing Christian: let the former inquire, Should I have -acted thus, if in a similar situation? - - - - -THE FAITHFUL NURSE. - -FROM THE LADIES' MONTHLY MUSEUM. - - -In the dreadful earthquake which made such ravages in the island of St. -Domingo, in the year 1770, a colored nurse found herself alone in the -house of her master and mistress, with the youngest child, which she -nursed. The house shook to its foundation. Every one had taken flight; -she alone could not escape, without leaving her infant charge in danger. - -She flew to the chamber, where it lay in the most profound sleep. At -the moment the walls of the house fell in, anxious only for the safety -of her foster child, she threw herself over it, and serving as a sort -of arch, saved it from destruction. The child was indeed saved; but the -unfortunate nurse died soon after, the victim of her fidelity. - - - - -COFFIN. - -FROM DR. MOYES'S LECTURES. - - -During the late war a gentleman and his wife were going from the East -Indies to England. His wife died on the passage, and left two infants, -the charge of which fell to a colored boy about seventeen years of age. -The gentleman, for some reason which I do not recollect, went on board -the vessel of the commodore of the fleet in which they sailed. There -came on a violent storm, and the vessel which the children were on -board of was on the point of being lost. - -They despatched a boat from the commodore's vessel, to save as many as -they could. They had almost filled the boat, and there was room enough -for the infants, or the negro boy. What did he do? He did not hesitate -a moment, but put the children into the boat, and said, "Tell my master -that Coffin has done his duty;" and that instant he was received into -the bosom of the ocean, never more to return. The queen requested the -celebrated poetess, Hannah Moore, to write an epic poem on it, but -she wisely declined it, saying that no art could embellish so noble a -sentiment. - - - - -JAMES DERHAM, - - -Originally a slave in Philadelphia, was sold by his master to a -physician, who employed him in his shop as assistant in the preparation -of drugs. During the war between America and England he was sold to a -surgeon, and by that surgeon to Dr. Robert Dove, of New Orleans. He -learned the English, French, and Spanish languages, so as to speak them -with ease. - -He was received a member of the English church; and in the year 1788, -when he was about twenty-one years of age, he became one of the most -distinguished physicians in New Orleans. "I conversed with him on -medicine," says Dr. Rush, and "found him very learned. I thought I -could give _him_ information concerning the treatment of diseases, but -I learned more from him than he could expect from me." - -The Pennsylvania Society, established in favor of the people of color, -thought it their duty, in 1789, to publish these facts, which are also -related by Dickson, page 184. In the Domestic Medicine of Buchan, and -in a work of Duplaint, we find accounts of a cure for the bite of the -rattlesnake. I know not whether Derham was its discoverer, but it is a -well-known fact that one of his color did make such a discovery, for -which he received, from the General Assembly of Carolina, his freedom -and an annuity of a hundred pounds sterling. - - - - -THE AFRICAN PRINCE. - - -In the most flourishing period of the reign of Louis XIV. two African -youths, the sons of a prince, being brought to the court of France, -the king appointed a Jesuit to instruct them in letters and in the -Christian religion; and gave to each of them a commission in his -guards. The elder, who was remarkable for candor and ingenuousness, -made great improvement, more particularly in the doctrines of religion. - -A brutal officer, upon some dispute, insulted him with a blow. The -gallant youth never so much as offered to resent it. A person who was -his friend took an opportunity to talk with him that evening alone -upon his behavior, which he told him was too tame, especially in a -soldier. "Is there then," said the young African, "one revelation for -soldiers, and another for merchants and gownsmen? The good father to -whom I owe all my knowledge, has earnestly inculcated in me forgiveness -of injuries; assuring me that a Christian was by no means to retaliate -abuses of any kind." - -"The good father," replied his friend, "may fit you for a monastery, -by his lessons, but never for the army and the rules of a court. In a -word," continued he, "if you do not call the colonel to an account, you -will be branded with the infamy of cowardice, and have your commission -taken from you." "I would fain," said the young man, "act consistently -in every thing; but since you press me with that regard to my honor -which you have always shown, I will wipe off so foul a stain; though I -must own I gloried in it before." - -Immediately upon this, he desired his friend to go from him and appoint -the aggressor to meet him early in the morning. Accordingly, they met -and fought, and the brave African youth disarmed his adversary, and -forced him to ask his pardon publicly. This done, the next day he threw -up his commission, and desired the king's leave to return to his father. - -At parting, he embraced his brother and his friends, with tears in his -eyes, saying that he had not imagined Christians to be so unaccountable -a people; that he could not apprehend their faith could be of any use -to them, if it did not influence their practice; and that, in his -country, they thought it no dishonor to act according to the principles -of their religion. - - - - -UNCLE HARRY. - -FROM THE LITERARY AND EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, 1824. - - -Late in the last autumn it was my privilege (says the author) to spend -a few hours in the hospitable mansion of the Rev. S. B. W., of F. I -arrived at his house very early in the morning, just before the family -assembled to perform their customary devotions. On the signal being -given, the children and domestics came into the room where we were -sitting. - -Among the latter, there was a very aged colored man, whom every one -called Uncle Harry. As soon as he entered, I observed that Mr. W. and -his lady treated him with marked attention and kindness. The morning -was sharp and frosty, and Uncle Harry had a chair in the corner, close -to the fire. - -The portion of Scripture selected for the service was the second -chapter of Luke. I observed that the attention of Harry was deeply -fixed, and he soon began to manifest strong emotions. The old man's eye -kindled as the reader went on, and when he came to the tenth verse, -Harry appeared as though his heart was tuned to the angelic song, and -he could hardly help uttering a shout of triumph. - -There was not, however, the smallest ostentation of feeling, or -endeavor to attract attention. He only, in a gentle manner, turned his -face upward, strongly clasping his hands as they lay on his lap, and -expressing by his countenance the joy of his heart. By this time he had -interested me so highly that I could not keep my eyes from him. - -I watched the varying expressions of his countenance, and saw that -every word seemed to strike on his heart, and produce a corresponding -emotion. I thought I would give the world, if I could _read_ the Bible -just as Harry _heard_ it. While I was thinking, and looking on with -intense interest, the reader came to the passage where old Simeon saw -the infant Saviour, took him in his arms, blessed God, and said, -"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have -seen thy salvation." - -Harry's emotion had become stronger and stronger, until the words -just quoted were read, when he was completely overpowered. Suddenly -turning on his seat, to hide as much as possible his feelings, he bent -forward and burst into a flood of tears; but they were tears of joy. -He anticipated his speedy peaceful departure and his final rest. This -state of feeling continued during the remainder of the service, and -when we rose from our knees, Uncle Harry's face seemed literally to -have been bathed in tears. - -As soon as we had risen, the old man came toward me with a countenance -beaming with joy. "This," said Mr. W., addressing me, "is _Uncle -Harry_." He reached out his hand and said: "Oh, why did my God bring -me here to-day, to hear what I have heard, and see this salvation?" I -asked: "Are you as ready to depart, Uncle Harry, as good old Simeon -was, of whom we read in this chapter?" I shall never forget his look of -humble, joyful submission, when he replied, "Just when it shall please -my blessed Lord and Master." "You hope to go to heaven?" "Through -divine mercy, I do." "What is the foundation of that hope?" "The -righteousness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." - -On perceiving that I wished to converse with the old man, Mr. W. said, -with a kindness which showed that he recognized Harry as a Christian -brother, and respected his age: "Come, take your seat again, Uncle -Harry, and sit up near the fire." He accepted the invitation, and I -entered into conversation, which afforded me higher pleasure than I -ever enjoyed in the circles of fashion, beauty, wit and learning. I -here send you some of the most interesting particulars. - -"How old are you, Uncle Harry?" "Why, as nigh as I can tell, I am -eighty-nine or thereabout." "Where were you born?" "At Port Tobacco, in -Maryland." "And who had you to preach the gospel to you there?" "Ah, we -had no preacher of the gospel there at that time." "Then it was after -you left Port Tobacco that you embraced religion, was it?" "No, sir, it -was while I lived there, and I will tell you how it was: A great many -years ago there was one Dr. Whitefield, that travelled all through this -country, preaching the gospel everywhere; I dare say you have heard of -Dr. Whitefield, he was a most powerful preacher. - -"Well, as I was saying, he went through Maryland, but his place of -preaching was so far off that I did not hear of it until he was gone. -But not long afterwards I met a man, an acquaintance of mine, who did -hear him. He told me about the sermon; and what I heard opened my eyes -to see that I was a poor lost sinner; and ever since that time I have -been determined to seek Jesus as my Saviour, and to spend my life in -His service." - -Happy Whitefield! thought I, and greatly honored of thy Master, who -has used thee as His instrument in saving so many souls. "But," said I, -"how old were you then?" "Why, as nigh as I can guess, I was somewhere -about sixteen or seventeen years old." "And have you never repented of -this resolution?" "No, indeed, master; I have never repented of any -thing, but that I have served my blessed Saviour so poorly." - -"But have you not met many trials and difficulties by the way?" "Yes, -indeed, master; but out of them all the Lord has delivered me; and -having obtained help of God, I continue to this day: blessed be His -name; He never will leave me or forsake me; I have good hope of that." - -"Well, how did you obtain religious instruction where you lived, as you -say there was no preacher of the gospel in the neighborhood?" "Why, by -the mercy of my God, I learned to read the Bible; and that showed me -the way to Jesus. But now I think of it, when the Roman Catholics heard -that I was concerned about my soul, they sent for me, and tried hard to -get me to join them. - -"There was a priest at Port Tobacco, whose name was Mr. O'Neal; he -talked to me a great deal. I remember he said to me one day, 'Harry, -now you are concerned about your soul, you must come and join the -Catholic church.' 'What for,' said I, 'Mr. O'Neal?' 'Because,' said -he, 'it is the true church.' 'Then,' said I, 'if the Catholic church -will lead me to Jesus, I will join it with all my heart, for that is -all I want;' and Mr. O'Neal said, 'If you will join the church, I -will warrant that you shall go to heaven.' 'How can you do that, Mr. -O'Neal?' said I. - -"Then he told me that a great many years ago our Saviour came into the -world, and He chose twelve apostles, and made St. Peter their head; -and the Pope succeeded St. Peter; and so all that join the Pope belong -to the true church. 'Then,' said I, 'why, how do you know that, Mr. -O'Neal?' 'Because,' said he, 'our Saviour told Peter, I give you the -keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth shall -be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed -in heaven.' - -"And I said, 'The Lord knows how it is, Mr. O'Neal; I am a poor -ignorant creature, but it always did seem to me that Peter was nothing -but a man, like the other apostles;' but Mr. O'Neal said, 'No, he was -the head and chief of the apostles; for our Saviour said again, Thou -art Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of -hell shall not prevail against it.' And I asked him, 'Now, do you think -Peter was that rock, Mr. O'Neal?' He answered, 'To be sure he was;' and -I said again, 'The Lord knows how it is; but it never did seem so to me. - -"'Now I think it was just so--when Peter said, Thou art the Christ, the -Son of the living God, our Saviour told him, Thou _art Peter_,'" (while -the old man repeated the words, _Thou art Peter_, he pointed his finger -at me, and looked me directly in the face, but as soon as he began the -following part of the quotation he brought his hand briskly down to -his knee, saying with emphasis, as he looked at himself), "'and upon -this rock will I build My church; and that rock was Christ; for it is -written in another place, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, -elect, precious; and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded; -and that corner-stone is Christ.' - -"Then Mr. O'Neal said to me, 'Why, Harry, where did you learn that?' I -said, 'From my Bible.' 'Oh!' said he, 'you have no business with the -Bible; it will confuse and frustrate you.' But I said, 'It tells me of -my Saviour.' Then a gentleman, who was sitting by, said, 'Oh! you might -as well let him alone, Mr. O'Neal; you cannot make anything of him;' -and from that time I never had any desire to join the Roman Catholics." - -The narrative, of the truth of which I could not entertain a moment's -doubt, showed a promptness of reply and an acquaintance with the -Scriptures which truly surprised me, and I remarked, "I suppose, Uncle -Harry, you take great pleasure in reading the Bible?" "Ah, master! when -I could read, it was the pleasure of my life. But I am old now; and my -book is so rubbed that the print is dim, and I can scarcely make out to -read a word." - -On this, Mr. W. said, "Well, Uncle Harry, you shall have a new Bible. -Do you call on Mr. ----, when you go down town, and he will give you a -new one from the Bible Society." Harry bowed, and expressed gratitude -for the kindness, but did not manifest as much pleasure as I expected, -considering how highly he professed to value the Bible. While I was -wondering, and rather sorrowing on the account, I observed the old man -to be feeling, with an air of embarrassment, in his pocket. - -At length he pulled out an old tattered case, which appeared to have -been long in use, and observed, "This new Bible will not be of much -use to me, because my spectacles are so bad that they help me very -little in reading." With that he opened his case, and showed a pair of -spectacles of the cheapest sort, of which one glass was broken, and the -other so scratched, that it was wonderful that he could see through it -at all. - -Mr. W. no sooner observed this than he said, "Well, Uncle Harry, you -must have a new pair; do call at Mr. ----'s store, and tell him to let -you have a pair suited to your age, and I will settle with him about -it." On hearing this, Harry's eyes gleamed with joy, and he exclaimed, -"Thank God! God bless you, master! Now I shall have comfort again in -reading the Bible." And I never saw a happier, or a more grateful -countenance. - -Presently, he said the wagon would soon call for him to take him home, -and he must go down town, and be getting ready: on which he again -thanked his friend, and invoked a blessing on him and his family. He -then affectionately and respectfully took me by the hand, and said, "I -never saw you before, and I never shall see you again in this world; -but I love you as a minister of my blessed Lord and Master, and I hope -that I shall meet you in the house above. Remember and pray for poor -old Harry." - -I squeezed his hand, and assured him of my affectionate remembrance, -and requested that he would pray for me, and for the preachers of the -Gospel generally. "Oh!" said he, "may God Almighty bless all the dear -ministers of Christ, and enable them to call many poor sinners to the -dear Saviour! Oh! I do love to hear of souls coming to Christ; and it -is my daily prayer--Thy kingdom come, and Thy will be done on earth, as -it is done in heaven!" With that the old man took leave. - -I confess that I have often since wished to see him and hold communion -with him. There was about him a spirit of piety and benevolence, -of humble zeal and fervent hope, of meekness and submission, which -I have rarely seen equalled. At the same time, there was a degree -of intelligence, an extent of religious knowledge, which, in his -condition, really surprised and delighted me. - -I saw here one of the triumphs of divine grace. I was made to -appreciate the value and the excellence of that religion which could -take a poor slave, and so transform him, that he was well nigh fitted -to be a companion of saints in light, and of just men made perfect. -And since I saw him, I have often prayed that after the days of my -wandering shall be over, and all the sufferings of my life shall -be endured, I may obtain a share in the rest, and a lot in the -inheritance, which I have no doubt are prepared for Uncle Harry. - - - - -THE HOSPITABLE NEGRO WOMAN. - - -The enterprising traveller, Mungo Park, was employed by the African -Association to explore the interior regions of Africa. In this -hazardous undertaking, he encountered many dangers and difficulties. -His wants were often supplied, and his distress alleviated, by the -kindness and compassion of negroes. He gives the following lively and -interesting account of the hospitable treatment he received from a poor -negro woman: - -"Being arrived at Sego, the capital of the kingdom of Bambarra, -situated on the banks of the Niger, I wished to pass over to that part -of the town in which the king resides; but from the number of persons -eager to obtain a passage, I was under the necessity of waiting two -hours. During this time the people who had crossed the river carried -information to Mansong, the king, that a white man was waiting for a -passage, and was coming over to see him. - -"He immediately sent over one of his chief men, who informed me that -the king could not possibly see me until he knew what had brought me -into this country, and that I must not presume to cross the river -without the king's permission. He therefore advised me to lodge, for -that night, in a distant village, to which he pointed, and said that in -the morning he would give me further instruction how to conduct myself. -This was very discouraging. However, as there was no remedy, I set off -for the village; where I found, to my great mortification, that no -person would admit me into his house. - -"From prejudices infused into their minds, I was regarded with -astonishment and fear; and I was obliged to sit the whole day without -victuals, in the shade of a tree. The night threatened to be very -uncomfortable; the wind rose, and there was great appearance of a heavy -rain. The wild beasts too were so numerous in the neighborhood, that I -should have been under the necessity of climbing up a tree, and resting -among the branches. - -"About sunset, however, as I was preparing to pass the night in this -manner, and had turned my horse loose, that he might graze at liberty, -a negro woman, returning from the labors of the field, stopped to -observe me; and perceiving that I was weary and dejected, she inquired -into my situation. I briefly explained it to her; after which, with -looks of great compassion, she took up my saddle and bridle, and told -me to follow her. Having conducted me into her hut, she lighted a lamp, -spread a mat on the floor, and told me I might remain there for the -night. - -"Finding I was very hungry, she went out to procure me something to -eat; and returned in a short time with a very fine fish, which, having -caused it to be half broiled upon some embers, she gave me for supper. -The rites of hospitality being thus performed toward a stranger in -distress, my worthy benefactress (pointing to the mat, and telling -me I might sleep there without apprehension), called to the female -part of her family, who had stood gazing on me all the while in fixed -astonishment, to resume their task of spinning cotton; in which they -continued to employ themselves a great part of the night. - -"They lightened their labor by songs, one of which was composed -extempore; for I was myself the subject of it. It was sung by one of -the young women, the rest joining in a sort of chorus. The air was -sweet and plaintive, and the words, literally translated, were these: -'The winds roared, and the rain fell. The poor white man, faint and -weary, came and sat under our tree. He has no mother to bring him milk, -no wife to grind his corn.' _Chorus_: 'Let us pity the white man; no -mother has he to bring him milk, no wife to grind his corn.'[1] - -"Trifling as these events may appear to the reader, they were to me -affecting in the highest degree. I was oppressed by such unexpected -kindness, and sleep fled from my eyes. In the morning, I presented to -my compassionate landlady two of the four brass buttons which remained -on my waistcoat; the only recompense it was in my power to make her." - -FOOTNOTE: - -[1] These simple and affecting sentiments have been very beautifully -versified. - - - 1. The loud wind roar'd, the rain fell fast, - The white man yielded to the blast. - He sat him down beneath the tree, - For weary, sad, and faint was he: - And ah! no wife's or mother's care, - For him the milk or com prepare. - - - CHORUS. - - - The white man shall our pity share-- - Alas! no wife's or mother's care - For him the milk or corn prepare. - - 2. The storm is o'er, the tempest past, - And Mercy's voice has hush'd the blast; - The wind is heard in whispers low, - The white man far away must go; - But ever in his heart will bear - Remembrance of the negro's care. - - - CHORUS. - - - Go, white man, go; but with thee bear - The negro's wish, the negro's prayer, - Remembrance of the negro's care. - - - - -GRATITUDE IN A LIBERATED SLAVE. - - -Some time in the year 1790 a member of the Manumission Society, -residing on Golden Hill (now called John Street) in New York, observed, -for a considerable time, his front porch to be scrubbed and sanded, -every Seventh-day morning before the family were up. He ordered a -servant to watch, and ascertain to whom he was indebted for this -singular mark of kindness. - -At an early hour in the morning a colored woman was observed with her -pail, brush, cloth, soap and sand, carefully performing her accustomed -task. The domestic who had been on the watch followed her home, and -requested to know her inducements for performing this service. Her -reply was, "Massa got me free, and I can do no less than scrub off the -stoop." A gratitude so genuine and untainted is rarely found among the -most polished and refined minds. - - - - -AGNES MORRIS. - - -Another narrative, respecting a dying woman, displays a faith so -strong, a hope so full of immortality, as may lead the Christian reader -to exclaim, "Let my last hours be like those of this poor slave." Agnes -Morris, a poor negro woman, sent a pressing request to Mrs. Thwaites, -a lady residing in Antigua, to visit her: she was in the last stage of -dropsy. - -This poor creature ranked among the lowest class of slaves. Her all -consisted of a little wattled[2] hut and a few clothes. Mrs. Thwaites, -finding her at the commencement of her illness in a very destitute -condition, mentioned her case to a friend, who gave her a coat. When -she paid her last visit, on her entering the door, Agnes exclaimed, -"Missis! you come! This tongue can't tell what Jesus do for me! Me -call my Saviour day and night; and He come"--laying her hand on her -breast--"He comfort me here." - -On being asked if she was sure of going to heaven when she died, -she answered, "Yes, me sure. Me see de way clear, and shine before -me"--looking and pointing upward with a smiling face. "If di dis -minute, Jesus will take me home, me ready." Some hymns being sung, -she was in a rapture of joy; and in reference to the words of one of -them, exclaimed, "For me--for me--poor sinner!"--lifting up her swelled -hands--"what a glory! what a glory!" - -Seeing her only daughter weeping, she said, "What you cry for? No -cry--follow Jesus--He will take care of you." And turning to Mrs. -Thwaites, she said, "Missis, show um de path:" meaning the path to -heaven. Many other expressions fell from her of a similar nature, -to the astonishment of those who heard her. It was understood she -continued praying and praising God to her latest breath. - -This poor creature was destitute of all earthly comforts. Her bed was a -board, with a few plantain leaves over it. How many of these outcasts -will be translated from outward wretchedness to realms of glory, there -to mingle with the blessed, and sing praises to Hun who lives for ever! - -FOOTNOTE: - -[2] Plaited twigs. - - - - -EXTRAORDINARY EXERTIONS TO OBTAIN LIBERTY. - - -That human being who would run the gauntlet for freedom so desperately -as the poor African appears to have done, whose story is given below, -surely should never again be brought under the lash of a taskmaster. -The captain of a vessel from North Carolina called upon the police for -advisement respecting a slave he had unconsciously brought away in his -vessel, under the following curious circumstances: - -Three or four days after he had got to sea he began to be haunted every -hour with tones of distress seemingly proceeding from a human voice in -the very lowest part of the vessel. A particular scrutiny was finally -instituted, and it was concluded that the creature, whatever or whoever -it might be, must be confined down in the run under the cabin floor; -and on boring a hole with an auger, and demanding, '_Who's there?_' -a feeble voice responded, '_Poor negro, massa!_' It was clear enough -then that some runaway negro had hid himself there before they sailed, -trusting to Providence for his ultimate escape. - -Having discovered him, however, it was impossible to give him relief, -for the captain had stowed even the cabin so completely full of cotton -as but just to leave room for a small table for himself and the mate to -eat on; and as for unloading at sea, that was pretty much out of the -question. Accordingly, there he had to lie, stretched at full length, -for the tedious interval of _thirteen days_, till the vessel arrived in -port and unloaded, receiving his food and drink through the auger hole. - -The fellow's story is, now he is released, that, being determined to -get away from slavery, he supplied himself with eggs, and biscuit, and -some jugs of water, which latter he was just on the point of depositing -in his lurking-place, when he discovered the captain at a distance -coming on board, and had to hurry down as fast as possible and leave -them; that he lived on nothing but his eggs and biscuit till discovered -by the captain, not even getting a drop of water, except what he had -the good fortune to catch in his hand one day, when a vessel of water -in the cabin was overset, during a squall, and some of it ran down -through the cracks of the floor over him. - - - - -WILLIAM BOWEN. - - -Died, near Mount Holly, New Jersey, 12th of sixth month, 1824, in the -90th year of his age, William Bowen, a man of color. The deceased -was one of those who have demonstrated the truth of that portion of -Scripture that, "in every nation, he that feareth God and worketh -righteousness is accepted with Him." - -He was concerned in early life to do justly, love mercy, and walk -humbly with his God; and by closely attending to the light of Christ, -and faithfully abiding under the operation of that blessed spirit of -Divine Grace in his soul, he was enabled not only to bear many precious -testimonies, through his life, but to bring forth those fruits of the -Spirit which redound to the glory of God and to the salvation of the -soul. - -He was an exemplary member of the religious Society of Friends. As he -lived so he died, a rare pattern of a self-denying follower of Jesus -Christ. He had no apparent disease either of body or mind; and as he -expressed himself, but a short time before his death, "he felt nothing -but weakness," which continued to increase until he gently breathed his -last, and no doubt entered into his Heavenly Father's rest. "Mark the -perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." - - - - -ANTHONY BENEZET. - - -Died, on the 3d of fifth month, 1784, Anthony Benezet, aged 71 years, a -member of the Society of Friends. It was a day of sorrow. The afflicted -widow, the unprotected orphan, and the poor of all descriptions, -had lost the sympathetic mind of Benezet. Society lamented the -extinguishment of the brilliant light of his philanthropy. - -The wandering tribes in the American wilderness, and the oppressed -Africans, were indeed bereft; for his willing pen and tongue had ceased -forever to portray the history of their injuries, or plead for the -establishment of their rights, before the sons of men. - -At the interment of his remains, in Friends' burial ground in -Philadelphia, was the greatest concourse of people that had ever been -witnessed on such an occasion; being a collection of all ranks and -professions among the inhabitants; thus manifesting the universal -esteem in which he was held. - -Among others who paid that last tribute of respect were many hundred -colored people, testifying, by their attendance and by their tears, the -grateful sense they entertained of his pious efforts in their behalf. -Having no children, by his will he bequeathed his estate to his wife -during her natural life. At her decease, he directed several small sums -to be paid to poor and obscure persons. - -The residue he devised in trust to the overseers of the public -school, "to hire and employ a religious-minded person or persons to -teach a number of negro, mulatto or Indian children to read, write, -arithmetic, plain accounts, needle-work, etc. And it is my particular -desire, founded on the experience I have had in that service, that, -in the choice of such tutor, special care may be taken to prefer an -industrious, careful person, of true piety, who may be or become -suitably qualified, who would undertake the service from a principle of -charity, to one more highly learned not equally disposed." - -He also bequeathed, as a special legacy, the sum of fifty pounds to the -Society in Pennsylvania for the promotion of the abolition of slavery. -Thus closed the life of this great and good man. Dispensing his -blessings with his own hand, he was too liberal to be a man of wealth. -He was a native of France; and in the ancient records of his family are -exhibited evidences of religious character in his predecessors. - -Connected with the demise of his grandfather, the event is said to be, -"to the great affliction of his children, and the universal regret of -his relatives and friends, for he was a model of virtue and purity, and -lived in the constant fear of God." Attached to the birth-note of his -grandson Anthony, are these expressions: "May God bless him, in making -him a partaker of his mercies." Though virtue is not hereditary, it -must be admitted that example is powerful. - -Among the productions of Anthony Benezet's pen, was, "An historical -account of Guinea, its situation, produce, and the general disposition -of its inhabitants; with an inquiry into the rise and progress of the -slave trade, its nature, and calamitous effects." - - -_Note from the Memoirs of A. Benezet._ - -The influence of this work, in giving an impulse to the mind of -the indefatigable and benevolent Thomas Clarkson, whose exertions -contributed so much toward bringing about the abolition of the slave -trade by the British Parliament, is certainly remarkable. In the year -1785, Dr. Peckard, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, -proposed to the senior Bachelors of Arts, of whom Clarkson was one, the -following question for a Latin dissertation: viz. (in English), "Is it -right to make slaves of others against their will?" - -Having in the former year gained a prize for the best Latin -dissertation, he resolved to maintain the classical reputation he -had acquired by applying himself to the subject; but it was one with -which he was by no means familiar, and he was at a loss what authors -to consult respecting it; "when going by accident," he says, "into a -friend's house, I took up a newspaper then lying on the table. - -"One of the articles which attracted my notice, was an advertisement of -Anthony Benezet's historical account of Guinea. I soon left my friend -and his paper, and, to lose no time, hastened to London to buy it. -In this precious book I found almost all I wanted." The information -furnished by Benezet's book encouraged him to complete his essay, which -was rewarded with the first prize; and from that moment, Clarkson's -mind became interested with the great subject of the abolition. - - - - -EXTRAORDINARY MUNIFICENCE. - -FROM THE GENIUS OF UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION--1825. - - -A paragraph has lately gone the round of the papers announcing that -a gentleman of Virginia had emancipated _upwards of eighty slaves_, -and chartered a vessel to send them at his own expense to Hayti, but -without giving the name of the author of so distinguished an act of -munificence. - -"We think it due to justice," says the Norfolk Herald, "to supply -this deficiency, and to add the following facts, which have been -communicated to us by gentlemen familiar with them, as well as by -Captain Russell, one of the owners of the brig Hannah and Elizabeth, of -Baltimore, the vessel chartered. - -"The gentleman who has thus distinguished himself, is David Minge, -of Charles City county, living near Sandy Point, on James River. -Captain Russell informs us that there were put on board the Hannah and -Elizabeth eighty-seven colored people of different ages, from three -months to forty years, being all the slaves Mr. Minge owned, except two -old men, whom he had likewise manumitted, but who, being past service, -he retains and supports them. - -"The value of these negroes, at the prices now going, might be -estimated at about twenty-six thousand dollars! and Mr. Minge expended, -previous to their embarkation, about twelve hundred dollars in -purchasing ploughs, hoes, iron, and other articles of husbandry for -them; besides providing them with several suits of clothes to each, -provisions, groceries, cooking utensils, and everything which he -supposed they might require for their comfort during the passage, and -for their use after their arrival out. He also paid sixteen hundred -dollars for the charter of the vessel. - -"But Mr. Minge's munificence does not end here. On the bank of the -river, as they were about to go on board, he had a peck of dollars -brought down, and calling them around him, under a tree, he distributed -the hoard among them, in such sums, and under such regulations, that -each individual did, or would, receive seven dollars. - -"By this provision, Mr. Minge thought his emigrants would be enabled to -commence the cultivation of the soil immediately after their arrival, -without being dependent on President Boyer for any favor whatever, -unless the permission to improve the government lands be so considered. - -"Mr. Minge is about twenty-four or twenty-five years of age, unmarried, -and unencumbered in every respect; possesses an ample fortune, and -received the benefits of a collegiate education at Harvard University. - -"We have heard of splendid sacrifices at the shrine of philanthropy; -aged men, on quitting the stage of mortal existence, have bequeathed -large endowments to public charities, and princely legacies to -religious and moral institutions. But where shall we find an instance -of the kind attributable to a man of Mr. Minge's age? The case, we -believe, is without a parallel." - - - - -TEMPTATION RESISTED AND HONESTY REWARDED. - -FROM DILLWYN'S ANECDOTES. - - -A poor chimney sweeper's boy was employed at the house of a lady of -rank to sweep the chimney of the room in which she usually dressed. -When finding himself on the hearth of a richly-furnished dressing room, -and perceiving no one there, he waited a few moments to take a view of -the beautiful things in the apartment. - -A gold watch, richly set with diamonds, particularly caught his -attention, and he could not forbear taking it in his hand. Immediately -the wish rose in his mind, "Ah! if you had such a one!" After a pause, -he said to himself, "But if I take it I shall be a thief; and yet," -continued he, "nobody would know it; nobody sees me--nobody! Does not -God see me, who is present everywhere?" Overcome by these thoughts, a -cold shivering seized him. "No," said he, putting down the watch, "I -would much rather be poor, and keep my good conscience, than rich and -become a rascal." At these words he hastened back into the chimney. - -The lady, who was in the room adjoining, having overheard the -conversation with himself, sent for him the next morning, and thus -accosted him: "My little friend, why did you not take the watch -yesterday?" The boy fell on his knees, speechless and astonished. "I -heard every thing you said," continued her ladyship; "thank God for -enabling you to resist this temptation, and be watchful over yourself -for the future: from this moment you shall be in my service: I will -both maintain and clothe you: nay, more, procure you good instruction, -which will assist to guard you from the danger of similar temptations." - -The boy burst into tears; he was anxious to express his gratitude, but -could not. The lady strictly kept her promise, and had the pleasure -of seeing this poor _chimney-sweeper_ grow up a good, pious and -intelligent man. - - -An Indian, being among his white neighbors, asked for a little tobacco -to smoke, and one of them, having some loose in his pocket, gave him -a handful. The day following the Indian came back, inquiring for the -donor, saying he had found a quarter of a dollar among the tobacco. -Being told that as it was given him he might as well keep it, he -answered, pointing to his breast, "I got a good man, and a bad man -here, and the good man say, 'It ain't yours; you must return it to its -owner:' the bad man say, 'Why, he gave it to you, and it is your own -now:' the good man say, 'That's not right; the tobacco is yours, not -the money:' the bad man say, 'Never mind, you got it, go buy some -dram:' the good man say, 'No, you must not do so:' so I don't know what -to do, and I think I go to sleep; but the good man and the bad keep -talking all night, and trouble me; and now I bring the money back I -feel good." - - -Another Indian related, that, having got some money, he was, on his -way home, tempted to stop at a tavern and buy some rum; "But," said -he, pointing to his breast, "I have a good boy and a bad boy here; and -the good boy say, 'John, don't you stop there: the bad one say, 'Poh, -John, never mind, you love a good dram:' the good boy say, 'No, John, -you know what a fool you made yourself when you got drunk there before, -don't do so again.' When I come to the tavern, the bad boy say, 'Come, -John, take one dram; it won't hurt you:' the good one say, 'No, John, -if you take one dram, then you take another:' then I don't know what to -do, and the good boy say, 'Run, John, hard as you can'--so I run away, -and then, be sure, I feel very glad." - - - - -THE GOOD OLD INDIAN. - - -Captain James Smith relates, that he was taken prisoner by the Indians -in the year 1755, and lived several years among them. At one time, -he lived with an old man named Tecaughretanego, and his little son, -Nunganny; they were quite alone, and there were not any inhabitants for -many miles around. The old man was too lame to go out hunting; it was -winter; they had no victuals; the snow was on the ground, and so frozen -as to make a great noise when walked on, which frightened away the -deer, and the captain could not shoot anything for some time. - -He says: "After I had hunted two days without eating anything, and -had very short allowance for some days before, I returned late in the -evening, faint and weary. When I came into our hut, the old man asked -what success. I told him not any. He asked me if I was not very hungry. -I replied that the keen appetite seemed in some measure abated, but I -was both faint and weary. - -"He commanded his little son to bring me something to eat; and he -brought me a kettle with some bones and broth. After eating a few -mouthfuls my appetite violently returned, and I thought the victuals -had a most agreeable relish, though it was only fox and wildcat bones, -which lay about the ground, which the ravens and turkey-buzzards had -picked; these Nunganny had collected, and boiled until the sinews that -remained on them would strip off. I speedily finished my allowance, and -when I had ended my _sweet_ repast the old man asked me how I felt. I -told him I was much refreshed. - -"He then handed me his pipe and pouch, and told me to take a good -smoke. I did so. He then said he had something of importance to tell -me, if I was now composed and ready to hear it. I told him I was ready -to hear him. He said, 'The reason why I deferred my speech till now -is because few men are in a right humor to hear good talk when they -are very hungry, as they are then generally fretful and discomposed; -but as you now appear to enjoy calmness and serenity of mind, I will -communicate to you the thoughts of my heart, and those things I know to -be true. - -"'Brother, as you have lived with the white people, you have not had -the same advantage of knowing that the great Being above feeds His -people, and gives them their meat in due season, as we Indians have, -who are frequently out of provisions, and yet are wonderfully supplied, -and that so frequently that it is evidently the hand of the Great -Spirit that does this; whereas, the white people have commonly large -stocks of tame cattle, that they can kill when they please; and they -also have barns and cribs, filled with grain, and therefore have not -the same opportunity of seeing that they are supported by the Ruler of -heaven and earth. - -"'Brother, I know you are now afraid that we will all perish with -hunger, but you have no just reason to fear this. I have been young, -but I am now old. I have been frequently under the like circumstances -that we now are, and some time or another in almost every year of my -life; yet I have hitherto been supported, and my wants supplied in time -of need. - -"'Brother, the Good Spirit sometimes suffers us to be in want, in order -to teach us our dependence on Him, and to let us know that we are to -love and serve Him; likewise to know the worth of the favors that we -receive, and also to make us thankful. - -"'Brother, be assured that you will be supplied with food, and that -just in the right time: but you must continue diligent in the use of -means: go to sleep, and rise early in the morning, and go a hunting--be -strong, and exert yourself, like a man, and the Great Spirit will -direct your way.'" - -The captain was thus encouraged to try again the next morning, though -much disheartened and extremely hungry. He went a great distance before -he could shoot anything; but at length he shot a buffalo cow; thus -finding, as the good old Indian had said, that the Great Spirit had -enabled him to provide for them just at the time of their distress. - - - - -FAITH OF A POOR BLIND WOMAN. - - -A person going to see a very aged woman of color, found a -respectable-looking white girl sitting by her, reading the Bible for -her. On inquiring of the old woman whether she could ever read, the -visitor was answered, "Oh, yes, mistress, and I used to read a great -deal in that book (pointing to a Bible very much worn that lay on the -table), but now I am most blind, and the good girls read for me; but -by and by, when I get on Zion's hill, I shall then see as well as -anybody." - -The poor of this world are often found rich in faith, and their -confidence in the wisdom and goodness of a bountiful Creator, strong. -How frequently, on visiting the abodes of the aged and the infirm, do -we find this verified: one saying, when something is handed her, "The -Lord has sent me this;"--another, "The Lord put it into my heart to be -industrious, and lay up something for old age," etc. - - - - -AFRICAN SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK. - - -The Clarkson Association, for instructing adult females of color, -commenced in the spring of 1811, and was conducted ten or twelve years -by a number of young ladies of the Society of Friends. This was the -first institution that came under the appellation of Sabbath-school in -this city, where there are now so many. - -It was taught on that day, because those people had generally more -leisure to attend than on other days of the week; but these benevolent -ladies soon appropriated also one afternoon in the middle of the week, -for such as were at liberty to attend. There were a considerable number -of aged women, as well as those in the prime of life, who learned to -read, and rejoiced greatly in the acquisition. There were also schools -kept by young men, for adults of color of the other sex. - -"There is one remarkable fact connected with the effects of this -excellent school upon the moral condition of the colored people. At -every term of the Court of Sessions in this city, there are many -colored persons convicted of crimes, and sent to the State prison or -penitentiary. This school has now been in operation a number of years, -and several thousands of scholars have received the benefits of a -good thorough English education, _and but three persons who have been -educated here have been convicted in our criminal courts_." - -Several girls, who have received their education at this school, -have gone with their parents to Hayti, where they will be capable of -teaching schools, and may be of singular benefit. Two interesting -letters, written in a very fair intelligible hand, by one of these -girls about fourteen years old, have been received by E. J. Cox; -extracts from which are here subjoined. - - - "REPUBLIC OF HAYTI, } - CITY OF ST. DOMINGO, Sept. 29, 1824. } - - "DEAR TEACHER:--With pleasure I hasten to inform you of our safe - arrival in St. Domingo, after a passage of twenty-one days. - Mother and myself were very much afflicted with sea-sickness for - about nine or ten days, but after that we enjoyed a little of the - pleasures of our voyage. - - "On our arrival, we were conducted by the captain of the port - to the governor's house, where we were received by him with all - the friendship that he could have received us with had we been - intimately acquainted for years. After informing him of our - intention of residing on the island, we were conducted to the - residence of the second general in command, where we had our names - registered. - - "From thence we went to see the principal chapel in the city; to - give a description of which, it requires a far abler pen than - mine;" (she, however, mentions many particulars;) "but you cannot - form an idea of it, unless you could see for yourself. After - we had viewed the church throughout, we were conducted to our - lodging, at which place we are at present. Since we have been - here, my sampler and bench-cover have been seen by a number of - ladies and gentlemen, and have been very much admired by all who - have seen them. - - "Dear teacher, notwithstanding we are hundreds of miles from each - other, I hope you will not think that I shall forget you, or those - kind friends (I mean the trustees), who have been so kind to me: - for had it not been for them and yourself, perhaps I never should - have known one half what I do, as respects my education; for - which, for them and you, to God I shall offer up my humble prayers - for your welfare, both in this life and that which is to come. - - "I am, with respect, yours, - - "SERENA M. BALDWIN." - - - - -THE INJURED AFRICANS. - -FROM THE NEW YORK OBSERVER--1826. - - -In our paper of the 21st of January we inserted a communication from a -correspondent giving an account of an aged colored woman who emigrated -with her husband from New Orleans to this city last summer, bringing -with her another colored woman whom she had rescued from slavery at the -expense of _her little all_. The object of these poor people in coming -to New York was simply to enjoy the privileges of the gospel without -interruption. - -A benevolent gentleman of our acquaintance whose feelings were much -interested in the account which we published, and who has since -repeatedly visited this interesting family, has put into our hands the -following particulars of their history for publication. The name of -the husband is _Reuben_, that of his wife, _Betsey_, and that of their -companion, _Fanny_. - -_Reuben Madison_, the husband, was born in Virginia, near Port Royal, -about the year 1781. His parents, and all his connections in this -country, were slaves. His father died when he was about seven years -old. His mother is now living in Kentucky, enjoying freedom in her old -age, through the filial regard of Reuben, who purchased her liberty -for seventy dollars. She is seriously disposed, but not a professor of -religion. - -He has now eight brothers and sisters living in Frankfort, Franklin -county, Kentucky, all slaves, and all, excepting one, members of a -Baptist church in that place. About a year after his conversion Reuben -was married to a slave, who had been kidnapped in Maryland and sold to -a planter in his neighborhood. She was also hopefully pious. - -While they lived together she became the mother of two children; but -about four years after their marriage she and one of the children, -aged eight months, were sold without his knowledge, and transported to -a distant Spanish territory, and with so much secrecy that he had no -opportunity even to bid her a last farewell. "This," said he, "was the -severest trial of my life, a sense of sin only excepted. I mourned and -cried, and would not be comforted. - -"After several months, however, the hope of meeting her and my children -again in the kingdom of God, when we should never be separated, -together with a promise from my master that I should at some future -time go to see her, in some measure allayed my grief, and permitted me -to enjoy the consolations of religion." The other child is now a slave -in Kentucky, though the father has often endeavored in vain to purchase -his freedom. - -About six years since, having hired his time of his master for five -years previous, at 120 dollars a year, Reuben succeeded, by trafficking -in rags, and in other ways, in collecting a sum sufficient for the -purchase of his own freedom, for which he paid 700 dollars, and not -only so, but he was enabled, with his surplus earnings, to build a -brick house, and to provide it with convenient accommodations. By the -dishonesty of his former master, however, all was taken from him. - -Thus stripped of his property, he left Kentucky and went to New -Orleans, that he might learn something from his wife, and, if possible, -find and redeem her; but he only succeeded in gaining the painful -intelligence that she was dead. He there formed an acquaintance with -his present wife, whose former name was Betsey Bond, and they were soon -married. The circumstances of her life were briefly these: - -Betsey was born a slave, near Hobb's Hole, Essex county, Virginia, -about 1763, and was married to a slave at about the age of twenty -years. By him she had three children, one of which, together with -her husband, died a few years after their marriage. Soon after their -death, she was led to reflect on her lost state as a sinner, and after -about seven months of deep anxiety was enabled, as she trusts, to -resign herself into the hands of her Saviour, and experience those -consolations which He deigns to grant to the broken-hearted penitent. - -She gained the confidence and attachment of her mistress, who treated -her with much kindness, and she was married to a pious servant of the -family, where she remained about nine years. At the close of this -period a planter from the vicinity of Natchez, coming to Alexandria in -Virginia, where she then lived, for slaves, she was sold, and carried, -with eight others, to his plantation, leaving her husband behind. - -Her new master treated her with great severity, and she was compelled -to labor almost incessantly every day of the week, Sabbath not -excepted. With this man she lived nineteen years. He then died, and -left his slaves, by will, to another planter, who also dying soon -after, she was again sold and transported to New Orleans, where she -arrived about the year 1812. - -At the end of two years this master also died; and when his slaves were -about to be sold, Betsey succeeded with some difficulty in hiring her -time, and in a little more than a year, by washing and other labor, she -acquired sufficient property to purchase her freedom, for which she -paid 250 dollars. Her youngest son and his wife being also slaves in -New Orleans, she hoped to obtain, by her industry and economy, money -sufficient to purchase them also; but their master refused to part with -them. - -Several years after a large number of slaves were brought to New -Orleans from Virginia, and were about to be offered for sale, and Fanny -was among the number. Having accidentally become acquainted with her, -previous to the sale, and finding her a sister in Christ, Betsey's -feelings were deeply interested, and she resolved to purchase her, and -to treat her not as a slave, but as a child and companion. - -This determination she communicated to Fanny, and with the aid of a -gentleman she succeeded in accomplishing her object. The price was 250 -dollars. She paid 200, _her all_, and obtained a short credit for the -remainder. Soon after this her present husband, coming to New Orleans, -as before stated, they were married, and the payment for Fanny was then -completed. - -By their united industry they were soon able to build a comfortable -house, in which they set apart a room for religious purposes. Here -they assembled with others every Sabbath, for the worship of God. But -being constantly exposed to disturbance in their worship, they felt a -great desire to go to a free State, where they might enjoy religious -privileges unmolested; where they could unite with Christian friends in -social prayer and conversation, without a soldier with a drawn sword -stationed at their door. - -They fixed upon New York as the desired asylum; and having arranged -their concerns, rented their house, and collected their effects, -they engaged and paid their passage, which was seventy dollars, and -sailed from New Orleans about the 12th of July, 1825, with pleasing -anticipations, for a land of freedom and religious privileges. - -They suffered much on the voyage, through the cruelty of the captain; -being exposed without shelter, during the whole of the passage, either -on deck or in the longboat. In consequence of this exposure, both of -the women were taken sick; and in this condition they arrived at New -York, and were landed on the wharf in a land of strangers, their money -almost expended, and none to commiserate their sufferings. - -After a few days, however, Reuben succeeded in obtaining a miserable -cellar in Chapel Street, at sixty dollars annual rent, where he -remained for some time, supporting the family in their sickness, by his -labor as a shoemaker, and by the sale of some of his effects. - -On his arrival at this port his first act was to grant entire freedom -to Fanny, giving her liberty to live with him, or to go where she -pleased. She chose to remain with him; and she assisted in the support -of the family by washing and other labor, and nursed her mistress, who -was evidently declining with the consumption, occasioned doubtless by -the severity of her treatment on the passage from New Orleans. - -Not being able to pay their rent in advance, owing to their sickness -and other expenses, their landlord compelled them to quit their -residence; and they have since been obliged to put up with still more -miserable accommodations in a cellar in Elm Street. - -They appeared to put their trust and confidence in God, and expressed -their entire belief that all their trials were designed for their -good. They seemed to be one in sentiment and feeling, and to manifest -a spirituality of mind rarely to be found. Every little attention was -most gratefully received, and the best of blessings were implored on -him who bestowed it. - -With some assistance from the benevolent, and with what they may -receive from New Orleans for rent, it is believed they may be provided -with a comfortable house, and be introduced to those privileges which -they so ardently desire. No one of the family can read, though they are -all desirous to learn, and from a little attention which their friends -have given them it appears that they may be taught without difficulty. - -It is an affecting thought, that the wrongs of this poor woman, which -commenced at her birth, and were inflicted without interruption during -the long years of slavery, still followed her on her passage to the -land of freedom, and have been finally consummated in this city, the -city of her hopes, her fancied asylum from the oppressor. - - - - -HENRY BOYD. - -FROM THE ANTI-SLAVERY RECORD. - - -Henry Boyd was born a slave in Kentucky. Of imposing stature, well-knit -muscles, and the countenance of one of nature's noblemen. At the age of -eighteen he had so far won the confidence of his master, that he not -only consented to sell him the right and title to his freedom, but gave -him his own time to earn the money. - -With a general pass from his master, Henry made his way to the Kenhawa -salt works, celebrated as the place where Senator Ewing, of Ohio, -chopped out his _education_ with his axe! And there, too, with his axe, -did Henry Boyd chop out his _liberty_. By performing double labor, he -got double wages. In the daytime he swung his axe upon the wood, and -for half the night he tended the boiling salt-kettles, sleeping the -other half by their side. - -After having accumulated a sufficient sum, he returned to his master -and paid it over for his freedom. He next applied himself to learn the -trade of a carpenter and joiner. Such was his readiness to acquire the -use of tools, that he soon qualified himself to receive the wages of a -journeyman. In Kentucky prejudice does not forbid master mechanics to -teach colored men their trades. - -He now resolved to quit the dominions of slavery and try his fortunes -in a free State, and accordingly directed his steps to the city of -Cincinnati. The journey reduced his purse to the last _quarter of a -dollar_; but, with his tools on his back and the consciousness of his -ability to use them, he entered the city with a light heart. Little did -he dream of the reception he was to meet. There was work enough to be -done in his line, but no master workman would employ a colored man. - -Day after day did Henry Boyd offer his services from shop to shop, but -as often was he repelled, generally with insult, and once with a kick. -At last, he found the shop of an Englishman, too recently arrived to -understand the grand peculiarity of American feeling. This man put a -plane into his hand, and asked him to make proof of his skill. "This is -in bad order," said Boyd, and with that he gave the instrument certain -nice professional knocks with the hammer, till he brought it to suit -his practised eye. - -"Enough," said the Englishman; "I see you can use tools." Boyd, -however, proceeded to dress a board in a very able and workmanlike -manner, while the journeymen from a long line of benches gathered -around with looks that bespoke a deep personal interest in the matter. -"You may go to work," said the master of the shop, right glad to employ -so good a workman. The words had no sooner left his mouth than his -American journeymen, unbuttoning their aprons, called, as one man, for -the settlement of their wages. - -"What! what!" said the amazed Englishman, "what does this mean?" "It -means that we will not work with a _nigger_," replied the journeymen. -"But he is a first-rate workman." "But we won't stay in the same shop -with a _nigger_; we are not in the habit of working with _niggers_." -"Then I will build a shanty outside, and he shall work in that." "No, -no; we won't work for a _boss_ who employs _niggers_. Pay us up, and -we'll be off." The poor master of the shop turned with a despairing -look to Boyd--"You see how it is, my friend; my workmen will all leave -me. I am sorry for it, but I can't hire you." - -Even at this repulse our adventurer did not despair. There might still -be mechanics in the outskirts of the city who had too few journeymen to -be bound by their prejudices. His quarter of a dollar had long since -disappeared, but, by carrying a traveller's trunk or turning his hand -to any chance job, he contrived to exist till he had made application -to every carpenter and joiner in the city and its suburbs. _Not one -would employ him._ By this time, the iron of prejudice, more galling -than anything he had ever known of slavery, had entered his soul. - -He walked down to the river's bank below the city, and throwing himself -upon the ground, gave way to an agony of despair. He had found himself -the object of universal contempt; his plans were all frustrated, his -hopes dashed, and his dear-bought freedom made of no effect! By such -trials, weak minds are prostrated in abject and slavish servility, and -stronger ones are made the enemies and depredators of society; it is -only the highest class of moral heroes that come off like gold from the -furnace. - -Of this class, however, was Henry Boyd. Recovering from his dejection, -he surveyed the brawny muscles that strung his Herculean frame. A new -design rushed into his mind, and new resolution filled his heart. He -sprang upon his feet and walked firmly and rapidly towards the city, -doubtless with aspirations that might have suited the words of the poet: - - - "Thy spirit, _Independence_, let me share, - Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye." - - -The first object which attracted his "eagle eye," on reaching the city, -was one of the huge river boats laden with pig iron, drawn up to the -landing. The captain of this craft was just inquiring of the merchant -who owned its contents for a hand to assist in unloading it. "I am the -very fellow for you," said Boyd, stripping off his coat, rolling up his -sleeves, and laying hold of the work. "Yes, sure enough, that _is_ the -very fellow for you," said the merchant. - -The resolution and alacrity of Boyd interested him exceedingly, -and during the four or five days in which a flotilla of boats were -discharging their cargoes of pig iron with unaccustomed despatch, -he became familiar with his history, with the exception of all that -pertained to his trade, which Boyd thought proper to keep to himself. -In consequence, our adventurer next found himself promoted to the -portership of the merchant's store, a post which he filled to great -satisfaction. - -He had a hand and a head for everything, and an occasion was not long -wanting to prove it. A joiner was engaged to erect a counter, but -failing, by a drunken frolic, the merchant was disappointed and vexed. -Rather in passion than in earnest, he turned to his faithful porter: -"Here, Henry, you can do almost anything, why can't _you_ do this job?" -"Perhaps I could, sir, if I had my tools and the stuff," was the reply. -"Your tools!" exclaimed the merchant in surprise, for till now he knew -nothing of his trade. - -Boyd explained that he had learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, -and had no objection to try the job. The merchant handed him the money, -and told him to make as good a counter as he could. The work was done -with such promptitude, judgment and finish that his employer broke off -a contract for the erection of a large frame warehouse, which he was -about closing with the same mechanic who had disappointed him in the -matter of the counter, and gave the job to Henry. - -The money was furnished, and Boyd was left to procure the materials and -_boss_ the job at his own discretion. This he found no difficulty in -doing, and what is remarkable, among the numerous journeymen whom he -employed, were some of the very men who took off their aprons at his -appearance in the Englishman's shop! The merchant was so much pleased -with his new warehouse, that he proceeded to set up the intelligent -builder in the exercise of his trade in the city. - -Thus Henry Boyd found himself raised at once almost beyond the reach -of the prejudice which had well-nigh crushed him. He built houses and -accumulated property. White journeymen and apprentices were glad to -be in his employment, and to _sit at his table_. He is now a wealthy -mechanic, living in his own house in Cincinnati; and his enemies who -have tried to supplant him have as good reason as his friends to know -that he is a man of sound judgment and a most vigorous intellect. - -Without having received a day's schooling in his life, Henry Boyd -is well read in history, has an extensive and accurate knowledge of -geography, is an excellent arithmetician, and is remarkable for his -morality, generosity, and all those traits which mark a noble character. - - - - -QUAMINO BUCCAN, - -A PIOUS METHODIST. - - -Quamino was born in the vicinity of New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1762, -and was a slave. In his ninth year he was hired for a term of years -to a person named Schenk, who employed him as a house-servant, and -who soon after removing to Poughkeepsie, New York, took the lad with -him. The unsettled state of the country during the Revolutionary War, -prevented communication with his old master, and Quamino had no hope of -seeing his former friends; but in his eightieth year he was informed -that his master had sent for him. On his return to New Jersey his old -associates had so grown that he felt like a stranger in his old home. - -When nearing the age of manhood he was steady in attending religious -meetings, walking several miles through all kinds of weather. His own -account of his motive in going was that he "liked to have the name of -being a good boy." But whatever his motive in going, the meetings were -a blessing to him. One Sabbath evening on reaching home he went to -the barn, where, after earnest exercise in prayer, he slept upon the -straw. Very early in the morning he went into the field to work, first -kneeling by the fence. Being in great distress, the gracious words of -the Saviour deeply impressed him: "_Let not your heart be troubled. Ye -believe in God, believe also in Me._" Yielding his whole heart and all -his powers to Him who was calling for the sacrifice, he felt that he -received the unspeakable gift. - -He went to his work; "and oh," said he, "everything was glorious around -me--everything seemed to be praising God." - -The change which had come over the boy was conspicuous to all around -him; he was quiet and diligent in attention to all his duties. From -this time Quamino understood the nature of that peace "which passeth -all understanding." On the Sabbath he would get the carriage ready, -and when his master had started he would walk several miles across the -fields to the Methodist meeting, but always left before the conclusion -of the services, as, if not at home in time to take the horses when the -family arrived, he was sure to be found fault with, if not punished. - -At the age of twenty-six he married Sarah, a slave on a neighboring -place. She was soon sold to a distance of five miles, and for some -years they only met once a week. One Sabbath morning he went to see -her, and found that she and her infant had been sold, leaving her -little son, a boy nearly four years old. She now had a hard master; -but, through the efforts of her husband, she was purchased by a -neighbor, and, at length, by the removal of this purchaser, Quamino -induced his second master (to whom he had been sold when about thirty -years old) to buy her. Afterwards Dr. Griffith bought Quamino for $250, -and Sarah for $150. - -At the death of Dr. Griffith his goods and chattels (including his -slaves) were advertised to be sold at public auction. The sale -commenced, and Quamino and Sarah became objects of much attention; but -a letter was received from Wm. Griffith, the son and executor of the -late master, directing that everything should be sold to the highest -bidder except the carriage and horse, and that with these Quamino -should bring Sarah to Burlington. "Oh, my dear friend," said he in -narrating it, "you do not know how I felt." - -Wm. Griffith was not only an eminent lawyer but bore a part in -originating the New Jersey Abolition Society. For this excellent man, -whose "record is on high," Quamino worked to the best of his ability. -One day, as he was at work in the garden, he heard his name called, and -seeing his master beside him, he modestly said, "Sir!" We will describe -what took place in the good old man's words. Says he: - -"Would you like to be free?" and I said, "I don't know, sir." He stood -in silence a little while, and I went on working the same as before. At -last he said, 'I've made up my mind to give you free;' and says I, 'you -give me free, master?' Oh, it all came on me so unexpected! And then -he up and told me all how he would do: 'When I call you, you must take -your wife by the hand and come into my office.' One day he called me to -bring my wife. I went in the kitchen, and said, 'Mother, Mr. Griffith -says you must come along with me to the office.' She stroked her -apron, and we went, and found the office full of gentlemen, and there -we stood as if we were just married. After answering some questions -they went back to their work, and their certificate of freedom was -recorded in the clerk's office in Burlington. They were then hired at -ten dollars a month. Quamino was then forty-four years old. When asked -by some of his old friends, if he was happier since he received his -freedom, he said, "I don't know much about freedom, but I would'nt be a -slave again if you'd give me the best farm in the Jarsies." - -In the year 1842, when he was eighty years old, his wife died suddenly. -As the remains of Sarah were borne from their humble home, he stood -at the door, supported by his crutches, the tears streaming down his -cheeks. "Farewell," said he, "I shall see her no more, till we meet -within the Pearl Gates." Sarah was not inferior to her husband, to -whom she was a helper in spiritual and temporal things. He felt this -bereavement keenly, his situation without her was forlorn. Living -alone in his house, too feeble to dress himself, his son, who was out -at service, would put him to bed at night, and come in the morning to -dress him. Arrangements were made by several families to furnish him -with dinner, each taking a particular day; and this plan was pursued -for eight years. His landlord supplied his morning and evening meal, -until Quamino's sight entirely failed, when a faithful care-taker was -provided for him. - -Charles Taber, a Friend and a Minister, from Canada, visited him one -morning, and was fervently engaged in prayer. When he rose from his -knees Quamino exclaimed, "Now I know that my prayer was heard. Dis -morning, after blessing and praising de Master for taking care of me -through de night, I asked Him to please to send me something to comfort -me through the day, and now He sent you to me, oh, my dear friend!" - -Speaking of the evidence of evil around us, he said, "God is His own -interpreter and my comforter, and He will make all things plain." -Referring to his pains, he said, "The Lord is the physician--He has -a balm for every wound. It seems, as I sit here, I have a view over -Jordan. We must pass Jordan's swelling flood, and then we'll be in the -promised land." - -In reference to his blindness, he said, that with his natural sight -and comprehension he had never been able to conceive the half of the -glory which should be revealed, or to form a conception of the "good -things" held in store even for so poor a creature as he felt himself to -be. "How long I have to remain in this state," he exclaimed, "the Lord -knows. I resign myself in His hands, and to His wisdom. Oh, the Lord -moves with me so beautiful! I trust the Lord has enabled me to seek and -to find His face and favor." - -Being inquired of concerning his health, he replied, "That he could -not wish to be better--that he was so composed in mind, so calm and -peaceable. Oh, the glorious prospect I have in view. I can't see -anything of this world, but there seems to be a hovering around me. If -the heart is composed to His will, what can trouble us? Blessed Master, -please to give me an insight into Thy will." He spoke of the comfort -and strength which is afforded him to hear the Holy Scriptures read. - -"Oh," said he, "if I could only find words to express the feelings I -have when I am alone--and yet I do not feel that I am alone either. He -cares for us and provides for us; but He is all in all, and over all; -He leads us by His spirit; He don't compel us, but enables us. Oh, my -blessed Saviour, teach me, oh, teach me the measure of my days, that I -may turn my thoughts more to it. But I trust in the Lord that He will -prepare me and keep me to the end." - -Wm. J. Allinson called on him one morning. He found the old man, who -was 108 years of age, sitting in his chair; he gave his visitor an -earnest welcome, and his tongue was eloquent with rejoicing praises of -Him who had made him meet for an inheritance with the saints in light. -"Glory be to my blessed Master," he cried again and again, clasping his -hands like an artless and overjoyed child. On this occasion, and indeed -in almost every interview, he devoutly expressed his thankfulness that, -although deprived of sight, his reason and memory were spared him; and -this was remarkably the case to the last moment of existence. - -"My dear friend has been to visit me once more," he exclaimed -repeatedly after this parting. This was his last conversation with any -one, except a few words to his son and his attendant. In the night -he called his son, and with his mental powers apparently clear to -the last, and conscious that his end had arrived, his purified and -enfranchised spirit deserted the clay tenement; and who can doubt his -welcome into the joy of the Lord? - -A few weeks afterwards a sermon relating to Quamino was preached by -the pastor of the Methodist congregation to which this aged Christian -belonged. The text was, "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, -and delivered him out of all his troubles." Psalm xxxiv. 6. - - - "See thy Saviour bending o'er thee, - Even to old age the same, - Set life's one chief end before thee, - Still to glorify its name; - While on Himself is fixed thy sight, - At evening-time there shall be light." - - - - -EMANCIPATION IN NEW YORK. - - -The period fixed by law for the termination of slavery in the State of -New York was the 4th of July, 1827. According to the census of 1820, -there were 20,279 free persons of color, and 10,092 slaves in the -State; making in all 30,371. - - - - -THE FREEDMEN OF AMERICA. - - -During the four years' war commencing 1861 the colored people fled -from bondage, and gathered in large numbers around Washington, and in -those parts of Virginia which were in possession of the United States -Government. Sometimes one thousand refugees came to the freedmen's -settlement in a week, and most of them had travelled on foot for -several days, with scant food and clothing. They rejoiced greatly when -they arrived at a place of refuge, and became free men and women. The -able-bodied men were employed by the Government, but the sick and -aged, the women and children, were cared for by different benevolent -associations of the churches at the North and West. The Religious -Society of Friends always cherished a deep feeling for the enslaved -people of color, and after sending agents to ascertain the condition -of the freedmen in the camps and quarters assigned to them by the -Government, they earnestly labored to feed, clothe and teach those for -whom they had long solicited the boon of freedom. - -Believing some incidents and anecdotes from letters received from the -agents of Friends will be interesting to many, the following extracts -are presented: - -"It is difficult to make a connected account of our visit among the -freedmen at Washington and elsewhere. We went into their cabins, the -tents, and the hospitals, looking into the condition of the poor -people congregated there. Their stories may be considered almost -trifling in themselves, and yet summed up as a whole--a people's -history--they tell the oft-repeated tale of sorrow, degradation, and -oppression in slavery; of hunger and cold, of sickness and suffering, -patiently and uncomplainingly borne, in their great struggle for -freedom. Every sacrifice, every privation seems insignificant compared -to the blessed boon of liberty, to them and to their children. 'The -good Lord Jesus has at last heard our prayers and sent Uncle Abram to -set us free.' - -"They come to the Union as little children would to a parent, with -perfect confidence that they will be helped. The younger women mostly -had their children with them, but the older ones had all come off 'wid -'lations and friends.' In a severe snow-storm one thousand arrived, -with only the clothes on their backs. Their utter poverty is terrible. -During this storm we had not clothes for the children, who were crying -to get out of bed. Nine hundred came yesterday--all ragged; their -masters had not given them clothes, some for a year, others for two -years. All beg for Bibles." - - * * * * * - -"The rope-walk is a very long building divided into cabins; it is where -the refugees come at first. In each cabin live four or five families. -It is the most interesting place to visit. There are over five hundred -people there, fresh from slave-life, and rejoicing over their freedom. -Not being able to read, they often burst out as we are reading to them -with, 'Well, I never heard that before.' - -"The beautiful doctrine of the golden rule seems almost new to them. It -is true the religious element is very strong in them, but their manner -of receiving it is very different from our ideas. Although they may -be what they call converted, they need plain words of moral truth for -every-day life. They have plenty of faith and thankfulness, but not -Christ's law of love in their hearts to govern every action. - -"We stopped at a church and witnessed one of their religious -excitements--women all rocking their bodies and singing weird choruses; -then some one getting excited above the others, and throwing herself -about, jumping and screaming. We stayed until they were out, and all -down the aisles they sang and shouted--real fine, full voices, and the -words more strange than all. All the women had that swaying motion so -peculiar to them. - -"The boxes were handed over to me on the 19th of January. From that -date to the 7th of May, I have given out twenty-six hundred and twenty -garments, large and small. For the last ten days we have been very -busy. During the last engagement on the battle-field, hundreds have -come, more than can possibly find shelter here. I have witnessed some -of the arrivals at the depôt. At the sound of the whistle, many anxious -hearts and longing eyes are seeking their friends. Here mothers find -their long-lost children. Husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, -meet after long separation. One good old mother here found six of -her children in one group. One poor mother, with seven children, was -inquiring for her husband: the answer was, 'he is dead!' The small-pox -left that record for this poor mother. - -"We saw one noble-looking man, not far from seven feet high, in mere -rags and bare feet. Our No. 12's looked like baby-shoes beside them; -but I heard of a pair of No. 19 at the Commissary, which they were -very glad to exchange. The old man had had a hard master, and had been -driven off 'without food enough to cover a pin.' But I never saw such -a flash of joy as when I said, 'But, uncle, you have such a _good, -kind_ master now, and such a beautiful home up in heaven.' 'Oh, missis, -it's _that_, it's jest _that_, that's 'stained me all along.' They all -seemed so grateful, and we had a happy day indeed." - - * * * * * - -"They learn surprisingly fast; they were very anxious to learn to -reckon. I said I would repeat the multiplication table if they would -try to remember it. I repeated the 2's once, and they said it after me -in concert. I then questioned them, and though they had never heard it -before, quite a number remembered the whole. - -"One little fellow in the school being asked if he knew his letters, -said, promptly, 'Yes, ma'am.' - -"Well, what else do you know? - -"Drawing himself up to his full height, which might be about four feet, -he replied, 'I know a heap.'" - - * * * * * - -"Freedman's Village, near Arlington, is really an attractive-looking -place; comfortable houses, nicely white-washed; a school-house, capable -of accommodating two or three hundred children, and a 'Home' for the -aged and infirm. Fervor and earnestness pervade the sermons and prayers -of the colored people here. One gave thanks for 'the glorious privilege -that we ain't all dead and shut up in hell.' - -"Some of us might not have realized before that it was a glorious -privilege to be still left on earth, either as faithful servants, to -do the Master's bidding, or to become reconciled to Him before we were -snatched away with no alternative but to be 'shut up in hell.' - -"You would have been touched to witness their grief at the death of -our beloved President. Every tenanted hut was decked with some badge -of mourning. Thousands went to look at their emancipator, as he lay in -state in the White House. Aunt Cicily, who bore the yoke of slavery -one hundred and ten years, looked on Mr. Lincoln with a reverential -feeling, beautiful to behold in one so aged--'for the privilege,' she -says, 'that he gave me to die free.'" - -"Some old men who had learned to read while in slavery, said, 'We -toted massa's children to school, stayed all day, and then toted them -back. We learned to read, and massa didn't know it; and now we can -read de blessed Book ourselves. De good people of de North have been -bery good, bery good to us. Jesus tell dem to help de poor slave: -by-and-by we can help ourselves. We tank you all bery much!' Mother, -child, and grandchild sometimes go hand-in-hand to the school-room. The -stimulating motive with most of the adults is a fervent desire to read -the Bible." - - * * * * * - -"The marriage record kept among the Freedmen, shows that a large -part of the marriages, especially at first, were of those who had -lived together as husband and wife, perhaps many years, without an -opportunity to be legally united. One old man, of almost three-score -and ten, was thus joined in lawful marriage to his venerable wife. At -the conclusion of the ceremony, when the pastor extended his hand with -the nuptial benediction, and dismissed them with a short prayer, they -dropped on their knees together, their eyes streaming with tears of -thankfulness, and still kneeling, the old man reached out both arms and -hugged her to his heart, saying aloud, 'My dear old woman, I bless God -that I can now, for the first time, kiss my own lawful wife.'" - -An agent, under date 5th month, 1863, writes: - -"When I first wrote to thee, the supply of excellent clothing, -furnished by New York Friends, and other quarters, seemed so ample -that, to my eyes, the subject of further need, did not suggest itself. -I thought the time must come when such wants must be satisfied. But -that time dawns not yet. The hospitals for colored people are a heavy -drain on the clothing. Now, that the army advances, there are daily -arrivals of freedmen; they come with only the clothing they have on, -and must have a change to preserve health." - - - - -LETTERS FROM A LADY AGENT IN RICHMOND, 1866. - - -"In my jaunt to Deep Creek, and to the poor cabins in Dismal Swamp, -I helped mend six bridges before our horse could cross, borrowing -rails from the fence. It was a very hard trip--no chance for a single -dinner while gone--but it paid. The same night I mended bridges, I -found work of a different kind. Going on business to the Bute Street -Church, I found a love-feast under full headway: about two hundred were -present; the excitement terrible among the young converts, who, in -their frantic leaps, broke lamps and windows, and filled the house with -perfect uproar. I found the new pastor dared not risk his popularity -by checking it. Courage was given me to make my way to the pulpit, -when I at once had permission to speak. All was still as need be, while -I appealed to their judgment, and the teachings of the Bible. I saw -I had the sympathy of most, and when at last, I said, 'wait till the -wind, and the earthquake, and the fire have all passed by, and then go -to your homes and listen to the still small voice by which God himself -will teach you; and oh, remember, my young sisters, that the proof -of your growth in grace is not the _feelings_ you have here tonight, -but the _life_ you will lead to-morrow.' There was such an earnest -'amen,' all over the house, as gave me hope again that they will rise -above this great delusion. Many came to thank me. 'It was just what we -needed, and they will hear it from you.'" - -"Deeply impressed with the moral wants of these poor creatures, -especially the women, and their need of friendly counsel in their new -position, I have opened Mother's meetings--now held weekly, in each -of our three-school districts--where they are invited to come with -their work and their babies. I talk familiarly with them about their -household matters, the cheapest and most wholesome food, the best ways -of cooking it, and the right care of their children, and their duties -to their husbands--often being greatly helped out in my own stock of -knowledge by the practical experience of some nice old aunty, who tells -how she manages, till the whole group is at ease and can confide their -troubles and trials. Then I read, teach, or talk to them. Finally, all -lay aside their work, and the babies are hushed up, while they listen -to a chapter from the Bible; and the devotional pause at the close -is solemn and impressive. Those who cannot spare two or three hours, -hurry in at the last, and I hear them saying 'I'se just goin' over to -prayers, 'pears like it gives me _such_ a lift.'" - - - - -LOVE FOR THE BIBLE. - - -At a great fire in the city of New York a hundred houses had been -burned. Dr. Ely overtook a colored woman who was carrying under one arm -a bundle of wood, and under the other a large Bible. - -"Poor woman," said he, "have you been burnt out too?" "Yes, sir," said -she, "but blessed be God, I'm alive." "You are very old to be turned -out of house and home." "I'm well stricken in years, but God does it." -"Have you saved nothing but the Bible?" "Nothing," said she, "but one -trunk of things; but this blessed Book is worth more than all the rest; -it makes me feel better than all the rest. So long as I keep this, I am -content." - - - - -HYMN. - -SUNG AT CHRISTMAS BY THE SCHOLARS AT ST. HELENA'S ISLAND, S. C. - - - O none in all the world before - Were ever glad as we! - We're free on Carolina's shore, - We're all at home and free. - - Thou Friend and Helper of the poor, - Who suffered for our sake, - To open every prison door, - And every yoke to break, - - Bend low Thy pitying face and mild, - And help us sing and pray; - The hand that blessed the little child, - Upon our foreheads lay. - - We hear no more the driver's horn, - No more the whip we fear; - This holy day that saw Thee born, - Was never half so dear. - - The very oaks are greener clad, - The waters brighter smile; - O never shone a day so glad - On sweet St. Helen's isle. - - We praise Thee in our songs to-day, - To Thee in prayer we call; - Make swift the feet and straight the way, - Of freedom unto all. - - Come once again, O blessed Lord! - Come walking on the sea! - And let the main-lands hear the word - That sets the islands free. - - J. G. WHITTIER. - - - - -A TEMPERANCE MEETING IN AFRICA. - - -James Backhouse, an English Friend and a minister, published a journal -of his mission in Africa, in which he says, under date of December 1st, -1838-- - -This is the memorable day in which slavery ceased in Cape Colony, -South Africa. We arrived at Hankey in time to join a considerable -congregation of those who had been in bondage--natives of Madagascar -and Mozambique, as well as home-born slaves; they had come from the -surrounding country to unite with those on the mission station in -praising God for their deliverance from bondage. In the evening a -meeting was held, when several Hottentots (natives of South Africa) and -freedmen addressed the congregation. The next day was "a Sabbath day," -and truly "a high day." About five hundred freed slaves and Hottentots -assembled early in the morning; they held a prayer-meeting, in which -the language of thanksgiving was held forth by one lately in slavery, -and appropriate hymns were sung. I exhorted the liberated to seek, -through Jesus Christ, deliverance from that worst of bondage--slavery -to sin. In the evening of the third day a temperance tea-meeting was -held in the chapel. A suspended wheel-tire was struck for a bell, to -call them to assemble. The men sat at the tables on one side of the -chapel, and the women at the other side; tea and cakes were dealt -out by some of the women. All were remarkably clean, and conducted -themselves with sober cheerfulness and looks full of interest. -After the Missionary had returned thanks and made a brief address, -it was my privilege to follow him in recommending total abstinence -from intoxicating liquors. Several Hottentots and freed slaves then -addressed the meeting, which afterwards adjourned for a short interval -at milking time. On re-assembling, George W. Walker spoke at some -length, and several others. - -At half-past ten the Missionary suggested that it would be unseasonable -to continue the meeting longer; he therefore opened a book of -signatures to the total-abstinence pledge, and one hundred and sixty -new names were received. As neither my companion, G. W. Walker, nor I -had hitherto signed such a pledge, we also added our names. A sweet -sense of the love of God overshadowed this meeting. - -Some attention had been paid to temperance from the early institution -of this settlement. The children have so little idea of what -drunkenness is, that in 1842, when an Englishman appeared in a state -of intoxication, some of them ran away, thinking he was mad; others -thought he must be ill because he staggered, but others feared he was -blind, and offered to lead him. - -At the expiration of a year from this period, only one of the persons -who signed the pledge on this day, was known to have broken it, and -that only to the amount of taking a single glass of wine. - - - - -LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVE. - -WRITTEN ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF BRITISH EMANCIPATION. - - - Oh, Holy Father! just and true - Are all thy works, and words, and ways; - And unto Thee alone are due - Thanksgiving and eternal praise! - As children of Thy gracious care, - We veil the eye--we bend the knee; - With broken words of praise and prayer, - Father and God, we come to Thee. - - For Thou hast heard, O God of Right! - The sighing of the island slave, - And stretched for him the arm of might, - Not shortened that it could not save. - The laborer sits beneath his vine, - The shackled soul and hand are free-- - Thanksgiving!--for the work is Thine! - Praise!--for the blessing is of Thee! - - WHITTIER. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NARRATIVES OF COLORED AMERICANS *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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Mott, M. S. Wood. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - - p { margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - - p.bold {text-align: center; font-weight: bold;} - p.bold2 {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 150%;} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; - } - h1 span, h2 span { display: block; text-align: center; } - #id1 { font-size: smaller } - - - hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; - } - - hr.smler { - width: 5%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 47.5%; - margin-right: 47.5%; - clear: both; - } - - body{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; text-align: right;} - - .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - text-indent: 0px; - } /* page numbers */ - - .center {text-align: center;} - .smaller {font-size: smaller;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .mynote { background-color: #DDE; color: black; padding: .5em; margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%; } /* colored box for notes at beginning of file */ - .space-above {margin-top: 3em;} - .right {text-align: right;} - .left {text-align: left;} - .s3 {display: inline; margin-left: 3em;} - - .poem {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} - .poem br {display: none;} - .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - .poem div {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem div.i1 {margin-left: 1em;} - .poem div.i2 {margin-left: 2em;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Narratives of Colored Americans, by A. Mott</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Narratives of Colored Americans</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: A. Mott and M. S. Wood</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 25, 2021 [eBook #64628]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: hekula03, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NARRATIVES OF COLORED AMERICANS ***</div> - -<div class="mynote"><p class="center">Transcriber's Note:<br /><br /> -Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br /></p></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/front.jpg" alt="front" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> - -<h1>NARRATIVES</h1> - -<p class="bold">OF</p> - -<p class="bold2">COLORED AMERICANS.</p> - -<hr class="smler space-above" /> - -<p class="bold">God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to<br />dwell on all the -face of the earth."—<span class="smcap">Acts</span> xvii., 26.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="bold space-above">PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE RESIDUARY<br />ESTATE OF LINDLEY MURRAY.</p> - -<p class="bold space-above">NEW YORK:<br />WILLIAM WOOD & CO., <span class="smcap">27 Great Jones Street</span>.<br />1875.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> - -<p>Lindley Murray, the Grammarian, and author of several excellent -School and Reading books, in his last Will bequeathed certain funds -to Trustees in America, his native country, for several benevolent -objects, including the gratuitous distribution of "books calculated to -promote piety and virtue, and the truth of Christianity."</p> - -<p>The Trustees have had "The Power of Religion on the Mind, in -Retirement, Affliction, and at the approach of Death," stereotyped, and -several thousand copies printed and distributed.</p> - -<p>They also publish the following Narratives compiled by A. Mott, and M. -S. Wood, believing they will prove acceptable reading to our Colored -Americans.</p> - -<p class="center space-above"><span class="smcap">John F. Trow & Son</span>,<br /> -PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS,<br /><i>205-213 East 12th St.</i>,<br />NEW YORK.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table summary="CONTENTS"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td><span class="smaller">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">African Servant, The</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">African Prince, The</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_212">212</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">African Schools in New York</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Africans, The Injured</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Ancass</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Anecdote</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Anecdote</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_205">205</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">An Incident</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Banneker, Benjamin</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Bayley, Solomon</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Bell, Let me Ring the</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Benezet, Anthony</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Bible, Love for the</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_272">272</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Billy and Jenny</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_182">182</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Bowen, William</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Boyd, Henry</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Buccan, Quamino</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Carey, Lott</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_191">191</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Christian, An Aged</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Christian Kindness</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Clarinda, a Pious Colored Woman</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Coffin</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Coston, Ezekiel</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Cuffee, Captain Paul</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Christmas Hymn at St. Helena's Island</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Daddy Davy</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Derham, James</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Emancipation in New York</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_263">263</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Faith of a Poor Blind Woman</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Ferguson, Katy</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Foundling, The Colored</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Freedmen of America</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_264">264</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Good Master and His Faithful Slave, The</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Gratitude in a Liberated Slave</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Ham, Fallacies Respecting the Race of</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Hardy, George</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Hospitable Negro Woman</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Hymn Sung at St. Helena's Island</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_272">272</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Indian, The Good Old</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_238">238</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span><span class="smcap">Kindness, A Little Act of</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Letters from a Lady in Richmond, Va.</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Liberty, Extraordinary Exertions to Obtain</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Lie, He Never Told a</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Lion, Deliverance from</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Little Wa</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Lucas, Belinda</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_164">164</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Liberty to the Captive</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_276">276</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Missionary Box, The</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Montjoy, Zilpah</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Morris, Agnes</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Munificence, Extraordinary</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_234">234</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Naimbanna</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Negro, The Generous</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Negro, The Grateful</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">No-Account Johnny</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Nurse, The Faithful</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Old Dinah</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Old Susan</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Poor Pompey</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Poor Sarah</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Prayer, Answer to</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Prayer, The African Servant's</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Providence, Trust in</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Repentance and Amendment in a Colored School</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Saat</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Sacrifice, The Living</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Slave, The Blind, in the Mines</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Slave, Flight of a</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Slave, The Psalm of the</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Slave Shoemaker, The</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Slaves, Gratitude of</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Storm at Sea, A</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Teachers, A Hottentot's Love for Her</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Temptation Resisted and Honesty Rewarded</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Truth, Sojourner</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Temperance Meeting in Africa</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Uncle Harry</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Uncle Jack</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Vassa, Gustavus</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Wheatley, Phillis</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Wife, The</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class="smcap">Zachary and the Boy</span></td> - <td><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> - -<h2>PHILLIS WHEATLEY.</h2> - -<p>In 1761 John Wheatley's wife went to the slave market in Boston, for a -girl whom she might train to wait upon her in her old age. At that time -ships were sent from Boston to Africa after cargoes of slaves, which -were sold to the people of Massachusetts. Among a group of more robust -and healthy children just imported from Africa, the lady observed one -of slender form, suffering from change of climate and the miseries of -the voyage. She was interested in the poor little girl, bought her, and -took her home. The child, who was named Phillis, was almost naked, her -only covering being a strip of dirty carpet; but in a short time the -effects of comfortable clothing and food were visible in her returning -health.</p> - -<p>Phillis at the time of her purchase was between seven and eight -years of age, and the intention of her mistress was to train her as -a servant; but the intelligence which the young girl soon exhibited, -induced her mistress's daughter to teach her to read. Such was the -rapidity with which she learned, that in sixteen months from the time -of her arriving in the family, the African child had so mastered the -English<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> language, to which she was an utter stranger before, that -she could read with ease the most difficult parts of the Bible. Her -uncommon intellect altered the intentions of the family regarding -Phillis, and she was kept about the person of her mistress, whose -affection she won by her amiable disposition and pleasing manners. All -her knowledge was obtained without any instruction, except what was -given her in the family; and in four years from the time she was stolen -from Africa, and when only twelve years of age, she was capable of -writing letters to her friends on various subjects.</p> - -<p>The young colored girl became an object of very general attention and -astonishment; and in a few years she corresponded with several persons -in high stations. As she grew up to womanhood, her attainments kept -pace with the promise of her earlier years; the literary people of -Boston supplied her with books and encouraged her intellectual powers. -This was greatly assisted by her mistress, who treated her like a child -of the family, admitted her to her own table, and introduced her as an -equal to the best society; but Phillis never departed from the humble -and unassuming deportment which distinguished her when she stood a -little trembling child for sale in the slave market. She respected the -prejudice against her color, and, when invited to the tables of the -great or wealthy, she chose a place apart for herself, that none might -be offended at a thing so unusual as sitting at table with a woman of -color. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - -<p>Such was the modest and amiable disposition of Phillis Wheatley. She -studied Latin, and her translations show that she made considerable -progress in it; and she wrote poetry. At the age of fourteen she -appears to have first attempted literary composition, and by the time -she was nineteen the whole of her printed poems appear to have been -written. They were published in London in 1773 in a small volume of -above 120 pages, containing thirty-nine pieces, which she dedicated to -the Countess of Huntington. This work has gone through several editions -in England and America.</p> - -<p>Most of her poetry has a religious or moral bearing; all breathes a -soft and sentimental feeling; many pieces were written on the death of -friends. In a poem addressed to a clergyman on the death of his wife, -some beautiful lines occur:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"O come away," her longing spirit cries,</div> -<div>"And share with me the rapture of the skies.</div> -<div>Our bliss divine to mortals is unknown,</div> -<div>Immortal life and glory are our own.</div> -<div>Here too may the dear pledges of our love</div> -<div>Arrive, and taste with us the joys above;</div> -<div>Attune the harp to more than mortal lays,</div> -<div>And join with us the tribute of their praise</div> -<div>To Him who died stern justice to atone,</div> -<div>And make eternal glory all our own."</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>A poem on the Providence of God contains the following: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"All-wise, Almighty Providence, we trace</div> -<div>In trees, and plants, and all the flowery race,</div> -<div>As clear as in the nobler frame of man,</div> -<div>All lovely ensigns of the Maker's plan.</div> -<div>The power the same that forms a ray of light,</div> -<div>That called creation from eternal night."</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>From a beautiful address and prayer to the Deity:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Great God, incomprehensible, unknown</div> -<div>To sense, we bow at thine exalted throne.</div> -<div>O while we crave thine excellence to feel,</div> -<div>Thy sacred presence to our hearts reveal,</div> -<div>And give us of that mercy to partake,</div> -<div>Which Thou hast promised for the Saviour's sake."</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>About the twenty-first year of her age Phillis was liberated; but she -continued in her master's family, where she was much respected. Her -health was delicate, and her physician having recommended a sea-voyage, -it was arranged that she should visit England. She had not before been -parted from her adopted mother, and the separation was painful to both -of them.</p> - -<p>Phillis was received and admired in the first circles of English -society, her poems published, and her portrait engraved. Her -countenance appears to have been pleasing, and her head highly -intellectual. The health of Mrs. Wheatley declined, and she longed -for her beloved companion. On the first notice of her benefactress's -desire to see her, Phillis, whose humility was not shaken by flattery -and attention, re-embarked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> for Boston. Within a short time after her -return she stood by the dying bed of her mistress, mother, and friend, -and Phillis Wheatley found herself alone.</p> - -<p>Shortly after the death of her friend she married a respectable -man of her own color, named Peters. He was a remarkable person—of -good character, a fluent writer, a ready speaker, and altogether an -intelligent, educated man. He was a grocer by trade, and, as a lawyer, -pleaded the cause of his brethren, the Africans, before the courts. -Phillis was twenty-three at the time of her marriage. The connection -did not prove a happy one, and she being of a susceptible mind and -delicate constitution, fell into a decline, and died in 1780, about the -twenty-sixth year of her age.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>DELIVERANCE OF A HOTTENTOT FROM A LION.</h2> - -<p>A Methodist missionary named Kay, relates the following occurrence:</p> - -<p>I visited a poor sick Hottentot in the south of Africa, who recently -experienced one of the most remarkable and providential deliverances -I ever heard of. I found him in great pain, from the wounds he had -received on that occasion. He gave me a description of his escape -from the jaws of a lion, which he ascribes wholly to the gracious -interposition of the Father of mercies. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> - -<p>About a month ago he went on a hunting excursion, accompanied by -several other natives. On an extensive plain they found an abundance of -game, and discovered a number of lions, who appeared to be disturbed by -their approach. A very large male lion began slowly to advance towards -the party, many of whom were young and unaccustomed to such formidable -animals. They all dismounted and prepared to fire, and, according to -custom, began to tie their horses together by the bridles, with a view -to keep them between themselves and the lion until they were able to -take deliberate aim.</p> - -<p>Before the horses were properly fastened, the monster made a tremendous -bound or two, and suddenly pounced upon the hind part of one of the -horses, which plunged forward and knocked down the poor Hottentot. His -comrades took flight, and ran off with all speed. He rose as quickly -as possible to follow them; but no sooner had he regained his feet -than the majestic beast stretched forth his paw, and, striking him -behind the neck, brought him to the ground again. He then rolled on -his back, and the lion set his foot upon his breast, and lay down upon -him. The poor man now became almost breathless, partly from fear, but -principally from the pressure of his terrific load. He moved a little -to gain air, but, feeling this, the lion seized his left arm, close to -the elbow, and amused himself with the limb for some time, biting it in -different places, down to the hand.</p> - -<p>All this time the lion did not seem to be angry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> but merely caught at -the arm as a cat sports with a mouse that is not quite dead, so that -there was not a single bone broken, as there would have been if the -lion had been hungry or irritated. While in great agony, and expecting -every moment to be torn limb from limb, the sufferer cried to his -companions for assistance, but cried in vain. On raising his head a -little, the beast opened his dreadful jaws to receive it, but his hat -only was rent, and points of the teeth only grazed his skull. The lion -set his foot on the arm from which the blood was freely flowing, his -paw was soon covered therewith, and he again and again licked it clean, -and, with flaming eyes, appeared half inclined to devour the man.</p> - -<p>"At this critical moment," said the poor victim, "I recollected having -heard that there is a God in heaven who is able to deliver at the last -extremity, and I began to pray that He would save me, and not allow the -lion to eat my flesh." While the Hottentot was thus engaged in calling -on God, the animal turned himself completely round. On perceiving this, -the man attempted to get from under him, but the lion became aware of -his intention, and laid terrible hold of his right thigh, which gave -excruciating pain. He again sent up his cry to God for help, nor were -his prayers in vain. The huge creature rose from his seat, and walked -majestically off about thirty or forty paces, and then lay down on -the grass as if to watch his victim, who ventured to sit up, which -attracted the lion's attention; he made no attack, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> rose, took his -departure, and was seen no more. The man soon arose, took up his gun, -and hastened to his terrified companions, who had given him up for -dead. He was set upon a horse, and taken to the place where I found him.</p> - -<p>Dr. Gambier hastened to his relief, and thought the appearance of the -wounds so alarming that amputation of the arm was absolutely necessary. -To this, however, the man would not consent, as he had a number of -young children, whose subsistence depended on his labor. "As the -Almighty has delivered me," said he, "from that horrid death, surely -He is able to save my arm also." Astonishing to relate, his wounds are -healed, and there is now hope of his ultimate recovery.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>ANSWER TO PRAYER.</h2> - -<p>"I well remember," said the son of a Christian missionary, "hearing -my mother speak in touching terms of the narrow escapes my father -had during our sojourn in Jamaica. He endured five attacks of yellow -fever, and on one occasion suffered so much that the medical attendant -gave up all hopes of his recovery. For sometime he lingered in a state -of insensibility hardly to be described. My mother watched and wept; -friends did the same; the faithful Christian colored people also wept -as they saw life ebbing away. Death seemed just about to seize his -prey. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Prayer-meetings were held, and at last some hundreds of negroes were -assembled, earnestly beseeching Almighty God with tears to spare the -life of their beloved missionary. Often had he stood up before judges -in their defence. Often had he been cast into prison for protecting -them from their tyrannical oppressors; and now, with a warmth of -affection and intensity of feeling unknown amongst Christians in -England, they cried mightily to God. Hour after hour passed by; -messengers were passing from the chapel to the mission-house to obtain -tidings of the sick man. At length, when his spirit appeared about -to depart and to leave all earthly scenes, the pious negroes agreed -to unite <i>silently</i> in one heartfelt petition to Him 'in whose hand -our breath is;' and believing that 'man doth not live by bread only, -but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord,' they -thus silently, unitedly prayed. The multitude joined in one petition, -ascending from their inmost souls; and at that very hour the shadow of -death was removed at the rebuke of the Lord!</p> - -<p>"A change took place, signs of health appeared, and he for whom so -many supplicants prayed was raised up from his bed of languishing, and -that chapel did indeed become filled with songs of joy, praise, and -thanksgiving. 'He lives! he lives!' was the joyful exclamation that ran -from one to another through that congregation."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - -<h2>FALLACIES RESPECTING THE RACE OF HAM.</h2> - -<p>It is thought by some that the race of Ham, one of the sons of Noah, -had a curse pronounced upon it at the beginning, whereby through -all time this particular branch of the human family was to be kept -in an inferior and servile condition. This is not correct. No curse -stands recorded in the Bible against the race of Ham. The curse in -question was pronounced upon Canaan, one of the four sons of Ham, whose -descendants settled in the hill country, called after his name, along -the east end of the Mediterranean Sea. There they dwelt for several -centuries, and built up a corrupt and idolatrous nation, until they -were dispossessed of their inheritance by the invading hosts of the -Jews. By this invasion vast numbers of this Canaanitish race perished, -and those who survived were brought into an abject, dependant, and -servile condition.</p> - -<p>The perversion of the passage is the more noteworthy from the fact, -that while Ham was the offender, on account of whose conduct the curse -was pronounced—so that the reader is naturally looking for some -manifestation towards him personally—his name does not appear. The -curse, though three times repeated, falls steadily upon Canaan, one of -the four sons. When the three sons of Noah came forth with their father -out of the ark, the historian simply says,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> "And Ham is the father -of Canaan." True, so he was, and was also the father of Misraim, and -Cush, and Phut. Shem, too, was the father of five sons, and Japheth of -seven; but nothing is said at that time about all these, only, "Ham is -the father of Canaan." And so also when Ham's irreverent wickedness is -mentioned, it is "Ham the father of Canaan."</p> - -<p>What is perhaps still more noticeable, when the curse is passed, and -the historian in the next chapter takes up the genealogy of the race -after the flood, and shows us the first founders of kingdoms and -nations, the only instance in all that long list, when he stops to give -us the boundaries of any people, is in this case of Canaan. It seems -as if God took especial pains to set the people who were to be cursed, -apart from the rest, that there need be no doubt who they were, and -where they lived.</p> - -<p>But if we take the race of Ham generally, we shall find that for two -thousand years after the flood it continued by far the most noticeable -and conspicuous of the three branches. For some reason the early -developments of civilization were almost entirely in this race. Egypt -and Assyria, by far the grandest empires of antiquity, were both of -this Hametic order. Misraim, the son of Ham, is the reputed father of -the one, and Nimrod, the grandson, of the other. So obvious was this -fact, at least as respects Egypt, that it is familiarly called in the -Scriptures "the land of Ham." "Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob -sojourned in the land of Ham." And again, "He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> sent Moses His servant, -and Aaron whom He had chosen. They showed His signs among them, and -wonders in the land of Ham."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>OLD DINAH.</h2> - -<p>Dinah was a slave. Her mistress was an Indian woman, into whose dark -mind not a single ray of gospel light had ever penetrated. She lived -among a small tribe on the borders of Tennessee, and although at the -age of forty, or a little over, she was called Old Dinah. The Indian -mistress and all her servants had been baptized by a Roman priest; -but why, or wherefore, none of them knew. Dinah said, in relating the -circumstance, "I allers thought the white folks had something to tell -that we did not know about, and I used to think what could it be. When -the missionaries come here with the Bible, then I know what it is."</p> - -<p>Her veneration for the "Good Book," as she always called it, was -remarkable. Getting on a stool in her little cabin one day, I noticed -on a shelf, far above the reach of her little ones, a pile of torn, -dingy bits of paper. I said, "What have you here, Dinah?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, missus, don't mind <i>them</i> now. I picks 'em up when I come from the -meeting. I spose the children throws 'em out of the school-house, but I -thinks it may be they are pieces of the Good Book, and when I learns to -read I can find 'em out." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<p>Dinah did learn to read. She had a family to provide for, and Saturday -was the only day in the week allotted to her in which to look after -her little patch of corn and potatoes, cook their food, and prepare -her children for the Sabbath. The morning she gave to her farming in -summer, then the washing and mending, and at night after the children -were washed and stowed away for sleep, she would take the youngest -on her back, and, tired as she often was, trudge away two miles to -the mission station; and favored indeed was the teacher who could get -rid of the earnest appeal, "Let me learn just a little more," before -the morning dawned. Every Sabbath morning a little time was spent in -imparting to her Daniel the lesson of the previous evening—his master -living in a village some miles distant, so that he could not secure -any other instruction; but Daniel soon outran his teacher, and having -a warm Christian heart, learned to expound as well as read the Good -Book, much to the edification of his colored friends. This was also an -unfailing source of comfort and grateful recollection to Dinah. Once -when listening to his fervent appeals, she said to me, while the big -tears chased each other joyously down her cheeks, "Oh, missus, look at -Daniel! I taught that man his a, b, c, and now he knows so much, and I -can only pick out a little of the Good Book yet."</p> - -<p>In the preaching of the gospel she took great delight, and never -but once, during our nine or ten months among that people, do I -remember her being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> absent from our meetings on the Sabbath. It was -in the female prayer-meeting that Dinah was invaluable. Here all her -tenderness of conscience, her desire for instruction, her delicacy -and tact in eliciting it, not only for herself but for the benefit of -others whose spiritual wants she had made her study, and above all, -her meek and earnest supplications, rendered her a helper never to be -forgotten, and I loved her for the image of my Master shining in her -face.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>"NO-ACCOUNT JOHNNY."</h2> - -<p class="center">BY M. E. SANGSTER.</p> - -<p>"No-Account Johnny" had had a hard time all his life. He was a poor -boy, so homely, and dirty, and ragged, so nearly idiotic, that few -people would look at him twice. He lived with a French dyer, who had -taught him how to stir the vats at a certain time every day, and who -gave him in return enough corn-bread and bacon to keep him alive. A -damp, ill-smelling cellar was the place where he spent his days, and -his nights were passed in an equally repulsive attic. To dodge a blow, -to tell a lie, to eat, to sleep, to be glad in a vague sort of way when -the sun shone on him warmly, these were all the accomplishments of poor -"No-Account Johnny" Long.</p> - -<p>Christmas, with its green boughs and its gifts,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> went by, and brought -no gift to him. He did wish, as he heard the other boys tooting away -on their tin horns, that he had one; but as he could not get one by -wishing, he contented himself with turning somersaults on the pavement. -By an unfortunate miscalculation, he lay bruised and unconscious at the -foot of the cellar-steps.</p> - -<p>Aunt Lizzie, the washerwoman, at the end of the court, took him home to -her poor little house, and took care of him till he was well again, for -in the fall he had broken his arm. Her children went to Sunday-school, -and one of them brought his teacher to see Johnny.</p> - -<p>"Well, my poor little fellow," said the gentleman, looking with pity on -the thin face, clean now, through Aunt Lizzie's care, "I see you are -sick; what's your name?"</p> - -<p>"No-Account Johnny!"</p> - -<p>"Johnny! well, Johnny, do you know that Jesus loves you?"</p> - -<p>"Never hearn tell of the Mister, I'm no account. Reckon He don't know -me! Missis says I'm no account nohow!"</p> - -<p>"But that is a mistake, my boy. You are of great account. You have a -soul that can never die. Did you never know that?"</p> - -<p>"No," shaking his head; "I don't un'erstand, Mister."</p> - -<p>"Was anybody ever good to you, Johnny?"</p> - -<p>"Nobody but Aunt Liz. Aunt Liz been good." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, Jesus is better than Aunt Liz. Jesus is God. He died for you! He -lives up there among the stars! He loves you, poor No-Account Johnny. -Think of that."</p> - -<p>The teacher went away. At the door old Aunt Lizzie thanked him for -coming, but said:</p> - -<p>"It's of no use, sir, to teach that boy. He a'nt right here," tapping -her forehead.</p> - -<p>"Ah! Aunt Lizzie, our blessed Jesus can make him understand," said Mr. -Allen, as he went away.</p> - -<p>After a few weeks Johnny was able to go back to the dyeing -establishment. The first Sabbath after, however, he lost his place, for -he refused to work, and astonished his master by saying that he was -going to Sunday-school. Thither he went, and walking up to Mr. Allen -said:</p> - -<p>"Here I am! Tell me more 'bout Jesus; I've found out a heap since you -told me 'bout Him, and I'm going to be Jesus Christ's Johnny now. -No-Account Johnny's gone off altogether."</p> - -<p>Nobody could tell how it happened, but that magic word, "Jesus," had -done wonders for the little heathen. "He loves me," he had said to -himself again and again, and then he had listened, with that unlocked -heart, to every word he heard about Jesus, and had learned a great -deal. "No-Account Johnny" became one of the best scholars in the little -mission-school.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<h2>ZACHARY AND THE BOY.</h2> - -<p>Zachary was an Indian of the Mohegan tribe, and belonged to the -royal family of his people. He was one of the best of hunters, never -returning empty-handed from the chase. But he was a poor, miserable -drunkard. He had learned from the white man how to drink "fire-water," -and had become so fond of it that he was drunk nearly all the time when -he was not hunting. When he had reached the age of fifty years, several -of his superiors in the tribe died, leaving only one person between him -and the position of chief.</p> - -<p>One day Zachary was returning from hunting, and while on his way began -to think of his past life and of his future prospects. "What a fool -I have been," said he to himself, "having lived so long to act so -foolishly. How can such a drunken wretch as I ever hope to be the chief -of my tribe? What will my people think and say of me? I am not worthy -to fill the place of the great Uncas. I will drink no more!"</p> - -<p>When he reached his wigwam, he told his wife and friends that he would -never, as long as he lived, taste any drink but water. And he kept this -resolution to the day of his death.</p> - -<p>Many of the whites who heard this story could not believe it. They -said Zachary had been so long in the habit of drinking that he could -not live without it, and they had no doubt that he often took a glass<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> -slyly when no one was looking on. Among these was a young man, the son -of the governor of one of the New England colonies; for this story I am -telling you is about matters which took place many years ago, before -America was a separate nation, and when what are now States were called -colonies, and governed by rulers sent over from England.</p> - -<p>Zachary had by this time become the chief in his tribe, and the -governor invited him one day to dine with him. While they were seated -at the table the governor's son thought he would try the temperance -principles of the old chief, and offering him a glass of beer, said: -"Zachary, this beer is excellent, will you taste it?"</p> - -<p>The old man dropped his knife and fork, and leaning over the table, -looked with a sharp eye upon the youth, and said: "John, you do not -know what you are doing! Boy, you are serving the devil! Do you want -to make me what I once was, a poor, miserable man, unfit to govern -my tribe? John, the acorn grows into an oak; the cub becomes a bear; -the brook swells into a river; and a single spark of fire will spread -through a whole forest. So one drop of your beer would make me want -more, and then I should want something stronger, and I would drink rum -until I became as wretched as I once was. Do you not know that I am -an Indian? I tell you that I am; and that if I begin to drink beer I -cannot stop without tasting rum. <i>John, while you live, never again -tempt a man to break a good resolution.</i>" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> - -<p>The young man knew not what to say. He felt that he had done a mean -thing in trying to get old Zachary to break his pledge. His parents -were deeply affected at the scene, and often reminded their son of it -afterward, charging him never to forget it; and he did not. For years -after the Indian chief died, John made frequent visits to his grave, -repeating to himself the valuable lesson he had learned, never to tempt -a man to break a good resolution.</p> - -<p>Men, and children too, who are trying to become better, ought to be -helped, not hindered. Kind words and kind deeds will greatly encourage -them; but to frown upon them, to sneer at them, or to make sport -of them, is often a sure way of making them as bad as ever.—<i>The -Christian.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>TRUST IN PROVIDENCE.</h2> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>On a bridge I was standing one morning,</div> -<div class="i1">And watching the current roll by,</div> -<div>When suddenly into the water</div> -<div class="i1">There fell an unfortunate fly.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>The fishes that swam to the surface,</div> -<div class="i1">Were looking for something to eat,</div> -<div>And I thought that the hapless young insect</div> -<div class="i1">Would surely afford them a treat.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Poor thing," I exclaimed with compassion,</div> -<div class="i1">"Thy trials and dangers abound,</div> -<div>For if thou escap'st being eaten,</div> -<div class="i1">Thou canst not escape being drowned."</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>No sooner the sentence was spoken,</div> -<div class="i1">Than lo, like an angel of love,</div> -<div>I saw, to the waters beneath me,</div> -<div class="i1">A leaflet descend from above.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>It glided serene on the streamlet,</div> -<div class="i1">'Twas an ark to the poor little fly;</div> -<div>Which, soon to the land reascending,</div> -<div class="i1">Spread its wings to the breezes to dry.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Oh, sweet was the truth that was whispered,</div> -<div class="i1">That mortals should <i>never</i> despair,</div> -<div>For He that takes care of an insect,</div> -<div class="i1">Much more for His <i>children</i> will care.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>And though, to our short-sighted vision,</div> -<div class="i1">No way of escape may appear,</div> -<div>Let us trust, for when least we expect it,</div> -<div class="i1">The help of <i>our Father</i> is near.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE WIFE.</h2> - -<p>Dr. Livingstone, in his travels in Africa, came one night to the house -of Mozinkwa, a friendly man, with a pleasant-looking wife and fine -family of children, very "black, but comely." Perhaps their hospitable, -kind ways made them look handsome to the lonely missionary, so far -from home and friends. He was caught in a heavy rain, but he and -his companions received a warm welcome and plenty of food from this -friendly couple, till they were able to proceed. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> - -<p>They had a large garden, cultivated by the wife, with yams, sweet -potatoes, and other vegetables growing in it, and all surrounded by -a fine hedge of the banian tree. Under some larger trees, in the -middle of the yard, stood the huts in which they lived, and no doubt -the fine-looking little children played many happy days under their -mother's care in the shade.</p> - -<p>When Dr. Livingstone took his leave of this interesting family, the -wife asked him to bring her some cloth from the white man's country. -When he returned, after a long journey, he was surprised to find the -pleasant home silent and deserted; the garden given up to wild weeds, -and the huts in ruins, and no sign of life in the spot where he last -saw a large family of frolicking children. Poor <i>Mozinkwa's wife was -dead</i> and in her grave under the large trees, while the huts, garden, -and hedge, of which she had been so proud, were fast going to ruin; -for, according to the custom of that heathen country, a man can never -continue to live where a favorite wife has died. He is so lonely and -sorrowful when he thinks of the happy times they have had together, -that he cannot stay where everything reminds him of his loss. If ever -he visits the spot again, it is to pray to his dead wife and make some -offering. So for want of a knowledge of the Friend of Sinners, who -binds up the wounded heart, they must move from place to place, and can -never have any settled villages in that part of the country.</p> - -<p>How different would the scene have been on Dr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> Livingstone's return, -if poor Mozinkwa and his wife had been <i>Christians</i>. Then he might have -been happy even in his loneliness, for he would have prayed to God for -strength to bear his loss, and read the Bible, and taught his children -to live so as to meet their mother in heaven. Instead of flying from -place to place to forget their troubles, those poor Africans might have -permanently happy homes, if they knew the peace the gospel gives.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>A HOTTENTOT'S LOVE FOR HER TEACHERS, AND THE POWER OF PRAYER.</h2> - -<p>During the persecution to which the Moravian missionaries in South -Africa were exposed some years ago, a woman, living about an hour's -walk from the mission house, had a daughter who attended the school, -and had become a Christian. One day this girl returned home in terror, -bringing her little sister. Her mother inquired the reason; she -replied: "We and our teachers are all to be shot dead, and I have -brought my sister back, that you may at least keep one child; but as -for me, I will return to my teachers and suffer with them."</p> - -<p>"What!" said her mother, "do you mean to go and be killed?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied the poor girl; "for it is written in the Bible, 'Whoever -will lose his life for my sake, shall find it.'" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> - -<p>Her mother was much affected, and taking up her younger daughter, said, -"My child, where you are there will I be."</p> - -<p>The party then set off for Bavian's Kloof, weeping all the way. When -they had arrived at the top of the hill which commanded a view of the -settlement, they saw a number of the natives approaching it, as if to -attack the missionaries. The Hottentot woman and her children fell upon -their knees and cried fervently to God, beseeching Him to prevent the -enemy from hurting their beloved teachers. When they again looked up, -they saw the men going towards another plantation, at some distance -from the mission. The woman and children went to Bavian's Kloof, and -found the Hottentots there all in tears, some kneeling, some prostrate -on their faces, crying to God, and their most urgent prayers seemed to -be, "Preserve the teachers whom Thou hast sent us."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE LIVING SACRIFICE.</h2> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>Amid the forest's silent shades</div> -<div class="i1">Where nature reigns supreme,</div> -<div>A little band had met to hear</div> -<div class="i1">The glorious gospel theme.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>I gazed upon the dusky forms</div> -<div class="i1">Of Indians gathered there,</div> -<div>And thought how once the red man owned</div> -<div class="i1">Those lands so rich and fair.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>But now he roams throughout the plains</div> -<div class="i1">Where once his fathers dwelt,</div> -<div>A poor heart-stricken wanderer,</div> -<div class="i1">For him none pity felt.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>But hark! the preacher's solemn tone</div> -<div class="i1">My wand'ring thoughts recall;</div> -<div>He preaches Jesus crucified,</div> -<div class="i1">Jesus who died for all.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>He tells, with simple eloquence,</div> -<div class="i1">How the Good Shepherd came</div> -<div>To save the erring sheep He loved,</div> -<div class="i1">From ruin and from shame.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>He speaks of sad Gethsemane,</div> -<div class="i1">Then tells the eager crowd,</div> -<div>How Jesus Christ was crucified</div> -<div class="i1">By cruel men and proud.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>And at his words like forest trees</div> -<div class="i1">Moved by the rushing blast,</div> -<div>O'er the proud hearts of those dark men</div> -<div class="i1">A wondrous change then passed.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>They wept—nature's lone children wept</div> -<div class="i1">At that sweet tale of love—</div> -<div>To think that Jesus died that they</div> -<div class="i1">Might dwell with Him above.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>And one of that wild forest's sons,</div> -<div class="i1">Of tall and noble frame,</div> -<div>While tears bedewed his manly cheek,</div> -<div class="i1">Towards the preacher came.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>"What? did the blessed Saviour die</div> -<div class="i1">And shed His blood for me?</div> -<div>Was it for <i>my</i> sins Jesus wept</div> -<div class="i1">In dark Gethsemane?</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"What can poor Indian give to Thee,</div> -<div class="i1">Jesus, for love like thine?</div> -<div>The lands my fathers once possessed</div> -<div class="i1">Are now no longer mine;</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Our hunting-grounds are all upturned</div> -<div class="i1">By the proud white man's plough,</div> -<div>My rifle and my dog, alas!</div> -<div class="i1">Are my sole riches now.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Yet these I fain would give to Him</div> -<div class="i1">On Calvary's cross who bled;</div> -<div>Will Christ accept so mean a gift?"—</div> -<div class="i1">The stranger shook his head.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>The Indian chief a moment paused,</div> -<div class="i1">And downward cast his eyes:</div> -<div>Then suddenly from round his neck</div> -<div class="i1">His blanket he unties.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"This, with my rifle and my dog,</div> -<div class="i1">Are all I have to give;</div> -<div>Yet these to Jesus I would bring;</div> -<div class="i1">He died that I might live!</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Stranger! will Jesus Christ receive</div> -<div class="i1">These tokens of my love?"</div> -<div>The preacher answered, "Gifts like these</div> -<div class="i1">Please not the God above."</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>The humble child of ignorance</div> -<div class="i1">His head in sorrow bent;</div> -<div>Absorbing thought unto his brow</div> -<div class="i1">Its saddening influence lent.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>He raised his head, a gleam of hope</div> -<div class="i1">O'er his dark features passed,</div> -<div>As when on some deep streamlet's breast</div> -<div class="i1">The sun's bright beams are cast.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>His eyes were filled with glistening tears,</div> -<div class="i1">And earnest was his tone;</div> -<div>"Here is poor Indian! Jesus, take,</div> -<div class="i1">And make him all thine own."</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>A thrill of joy passed through the crowd,</div> -<div class="i1">To see how grace divine</div> -<div>Could cause the heart of th' Indian chief</div> -<div class="i1">With heav'nly love to shine;—</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Such love as made him yield with joy</div> -<div class="i1">Body and soul to Him</div> -<div>Whose watchful care can never fail,</div> -<div class="i1">Whose love can ne'er grow dim.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>SAAT.</h2> - -<p>Sir Samuel Baker and his wife made a dangerous and toilsome journey -into the burning regions of Central Africa. From a book of travel and -adventure published by him we glean such portions as relate to their -faithful servant, Saat, the African boy. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<p>When a child of six years old, minding his father's goats in the -desert, Saat was captured by a hostile Arab tribe, and thrust into -a sack, which was placed on a camel's back, and thus he was carried -hundreds of miles from home. Every time that the poor child screamed -or offered resistance he was threatened that he would be killed by -his cruel captors. Saat shortly found himself in the hands of a -slave-dealer, by whom he was offered to the Egyptian government as a -drummer-boy, but being too small was rejected. A fellow slave told -little Saat of an Austrian mission-house in the very town in which they -were, that would protect and care for him if he could escape to it. -Thither the little boy fled, and found shelter for some time, gaining -such instruction as his mind could receive, together with other little -waifs and strays, which the missionaries had received at different -times.</p> - -<p>Sickness reduced the number of the good men who had cared for and -taught the children, and they found it necessary to turn adrift the -friendless little ones, who apparently without result had been watched -and tended, and little Saat, "the one grain of gold," was a second time -without a home. But God guided him on a good way.</p> - -<p>One evening Sir Samuel Baker and his wife were sitting in their -courtyard on the Nile, when a starved, miserable boy crept up to them, -and crouching in the dust, begged to be allowed to live with them -and be their boy. They did not take him then, and he came again the -next day, praying them to allow him to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> serve them. They endeavored -to discourage him by telling of the long and dangerous journey they -were about to take. Saat was firm; he would go with them to the end -of the world. Touched by the boy's story they went to the mission to -inquire the truth of it. There an excellent character was given of him, -with the remark that he must have been turned out by mistake. This -determined the traveller to adopt him. A good washing and a new suit of -clothes made Saat quite respectable, and being well-disposed he soon -made himself useful. Mrs. Baker taught him to sew, and Sir Samuel gave -him lessons in shooting. When his day's work was done, he was allowed -to sit by his mistress while she told him stories from the Bible and -from the history of Europe. There was plenty of time for such talk, the -long, weary journey in the Nile boat, which they had just commenced, -enabling that gentle lady to instruct the poor ignorant boy thrown on -her hands. Their native servants robbed, betrayed, and deserted the -travellers at every turn, but among them little Saat shone as a bright -star, honest, truthful, and devoted to those who had rescued him from -starvation, and he daily won their love. To him they most probably owed -their lives, as he detected and exposed to them a plan their servants -had agreed on, to seize their master's arms and leave him in the -desert, or murder him and his wife if they met with resistance.</p> - -<p>This child of the sun seemed to have all the best points of a happy -English boy; he delighted in active<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> sports and shooting with his light -gun. Through dangers and distresses he was always bright and cheerful. -Saat was sometimes in mischief, too, and he spoilt two watches by -trying to examine their inside works. He was very fond of a drum; but a -camel which carried it rolled over and spoilt that musical instrument; -then he destroyed a tin kettle and a tin cup by drumming on them. -Neither watch nor tinware could be replaced when shops were thousands -of miles away. Once, when he was not well, a powder was given him to -take, and he asked if he should eat the paper it was in.</p> - -<p>Sir Samuel followed his plans for his journey through all obstacles, -and Saat's name is never mentioned, except in praise. He endured hunger -and thirst, and rejoiced with his kind protectors in the success of -their undertaking. During these years of travel, sickness and death -had visited their little band, but as yet the boy had been spared; but -on the homeward journey his time came,—that fearful sickness, the -plague, attacked the vessel in which the party journeyed: first one was -smitten, then another, and then it was Saat. Mrs. Baker herself nursed -the sick boy with tender care, but he lay day and night in delirium. At -last came a calm; he was gently washed and dressed in clean clothes, -and laid to rest. He slept; his mistress hoped it was the sleep of -recovery; but a kind servant presently covered the boy's face while -tears ran down her cheeks. Saat was dead. The boat was stopped, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> -the faithful boy was sadly buried beneath a tree, the wonderful river -Nile rolling by his grave.</p> - -<p>Saat was converted from Paganism to Christianity, and reached his home -and rest in heaven.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE PSALM OF THE SLAVE.</h2> - -<p class="center"><i>God heard it; and he is free.</i></p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>Loud he sang the Psalm of David,</div> -<div>He a negro and enslaved,</div> -<div>Sang of Israel's victory;</div> -<div>Sang of Zion bright and free.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>In that hour when night is calmest,</div> -<div>Sang he from the Hebrew Psalmist,</div> -<div>In a voice so sweet and clear,</div> -<div>That I could not choose but hear—</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Songs of triumph and ascription,</div> -<div>Such as reached the swarth Egyptian,</div> -<div>When upon the Red-Sea coast</div> -<div>Perished Pharaoh and his host.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>And the voice of his devotion,</div> -<div>Filled my soul with strange emotion;</div> -<div>For its tones by turns were glad,</div> -<div>Sweetly solemn, wildly sad.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Paul and Silas in their prison,</div> -<div>Sang of Christ, the Lord arisen;</div> -<div>And an earthquake's arm of might</div> -<div>Broke their dungeon-gates at night.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>But, alas! what holy angel</div> -<div>Brings the slave this glad evangel?</div> -<div>And what earthquake's arm of night</div> -<div>Breaks his dungeon-gates at night?</div> -<div class="right"><i>Longfellow.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE MISSIONARY BOX.</h2> - -<p>A few years ago two young Africans went to England to obtain an -education, and then return to Africa to teach their countrymen the -gospel of Jesus Christ. One of them, George Nicol, while staying -near London, walked a considerable distance. In his walk he came to -Hampstead Heath, from which he could see the city of London before him. -The principal buildings attracted his attention. A laborer who was -breaking stones on the other side of the road, kept looking at him; no -doubt it seemed strange to him to see a colored man looking at the view -he had himself seen every day for many years past; and in his eyes, -perhaps, the wonder would be increased by seeing the African dressed -like a respectable Englishman.</p> - -<p>While George Nicol stood gazing on the scene the laborer kept peeping -at him from time to time, but never thought of speaking. Presently -George Nicol turned to him, and asked in good English, what a certain -building was which he saw in the distance. The laborer answered civilly -that it was St. Paul's Church; and then replied to several other -questions, till he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> pointed out the chief buildings of the great -city, which could be seen from the hill on which they were standing.</p> - -<p>When this was done, after a short pause the African said: "Well, -my friend, you have here a very large and magnificent city; but, -after all, it is not to be compared to the city of God, the heavenly -Jerusalem, which I hope you and I will both see one day."</p> - -<p>If the honest laborer was surprised before, his astonishment was much -greater now.</p> - -<p>"Why," said he, "do you know anything about such things?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, thank God," replied the African, "I am happy to say I do. It was -not always so. I was once in darkness, and knew nothing of the true -God; but good missionaries from England came, and taught me about Jesus -Christ; and now I live in hope of one day seeing Him in that beautiful -city, the heavenly Jerusalem, where I shall dwell with Him forever."</p> - -<p>By this time the good Englishman had thrown down the hammer with which -he had been breaking stones. He came across the road, and grasping -Nicol's hand exclaimed, "Why, then, you are one of them that I have -been praying for these twenty years. I never put a penny into the -missionary box without saying, 'God bless the colored man.'"</p> - -<p>It rejoiced the heart of the good African not a little to find in the -humble stone-breaker a friend who had taken such a deep interest in -the people of Africa.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> And if his pleasure was so great, the laborer's -was not less, for he saw in George Nicol an answer to his prayers, and -a sure proof that his missionary money had not been spent in vain. He -felt the truth of the words, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou -shalt find it after many days."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>HE NEVER TOLD A LIE.</h2> - -<p>Mungo Park, in the account of his African travels, relates that a negro -youth was killed by a shot from a party of Moors. His mother walked -before the corpse, as it was carried home, frantic with grief, clapping -her hands, and declaring her son's good qualities. "He never told a -lie," cried the bereaved mother; "he never told a lie; no, never."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>DADDY DAVY.</h2> - -<p>One winter evening, when a little orphan in my seventh year, I climbed -upon my grandfather's knee, and begged that he would "tell me a story." -The candles were not yet lighted in the parlor, but the glowing fire -sent forth its red blaze, and its cheering heat seemed more grateful -from a fall of snow, which was rapidly collecting in piles of fleecy -whiteness on the lawn. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> - -<p>I had taken my favorite seat on the evening I have mentioned, just -as a poor negro with scarcely any covering appeared at the window, -and supplicated charity. His dark skin was deeply contrasted with the -unblemished purity of the falling snow, whilst his trembling limbs -seemed hardly able to support his shivering frame; and there he stood, -perishing in the land of boasted hospitality and freedom!</p> - -<p>With all the active benevolence which my grandfather possessed, -he still retained the usual characteristics of the hardy seaman. -He discouraged everything which bore the smallest resemblance to -indolence. The idle vagrant dared not approach his residence; but he -prized the man of industrious habits, however lowly his station; and -his influence was ever extended to aid the destitute and to right the -injured.</p> - -<p>On his first going to sea he had been cabin-boy on board a Liverpool -ship; he afterwards lived several years in the island of Trinidad, in -the West Indies, where the slaves were rigorously treated. He there -became well acquainted with the colored people, and now he no sooner -saw the dark face of the poor perishing creature at his window, than he -hastily rang the bell, and a footman entered.</p> - -<p>"Robert," said he, "go and bring that poor fellow in here."</p> - -<p>"Poor fellow, did you say?" inquired Robert.</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," replied my grandfather, "yonder man, fetch him here to me."</p> - -<p>The servant quitted the room, and it was not <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>without some feelings of -fear, as well as hopes of amusement that, a few minutes afterwards, I -saw the poor African stand bowing before the parlor door. The twilight -had faded away, and except the reflection from the snow, night had -thrown its sable shadows on the scene; but as the bright gleam of the -fire shed its red hue upon the features of the negro, and flashed upon -his rolling eyes, he presented rather a terrific appearance to my young -mind.</p> - -<p>"Come in!" exclaimed my grandfather in a shrill voice; but the poor -fellow stood hesitatingly on the border of the carpet till the command -was repeated with more sternness than before, and then the trembling -African advanced a few steps towards the easy-chair in which the -veteran was sitting.</p> - -<p>Never shall I forget the abject figure which the poor creature -displayed. He was a tall, large-boned man, but was evidently bent down -under the pressure of sickness and of want rather than of age. A pair -of old canvas trowsers hung loosely on his legs, but his feet were -quite naked. On the upper part of his body was a striped flannel shirt, -one of the sleeves of which was torn away. He had no covering for his -head; and the snow which had fallen on it having melted in the warmth -of the room, large, transparent drops of clear water hung glistening on -his thick woolly hair.</p> - -<p>His look was inclined downwards, as if fearful of meeting the stern -gaze of my grandfather, who scanned him with the most minute attention, -not unmingled with agitation. Every joint of the poor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> fellow's limbs -shook as if struck with ague, and the cold seemed to have contracted -his sinews; for he crouched his body together, as if to shrink from the -keen blast. Tears were trickling down his cheek, and his spirit seemed -bowed to the earth by distress.</p> - -<p>"Tell me," said my grandfather, "what brought you to England, and what -you mean by strolling about the country here as a beggar? I may order -you to be put in the stocks."</p> - -<p>"Ah, massa," replied the negro, "buckra never have stocks in dis -country; yet he die if massa neber give him something to fill hungry -stomach."</p> - -<p>While he was speaking my grandfather was restless and impatient. He -removed me from his knee, and looked with more earnestness at the poor -man, who never raised his head. "We have beggars enough of our own -nation," said my grandfather.</p> - -<p>"Massa speak true," replied the African, meekly; "distress live -everywhere; come like race-horse, but go away softly, softly."</p> - -<p>Again my grandfather looked sharply at the features of the man and -showed signs of agitation in his own. "Softly, softly," said he, -"that's just your cant. I know the whole gang of you, but you are not -going to deceive me; now wouldn't you sacrifice me and all I am worth -for a bunch of plantains?"</p> - -<p>"Massa have eat the plantains, den," said the man, "and yet massa -think hard of poor negur who work to make them grow. God Almighty send -rain—God Almighty send sun—but God Almighty send negur too." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, well," said my grandfather, softening his voice, "God is no -respecter of colors, and we must not let you starve, daddy; so, Robert, -tell the cook to get some warm broth, and bid her bear a hand about it."</p> - -<p>"God forever bless massa," exclaimed the poor man, as he listened to -the order, and keenly directed his eye towards the person who had -issued it; but my grandfather had turned his head toward me, so his -face was not seen by the grateful man.</p> - -<p>"So I suppose you are some runaway slave?" said my grandfather, harshly.</p> - -<p>"No, massa," rejoined the African, "no, massa; never run away—I free -man. Good buckra give freedom; but then I lose kind massa, and"——</p> - -<p>"Ay, ay," replied my grandfather, "but what about Plantation Joseph, in -Trinidad?"</p> - -<p>"Ky!" responded the man, as his eyes were bent upon his questioner, who -again hid his face; "de buckra knows ebery ting; him like the angel of -light to know the secret of the heart."</p> - -<p>"Come nearer to the fire, Daddy Davy," said my grandfather, as he bent -down to stir the burning coals with the poker.</p> - -<p>Never shall I forget the look of the African; joy, wonder, and -admiration were pictured in his face, as he exclaimed, while advancing -forward—</p> - -<p>"De buckra know my name too!—how dis?"</p> - -<p>My grandfather having kindled a bright flame that illuminated the whole -room, turned his face towards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> the African; but no sooner had the poor -fellow caught sight of his features than, throwing himself at his feet, -he clasped the old sailor's knees, exclaiming, "My own massa!—what for -you give Davy him freedom? and now do poor negur die for want! but no, -neber see de day to go dead, now me find my massa."</p> - -<p>"Willie, my boy," said my grandfather, turning to me, "fetch my -pocket-handkerchief off the sofa."</p> - -<p>I immediately obeyed, but I used the handkerchief two or three times to -wipe the tears from my eyes before I delivered it to him.</p> - -<p>At this moment Robert opened the door, and said the broth was ready, -but stood with amazement to see the half-naked man at his master's feet.</p> - -<p>"Go, Davy," said my grandfather, "go and get some food; and, Robert, -tell the cook to have a warm bath ready, and the housemaid must run a -pan of coals over the little bed in the blue room, and put some extra -blankets on. You can sleep without a nightcap, I dare say, Davy. There, -go along, Davy, go along;" and the gratified negro left the room with -unfeigned ejaculations of "Gor Amighty for eber bless kind massa!"</p> - -<p>As soon as the door was closed, and I was once more seated on my -grandfather's knee, he commenced his usual practice of holding converse -with himself. "What could have brought him here?" said he. "I gave him -his freedom, and a piece of land to cultivate. There was a pretty hut -upon it, too, with a double row of cocoa-nut trees in front, and a -garden of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>plantains behind, and a nice plot of guinea-grass for a cow, -and another of buckwheat—what has become of it all I wonder? Bless me, -how time flies! it seems but the other day that I saved the fellow from -a couple of bullets, and he repaid the debt by rescuing my Betsy—ah, -poor dear! She was your mother, William, and he snatched her from a -dreadful and terrific fate. How these things crowd upon my mind! The -earthquake shook every building to its foundation—the ground yawned -in horrible deformity, and your poor mother—we can see her gravestone -from the drawing-room window, you know, for she died since we have -been here, and left her old father's heart a dreary blank. Yet not so -either, my child," pressing me to his breast and laying his hoary head -on mine, "not so either, for she bequeathed you to my guardian care, -and you are now the solace of my gray hairs."</p> - -<p>I afterwards learned that Davy had rescued my dear mother from -destruction, at the risk of his own life, during an earthquake in -Trinidad, for which my grandfather had given him his freedom, together -with the hut and the land. But he had no protector in the west: the -slaves plundered his property; sickness came, and no medical attendant -would minister to his wants without the accustomed fee; he contracted -debts, and his ground was sold to the estate on which it was situated, -to pay the lawyers. He quitted the island of Trinidad to go to Berbice; -but, being wrecked near Mahaica Creek, on the east coast of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>Demerara, -he lost his free papers, was seized by the government, and sold as a -slave, to pay the expense of advertising and his keep. He fortunately -fell into the hands of a kind master, who at his death once more set -him at liberty, and he had come to England in the hope of bettering his -condition. But here misfortune still pursued him: the gentleman whom he -accompanied died on the passage; he could obtain no employment on his -landing; he had been plundered of what little money he possessed, and -had since wandered about the country till the evening that he implored -charity and found a home.</p> - -<p>My worthy grandfather is now numbered with the dead; and I love to -sit upon his gravestone at the evening hour; it seems as if I were -once more placed upon his knee, and listening to his tales of bygone -years. But Daddy Davy is still in existence, and living with me. -Indeed, whilst I have been writing, I have had occasion to put several -questions to him on the subject, and he has been fidgeting about the -room to try and ascertain what I was relating respecting him.</p> - -<p>"I am only giving a <i>sketch</i> of my grandfather, Davy," said I.</p> - -<p>"<i>Catch</i>, massa! what he call <i>catch</i>?"</p> - -<p>"About the schooner, and Trinidad, and the earthquake, Davy."</p> - -<p>"And da old massa what sleep in de <i>Werk-en-rust</i>?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Davy, and the snow-storm." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah, da buckra good man! Davy see him noder time up dare," pointing -toward the sky. "Gor Amighty for eber bless kind massa!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>AN AGED CHRISTIAN.</h2> - -<p>"One afternoon," writes an American missionary in Africa, "I went to -see old Father Scott, an aged dying African. He sent me word he would -like to see me. He is in an old dilapidated shanty. A few boards -knocked together, raised about a foot from the floor, served as a -bedstead. The straw bed we made for him on our first arrival. A little -bench, on which were two Bibles and an earthen jar for water, was all -the furniture he possessed. He is dependent for food and care on his -neighbors, as he is perfectly helpless.</p> - -<p>A woman who was near brought me a stool, and I sat down beside him. He -was delighted to see me; he told me he had served the Lord for forty -years. He had been a Methodist preacher for many years, and had often -preached three times a day, though he could never read a word. He would -get some boy to read to him several chapters in the Bible, till he got -hold of just the text that would suit him. I was very much surprised at -his familiarity with the Bible. He could tell me where to find almost -any passage.</p> - -<p>I could not but look at that poor old man, with his few privileges, and -compare them with those of our more favored people. As I looked at him -in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> penury, witnessed his happiness and his implicit faith, and -saw how near home he was, I felt that he was really to be envied. Who -can doubt the power of Divine grace? I read to him, and talked to him -on the glories of the resurrection, and the mansions our Saviour has -prepared for those who love Him; and then I left him with the promise -of soon seeing him again. He is almost blind. He begged me not to -forget him in my prayers. He is dying of old age, yet no one knows how -old he is.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>UNCLE JACK.</h2> - -<p>He was a remarkable African slave of Virginia. It is probable he was -brought to James River in the last slave-ship that brought slaves to -that State. Such was the regard in which he was held that, on the death -of his master, several benevolent persons subscribed a sufficient sum -to purchase his freedom.</p> - -<p>Uncle Jack's talents were of a high order, and his knowledge of human -nature very remarkable. Dr. Rice, of Richmond, said of him, "The old -man's acquaintance with the Scriptures is wonderful. Many of his -interpretations of obscure passages are singularly just and striking." -He spoke pure English. A few anecdotes will convey a good idea of his -ready and apt mode of illustration. A person addicted to horse-racing -and card-playing, stopped Uncle Jack on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> the road and said, "Old man, -you Christians say a great deal about the way to heaven being narrow. -Now if this is so, a great many who profess to be travelling it will -not find it half wide enough."</p> - -<p>"That's very true," was the reply, "of all that have merely a name to -live, and all like you."</p> - -<p>"Why refer to me," said the man; "if the road is wide enough for any, -it is for me."</p> - -<p>"By no means," said Uncle Jack. "You will want to take along a -card-table, or a race-horse or two. Now there is no room along this way -for such things."</p> - -<p>A man who prided himself on his morality said to Uncle Jack: "Old man, -I am as good as I need to be. I can't help thinking so, because God -blesses me as much as he does you Christians; and I don't know what -more I want than He gives me."</p> - -<p>To this the old preacher replied, with great seriousness, "Just so with -the hogs. I have often looked at them, rooting among the leaves in the -woods, and finding just as many acorns as they needed; and yet I never -saw one of them look up to the tree from whence the acorns fell."</p> - -<p>On one occasion some unruly persons undertook to arrest and whip him, -and also several of his hearers, for holding religious meetings. After -the arrest one of the men thus accosted Uncle Jack, "Well, old fellow, -you are the ringleader of these meetings, and we have been anxious to -catch you; now what have you to say for yourself?" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Nothing at all, master," was the reply.</p> - -<p>"What! nothing to say against being whipped! how is that?"</p> - -<p>"I have been wondering a long time," said the old Christian, "how it -was that so good a man as the Apostle Paul should have been whipped -three times for preaching the Gospel, while such an unworthy man as I -am should have been permitted to preach twenty years without getting a -lick." The young men immediately released him.</p> - -<p>Uncle Jack died in 1843, aged one hundred years.</p> - -<p>—<i>Blake's Biographical Dictionary.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>CHRISTIAN KINDNESS.</h2> - -<p>In one of my early journeys, says Moffat, with some of my companions, -we came to a heathen village on the borders of Orange River, South -Africa. We had travelled far, and were hungry, thirsty, and fatigued. -From the fear of being exposed to lions, we preferred remaining at -the village to proceeding further during the night. The people of the -village rather roughly directed us to halt at a distance. We asked -for water, but they would not supply it. I offered the three or four -buttons which still remained on my jacket for a little milk; this also -was refused. We had the prospect of another hungry night at a distance -from water, though within sight of the river.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> We found it difficult to -reconcile ourselves to our lot; for in addition to repeated rebuffs, -the manner of the villagers excited suspicion.</p> - -<p>When twilight drew on, a woman approached from the height beyond which -the village lay. She bore on her head a bundle of wood, and had a -vessel of milk in her hand. The latter, without opening her lips, she -handed to us, laid down the wood, and returned to the village. A second -time she approached with a cooking-vessel on her head, a leg of mutton -in one hand, and water in the other. She sat down without saying a -word, prepared the fire, and put on the meat. We asked again and again -who she was. She remained silent until affectionately entreated to give -us a reason for such unlooked-for kindness to strangers. A tear stole -down her sable cheek as she replied: "I love Him whose servants you -are; and surely it is my duty to give you a cup of cold water in His -name. My heart is full; therefore I cannot speak the joy I feel to see -you in this out-of-the-way place."</p> - -<p>On learning a little of her history, we found she was a solitary light -burning in a dark place. I asked her how she kept up the life of God -in her soul, in the entire absence of the communion of saints. She -drew from her bosom a copy of the Dutch New Testament, which she had -received from brother Helm when in his school several years since, -before she had been compelled by her connections to retire to her -present seclusion. "This," she said, "is the fountain whence I drink: -this is the oil which makes my lamp burn." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> - -<p>I looked on the precious relic, and the reader may imagine how I felt, -and my companions with me, when we met with this disciple, and mingled -our sympathies and prayers together at the throne of our heavenly -Father.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>GRATITUDE OF SLAVES.</h2> - -<p class="center">BY DR. LETTSOM.</p> - -<p>Dr. Lettsom was born in the West Indies, and inherited fifty slaves, -which was all the property his father left him. He gave freedom to his -slaves; and during a long life, with a large practice as a physician -in London, he kept up a correspondence with some of those who were -indebted to him for their liberty. When he went to the West Indies to -settle his father's estate, he made a visit to Tortola, and wrote to a -friend as follows:</p> - -<p>"I frequently accompanied Major John Pickering to his plantations, and -as he passed his numerous negroes saluted him in a loud song, which -they continued as long as he remained in sight. I was also a melancholy -witness to their attachment to him after his death. He expired -suddenly, and when few of his friends were near him. I remember I held -his hand when the final period arrived, but he had scarcely breathed -his last breath before it was known to his slaves, and instantly about -five hundred of them surrounded the house and insisted on seeing their -master. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<p>"They commenced a dismal and mournful yell, which was communicated -from one plantation to another, till the whole island of Tortola was -in agitation, and crowds of negroes were accumulating around us. -Distressed as I was by the loss of my relation and friend, I could not -be insensible to the danger of a general insurrection; or, if they -entered the house, which was constructed of wood, and mounted into his -chamber, there was danger of its falling by their weight and crushing -us in its ruins.</p> - -<p>"In this dilemma I had resolution enough to secure the doors, and -thereby prevent sudden intrusion. After this precaution I addressed -them through a window, assuring them that if they would enter the house -in companies of only twelve at a time, they should all be admitted to -see their deceased master, and that the same lenient treatment of them -should still be continued. To this they assented, and in a few hours -quiet was restored. It affected me to see with what silent, fixed -melancholy they departed from the remains of this venerable man."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE SLAVE SHOEMAKER.</h2> - -<p>A lady, who was a Quaker, travelled several years ago through some of -the Southern States on a gospel mission. When near the borders of North -Carolina, while the horses were being fed, she walked towards a poor -hut, and on entering it saw an aged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> man engaged in making shoes. He -was very black, but his hair was white and his countenance thoughtful; -he looked up surprised, and when she asked if she might come in and sit -down, he replied, "Will mistress sit with me?" She inquired if he was -a slave, and if he had a wife and children. He said, "If mistress will -hear me I will tell her. I have a wife and four children, but massa -sold them into Georgia." Wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt, -he continued, "I am a slave, but, mistress, ever since I got religion -God has sweetened my bitter cup, and made smooth my rough path; my -bitter cup was parting with my wife and children—my rough path is -slavery."</p> - -<p>She asked him how he got religion. He replied, "My massa let me go to -hear preaching, and I remember what the minister said."</p> - -<p>"Can thou read?"</p> - -<p>"No, mistress, but God helps me remember; fourteen years ago I got -religion; I was bad before; massa bad too. When I got religion, I was -good; massa was kind too; hard things were made easy; bitter cups were -sweetened. Mistress knows what that means (looking at her earnestly). I -know you do. Massa gives me work, and I must do it; nobody comes here, -but overseer walks by once a day to see if I at work; then the rest of -the time is my own; I have one and sometimes two hours."</p> - -<p>"How does my Christian brother employ his own time?" asked the lady. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will tell you, mistress: I shut the door, then sit down on that -bench and wait upon God; and what good times I have! Sometimes I go to -prayer, and God puts words into my mouth; then other times something -here (laying his hand upon his breast) tells me not to pray, but to be -still—wait upon God in silence; and did my massa and the white people -know how good I felt, they would be glad to come and sit with me. In -heaven, mistress, God makes no difference—massa and slave all one."</p> - -<p>The lady's companions now called for her, and put an end to this very -interesting conversation. His parting address was: "Farewell, mistress, -till we meet again in heaven. God bless you." With tears they parted.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>LET ME RING THE BELL.</h2> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>A missionary far away,</div> -<div class="i1">Beyond the Southern sea,</div> -<div>Was sitting in his home one day,</div> -<div class="i1">With Bible on his knee,</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>When suddenly he heard a rap</div> -<div class="i1">Upon the chamber door,</div> -<div>And opening, there stood a boy,</div> -<div class="i1">Of some ten years or more.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>He was a bright and happy child,</div> -<div class="i1">With cheeks of dusky hue,</div> -<div>And eyes that 'neath their lashes smiled</div> -<div class="i1">And glittered like the dew.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>He held his little form erect,</div> -<div class="i1">In boyish sturdiness,</div> -<div>But on his lip you could detect</div> -<div class="i1">Traces of gentleness.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Dear sir," he said, in native tongue,</div> -<div class="i1">"I do so want to know,</div> -<div>If something for the house of God</div> -<div class="i1">You'd kindly let me do."</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"What can you do, my little boy?"</div> -<div class="i1">The missionary said,</div> -<div>And as he spoke he laid his hand</div> -<div class="i1">Upon the youthful head.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Then bashfully, as if afraid</div> -<div class="i1">His secret wish to tell,</div> -<div>The boy in eager accents said,</div> -<div class="i1">"Oh, let me ring the bell!</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Oh, please to let me ring the bell</div> -<div class="i1">For our dear house of prayer;</div> -<div>I'm sure I'll ring it loud and well,</div> -<div class="i1">And I'll be always there!"</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>The missionary kindly looked</div> -<div class="i1">Upon that upturned face,</div> -<div>Where hope, and fear, and wistfulness</div> -<div class="i1">United, left their trace.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>And gladly did he grant the boon:</div> -<div class="i1">The boy had pleaded well,</div> -<div>And to the eager child he said,</div> -<div class="i1">"Yes, you shall ring the bell!"</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>Oh, what a pleased and happy heart</div> -<div class="i1">He carried to his home,</div> -<div>And how impatiently he longed</div> -<div class="i1">For the Sabbath-day to come!</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>He rang the bell, he went to school,</div> -<div class="i1">The Bible learned to read,</div> -<div>And in his youthful heart they sowed</div> -<div class="i1">The gospel's precious seed.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>And now to other heathen lands</div> -<div class="i1">He's gone, of Christ to tell;</div> -<div>And yet his first young mission was</div> -<div class="i1">To ring the Sabbath bell.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE FLIGHT OF A SLAVE.</h2> - -<p>James —— was born a slave in the State of Maryland. He was so useful -as a blacksmith that his value was at least one thousand dollars. He -was brought up in total ignorance of letters or of religion, but he -always aimed to be trustworthy. He sought to distinguish himself in -the finer branches of the business, by invention and finish, making -fancy hammers, hatchets, etc. One day his master thought James was -watching him improperly, and fell into a panic of rage. "He came down -upon me with his cane," said James, "and laid over my shoulders, -arms, and legs about a dozen severe blows, so that my flesh was sore -for several weeks." He felt the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> disgrace of the beating so acutely -that he determined to abscond, and if possible reach the free soil of -Pennsylvania.</p> - -<p>One Sunday night, in November, he stole away into the woods, with only -half a pound of Indian corn-bread to sustain him on his journey, which -would take several days. At three o'clock in the morning his strength -began to fail, his scanty supply of food afforded poor nourishment, and -the only shelter he could find, without risking travelling by daylight, -was a corn-shock but a few hundred yards from the road, and there he -passed his first day out. As night came on he pursued his journey; -it was cloudy, and he could not see the north star, which was his -only guide to freedom. His bread was all eaten, he felt his strength -failing, and his mind was filled with melancholy.</p> - -<p>In this condition he travelled all the night, and just at the dawn of -day he found a few sour apples, and took shelter under the arch of a -bridge, where he lay in ambush through the day. Night came on, and -he once more proceeded on his wearisome journey. Frequently he was -overcome with hunger and fatigue, and sat down and slept a few minutes. -At dawn of day he saw a toll-bar, and here he ventured to ask the best -way to Philadelphia, and set off in the right direction. His taking the -open road was fatal. He was observed by a man, and ordered to give an -account of himself. After a parley, James took to his heels; but a hue -and cry being raised he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> was speedily captured. Led to a tavern as a -prisoner, he was questioned. He persisted in saying he was a free man, -but he had no free papers. Though his story was false, we must remember -that he knew not the wickedness of a lie, for he knew nothing of God -and our Saviour.</p> - -<p>Toward night, being watched only by a boy, he contrived to slip away, -and again took to the woods.</p> - -<p>Wandering in darkness, the north star being covered with clouds, he -was at a loss as to what course to pursue. "At a venture," says he, "I -struck northward in search of a road. After several hours of laborious -travel, dragging through briers and thorns, I emerged from the woods -and found myself wading through marshy ground and over ditches, and -came to a road about three o'clock in the morning.</p> - -<p>"It so happened I came where there was a fork in the road of three -prongs. Which was the right one for me? After a few moments' parley -with myself, I took the central prong of the road, and pushed on with -all my speed. It had not cleared off, but a fresh wind had sprung up; -it was chilly and searching. This, with my wet clothes, made me very -uncomfortable."</p> - -<p>He saw a farm with a small hovel-like barn; into this he went and -buried himself in the straw. Here he lay the whole day; his only danger -was from the yelping of a small dog, and the noise of horsemen who -passed in search of him. He heard them say they were after a runaway -negro, who was a blacksmith,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> and that a reward of two hundred dollars -was offered for his recovery. Night came, and he was again on his way, -but all he could do was to keep his legs in motion. There came a heavy -frost, and he expected every moment to fall to the ground and perish.</p> - -<p>Coming to a corn-field covered with heavy shocks of corn, he gathered -an ear and then crept into one of the shocks; he ate as much as he -could, expecting to travel on, but fell asleep, and when he awoke the -sun was shining. He was obliged to conceal himself as well as he could -through the day; he began again to eat the hard corn, and it took all -the forenoon to eat his breakfast. Night came, and he sallied out, -feeling much better for the corn he had eaten.</p> - -<p>He now believed himself near to Pennsylvania, and under this -impression, skipped and danced for joy. He says: "A little after the -sun rose I came in sight of a toll-gate; for a moment I felt some -hesitation, but on arriving at the gate I found it attended by only an -elderly woman, whom I afterwards heard was a widow and an excellent -Christian. I asked her if I was in Pennsylvania. On being informed -that I was, I asked if she knew where I could get employment. She said -she did not, but advised me to go to W. W., a Quaker, who lived about -three miles from her, and whom I would find to take an interest in me. -In about half an hour I stood at the door of W. W. After knocking, the -door opened upon a comfortably spread table. Not daring to enter, I -said I had been sent to him in search of employment. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> - -<p>"'Well,' said he, 'come in, and take thy breakfast and get warm.'</p> - -<p>"These words made me feel, in spite of all my fear and timidity, that -I had, in the providence of God, found a friend and a home. He at once -gained my confidence, and from that day to this, whenever I discover -the least disposition in my heart to disregard poor and wretched -persons with whom I meet, I call to mind these words: 'Come in, and -take thy breakfast and get warm.'</p> - -<p>"I was a starving fugitive, without home or friends, and no claim upon -him to whose door I went. Had he turned me away I must have perished. -Nay, he took me in, and gave of his food, and shared with me his own -garments."</p> - -<p>By W. W. the wretched wanderer was fed, clothed, and employed, and not -only so, but he was instructed in reading, writing, and much useful -knowledge. Here, for the first time, did he learn one word of the -truths of religion.</p> - -<p>James resided with the benevolent Quaker for six months, when it became -necessary for him to depart and go elsewhere. He found employment on -Long Island, opposite New York. By the kindness of his friends he was -educated, and became a Christian minister and pastor of a colored -congregation in connection with the Presbyterian Church.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> - -<h2>BENJAMIN BANNEKER.</h2> - -<p>He was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, in the year 1732. There -was not a drop of white man's blood in his veins. His father was born -in Africa, and his mother's parents were both natives of Africa. What -genius he had must be credited to that race. Benjamin's mother was a -remarkable woman. Her name was Morton before marriage, and her nephew, -Greenbury Morton, was gifted with a lively and impetuous eloquence -which made its mark in his neighborhood. Her husband was a slave when -she married him, but she soon purchased his freedom. Together they -bought a farm of two hundred acres, which though but ten miles from -Jones' Falls, was at that time a wilderness.</p> - -<p>When Benjamin was approaching manhood he attended an obscure country -school, where he learned reading and writing, and a little arithmetic. -Beyond these rudiments he was entirely his own teacher.</p> - -<p>Perhaps the first wonder among his neighbors was when, at thirty years -of age, he made a clock. It is probable that this was the first clock -of which every portion was made in America. He had seen a watch, but -never a clock; and it was as purely his own invention as if none had -ever been made before.</p> - -<p>The clock attracted the attention of the Ellicott family, well educated -men, and Quakers. They gave him books and astronomical instruments. -From this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> time astronomy became the great object of Benjamin's life. -He remained unmarried, and lived in a cabin on the farm his father left -him; he still labored for a living, but his wants were few and simple. -He slept much in the day, that he might observe at night the heavenly -bodies, whose laws he was studying. The first almanac prepared by -Banneker was for the year 1792, when he was fifty-nine years old, and -he continued to prepare almanacs till 1802.</p> - -<p>He had become known and respected by scientific men, and received -tokens of regard from many of them. The Commissioners to run the lines -of the District of Columbia invited Banneker to assist them, and -treated him in all respects as an equal.</p> - -<p>A gentleman writes of Banneker: "When I was a boy I became very -much interested in him, as his manners were those of a perfect -gentleman—kind, generous, hospitable, humane, dignified, and -pleasing—and he abounded in information on all the various subjects -of the day." His head was covered with thick white hair, which gave -him a dignified and venerable appearance. His dress was uniformly of -superfine drab broadcloth, made with straight collar, a long waistcoat, -and broad-brimmed hat. In size and personal appearance the statue of -Franklin, in the Library of Philadelphia, as seen from the street, is a -perfect likeness of him.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<h2>REPENTANCE AND AMENDMENT IN A COLORED SCHOOL AT CHRISTIANSBURG.</h2> - -<p>Two days since, one of my boys had been behaving badly all the -afternoon. I think I spoke to him three times during the session, and -it seemed to have no effect; so when five o'clock came, I told him -I would see him after school. When the other scholars had left, I -went and sat down by him, and talked to him a short time. Among other -things, I told him that I could not teach a boy who would do so badly, -and that I wanted him to kneel down with me, and I would ask the Lord -to watch over him after I had to give him up. He was crying very hard, -and we knelt down together. When I came to that part of my prayer, -he screamed out, "O Lord! don't let Miss Lucy turn me out of school. -<i>Please</i>, Lord, don't let her! I know I have been a bad boy, but I -won't do so any more. Oh! help her to forgive me. O Jesus! I love to -come to school! do forgive me for being so wicked!" Of course I forgave -him. He has given me no trouble since, and I do not think he will.</p> - -<p>—<i>Am. Freedman.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>AN INCIDENT.</h2> - -<p>During the late rebellion the Confederate army burnt the town of -Hampton, Va., as they left it, to prevent the Union troops, who were -approaching,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> taking possession of the houses for winter-quarters. Soon -afterwards a gentlemen was riding through the deserted streets and -heard the voices of children, but saw no one; all the white inhabitants -of the town had fled with the Confederate army, and the colored people -were employed around the camp beyond the town. He stopped his horse and -listened, then advanced in the direction from which the voices seemed -to come, and looked within the four blackened walls and half-burnt -wood-work of what had been a lordly mansion. There he saw forty colored -children seated on heaps of stones and charred wood, rejoicing and -singing "The Christian's Home." They added the last verse.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">I have a home above,</div> -<div class="i2">From sin and sorrow free;</div> -<div>A mansion which eternal love</div> -<div class="i2">Design'd and form'd for me.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">My Father's gracious hand</div> -<div class="i2">Has built this sweet abode,</div> -<div>From everlasting it was plann'd,</div> -<div class="i2">My dwelling-place with God.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">My Saviour's precious blood</div> -<div class="i2">Has made my title sure;</div> -<div>He passed through death's dark raging flood</div> -<div class="i2">To make my rest secure.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">The Comforter is come,</div> -<div class="i2">The Earnest has been given;</div> -<div>He leads me onward to the home</div> -<div class="i2">Reserv'd for me in heaven.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>Bright angels guard my way;</div> -<div class="i2">His ministers of power</div> -<div>Encamping round me night and day,</div> -<div class="i2">Preserve in danger's hour.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">Lov'd ones are gone before,</div> -<div class="i2">Whose pilgrim days are done;</div> -<div>I soon shall greet them on that shore,</div> -<div class="i2">Where partings are unknown.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">But more than all I long</div> -<div class="i2">HIS glories to behold,</div> -<div>Whose smile fills all that radiant throng,</div> -<div class="i2">With ecstasy untold.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">That bright, yet tender smile</div> -<div class="i2">(My sweetest welcome there),</div> -<div>Shall cheer me through the little while</div> -<div class="i2">I tarry for Him here.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">Thy love, thou precious Lord,</div> -<div class="i2">My joy and strength shall be;</div> -<div>Till Thou shalt speak the glad'ning word</div> -<div class="i2">That bids me rise to Thee.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">And then through endless days,</div> -<div class="i2">Where all Thy glories shine,</div> -<div>In happier, holier strains I'll praise</div> -<div class="i2">The grace that made me Thine.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2">Before the great <i>I AM</i>,</div> -<div class="i2">Around His throne above,</div> -<div>The song of Moses and the Lamb,</div> -<div class="i2">We'll sing with deathless love.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="i2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>There is no sorrow there!</div> -<div class="i2">There is no sorrow there!</div> -<div>In heaven above where all is love,</div> -<div class="i2">There is no sorrow there.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>SOJOURNER TRUTH.</h2> - -<p>A man and his wife and their children were brought from Africa to -America, and were sold as slaves. One little girl and her mother kept -together, but the others were so far separated that they never met -again. The little girl's name was Isabella; but when she grew to be a -woman and became a Christian, she adopted the name of Sojourner Truth.</p> - -<p>She told a lady, "I can remember, when I was a little thing, how my ole -mammy would sit out of doors in the evenin', an' look up at the stars -an' groan. She'd groan, an' groan, and says I to her:</p> - -<p>"'Mammy, what makes you groan so?'</p> - -<p>"An' she'd say, 'Matter enough, chile! I'm groaning to think of my poor -children; they don't know where I be, and I don't know where they be; -they looks up at the stars, an' I looks up at the stars, but I can't -tell where they be.'</p> - -<p>"'Now,' she said, 'chile, when you be grown up, you may be sold away -from your mother an' all your ole friends, an' have great troubles come -on ye; an' when you has these troubles come on ye, ye jes go to God, -an' He'll help ye.'"</p> - -<p>Isabella was sold to a hard master and mistress.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> She thought she had -got into trouble, and she wanted to find God; she prayed that He would -make her master and mistress better, and as He did not do so, she -concluded they were too bad to be made better, and that she might leave -them. So she rose at three o'clock one morning, and travelled till late -at night, when she came to a house and went in, "And," she said, "they -were Quakers, an' real kind they was to me. They jes took me in, an' -did for me as kind as ef I had been one of 'em, an' I stayed an' lived -with 'em two or three years. An' now, jes look here; instead o' keeping -my promise an' being good, as I told the Lord I would, jest as soon -as everything got agoing easy, I forgot all about God, an' I gin up -praying."</p> - -<p>Sojourner did not long continue in this dark state, but she found -the Lord Jesus, and she said, "I shouted and cried, Praise, praise, -praise to the Lord; an' I began to feel such a love in my soul as I -never felt before,—love to all creatures. An' then all of a sudden it -stopped; an' I said, 'There are the white folks, that have abused you, -an' beat you, an' abused your people,—think o' them!' An' then there -came another rush o' love through my soul, an' I cried out loud, 'Lord, -Lord, I can love even the white folks. Jesus loved me! I knowed it, I -felt it.'"</p> - -<p>When slavery was abolished in the State of New York, Sojourner went -back to her old mistress and demanded her son; he had been sent to -Alabama. After some trouble and expense her son was brought back to -her, though her mistress said to her: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What a fuss you make about a little nigger! got more of 'em now than -you know what to do with."</p> - -<p>"Sojourner," said a gentleman, "you seem to be very sure about heaven."</p> - -<p>"Well, I be;" she answered triumphantly.</p> - -<p>"What makes you so sure there is any heaven?"</p> - -<p>"Well, because I got such a hankering arter it in here," she said, -giving a thump on her breast with her usual energy.</p> - -<p>"Sojourner, did you always go by this name?"</p> - -<p>"No, 'deed! My name was Isabella. No, 'deed! but when I left the house -of bondage, I left everything behind. I want goin' to keep nothin' of -Egypt about me, and so I went to the Lord and asked him to give me a -new name. And the Lord gave me Sojourner, because I was to travel up -an' down the land, showing the people their sins, an' being a sign -unto them. Afterwards I told the Lord I wanted another name, 'cause -everybody else had two names; and the Lord gave me <i>Truth</i>, cause I was -to declare the truth to the people."</p> - -<p>Wendell Phillips relates a scene of which he was witness before the -abolition of slavery in the United States. It was in a crowded public -meeting in Faneuil Hall, Boston, where Frederick Douglas was one of the -chief speakers. Douglas had been describing the wrongs of the colored -race, and as he proceeded he grew more and more excited, and finally -ended by saying that they had no hope of justice from the whites, no -possible hope except in their own right<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> arms. It must come to blood; -they must fight for themselves, or it would never be done.</p> - -<p>Sojourner was sitting, tall and dark, on the very front seat facing -the platform; and in the hush of feeling after Frederick sat down, she -spoke out in her deep peculiar voice, heard all over the house:</p> - -<p>"Frederick, <i>is God dead</i>?"</p> - -<p>The effect was perfectly electrical, and thrilled through the whole -house, changing as by a flash, the whole feeling of the audience. Not -another word she said or needed to say, it was enough.</p> - -<p class="space-above">The following is from a letter from a lady who visited Freedman's -Village, near Washington, where Sojourner Truth was residing in a -little frame building with the American flag over the door.</p> - -<p>"We found Sojourner Truth, tall, dark, very homely, but with an -expression of determination and good sense by no means common. She -apologized for her hoarseness, as she had a meeting last evening. We -asked what she had been doing there. 'Fighting the devil,' she said. -What particular devil? 'An unfaithful man who has undertaken work for -which he is not competent. My people,' she added, 'have fallen very -low, and no one need take hold to help raise them up as a matter of -business, it must be done from love.' She greatly complained of some -one who had an office in relation to the Freedmen, and said he ought to -be removed. She was asked why she did not go to the President with her -story of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>wrongdoing. She said, 'Don't you see the President has -a big job on hand? Any little matter Sojourner can do for herself she -aint going to bother him with.'"</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>KATY FERGUSON;</h2> - -<p class="center">OR, WHAT A POOR COLORED WOMAN MAY DO.</p> - -<p>About the year 1774, Katy Ferguson was born. Her mother was a slave, -and was taken from her young child and sold to another master.</p> - -<p>Uneducated and unaided in her parental duties, this poor Christian -mother had been faithful to the extent of her abilities, and left -upon the mind of her child indelible religious impressions. Katy, in -speaking of this cruel separation, many years afterward, said: "Mr. B. -sold my mother, and she was carried away from me; but I remember that -before they tore us asunder, she kneeled down, laid her hand upon my -head, and gave me to God."</p> - -<p>Katy's active mind sought every opportunity of acquiring knowledge. -Her mother had taught her much that she herself remembered of the -Scriptures. Other persons had taught her the catechism, and her -retentive memory seldom lost what had been committed to it.</p> - -<p>In her fifteenth year, the Holy Spirit applied to her conscience and -heart the truths of Scripture which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> she had thus received. But when -awakened to a perception of her sinfulness, she felt the need of some -kind counsellor.</p> - -<p>Neither master nor mistress had ever encouraged her to communicate her -thoughts on religious subjects. The minister on whose services she -attended, Dr. John M. Mason, was a man of such a commanding figure -and bearing as to inspire her with fear, rather than confidence. Yet -she knew he was a faithful servant of Christ, and that he would care -for her soul. She accordingly ventured to call on him. She remarked -afterward, "While I was standing at the door, after having rung the -bell, my feelings were indescribable. And when the door was opened, -and I found myself in the minister's presence, I trembled from head -to foot. One harsh word or look would have crushed me." But this -faithful minister of Christ at once appreciated her solicitude, and -in the gentlest manner inquired, "Have you come here to talk with me -about your soul?" This kind reception at once relieved and encouraged -her to open her whole heart. The interview was blessed of God to her -conversion. And from that day, her course was remarkably direct and -upward. She was, in a word, an earnest, self-denying follower of Christ.</p> - -<p>At the age of eighteen, by the aid of friends, she was made a free -woman; and very soon afterwards married; but her husband and children -did not live long.</p> - -<p>She lived in a part of the city where there were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> many very poor -families, and many of both colored and white children who had none to -care for their bodies or souls. Some of these she took to her own home -and taught them to take care of themselves; and for others she found -places, where they would be provided for. In this way, during her life, -she secured homes for <i>forty-eight</i> of these neglected and suffering -ones;—thus anticipating one of the benevolent movements of our time.</p> - -<p>But her concern for the spiritual welfare of those around her was -especially manifest, and in most appropriate ways. She invited the -children to come into her house every Sabbath day, for religious -instruction. Feeling her own incompetency to instruct them fully, -especially as she was herself unable to read, she obtained the -assistance of other Christian people in this work. The well-known -Isabella Graham thus aided Katy by occasionally inviting her little -flock to come to her own house.</p> - -<p>Thus Katy's labor of love went on for some time, unobserved for the -most part, even by Christian people, but not unnoticed by God. He -smiled upon her, and as He often does in the case of humble efforts -like hers, made her little school on the Sabbath the beginning of a -great and good work in that city. It was about this time that the house -of worship on Murray street, in which Dr. Mason preached, was built. -This good man of God had not forgotten Katy, the trembling inquirer. -Having heard of her Sabbath assembly of children, he went one day to -see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> what she was doing. As he entered her lowly dwelling, and looked -around upon the group of interested, happy-looking faces, he said, with -his wonted kindness: "What are you about here, Katy? Keeping school -on the Sabbath? We must not leave you to do all this." He immediately -conferred with the officers of his church, telling them what he had -seen, and advising that others should join Katy in this good work. Soon -the lecture-room was opened for the reception and instruction of Katy's -charge. This was the beginning of the Sabbath-school in the Murray -Street Church; and <span class="smcap">Katy Ferguson</span>, the colored woman, who had -been a slave, is believed to have thus gathered <span class="smcap">the First Sabbath -School in the City of New York</span>.</p> - -<p>But Katy's benevolent heart was not satisfied with this effort for the -good of children. She established and maintained, during the last forty -years of her life, a weekly prayer-meeting at her house, and during -the last five years of her life, when she could not attend the public -services of divine worship, she made her own house a Bethel on Sabbath -afternoons, by gathering the neglected children of the neighborhood, -with such others as did not attend at any place of public worship, and -obtaining some suitable person to lead in the services of prayer and -praise.</p> - -<p>The cause of foreign missions was also dear to Katy. On one occasion, a -young man who was about to sail for Africa as a missionary, was invited -to attend a meeting at her house. Three years afterwards, on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> speaking -of this man and his associate missionaries, she said: "For these three -years I have never missed a day but I have prayed for those dear -missionaries."</p> - -<p>The question may occur to some persons, where did this poor woman -procure the means of doing so much good—clothing children and -assisting missionaries? Uneducated as she was, she possessed -extraordinary taste and judgment. Of a truly refined nature, she -appreciated the beautiful, wherever found. Hence a wedding, or other -festival, in some of the best circles of New York, could scarcely be -considered complete unless Katy had superintended the nicer provisions -of the table. She was also uncommonly skilful in the cleaning of laces -and other fine articles of ladies' dresses. This constant demand for -her services must, however, be likewise traced, in part, to the great -esteem in which she was held, and to the desire to furnish her the -means of continuing her useful Christian labors.</p> - -<p>She was a cheerful believer; occupied less in complaining of her own -deficiencies and her troubles, or boasting of her attainments, than in -commending her Redeemer to others, and in trying to imitate His active -benevolence.</p> - -<p>Thus was this beloved disciple ripening for heaven. And when death, in -that fearful disease, the cholera, came for her, she was ready, and -calmly expressed her Christian confidence by saying: "Oh, what a good -thing it is to have a hope in Jesus!" Her last words were, "All is -well."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> - -<h2>POOR POMPEY.</h2> - -<p>An old African who had long served the Lord, when on his death-bed, was -visited by his friends, who came around him lamenting that he was going -to die, saying: "Poor Pompey! poor Pompey is dying." The old saint -said to them, with much earnestness: "Don't call me poor Pompey. <i>I</i>, -<span class="smaller">KING</span> Pompey," referring to Revelation i. verse 6.—"<i>And hath -made us kings and priests unto God and His Father.</i>"</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>ANCASS.</h2> - -<p>"I was born in Africa, about the year 1789; the country of the Iboes -was my home. My father's name was Durl, and mine, Ancass. My mother was -my father's only wife, and she was the daughter of a great chieftain. -Of four children I was the only son, and therefore my father's pet. He -always liked to have me near him, and even when he went out to work -he would take me along with him. In the midst of our ignorance we -had a vague idea of the existence of a Supreme Being, which we know -that every heathen can see from the works of creation. We called him -'Thunderer,' and appealed to him for aid in case of illness.</p> - -<p>"A young man began to pay us frequent visits, under pretence of wishing -to marry one of my sisters, but in reality, doubtless, with a view to -getting possession of me, a growing, healthy boy, about twelve years -old.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> One day my father had gone out, leaving me with my sisters, and -the young man made use of the opportunity to persuade me to accompany -him to a market in the vicinity, which he described to me in glowing -colors. We walked all that day, and never reached the place; the night -was spent with an acquaintance of my guide, and our journey continued -all the next day. I was struck by the circumstance that persons who -met us often asked the man what he was going to do with the boy he had -with him, whether he was intending to sell him, etc. He invariably gave -an assurance of the contrary, but I was soon to learn what his scheme -really was.</p> - -<p>"The end of the journey was reached at last, and proved to be a trading -place on the coast. I lay down under a large tree, and gazed on the -scene with delight.</p> - -<p>"Suddenly a stranger appeared, and proposed that I should try a sail -in his boat. I was frightened and refused: but found myself seized by -the man's strong hand, and rapidly dragged away. Then I knew that I was -being taken as a slave. The man who had brought me from home and sold -me to the traders, looked on unmoved as I was hurried to the water's -edge, and I could only implore him to take a last message to my dear -father, letting him know what had become of me.</p> - -<p>"There were several negroes already in the boat, bound with ropes, -and others were added. When the boat put off for the ship I was so -exhausted with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> crying, that the gentle rocking motion lulled me into -a sound sleep, from which I awoke to find that we were being lifted -into the vessel. The white color of the captain's face filled me with -no less astonishment than his black, shining feet without toes, as I -regarded his polished boots, which I now saw for the first time. The -next morning I was horrified to see great numbers of people brought up -from the hold on deck, to be fed with yams and rum. As for myself, I -was heartily glad to be spared this confinement. I was at liberty to -remain on deck with some other boys, slept in the captain's cabin, and -was soon very happy.</p> - -<p>"On reaching Kingston, in Jamaica, the slaves went ashore, and I looked -with intense longing at the beautiful land, visible from the ship. I -was kept on board for several weeks, and the captain told me I was -destined to be his servant, and should not be allowed to go ashore. On -my declaring, however, that I was resolved, at all hazards, to leave -the vessel, and would leap overboard if he should try to prevent me, -he changed his mind, and I was sent to a white man, who took me, with -eleven others, into the yard adjoining his house. We were purchased -for the owner of the estate Krepp, and thither we were taken without -further delay. My companions were sent to work in the fields; I was -retained as servant in the overseer's family, and called Toby. After -the lapse of a year my master took me as servant into his own house, -making me the companion and play-fellow of his children, and treating -me with great kindness. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> - -<p>"About eight years afterwards my master left the island for England, -and I was sent with the children to the seaport-town, Savana-la-Mar, -where we were to attend the church and school. This was anything but -agreeable to us, and I persisted in neglecting every opportunity of -learning, which I might have enjoyed. As to the church, I invariably -played outside during the services, and my master's children were -generally with me. In three years' time the master returned, and took -us all back to the estate, where he soon died. The eldest son became -owner of the property, and he immediately appointed me his overseer at -Krepp, and subsequently at Dumbasken, when the former estate was sold.</p> - -<p>"In the year 1824 the owner of a neighboring estate (Paynstown) -returned to Jamaica from a visit in England. This gentleman and his -lady were true Christians. One evening, when passing his plantation on -my way home, I met a female servant of the family, Christina by name, -who was going to draw water from a neighboring spring. I entered into -conversation with her, and she told me that on Sunday there would be -prayer and singing at Paynstown, and that her master invited his people -to attend. I asked if strangers were admitted, and was told that Mrs. -Cook had frequently expressed her regret that no one from the vicinity -would come to join them at prayers, and that strangers would be -welcomed, not only on Sundays, but also in the morning and evening of -the week-days. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> - -<p>"This conversation made a deep impression upon me, and the thought -of the prayer-meeting at Paynstown was continually recurring day and -night, until I at length resolved to go there on the following Sunday.</p> - -<p>"Sunday came, and I started on my way to Paynstown. On reaching the -house, a negro servant addressed me in a friendly voice; at the same -moment Mrs. Cook appeared at the door, and I heard her say to the -attendant, on his mentioning my name, 'Let him enter; I am glad that he -comes!' Feeling very shy, I waited outside the hall till a bell gave -the summons for prayers. Mr. Cook conducted the service, which was -commenced with singing a hymn: then a portion of the Scriptures was -read and prayer offered. I have no recollection of what was read, nor -could I understand the prayer, as I knew nothing of our Saviour; yet -I shall never forget this hour; it was a turning-point for the whole -of my life. I had a feeling that I was in the presence of Almighty -God, <i>my</i> Lord and God, and my inmost soul was deeply moved, while I -trembled from head to foot. Unable to utter a word, I hurried away and -remained alone in my hut.</p> - -<p>"Some time afterwards Mrs. Cooper offered to teach me to read if I -wished to learn, and I gladly accepted her offer, though exposing -myself to no little ridicule on the part of my fellow-slaves, who -thought it very foolish of me to attempt to learn to read 'the white -men's book.' How thankful have I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> felt ever since that I was enabled -to read the Bible for myself, and thus come into the enjoyment of a -wonderful privilege!</p> - -<p>"Saturday and Sunday were free days for the slaves; Sunday was -market-day in the neighboring town, and we negroes were in the habit -of cultivating our own plots of ground on our return from the service -at Paynstown, or carrying their produce to the market. One Sunday I -was so eagerly bent on making the most out of my garden, that I did -not go to Paynstown, but was busy at work from earliest dawn. Suddenly -the conviction seized my mind that I was not acting right in the sight -of God, in thus digging and planting in hope of gain. Quite overcome -with the thought, I threw away my hoe, and kneeling in the hole which -I had just dug, I cried aloud to our Saviour, imploring Him to help me -in my darkness, and show me what I ought to do. The comforting light -was vouchsafed to me at once. While recognizing my sinful conduct in -striving for outward gain to the detriment of my soul, I was assured -that all my need would be supplied from the bountiful hand of my -heavenly Father, and that the right course for me was to seek first the -kingdom of God and His righteousness. From that day I never touched a -hoe on Sunday, and I have been so blessed in regard to externals that I -have never suffered any want.</p> - -<p>"Some time afterwards I made a proposal of marriage to a young woman, -whom I had known as one of the most regular attendants at the services -in Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> Cooper's house, and she accepted it. My master and mistress -were at first greatly opposed to this step, but were led eventually to -withdraw their prohibition, and we were married on the 8th of June, -1826.</p> - -<p>"A few months afterwards I became a member of the Moravian Church, one -of twelve, who at that time constituted the whole congregation. Many -others, however, joined the church at Carmel, and the number of those -who desired to cast in their lot with us as children of God, increased -most surprisingly from week to week.</p> - -<p>"The office of native helper, to which I was soon afterwards appointed, -gave me many opportunities of telling others what the Lord had done for -me, and directing them to the same Saviour.</p> - -<p>"I had a great desire to purchase my freedom. I went to my master, -who tried to persuade me to wait, seeing that I should be legally -emancipated in three years' time. My longing for freedom was, however, -so strong that I remained unmoved. I paid down all my savings, and was -soon afterwards able to complete the required sum, and my certificate -of freedom was signed. O how full my heart was! how overflowing with -thanks and praise to God! This day has always been to me a day of -special rejoicing and thanksgiving. It was the 1st of June, 1837.</p> - -<p>"Subsequently I was asked by several gentlemen to undertake the -management of their estates, but I declined, not wishing to fetter -myself in such a manner as would be prejudicial to my work in the -Lord's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> cause. I was greatly rejoiced when Brother Zorn proposed to me -to devote my time entirely to the duties of a native helper, receiving -£12 a year to provide subsistence for myself and family. I purchased -a small cottage and piece of ground, and here I have lived ever since -with my dear wife and the only daughter whom the Lord has been pleased -to give us."</p> - -<p>Ancass died July, 1864.—<i>English Tract.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>A STORM AT SEA.</h2> - -<p>Some few years since, a minister was preaching at Plymouth, when a -request was sent to the pulpit to this effect: "The thanksgiving -of this congregation is desired to Almighty God, by the captain, -passengers, and crew of a West Indiaman, for their merciful deliverance -during the late tempest."</p> - -<p>The following day the minister went on board, and entered into -conversation with the passengers, when a lady thus addressed him: -"O, sir, what an invaluable blessing is personal religion! Never did -I see it so exemplified as in my poor Ellen during the storm. When -we expected every wave to entomb us all, my mind was in a horrible -state—I was afraid to die. Ellen would come to me and say, with all -possible composure: 'Never mind, missie; look to Jesus Christ. He -made—he rule the sea.' And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> when we neared the shore, and were at -a loss to know where we were, fearing every minute to strike on the -rocks, Ellen said, with the same composure as before, 'Don't fear, -missie; look to Jesus Christ—He the Rock; <i>no shipwreck on that Rock</i>; -He save to the uttermost. Don't fear, missie; look to Jesus Christ!'"</p> - -<p>The minister wished to see this poor, though rich African. She was -called, and, in the presence of the sailors, the following conversation -took place:</p> - -<p><i>Minister.</i> "Well, Ellen, I am glad to find you know something of Jesus -Christ."</p> - -<p><i>Ellen.</i> "Jesus Christ, massa! Oh, He be very good to my soul! Oh! He -be very dear to me."</p> - -<p><i>Minister.</i> "How long since you first knew the Saviour?"</p> - -<p><i>Ellen.</i> "Why, some time ago me hear Massa Kitchin preach about the -blessed Jesus. He say to us colored people—the Lord Jesus come down -from the good world; He pity us poor sinners; we die, or He die; <i>He -die, but we no die</i>. He suffer on the cross—He spill precious blood -for us poor sinners. Me feel me sinner; me cry; me pray to Jesus, and -He save <i>me</i> by His precious blood."</p> - -<p><i>Minister.</i> "And when did you see Mr. Kitchin last?"</p> - -<p><i>Ellen.</i> "Sir, the fever take him; he lie bed; he call us his children. -He say, 'Come round the bed, my children.' He then say, 'My children, I -go to God; meet me before God;' and then he fall asleep." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Minister.</i> "Oh, then, Mr. Kitchin is dead, is he?"</p> - -<p><i>Ellen.</i> "Dead, sir? oh, no! Mr. Kitchin no die; he fall asleep in -Jesus. He has gone to heaven."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>"LITTLE WA."</h2> - -<p>There is a boy of tender years now in England, whose story beautifully -illustrates the loving care of God for an afflicted heathen child. He -is the son of an African chief, and two or three years since you might -have seen him playing about his father's and mother's yard—as happy -as the day was long—no kid frisked so merrily, no kitten was fuller -of fun. But "little Wa" was deaf and dumb, and soon his mother, "Ti -Bla," was to die, and then his father, "Ta Qwia," was to be laid by her -side under the palm-tree. God foreknew this, and see how graciously He -provided for this helpless orphan.</p> - -<p>Little Wa was very fond of wandering from home; and wherever he went, -whether to the huts of the natives or the houses of the colonists, he -was a great favorite, and everybody treated him kindly. He liked to -sport about with those of his own age, and would amuse the tribes by -the hour. Often he came to the mission station, and the missionary got -quite attached to him, and encouraged him to stay, and gave him a white -shirt—his first civilized suit. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> delighted him, and kept him -hovering around for a week together; then off he trotted to the town.</p> - -<p>By-and-by he reappeared with his shirt dirty, and the missionary -exchanged it for a clean one. "He seemed so pleased to be with us, and -was such a good boy," says the missionary, "that pitying his sad case, -I thought I would try and get him into my family." He asked his father, -who was still an idolater, if he would let him keep him. His father -said, "Yes, he might keep him if he could." He meant that "Wa" was -such a gad-about that no one could keep him. However, the missionary -determined to try it. He had some new clothes made for him, bound with -scarlet; he set him a stool to have his meals, and he had his own plate -and fork, and a snug corner to sleep in at night, and a warm blanket to -wrap himself in.</p> - -<p>Now, do you suppose that "Wa" stayed with the missionary, or that he -ran away? He stayed, and he grew fonder and fonder of the missionary -and the missionary of him. Whenever he ate his meals, before tasting -anything, he would bend his head and shut his eyes, and be still, as -if he was saying grace. So also, night and morning, he would always -drop on his knees, and for a time remain in the attitude of prayer. -Occasionally he would go into the school-room, and sitting beside the -girls, take a book, and make believe that he was studying his lessons. -The missionary would frequently have him in his room, and kneel down -with him, and pray God to teach<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> him by His Holy Spirit, and deliver -him from all evil. God did indeed watch over him, and preserve him -from danger, to which he was exposed. No lion was permitted to terrify -him; and no scorpion or serpent was allowed to bite his bare feet. The -angels had charge of him.</p> - -<p>When, on account of his bad health, the missionary had to leave Africa -for a season, he much desired to bring "little Wa" to England with him. -He had a talk with his father (his mother was now dead) about it. He -told him what Christian people had done in England for the deaf and -dumb, what attention was paid to them, and how they were taught to -write and read. He looked very serious, and shook his head. "I can't -let him go;" he said, "I let his brother, 'Wia,' go to New York, and -he is buried there. I can't let 'Wa' go." But when he assured him -that England had a milder climate than New York, and that he would be -a parent to him, and that it was only the child's welfare he sought, -"Well," he said, "I will consider it." Shortly after he called and -said, "Take him; do with him what you choose. He is yours." So the -missionary began at once to get him ready for sea. He was fitted -with red and yellow flannel smocks and trousers; and when he saw the -preparations, and knew that he was going, he jumped for joy.</p> - -<p>At length the steamer hove in sight. The captain agreed to charge a -shilling a day for the "coal scuttle," as he called him. So he was -brought off with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> them in a boat through the surf, and he bade adieu -to the scenes of his infancy, in better spirits than the missionary -did; but soon the rocking of the ship upset him. He lay down sick -on the deck. When he recovered, he became a great favorite with the -passengers and crew. He had a wonderful power of mimicry, and he amused -many with his imitations. Now he would act as he saw the monkeys or the -chimpanzee act; now he would mock the way in which the gentlemen walked -when the vessel rolled; now he would pretend to be preaching; now he -would dance as his country people do; and now, when a lady would be -moving about alone, he would run up to her and offer her his arm. The -officers would feed him with good things, and let him sleep in their -state-rooms, though he had a comfortable box of his own.</p> - -<p>When the missionary arrived at Liverpool, "little Wa" was an object of -curiosity to all. His dark skin and his flaming-colored dress made him -ridiculously conspicuous. The children in the streets followed him, and -gathered round the shop-doors pointing at him jeeringly; but whenever -they were rude the missionary said to them, "He is deaf and dumb," and -then they would say, "Poor boy! poor little fellow!" You may be sure -he was in ecstasies at the sights, such as he had never even dreamt -of. Especially he noticed the horses, and tried to trot as they trot; -and the sliders on the ice, and when one tumbled down he was convulsed -with laughter. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> have had him at my table, and he behaved himself like -a gentleman, only he would open the whole plate of sandwiches to see -which had least mustard on it; and when I presented him with a pear, he -wanted to put it into his mouth whole.</p> - -<p>It was decided that he should go into the Bath Deaf and Dumb -Institution. The money, a large sum, was speedily raised by the ladies -of Brighton. Far and wide contributions flowed in. "Little Wa" was -loaded with presents beside; indeed, ladies began to be so kind to him -that it was high time he was out of the way of being spoiled. News -of his father's death reached England by the next mail; so now the -missionary felt that "little Wa" was wholly his, and he took him to -Bath without any further doubt as to its being God's will for him.</p> - -<p>Before "little Wa" left London, he stole into the missionary's wife's -sick chamber, and seeing that several persons were with her, he sat -down quietly until they withdrew, then he quickly touched her; and then -raising his eyes, he clasped his hands, and by other signs gave her to -understand that he wished her to pray with him. She did so. On getting -up, he looked into her face so bright and satisfied, and shook her hand -to thank her. As he bade her good-bye, he signified that after two -days and two nights he would come back to her. When the missionary was -leaving him at the Institution, and broke the intelligence to him that -he must stay there a long while, "little Wa" was downcast for a moment, -but he did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> not cry; he nodded his head bravely, and stood watching him -at the door till he turned the corner.</p> - -<p>A recent letter informed us that at first he showed considerable -self-will, but was daily improving. If we recollect how short a time -he has been under control at all, we cannot but wonder that the wild -African is as tractable as he is. When he saw the handwriting of the -missionary the tears started, and he pressed the envelope to his lips.</p> - -<p>Now, my dear young readers, does not this narrative <i>prove</i> that God -thinks of children, and loves them, and cares for them? He is busy with -the affairs of the universe, and yet He can turn from them to provide -for a heathen mute. He dwells in the high and holy place, and yet He -can stoop to be a friend to the fatherless African boy. Who is a God -like unto Him? Oh, give your heart to Him, that <i>you</i>, too, may have -His wing spread over you, and be able to confide in Him for whatever -you want.</p> - -<p>May "little Wa's" Almighty protector and all-loving provider be -yours!—<i>The Family Treasury.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE AFRICAN SERVANT.</h2> - -<p>During a residence of some years' continuance in the neighborhood of -the sea, an officer in the navy called upon me and stated that he had -just taken a lodging in the parish for his wife and children, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> that -he had an African whom he had kept three years in his service.</p> - -<p>"Does he know anything," I asked, "of the principles of the Christian -religion?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, I am sure he does," answered the captain; "for he talks a -great deal about it in the kitchen, and often gets laughed at for his -pains; but he takes it all very patiently."</p> - -<p>"Does he behave well as your servant?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, that he does: he is as honest and civil a fellow as ever came -aboard a ship or lived in a house."</p> - -<p>"Was he always so well-behaved?"</p> - -<p>"No," said the officer; "when I first had him he was often very unruly -and deceitful; but for the last two years he has been quite like -another creature."</p> - -<p>"Well, sir, I shall be very glad to see him, and think it probable I -shall wish to go through a course of instruction and examination. Can -he read?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied his master; "he has been taking great pains to learn to -read for some time past, and can make out a chapter in the Bible pretty -well, as my maid-servant informs me. He speaks English better than many -of his countrymen, but you will find it a little broken. When will it -be convenient that I should send him over to you?"</p> - -<p>"To-morrow afternoon, sir, if you please."</p> - -<p>"He shall come to you about four o'clock, and you shall see what you -can make of him."</p> - -<p>With this promise he took his leave. I felt glad to see him the next -day, and asked: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where were you born?"</p> - -<p>"In Africa. I was very little boy when I was made slave by the white -men."</p> - -<p>"How was that?"</p> - -<p>"I left father and mother one day at home to go to get shells by the -sea-shore; and, as I was stooping down to gather them up, some white -sailors came out of a boat and took me away. I never see father nor -mother again."</p> - -<p>"And what became of you then?"</p> - -<p>"I was put into ship and brought to Jamaica, and sold to a massa, who -keep me in his house to serve him some years; when about three years -ago, Captain W——, my massa that spoke to you, bought me to be his -servant on board his ship. And he be good massa; and I live with him -ever since."</p> - -<p>"And what thoughts had you about your soul all that time before you -went to America?" I asked him.</p> - -<p>"I no care for my soul at all before then. No man teach me a word about -my soul."</p> - -<p>"Well, now tell me further about what happened to you in America. How -came you there?"</p> - -<p>"My massa take me there in a ship, and he stop there one month; and -then I hear the good minister."</p> - -<p>"And what did that minister say?"</p> - -<p>"He said I was a great sinner."</p> - -<p>"Did he speak to you in particular?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I think so; for there was a great many to hear him, but he tell -them all about me." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What did he say?"</p> - -<p>"He say all about the things that were in my heart."</p> - -<p>"Who taught you to read?"</p> - -<p>"God teach me to read."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by saying so?"</p> - -<p>"God gave me desire to read, and that make reading easy. Massa give me -Bible, and one sailor show me the letter; and so I learn to read by -myself with God's good help."</p> - -<p>"And what do you read in the Bible?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I read all about Jesus Christ, and How He loved sinners; and -wicked men killed him, and He died and came again from the grave, and -all this for poor negro. And it sometime make me cry to think that -Christ love me so."</p> - -<p>Not many days after the first interview with my African disciple, I -went from home on horseback, with the design of visiting and conversing -with him again at his master's house, which was situated in a part of -the parish near four miles distant from my own. The road which I took -lay over a lofty down or hill, which commands a prospect of scenery -seldom equalled for beauty and magnificence. It gave birth to silent, -but instructive contemplation.</p> - -<p>As I pursued the meditations which this magnificent and varied scenery -excited in my mind, I approached the edge of a tremendous perpendicular -cliff with which the hill terminates; I dismounted from my horse and -tied him. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> - -<p>I cast my eye downwards a little to the left, towards a small cove, -the shore of which consists of fine hard sand. It is surrounded by -fragments of rock, chalk cliffs, and steep banks of broken earth. -Shut out from human intercourse and dwellings, it seems formed for -retirement and contemplation. On one of these rocks I unexpectedly -observed a man sitting with a book, which he was reading. The place was -near two hundred yards perpendicularly below me: but I soon discovered -by his dress, and by the color of his features, contrasted with the -white rocks beside him, that it was no other than my African disciple, -with, as I doubted not, a Bible in his hand. I rejoiced at this -unlooked-for opportunity of meeting him in so solitary and interesting -a situation. I descended a steep bank, winding by a kind of rude -staircase, formed by fishermen and shepherds' boys, in the side of the -cliff down to the shore.</p> - -<p>He was intent on his book, and did not perceive me till I approached -very near to him.</p> - -<p>"William, is that you?"</p> - -<p>"Ah, massa, I very glad to see you. How came massa into this place? I -thought nobody here but only God and me."</p> - -<p>"I was coming to your master's house to see you, and rode round by this -way for the sake of the prospect. I often come here in fine weather to -look at the sea and the shipping. Is that your Bible?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, this is my dear, good Bible." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am glad," said I, "to see you so well employed; it is a good sign, -William."</p> - -<p>"Yes, massa, a sign that God is good to me; but I never good to God."</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"I never thank Him enough; I never pray to Him enough; I never remember -enough who give me all these good things. Massa, I afraid my heart very -bad. I wish I was like you."</p> - -<p>"Like me, William? Why, you are like me, a poor helpless sinner."</p> - -<p>"Tell me, William, is not that very sin which you speak of, a burden to -you? You do not love it: you would be glad to obtain strength against -it, and to be freed from it, would you not?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; I give all this world, if I had it, to be without sin."</p> - -<p>"Come then, and welcome, to Jesus Christ, my brother; His blood -cleanseth from all sin. He gave himself as a ransom for sinners. He -hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our -transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of -our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. The Lord -hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Come, freely come to Jesus, -the Saviour of sinners."</p> - -<p>"Yes, massa," said the poor fellow, weeping, "I will come, but I come -very slow; very slow, massa; I want to run; I want to fly. Jesus is -very good to poor me to send you to tell me all this." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> - -<p>I was much pleased with the affectionate manner in which he spoke of -his parents, from whom he had been stolen in his childhood; and his -wishes that God might direct them by some means to the knowledge of the -Saviour.</p> - -<p>"Who knows," I said, "but some of these ships may be carrying a -missionary to the country where they live, to declare the good news -of salvation to your countrymen, and to your own dear parents in -particular, if they are yet alive."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my dear father and mother; my dear, gracious Saviour," exclaimed -he, leaping from the ground, as he spoke, "if Thou would but save their -souls, and tell them what Thou hast done for sinners; but—"</p> - -<p>He stopped and seemed much affected.</p> - -<p>"My friend," said I, "I will now pray with you for your own soul, and -those of your parents also."</p> - -<p>"Do, massa, that is very good and kind; do pray for poor negro souls -here and everywhere."</p> - -<p>This was a new and solemn "house of prayer." The sea-sand was our -floor, the heavens were our roof. The cliffs, the rocks, the hills, -and the waves, formed the walls of our chamber. It was not indeed a -"place where prayer was wont to be made," but for this once it became a -hallowed spot; it will by me ever be remembered as such. The presence -of God was there. I prayed. The African wept. His heart was full. I -felt with him, and could not but weep likewise.</p> - -<p>The last day will show whether our tears were not the tears of -sincerity and Christian love. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> - -<p>I had, for a considerable time, been accustomed to meet some serious -persons once a week, in a cottage at no great distance from the house -where he lived, for the purpose of religious conversation, instruction, -and prayer. Having found these occasions remarkably useful and -interesting to myself and others, I thought it would be very desirable -to take the African there, in order that there might be many witnesses -to the simplicity and sincerity of real Christianity, as exhibited in -the character of this promising young convert. I hoped it might prove -an eminent means of grace to excite and quicken the spirit of prayer -and praise among some over whose spiritual progress I was anxiously -watching.</p> - -<p>It was known that the African was to visit the little society this -evening, and satisfaction beamed in every countenance as I took him -by the hand and introduced him among them, saying, "I have brought a -brother from Africa to see you, my friends. Bid him welcome in the name -of the Lord."</p> - -<p>"Sir," said a humble and pious laborer, whose heart and tongue always -overflowed with Christian kindness, "we are at all times glad to see -our dear minister, but especially so to-day, in such company as you -have brought with you. We have heard how gracious the Lord has been to -him. Give me your hand, good friend," turning to the African; "God be -with you here and everywhere; and blessed be His holy name for calling -wicked sinners, as I hope He has done you and me, to love and serve Him -for His mercy's sake." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> - -<p>Each one greeted him as he came into the house, and some addressed him -in very kind and impressive language.</p> - -<p>"Massa," said he, "I not know what to say to all these good friends; I -think this looks like little heaven upon earth."</p> - -<p>He then, with tears in his eyes, which, almost before he spoke, brought -responsive drops into those of all present, said:</p> - -<p>"Good friends and brethren in Christ Jesus, God bless you all, and -bring you to heaven at last."</p> - -<p>After some time passed in more general conversation on the subject of -the African's history, I said, "Let us now praise God for the rich and -unspeakable gift of His grace, and sing the hymn of 'redeeming love,'</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"'Now begin the heavenly theme,</div> -<div>Sing aloud in Jesus' name,'" etc.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>which was accordingly done. Whatever might be the merit of the natural -voices, it was plain there was melody in all their hearts.</p> - -<p>The African was not much used to our way of singing, yet joined with -great earnestness and affection, which showed how truly he felt what -was uttered. When the fifth verse was ended—</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Nothing brought Him from above,</div> -<div>Nothing but redeeming love"—</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>he repeated the words, almost unconscious where he was. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No, nothing, nothing but redeeming love bring Him down to poor -William; nothing but redeeming love."</p> - -<p>The following verses were added, and sung by way of conclusion:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>See, a stranger comes to view;</div> -<div>Though he's black, he's comely too:</div> -<div>Come to join the choirs above,</div> -<div>Singing of redeeming love.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Welcome, brother, welcome here,</div> -<div>Banish doubt, and banish fear;</div> -<div>You, who Christ's salvation prove,</div> -<div>Praise and bless redeeming love.</div> -<div class="right">—<i>Abridged from Legh Richmond.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE BLIND SLAVE IN THE MINES.</h2> - -<p>With a companion I had descended a thousand feet perpendicularly, -beneath the earth's surface, into one of the coal mines of East -Virginia, called the Mid-Lothian pit. As we were wandering through its -dark passages—numerous and extensive enough to form a subterranean -city—the sound of music at a little distance caught our ears. It -ceased upon our approach; but we perceived that it was sacred music, -and we heard the concluding sentiment of the hymn, "I shall be in -heaven in the morning." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> - -<p>On advancing with our lamps we found the passage closed by a door, in -order to give a different direction to the currents of air for the -purpose of ventilation; yet this door must be opened occasionally to -let the rail-cars pass, loaded with coal. And to accomplish this we -found sitting by that door an aged blind slave, whose eyes had been -entirely destroyed by a blast of gunpowder many years before, in -that mine. There he sat, on a seat cut in the coal, from sunrise to -sunset, day after day; his sole business being to open and shut the -door when he heard the rail-cars approaching. We requested him to sing -again the hymn whose last line we had heard. It was, indeed, lame in -expression, and in poetic measure very defective, being in fact one of -those productions which we found the pious slaves were in the habit of -singing, in part at least, impromptu. But each stanza closed with the -sentiment, "I shall be in heaven in the morning."</p> - -<p>It was sung with a clear and pleasant voice, and I could see the -shrivelled, sightless eyeballs of the old man rolling in their sockets, -as if his soul felt the inspiring sentiments; and really the exhibition -was one of the most affecting that I have ever witnessed. There he -stood, an old man, whose earthly hopes, even at the best, must be very -faint—and he was a slave—and he was blind—what could he hope for on -earth? He was buried, too, a thousand feet beneath the solid rocks. In -the expressive language of Jonah, he had "gone down to the bottom of -the mountains; the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> earth with her bars was about him for ever." There, -from month to month, he sat in total darkness.</p> - -<p>I would add, that on inquiry of the pious slaves engaged in these -mines, I found that the blind old man had a fair reputation for piety, -and that it was not till the loss of his eyes that he was led to the -Saviour. It may be that the destruction of his natural vision was the -necessary means of opening the eye of faith within his soul. And though -we should shudder at the thought of exchanging conditions with him on -earth, yet who can say but his peculiar and deep tribulation here may -prepare his soul for a distinction in glory which we might covet. Oh, -how much better to endure even his deep degradation and privations, -sustained by his hopes, than to partake of their fortune who live in -luxury and pleasure, or riot in wealth!</p> - -<p>The scene which I have now described affords a most animating lesson -of encouragement to the tried and the afflicted, and of reproof to the -complaining and discontented.</p> - -<p>Suppose health does fail us, and poverty oppress us, and our friends -forsake us, and our best laid plans prove abortive, so that a dark -cloud settles upon our worldly prospects—who of us is reduced so low -as to be willing to change places with this poor slave? And yet he is -able to keep his spirits buoyant by the single hope of future glory. He -thinks of a morning that is to come, when even his deep and dreadful -darkness shall pass away; and the thought has a magic power<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> to sustain -him. If we are Christians, shall not that same hope chase away our -despondency, and nerve us to bear cheerfully those trials which are far -inferior to his?</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE AFRICAN SERVANT'S PRAYER.</h2> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>I was a helpless negro boy,</div> -<div class="i1">And wandered on the shore;</div> -<div>Men took me from my parents' arms,</div> -<div class="i1">I never saw them more.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>But yet my lot, which seemed so hard,</div> -<div class="i1">Quite otherwise did prove;</div> -<div>For I was carried far from home,</div> -<div class="i1">To learn a Saviour's love.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Poor and despiséd though I was,</div> -<div class="i1">Yet Thou, O God, wast nigh;</div> -<div>And when Thy mercy first I saw,</div> -<div class="i1">Sure none so glad as I.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>And if Thy Son hath made me free,</div> -<div class="i1">Then am I free indeed;</div> -<div>My soul is rescued from its chains;</div> -<div class="i1">For this did Jesus bleed.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Oh, send Thy word to that far land</div> -<div class="i1">Where none but negroes live;</div> -<div>Teach them the way, the truth, the life;</div> -<div class="i1">Thy grace, Thy blessing give.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>Oh, that my father, mother, dear,</div> -<div class="i1">Might there Thy mercy see;</div> -<div>Tell them what Christ has done for them,</div> -<div class="i1">What Christ has done for me.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Whose God is like the Christian's God?</div> -<div class="i1">Who can with Him compare?</div> -<div>He has compassion on my soul,</div> -<div class="i1">And hears a negro's prayer.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>ANECDOTE.</h2> - -<p>A worthy old colored woman in the city of New York was one day -walking along the street on some errand to a neighboring store, with -her tobacco-pipe in her mouth, quietly smoking. A sailor, rendered -mischievous by liquor, came down the street, and when opposite Phillis, -crowded her aside, and with a wave of his hand knocked her pipe out of -her mouth. He then halted to hear her fret at his trick, and to enjoy -a laugh at her. But what was his astonishment when she meekly picked -up the pieces of her broken pipe, without the least resentment in her -manner, and giving him a look of mingled sorrow, kindness, and pity, -said: "God forgive my son, as I do." It touched a tender part of the -young sailor's heart; he felt ashamed and repented; the tears started -in his eyes. He confessed his error, and thrusting both hands into his -two full pockets of change, forced her to take the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> handfuls of money, -saying: "God bless you, kind mother, I'll never do so again."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>A LITTLE ACT OF KINDNESS.</h2> - -<p>One dull night I sat by my window watching the people as they passed to -and from the market. The wind blew hard, and the rain was beginning to -patter against the window panes, and make large drops on the pavement.</p> - -<p>Soon I noticed two little colored girls hurrying past with an empty -basket, and I heard one of them say: "Oh, be quick, for it is going to -rain hard, and the chips will all be wet."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I'm coming in a minute," said the other, who lingered behind—for -what purpose, do you think?</p> - -<p>Leaning against the lamp-post at the corner of the street was a -poor old woman, bent with age and infirmities. In one hand was her -market-basket, in the other a bundle, and she was trying to open an -umbrella. The wind blew against her, the bundle slipped from her poor -old fingers, rolling into the gutter, and the umbrella would not come -open.</p> - -<p>But the quick feet and fingers of this little girl soon set things -all right. First she hastened to rescue the bundle, and restore it to -its owner; then opened the umbrella and placed it securely in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> -old woman's hands. She waited for no more—hastening on after her -companion; but, amid the falling rain, I heard the old woman say, "God -bless you, my child!"</p> - -<p>Ah! it was a little deed, but done so cheerfully and quickly that I -knew the child had a kind heart. Was the act not seen and noticed by -our Father in heaven, and will He not bless the child who helps the -aged and infirm?</p> - -<p>Dear little ones, do not let <i>one chance</i> of helping another, or of -doing good, pass by.</p> - -<p>If your eyes are open, you will see these opportunities <i>every day</i>, -and oh, how happy you may make your own heart, and the heart of -some other, while your dear Father in heaven will smile upon your -efforts.—<i>Angel of Peace.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>OLD SUSAN.</h2> - -<p class="center">BY GERTRUDE L. VANDERBILT.</p> - -<p>"Bless de Lord, I'm pretty well, and granny's no wuss." I heard the -voice below my window just as the dawn of a bright summer day was -coloring the eastern horizon. Then another question was asked by the -cook below, as she threw open the shutters, but I could only hear old -Susan's reply: "No, I can't come in; I'm up so airly to look for wood -to bile the kittle. Granny'll be a-wantin' breakfast." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> - -<p>Soon after I saw the poor old woman bent almost double with the weight -of fagots on her back, and her check apron filled with chips and -corn-cobs from the wood-yard. I raised the sash, and called her:</p> - -<p>"Aunt Susan, do come in! Flora will get your breakfast, and you can -take some home with you for granny," said I.</p> - -<p>She lowered the bundle of fagots from her shoulders, and pushed back -the long gingham sun-bonnet, as she looked up at my window.</p> - -<p>"Bless yer heart, chile, but I couldn't—wouldn't!" She shook her head -very decidedly, and adjusted the red bandana turban which had been -crushed down by the sun-bonnet. "Ye see, me and granny ain't had fambly -prayers yit this morning. That's it; obliged to yer jes' the same."</p> - -<p>I suggested that our Heavenly Father would not reject prayers that -were offered after breakfast. She looked up at me as I leaned from the -window to catch the glory of the sunrise, and said, with rather a touch -of sadness in her tone:</p> - -<p>"No, chile, yer hadn't oughter think so. De Lord fust, an' everything -else afterwards. Ef ye eat, or ef ye drink, do it all to de glory of -God; but it tain't ter His glory ef yer please yerself fust. I'll be -round biemby; then we 'splain the matter together." And reloading her -tired shoulders, she tottered off under her burden.</p> - -<p>This poor colored woman, bent down by her seventy years of sickness, -and poverty, and hard work, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> constant care, had a conscience so -tender that nothing could have induced her to partake of the proffered -meal before she had offered up her morning prayer, lest the act might -seem like want of reverence and respect.</p> - -<p>This was not an occasional spasmodic outburst of piety; she seemed -always anxious to talk about God, and, as she could not read herself, -to hear others read about Him. I never knew one who seemed to be in -such constant and close communion with God. In my visits among the -poor, I remember calling at her door one day, and being obliged to wait -some time after knocking, although I heard her voice within. I was -surprised that she should keep me waiting, for she had such a delicate -sense of the duties of hospitality that she was particularly careful -never to oblige a visitor to remain standing at her door. I soon -discovered that she was engaged in prayer; one greater than any earthly -guest was with her; it almost seemed as if she pleaded before one who -was visibly present. She waited and wept, she urged, entreated, and -earnestly pleaded; then gradually her tone changed, and her voice rose -in prayer and loud hallelujahs, and then she was silent. I knocked once -more, and hastily now she threw open the door; the traces of tears were -still on her cheeks, and in her poor, dim eyes.</p> - -<p>"Welcome, welcome!" she exclaimed: "come in. De Lord's bin wid me dis -day. Praise and bless His holy name. I'se had sich a blessed time." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then she dusted the only spare seat her poor room afforded, and placed -it so that as she seated herself upon her bed she should face me.</p> - -<p>"Oh, chile!" she exclaimed; "de prayers dat's gone up from dis poor -shanty for you and de Sunday-school! Dey's gone right up from dis poor, -low, mean place, right up through dis old roof, straight up to de great -white throne!" And she clasped her hands and looked up as if she saw -the vision beyond. "God's holy angels has heard 'em, Jesus's listened -to 'em, and God's treasured 'em up, and dey'll come down in blessin's -when old Susan's dead and gone. When I gits rid of dis mis'able, sickly -body, and rises up to where my prayer's gone before me, oh, how I'll -sing wid de holy angels, praise de Lord, praise de Lord!"</p> - -<p>She used to go off in these rhapsodies frequently; she had dull prosaic -neighbors, who never got excited over praise or anything else, and -they used to say that old Susan was crazy when she prayed. In alluding -to this she once told me, smiling, that she was going to ask the Lord -to make them crazy in prayer. She thought a little more earnestness -on the subject would be an improvement. Her faith was so strong that -it seemed to have an element of sublimity in it; it was grand! The -extreme poverty in which she lived, and her reliance upon others for -every comfort in life, made her realize her dependence upon our Father -in heaven more strongly than those who live in ease and luxury. She -has often said to me, "I am poor and sick, broken down with hard work, -crooked and bent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> with rheumatism, my wrists are so weak, and my -fingers so stiff, that I can hardly pick up chips; boys often laugh -at me in the street, because when I bend down I cannot always get up -again; sometimes my fire goes out, and I have nothing to eat until the -Lord sends some kind friend with food. But bless the Lord I am going -home. The Lord is my Father, and in my Father's house there is plenty; -more than enough. Oh, when I get home! Dear Lord, dear Lord! When I -shall reach my home, I shall forget all the troubles I have had in this -poor shanty." Looking at her in her poor room, I have often thought -that if possible, heaven would seem more glorious to her, coming out -of distress and misery, sickness and want, darkness and cold, into the -full blaze of heavenly light.</p> - -<p>She was very grateful to those who paid her rent. Of one lady in -particular, she often spoke to me with great affection. She said to me -once, naming this lady: "She is to be paid back every cent." It was -spoken with so much earnestness that I involuntarily looked around -as if I expected to see some one standing there with the money. She -smiled, and told me she had been reminding God of His promise to pay -her debts.</p> - -<p>I once called on passing, to leave some dinner for her, she met me at -the door, and insisted on my coming in. "I know'd you was a comin'," -she said, "for I had nothin' t'eat, and I prayed de Lord ter send me -somethin'." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well," I replied, "He has heard your prayer, and has sent this to you."</p> - -<p>She placed the dish on her stove to keep warm, and then she began to -talk of prayer. "I does pray fur you," she said, "and fur Mr. and Mrs. -L., and Miss C. I prays fur all de world, but the Lord lets us choose -out those who's good to us, and pray fur them most of all. Mr. L. has -been so good, so good to me, never gettin' tired of being good to me, -oh, I do pray fur him!" She paused, and sat thinking a moment, and then -added: "When Aunt Susan stops a prayin', she'll be cold and dead."</p> - -<p>"Aunt Susan" was by no means a gloomy Christian, she had a sense of -humor, and was often very quick-witted in reply.</p> - -<p>During those terrible riots in New York, in which so many of her race -fell victims to the mob, she fled to her white friends for protection. -Some time after this, when she was speaking of her faith and her trust -in the Lord, an Irish Roman Catholic taunted her with having failed -to trust in the Lord at that time. Her reply was very characteristic. -"Did you ever read in the Old Testament of a man named Lot?" she asked. -"Well, Lot showed his faith by running away, and so did Aunt Susan!" In -relating to me this story, she laughed very heartily, and concluded by -saying: "Yer see as I understan's it, Lot showed his faith by leavin' -his home and flyin' accordin' to the command of der Lord, and Aunt -Susan did jes de same, fur I showed my faith by usin' de means de<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> Lord -hed appinted, and not temptin' de Lord by stayin' behind. Jes so."</p> - -<p>Old Susan's "family" consisted of her aged mother, at that time in her -hundred and first year, her dog Prince, her cat Tom, her hen Toby; a -more aged and decrepit family were surely never before gathered under -one roof. If I had been told that old Dinah's age was a hundred and -twenty, from appearances I should have been inclined to believe it. -Smoking was the sole recreation which years had left her. Susan would -fill her pipe at intervals during the day, and after using it, Dinah -would sit gazing vacantly around her until it was refilled and placed -in her hand. The dog, proportionately to canine years, had reached an -equally advanced age with his mistress, and his scabby back gave him -the appearance of having been eaten by moth. The cat and the hen had -reached a greater age than the time usually allotted to their species; -each would sit for hours perfectly motionless on the door-step, as if -musing on the singing and exhorting they were constantly hearing within -the house from their old mistress. Susan was very fond of animals, and -seemed to have a curious power in taming and controlling them. I once -told her, that had she lived earlier, she might have been taken up for -a witch, with Tom and Toby as her familiar spirits.</p> - -<p>Old Susan's faith led her to believe that she could see the hand of God -in even the most trifling events of life, and that, as He was leading -her, and teaching her through these means, she should be ever on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> -watch, so as not to lose the lessons His providence set in her way. -She came to me one day with the utmost gravity, to tell me of a lesson -in resignation. This pet dog, through some inadvertence, had eaten a -portion prepared for rats; her tender heart was much troubled by the -suffering so carelessly inflicted. Just before extinguishing her light -at night, she turned to Dinah and—to let her tell her own story, as -she told it to me: "Sez I, granny, look yer last on poor Prince, fur -you'll never see him alive no more. Then it kinder struck me that I -wasn't resigned, so I kneels down, and sez I, 'O dear Lord, he's bin -a faithful dog to me. He's watched over my things many a day when I -was out a beggin' for daily bread; he's bin very faithful, but I gin -him up to de Lord. If de Lord says his time's out, I gin him up. I's -resigned.' Next mornin' I opens de winders, an' behold, dere's Prince, -jis as well as ever! Sez I, granny, de Lord has gin him back to me. He -was jis a tryin' my faith! His will is the best fur us all, ye mus larn -dat, granny, dat's the lesson from dis providence."</p> - -<p>Old Susan still lives, but her faculties seem gradually failing, while -life yet retains hold in her weak frame. She is helpless, poor, and -old. While earthly matters seem fading out of her memory, her thoughts -still cling to things above. In my last tract-distributing visit to her -room, I found her holding an open Testament, with the leaf folded down -at the fourteenth chapter of St. John's Gospel. She cannot read, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> -she sat pathetically looking at the text. As I entered, she exclaimed: -"Oh, read it, read it, for me!" It seemed as if her faith, so sorely -tried by her long waiting, and her earthly sufferings, was for a moment -wavering. As I slowly and distinctly read the words, "In my Father's -house are many mansions," etc., the glimmering rays rekindled, her -faith re-asserted itself. "Yes, yes!" she exclaimed, "I knew it was so, -I knew it was written somewhere there; now I remember it. I'll yet have -a home in my Father's house." As I looked at the poor, worn-out frame; -the weak, helpless hands; the wrinkled face, and the dim eyes, my faith -could see through these the glorious spirit that should one day arise -and take its upward flight towards the heavenly mansions.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>POOR SARAH;</h2> - -<p class="center"><i>Or, Religion Exemplified in the Life and Death of a Pious Indian -Woman.</i></p> - -<blockquote><p>The subject of the following narrative lived and died in a town in -the eastern part of Connecticut. We are well acquainted with the -writer, and we can assure our readers that the account here given -is true.—<i>Editor of the Religious Intelligencer.</i></p></blockquote> - -<p>It was a comfortless morning in the month of March, 1814, when I first -formed an acquaintance with the subject of the following sketch. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> - -<p>She called to solicit a few <i>crusts</i>, meekly saying she "deserved -nothing but the <i>crumbs</i>—they were enough for her poor old body, just -ready to crumble into dust." I had heard of <i>Sarah</i>, a pious Indian -woman, and I was therefore prepared to receive her with kindness. And -remembering the words of my Lord, who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done -it unto one of the <i>least</i> of these my brethren, ye have done it unto -me," I was ready to impart a portion of my <i>little</i> unto her (for -little, alas! was my store).</p> - -<p>"And how," I asked her, "have you got along, this long, cold winter, -Sarah?" "O misse," she replied, "God better to Sarah than she fear. -When winter come on, Sarah was in great doubt. No husband, no child -here but one; she wicked, gone a great deal. What if great snow come? -What if fire go out? Nabor great way off. What if sick all 'lone? What -if I die? Nobody know it.</p> - -<p>"While I think so, in my heart, then I cry: while I cryin', somethin' -speak in my mind, and say, 'Trust God, Sarah; He love His people, He -never leave them, He never forsake them; He never forsake Sarah, He -friend indeed. Go tell Jesus, Sarah; He love hear prayer; He often hear -Sarah pray.' So I wipe my eyes; don't cry any more; go out in bushes, -where nobody see, fall down on my old knees and pray. God give me great -many words; pray a great while. God make all my mind peace.</p> - -<p>"When I get up, go in house, can't stop prayin' in my mind. All my -heart burn with love to God;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> willin' live cold, go hungry, be sick, -die all 'lone, if God be there. He know best; Sarah don't know. So I -feel happy; great many day go singin' hymn—</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Now I can trust the Lord for ever,</div> -<div>He can clothe, and He can feed,</div> -<div>He my rock, and He my Saviour,</div> -<div>Jesus is a friend indeed.'"</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>"Well, Sarah, have you been comfortably supplied?" "O yes," she -replied, "I never out corn meal once all winter." "But how do you cook -it, Sarah, so as to make it comfortable food?" "O, I make porridge, -misse. Sometimes I get out, like to-day, and I go get some crusts bread -and some salt put in it, then it is so nourishing to this poor old -body; but when can't get none, then make it good I can, and kneel down, -pray God to bless it to me; and I feel if God feed me, and be so happy -here"—(laying her hand on her heart).</p> - -<p>Oh, what a lesson, thought I, for my repining heart! "But do you have -no meat or other necessaries, Sarah?" "Not often, misse; sometimes I -get so hungry for it, I begin feel wicked; then think how Jesus hungry -in the desert. But when Satan tempt Him to sin, to get food, He would -not. So I say, Sarah won't sin to get victuals. I no steal, no eat -stole food, though be hungry ever so long.</p> - -<p>"Then God gives me small look of His self, His <i>Son</i>, and His glory; -and I think in my heart, they all be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> mine soon; then I no suffer -hunger any more—my Father have there many mansions." "Sarah," said -I, "you seem to have some knowledge of the Scriptures; can you read?" -"I can spell out a little; I can't read like you white folks; O, if I -could!" Here she burst into tears.</p> - -<p>But after regaining her composure, she added, "This, misse, what I want -above all things, more than victuals or drink. Oh, how often I beg God -teach me to read, and He do teach me some. When I take Bible, kneel -down and pray, he show me great many words, and they be so sweet, I -want to know a great deal more. Oh, when I get home to heaven, then I -know all; no want to read any more."</p> - -<p>In this strain of simple piety, she told me her first interesting -story. And when she departed, I felt a stronger evidence of her being -a true child of God, than I have acquired of some professors by a long -acquaintance. In one of the many visits she afterward made me, she gave -me, in substance, the following account of her conversion:—She lived, -according to her own account, until she became a wife and mother, -without hope and without God in the world, having been brought up in -extreme ignorance.</p> - -<p>Her husband treating her with great severity, she became dejected and -sorrowful, and to use her own simple language, "I go sorrow, sorrow, -all day long. When the night come, husband come home angry, beat me so; -then I think, Oh, if Sarah had friend! Sarah no friend. I no want tell -nabor I got trouble,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> that make only worse. So I be quiet, tell nobody, -only cry all night and day for one good friend.</p> - -<p>"One Sunday, good nabor come, and say, 'Come, Sarah, go Meetin'.' So I -call my children, tell 'em stay in house while I go to Meetin'. When -got there, minister tell all about Jesus; how He was born in stable, -go suffer all His life, die on great cross, bury, rise, and go up into -heaven, to be always sinners' friend. He say, too, if you got trouble, -go to the Lord Jesus. He best friend in sorrow, He cure all your -sorrow, He bring you out of trouble, He support you, make you willin' -suffer.</p> - -<p>"So when I go home, think great deal what minister say; think this the -friend I want—this the friend I cry for so long. Poor ignorant Sarah -never heard so much about Jesus before. Then I try hard to tell Jesus -how I want such friend. But oh, my heart so hard, can't feel, can't -pray, can't love Jesus, though he so good. This make me sorrow more and -more.</p> - -<p>"When Sunday come, want to go to Meetin' 'gain. Husband say, 'You -shan't go; I beat you if you go.' So I wait till he go off huntin', -then shut up children safe, and run to Meetin'; sit down in door, hear -minister tell how bad my heart is—no love to God, no love to Jesus, no -love to pray. So then I see why can't have Jesus for friend, 'cause got -so bad heart: then go prayin' all way home, Jesus make my heart better.</p> - -<p>"When got home, find children safe, feel glad husband no come: only -feel sorry 'cause my wicked heart<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> don't know how make it better. When -I go sleep, then dream I can read good book: dream I read there, Sarah -must be born 'gain. In mornin' keep thinkin' what that word mean. When -husband go work, run over my good nabor, ask her if Bible say so.</p> - -<p>"Then she read me, where that great man go see Jesus by night, 'cause -'fraid go in day-time. I think he just like Sarah. She must go in -secret, to hear 'bout Jesus, else husband be angry, and beat her. Then -feel 'couraged in mind, determined to have Jesus for friend. So asked -nabor how get good heart. She tell me, 'Give your heart to Jesus, -He will give Holy Spirit, make it better. Sarah don't know what she -mean—never hear 'bout Holy Spirit.</p> - -<p>"She say must go Meetin' next Sunday, she will tell minister 'bout -me—he tell me what to do. So Sarah go hear how must be born 'gain; -minister say, 'You must go fall down 'fore God; tell Him you grieved -'cause you sin—tell him you want better heart—tell him for Christ -Jesus' sake give Holy Spirit, make your heart new.' Then Sarah go home -light, 'cause she know the way.</p> - -<p>"When get home, husband beat me 'cause I go Meetin'—don't stay home -work. I say, 'Sarah can't work any more on Sunday, 'cause sin 'gainst -God. I rather work night, when moon shine.' So he drive me hoe corn -that night, he so angry. I want to pray great deal, so go out hoe corn, -pray all the time. When come in house, husband sleep. Then I kneel down -and tell Jesus take my bad heart—can't bear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> bad heart; pray give me -Holy Spirit, make my heart soft, make it all new.</p> - -<p>"So great many days Sarah go beg for a new heart. Go Meetin' all -Sundays; if husband beat me, never mind it; go hear good nabor read -Bible every day. So, after great while, God make all my mind peace. I -love Jesus; I love pray to Him; love tell Him all my sorrows. He take -away my sorrow, make all my soul joy; only sorrow 'cause can't read -Bible—learn how to be like Jesus; want to be like His dear people -Bible tell of.</p> - -<p>"So I make great many brooms; go get Bible for 'em. When come home, -husband call me fool for it; say he burn it up. Then I go hide it; when -he gone, get it, kiss it many times, 'cause it Jesus' good Word. Then I -go ask nabor if she learn me read; she say, 'Yes.' Then I go many days -learn letters, pray God all the while help me learn read His Holy Word.</p> - -<p>"So, misse, I learn read hymn; learn to spell out many good words in -Bible. So every day take Bible, tell my children that be God's words, -tell 'em how Jesus die on cross for sinner: then make 'em all kneel -down, I pray God give 'em new heart; pray for husband too, he so -wicked. Oh, how I sorry for him; fear his soul go in burnin' flame."</p> - -<p>"Sarah," said I, "how long did your husband live?" "Oh, he live great -many year." "Did he repent and become a good man?" "No, misse, I 'fraid -not; he sin more and more. When he got sick, I in great trouble for -him; talk every day to him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> but he no hear Sarah. I say, 'How can you -bear go in burnin' fire, where worm never die, where fire never go -out?' At last he get angry, bid me hold my tongue. So I don't say any -more, only mourn over him every day 'fore God.</p> - -<p>"When he die, my heart say, 'Father, thy will be done—Jesus do all -things well. Sarah can't help him now, he be in God's hands; all is -well.' So then give my heart all away to Jesus; tell Him I be all His; -serve Him all my life; beg Holy Spirit come fill all my heart, make -it all clean and white like Jesus. Pray God help me learn more of His -sweet words.</p> - -<p>"And now, Sarah live poor Indian widow great many long years; always -find Jesus friend, husband, brother, all. He make me willin' suffer; -willin' live great while in this bad world, if He see best. 'Bove all, -He give me great good hope of glory when I die. So now I wait patient -till my change comes."</p> - -<p>While she was giving this narration, her countenance bore strong -testimony to the diversified emotions of her soul. I might greatly -swell the list of particulars; but I design only to give the outlines -of an example which would have done honor to the highest sphere in -life; and which, in my opinion, is not the less excellent, or the -less worthy of imitation, because shrouded in the veil of poverty and -sorrow. It was evident she meditated much on what little she knew of -divine things; and what she knew of the Bible was to her like honey and -the honeycomb.</p> - -<p>She was in the habit of bringing bags of sand into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> the village, and -selling it to buy food. Sometimes she brought grapes and other kinds -of fruit. But as she walked by the way, she took little notice of -anything that passed (except children, whom she seldom passed without -an affectionate word of exhortation to be good, say their prayers, -learn to read the Bible, etc., accompanied with a bunch of grapes or an -apple—thus engaging the affection of many a little heart), but seemed -absorbed in meditation; and you might often have observed her hands -uplifted in the attitude of prayer.</p> - -<p>One day, after having observed her as she came, I asked her how she -could bring so heavy loads, old as she was, and feeble. "Oh," said she, -"when I get great load, then I go pray God give me strength to carry -it. So I go on, thinkin' all the way how good God is give His only Son -die for poor sinner; think how good Jesus be, suffer so much for such -poor creature; how good Holy Spirit was, come into my bad heart, make -it all new: so these sweet thoughts make my mind so full joy, I never -think how heavy sand be on my old back."</p> - -<p>"Here," said I to my heart, "learn how to make the heavy load of iron -cares easy." One day she passed with a bag of sand. On her return she -called on me. I inquired how much Mrs. —— gave her for the sand. -She was unwilling to tell, and I feared she was unwilling lest I -should withhold my accustomed mite, on account of what she had already -received; I therefore insisted she should let me see. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> - -<p>She at length consented, and I drew from the bag a bone, not containing -meat enough for half a meal. "Is this all? Did that rich woman turn -you off so? How cruel, how hard-hearted!" I exclaimed. "Misse," she -replied, "this made me 'fraid let you see it; I 'fraid you would be -angry: I hope she have bigger heart next time, only she forget now that -Jesus promise to pay her all she give Sarah. Don't be angry, I pray God -to give her a great deal bigger heart."</p> - -<p>The conviction, that she possessed, in an eminent degree, the Spirit -of Him who said, "Bless them that curse you," and prayed for His -murderers, rushed upon my mind with energy, and I could compare myself -in some measure to those who said, "Shall we command fire to come -down from heaven," etc. I think I never felt deeper self-abhorrence -and abasement; I left her for a moment, and from the few comforts I -possessed, gave her a considerable portion.</p> - -<p>She received them with the most visible marks of gratitude—arose to -depart, went to the door, and then turned, looking me in the face with -evident concern. "Sarah," said I, "what would you have?" (supposing she -wanted something I had not thought of, and she feared to ask). "Oh, my -good misse!" said she, "nothing; only 'fraid your big heart feel some -proud 'cause you give more for nothing than Misse —— for sand."</p> - -<p>This faithfulness, added to her piety and gratitude, completed the -swell of feeling already rising in my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> soul; and bursting into tears, I -said, "O Sarah! when you pray that Mrs. —— may have a bigger heart, -don't forget to pray that I may have an humbler one." "I will, misse, I -will," she exclaimed with joy, and hastened on her way.</p> - -<p>Another excellence in her character, was, that she loved the habitation -of God's house, and often appeared there, when, from bad weather or -other causes, many a seat of affluence was empty. She was always early, -ever clean and whole in her apparel, though sometimes almost as much -diversified with patches as the shepherd's coat.</p> - -<p>She was very old and quite feeble, yet she generally stood during -public service, with eyes riveted on the preacher. I have sometimes -overtaken her on the steps, after service, and tapping her on her -shoulder, would say, "Have you had a good day, Sarah?" "All good; -sweeter than honey," she would reply.</p> - -<p>In the spring of 1818, it was observed by her friends that she did -not appear at Meeting as usual, and one of her particular female -benefactors asked her the reason; when she, with streaming eyes, told -her that her clothes had become so old and ragged that she could not -come with comfort or decency; but said she had been praying God to -provide for her in this respect, a great while, and telling Jesus how -much she wanted to go to His house of prayer, and expressed a strong -desire to be resigned and submissive to His will. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> - -<p>This was soon communicated to a few friends, who promptly obeyed -the call of Providence, and soon furnished this suffering member of -Christ with a very decent suit of clothes. This present was almost -overpowering to her grateful heart. She received them as from the hand -of her Heavenly Father and kind Redeemer, in answer to her special -prayer.</p> - -<p>But this did not in the least diminish her gratitude to her -benefactors; but she said she would go on, tell Jesus how good His dear -people were to this poor old creature, and pray her good Father to give -them great reward. Two of the garments given her, she received with -every mark of joy. On being asked why she set so high a value on these, -she replied, "Oh, these just what I pray for so long, so as to lay out -my poor old body, clean and decent, like God's dear white people, when -I die."</p> - -<p>These she requested a friend to keep for her, fearing to carry them -home, lest they should be taken from her. She was, however, persuaded -to wear one of them to Meeting, upon condition that if she injured -that, another should be provided; the other was preserved by her -friend, and made use of at her death.</p> - -<p>Thus was this humble band of female friends honored, by anointing, as -it were, the body, beforehand, to the burial. And I doubt not that her -prayer was heard, and will be answered in their abundant reward. The -last visit I had from her was in the summer of 1818. She had attended a -funeral, and on returning, she called at my cottage. She complained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> of -great weariness, and pain in her limbs, and showed me her feet, which -were much swollen.</p> - -<p>I inquired the cause. "Oh," said she, with a serene smile, "death comes -creeping on; I think in graveyard to-day, Sarah must lie here soon." -"Well, are you willing to die? do you feel ready?" "Oh, I hope, misse, -if my bad heart tell true, I willin' and ready to do just as Jesus bid -me. If He say, 'You must die,' I glad to go be with Him; if He say, -'Live, and suffer great deal more,' then I willin' do that; I think -Jesus know best.</p> - -<p>"Sometime I get such look of heaven, I long to go see Jesus; see happy -angel; see holy saint; throw away my bad heart; lay down my old body; -and go where I no sin. Then I tell Jesus; He say, 'Sarah, I prepare a -place for you, then I come to take you to myself.' Then I be quite like -child, don't want to go till He call me."</p> - -<p>Much more she said upon this interesting subject, which indicated a -soul ripe for heavenly glories. When we parted, I thought it very -doubtful whether we should ever meet again below. In the course of -three weeks I heard Sarah was dead.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE GENEROUS NEGRO.</h2> - -<p>Joseph Rachel resided in the island of Barbadoes. He was a trader, -and dealt chiefly in the retail way. In his business, he conducted -himself so fairly and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> complaisantly, that in a town filled with little -peddling shops, his doors were thronged with customers. Almost all -dealt with him, and ever found him remarkably honest and obliging.</p> - -<p>If any one knew not where to obtain an article, Joseph would endeavor -to procure it, without making any advantage for himself. In short, -his character was so fair, and his manners so generous, that the best -people showed him a regard which they often deny to men of their own -color, because they are not blessed with the like goodness of heart.</p> - -<p>In 1756, a fire happened, which burned down a great part of the town, -and ruined many of the inhabitants. Joseph lived in a quarter that -escaped the destruction, and expressed his thankfulness by softening -the distresses of his neighbors. Among those who had lost their -property by this heavy misfortune, was a man to whose family Joseph, in -the early part of his life, owed some obligations.</p> - -<p>This man, by too great hospitality, an excess very common in the West -Indies, had involved himself in difficulties, before the fire happened; -and his estate lying in houses, that event entirely ruined him. Amid -the cries of misery and want, which excited Joseph's compassion, this -man's unfortunate situation claimed particular notice. The generous and -open temper of the sufferer, the obligations that Joseph owed to his -family, were special and powerful motives for acting toward him the -part of a friend.</p> - -<p>Joseph had his bond for sixty pounds sterling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> "Unfortunate man," said -he, "this debt shall never come against you. I sincerely wish you could -settle all your other affairs as easily. But how am I sure that I shall -keep in this mind? May not the love of gain, especially when, by length -of time, your misfortune shall become familiar to me, return with too -strong a current, and bear down my fellow-feeling before it? But for -this I have a remedy. Never shall you apply for the assistance of any -friend against my avarice."</p> - -<p>He arose, and ordered a large account that the man had with him, to -be drawn out; and in a whim that might have called up a smile on the -face of Charity, he filled his pipe, sat down again, twisted the bond -and lighted his pipe with it. While the account was drawing out, he -continued smoking, in a state of mind that a monarch might envy. When -it was finished, he went in search of his friend, with the discharged -account and the mutilated bond in his hand.</p> - -<p>On meeting him, he presented the papers to him with this address: "Sir, -I am sensibly affected with your misfortunes: the obligations I have -received from your family give me a relation to every branch of it. I -know that your inability to pay what you owe gives you more uneasiness -than the loss of your own substance.</p> - -<p>"That you may not be anxious on my account in particular, accept of -this discharge, and the remains of your bond. I am overpaid in the -satisfaction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> that I feel from having done my duty. I beg you to -consider this only as a token of the happiness you will confer upon me, -whenever you put it in my power to do you a good office."</p> - -<p>The philanthropists of England take pleasure in speaking of him: -"Having become rich by commerce, he consecrated all his fortune to acts -of benevolence. The unfortunate, without distinction of color, had a -claim on his affections. He gave to the indigent; lent to those who -could not make a return; visited prisoners, gave them good advice, and -endeavored to bring back the guilty to <i>virtue</i>. He died at Bridgetown, -on that island, in 1758, lamented by all, for he was a friend to all."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>CAPTAIN PAUL CUFFEE.</h2> - -<p>Paul Cuffee, the subject of this narrative, was the youngest son -of John Cuffee, a poor African slave; but who, by good conduct, -faithfulness, and a persevering industry, in time obtained his -freedom. He afterward purchased a farm, and having married an Indian -woman, brought up a family of ten children respectably, on one of the -Elizabeth Islands, near New Bedford, Massachusetts.</p> - -<p>In the year 1773, when Paul was about fourteen years of age, his father -died, leaving a widow with six daughters to the care of him and his -brothers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> Although he had no learning except what he had received from -the hand of friendship, yet by that means he advanced to a considerable -degree of knowledge in arithmetic and navigation.</p> - -<p>Of the latter, he acquired enough to enable him to command his own -vessel in its voyages to many ports in the Southern States, the West -Indies, England, Russia, and to Africa. The beginning of his business -in this line was in an open boat; but by prudence and perseverance, he -was at length enabled to obtain a good-sized schooner, then a brig, and -afterward a ship. In the year 1806, he owned a ship, two brigs, and -several smaller vessels, besides considerable property in houses and -lands.</p> - -<p>Feeling in early life a desire of benefiting his fellow-men, he made -use of such opportunities as were in his power for that purpose. -Hence, during the severity of winter, when he could not pursue his -usual business in his little boat, he employed his time in teaching -navigation to his own family and to the young men of the neighborhood. -Even on his voyages, when opportunity offered, he instructed those -under his care in that useful art.</p> - -<p>He was so conscientious that he would not enter into any business, -however profitable, that might have a tendency to injure his -fellow-men; and seeing the dreadful effects of drunkenness, he would -not deal in ardent spirits on that account.</p> - -<p>In the place where he lived, there was no school; and as he was anxious -that his children should obtain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> an education, he built a house on his -own land, at his own expense, and gave his neighbors the free use of -it; being satisfied in seeing it occupied for so useful and excellent a -purpose.</p> - -<p>In many parts of his history, we may discover that excellent trait of -character which rendered him so eminently useful—a steady perseverance -in laudable undertakings. It is only by an honest, industrious use of -the means in our power that we can hope to become respectable.</p> - -<p>His mind had long been affected with the degraded and miserable -condition of his African brethren, and his heart yearning toward them, -his thoughts were turned to the British settlement at Sierra Leone. In -1811, finding his property sufficient to warrant the undertaking, and -believing it to be his duty to use a part of what God had given him for -the benefit of his unhappy race, he embarked in his own brig, manned -entirely by persons of color, and sailed to Africa, the land of his -forefathers.</p> - -<p>After he arrived at Sierra Leone, he had many conversations with the -governor and principal inhabitants, and proposed to them a number of -improvements. Thence he sailed to England, where he met great attention -and respect; and being favored with an opportunity of opening his views -to the Board of Managers of the African Institution, they cordially -united with him in all his plans. This mission to Africa was undertaken -at his own expense, and with the purest motives of benevolence. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> - -<p>He was very desirous of soon making another voyage, but was prevented -by the war which took place between England and the United States. -In 1815, however, he made preparations, and took on board his brig -thirty-eight persons of color; and after a voyage of thirty-five days, -he arrived safe at his destined port. These persons were to instruct -the inhabitants of Sierra Leone in farming and the mechanic arts. His -stay at this time was about two months, and when he took his leave, -particularly of those whom he had brought over, it was like a father -leaving his children, and with pious admonition commending them to the -protection of God.</p> - -<p>He was making arrangements for a third voyage, when he was seized with -the complaint which terminated his labors and his life. He was taken -ill in the winter, and died in the autumn following, 1817, in the -fifty-ninth year of his age. For the benefit of his African brethren, -he devoted a portion of his youthful acquisitions, of his latter time, -and even the thoughts of his dying pillow.</p> - -<p>As a private man, he was just and upright in all his dealings. He was -an affectionate husband, a kind father, a good neighbor, and a faithful -friend. He was pious without ostentation, and warmly attached to the -principles of the Society of Friends, of which he was a member; and -he sometimes expressed a few sentences in their Meetings, which gave -general satisfaction. Regardless of the honors and pleasures of the -world, he followed the example of his Divine Master, in going<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> from -place to place doing good, looking not for a reward from man, but from -his Heavenly Father.</p> - -<p>Thus walking in the ways of piety and usefulness, and in the enjoyment -of an approving conscience, when death appeared, it found him in peace, -and ready to depart. Such a calmness and serenity overspread his soul, -and showed itself in his countenance, that the heart of even the -reprobate might feel the wish, "Let me die the death of the righteous, -and let my last end be like his."</p> - -<p>A short time before he expired, feeling sensible that his end was near, -he called his family together. It was an affecting and solemn scene. -His wife and children, with several other relations, being assembled -around him, he reached forth his feeble hand, and after embracing them -all, and giving them some pious advice, he commended them to the mercy -of God, and bid them a final farewell.</p> - -<p>After this, his mind seemed almost entirely occupied with the eternal -world. To one of his neighbors who came to visit him, he said, "Not -many days hence, and ye shall see the glory of God. I know that my -works are gone to judgment before me; but it is all well, it is all -well."</p> - -<p>He lived the life, and died the death of a Christian. He is gone whence -he never shall return, and where he shall no more contend with raging -billows and with howling storms. His voyages are all over, he has made -his last haven, and it is that of eternal repose. Thither, could we -follow him, we should learn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> the importance of fulfilling our duty to -our Creator, to ourselves, and to our fellow-creatures.</p> - -<p>Such was his reputation for wisdom and integrity, that his neighbors -consulted him in all their important concerns; and what an honor to -the son of a poor African slave! And the most respectable men in Great -Britain and America were not ashamed to seek him for counsel and advice.</p> - -<p>Thus we see how his persevering industry and economy, with the blessing -of Providence, procured him wealth; his wisdom, sobriety, integrity, -and good conduct made him many friends; his zealous labors for the -honor of his Maker, and for the benefit of his fellow-men, gave him -a peaceful conscience; and an unshaken belief in the mercies and -condescending love of his Heavenly Father, afforded, in his dying -moments, that calmness, serenity, and peaceful joy, which are a -foretaste of immortal bliss.</p> - -<p>The following is an extract from his address to his brethren at Sierra -Leone:—"Beloved friends and fellow-countrymen, I earnestly recommend -to you the propriety of assembling yourselves together to worship the -Lord your God. God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him acceptably, -must worship in spirit and in truth.</p> - -<p>"Come, my African brethren, let us walk in the light of the Lord; in -that pure light which bringeth salvation into the world. I recommend -sobriety and steadfastness, that so professors may be good examples in -all things. I recommend that early care be taken<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> to instruct the youth -while their minds are tender, that so they may be preserved from the -corruptions of the world, from profanity, intemperance, and bad company.</p> - -<p>"May servants be encouraged to discharge their duty with faithfulness; -may they be brought up to industry; and may their minds be cultivated -for the reception of the good seed which is promised to all who seek -it. I want that we should be faithful in all things, that so we may -become a people giving satisfaction to those who have borne the burden -and heat of the day in liberating us from a state of slavery.</p> - -<p>"I leave you in the hands of Him who is able to preserve you through -time, and crown you with that blessing which is prepared for all who -are faithful to the end." This appears to be the simple expression of -his feelings, and the language of his heart.</p> - -<p>When you have read this account of your brother Paul Cuffee, pause -and reflect. Do not think because you cannot be as extensively useful -as he was, that you cannot do any good. There are very few people, if -any, in the world who cannot be useful in some way or other. If you -have health, you may, by your industry, sobriety, and economy, make -yourselves and your families comfortable.</p> - -<p>By your honesty and good conduct, you may set them and your neighbors -a good example. If you have aged parents, you may soothe and comfort -their declining years. If you have children, you may instruct them -in piety and virtue, and in such business as will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> procure them a -comfortable subsistance, and prepare them for usefulness in the world.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>SOLOMON BAYLEY.</h2> - -<p>In the narrative of his own life, Solomon Bayley says: "The Lord tried -to teach me His fear when I was a little boy; but I delighted in vanity -and foolishness, and went astray; but He found out a way to overcome -me, and to cause me to desire His favor and His great help; and -although I thought no one could be more unworthy of His favor, yet He -did look on me, and pity me in my great distress.</p> - -<p>"I was born a slave in the State of Delaware, and was one of those that -were carried out of Delaware into the State of Virginia; the laws of -Delaware did say, that slaves carried out of that State should be free; -and I asserted my right to freedom, for which I was put on board of a -vessel and sent to Richmond, where I was put in jail, and in irons, and -thence sent in a wagon back into the country.</p> - -<p>"On the third day after we left Richmond, in the bitterness of my -heart, I was induced to say, 'I am past all hope;' but it pleased the -Father of mercy to look upon me, and He sent a strengthening thought -into my heart—that He that made the heavens and the earth was able -to deliver me. I looked up to the sky, and then on the trees and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> -ground, and I believed, in a moment, that if He could make all these, -He was able to deliver me.</p> - -<p>"Then did that Scripture come into my mind, 'They that trust in the -Lord shall never be confounded.' I believed it, and got out of the -wagon unperceived, and went into the bushes. There were three wagons -in company: when they missed me, they looked round some time for me, -but not finding me, they went on; and that night I travelled through -thunder, lightning, and rain, a considerable distance."</p> - -<p>His trials and difficulties in getting along were many and various; -but at Petersburg he met a man from his neighborhood, circumstanced -like himself: they got a small boat, went down James River, and landed -on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, and travelled to Hunting -Creek, where their wives were. "But," says he, "we found little or no -satisfaction, for we were hunted like partridges on the mountains."</p> - -<p>His poor companion, being threatened again with slavery, in attempting -to escape, was pursued and killed; on which Solomon makes the following -remarks: "Now, reader, you have heard of the end of my fellow-sufferer, -but I remain as yet a monument of mercy, thrown up and down on life's -tempestuous sea; sometimes feeling an earnest desire to go away and be -at rest; but I travail on, in hopes of overcoming at my last combat.</p> - -<p>"It being thought best for me to leave Virginia,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> I went to Dover, -in Delaware, the distance of about one hundred and twenty miles." By -travelling in the night, and laying by in the day-time, he at length -reached that place, but not without great difficulty, from being hunted -and pursued.</p> - -<p>In concluding this part of his narrative, he says, "Oh, what pains God -takes to help His otherwise helpless creatures! Oh, that His kindness -and care were more considered and laid to heart! and then there would -not be that cause to complain that 'the ox knoweth his owner, and the -ass his master's crib, but Israel doth not know, my people doth not -consider;' but they would see that they are of more value than many -sparrows; and that they are not their own, but bought with a price. -Now, unto the King immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be glory and -honor, dominion and power, now and forever. Amen."</p> - -<p>In the second part of his narrative, he proceeds by remarking, "Seventh -month, 24th, 1799, I got to Camden, where my master soon came from -Virginia and found me, though he had not seen me since he put me on -board the back-country wagon, nearly three or four hundred miles from -Camden. Upon first sight, he asked me what I was going to do. I said, -'Now, master, I have suffered a great deal, and seen a great deal of -trouble; I think you might let me go for little or nothing.' He said, -'I won't do that; but if you will give me forty pounds bond and good -security, you may be free.'" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> - -<p>After much conversation between them on the subject of his right to -freedom, he continues: "Finally, he sold my time for eighty dollars, -and I went to work, and worked it out in a shorter time than he gave -me, and then I was a free man. And when I came to think that the <i>yoke -was off my neck</i>, and <i>how</i> it was <i>taken</i> off, I was made to wonder -and admire, and to adore the order of kind Providence, which assisted -me in all my way."</p> - -<p>Here he very feelingly recites the trials and exercises of mind that -attended him for not adhering to that wisdom and goodness of his -Creator, which had been so marvellously manifested for his deliverance, -and then proceeds to relate the circumstances respecting his wife -and children. "My wife was born a slave, and remained one until she -was thirty-two years of age; when her master, falling out with her, -proposed sending her, with my eldest daughter, about three months old, -into the back country.</p> - -<p>"To go with her, I knew not where, or to buy her at his price, brought -me to a stand; but, by the pleading of his wife and little daughter, he -agreed to let me have her for one hundred and thirty-three dollars and -a third, which is thirty-one pounds Virginia money. I paid what money I -had saved since paying for my own freedom, and the rest as I earned it, -and she was manumitted. But I had one child in bondage, my only son, -and having worked through the purchase of myself and wife, I thought I -would give up my son to the ordering of Divine Providence. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> - -<p>"So we worked and rented land, and got along twelve or thirteen years, -when my son's master died, and his property had to be sold, and my son -among the rest, at public sale. The backwoods-men having come over and -given such large prices for slaves, it occasioned a great concern to -come over my mind, and I told it to many of my friends, and they all -encouraged me to buy him, but I told them I could have no heart to do -it, because at his master's death he was appraised at four hundred -dollars; however, I went to the sale. When the crier said, 'A likely -young negro-fellow for sale,' and then asked for a bid, I said, 'Two -hundred dollars.'</p> - -<p>"As soon as I made this bid, a man that I feared would sell him to the -backwoods-men, bid three hundred and thirty-three dollars, which beat -down all my courage, but a thought struck me—Don't give out so—and -I bid one shilling, but they continued to bid until they got him up -to three hundred and sixty dollars, and I thought I could do no more; -but those men who had engaged to be my securities, encouraged me, and -some young men who were present, and had their hearts touched with a -feeling for my distress, said, 'Solomon, if you will make one more bid, -we will give you five dollars apiece;' so I turned round and said, -'One shilling;' so he was knocked off to me at three hundred and sixty -dollars and a shilling: this was in the year 1813.</p> - -<p>"Then I believed that God would work, and none could hinder Him, and -that a way would be made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> for me, though I knew not how; and I confess -the eyes of my mind appeared to be dazzled as I was let into a sight of -the great goodness of the Highest in undertaking for me; but I felt a -fear lest my behavior should not be suitable to the kindness and favor -shown toward me.</p> - -<p>"Oh, that all men would study the end of their creation, and act -accordingly! Then they would walk in the light of His countenance -indeed, and 'in His name rejoice all the day, and in His righteousness -for ever be exalted.'</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Then should their sun in smiles decline,</div> -<div class="i1">And bring a peaceful night;'</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>which may all who read these lines, desire, and seek, and obtain, -through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."</p> - -<p>In the account of his mother, he says, "She was born of a woman brought -from Guinea about the year 1690, then about eleven years old. She was -brought into one of the most barbarous families; and though treated -hard, she had many children, and lived to a great age. My mother had -thirteen sons and daughters, and served the same cruel family until -they died.</p> - -<p>"Then great distress and dispersion took place. Our young mistress -married, and brought our family out of the State of Virginia into the -State of Delaware; but by their removing back to Virginia, we were -entitled to our freedom, and attempting to recover it by law, we were -sold and scattered wide.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> My father and two of his children were taken -unaware, and sent to the West Indies. My mother was in the house at -the time, but made her escape, leaving a child about eleven months -old, which some kind friend carrying to her, she took, and travelling -through Delaware, went into New Jersey.</p> - -<p>"We were separated about eighteen years, except that I once visited -her, and carried her seventeen or eighteen dollars, which, in my -circumstances, was a sacrifice, but I was favored to find that -satisfaction which I esteemed more than time or money. Being thoughtful -about my mother, I sent for her to come to the State of Delaware, and -when we were brought together, it was very comfortable, and we could -sit and tell of the dangers and difficulties we had been brought -through. She lived to a great age, and departed without much complaint, -like one falling asleep.</p> - -<p class="center">"<i>An account of my eldest daughter Margaret, who died in the -twenty-fourth year of her age.</i></p> - -<p>"She was a pleasant child in her manners and behavior, yet fond of gay -dress and new fashions; yet her mind was much inclined to her book, and -to read good lessons; and it pleased the Father of mercy to open her -understanding to see excellent things out of His law, and to convince -her that it was His will she should be holy here, and happy hereafter; -but custom, habit, and shame, seemed to chain her down, so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> that she -appeared like one halting between two opinions.</p> - -<p>"But about a month before she was taken for death, she went to a -Meeting, under a concern about her future state; and the Meeting -appeared to be favored with the outpouring of the Spirit of love and of -power. Margaret came home under great concern of mind, and manifested -a wonderful change in her manners and behavior; I believe the whole -family were affected at the sight of the alteration, which indeed -appeared like that of the prodigal son coming home to his father. For -my own part, I felt fear and great joy—such was her delight to read -the Bible and ask the meaning of certain texts of Scripture, which -evidenced a concern to make sure work for eternity.</p> - -<p>"In this frame of mind she was taken for death. She appeared very -desirous to live, for the first four weeks; but was very patient, and -of a sweet temper and disposition all the time. I recollect but one -instance when she was known to give way to peevish fretfulness; then -I, feeling the evil spirit striving to get the advantage of her, very -tenderly and earnestly admonished her not to regard trifles, but to -look to that Power which was able to save her; and from that time she -became passive and resigned.</p> - -<p>"The following two weeks her pain was great, and baffled all the force -of medicine. A few days before her departure, she was urged with much -brokenness of heart to make confession, when she was let into a view -of the vanity of the world, with all its <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>glittering snares, and said -she could not rest till her hair was cut off; for, she said, 'I was -persuaded to plait my hair against my father's advice, and I used to -tie up my head when father would come to see me, and hide ruffles and -gay dress from him, and now I cannot rest till my hair is cut off.' I -said, 'No, my daughter, let it be till thee gets well.' She answered, -'Oh, no, cut it now.' So I, to pacify her, took and cropped it.</p> - -<p>"After this, she appeared filled with raptures of joy, and talked of -going, as if death had lost its sting. This was about three days before -her departure; and she seemed to have her senses as long as she could -speak. A little before her speech left her, she called us all, one by -one, held out her hand, bade us farewell, and looked as if she felt -that assurance and peace that destroy the fear of death; and while she -held out her hands, she earnestly charged us to meet her in heaven.</p> - -<p>"I desire now to give the pious a brief account of the life and death -of my youngest daughter, Leah Bayley, who departed this life the 27th -of 7th month, 1821, aged twenty-one years and six months. She, from a -child, was more weakly and sickly than her sister Margaret, and the -thought of leaving her here in this ill-natured world, caused me many -serious moments; but the great Parent of all good, in the greatness of -His care, took her away, and relieved me of the care of her forever.</p> - -<p>"Weakness of body and mind appeared in her as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> she grew up, and an -inclination to vanity and idleness; but being bound out under an -industrious mistress, to learn to work and to have schooling, her -mind soon became much inclined to her book and then to business. Her -school-mistress gave her a little book concerning some pious young -people that lived happily, and died happily, and were gone to heaven; -namely,—</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Young Samuel, that little child</div> -<div>Who served the Lord, lived undefiled.</div> -<div>Like young Abijah I must be,</div> -<div>That good things may be found in me.</div> -<div>Young Timothy, that blessed youth</div> -<div>Who sought the Lord and loved the truth.</div> -<div>I must not sin as others do,</div> -<div>Lest I lie down in sorrow too.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>"These blessed examples won her heart so as to bury every other -enjoyment; she seemed to possess as great a deadness to the world as -any young woman I ever observed. She seemed not ashamed to read in -any company, white or colored; and she read to the sick with intense -desire, which appeared from her weeping and solid manner of behavior. -She seemed to desire to walk in the fear of the Lord all the day long; -and every body that observed her remarked her serious, steady behavior.</p> - -<p>"She seemed as if she was trying to imitate those good children whom -she read about; and so continued until she was taken sick; and though -her sickness was long and sharp, yet she bore it like a lamb. A<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> few -days before her decease, I was noticing how hard she drew her breath; -she looked very wistful at me, and said, 'Oh, father! how much I do -suffer!' I answered, 'Yes, my dear, I believe thee does.'</p> - -<p>"Then, after a long pause, she said, 'But I think I never shall say I -suffer too much.' This, I apprehended, was extorted from a view of the -sufferings of Christ and her own imperfections. The day she died, she -called us all, one by one, and, like her sister Margaret, held out her -hand, and with much composure of mind bade us farewell, as if she was -only going a short walk, and to return."</p> - -<p>The last accounts from Solomon Bayley say, that he was very diligent -and faithful in his calling—laboring not only for the souls of his -brethren, but for their bodies also—by setting them the best example -he was capable of, in cultivating his land to the best advantage, and -by improving his plans, to show the natives, as well as the emigrants, -the usefulness and comforts of civilized life.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>CLARINDA,</h2> - -<p class="center">A PIOUS COLORED WOMAN OF SOUTH CAROLINA, WHO DIED AT THE AGE OF A -HUNDRED AND TWO YEARS.</p> - -<p>The subject of this memoir was brought up in a state of ignorance -unworthy of a Christian country; and following the propensities of a -corrupt heart, she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> was, by her own confession, "sold under sin," and -involved in almost every species of iniquity. And for the furtherance -of her wicked designs, she learned to play on the violin, and usually, -on the first day of the week, sallied forth with her instrument, in -order to draw persons of both sexes together, who, not having the -fear of God before their eyes, delighted, like herself, in sinful and -pernicious amusements, which keep the soul from God and the heart from -repentance.</p> - -<p>But even on these occasions she found it difficult to struggle against -the Spirit of the Most High. Often was it sounded in her conscience, -"Clarinda, God ought not to be slighted—God ought not to be -forgotten;" but these monitions were treated with derision, and in the -hardness of her heart she would exclaim: "Go, you fool, I do not know -God—go, I do not wish to know Him."</p> - -<p>On one occasion, while on her way to a dance, these blasphemous -thoughts, in answer to the monitions of conscience, were passing -through her mind, and in this frame she reached the place of -appointment, and mingled in the gay throng. While participating in the -dance, she was seized with fits, and convulsively fell to the ground. -From that moment, she lost her love of dancing, and no more engaged in -this vain amusement.</p> - -<p>She did not, however, forsake the evil of her ways, but continued her -course of wickedness. Thus she went on for about twenty years, when she -lost her only child, and was confined for several months by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> severe -illness. During this period of bodily suffering, her mind was brought -under awful convictions for sin: she perceived that the great Jehovah -is a sin-hating and sin-avenging God, and that He will by no means -clear the guilty.</p> - -<p>She remained in a distressed state of mind for about three months, and -when a little bodily strength was restored, she sought solitary places, -where she poured out her soul unto the Lord, and in His own good time -He spoke peace to her wounded spirit. One day being thus engaged in -earnest prayer, and looking unto the Lord for deliverance, the evening -approached unregarded, her soul was deeply humbled, and the night -passed in prayer, while rivers of tears (to use her own expressive -language) ran down her cheeks, and she ceased not to implore mercy from -Him who is able to bind up the broken-hearted.</p> - -<p>While thus engaged, and all this time ignorant of her Saviour, -something whispered to her mind, "Ask in the name of Christ." She -queried, "Who is Christ?" and in reply, these passages of Scripture -seemed repeated to her: "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in -God, believe also in Me." "In My Father's house are many mansions: I go -to prepare a place for you, that where I am there ye may be also." "I -am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but -by Me."</p> - -<p>Being desirous to know whence these impressions proceeded, she was -led to believe that they were received through the influence of the -Holy Spirit. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> remarkable passage was also presented to her mind: -"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through -our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."</p> - -<p>She now felt the love of God shed abroad in her heart; the overwhelming -burden of sin was removed, and she received ability to sing praises to -the Lord on the banks of deliverance.</p> - -<p>Having been thus permitted to see the desire of her soul, she was -anxious to learn more of the divine will, and inquired, like the -apostle, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" and like him she was -commanded to be a witness of what she had seen and heard. Believing she -had a commission given her to preach the Gospel, she began to warn the -sinful and licentious, that they must crucify the man of sin, or for -ever forego the hope of salvation.</p> - -<p>This raised her a host of enemies, both white and colored; and she -underwent, many years, cruelty and persecution which could hardly -obtain credence. She bore about on her body the visible marks of her -faithful allegiance to the Lord Jesus; yet, while alluding to this, -tears filled her eyes, and she said with emotion, "I am thankful that I -have been found worthy to suffer for my blessed Saviour."</p> - -<p>Although living in great poverty, and subsisting at times on casual -charity, with health impaired by the sufferings through which she had -passed, yet neither promises of protection, accompanied with the offer -of the good things of this life, on the one hand, nor the dreadful -persecution she endured on the other, could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> make her relinquish the -office of a minister of the Gospel.</p> - -<p>This office she continued to exercise, holding meetings regularly -on the first day of the week, at her own little habitation, where a -greater number at times assembled than could be accommodated in the -house. It may be interesting to add some particulars relative to the -trial of her faith and the persecution she suffered.</p> - -<p>One individual in whose neighborhood she lived, who was much annoyed by -hearing her sing and pray, offered, if she would desist, to provide her -with a home and the comforts of life; but she replied, she had received -a commission to preach the Gospel, and she would preach it as long as -she had breath. Several ill-intentioned persons one night surrounded -her house, and commanded her to come out to them. This she refused to -do. After threatening her for some time, they forced open the door, and -having seized their victim, they beat her cruelly, so that her head was -deeply indented with the blows she received.</p> - -<p>At another time she was so much injured that she was left nearly -lifeless on the open road, whither she had fled to escape from them; -but her unsuccessful efforts increased the rage of her pursuers, and -after treating her with the utmost barbarity, they left her. She was -found after some time, but so exhausted by the loss of blood that she -was unable to walk, and from the effects of that cruelty she did not -recover for years. But it may be said of her, that she joyfully bore -persecution for Christ's sake. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> - -<p>A man who lived in the same village, being much incensed at the -undaunted manner in which she stood forth as a minister of the meek -and crucified Saviour, swore that he would beat her severely if ever -he found an opportunity. One evening, as she was walking home on a -solitary road, she saw this person riding towards her. She knew his -intentions, and from his character she did not doubt that he would -execute them.</p> - -<p>She trembled from head to foot, escape seemed impracticable, and prayer -was her only refuge. As he advanced, she observed that his handkerchief -fell and was wafted by the wind to a little distance. She picked it up, -he stopped his horse, and she handed it to him in a submissive manner; -he looked at her fiercely for a moment, when his countenance softened; -he took it, saying, "Well, Clarinda," and passed on.</p> - -<p>She was not able to read a word till her sixty-sixth year, but she was -in the practice of getting persons to read the Holy Scriptures to her, -much of which she retained in her memory with remarkable accuracy. By -dint of application, she was at length able to read them herself; and -those who visited her in advanced life, found her knowledge of the -Scriptures, as well as her growth in grace, very surprising.</p> - -<p>When she was one hundred years old, and very feeble, she would, if able -to get out of bed, on the Sabbath morning, discharge what she thought -to be her duty, by conversing with and exhorting both the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> white and -colored people who came to her house, often standing for half an hour -at a time. Her zeal was indeed great, and her faith steadfast.</p> - -<p>She said she often wished she could write, that she might in this way -also express her anxiety for the good of souls. Then she would have -described more of the exercises of her mind upon the depravity of man -by nature and by practice, with the unbounded and redeeming love and -mercy of God through Jesus Christ.</p> - -<p>The person who gives the account of Clarinda's death, says, "I was -prevented from seeing her often in her last moments; when I did see -her she was always the same—her one theme the love of God to poor -sinners, which was always her style of speaking. One day, as I sat by -her bedside, she said to me, 'Do you think I am a Christian?' 'Yes,' -I answered, 'I do believe you are a Christian.' 'I have tried to be,' -she replied, 'but now that I suffer in my body, when I think what an -unprofitable servant I have been, I am distressed.' She then wept. -'You know,' I said, 'it is not how <i>much</i> we can do, but what we do -<i>sincerely</i> for the love of Christ, that is acceptable.' She seemed -comforted, and talked as usual.</p> - -<p>"She showed me much affection when I left her, saying, 'I shall not -live long, my dear ——,' and, adding a few other words, blessed me, -and bid me pray for her. She had frequently expressed her fears of the -bodily sufferings of death, but not accompanied with a dread of eternal -death. I asked her, when she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> was ill, if she <i>now</i> feared to die. She -said 'No; this fear was taken away some time previous to my illness.'"</p> - -<p>She requested that her people, as she called them, might continue to -meet at her house, but this was not allowed. I am told they sometimes -meet elsewhere, and are called "Clarinda's People." When dying, she -told those near her to follow her <i>only</i> as she had followed Christ. -Her death occurred in 1832. "Those that be planted in the house of the -Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth -fruit in old age."</p> - -<p>While perusing this remarkable account of "a brand plucked from the -burning," let those who from their earliest years have enjoyed the -inestimable privilege of access to the sacred volume, and various other -religious means, seriously consider the blessed Saviour's words: "Unto -whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>NAIMBANNA.</h2> - -<p>When the Sierra Leone Company was first settled, they endeavored to -bring over to their friendship all the petty African princes in their -neighborhood. Among others, they applied to a chief of the name of -Naimbanna, who was remarkable for a good disposition and an acute -understanding. He easily saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> that the intention of the company was -friendly to Africa, and entered into amity with them.</p> - -<p>They spoke to him about the slave trade, and gave him reasons for -wishing to have it abolished. He was convinced of its wickedness, and -declared that not one of his subjects should ever go into slavery -again. By degrees, they began to talk to him about religion, but he -was rather wary on that head. It seems he had formed some prejudices -against Christianity.</p> - -<p>Finding, however, that the Company's factory contained a very good -sort of people, and that they lived happily among themselves, he began -to think more favorably of their religion; but he was still backward -either in receiving it himself, or in making it the religion of his -country. He was well convinced of the barbarous state of his own -people, on a comparison with Europeans, and he wished for nothing more -than a reformation among them, especially in religion.</p> - -<p>But as he found there were several kinds (or forms) of religion in -the world, he wished to know which was the best before he introduced -either of them. To ascertain this point as well as he could, he took -the following method: He sent one of his sons into Turkey, among the -Mohammedans; a second into Portugal, among the Papists; and the third -he recommended to the Sierra Leone Company, desiring they would send -him to England, to be there instructed in the religion of that country.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p> - -<p>It appears he meant to be directed by the reports of his sons in the -choice of a national religion. Of the two former of these young men, -we have no particulars, only that one of them became very vicious. The -last mentioned, though I believe the eldest, bore his father's name, -Naimbanna. The Sierra Leone Company received the charge of him with -great pleasure, believing that nothing could have a better effect in -promoting their benevolent schemes, than making him a good Christian.</p> - -<p>Young Naimbanna was a perfect African in form, and had the features -with which the African face is commonly marked. While he was with the -Company, he seemed a well-disposed tractable youth; but when opposed, -he was impatient, fierce, and subject to violent passion. In the first -ship that sailed he was sent to England, where he arrived in the year -1791.</p> - -<p>We may imagine with what astonishment he surveyed every object that -came before him: but his curiosity, in prudent hands, became, from the -first the medium of useful instruction. During his voyage he acquired -some knowledge of the English language; and although he could not -speak it with any degree of fluency, he could understand much of what -he heard spoken, which greatly facilitated his learning it, when he -applied to it in a more regular way.</p> - -<p>The difficulty of learning to speak and read being in a great degree -subdued, he was put upon the grand point for which he was sent to -England—that of being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> instructed in the Christian religion. The -gentlemen to whose care he had been recommended, alternately took -him under their protection; and each gave up his whole time to him, -faithfully discharging the trust which he had voluntarily, and without -any emolument, undertaken.</p> - -<p>Naimbanna was first made acquainted with the value of the Bible; the -most material parts of the Old Testament, as well as the New, were -explained to him. The great necessity of a Saviour, for the sinfulness -of man, was pointed out; the end and design of Christianity, its -doctrines, its precepts, and its sanctions, were all made intelligible -to him. With a clearness of understanding which astonished those who -took the care of instructing him, he made those divine truths familiar -to his mind. He received the Gospel with joy, and carried it home to -his heart as the means of happiness both in this world and the next.</p> - -<p>His love for reading the Scriptures, and hearing them read, was such -that he never was tired of the exercise. Every other part of learning -that he was put upon, as arithmetic, for instance, was heavy work with -him, and he soon began to complain of fatigue; but even when he was -most fatigued, if he was asked to read in the Bible, he was always -ready, and generally expressed his readiness by some emotions of joy.</p> - -<p>In short, he considered the Bible as the rule which was to direct his -life; and he made a real use of every piece of instruction which he -obtained from it. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> was evident in all his actions. If his behavior -was at any time wrong, and a passage of Scripture was shown to him, -which forbade such behavior, whatever it was, he instantly complied -with the rule he received. Of this there were many instances.</p> - -<p>One related to dress. He had a little vanity about him, was fond -of finery, admired it in other people, and was always ready to -adorn himself. His kind instructors told him these were childish -inclinations; that decency and propriety of dress are pleasing, but -that foppery is disgusting. Above all, they told him that the Christian -is ordered to be "clothed with humility, and to put on the ornament of -a meek and quiet spirit." Such passages, whenever they were suggested -to him, checked all the little vanities of his heart, and made him -ashamed of what he had just before so eagerly desired.</p> - -<p>The irritable passions, where lay his weakest side, were conquered in -the same way. His friends once carried him to the House of Commons, to -hear a debate on the slave trade, which Colonel Tarlton defended with -some warmth. When Naimbanna came out of the house, he exclaimed, with -great vehemence and indignation, that he would kill that man wherever -he met him; for he told stories of his country. He told people that his -countrymen would not work, and that was a great story. His countrymen -would work; but Englishmen would not buy work; they would buy only men.</p> - -<p>His friends told him that he should not be angry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> with Colonel Tarlton, -for perhaps he had been misinformed, and knew no better. Besides, -they told him that, at any rate, he had no right to kill him: for the -Almighty says, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." This -calmed him in a moment; and he never afterward expressed the least -indignation toward Colonel Tarlton; but he would have been ready to -show him any friendly office if it had fallen in his way.</p> - -<p>At another time, when he saw a drayman using his horse ill, he became -enraged, and declared he would get a gun and shoot that fellow -directly. But his anger was presently assuaged by this or some similar -passage of Scripture: "Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go -down upon your wrath." He showed so much tenderness of conscience that -he seemed anxious about nothing but to know what his religion required -him to do.</p> - -<p>When he could determine the rectitude of an action, he set an example -even to Christians, by showing that he thought there was no difficulty -in the performance. He said his father had ordered him, when he arrived -in England, never to drink more at one time than a single glass of -wine; and he considered his father's injunction as sacred. On this -head, therefore, all the instruction which he wanted was to turn his -temperance into a Christian virtue, by practising it with a sincere -desire to please God.</p> - -<p>In the gay scenes which often presented themselves to his view, he -never mixed. His friends were very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> solicitous to keep him from all -dissipation, which might have corrupted the beautiful simplicity of -mind that was so characteristic in him. He was fond of riding on -horseback, but when he got upon a horse, it was difficult to govern -his desire for rapid motion. After remaining in England a year and a -half, and being carefully instructed in the Christian religion, he only -waited for an opportunity of returning home, which did not occur for -five or six months afterward.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, two great points were the burden of his thoughts, -and gave him much distress. The first related to his father, whose -death he heard had happened about a year after he left the country. -The principal cause of his solicitude was his uncertainty whether his -father had died a Christian. He knew that he had been well disposed -toward Christianity, but he had never heard whether he had fully -embraced it.</p> - -<p>His other difficulty regarded himself. He had now attained the end -at which he had aimed. He had been instructed in a religion which he -was convinced would promote the happiness of his people if it could -be established among them. But how was that to be done? With regard -to himself, he had had wise and learned men to instruct him. But what -could his abilities do in such a work—especially considering the wild -and savage manners of his countrymen? In every light, the greatness of -the attempt perplexed him. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> - -<p>With a mind distressed by these difficulties, he took an affectionate -leave of his kind friends in England, and embarked for Africa in one of -the Company's ships, which was named after him, the Naimbanna. Though -he had shown great affection for his own country and relations, yet -the kindness which he had received from his friends in England had -impressed him strongly; and it was not without a great struggle that he -broke away from them at last.</p> - -<p>The distress he felt was increased by the society he mixed in at -sea—being very different from that which he had left behind. The -profligate manners and licentious language of the ship's company -shocked him exceedingly. The purity of his mind could not bear it. He -had hoped, that in a Christian country he should always find himself -among Christians, but he was greatly disappointed.</p> - -<p>The company he was in appeared to him as ignorant and uninformed as his -own countrymen, and much less innocent in their manners. At length, the -oaths and abominable conversation which he continually heard, affected -him so much that he complained to the captain of the ship, and desired -him to put a stop to so indecent language. The captain endeavored -to check it, but with little effect, which gave Naimbanna increased -distress.</p> - -<p>But still the great burden of his mind, was the difficulty which he -foresaw in the attempt to introduce Christianity among his countrymen. -Many were the schemes he thought of; but insuperable obstacles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> seemed -to arise on every side. All this perplexity, which his active and -generous mind underwent, recoiled upon himself.</p> - -<p>His thoughts were continually on the stretch, and this, it was -supposed, at length occasioned a fever, which seized him when his -voyage was nearly at an end. His malady increasing, it was attended -with delirium, which left him only a few lucid intervals. In these, his -mind always shone out full of religious hope and patient resignation to -the will of God.</p> - -<p>In one of these intervals, he told Mr. Graham, a fellow-passenger with -whom he was most intimate, that he began to think he should be called -away before he had an opportunity to tell his mother of the mercies of -God toward him, and of his obligations to the Sierra Leone Company. He -then desired him to write his will, which he began in the presence of -Captain Wooles and James Cato, a servant that attended Naimbanna.</p> - -<p>When Mr. Graham had written a considerable part, as particularly -directed, manifesting the feelings and generosity of his heart, -Naimbanna complained of fatigue, and said he would finish it after he -had taken a little rest. But his fever came on with increased violence, -and his delirium scarcely ever left him afterward.</p> - -<p>The night after, the vessel, though close to the African coast, durst -not attempt to land, as the wind was contrary, and there was danger of -running on the Scarries bank. Next morning, though, the wind <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>continued -contrary, Mr. Graham went off to the settlement in an open boat to -procure medical aid. But when the physician came on board, Naimbanna -was just alive; and in that state he was carried to the settlement, the -next morning, July 17th, 1793, when the ship came to anchor.</p> - -<p>On the first account of his illness, an express was sent to inform his -friends at Robanna; and soon after he was landed, his mother, brothers, -sisters, and relatives came to the settlement. The distracted looks of -his mother, and the wildness of his sisters' grief, affected everyone. -His cousin Henry, an ingenuous youth, who stood among them, attracted -the attention of all by the solemn sorrow of his countenance, which -seemed to discover a heart full of tenderness and woe. In the meantime, -the dying youth appeared every moment drawing nearer the close of life.</p> - -<p>His voice failing more and more, the little he said was with difficulty -understood. Once or twice, those who stood around him caught hold of -something like our Saviour's words: "Many are called, but few chosen." -About an hour before he died, his voice wholly failed. He was awhile -restless and uneasy, till, turning his head on his pillow, he found an -easier posture, and lay perfectly quiet.</p> - -<p>About seven in the evening of the day on which he was brought on shore, -he expired without a groan. When his mother and other relatives found -his breath was gone, their shrieks and agonizing cries were distressing -beyond measure. Instantly, in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> kind of frantic madness, they snatched -up his body, hurried it into a canoe, and went off with it to Robanna. -Some of the gentlemen of the factory immediately followed in boats, -with a coffin.</p> - -<p>When the corpse was laid decently into it, Mr. Horne, the clergyman, -read the funeral service over it, amid a number of people, and finished -with an extempore prayer. The ceremony was conducted with so much -solemnity, and performed in so affecting a manner, that the impression -was communicated throughout the whole crowd. They drew closer and -closer, as Mr. Horne continued to speak; and though they understood not -a syllable of what he said, they listened to him with great attention, -and bore witness, with every mark of sorrow, to the powers of sympathy.</p> - -<p>After the ceremony was over, the gentlemen of the factory retired to -their boats, leaving the corpse, as his friend desired, to be buried -according to the custom of the country.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>ZILPAH MONTJOY.</h2> - -<p>In the year 1821, died, in the city of New York, an aged woman of -color, named Zilpah Montjoy; whose pious circumspect life rendered her -an object of peculiar interest to many of her acquaintances; to some of -these, whose friendly notice she had <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>experienced, she more than once -related the following circumstance:—</p> - -<p>Being a slave, inured to hard labor, she was brought up in such extreme -ignorance as to have no idea that she was an accountable being—that -there was a future state—not even that death was universal, until the -sixteenth year of her age, when a girl of her own color dying in the -neighborhood, she was permitted to attend the funeral.</p> - -<p>The minister's text was, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days -and full of trouble: he cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he -fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not!" by which and subsequent -remarks, she understood that all were to die; that there was a state of -existence after death, a preparation for which was necessary while here.</p> - -<p>She was much affected, and returned home in great agitation. Revolving -these things in her mind for several days, she at length asked her -mistress whether she had understood right, that all must die. The reply -was, "Go to your work." She continued thus exercised for a considerable -time, earnestly desiring to know what she had to do, but had no one to -give her instruction.</p> - -<p>In this tried state, the Lord was pleased to reveal Himself, and -impress on her untaught mind a belief in an omnipotent and omniscient -Being, and that His law was written on the heart. Thus, gradually -becoming calm and settled, her confidence was made strong in Him, who, -hiding His counsels from the wise<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> and prudent in their own eyes, "hath -revealed them unto babes." And it is believed she was from that time -guarded and careful in her conduct.</p> - -<p>She married, and had two daughters, one of whom was taken at an early -age, and placed at so great a distance from her that she never saw her -after. The other died when about grown, and being also bereaved of her -husband, she was very lonely. But under these trials she appears to -have been sustained, as was David when he could say, "Thy rod and thy -staff they comfort me."</p> - -<p>She was a member of the Methodist Church, and a diligent attender -of their meetings as long as her strength permitted. When she was -(as near as can be ascertained) about sixty-eight years old, the -Clarkson Association for teaching colored women to read and write was -established.</p> - -<p>And when she received the information, she offered herself as a -scholar, but the teachers endeavored to dissuade her, telling her she -was too old to begin, as she did not know a letter, and her sight was -so impaired as to require two pairs of spectacles; she however urged -admittance, stating that her only motive was a desire to be able to -read the Bible, and she believed "the Lord would help her," adding, "We -are never too old to do good."</p> - -<p>And being admitted, she was very diligent in her attendance, and by -great perseverance became able to read a little in the New Testament; -and one with large print being given her, she prized it very highly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> -and would frequently open it and read one of the chapters contained in -Christ's sermon on the mount, calling it "the blessed chapter."</p> - -<p>But notwithstanding her great desire to learn, she did not allow her -studies to interfere with her religious engagements; and the time -for meeting with her class being fixed on one of the afternoons that -the school was taught, it was inconvenient to her; but as the school -commenced at three o'clock, and the meeting at four, the hour between -she generally spent at the school, staying as long as it would do, -and then going as quickly as she could, to be punctual to the time. -Sometimes she has been seen running, when she heard the clock strike -and found herself a little too late.</p> - -<p>She was industrious and frugal, but liberated late in life, she barely -procured a subsistence; and for the last two or three years, being -nearly past labor, she was dependent on the benevolence of others: but -at no time, however destitute and tried, did she lose her confidence in -the power of Him "who provideth for the raven his food," often saying -at such seasons, "The Lord has been my helper, and I trust in Him." -And when any favor was conferred on her, she feelingly expressed her -gratitude, yet mostly with reference to the Great Supreme, for giving -her friends so kind.</p> - -<p>At a certain time, a friend, being unusually thoughtful about her, -went to see how she was situated, taking with her a loaf of bread. She -found her unable to go out, and without provision; and querying with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> -her, "Zilpah, art thou here alone?" she replied, "No, I am never alone; -my Master is with me. When I awake in the night season he talks with -me. He has promised to take care of me, and He has done it; He has now -sent me that loaf of bread." At another time, she said to a person who -visited her, "How good the Lord is; I have always something to eat, for -if I take my last morsel, some one comes and brings me more before I -want again."</p> - -<p>Her understanding failed, so that for several weeks before her death -she knew very little; but her conversation was innocent, sometimes -saying, "If it is the Lord's will to take me, I am willing to go, but I -must wait His time." And He was pleased to release her, after a short -confinement, without any apparent disease but the decline of nature, -about the seventy-ninth year of her age.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>BELINDA LUCAS.</h2> - -<p>A woman of color, living in Chrystie street, New York, is now, 1825, -about one hundred years old. She retains her faculties remarkably well, -and she recently gave the following account of herself: "When I was a -small child in Africa, being one day at play in the woods, some people -came along; one of whom catched me, and throwing me over his shoulder, -ran away with me. After he had gone some distance, he put me down and -whipped me to make me run.</p> - -<p>"When we came to the water, they put me into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> ship and carried me -to Antigua. Soon after, the captain of a vessel from New York, taking -a liking to me, bought me, and brought me here. I was then so little, -that I slept sometimes at my mistress's feet. I think there was only -one house for worship in the city then; and I remember very well that -up Broadway there were only a few small houses; and where the college -(in Park Place) stands it was woods.</p> - -<p>"I was sold several times, married twice, and had one child that died -young. I was baptized in St. Paul's church, not long after it was -built; and when I was about forty years old, I bought my freedom for -twenty pounds. Not long after I married my last husband, I paid for -his freedom, and we went to Charleston. After living there about seven -years, he died; and knowing I had many friends and acquaintances in New -York, I came back.</p> - -<p>"I brought a hundred dollars with me, which I put into the church -stock. From that I have received seven dollars every year, and with it -I buy my winter firewood. By working early and late, besides my day's -work, I earned money, and got a life lease of this spot of ground, and -built this house; and in this room" (which is on the first floor) "I -have lived many years.</p> - -<p>"The upper part I rent; but sometimes the people have been poor, and -could not pay me; then I lost it; but these people pay me very well. I -have been asked many times to sell it, but I think it is much better -for me to stay quietly here than to be moving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> about: and besides, I -let Mr. —— have fifty dollars, and when he failed, I lost it; and the -bad folks have several times taken money out of my chest; and I was -afraid, if I did sell, I should lose that also, and then I should be -very bad off.</p> - -<p>"As I have no relation of my own, when I am gone, and don't want these -things any more, they are to be divided among my husband's folks." A -person present told her she should have a writing drawn, to tell how -they should be divided; saying, "Perhaps they will quarrel about it." -She said, "I have told them if they did, them that quarrelled must not -have anything."</p> - -<p>When asked if she could read, she answered, "Yes; when I was young I -learned to spell a little, but I did not know how to put the words -together, till I went to the Clarkson school. There I learned to read; -and though I can't read all the hard words in the Bible, I can read -Matthew and John very well." A representation of the crucifixion of -Christ hanging over the chimney-piece, she pointed to it, and explained -it very intelligibly, remarking that, "To Mary, who was kneeling near -the cross, it was said, 'Woman, behold thy Son,' and to one of those -standing by, 'Behold thy Mother.'"</p> - -<p>This representation appeared to afford her much interest in -contemplating it, though she looked only to the Lord for consolation, -and several times, while giving this account, testified of His goodness -and mercy to her; saying, "It is the Lord's will that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> should be so -comfortably provided for. When I was younger, and worked so steadily, -the people used to say, 'Belinda, what do you work so hard for, and lay -up money? you have no children to take it when you are gone.'</p> - -<p>"I did not know then, but the Lord knew that I was to live a great -while, and He put it into my heart to do so, and now I have plenty, and -trouble nobody for a living. I am unwell this morning, but by and by, -when I feel better, I intend to clean up. I used to live very snug and -comfortable; I can't get anybody now to put up my things for me so well -as I can do it for myself." Her bed had curtains, and appeared to have -comfortable covering on it. She had a looking-glass, an arm-chair, a -carpet on her floor, and other necessary furniture.</p> - -<p>She further said, "When I was able, I went often to see the sick, and -the suffering poor, and do something for them, and I sometimes prayed -by their bedside;" and added, "I believe the Lord heard my prayers." -Placing her hands in an attitude of supplication, and turning her eyes -upward, "I often pray now, and I leave it to Him, and He gives me -what I pray for. If He thinks it best for me to live longer yet, I am -willing to stay; and if He thinks best to take me away, I am ready to -go."</p> - -<p>On being asked how old she was, she replied, "When Peter Williams was -going to Hayti, and he came to see me and bid me farewell, he said, -'Belinda, I have been calculating your age, as near as I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> can from -circumstances, and I believe you are about a hundred years old.' I -thought I was older, but I suppose he must be correct.</p> - -<p>"I used to work for the rich folks, and they seemed to love me, and -treated me very kindly. Mrs. T——, and Mrs. H——, and many others, -have been to see me a great many times. Mr. Livingston, the lawyer, who -died at Washington, you remember—with his first wife's father, Mr. -Kittletas, I lived, and of him I bought my freedom. And when I went to -Mr. Livingston's, he would say, 'Why, Belinda, you have a long life of -it here.' I would say, 'Yes, master, the Lord knows, but I don't, why I -stay so long'—but, dear man, he is gone!"</p> - -<p>On being asked why she lived alone, she said, "If I have somebody with -me, they will want other company, and that will make more noise than -I like. I love to be still; then I can think. And when I am sick, the -people up stairs are kind to me, and do what little I want done."</p> - -<p>When speaking of reading, she said, "I met with a bad accident lately; -I dropped my spectacles in the fire, and it spoiled them: when I can -get into the Bowery, to Mr. ——'s store, I can get another pair; -but nobody can get them for me—they would not know how to suit my -eyes—and then I always pay cash for what I get—I have found it the -best way. In all my life long, there has never anybody had the scratch -of a pen against me. I have been saving too: them plates there" -(pointing to her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> closet), "I brought them with me from Charleston -before Washington's war."</p> - -<p>In this unpolished narrative, we see the benefit of acquiring steady -habits in early life—of honest, persevering industry—and frugality in -the use of what was so obtained. From the one hundred dollars put into -church stock, she has in fifty years received three hundred and fifty -dollars; and in such a way as to be particularly useful to her. Her -pious care of the sick; her quiet, decent, and comely way of living; -and her exertions in learning to read, even at the advanced age of -eighty years, are also worthy of particular notice.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>GUSTAVUS VASSA.</h2> - -<p class="center">TAKEN FROM HIS NARRATIVE, WRITTEN ABOUT THE YEAR 1787.</p> - -<p>"I offer here neither the history of a saint, a hero, nor a tyrant. I -believe there are few events in my life, which have not happened to -many; but when I compare my lot with that of many of my countrymen, -I acknowledge the mercies of Providence in the occurrences that have -taken place.</p> - -<p>"That part of Africa known by the name of Guinea, to which the trade -for slaves is carried on, extends along the coast above 3,400 miles, -from Senegal to Angola, and includes a variety of kingdoms.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> The most -considerable of these is Benin, as it respects its extent, wealth, and -richness of soil. It is bounded on the sea 170 miles, and its interior -seems only terminated by the empire of Abyssinia, near 1,500 miles from -its first boundaries.</p> - -<p>"In one of the most remote and fertile provinces of this kingdom I was -born, in the year 1745. As our country is one where nature is prodigal -of her favors, our wants, which are few, are easily supplied. All our -industry is turned to the improvement of those blessings, and we are -habituated to labor from our early years; and by this means we have no -beggars.</p> - -<p>"Our houses never exceed one story, and are built of wood, thatched -with reeds, and the floors are generally covered with mats. The dress -of both sexes consists of a long piece of calico or muslin, wrapped -loosely round the body; our beds are also covered with the same kind -of cloth; this the women make when they are not engaged in labor with -the men. Our tillage is in a large common, and all the people resort -thither in a body and unite in the labor.</p> - -<p>"My father being a man of rank, had a numerous family; his children -consisted of one daughter, and a number of sons, of which I was the -youngest. As I generally attended my mother, she took great pains in -forming my mind, and training me to exercise. In this way, I grew up to -about the eleventh year of my age, when an end was put to my happiness -in the following manner: </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> - -<p>"One day, when all our people were gone to their work, and only my dear -sister and myself were left to watch the house, two men and a woman -came, and seizing us both, stopped our mouths that we should not make a -noise, and ran off with us into the woods, where they tied our hands, -and took us some distance, to a small house, where we stayed that night.</p> - -<p>"The next morning, after keeping in the woods some distance, we came -to an opening, where we saw some people at work, and I began to cry -for assistance; but this made them tie us faster, and again stop our -mouths; and they put me into a sack until we had got out of sight of -these people. When they offered us food we could not eat. Often bathing -each other in tears, our only respite was sleep; but alas! even the -privilege of weeping together was soon denied us. While enclosed in -each other's arms we were torn asunder, and I was left in a state of -distress not to be described.</p> - -<p>"After travelling a great distance, suffering many hardships, and being -sold several times, one evening my dear sister was brought to the same -house. We were both so overcome that we could not speak for some time, -but clung to each other and wept. And when the people were told that we -were brother and sister, they indulged us with being together; and one -of the men at night lay between us, and allowed us to hold each other's -hand across him.</p> - -<p>"This comfort, small as it may appear to some, was not so to us: but it -was of short duration; when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> morning came, we were again separated, and -I never saw her more. I remember the happiness of our childish sports, -the indulgence of maternal affection; and fear that her lot would be -still harder than mine, fixed her image so indelibly on my mind, that -neither prosperity nor adversity has ever erased it.</p> - -<p>"I once attempted to run away; but when I had got into the woods, and -night came on, I became alarmed with the idea of being devoured by wild -beasts, and with trembling steps, and a sad heart, I returned to my -master's house, and laid down in his fireplace, where I was found in -the morning. Being closely reprimanded by my master, he ordered me to -be taken care of, and I was soon sold again. I then travelled through a -very fertile country, where I saw cocoa-nuts and sugar-cane.</p> - -<p>"All the people I had hitherto seen, resembled my own; and having -learned a little of several languages, I could understand them pretty -well; but now, after six or seven months had passed away, from the time -I was kidnapped, I arrived at the sea-coast, and I beheld that element -which before I had no idea of. It also made me acquainted with such -cruelties as I can never reflect upon but with horror. The first object -that met my sight was a <i>slave ship</i> riding at anchor, <i>waiting for her -cargo</i>!</p> - -<p>"When I was taken on board, being roughly handled and closely examined -by these men, whose complexion and language differed so much from any I -had seen or heard before, I apprehended I had got<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> into a world of bad -spirits, which so overcame me that I fainted and fell. When I came to, -their horrible looks and red faces frightened me again exceedingly. But -I had not time to think much about it, before I was, with many of my -poor country people, put under deck in a loathsome and horrible place. -In this situation we wished for death, and sometimes refused to eat, -and for this we were beaten.</p> - -<p>"After enduring more hardships than I can relate, we arrived at -Barbadoes, in the West Indies. When taken on shore, we were put into -a pen like so many beasts, and thence sold and separated—husbands -and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, without any -distinction. Their cries excited some compassion in the hearts of those -who were capable of feeling, but others seemed to feel no remorse, -though the scene was so affecting.</p> - -<p>"I, with some others, was sent to America: when we arrived in Virginia, -we were also sold and separated. Not long after, Captain Pascal, coming -to my master's, purchased me, and sent me on board his ship, called the -Industrious Bee. I had not yet learned much of the English language, -so I could not understand their conversation; and some of them made -me believe I was going home to Africa. This pleased me very much, and -the kind treatment I received made me happy; but when we came in sight -of England, I found they had deceived me. It was on board this ship I -received the name of Gustavus Vassa. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Having often seen my master, and a lad named Richard Baker, who was -very kind to me, reading in books, I had a desire to do so, that I -might find out how all things had a beginning. For that purpose, I -often took a book, talked to it, and then placed it to my ear to hear -what it would say; but when I found it remained silent, I was much -concerned.</p> - -<p>"The summer of 1757, I was taken by a press-gang, and carried on board -a man-of-war. After passing about a year in this service, on the coast -of France and in America, on my return to England, I received much -kindness, and was sent to school, where I learned to read and write. My -master receiving the office of lieutenant on board one of those ships, -took me with him up the Mediterranean. My desire for learning induced -some of my shipmates to instruct me, so that I could read the Bible; -and one of them, a sober man, explained many passages to me.</p> - -<p>"As I had now served my master faithfully several years, and his -kindness had given me hopes that he would grant my freedom when we -arrived in England, I ventured to tell him so; but he was offended, for -he had determined on sending me to the West Indies. Accordingly, at the -close of the year 1762, finding a vessel bound thither, he took me on -board, and gave me in charge of the captain.</p> - -<p>"I endeavored to expostulate with him, by telling him he had received -my wages and all my prize money, but it was to no purpose. Taking my -only coat from my back, he went off in his boat. I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>followed them with -aching eyes, and a heart ready to burst with grief, until they were out -of sight. The captain, whose name was Doran, treated me very kindly, -but we had a tempestuous voyage.</p> - -<p>"When we came in sight of Montserrat, remembering what I had seen on -my first arrival from Africa, it chilled me to the heart, and brought -nothing to my view but misery, stripes, and chains: and to complete my -distress, two of the sailors robbed me of about eight guineas, which I -had collected by doing little jobs on board the ships of war, and which -I hid when my master took my coat.</p> - -<p>"Having unladed the ship, and laded her again for sea, the captain sent -for me: when, with trembling steps and a faltering heart, I came to -him. I found him sitting with Robert King, a Quaker, and a merchant: -and after telling me the charge he had to get me a good master, he said -he had got me one of the best on the island. Mr. King also said he had -bought me on account of my good character (to maintain which I found to -be of great importance), and that his home was in Philadelphia, where -he expected soon to go, and he did not intend to treat me hard.</p> - -<p>"He asked me what I could do. I answered, I can shave and dress hair -pretty well; and that I have learned to refine wines; I could write, -and understood arithmetic as far as the Rule of Three. The character -Captain Doran had given of my master, I found to be correct. He -possessed an amiable disposition, and was very charitable and humane. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> - -<p>"In passing about the island, I had an opportunity of seeing the -dreadful usage, and wretched situation of the poor slaves; and it -reconciled me to my condition, and made me thankful for being placed -with so kind a master. He was several times offered a great price for -me, but he would not sell me. Having obtained three pence, I began a -little trade, and soon gained a dollar, then more; with this I bought -me a Bible.</p> - -<p>"Going in a vessel of my master's to Georgia and Charleston, a small -venture I took on my return answered a very good purpose. In 1765, my -master prepared for going to Philadelphia. With his crediting me for -some articles, and the little stock of my own, I laid in considerable, -which elated me much; and I told him I hoped I should soon obtain -enough to purchase my freedom, which he promised me I should have when -I could pay him what he gave for me.</p> - -<p>"Between Montserrat and several ports in America we made many trips. -One circumstance occurred when I was in Georgia that was a serious -one to me. Being in a yard with some slaves one evening, their master -coming home drunk, and seeing me, a stranger, he, with a stout man to -help him, beat me so that I could not go aboard the ship, which gave -the captain much anxiety. When he found me, and saw the situation I -was in, he wept; but by his kind attention, and that of a skilful -physician, I was in a few weeks able to go on board and attend to my -business. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Thus, passing from one port to another, with my kind master's and -captain's indulgence, and my own indefatigable industry and economy, -I obtained the sum required for my liberty. So, one morning, while -they were at breakfast, I ventured to remind my master of what he had -promised, and to tell him I had got the money—at which he seemed -surprised. The captain told him I had come honestly by it, and he must -now fulfil his promise.</p> - -<p>"Upon which he told me to get a manumission drawn, and he would sign -it. At this intelligence my heart leaped for joy. When the whole was -finished, and I was in reality free, I felt like another being—my joy -was indescribable. My master and Captain Doran entreated me not to -leave them, and gratitude induced me to stay, though I longed to see -Captain Pascal, and let him know I was <i>free</i>.</p> - -<p>"I now hired as a sailor, and our next voyage was to Savannah. When we -were preparing to return, and were taking some cattle on board, one of -them butted the captain in the breast, which affected him so that he -was unable to do duty, and he died before we reached our port. This was -a heavy stroke to me, for he had been my true friend, and I loved him -as a father.</p> - -<p>"The winter following, I sailed again for Georgia, with a new captain, -in the Nancy: but steering a more westerly course than usual, we soon -got on the Bahama banks, where our vessel was wrecked, but no lives -were lost. Getting on one of the islands, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> some salt provision we -had saved, we remained there many days, and suffered much for want of -fresh water.</p> - -<p>"When we were almost famished with hunger and thirst, we were found and -carried to New Providence, where we were kindly treated. Thence we were -taken to Savannah, so to Martinico and Montserrat, having been absent -about six months, and experienced the delivering hand of Providence -more than once, when all human means seemed hopeless.</p> - -<p>"After relating to Mr. King the loss of the Nancy, and the various -hardships we had endured, I again told him my desire to go to England; -and although he wished me to remain in his service, he consented, -and gave me the following certificate:—'The bearer hereof, Gustavus -Vassa, was my slave upward of three years; during which time he -always behaved himself well, and discharged his duty with honesty and -assiduity.—<span class="smcap">R. King.</span>'</p> - -<p>"Obtaining this certificate, I soon parted with my kind master, and -arrived in England. When I here received my wages, I had thirty-seven -guineas. I soon found my old captain, Pascal, who was surprised to see -me, and asked how I came back. I told him, 'In a ship.' To which he -replied, 'I suppose you did not <i>walk</i> on the <i>water</i>.'</p> - -<p>"I now set my mind on getting more learning, and attending school -diligently. My money not being sufficient, I hired myself to service a -while; but having a desire to go again to the Mediterranean, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> engaged -on board a ship, where the mate taught me navigation. While at Smyrna, -I saw many caravans from India. Among other articles, they brought -great quantities of locusts, and a kind of pulse resembling French -beans, though larger; they are sweet and palatable.</p> - -<p>"In the spring of 1773, an expedition was fitted out to explore a -northwest passage to India. Dr. Irving concluding to go, I accompanied -him, and we went on board one of the vessels the 24th of May; and about -the middle of June, by the use of the doctor's apparatus for making -salt water fresh, we distilled from twenty-six to forty gallons a day. -On the 28th we reached Greenland, where I found the sun did not set.</p> - -<p>"We found large fields of ice, and to one of them, about eighty yards -thick, we made our vessel fast: but we soon became so surrounded with -ice that we could not move, and were in danger of being crushed to -pieces. In this perilous situation we remained eleven days, when the -weather becoming more mild, and the wind changing, the ice gave way, -and in about thirty hours, with hard labor, we got into open water, -to our great joy, and arrived at Deptford, after an absence of four -months, wherein we had experienced imminent dangers.</p> - -<p>"Rejoicing to be again in England, I entered into service, and remained -a considerable time; during which I began to reflect seriously on the -many dangers I had escaped, particularly in my last voyage,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> and it -made a serious impression on my mind; and my reflections were often -turned to the awfulness of eternity.</p> - -<p>"In this state, I took to my Bible, rejoicing that I could read it for -myself, and I received encouragement. While my mind was thus seriously -impressed, I went several voyages to Spain, and being often led to look -over the occurrences of my past life, I saw there had been the hand of -Providence to guide and protect me, though I knew it not; and when I -considered my obligations to the Lord for His goodness, I wept.</p> - -<p>"On our return, the last voyage, we picked up eleven Portuguese. Their -vessel had sunk, with two of the crew, and they were in a small open -boat, without victuals, compass, water, or anything else, and must soon -have perished. As soon as they got on board our vessel, they fell on -their knees and thanked God for their deliverance. Thus I saw verified -what was written in the 107th Psalm.</p> - -<p>"From the year 1777 to 1784, I remained more quiet; but about the -latter period I made a trip to New York, and one to Philadelphia. At -the latter place, I was very much pleased to see the worthy Quakers -easing the burdens of my oppressed countrymen. It also rejoiced my -heart when one of these people took me to the free school, and I saw -the children of my color instructed, and their minds cultivated to fit -them for usefulness.</p> - -<p>"Not long after my return, I found government<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> was preparing to make -a settlement of free people of color on the coast of Africa, and that -vessels were engaged to carry such as wished to go to Sierra Leone. -I engaged as commissary, and we set sail with 426 persons. But the -time of our arrival there, the rainy season having commenced, proved -unfavorable, and some of us soon returned to England; where, since -that period, I have been doing what I could for the relief of my -much-injured country people.</p> - -<p>"Having been early taught to look for the hand of God in minute -circumstances, they have been of consequence to me; and aiming at -simple truth in relating the incidents of my life, I hope some of my -readers will gather instruction from them."</p> - -<p>Gregorie, in his Inquiry into the Intellectual and Moral Faculties -of the Negroes, states, that after thirty years of a wandering and -stormy life, Vassa established himself in London, where he married, and -published his memoirs, which have been several times reprinted—the -last edition in 1794; and it is proved by the most respectable -testimony that he was the author. In 1789, he presented a petition to -parliament for the suppression of the slave trade.</p> - -<p>He also says, that a son of his, named Sancho, having received a -good education, was an assistant librarian to Sir Joseph Banks, and -secretary to the committee for vaccination. And he concludes with -this remark: "If Vassa still lived, the bill which was lately passed, -prohibiting the slave trade, would be consoling to his heart, and to -his old age."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> - -<h2>BILLY AND JENNY.</h2> - -<p>About the year 1738, a man and his wife, named Tom and Caty, who were -in bondage to Thomas Bowne, on Long Island, had a little son whom they -called Billy. This little boy, when old enough to work, was sold to -a farmer in the neighborhood; who, according to the custom of those -days, went with his servants into the field, and allotted to each one -his portion of labor. By this means, Billy became acquainted with the -different branches of husbandry, and was inured to industry.</p> - -<p>With this farmer, he was pretty comfortably cared for, and kept to his -daily labor until the thirty-first year of his age. About the year -1744, the master of one of those ships employed in bringing the poor -Africans from their native land, among others brought away a little -girl—too young, alas! to tell even by what means, or in what way she -was taken.</p> - -<p>This little girl, after suffering all the hardships attendant on her -situation, and a long confinement on shipboard, was landed in New York, -and sold according to the custom of that time. She was bought by Samuel -Underhill, and taken to Long Island to wait on his wife and children -and they called her Jenny. As she advanced in age, she became more and -more useful in her master's family, and satisfied with her situation.</p> - -<p>Her mistress being a woman of an uncommonly amiable disposition, -having known the subjugation of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> her own will, by the operation of -that principle which brings into harmony all the discordant passions, -and one of that description also, that "looked well to the ways of -her household, and ate not the bread of idleness," she was qualified -to govern her family with mildness and discretion, and to set them an -example of economy, sobriety, cheerfulness, and industry.</p> - -<p>Jenny, being placed under the tuition of such a mistress, in due time -became qualified to fill the station allotted her with propriety, -as an honest, sober, industrious, and useful servant. When she had -arrived at about the twentieth year of her age, she was visited by the -before-mentioned Billy, in the character of a suitor. After mature -deliberation, and their affections becoming more strongly fixed, with -the approbation of those concerned, the marriage ceremony was performed.</p> - -<p>Thus were they united, not only in the bonds of wedlock, but those of -sincere affection, which abundantly manifested itself in their conduct -toward and respect for each other, during a long and laborious life, -and in their care of their numerous offspring, which consisted of nine -sons and one daughter.</p> - -<p>Time passing on with them, they partook of such a share of happiness -as their situation in life would permit, until the year 1769, when the -master of Jenny, having purchased a farm in Westchester county, was -preparing to remove his family thither. This circumstance became a very -close trial to this affectionate pair, who by this time had several -children. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> - -<p>The thoughtfulness and anxiety felt by them on this occasion being -reciprocated by their masters, a proposition was made for an exchange. -The wife of one of Billy's fellow-servants being in the family with -Jenny, accommodations were soon made, and Billy was admitted a resident -in the family with his beloved partner: when they all proceeded to -their new settlement, where they lived in harmony and concord for many -years, and until their master's children were all married and settled.</p> - -<p>During this period, Billy and Jenny, with all their children, were -liberated by their master, and such of them as were old enough, were -placed where they might be brought up to habits of industry, and be -prepared to provide for themselves a comfortable subsistence; but Billy -and Jenny remained with him.</p> - -<p>Age and infirmity at length put a period to their kind master's life. -And his family, being thus deprived of his care and exertions, were -induced to leave their abode. The mistress, who had long exercised an -affectionate care over her household, finding herself lonely, retired -to live with her children. And with her youngest son, she remained to -an advanced age, and was then gathered into rest, as a shock of corn in -its season.</p> - -<p>Billy and Jenny having a house provided for them, remained under the -care of their former master's descendants, and with their own industry, -and the generosity of their friends, they were comfortably situated. -But when Billy was so disabled by <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>infirmity, that he could not work as -a day-laborer, he cultivated a little garden, and did some light jobs -for his neighbors.</p> - -<p>Their children being out, while Jenny's health and strength remained, -she went out to washing and housecleaning. Billy generally waited on -her to the place of destination, and then, returning to his habitation, -nursed his garden and poultry until toward evening, when he would go to -accompany her home. More genuine politeness and unremitting attention, -between a man and his wife, are rarely to be found, in city or country, -than were manifested by this sable pair.</p> - -<p>Thus they lived several years; but Jenny at length became enfeebled -by age, and her sight failed, so that she was no longer capable of -laboring abroad, or using her spinning-wheel at home, as heretofore, -which made it necessary for them to be placed in a different situation. -One winter, while they remained at housekeeping, there came a very -severe snow-storm, with high wind, so that passing from one place to -another was rendered very difficult for several days.</p> - -<p>As soon as practicable, their friend, who had the care of them, and -supplied their wants, went to see how they fared; when Jenny, meeting -him at the door, and being asked how they were, etc., said, "Oh, Master -Richard, I am wonderful glad to see thee—if the storm had lasted much -longer, I believe we should have froze to death; our wood was 'most -gone, and Billy is one of the honestest niggers in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> world; for he -had rather freeze to death than steal a rail from the fence." This -circumstance is recorded as one specimen of their honest simplicity.</p> - -<p>In the spring of 1815, they were removed to the habitation of one of -their sons, where they were boarded; and there they remained, until -death, the destroyer of all earthly comforts, put a period to Jenny's -life, after a few days' severe illness, about the seventy-eighth year -of her age.</p> - -<p>The same affectionate attachment that pervaded her mind in youth and in -health, remained unshaken to the last. Her sight, as before remarked, -being almost gone, when lying on her bed, she frequently inquired for -Billy; but when she was told he was lying behind her, or sitting by -her, she was satisfied.</p> - -<p>Thus she closed a long and laborious life, beloved and respected for -her many good qualities, and her consistent conduct. Billy died at -Scarsdale, Westchester county, New York, on the 4th of Third month, -1826, after a few days' illness, aged about eighty-seven years, and was -decently interred by the side of Jenny, on the 6th of the same month.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>GEORGE HARDY.</h2> - -<p>During the winter of 1832, the writer of the narrative of which this -account is an abridgment, became acquainted with Hannah Hardy, an -interesting old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> colored woman, and her son George. They were the -suffering tenants of a miserable garret, lighted only by a few panes of -glass, and ill-secured from the inclemencies of the weather.</p> - -<p>Hannah had been an industrious woman, who supported herself comfortably -for many years, until her sight, which had long been declining, so -nearly left her as to disqualify her for all kinds of work. George, who -was her youngest son, disclosed in his earliest years great quickness -of discernment and readiness of apprehension. He could read the Bible -when only four years old; and he continued to be remarkable for -docility, and for preferring his books and other profitable employments -to the idle sports of children.</p> - -<p>When about eleven years old, he was placed from home, where he remained -until four years since, when he became so much diseased with scrofula -as to make it necessary for him to return to his mother. From that -time, she became his constant and only nurse, and evinced, through -numberless privations and difficulties, the most unwearied attention -and patient endurance.</p> - -<p>When he was able to sit up and use his arms, he made rope-mats; by -which, with casual help from his friends, he supported his mother and -paid her rent. He always mended his own and her clothes, and allowed -no time to pass away in idleness, which he was able to employ; and so -cheerful, so thankful, and so happy did this interesting couple appear, -that it afforded a lesson of instruction to be with them. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> - -<p>Hannah, who could only distinguish the glare of noon from the gloom -of darkness, had lived so long in the forlorn tenement they then -inhabited, and knew so well all the turnings of its steep and dangerous -stairs, that she could not bear to hear the proposal from some of her -friends to provide one more comfortable. Through the latter part of the -winter, and the commencement of the spring, George's sufferings greatly -increased; he was wholly confined to his bed, and so emaciated with -pain and disease, that although he was seventeen years of age, his arms -were not thicker than an infant's.</p> - -<p>He had been a diligent reader of the Holy Scriptures; and though he -told me they had been to him a sealed book, until he was brought to -that bed of suffering, yet it was evident that his mind had long been -enabled to appropriate to his own necessities many of their precious -precepts. Though he labored under the combined effects of scrofula and -dropsy, in their highest degrees of virulence, yet I never heard him -repine; and often, while suffering extreme bodily anguish, he would -speak of the relief it afforded the poor afflicted body, to have the -mind composed and tranquil, and would say, "O, I feel like a poor worm -in the fire; yet all I desire is, to be favored with patience to bear -all my pain, and with a willing mind to wait the Master's will to take -me away."</p> - -<p>For many days and nights together he was able to obtain but little -sleep; yet he showed no marks of restlessness or discontent. Once, -calling me to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> bedside, he said, "I am afraid I am not patient -enough; but I often feel very weary, and I fear I shall wear my poor -mother out. I am more concerned for her than for myself—what should -I do for a care-taker if she were gone? She is very kind to me, and I -have many kind friends. I am afraid I am not grateful enough for all my -favors. To some, this garret would look like a dull place, but it never -looks gloomy to me; I have had more pleasure in it than I could have -had in the nicest parlor."</p> - -<p>Having called one day after he had passed a sleepless and languishing -night, I found him, with the Bible fixed before him, reading. He looked -animated, and said, "I always loved to read the Bible, but I never -understood it until very lately; now I understand it, and I find that -religion and pleasure are in no way inconsistent. I feel now that I -shall never recover. I am willing to die, and I shall be happy when -I am gone from earth—but the Lord is very merciful, and can make me -happy as long as He chooses that I should stay. I have trusted in Him -through pain and through want, and I believe He will never forsake -me. My Fifth has sometimes been closely tried, but I never let go my -confidence."</p> - -<p>His disease now rapidly increased, and with it his suffering. On -the 23d of Fifth month, he conversed a long time with the doctor, -and seemed more comfortable than usual; but he passed a sleepless -and distressing night. The next day, he was able to take but little -nourishment, owing to the great soreness of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> his mouth and throat, but -he could converse intelligibly, and seemed anxious to do so. About two -o'clock this day, I found him in great pain, but quite tranquil in mind.</p> - -<p>On my going to him, he said, "My sufferings are now nearly over; I -shall not live many days—not more than two. The Lord's time has nearly -come, and then He will take me where I shall never suffer any more. O, -how marvellous His mercy is, to look down upon such a polluted sinner -as I am!</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'I the worst of sinners am,</div> -<div>But Jesus came to save me.'—</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>Yes, He will save me—I know it. I have a hope—a pretty certain -hope—O, it is a very certain hope—it is a very sure hope." He then in -a low and indistinct voice, supplicated for many minutes; after which -he said, "I have been talking to my Saviour."</p> - -<p>Not expecting him to hear, I asked his mother if he had always been a -serious boy; but before she could reply, George said, "No! I was always -bad, always wicked; but since I was brought to this bed of sickness, -I have sought for repentance, and I have found it: my sins were as -scarlet, but now they are washed as white as snow. But it is all mercy, -pure mercy; we have no righteousness of our own to depend upon—no -works, no merit of our own will avail us at such a time as this. If -these were all we had to look to, we should never be saved. But this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> -is what Jesus came into the world for—to save us poor sinners; and -salvation belongs to Him alone."</p> - -<p>After this, he desired me to read to him in the Bible—said he would -like to hear me read in the Psalms, where David deplored his sins. I -did so, and he afterward composed himself and slept a few minutes; but -the pain soon awoke him, and he said, "I hope my patience will hold -out—I must not get impatient so near the end."</p> - -<p>On the 25th, his sufferings greatly increased, and on the afternoon of -the 26th, he was unable longer to speak, but he appeared to be sensible -of what was passing, and to know those about him. He several times -embraced his mother very tenderly and wept. The impress which the pain -and anguish of the preceding day had left upon his countenance, now -yielded to a placid and heavenly serenity; and his breath continued to -shorten, until he ceased to breathe.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>LOTT CAREY.</h2> - -<p class="center">PRINCIPALLY FROM GURLEY'S LIFE OF ASHMUN.</p> - -<p>This interesting individual was born a slave, on the estate of William -A. Christian, in Charles City county, about thirty miles below -Richmond. In 1804, he was sent to that city, and hired out by the year -as a common laborer at the Shockoe warehouse.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> At that time, and for -two or three years after, he was excessively profane, and much addicted -to intoxication.</p> - -<p>But God, who is rich in mercy, was pleased to awaken him to a sense of -his lost estate; and in the year 1807, he made open profession of his -faith in the Saviour. A sermon which he heard about that time, founded -on our Lord's interview with Nicodemus, awakened in him so strong a -desire to be able to read and write, that he obtained a Testament, and -commenced learning his letters, by trying to read the chapter in which -that interview is recorded.</p> - -<p>He was occasionally instructed by young gentlemen at the warehouse, -though he never attended a regular school. In a little time, he was -able to read and write, so as to make dray tickets, and superintend -the shipping of tobacco. In this business, and in overseeing the labor -of the other hands in the warehouse, he was particularly useful; so -much so, that he received 800 dollars salary in 1820, the last year he -remained there; and he could have received a larger sum, if he would -have continued.</p> - -<p>In the year 1813, he bought himself and his two little children (his -wife being dead) for 850 dollars, and thus became free. The manner -in which he obtained this sum of money to purchase himself and his -children, reflects much credit on his character. It will be seen from -the salary he received after he was free, and which he relinquished for -the sake of doing good in Africa, that his services at the warehouse -were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> highly estimated; but of their real value, no one except a dealer -in tobacco can form an idea. Notwithstanding the hundreds of hogsheads -that were committed to his charge, he could produce any one the instant -it was called for; and the shipments were made with a promptness and -correctness, such as no person has equalled in the same situation. For -this correctness and fidelity, he was highly esteemed, and frequently -rewarded by the merchant with a five-dollar note. He was allowed also -to sell for his benefit many small parcels of waste tobacco. It was -by saving the little sums obtained in this way, with the aid of a -subscription by the merchants to whose interests he had been attentive, -that he procured these 850 dollars which he paid for the freedom of -himself and children. When the colonists were fitted out for Africa, -he defrayed a considerable part of his own expense. With a design to -improve his condition, he emigrated to Africa among the first settlers -of Liberia, where he was the means of doing much good to both colonists -and natives.</p> - -<p>In reply to one of his friends, who desired to know what inducement he -had for going to Africa, when he was already so comfortably situated, -he said, "I am an African; and in this country, however meritorious my -conduct and respectable my character, I cannot receive the credit due -to either. I wish to go to a country where I shall be estimated by my -merits, not by my complexion. And I likewise feel bound to labor for my -suffering race." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p> - -<p>Soon after he made a profession of religion he commenced holding -meetings and exhorting among the colored people; and, though he had -scarcely any knowledge of books, and but little acquaintance with -mankind, he would frequently exhibit a boldness of thought, and a -strength of native intellect, which no acquirement could ever have -given him.</p> - -<p>At the close of his farewell sermon, on his departure for Africa, he -remarked in substance as follows: "I am about to leave you; and I -expect to see your faces no more. I long to preach to the poor Africans -the way of life and salvation. I don't know what may befall me—whether -I may find a grave in the ocean, or among the savage men, or more -savage wild beasts, on the coast of Africa: nor am I anxious what may -become of me; I feel it my duty to go.</p> - -<p>"I very much fear that many of those who preach the gospel in this -country will blush when the Saviour calls them to give an account of -their labors in His cause, and tells them, 'I commanded you to go into -all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'" And with the -most forcible emphasis he exclaimed, "The Saviour may ask, 'Where have -you been? What have you been doing? Have you endeavored to the utmost -of your ability to fulfil the commands I gave you? or have you sought -your own gratification and your own ease, regardless of my commands?'"</p> - -<p>In his new home, his intellectual ability, firmness of purpose, -unbending integrity, correct judgment,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> and disinterested benevolence, -caused him to be beloved and respected, and gave him great influence: -and he soon rose to honorable distinction. The interests of the colony, -and the cause of his countrymen, in both Africa and America, were -very near to his heart. For them he was willing to toil, and to make -almost any sacrifice; and he frequently declared that no possessions in -America could induce him to return.</p> - -<p>He possessed a constitution peculiarily fitted for toil and exposure, -and he felt the effects of the climate perhaps less than any other -individual in the colony. During the sickly season of the year, he -was usually wholly employed in attending the sick; and for more than -a year, they had no other physician among them. The little medical -information he had obtained from Dr. Ayres and others on the coast, -together with several years' experience, enabled him successfully to -contend with the peculiar fevers of the climate.</p> - -<p>Under date of March 12th, 1824, shortly after the arrival of the Cyrus -with 105 emigrants, he wrote: "The fever began about the 24th ult., -and on the 28th we had thirty-eight cases; and by the 2d inst. we had -sixty-six under the operation of medicine; and at present, I have about -a hundred cases of fever to contend with; but we have been very much -favored, for they all appear to be on the recovery, and we have lost -none, saving three children. I have very little time to write to you, -myself being the only man<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> that will venture to act in the capacity of -a physician."</p> - -<p>The managers of the American Colonization Society, in 1825, invited -Carey to visit the United States, in the expectation that his -intelligent and candid statements, concerning the condition and -prospects of the colony and the moral wants of Africa, would exert -a beneficial influence on the opinions of the people of color, and -recommend the cause of the society to the public regard.</p> - -<p>In the month of April, 1826, he made arrangements to embark in the -Indian Chief, on her return from taking a large number of emigrants -to the colony, and received from Ashmun testimonials of his worth and -services. The following is an extract from a letter from Ashmun to the -managers of the Colonization Society:</p> - -<p>"The Rev. Lott Carey has, in my opinion, some claims on the justice of -the society, or the government of the United States, or both, which -merit consideration. These claims arise out of a long and faithful -course of medical services rendered to this colony. More than one-half -of his time has been given up to the care of the sick, from the day -I landed in Africa to the very moment of stating the fact. He has -personally aided, in every way that fidelity and benevolence could -dictate, in all the attentions which our sick have in so long a period -received.</p> - -<p>"Several times have these disinterested labors reduced him to the very -verge of the grave. He has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> hitherto received no compensation, either -from the society or the government, for these services. I need <i>not</i> -add, that it has not been in his power to support himself and family, -by any use he could make of the remnants of the time left him, after -discharging the amount of duties devolving upon him. In addition, he -has the care of the liberated Africans."</p> - -<p>Until near the time of the Indian Chief's departure, he cherished -the hope of embarking in her for America. But as there was no other -physician in the colony, it was finally thought best for him to -postpone his departure until another opportunity.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding he on one occasion manifested a disposition for -insubordination, yet, like a wise man and a Christian, he soon saw his -error, and acknowledged it with humility and submission. He was elected -in September, 1826, to the vice-agency of the colony, and discharged -the duties of that important office until his death.</p> - -<p>In his good sense, moral worth, public spirit, courage, resolution, and -decision, the colonial agent had perfect confidence. He knew that in -times of difficulty or of danger, full reliance might be placed upon -the energy and efficiency of Carey.</p> - -<p>When compelled, in the early part of 1828, to leave the colony, Ashmun -committed the administration of the colonial affairs into the hands of -the vice-agent, in the full belief that no interest would be betrayed, -but that his efforts would be constantly and anxiously directed to the -promotion of the public good. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p> - -<p>Soon after Carey wrote thus: "Feeling very sensibly my incompetency -to enter upon the duties of my office, without first making all the -officers of the colony well acquainted with the principal objects which -should engage our attention, I invited them to meet at the Agency House -on the 27th, at nine o'clock, which was punctually attended to, and I -then read all the instructions left by Mr. Ashmun, without reserve, -and requested their co-operation. To get the new settlers located on -their lands, was a very important item in my instructions; and I trust, -through the blessing of the great Ruler of events, we shall be able to -realize all the expectations of Mr. Ashmun."</p> - -<p>He soon purchased a large tract of land for the Colonization Society of -the native kings; and further said, "Captain Russell will be able to -give something like a fair account of the state of our improvements, as -he went with me to visit the settlements, and seemed pleased with the -prospect at Millsburg, Caldwell, and the Halfway Farms."</p> - -<p>For about six months after the departure of Ashmun from the colony, -Carey stood at its head, and conducted himself with such energy and -wisdom as to do honor to his previous reputation, and fix the seal upon -his enviable fame. But, alas! he was suddenly and unexpectedly, and -in a distressing manner, forced from life, in all its vigor, by the -explosion of gunpowder, on the 8th of November, in which eight persons -lost their lives. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> - -<p>Carey was thrice married, and thrice he was left a widower. His first -wife died, as before related, previous to his becoming free. His second -wife died at Foura Bay, near Sierra Leone, shortly after arriving in -Africa. Of her triumphant death, he has given a most affecting account -in his journal of that date. His third wife died at Cape Montserado. -She was the daughter of Richard Sampson, from Petersburg.</p> - -<p>It has been very well said of Carey, that he was one of nature's -noblemen. Had he possessed the advantages of education, few men of -his age would have excelled him in knowledge or genius. To found a -Christian colony which might prove a blessed asylum to his degraded -brethren in America, and enlighten and regenerate Africa, was, in his -view, an object with which no temporal good, not even life, could be -compared.</p> - -<p>The strongest sympathies of his nature were excited in behalf of his -unfortunate people, and the divine promise cheered and encouraged him -in his labors for their improvement and salvation. A main pillar in the -society and church of Liberia has fallen! But we will not despond. The -memorial of his worth shall never perish. It shall stand in a clearer -light, when every chain is broken, and Christianity shall have assumed -her sway over the millions of Africa.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE GOOD MASTER AND HIS FAITHFUL SLAVE.</h2> - -<p class="center">Translated from the French.</p> - -<p>Warner Mifflin, for his candor, affability, and knowledge, was ranked -among those who are an honor to their country and their age. He had -received from his father thirty-seven negroes, old and young. The day -that he had fixed upon for their emancipation being come, he called -one after another into his chamber, and this was the conversation that -passed with one of them:</p> - -<p>"Well, my friend James, how old art thou?" "I am twenty-nine and a -half years old, master." "Thou shouldst have been free, as thy white -brethren are, at twenty-one. Religion and humanity enjoin me this day -to give thee thy liberty, and justice requires me to pay thee for -eight and a half years' service, at the rate of twenty-one pounds -and five shillings per annum, including in it thy food and raiment, -making altogether a sum of ninety-five pounds, twelve shillings, and -sixpence owing to thee; but as thou art young and healthy, thou hadst -better work for thy living: my intention is to give thee a bond for it, -bearing interest at the rate of seven per cent.</p> - -<p>"Thou hast now no master but God and the laws. Go into the next room; -thou wilt find there thy late mistress and my nephew; they are engaged -in writing thy manumission. May God bless thee, James! Be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> wise and -industrious; in all thy trials, thou wilt find a friend in thy old -master."</p> - -<p>James, surprised at a scene so new and affecting, shed many tears; -astonishment, gratitude, and a variety of feelings, shook his frame. -He shed a flood of tears, and could scarcely articulate these words: -"Ah, my master! why do you give me my liberty? I have always had what -I wanted: we have worked together in the fields, and I have worked as -much for myself as for you.</p> - -<p>"I have eaten of the same food, and been clothed like you—and we have -gone together on foot to meeting. We have the Sabbath to ourselves: we -don't lack any thing. When we are sick, our good and tender mistress -comes to our bedside, always saying something consolatory to us. Ah, my -dear master! when I am free, where shall I go? and when I am sick—"</p> - -<p>"Thou shalt be as the whites; thou shalt hire with those who will -give thee generous wages: in a few years, thou shalt purchase a piece -of land, marry a wife, wise and industrious as thyself, and rear up -children, as I have reared thee, in the fear of the Lord and love of -labor. After having lived free and happy, thou shalt die in peace.</p> - -<p>"Thou <i>must</i> accept liberty, James; it is a great while since it was -due to thee. Would to God, the Father of all men, that the whites had -never thought of trading in thy African brethren; may He inspire all -men with the desire of following our example.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> We, who regard liberty -as the first of blessings, why should we refuse it to those who live -among us?"</p> - -<p>"Ah, my master! you are so good is the reason I wish not to leave -you—<i>I have never been a slave</i>. You have never spoken to me but as -you speak to white men; I have lacked nothing, either in sickness or in -health; I have never worked more than your neighbors, who have worked -for themselves.</p> - -<p>"I have been richer than many whites—to some of whom I have lent -money. And my good and tender mistress never commands us to do -anything, but makes us do everything by only saying, 'Please to do it.' -How shall I leave you? give me by the year what you will, in the name -of a freeman or a slave, it is of little consequence to me—I shall -never be happy but with you—I will never leave you."</p> - -<p>"Well, James, I consent to what thou desirest; after thy manumission -shall have passed through the necessary forms, I will hire thee by the -year; but take at least one of relaxation; it is a great epoch of thy -life; celebrate it with joy, and rest by doing whatsoever thou wilt."</p> - -<p>"No master! it is seed time—I will take my pleasure another time—one -day only shall be a holiday in my family. Then, since you will have it -so, I will accept my liberty; and my first action, as a free man, is -to take your hand, my master, press it between mine, and lay it on my -heart, where the attachment and gratitude of James will not cease until -that ceases to beat; and until that moment be assured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> that no laborer -in the county of Kent will be more industrious than he who henceforth -shall be called <span class="smcap">Faithful James</span>."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>EZEKIEL COSTON.</h2> - -<p>Aged upwards of eighty-three years, related to Samuel Canby, of -Wilmington, Delaware, in 1825, the following circumstances of his -freedom from his master, the late Warner Mifflin, a Quaker: and it may -be observed, that he always supported an unblemished character:</p> - -<p>That he was born a slave in the family of Daniel Mifflin, of Accomack -county, Virginia, with whom he lived until about twenty years of age; -about which period Warner Mifflin (son of Daniel) married a daughter -of John Kensey's, of West River, Maryland, and settled near Camden, in -the State of Delaware. Ezekiel, and five other slaves, were given him -by his father; there were also a number of slaves belonging to his wife -brought into the family.</p> - -<p>He lived with Warner Mifflin about eighteen months, when he put him on -a plantation of his to work it, about six miles from his residence, -where he continued about four years a slave. At this period Ezekiel was -informed by his master that he had concluded to set his slaves free; -and very soon after his master came to his residence, and calling him -from the field<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> where he was ploughing, they sat down together, when -he told Ezekiel his mind had long been uneasy with holding slaves, and -that he must let him go.</p> - -<p>Ezekiel was so well satisfied with his present situation, that he told -his master he could not leave him. Their conversation on the subject -produced such feelings of tenderness that they <i>both wept much</i>. -Finally, as an inducement to comply, his master told him he might -remain on the farm, and they entered into a mutual engagement, which -was carried into effect, and Ezekiel continued to live on the farm -fourteen years, when his master gave him a piece of land, upon which he -built a house, where he remained until he came into the neighborhood -of Wilmington, where and in that town he has resided until the present -time.</p> - -<p>After relating the foregoing narrative, he was inquired of respecting -the account entitled "The Good Master and his Faithful Slave"—a -circumstance which took place about the time of his being liberated, -and in the same family—to which he bore the following testimony, -shedding many tears while the reader was pursuing the theme, saying, -"It is just so, poor Jem and I lived together with master, and worked -together in harmony. How well I remember when Jem told me that Master -Mifflin had done the same by him as he had done for me.</p> - -<p>"It is all true—mistress brought a number of slaves with her into the -family, after master married her—one of them was my wife—all the rest -of us, making, I suppose about thirty, were given by old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> master to -Master Warner, who is now an angel in heaven. Oh, how it comforts me -to believe that, after suffering a few more pains, I shall live with -him for ever in communion sweet! We were brought up children together, -slept together, eat at the same table, and never quarrelled."</p> - -<p>The dear old man seems indeed like one waiting with Christian -resignation for an entrance into the heavenly kingdom. I have no doubt -of the correctness of his testimony. He appears to have as perfect -a recollection of the days of his childhood as though they had just -passed.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>AN ANECDOTE,</h2> - -<p class="center">Communicated to a Friend on the way from Charleston to Savannah by a -Fellow-Passenger.</p> - -<p>A slave belonging to his grandmother was carried off when a boy by the -British, in the time of the revolutionary war, to Nova Scotia, where he -lived several years; but he did not forget his old home and friends, -and he returned to his mistress, giving himself up as a slave. But she, -not having employment for him, talked of selling him. He told her if -she did, he was determined to destroy himself, for that it was nothing -but his attachment to the family that brought him back. He was then -suffered to work out, paying a certain part of his wages to his owner. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> - -<p>The family soon after became embarrassed; and one of the grandsons was -sent to the West Indies to a relation. Just as he was embarking, the -faithful black put into his hand a purse containing all his little -earnings, and insisted upon his young master's taking it, saying he had -no use for the money himself, and his master might want it in a strange -country, away from his friends. The slave, still living in Charleston, -was suffered to work for himself. He has had repeated offers of his -liberty, but he prefers living in the family that brought him up.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE COLORED FOUNDLING.</h2> - -<p>A poor, but honest and respectable old man, whose name was Hector, -resided in Philadelphia. He and his wife lived on the scanty earnings -of their own hands, in a very small cottage. One evening, at a late -hour, a woman of their own color, with an infant, stopped at their -dwelling and asked for a night's lodging, to which his wife answered, -"We can't lodge you, we got but one bed." "Oh," said the old man, -seeing her a stranger and in difficulty, "let her tag [stay], she sleep -in de bed with you, I go make a bed on de floor—must not turn her out -o' doors."</p> - -<p>The woman accordingly stayed; and in the night, Hector was awakened -by the cries of the child. He arose to ascertain the cause of it, and -found the mother was gone; on which he aroused his wife, saying,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> -"Well, Sukey, you see de woman has gone off and lef' de child for you." -"Oh," said his wife, "what shall we do now? She never come again." -"Well," returned Hector, "then you must take care of him: who knows God -Almighty send him here for something—may be to take care of us in our -old age—must not turn him out o' doors."</p> - -<p>So they fed and nourished it with milk from the market—the old man -going regularly to procure it. No one appearing, the child became their -adopted. When he had attained the age of eight or nine years, proving -an active lad, they put him to a chimney sweeper, as the most likely -way for him to become early useful, and he soon contributed a little to -his guardian's subsistence.</p> - -<p>They at length grew quite infirm, and the wife died. After which, the -neighbors, thinking it too much for the lad to have the whole care of -the old man, prevailed on him to go to the Bettering House. When there -the boy did not forsake but frequently visited him, and continued to -add to his support until he died; a few days after which the lad died -also, having grown up beloved and respected.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE GRATEFUL NEGRO.</h2> - -<p>Some years since, a gentleman, who was the possessor of considerable -property, from various causes became embarrassed in his circumstances -and was arrested by his creditors, and confined in the king's bench -prison; whence there was no probability of his being liberated, unless -some law proceedings (upon his succeeding in which the recovery of a -great part of his property depended) were decided in his favor.</p> - -<p>Thus situated, he called a colored man who had for many years served -him with the greatest faithfulness, and said, "Robert, you have lived -with me many years, but I am now unable to maintain you any longer; you -must leave me, and endeavor to find another master."</p> - -<p>The poor man, well remembering his master's kindness, replied, "No, -massa, me no leave you; you maintain me many years, me now try what -I can do for you." Robert then went and procured employment as a day -laborer, and regularly brought his earnings to his master; on which, -though small, they managed to subsist for some time, until the law-suit -was decided in the master's favor, and he thereby regained possession -of a very considerable property.</p> - -<p>Mindful of his faithful servant, one of his first acts was to settle an -annuity upon him for the remainder of his life, sufficient to secure -to the poor fellow the enjoyment of those comforts he had so well -deserved.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> This little anecdote may afford instruction both to the -nominal and professing Christian: let the former inquire, Should I have -acted thus, if in a similar situation?</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE FAITHFUL NURSE.</h2> - -<p class="center">FROM THE LADIES' MONTHLY MUSEUM.</p> - -<p>In the dreadful earthquake which made such ravages in the island of St. -Domingo, in the year 1770, a colored nurse found herself alone in the -house of her master and mistress, with the youngest child, which she -nursed. The house shook to its foundation. Every one had taken flight; -she alone could not escape, without leaving her infant charge in danger.</p> - -<p>She flew to the chamber, where it lay in the most profound sleep. At -the moment the walls of the house fell in, anxious only for the safety -of her foster child, she threw herself over it, and serving as a sort -of arch, saved it from destruction. The child was indeed saved; but the -unfortunate nurse died soon after, the victim of her fidelity.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p> - -<h2>COFFIN.</h2> - -<p class="center">FROM DR. MOYES'S LECTURES.</p> - -<p>During the late war a gentleman and his wife were going from the East -Indies to England. His wife died on the passage, and left two infants, -the charge of which fell to a colored boy about seventeen years of age. -The gentleman, for some reason which I do not recollect, went on board -the vessel of the commodore of the fleet in which they sailed. There -came on a violent storm, and the vessel which the children were on -board of was on the point of being lost.</p> - -<p>They despatched a boat from the commodore's vessel, to save as many as -they could. They had almost filled the boat, and there was room enough -for the infants, or the negro boy. What did he do? He did not hesitate -a moment, but put the children into the boat, and said, "Tell my master -that Coffin has done his duty;" and that instant he was received into -the bosom of the ocean, never more to return. The queen requested the -celebrated poetess, Hannah Moore, to write an epic poem on it, but -she wisely declined it, saying that no art could embellish so noble a -sentiment.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> - -<h2>JAMES DERHAM,</h2> - -<p>Originally a slave in Philadelphia, was sold by his master to a -physician, who employed him in his shop as assistant in the preparation -of drugs. During the war between America and England he was sold to a -surgeon, and by that surgeon to Dr. Robert Dove, of New Orleans. He -learned the English, French, and Spanish languages, so as to speak them -with ease.</p> - -<p>He was received a member of the English church; and in the year 1788, -when he was about twenty-one years of age, he became one of the most -distinguished physicians in New Orleans. "I conversed with him on -medicine," says Dr. Rush, and "found him very learned. I thought I -could give <i>him</i> information concerning the treatment of diseases, but -I learned more from him than he could expect from me."</p> - -<p>The Pennsylvania Society, established in favor of the people of color, -thought it their duty, in 1789, to publish these facts, which are also -related by Dickson, page 184. In the Domestic Medicine of Buchan, and -in a work of Duplaint, we find accounts of a cure for the bite of the -rattlesnake. I know not whether Derham was its discoverer, but it is a -well-known fact that one of his color did make such a discovery, for -which he received, from the General Assembly of Carolina, his freedom -and an annuity of a hundred pounds sterling.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE AFRICAN PRINCE.</h2> - -<p>In the most flourishing period of the reign of Louis XIV. two African -youths, the sons of a prince, being brought to the court of France, -the king appointed a Jesuit to instruct them in letters and in the -Christian religion; and gave to each of them a commission in his -guards. The elder, who was remarkable for candor and ingenuousness, -made great improvement, more particularly in the doctrines of religion.</p> - -<p>A brutal officer, upon some dispute, insulted him with a blow. The -gallant youth never so much as offered to resent it. A person who was -his friend took an opportunity to talk with him that evening alone -upon his behavior, which he told him was too tame, especially in a -soldier. "Is there then," said the young African, "one revelation for -soldiers, and another for merchants and gownsmen? The good father to -whom I owe all my knowledge, has earnestly inculcated in me forgiveness -of injuries; assuring me that a Christian was by no means to retaliate -abuses of any kind."</p> - -<p>"The good father," replied his friend, "may fit you for a monastery, -by his lessons, but never for the army and the rules of a court. In a -word," continued he, "if you do not call the colonel to an account, you -will be branded with the infamy of cowardice, and have your commission -taken from you." "I would fain," said the young man, "act consistently -in every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> thing; but since you press me with that regard to my honor -which you have always shown, I will wipe off so foul a stain; though I -must own I gloried in it before."</p> - -<p>Immediately upon this, he desired his friend to go from him and appoint -the aggressor to meet him early in the morning. Accordingly, they met -and fought, and the brave African youth disarmed his adversary, and -forced him to ask his pardon publicly. This done, the next day he threw -up his commission, and desired the king's leave to return to his father.</p> - -<p>At parting, he embraced his brother and his friends, with tears in his -eyes, saying that he had not imagined Christians to be so unaccountable -a people; that he could not apprehend their faith could be of any use -to them, if it did not influence their practice; and that, in his -country, they thought it no dishonor to act according to the principles -of their religion.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>UNCLE HARRY.</h2> - -<p class="center">FROM THE LITERARY AND EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE, 1824.</p> - -<p>Late in the last autumn it was my privilege (says the author) to spend -a few hours in the hospitable mansion of the Rev. S. B. W., of F. I -arrived at his house very early in the morning, just before the family -assembled to perform their customary <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>devotions. On the signal being -given, the children and domestics came into the room where we were -sitting.</p> - -<p>Among the latter, there was a very aged colored man, whom every one -called Uncle Harry. As soon as he entered, I observed that Mr. W. and -his lady treated him with marked attention and kindness. The morning -was sharp and frosty, and Uncle Harry had a chair in the corner, close -to the fire.</p> - -<p>The portion of Scripture selected for the service was the second -chapter of Luke. I observed that the attention of Harry was deeply -fixed, and he soon began to manifest strong emotions. The old man's eye -kindled as the reader went on, and when he came to the tenth verse, -Harry appeared as though his heart was tuned to the angelic song, and -he could hardly help uttering a shout of triumph.</p> - -<p>There was not, however, the smallest ostentation of feeling, or -endeavor to attract attention. He only, in a gentle manner, turned his -face upward, strongly clasping his hands as they lay on his lap, and -expressing by his countenance the joy of his heart. By this time he had -interested me so highly that I could not keep my eyes from him.</p> - -<p>I watched the varying expressions of his countenance, and saw that -every word seemed to strike on his heart, and produce a corresponding -emotion. I thought I would give the world, if I could <i>read</i> the Bible -just as Harry <i>heard</i> it. While I was thinking, and looking on with -intense interest, the reader came to the passage where old Simeon saw -the infant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> Saviour, took him in his arms, blessed God, and said, -"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have -seen thy salvation."</p> - -<p>Harry's emotion had become stronger and stronger, until the words -just quoted were read, when he was completely overpowered. Suddenly -turning on his seat, to hide as much as possible his feelings, he bent -forward and burst into a flood of tears; but they were tears of joy. -He anticipated his speedy peaceful departure and his final rest. This -state of feeling continued during the remainder of the service, and -when we rose from our knees, Uncle Harry's face seemed literally to -have been bathed in tears.</p> - -<p>As soon as we had risen, the old man came toward me with a countenance -beaming with joy. "This," said Mr. W., addressing me, "is <i>Uncle -Harry</i>." He reached out his hand and said: "Oh, why did my God bring -me here to-day, to hear what I have heard, and see this salvation?" I -asked: "Are you as ready to depart, Uncle Harry, as good old Simeon -was, of whom we read in this chapter?" I shall never forget his look of -humble, joyful submission, when he replied, "Just when it shall please -my blessed Lord and Master." "You hope to go to heaven?" "Through -divine mercy, I do." "What is the foundation of that hope?" "The -righteousness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."</p> - -<p>On perceiving that I wished to converse with the old man, Mr. W. said, -with a kindness which showed that he recognized Harry as a Christian -brother, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> respected his age: "Come, take your seat again, Uncle -Harry, and sit up near the fire." He accepted the invitation, and I -entered into conversation, which afforded me higher pleasure than I -ever enjoyed in the circles of fashion, beauty, wit and learning. I -here send you some of the most interesting particulars.</p> - -<p>"How old are you, Uncle Harry?" "Why, as nigh as I can tell, I am -eighty-nine or thereabout." "Where were you born?" "At Port Tobacco, in -Maryland." "And who had you to preach the gospel to you there?" "Ah, we -had no preacher of the gospel there at that time." "Then it was after -you left Port Tobacco that you embraced religion, was it?" "No, sir, it -was while I lived there, and I will tell you how it was: A great many -years ago there was one Dr. Whitefield, that travelled all through this -country, preaching the gospel everywhere; I dare say you have heard of -Dr. Whitefield, he was a most powerful preacher.</p> - -<p>"Well, as I was saying, he went through Maryland, but his place of -preaching was so far off that I did not hear of it until he was gone. -But not long afterwards I met a man, an acquaintance of mine, who did -hear him. He told me about the sermon; and what I heard opened my eyes -to see that I was a poor lost sinner; and ever since that time I have -been determined to seek Jesus as my Saviour, and to spend my life in -His service."</p> - -<p>Happy Whitefield! thought I, and greatly honored<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> of thy Master, who -has used thee as His instrument in saving so many souls. "But," said I, -"how old were you then?" "Why, as nigh as I can guess, I was somewhere -about sixteen or seventeen years old." "And have you never repented of -this resolution?" "No, indeed, master; I have never repented of any -thing, but that I have served my blessed Saviour so poorly."</p> - -<p>"But have you not met many trials and difficulties by the way?" "Yes, -indeed, master; but out of them all the Lord has delivered me; and -having obtained help of God, I continue to this day: blessed be His -name; He never will leave me or forsake me; I have good hope of that."</p> - -<p>"Well, how did you obtain religious instruction where you lived, as you -say there was no preacher of the gospel in the neighborhood?" "Why, by -the mercy of my God, I learned to read the Bible; and that showed me -the way to Jesus. But now I think of it, when the Roman Catholics heard -that I was concerned about my soul, they sent for me, and tried hard to -get me to join them.</p> - -<p>"There was a priest at Port Tobacco, whose name was Mr. O'Neal; he -talked to me a great deal. I remember he said to me one day, 'Harry, -now you are concerned about your soul, you must come and join the -Catholic church.' 'What for,' said I, 'Mr. O'Neal?' 'Because,' said -he, 'it is the true church.' 'Then,' said I, 'if the Catholic church -will lead me to Jesus, I will join it with all my heart, for that is -all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> I want;' and Mr. O'Neal said, 'If you will join the church, I -will warrant that you shall go to heaven.' 'How can you do that, Mr. -O'Neal?' said I.</p> - -<p>"Then he told me that a great many years ago our Saviour came into the -world, and He chose twelve apostles, and made St. Peter their head; -and the Pope succeeded St. Peter; and so all that join the Pope belong -to the true church. 'Then,' said I, 'why, how do you know that, Mr. -O'Neal?' 'Because,' said he, 'our Saviour told Peter, I give you the -keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth shall -be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed -in heaven.'</p> - -<p>"And I said, 'The Lord knows how it is, Mr. O'Neal; I am a poor -ignorant creature, but it always did seem to me that Peter was nothing -but a man, like the other apostles;' but Mr. O'Neal said, 'No, he was -the head and chief of the apostles; for our Saviour said again, Thou -art Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of -hell shall not prevail against it.' And I asked him, 'Now, do you think -Peter was that rock, Mr. O'Neal?' He answered, 'To be sure he was;' and -I said again, 'The Lord knows how it is; but it never did seem so to me.</p> - -<p>"'Now I think it was just so—when Peter said, Thou art the Christ, the -Son of the living God, our Saviour told him, Thou <i>art Peter</i>,'" (while -the old man repeated the words, <i>Thou art Peter</i>, he pointed his finger -at me, and looked me directly in the face,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> but as soon as he began the -following part of the quotation he brought his hand briskly down to -his knee, saying with emphasis, as he looked at himself), "'and upon -this rock will I build My church; and that rock was Christ; for it is -written in another place, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, -elect, precious; and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded; -and that corner-stone is Christ.'</p> - -<p>"Then Mr. O'Neal said to me, 'Why, Harry, where did you learn that?' I -said, 'From my Bible.' 'Oh!' said he, 'you have no business with the -Bible; it will confuse and frustrate you.' But I said, 'It tells me of -my Saviour.' Then a gentleman, who was sitting by, said, 'Oh! you might -as well let him alone, Mr. O'Neal; you cannot make anything of him;' -and from that time I never had any desire to join the Roman Catholics."</p> - -<p>The narrative, of the truth of which I could not entertain a moment's -doubt, showed a promptness of reply and an acquaintance with the -Scriptures which truly surprised me, and I remarked, "I suppose, Uncle -Harry, you take great pleasure in reading the Bible?" "Ah, master! when -I could read, it was the pleasure of my life. But I am old now; and my -book is so rubbed that the print is dim, and I can scarcely make out to -read a word."</p> - -<p>On this, Mr. W. said, "Well, Uncle Harry, you shall have a new Bible. -Do you call on Mr. ——, when you go down town, and he will give you a -new one from the Bible Society." Harry bowed, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>expressed gratitude -for the kindness, but did not manifest as much pleasure as I expected, -considering how highly he professed to value the Bible. While I was -wondering, and rather sorrowing on the account, I observed the old man -to be feeling, with an air of embarrassment, in his pocket.</p> - -<p>At length he pulled out an old tattered case, which appeared to have -been long in use, and observed, "This new Bible will not be of much -use to me, because my spectacles are so bad that they help me very -little in reading." With that he opened his case, and showed a pair of -spectacles of the cheapest sort, of which one glass was broken, and the -other so scratched, that it was wonderful that he could see through it -at all.</p> - -<p>Mr. W. no sooner observed this than he said, "Well, Uncle Harry, you -must have a new pair; do call at Mr. ——'s store, and tell him to let -you have a pair suited to your age, and I will settle with him about -it." On hearing this, Harry's eyes gleamed with joy, and he exclaimed, -"Thank God! God bless you, master! Now I shall have comfort again in -reading the Bible." And I never saw a happier, or a more grateful -countenance.</p> - -<p>Presently, he said the wagon would soon call for him to take him home, -and he must go down town, and be getting ready: on which he again -thanked his friend, and invoked a blessing on him and his family. He -then affectionately and respectfully took me by the hand, and said, "I -never saw you before, and I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> never shall see you again in this world; -but I love you as a minister of my blessed Lord and Master, and I hope -that I shall meet you in the house above. Remember and pray for poor -old Harry."</p> - -<p>I squeezed his hand, and assured him of my affectionate remembrance, -and requested that he would pray for me, and for the preachers of the -Gospel generally. "Oh!" said he, "may God Almighty bless all the dear -ministers of Christ, and enable them to call many poor sinners to the -dear Saviour! Oh! I do love to hear of souls coming to Christ; and it -is my daily prayer—Thy kingdom come, and Thy will be done on earth, as -it is done in heaven!" With that the old man took leave.</p> - -<p>I confess that I have often since wished to see him and hold communion -with him. There was about him a spirit of piety and benevolence, -of humble zeal and fervent hope, of meekness and submission, which -I have rarely seen equalled. At the same time, there was a degree -of intelligence, an extent of religious knowledge, which, in his -condition, really surprised and delighted me.</p> - -<p>I saw here one of the triumphs of divine grace. I was made to -appreciate the value and the excellence of that religion which could -take a poor slave, and so transform him, that he was well nigh fitted -to be a companion of saints in light, and of just men made perfect. -And since I saw him, I have often prayed that after the days of my -wandering shall be over, and all the sufferings of my life shall -be endured, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> may obtain a share in the rest, and a lot in the -inheritance, which I have no doubt are prepared for Uncle Harry.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE HOSPITABLE NEGRO WOMAN.</h2> - -<p>The enterprising traveller, Mungo Park, was employed by the African -Association to explore the interior regions of Africa. In this -hazardous undertaking, he encountered many dangers and difficulties. -His wants were often supplied, and his distress alleviated, by the -kindness and compassion of negroes. He gives the following lively and -interesting account of the hospitable treatment he received from a poor -negro woman:</p> - -<p>"Being arrived at Sego, the capital of the kingdom of Bambarra, -situated on the banks of the Niger, I wished to pass over to that part -of the town in which the king resides; but from the number of persons -eager to obtain a passage, I was under the necessity of waiting two -hours. During this time the people who had crossed the river carried -information to Mansong, the king, that a white man was waiting for a -passage, and was coming over to see him.</p> - -<p>"He immediately sent over one of his chief men, who informed me that -the king could not possibly see me until he knew what had brought me -into this country, and that I must not presume to cross the river -without the king's permission. He therefore<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> advised me to lodge, for -that night, in a distant village, to which he pointed, and said that in -the morning he would give me further instruction how to conduct myself. -This was very discouraging. However, as there was no remedy, I set off -for the village; where I found, to my great mortification, that no -person would admit me into his house.</p> - -<p>"From prejudices infused into their minds, I was regarded with -astonishment and fear; and I was obliged to sit the whole day without -victuals, in the shade of a tree. The night threatened to be very -uncomfortable; the wind rose, and there was great appearance of a heavy -rain. The wild beasts too were so numerous in the neighborhood, that I -should have been under the necessity of climbing up a tree, and resting -among the branches.</p> - -<p>"About sunset, however, as I was preparing to pass the night in this -manner, and had turned my horse loose, that he might graze at liberty, -a negro woman, returning from the labors of the field, stopped to -observe me; and perceiving that I was weary and dejected, she inquired -into my situation. I briefly explained it to her; after which, with -looks of great compassion, she took up my saddle and bridle, and told -me to follow her. Having conducted me into her hut, she lighted a lamp, -spread a mat on the floor, and told me I might remain there for the -night.</p> - -<p>"Finding I was very hungry, she went out to procure me something to -eat; and returned in a short time with a very fine fish, which, having -caused it to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> be half broiled upon some embers, she gave me for supper. -The rites of hospitality being thus performed toward a stranger in -distress, my worthy benefactress (pointing to the mat, and telling -me I might sleep there without apprehension), called to the female -part of her family, who had stood gazing on me all the while in fixed -astonishment, to resume their task of spinning cotton; in which they -continued to employ themselves a great part of the night.</p> - -<p>"They lightened their labor by songs, one of which was composed -extempore; for I was myself the subject of it. It was sung by one of -the young women, the rest joining in a sort of chorus. The air was -sweet and plaintive, and the words, literally translated, were these: -'The winds roared, and the rain fell. The poor white man, faint and -weary, came and sat under our tree. He has no mother to bring him milk, -no wife to grind his corn.' <i>Chorus</i>: 'Let us pity the white man; no -mother has he to bring him milk, no wife to grind his corn.'<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>"Trifling as these events may appear to the reader, they were to me -affecting in the highest degree. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> was oppressed by such unexpected -kindness, and sleep fled from my eyes. In the morning, I presented to -my compassionate landlady two of the four brass buttons which remained -on my waistcoat; the only recompense it was in my power to make her."</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> These simple and affecting sentiments have been very -beautifully versified.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>1. The loud wind roar'd, the rain fell fast,</div> -<div>The white man yielded to the blast.</div> -<div>He sat him down beneath the tree,</div> -<div>For weary, sad, and faint was he:</div> -<div>And ah! no wife's or mother's care,</div> -<div>For him the milk or com prepare.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>The white man shall our pity share—</div> -<div>Alas! no wife's or mother's care</div> -<div>For him the milk or corn prepare.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>2. The storm is o'er, the tempest past,</div> -<div>And Mercy's voice has hush'd the blast;</div> -<div>The wind is heard in whispers low,</div> -<div>The white man far away must go;</div> -<div>But ever in his heart will bear</div> -<div>Remembrance of the negro's care.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>Go, white man, go; but with thee bear</div> -<div>The negro's wish, the negro's prayer,</div> -<div>Remembrance of the negro's care.</div> -</div></div></div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>GRATITUDE IN A LIBERATED SLAVE.</h2> - -<p>Some time in the year 1790 a member of the Manumission Society, -residing on Golden Hill (now called John Street) in New York, observed, -for a considerable time, his front porch to be scrubbed and sanded, -every Seventh-day morning before the family were up.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> He ordered a -servant to watch, and ascertain to whom he was indebted for this -singular mark of kindness.</p> - -<p>At an early hour in the morning a colored woman was observed with her -pail, brush, cloth, soap and sand, carefully performing her accustomed -task. The domestic who had been on the watch followed her home, and -requested to know her inducements for performing this service. Her -reply was, "Massa got me free, and I can do no less than scrub off the -stoop." A gratitude so genuine and untainted is rarely found among the -most polished and refined minds.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>AGNES MORRIS.</h2> - -<p>Another narrative, respecting a dying woman, displays a faith so -strong, a hope so full of immortality, as may lead the Christian reader -to exclaim, "Let my last hours be like those of this poor slave." Agnes -Morris, a poor negro woman, sent a pressing request to Mrs. Thwaites, -a lady residing in Antigua, to visit her: she was in the last stage of -dropsy.</p> - -<p>This poor creature ranked among the lowest class of slaves. Her all -consisted of a little wattled<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> hut and a few clothes. Mrs. Thwaites, -finding her at the commencement of her illness in a very destitute -condition, mentioned her case to a friend, who gave her a coat. When -she paid her last visit, on her entering the door, Agnes exclaimed, -"Missis! you come!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> This tongue can't tell what Jesus do for me! Me -call my Saviour day and night; and He come"—laying her hand on her -breast—"He comfort me here."</p> - -<p>On being asked if she was sure of going to heaven when she died, -she answered, "Yes, me sure. Me see de way clear, and shine before -me"—looking and pointing upward with a smiling face. "If di dis -minute, Jesus will take me home, me ready." Some hymns being sung, -she was in a rapture of joy; and in reference to the words of one of -them, exclaimed, "For me—for me—poor sinner!"—lifting up her swelled -hands—"what a glory! what a glory!"</p> - -<p>Seeing her only daughter weeping, she said, "What you cry for? No -cry—follow Jesus—He will take care of you." And turning to Mrs. -Thwaites, she said, "Missis, show um de path:" meaning the path to -heaven. Many other expressions fell from her of a similar nature, -to the astonishment of those who heard her. It was understood she -continued praying and praising God to her latest breath.</p> - -<p>This poor creature was destitute of all earthly comforts. Her bed was a -board, with a few plantain leaves over it. How many of these outcasts -will be translated from outward wretchedness to realms of glory, there -to mingle with the blessed, and sing praises to Hun who lives for ever!</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Plaited twigs.</p></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p> - -<h2>EXTRAORDINARY EXERTIONS TO OBTAIN LIBERTY.</h2> - -<p>That human being who would run the gauntlet for freedom so desperately -as the poor African appears to have done, whose story is given below, -surely should never again be brought under the lash of a taskmaster. -The captain of a vessel from North Carolina called upon the police for -advisement respecting a slave he had unconsciously brought away in his -vessel, under the following curious circumstances:</p> - -<p>Three or four days after he had got to sea he began to be haunted every -hour with tones of distress seemingly proceeding from a human voice in -the very lowest part of the vessel. A particular scrutiny was finally -instituted, and it was concluded that the creature, whatever or whoever -it might be, must be confined down in the run under the cabin floor; -and on boring a hole with an auger, and demanding, '<i>Who's there?</i>' -a feeble voice responded, '<i>Poor negro, massa!</i>' It was clear enough -then that some runaway negro had hid himself there before they sailed, -trusting to Providence for his ultimate escape.</p> - -<p>Having discovered him, however, it was impossible to give him relief, -for the captain had stowed even the cabin so completely full of cotton -as but just to leave room for a small table for himself and the mate to -eat on; and as for unloading at sea, that was pretty much out of the -question. Accordingly, there he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> to lie, stretched at full length, -for the tedious interval of <i>thirteen days</i>, till the vessel arrived in -port and unloaded, receiving his food and drink through the auger hole.</p> - -<p>The fellow's story is, now he is released, that, being determined to -get away from slavery, he supplied himself with eggs, and biscuit, and -some jugs of water, which latter he was just on the point of depositing -in his lurking-place, when he discovered the captain at a distance -coming on board, and had to hurry down as fast as possible and leave -them; that he lived on nothing but his eggs and biscuit till discovered -by the captain, not even getting a drop of water, except what he had -the good fortune to catch in his hand one day, when a vessel of water -in the cabin was overset, during a squall, and some of it ran down -through the cracks of the floor over him.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>WILLIAM BOWEN.</h2> - -<p>Died, near Mount Holly, New Jersey, 12th of sixth month, 1824, in the -90th year of his age, William Bowen, a man of color. The deceased -was one of those who have demonstrated the truth of that portion of -Scripture that, "in every nation, he that feareth God and worketh -righteousness is accepted with Him."</p> - -<p>He was concerned in early life to do justly, love<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> mercy, and walk -humbly with his God; and by closely attending to the light of Christ, -and faithfully abiding under the operation of that blessed spirit of -Divine Grace in his soul, he was enabled not only to bear many precious -testimonies, through his life, but to bring forth those fruits of the -Spirit which redound to the glory of God and to the salvation of the -soul.</p> - -<p>He was an exemplary member of the religious Society of Friends. As he -lived so he died, a rare pattern of a self-denying follower of Jesus -Christ. He had no apparent disease either of body or mind; and as he -expressed himself, but a short time before his death, "he felt nothing -but weakness," which continued to increase until he gently breathed his -last, and no doubt entered into his Heavenly Father's rest. "Mark the -perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>ANTHONY BENEZET.</h2> - -<p>Died, on the 3d of fifth month, 1784, Anthony Benezet, aged 71 years, a -member of the Society of Friends. It was a day of sorrow. The afflicted -widow, the unprotected orphan, and the poor of all descriptions, -had lost the sympathetic mind of Benezet. Society lamented the -extinguishment of the brilliant light of his philanthropy.</p> - -<p>The wandering tribes in the American wilderness,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> and the oppressed -Africans, were indeed bereft; for his willing pen and tongue had ceased -forever to portray the history of their injuries, or plead for the -establishment of their rights, before the sons of men.</p> - -<p>At the interment of his remains, in Friends' burial ground in -Philadelphia, was the greatest concourse of people that had ever been -witnessed on such an occasion; being a collection of all ranks and -professions among the inhabitants; thus manifesting the universal -esteem in which he was held.</p> - -<p>Among others who paid that last tribute of respect were many hundred -colored people, testifying, by their attendance and by their tears, the -grateful sense they entertained of his pious efforts in their behalf. -Having no children, by his will he bequeathed his estate to his wife -during her natural life. At her decease, he directed several small sums -to be paid to poor and obscure persons.</p> - -<p>The residue he devised in trust to the overseers of the public -school, "to hire and employ a religious-minded person or persons to -teach a number of negro, mulatto or Indian children to read, write, -arithmetic, plain accounts, needle-work, etc. And it is my particular -desire, founded on the experience I have had in that service, that, -in the choice of such tutor, special care may be taken to prefer an -industrious, careful person, of true piety, who may be or become -suitably qualified, who would undertake the service from a principle of -charity, to one more highly learned not equally disposed." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p> - -<p>He also bequeathed, as a special legacy, the sum of fifty pounds to the -Society in Pennsylvania for the promotion of the abolition of slavery. -Thus closed the life of this great and good man. Dispensing his -blessings with his own hand, he was too liberal to be a man of wealth. -He was a native of France; and in the ancient records of his family are -exhibited evidences of religious character in his predecessors.</p> - -<p>Connected with the demise of his grandfather, the event is said to be, -"to the great affliction of his children, and the universal regret of -his relatives and friends, for he was a model of virtue and purity, and -lived in the constant fear of God." Attached to the birth-note of his -grandson Anthony, are these expressions: "May God bless him, in making -him a partaker of his mercies." Though virtue is not hereditary, it -must be admitted that example is powerful.</p> - -<p>Among the productions of Anthony Benezet's pen, was, "An historical -account of Guinea, its situation, produce, and the general disposition -of its inhabitants; with an inquiry into the rise and progress of the -slave trade, its nature, and calamitous effects."</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Note from the Memoirs of A. Benezet.</i></p> - -<p>The influence of this work, in giving an impulse to the mind of -the indefatigable and benevolent Thomas Clarkson, whose exertions -contributed so much toward bringing about the abolition of the slave -trade by the British Parliament, is certainly remarkable. In the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> year -1785, Dr. Peckard, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, -proposed to the senior Bachelors of Arts, of whom Clarkson was one, the -following question for a Latin dissertation: viz. (in English), "Is it -right to make slaves of others against their will?"</p> - -<p>Having in the former year gained a prize for the best Latin -dissertation, he resolved to maintain the classical reputation he -had acquired by applying himself to the subject; but it was one with -which he was by no means familiar, and he was at a loss what authors -to consult respecting it; "when going by accident," he says, "into a -friend's house, I took up a newspaper then lying on the table.</p> - -<p>"One of the articles which attracted my notice, was an advertisement of -Anthony Benezet's historical account of Guinea. I soon left my friend -and his paper, and, to lose no time, hastened to London to buy it. -In this precious book I found almost all I wanted." The information -furnished by Benezet's book encouraged him to complete his essay, which -was rewarded with the first prize; and from that moment, Clarkson's -mind became interested with the great subject of the abolition.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> - -<h2>EXTRAORDINARY MUNIFICENCE.</h2> - -<p class="center">FROM THE GENIUS OF UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION—1825.</p> - -<p>A paragraph has lately gone the round of the papers announcing that -a gentleman of Virginia had emancipated <i>upwards of eighty slaves</i>, -and chartered a vessel to send them at his own expense to Hayti, but -without giving the name of the author of so distinguished an act of -munificence.</p> - -<p>"We think it due to justice," says the Norfolk Herald, "to supply -this deficiency, and to add the following facts, which have been -communicated to us by gentlemen familiar with them, as well as by -Captain Russell, one of the owners of the brig Hannah and Elizabeth, of -Baltimore, the vessel chartered.</p> - -<p>"The gentleman who has thus distinguished himself, is David Minge, -of Charles City county, living near Sandy Point, on James River. -Captain Russell informs us that there were put on board the Hannah and -Elizabeth eighty-seven colored people of different ages, from three -months to forty years, being all the slaves Mr. Minge owned, except two -old men, whom he had likewise manumitted, but who, being past service, -he retains and supports them.</p> - -<p>"The value of these negroes, at the prices now going, might be -estimated at about twenty-six thousand dollars! and Mr. Minge expended, -previous to their embarkation, about twelve hundred dollars in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> -purchasing ploughs, hoes, iron, and other articles of husbandry for -them; besides providing them with several suits of clothes to each, -provisions, groceries, cooking utensils, and everything which he -supposed they might require for their comfort during the passage, and -for their use after their arrival out. He also paid sixteen hundred -dollars for the charter of the vessel.</p> - -<p>"But Mr. Minge's munificence does not end here. On the bank of the -river, as they were about to go on board, he had a peck of dollars -brought down, and calling them around him, under a tree, he distributed -the hoard among them, in such sums, and under such regulations, that -each individual did, or would, receive seven dollars.</p> - -<p>"By this provision, Mr. Minge thought his emigrants would be enabled to -commence the cultivation of the soil immediately after their arrival, -without being dependent on President Boyer for any favor whatever, -unless the permission to improve the government lands be so considered.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Minge is about twenty-four or twenty-five years of age, unmarried, -and unencumbered in every respect; possesses an ample fortune, and -received the benefits of a collegiate education at Harvard University.</p> - -<p>"We have heard of splendid sacrifices at the shrine of philanthropy; -aged men, on quitting the stage of mortal existence, have bequeathed -large endowments to public charities, and princely legacies to -religious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> and moral institutions. But where shall we find an instance -of the kind attributable to a man of Mr. Minge's age? The case, we -believe, is without a parallel."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>TEMPTATION RESISTED AND HONESTY REWARDED.</h2> - -<p class="center">FROM DILLWYN'S ANECDOTES.</p> - -<p>A poor chimney sweeper's boy was employed at the house of a lady of -rank to sweep the chimney of the room in which she usually dressed. -When finding himself on the hearth of a richly-furnished dressing room, -and perceiving no one there, he waited a few moments to take a view of -the beautiful things in the apartment.</p> - -<p>A gold watch, richly set with diamonds, particularly caught his -attention, and he could not forbear taking it in his hand. Immediately -the wish rose in his mind, "Ah! if you had such a one!" After a pause, -he said to himself, "But if I take it I shall be a thief; and yet," -continued he, "nobody would know it; nobody sees me—nobody! Does not -God see me, who is present everywhere?" Overcome by these thoughts, a -cold shivering seized him. "No," said he, putting down the watch, "I -would much rather be poor, and keep my good conscience, than rich and -become a rascal." At these words he hastened back into the chimney. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> - -<p>The lady, who was in the room adjoining, having overheard the -conversation with himself, sent for him the next morning, and thus -accosted him: "My little friend, why did you not take the watch -yesterday?" The boy fell on his knees, speechless and astonished. "I -heard every thing you said," continued her ladyship; "thank God for -enabling you to resist this temptation, and be watchful over yourself -for the future: from this moment you shall be in my service: I will -both maintain and clothe you: nay, more, procure you good instruction, -which will assist to guard you from the danger of similar temptations."</p> - -<p>The boy burst into tears; he was anxious to express his gratitude, but -could not. The lady strictly kept her promise, and had the pleasure -of seeing this poor <i>chimney-sweeper</i> grow up a good, pious and -intelligent man.</p> - -<p class="space-above">An Indian, being among his white neighbors, asked for a little tobacco -to smoke, and one of them, having some loose in his pocket, gave him -a handful. The day following the Indian came back, inquiring for the -donor, saying he had found a quarter of a dollar among the tobacco. -Being told that as it was given him he might as well keep it, he -answered, pointing to his breast, "I got a good man, and a bad man -here, and the good man say, 'It ain't yours; you must return it to its -owner:' the bad man say, 'Why, he gave it to you, and it is your own -now:' the good man say, 'That's not right; the tobacco is yours, not -the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> money:' the bad man say, 'Never mind, you got it, go buy some -dram:' the good man say, 'No, you must not do so:' so I don't know what -to do, and I think I go to sleep; but the good man and the bad keep -talking all night, and trouble me; and now I bring the money back I -feel good."</p> - -<p class="space-above">Another Indian related, that, having got some money, he was, on his -way home, tempted to stop at a tavern and buy some rum; "But," said -he, pointing to his breast, "I have a good boy and a bad boy here; and -the good boy say, 'John, don't you stop there: the bad one say, 'Poh, -John, never mind, you love a good dram:' the good boy say, 'No, John, -you know what a fool you made yourself when you got drunk there before, -don't do so again.' When I come to the tavern, the bad boy say, 'Come, -John, take one dram; it won't hurt you:' the good one say, 'No, John, -if you take one dram, then you take another:' then I don't know what to -do, and the good boy say, 'Run, John, hard as you can'—so I run away, -and then, be sure, I feel very glad."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>THE GOOD OLD INDIAN.</h2> - -<p>Captain James Smith relates, that he was taken prisoner by the Indians -in the year 1755, and lived several years among them. At one time, -he lived with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> an old man named Tecaughretanego, and his little son, -Nunganny; they were quite alone, and there were not any inhabitants for -many miles around. The old man was too lame to go out hunting; it was -winter; they had no victuals; the snow was on the ground, and so frozen -as to make a great noise when walked on, which frightened away the -deer, and the captain could not shoot anything for some time.</p> - -<p>He says: "After I had hunted two days without eating anything, and -had very short allowance for some days before, I returned late in the -evening, faint and weary. When I came into our hut, the old man asked -what success. I told him not any. He asked me if I was not very hungry. -I replied that the keen appetite seemed in some measure abated, but I -was both faint and weary.</p> - -<p>"He commanded his little son to bring me something to eat; and he -brought me a kettle with some bones and broth. After eating a few -mouthfuls my appetite violently returned, and I thought the victuals -had a most agreeable relish, though it was only fox and wildcat bones, -which lay about the ground, which the ravens and turkey-buzzards had -picked; these Nunganny had collected, and boiled until the sinews that -remained on them would strip off. I speedily finished my allowance, and -when I had ended my <i>sweet</i> repast the old man asked me how I felt. I -told him I was much refreshed.</p> - -<p>"He then handed me his pipe and pouch, and told me to take a good -smoke. I did so. He then said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> he had something of importance to tell -me, if I was now composed and ready to hear it. I told him I was ready -to hear him. He said, 'The reason why I deferred my speech till now -is because few men are in a right humor to hear good talk when they -are very hungry, as they are then generally fretful and discomposed; -but as you now appear to enjoy calmness and serenity of mind, I will -communicate to you the thoughts of my heart, and those things I know to -be true.</p> - -<p>"'Brother, as you have lived with the white people, you have not had -the same advantage of knowing that the great Being above feeds His -people, and gives them their meat in due season, as we Indians have, -who are frequently out of provisions, and yet are wonderfully supplied, -and that so frequently that it is evidently the hand of the Great -Spirit that does this; whereas, the white people have commonly large -stocks of tame cattle, that they can kill when they please; and they -also have barns and cribs, filled with grain, and therefore have not -the same opportunity of seeing that they are supported by the Ruler of -heaven and earth.</p> - -<p>"'Brother, I know you are now afraid that we will all perish with -hunger, but you have no just reason to fear this. I have been young, -but I am now old. I have been frequently under the like circumstances -that we now are, and some time or another in almost every year of my -life; yet I have hitherto been supported, and my wants supplied in time -of need. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p> - -<p>"'Brother, the Good Spirit sometimes suffers us to be in want, in order -to teach us our dependence on Him, and to let us know that we are to -love and serve Him; likewise to know the worth of the favors that we -receive, and also to make us thankful.</p> - -<p>"'Brother, be assured that you will be supplied with food, and that -just in the right time: but you must continue diligent in the use of -means: go to sleep, and rise early in the morning, and go a hunting—be -strong, and exert yourself, like a man, and the Great Spirit will -direct your way.'"</p> - -<p>The captain was thus encouraged to try again the next morning, though -much disheartened and extremely hungry. He went a great distance before -he could shoot anything; but at length he shot a buffalo cow; thus -finding, as the good old Indian had said, that the Great Spirit had -enabled him to provide for them just at the time of their distress.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>FAITH OF A POOR BLIND WOMAN.</h2> - -<p>A person going to see a very aged woman of color, found a -respectable-looking white girl sitting by her, reading the Bible for -her. On inquiring of the old woman whether she could ever read, the -visitor was answered, "Oh, yes, mistress, and I used to read a great -deal in that book (pointing to a Bible very much worn that lay on the -table), but now I am most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> blind, and the good girls read for me; but -by and by, when I get on Zion's hill, I shall then see as well as -anybody."</p> - -<p>The poor of this world are often found rich in faith, and their -confidence in the wisdom and goodness of a bountiful Creator, strong. -How frequently, on visiting the abodes of the aged and the infirm, do -we find this verified: one saying, when something is handed her, "The -Lord has sent me this;"—another, "The Lord put it into my heart to be -industrious, and lay up something for old age," etc.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>AFRICAN SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK.</h2> - -<p>The Clarkson Association, for instructing adult females of color, -commenced in the spring of 1811, and was conducted ten or twelve years -by a number of young ladies of the Society of Friends. This was the -first institution that came under the appellation of Sabbath-school in -this city, where there are now so many.</p> - -<p>It was taught on that day, because those people had generally more -leisure to attend than on other days of the week; but these benevolent -ladies soon appropriated also one afternoon in the middle of the week, -for such as were at liberty to attend. There were a considerable number -of aged women, as well as those in the prime of life, who learned to -read, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> rejoiced greatly in the acquisition. There were also schools -kept by young men, for adults of color of the other sex.</p> - -<p>"There is one remarkable fact connected with the effects of this -excellent school upon the moral condition of the colored people. At -every term of the Court of Sessions in this city, there are many -colored persons convicted of crimes, and sent to the State prison or -penitentiary. This school has now been in operation a number of years, -and several thousands of scholars have received the benefits of a -good thorough English education, <i>and but three persons who have been -educated here have been convicted in our criminal courts</i>."</p> - -<p>Several girls, who have received their education at this school, -have gone with their parents to Hayti, where they will be capable of -teaching schools, and may be of singular benefit. Two interesting -letters, written in a very fair intelligible hand, by one of these -girls about fourteen years old, have been received by E. J. Cox; -extracts from which are here subjoined.</p> - -<blockquote><p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Republic of Hayti</span>, <span class="s3"> </span> }<br /> -<span class="smcap">City of St. Domingo</span>, Sept. 29, 1824. }<br /> -</p> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Teacher</span>:—With pleasure I hasten to inform you of -our safe arrival in St. Domingo, after a passage of twenty-one -days. Mother and myself were very much afflicted with sea-sickness -for about nine or ten days, but after that we enjoyed a little of -the pleasures of our voyage. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> - -<p>"On our arrival, we were conducted by the captain of the port -to the governor's house, where we were received by him with all -the friendship that he could have received us with had we been -intimately acquainted for years. After informing him of our -intention of residing on the island, we were conducted to the -residence of the second general in command, where we had our names -registered.</p> - -<p>"From thence we went to see the principal chapel in the city; to -give a description of which, it requires a far abler pen than -mine;" (she, however, mentions many particulars;) "but you cannot -form an idea of it, unless you could see for yourself. After -we had viewed the church throughout, we were conducted to our -lodging, at which place we are at present. Since we have been -here, my sampler and bench-cover have been seen by a number of -ladies and gentlemen, and have been very much admired by all who -have seen them.</p> - -<p>"Dear teacher, notwithstanding we are hundreds of miles from each -other, I hope you will not think that I shall forget you, or those -kind friends (I mean the trustees), who have been so kind to me: -for had it not been for them and yourself, perhaps I never should -have known one half what I do, as respects my education; for -which, for them and you, to God I shall offer up my humble prayers -for your welfare, both in this life and that which is to come.</p> - -<p class="right">"I am, with respect, yours,<span class="s3"> </span><br /> -"<span class="smcap">Serena M. Baldwin</span>."</p></blockquote> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE INJURED AFRICANS.</h2> - -<p class="center">FROM THE NEW YORK OBSERVER—1826.</p> - -<p>In our paper of the 21st of January we inserted a communication from a -correspondent giving an account of an aged colored woman who emigrated -with her husband from New Orleans to this city last summer, bringing -with her another colored woman whom she had rescued from slavery at the -expense of <i>her little all</i>. The object of these poor people in coming -to New York was simply to enjoy the privileges of the gospel without -interruption.</p> - -<p>A benevolent gentleman of our acquaintance whose feelings were much -interested in the account which we published, and who has since -repeatedly visited this interesting family, has put into our hands the -following particulars of their history for publication. The name of -the husband is <i>Reuben</i>, that of his wife, <i>Betsey</i>, and that of their -companion, <i>Fanny</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Reuben Madison</i>, the husband, was born in Virginia, near Port Royal, -about the year 1781. His parents, and all his connections in this -country, were slaves. His father died when he was about seven years -old. His mother is now living in Kentucky, enjoying freedom in her old -age, through the filial regard of Reuben, who purchased her liberty -for seventy dollars. She is seriously disposed, but not a professor of -religion. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> - -<p>He has now eight brothers and sisters living in Frankfort, Franklin -county, Kentucky, all slaves, and all, excepting one, members of a -Baptist church in that place. About a year after his conversion Reuben -was married to a slave, who had been kidnapped in Maryland and sold to -a planter in his neighborhood. She was also hopefully pious.</p> - -<p>While they lived together she became the mother of two children; but -about four years after their marriage she and one of the children, -aged eight months, were sold without his knowledge, and transported to -a distant Spanish territory, and with so much secrecy that he had no -opportunity even to bid her a last farewell. "This," said he, "was the -severest trial of my life, a sense of sin only excepted. I mourned and -cried, and would not be comforted.</p> - -<p>"After several months, however, the hope of meeting her and my children -again in the kingdom of God, when we should never be separated, -together with a promise from my master that I should at some future -time go to see her, in some measure allayed my grief, and permitted me -to enjoy the consolations of religion." The other child is now a slave -in Kentucky, though the father has often endeavored in vain to purchase -his freedom.</p> - -<p>About six years since, having hired his time of his master for five -years previous, at 120 dollars a year, Reuben succeeded, by trafficking -in rags, and in other ways, in collecting a sum sufficient for the -purchase of his own freedom, for which he paid 700 dollars, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> not -only so, but he was enabled, with his surplus earnings, to build a -brick house, and to provide it with convenient accommodations. By the -dishonesty of his former master, however, all was taken from him.</p> - -<p>Thus stripped of his property, he left Kentucky and went to New -Orleans, that he might learn something from his wife, and, if possible, -find and redeem her; but he only succeeded in gaining the painful -intelligence that she was dead. He there formed an acquaintance with -his present wife, whose former name was Betsey Bond, and they were soon -married. The circumstances of her life were briefly these:</p> - -<p>Betsey was born a slave, near Hobb's Hole, Essex county, Virginia, -about 1763, and was married to a slave at about the age of twenty -years. By him she had three children, one of which, together with -her husband, died a few years after their marriage. Soon after their -death, she was led to reflect on her lost state as a sinner, and after -about seven months of deep anxiety was enabled, as she trusts, to -resign herself into the hands of her Saviour, and experience those -consolations which He deigns to grant to the broken-hearted penitent.</p> - -<p>She gained the confidence and attachment of her mistress, who treated -her with much kindness, and she was married to a pious servant of the -family, where she remained about nine years. At the close of this -period a planter from the vicinity of Natchez, coming to Alexandria in -Virginia, where she then lived, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> slaves, she was sold, and carried, -with eight others, to his plantation, leaving her husband behind.</p> - -<p>Her new master treated her with great severity, and she was compelled -to labor almost incessantly every day of the week, Sabbath not -excepted. With this man she lived nineteen years. He then died, and -left his slaves, by will, to another planter, who also dying soon -after, she was again sold and transported to New Orleans, where she -arrived about the year 1812.</p> - -<p>At the end of two years this master also died; and when his slaves were -about to be sold, Betsey succeeded with some difficulty in hiring her -time, and in a little more than a year, by washing and other labor, she -acquired sufficient property to purchase her freedom, for which she -paid 250 dollars. Her youngest son and his wife being also slaves in -New Orleans, she hoped to obtain, by her industry and economy, money -sufficient to purchase them also; but their master refused to part with -them.</p> - -<p>Several years after a large number of slaves were brought to New -Orleans from Virginia, and were about to be offered for sale, and Fanny -was among the number. Having accidentally become acquainted with her, -previous to the sale, and finding her a sister in Christ, Betsey's -feelings were deeply interested, and she resolved to purchase her, and -to treat her not as a slave, but as a child and companion.</p> - -<p>This determination she communicated to Fanny, and with the aid of a -gentleman she succeeded in <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>accomplishing her object. The price was 250 -dollars. She paid 200, <i>her all</i>, and obtained a short credit for the -remainder. Soon after this her present husband, coming to New Orleans, -as before stated, they were married, and the payment for Fanny was then -completed.</p> - -<p>By their united industry they were soon able to build a comfortable -house, in which they set apart a room for religious purposes. Here -they assembled with others every Sabbath, for the worship of God. But -being constantly exposed to disturbance in their worship, they felt a -great desire to go to a free State, where they might enjoy religious -privileges unmolested; where they could unite with Christian friends in -social prayer and conversation, without a soldier with a drawn sword -stationed at their door.</p> - -<p>They fixed upon New York as the desired asylum; and having arranged -their concerns, rented their house, and collected their effects, -they engaged and paid their passage, which was seventy dollars, and -sailed from New Orleans about the 12th of July, 1825, with pleasing -anticipations, for a land of freedom and religious privileges.</p> - -<p>They suffered much on the voyage, through the cruelty of the captain; -being exposed without shelter, during the whole of the passage, either -on deck or in the longboat. In consequence of this exposure, both of -the women were taken sick; and in this condition they arrived at New -York, and were landed on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> wharf in a land of strangers, their money -almost expended, and none to commiserate their sufferings.</p> - -<p>After a few days, however, Reuben succeeded in obtaining a miserable -cellar in Chapel Street, at sixty dollars annual rent, where he -remained for some time, supporting the family in their sickness, by his -labor as a shoemaker, and by the sale of some of his effects.</p> - -<p>On his arrival at this port his first act was to grant entire freedom -to Fanny, giving her liberty to live with him, or to go where she -pleased. She chose to remain with him; and she assisted in the support -of the family by washing and other labor, and nursed her mistress, who -was evidently declining with the consumption, occasioned doubtless by -the severity of her treatment on the passage from New Orleans.</p> - -<p>Not being able to pay their rent in advance, owing to their sickness -and other expenses, their landlord compelled them to quit their -residence; and they have since been obliged to put up with still more -miserable accommodations in a cellar in Elm Street.</p> - -<p>They appeared to put their trust and confidence in God, and expressed -their entire belief that all their trials were designed for their -good. They seemed to be one in sentiment and feeling, and to manifest -a spirituality of mind rarely to be found. Every little attention was -most gratefully received, and the best of blessings were implored on -him who bestowed it.</p> - -<p>With some assistance from the benevolent, and with what they may -receive from New Orleans for rent, it is believed they may be provided -with a comfortable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> house, and be introduced to those privileges which -they so ardently desire. No one of the family can read, though they are -all desirous to learn, and from a little attention which their friends -have given them it appears that they may be taught without difficulty.</p> - -<p>It is an affecting thought, that the wrongs of this poor woman, which -commenced at her birth, and were inflicted without interruption during -the long years of slavery, still followed her on her passage to the -land of freedom, and have been finally consummated in this city, the -city of her hopes, her fancied asylum from the oppressor.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>HENRY BOYD.</h2> - -<p class="center">FROM THE ANTI-SLAVERY RECORD.</p> - -<p>Henry Boyd was born a slave in Kentucky. Of imposing stature, well-knit -muscles, and the countenance of one of nature's noblemen. At the age of -eighteen he had so far won the confidence of his master, that he not -only consented to sell him the right and title to his freedom, but gave -him his own time to earn the money.</p> - -<p>With a general pass from his master, Henry made his way to the Kenhawa -salt works, celebrated as the place where Senator Ewing, of Ohio, -chopped out his <i>education</i> with his axe! And there, too, with his axe, -did Henry Boyd chop out his <i>liberty</i>. By performing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> double labor, he -got double wages. In the daytime he swung his axe upon the wood, and -for half the night he tended the boiling salt-kettles, sleeping the -other half by their side.</p> - -<p>After having accumulated a sufficient sum, he returned to his master -and paid it over for his freedom. He next applied himself to learn the -trade of a carpenter and joiner. Such was his readiness to acquire the -use of tools, that he soon qualified himself to receive the wages of a -journeyman. In Kentucky prejudice does not forbid master mechanics to -teach colored men their trades.</p> - -<p>He now resolved to quit the dominions of slavery and try his fortunes -in a free State, and accordingly directed his steps to the city of -Cincinnati. The journey reduced his purse to the last <i>quarter of a -dollar</i>; but, with his tools on his back and the consciousness of his -ability to use them, he entered the city with a light heart. Little did -he dream of the reception he was to meet. There was work enough to be -done in his line, but no master workman would employ a colored man.</p> - -<p>Day after day did Henry Boyd offer his services from shop to shop, but -as often was he repelled, generally with insult, and once with a kick. -At last, he found the shop of an Englishman, too recently arrived to -understand the grand peculiarity of American feeling. This man put a -plane into his hand, and asked him to make proof of his skill. "This is -in bad order," said Boyd, and with that he gave the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>instrument certain -nice professional knocks with the hammer, till he brought it to suit -his practised eye.</p> - -<p>"Enough," said the Englishman; "I see you can use tools." Boyd, -however, proceeded to dress a board in a very able and workmanlike -manner, while the journeymen from a long line of benches gathered -around with looks that bespoke a deep personal interest in the matter. -"You may go to work," said the master of the shop, right glad to employ -so good a workman. The words had no sooner left his mouth than his -American journeymen, unbuttoning their aprons, called, as one man, for -the settlement of their wages.</p> - -<p>"What! what!" said the amazed Englishman, "what does this mean?" "It -means that we will not work with a <i>nigger</i>," replied the journeymen. -"But he is a first-rate workman." "But we won't stay in the same shop -with a <i>nigger</i>; we are not in the habit of working with <i>niggers</i>." -"Then I will build a shanty outside, and he shall work in that." "No, -no; we won't work for a <i>boss</i> who employs <i>niggers</i>. Pay us up, and -we'll be off." The poor master of the shop turned with a despairing -look to Boyd—"You see how it is, my friend; my workmen will all leave -me. I am sorry for it, but I can't hire you."</p> - -<p>Even at this repulse our adventurer did not despair. There might still -be mechanics in the outskirts of the city who had too few journeymen to -be bound by their prejudices. His quarter of a dollar had long since -disappeared, but, by carrying a traveller's trunk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> or turning his hand -to any chance job, he contrived to exist till he had made application -to every carpenter and joiner in the city and its suburbs. <i>Not one -would employ him.</i> By this time, the iron of prejudice, more galling -than anything he had ever known of slavery, had entered his soul.</p> - -<p>He walked down to the river's bank below the city, and throwing himself -upon the ground, gave way to an agony of despair. He had found himself -the object of universal contempt; his plans were all frustrated, his -hopes dashed, and his dear-bought freedom made of no effect! By such -trials, weak minds are prostrated in abject and slavish servility, and -stronger ones are made the enemies and depredators of society; it is -only the highest class of moral heroes that come off like gold from the -furnace.</p> - -<p>Of this class, however, was Henry Boyd. Recovering from his dejection, -he surveyed the brawny muscles that strung his Herculean frame. A new -design rushed into his mind, and new resolution filled his heart. He -sprang upon his feet and walked firmly and rapidly towards the city, -doubtless with aspirations that might have suited the words of the poet:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"Thy spirit, <i>Independence</i>, let me share,</div> -<div>Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye."</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>The first object which attracted his "eagle eye," on reaching the city, -was one of the huge river boats laden with pig iron, drawn up to the -landing. The captain of this craft was just inquiring of the merchant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> -who owned its contents for a hand to assist in unloading it. "I am the -very fellow for you," said Boyd, stripping off his coat, rolling up his -sleeves, and laying hold of the work. "Yes, sure enough, that <i>is</i> the -very fellow for you," said the merchant.</p> - -<p>The resolution and alacrity of Boyd interested him exceedingly, -and during the four or five days in which a flotilla of boats were -discharging their cargoes of pig iron with unaccustomed despatch, -he became familiar with his history, with the exception of all that -pertained to his trade, which Boyd thought proper to keep to himself. -In consequence, our adventurer next found himself promoted to the -portership of the merchant's store, a post which he filled to great -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>He had a hand and a head for everything, and an occasion was not long -wanting to prove it. A joiner was engaged to erect a counter, but -failing, by a drunken frolic, the merchant was disappointed and vexed. -Rather in passion than in earnest, he turned to his faithful porter: -"Here, Henry, you can do almost anything, why can't <i>you</i> do this job?" -"Perhaps I could, sir, if I had my tools and the stuff," was the reply. -"Your tools!" exclaimed the merchant in surprise, for till now he knew -nothing of his trade.</p> - -<p>Boyd explained that he had learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, -and had no objection to try the job. The merchant handed him the money, -and told him to make as good a counter as he could. The work was done -with such promptitude, judgment and finish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> that his employer broke off -a contract for the erection of a large frame warehouse, which he was -about closing with the same mechanic who had disappointed him in the -matter of the counter, and gave the job to Henry.</p> - -<p>The money was furnished, and Boyd was left to procure the materials and -<i>boss</i> the job at his own discretion. This he found no difficulty in -doing, and what is remarkable, among the numerous journeymen whom he -employed, were some of the very men who took off their aprons at his -appearance in the Englishman's shop! The merchant was so much pleased -with his new warehouse, that he proceeded to set up the intelligent -builder in the exercise of his trade in the city.</p> - -<p>Thus Henry Boyd found himself raised at once almost beyond the reach -of the prejudice which had well-nigh crushed him. He built houses and -accumulated property. White journeymen and apprentices were glad to -be in his employment, and to <i>sit at his table</i>. He is now a wealthy -mechanic, living in his own house in Cincinnati; and his enemies who -have tried to supplant him have as good reason as his friends to know -that he is a man of sound judgment and a most vigorous intellect.</p> - -<p>Without having received a day's schooling in his life, Henry Boyd -is well read in history, has an extensive and accurate knowledge of -geography, is an excellent arithmetician, and is remarkable for his -morality, generosity, and all those traits which mark a noble character.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> - -<h2>QUAMINO BUCCAN,</h2> - -<p class="center">A PIOUS METHODIST.</p> - -<p>Quamino was born in the vicinity of New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1762, -and was a slave. In his ninth year he was hired for a term of years -to a person named Schenk, who employed him as a house-servant, and -who soon after removing to Poughkeepsie, New York, took the lad with -him. The unsettled state of the country during the Revolutionary War, -prevented communication with his old master, and Quamino had no hope of -seeing his former friends; but in his eightieth year he was informed -that his master had sent for him. On his return to New Jersey his old -associates had so grown that he felt like a stranger in his old home.</p> - -<p>When nearing the age of manhood he was steady in attending religious -meetings, walking several miles through all kinds of weather. His own -account of his motive in going was that he "liked to have the name of -being a good boy." But whatever his motive in going, the meetings were -a blessing to him. One Sabbath evening on reaching home he went to -the barn, where, after earnest exercise in prayer, he slept upon the -straw. Very early in the morning he went into the field to work, first -kneeling by the fence. Being in great distress, the gracious words of -the Saviour deeply impressed him: "<i>Let not your heart be troubled. Ye -believe in God, believe also in Me.</i>"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> Yielding his whole heart and all -his powers to Him who was calling for the sacrifice, he felt that he -received the unspeakable gift.</p> - -<p>He went to his work; "and oh," said he, "everything was glorious around -me—everything seemed to be praising God."</p> - -<p>The change which had come over the boy was conspicuous to all around -him; he was quiet and diligent in attention to all his duties. From -this time Quamino understood the nature of that peace "which passeth -all understanding." On the Sabbath he would get the carriage ready, -and when his master had started he would walk several miles across the -fields to the Methodist meeting, but always left before the conclusion -of the services, as, if not at home in time to take the horses when the -family arrived, he was sure to be found fault with, if not punished.</p> - -<p>At the age of twenty-six he married Sarah, a slave on a neighboring -place. She was soon sold to a distance of five miles, and for some -years they only met once a week. One Sabbath morning he went to see -her, and found that she and her infant had been sold, leaving her -little son, a boy nearly four years old. She now had a hard master; -but, through the efforts of her husband, she was purchased by a -neighbor, and, at length, by the removal of this purchaser, Quamino -induced his second master (to whom he had been sold when about thirty -years old) to buy her. Afterwards Dr. Griffith bought Quamino for $250, -and Sarah for $150. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p> - -<p>At the death of Dr. Griffith his goods and chattels (including his -slaves) were advertised to be sold at public auction. The sale -commenced, and Quamino and Sarah became objects of much attention; but -a letter was received from Wm. Griffith, the son and executor of the -late master, directing that everything should be sold to the highest -bidder except the carriage and horse, and that with these Quamino -should bring Sarah to Burlington. "Oh, my dear friend," said he in -narrating it, "you do not know how I felt."</p> - -<p>Wm. Griffith was not only an eminent lawyer but bore a part in -originating the New Jersey Abolition Society. For this excellent man, -whose "record is on high," Quamino worked to the best of his ability. -One day, as he was at work in the garden, he heard his name called, and -seeing his master beside him, he modestly said, "Sir!" We will describe -what took place in the good old man's words. Says he:</p> - -<p>"Would you like to be free?" and I said, "I don't know, sir." He stood -in silence a little while, and I went on working the same as before. At -last he said, 'I've made up my mind to give you free;' and says I, 'you -give me free, master?' Oh, it all came on me so unexpected! And then -he up and told me all how he would do: 'When I call you, you must take -your wife by the hand and come into my office.' One day he called me to -bring my wife. I went in the kitchen, and said, 'Mother, Mr. Griffith -says you must come along with me to the office.' She stroked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> her -apron, and we went, and found the office full of gentlemen, and there -we stood as if we were just married. After answering some questions -they went back to their work, and their certificate of freedom was -recorded in the clerk's office in Burlington. They were then hired at -ten dollars a month. Quamino was then forty-four years old. When asked -by some of his old friends, if he was happier since he received his -freedom, he said, "I don't know much about freedom, but I would'nt be a -slave again if you'd give me the best farm in the Jarsies."</p> - -<p>In the year 1842, when he was eighty years old, his wife died suddenly. -As the remains of Sarah were borne from their humble home, he stood -at the door, supported by his crutches, the tears streaming down his -cheeks. "Farewell," said he, "I shall see her no more, till we meet -within the Pearl Gates." Sarah was not inferior to her husband, to -whom she was a helper in spiritual and temporal things. He felt this -bereavement keenly, his situation without her was forlorn. Living -alone in his house, too feeble to dress himself, his son, who was out -at service, would put him to bed at night, and come in the morning to -dress him. Arrangements were made by several families to furnish him -with dinner, each taking a particular day; and this plan was pursued -for eight years. His landlord supplied his morning and evening meal, -until Quamino's sight entirely failed, when a faithful care-taker was -provided for him.</p> - -<p>Charles Taber, a Friend and a Minister, from Canada,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> visited him one -morning, and was fervently engaged in prayer. When he rose from his -knees Quamino exclaimed, "Now I know that my prayer was heard. Dis -morning, after blessing and praising de Master for taking care of me -through de night, I asked Him to please to send me something to comfort -me through the day, and now He sent you to me, oh, my dear friend!"</p> - -<p>Speaking of the evidence of evil around us, he said, "God is His own -interpreter and my comforter, and He will make all things plain." -Referring to his pains, he said, "The Lord is the physician—He has -a balm for every wound. It seems, as I sit here, I have a view over -Jordan. We must pass Jordan's swelling flood, and then we'll be in the -promised land."</p> - -<p>In reference to his blindness, he said, that with his natural sight -and comprehension he had never been able to conceive the half of the -glory which should be revealed, or to form a conception of the "good -things" held in store even for so poor a creature as he felt himself to -be. "How long I have to remain in this state," he exclaimed, "the Lord -knows. I resign myself in His hands, and to His wisdom. Oh, the Lord -moves with me so beautiful! I trust the Lord has enabled me to seek and -to find His face and favor."</p> - -<p>Being inquired of concerning his health, he replied, "That he could -not wish to be better—that he was so composed in mind, so calm and -peaceable. Oh,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> the glorious prospect I have in view. I can't see -anything of this world, but there seems to be a hovering around me. If -the heart is composed to His will, what can trouble us? Blessed Master, -please to give me an insight into Thy will." He spoke of the comfort -and strength which is afforded him to hear the Holy Scriptures read.</p> - -<p>"Oh," said he, "if I could only find words to express the feelings I -have when I am alone—and yet I do not feel that I am alone either. He -cares for us and provides for us; but He is all in all, and over all; -He leads us by His spirit; He don't compel us, but enables us. Oh, my -blessed Saviour, teach me, oh, teach me the measure of my days, that I -may turn my thoughts more to it. But I trust in the Lord that He will -prepare me and keep me to the end."</p> - -<p>Wm. J. Allinson called on him one morning. He found the old man, who -was 108 years of age, sitting in his chair; he gave his visitor an -earnest welcome, and his tongue was eloquent with rejoicing praises of -Him who had made him meet for an inheritance with the saints in light. -"Glory be to my blessed Master," he cried again and again, clasping his -hands like an artless and overjoyed child. On this occasion, and indeed -in almost every interview, he devoutly expressed his thankfulness that, -although deprived of sight, his reason and memory were spared him; and -this was remarkably the case to the last moment of existence.</p> - -<p>"My dear friend has been to visit me once more,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> he exclaimed -repeatedly after this parting. This was his last conversation with any -one, except a few words to his son and his attendant. In the night -he called his son, and with his mental powers apparently clear to -the last, and conscious that his end had arrived, his purified and -enfranchised spirit deserted the clay tenement; and who can doubt his -welcome into the joy of the Lord?</p> - -<p>A few weeks afterwards a sermon relating to Quamino was preached by -the pastor of the Methodist congregation to which this aged Christian -belonged. The text was, "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, -and delivered him out of all his troubles." Psalm xxxiv. 6.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>"See thy Saviour bending o'er thee,</div> -<div class="i1">Even to old age the same,</div> -<div>Set life's one chief end before thee,</div> -<div class="i1">Still to glorify its name;</div> -<div>While on Himself is fixed thy sight,</div> -<div>At evening-time there shall be light."</div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>EMANCIPATION IN NEW YORK.</h2> - -<p>The period fixed by law for the termination of slavery in the State of -New York was the 4th of July, 1827. According to the census of 1820, -there were 20,279 free persons of color, and 10,092 slaves in the -State; making in all 30,371.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p> - -<h2>THE FREEDMEN OF AMERICA.</h2> - -<p>During the four years' war commencing 1861 the colored people fled -from bondage, and gathered in large numbers around Washington, and in -those parts of Virginia which were in possession of the United States -Government. Sometimes one thousand refugees came to the freedmen's -settlement in a week, and most of them had travelled on foot for -several days, with scant food and clothing. They rejoiced greatly when -they arrived at a place of refuge, and became free men and women. The -able-bodied men were employed by the Government, but the sick and -aged, the women and children, were cared for by different benevolent -associations of the churches at the North and West. The Religious -Society of Friends always cherished a deep feeling for the enslaved -people of color, and after sending agents to ascertain the condition -of the freedmen in the camps and quarters assigned to them by the -Government, they earnestly labored to feed, clothe and teach those for -whom they had long solicited the boon of freedom.</p> - -<p>Believing some incidents and anecdotes from letters received from the -agents of Friends will be interesting to many, the following extracts -are presented:</p> - -<p>"It is difficult to make a connected account of our visit among the -freedmen at Washington and elsewhere. We went into their cabins, the -tents, and the hospitals, looking into the condition of the poor -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>people congregated there. Their stories may be considered almost -trifling in themselves, and yet summed up as a whole—a people's -history—they tell the oft-repeated tale of sorrow, degradation, and -oppression in slavery; of hunger and cold, of sickness and suffering, -patiently and uncomplainingly borne, in their great struggle for -freedom. Every sacrifice, every privation seems insignificant compared -to the blessed boon of liberty, to them and to their children. 'The -good Lord Jesus has at last heard our prayers and sent Uncle Abram to -set us free.'</p> - -<p>"They come to the Union as little children would to a parent, with -perfect confidence that they will be helped. The younger women mostly -had their children with them, but the older ones had all come off 'wid -'lations and friends.' In a severe snow-storm one thousand arrived, -with only the clothes on their backs. Their utter poverty is terrible. -During this storm we had not clothes for the children, who were crying -to get out of bed. Nine hundred came yesterday—all ragged; their -masters had not given them clothes, some for a year, others for two -years. All beg for Bibles."</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>"The rope-walk is a very long building divided into cabins; it is where -the refugees come at first. In each cabin live four or five families. -It is the most interesting place to visit. There are over five hundred -people there, fresh from slave-life, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>rejoicing over their freedom. -Not being able to read, they often burst out as we are reading to them -with, 'Well, I never heard that before.'</p> - -<p>"The beautiful doctrine of the golden rule seems almost new to them. It -is true the religious element is very strong in them, but their manner -of receiving it is very different from our ideas. Although they may -be what they call converted, they need plain words of moral truth for -every-day life. They have plenty of faith and thankfulness, but not -Christ's law of love in their hearts to govern every action.</p> - -<p>"We stopped at a church and witnessed one of their religious -excitements—women all rocking their bodies and singing weird choruses; -then some one getting excited above the others, and throwing herself -about, jumping and screaming. We stayed until they were out, and all -down the aisles they sang and shouted—real fine, full voices, and the -words more strange than all. All the women had that swaying motion so -peculiar to them.</p> - -<p>"The boxes were handed over to me on the 19th of January. From that -date to the 7th of May, I have given out twenty-six hundred and twenty -garments, large and small. For the last ten days we have been very -busy. During the last engagement on the battle-field, hundreds have -come, more than can possibly find shelter here. I have witnessed some -of the arrivals at the depôt. At the sound of the whistle, many anxious -hearts and longing eyes are seeking their friends. Here mothers find -their long-lost <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>children. Husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, -meet after long separation. One good old mother here found six of -her children in one group. One poor mother, with seven children, was -inquiring for her husband: the answer was, 'he is dead!' The small-pox -left that record for this poor mother.</p> - -<p>"We saw one noble-looking man, not far from seven feet high, in mere -rags and bare feet. Our No. 12's looked like baby-shoes beside them; -but I heard of a pair of No. 19 at the Commissary, which they were -very glad to exchange. The old man had had a hard master, and had been -driven off 'without food enough to cover a pin.' But I never saw such -a flash of joy as when I said, 'But, uncle, you have such a <i>good, -kind</i> master now, and such a beautiful home up in heaven.' 'Oh, missis, -it's <i>that</i>, it's jest <i>that</i>, that's 'stained me all along.' They all -seemed so grateful, and we had a happy day indeed."</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>"They learn surprisingly fast; they were very anxious to learn to -reckon. I said I would repeat the multiplication table if they would -try to remember it. I repeated the 2's once, and they said it after me -in concert. I then questioned them, and though they had never heard it -before, quite a number remembered the whole.</p> - -<p>"One little fellow in the school being asked if he knew his letters, -said, promptly, 'Yes, ma'am.' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, what else do you know?</p> - -<p>"Drawing himself up to his full height, which might be about four feet, -he replied, 'I know a heap.'"</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>"Freedman's Village, near Arlington, is really an attractive-looking -place; comfortable houses, nicely white-washed; a school-house, capable -of accommodating two or three hundred children, and a 'Home' for the -aged and infirm. Fervor and earnestness pervade the sermons and prayers -of the colored people here. One gave thanks for 'the glorious privilege -that we ain't all dead and shut up in hell.'</p> - -<p>"Some of us might not have realized before that it was a glorious -privilege to be still left on earth, either as faithful servants, to -do the Master's bidding, or to become reconciled to Him before we were -snatched away with no alternative but to be 'shut up in hell.'</p> - -<p>"You would have been touched to witness their grief at the death of -our beloved President. Every tenanted hut was decked with some badge -of mourning. Thousands went to look at their emancipator, as he lay in -state in the White House. Aunt Cicily, who bore the yoke of slavery -one hundred and ten years, looked on Mr. Lincoln with a reverential -feeling, beautiful to behold in one so aged—'for the privilege,' she -says, 'that he gave me to die free.'" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Some old men who had learned to read while in slavery, said, 'We -toted massa's children to school, stayed all day, and then toted them -back. We learned to read, and massa didn't know it; and now we can -read de blessed Book ourselves. De good people of de North have been -bery good, bery good to us. Jesus tell dem to help de poor slave: -by-and-by we can help ourselves. We tank you all bery much!' Mother, -child, and grandchild sometimes go hand-in-hand to the school-room. The -stimulating motive with most of the adults is a fervent desire to read -the Bible."</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>"The marriage record kept among the Freedmen, shows that a large -part of the marriages, especially at first, were of those who had -lived together as husband and wife, perhaps many years, without an -opportunity to be legally united. One old man, of almost three-score -and ten, was thus joined in lawful marriage to his venerable wife. At -the conclusion of the ceremony, when the pastor extended his hand with -the nuptial benediction, and dismissed them with a short prayer, they -dropped on their knees together, their eyes streaming with tears of -thankfulness, and still kneeling, the old man reached out both arms and -hugged her to his heart, saying aloud, 'My dear old woman, I bless God -that I can now, for the first time, kiss my own lawful wife.'" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p> - -<p>An agent, under date 5th month, 1863, writes:</p> - -<p>"When I first wrote to thee, the supply of excellent clothing, -furnished by New York Friends, and other quarters, seemed so ample -that, to my eyes, the subject of further need, did not suggest itself. -I thought the time must come when such wants must be satisfied. But -that time dawns not yet. The hospitals for colored people are a heavy -drain on the clothing. Now, that the army advances, there are daily -arrivals of freedmen; they come with only the clothing they have on, -and must have a change to preserve health."</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>LETTERS FROM A LADY AGENT IN RICHMOND, 1866.</h2> - -<p>"In my jaunt to Deep Creek, and to the poor cabins in Dismal Swamp, -I helped mend six bridges before our horse could cross, borrowing -rails from the fence. It was a very hard trip—no chance for a single -dinner while gone—but it paid. The same night I mended bridges, I -found work of a different kind. Going on business to the Bute Street -Church, I found a love-feast under full headway: about two hundred were -present; the excitement terrible among the young converts, who, in -their frantic leaps, broke lamps and windows, and filled the house with -perfect uproar. I found the new pastor dared not risk his popularity -by checking it. Courage was given me to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> make my way to the pulpit, -when I at once had permission to speak. All was still as need be, while -I appealed to their judgment, and the teachings of the Bible. I saw -I had the sympathy of most, and when at last, I said, 'wait till the -wind, and the earthquake, and the fire have all passed by, and then go -to your homes and listen to the still small voice by which God himself -will teach you; and oh, remember, my young sisters, that the proof -of your growth in grace is not the <i>feelings</i> you have here tonight, -but the <i>life</i> you will lead to-morrow.' There was such an earnest -'amen,' all over the house, as gave me hope again that they will rise -above this great delusion. Many came to thank me. 'It was just what we -needed, and they will hear it from you.'"</p> - -<p>"Deeply impressed with the moral wants of these poor creatures, -especially the women, and their need of friendly counsel in their new -position, I have opened Mother's meetings—now held weekly, in each -of our three-school districts—where they are invited to come with -their work and their babies. I talk familiarly with them about their -household matters, the cheapest and most wholesome food, the best ways -of cooking it, and the right care of their children, and their duties -to their husbands—often being greatly helped out in my own stock of -knowledge by the practical experience of some nice old aunty, who tells -how she manages, till the whole group is at ease and can confide their -troubles and trials. Then I read, teach, or talk to them. Finally, all -lay aside their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> work, and the babies are hushed up, while they listen -to a chapter from the Bible; and the devotional pause at the close -is solemn and impressive. Those who cannot spare two or three hours, -hurry in at the last, and I hear them saying 'I'se just goin' over to -prayers, 'pears like it gives me <i>such</i> a lift.'"</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>LOVE FOR THE BIBLE.</h2> - -<p>At a great fire in the city of New York a hundred houses had been -burned. Dr. Ely overtook a colored woman who was carrying under one arm -a bundle of wood, and under the other a large Bible.</p> - -<p>"Poor woman," said he, "have you been burnt out too?" "Yes, sir," said -she, "but blessed be God, I'm alive." "You are very old to be turned -out of house and home." "I'm well stricken in years, but God does it." -"Have you saved nothing but the Bible?" "Nothing," said she, "but one -trunk of things; but this blessed Book is worth more than all the rest; -it makes me feel better than all the rest. So long as I keep this, I am -content."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> - -<h2>HYMN.</h2> - -<p class="center">SUNG AT CHRISTMAS BY THE SCHOLARS AT ST. HELENA'S ISLAND, S. C.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>O none in all the world before</div> -<div class="i1">Were ever glad as we!</div> -<div>We're free on Carolina's shore,</div> -<div class="i1">We're all at home and free.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Thou Friend and Helper of the poor,</div> -<div class="i1">Who suffered for our sake,</div> -<div>To open every prison door,</div> -<div class="i1">And every yoke to break,</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>Bend low Thy pitying face and mild,</div> -<div class="i1">And help us sing and pray;</div> -<div>The hand that blessed the little child,</div> -<div class="i1">Upon our foreheads lay.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>We hear no more the driver's horn,</div> -<div class="i1">No more the whip we fear;</div> -<div>This holy day that saw Thee born,</div> -<div class="i1">Was never half so dear.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>The very oaks are greener clad,</div> -<div class="i1">The waters brighter smile;</div> -<div>O never shone a day so glad</div> -<div class="i1">On sweet St. Helen's isle.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>We praise Thee in our songs to-day,</div> -<div class="i1">To Thee in prayer we call;</div> -<div>Make swift the feet and straight the way,</div> -<div class="i1">Of freedom unto all.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>Come once again, O blessed Lord!</div> -<div class="i1">Come walking on the sea!</div> -<div>And let the main-lands hear the word</div> -<div class="i1">That sets the islands free.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="right"><span class="smcap">J. G. Whittier.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>A TEMPERANCE MEETING IN AFRICA.</h2> - -<p>James Backhouse, an English Friend and a minister, published a journal -of his mission in Africa, in which he says, under date of December 1st, -1838—</p> - -<p>This is the memorable day in which slavery ceased in Cape Colony, -South Africa. We arrived at Hankey in time to join a considerable -congregation of those who had been in bondage—natives of Madagascar -and Mozambique, as well as home-born slaves; they had come from the -surrounding country to unite with those on the mission station in -praising God for their deliverance from bondage. In the evening a -meeting was held, when several Hottentots (natives of South Africa) and -freedmen addressed the congregation. The next day was "a Sabbath day," -and truly "a high day." About five hundred freed slaves and Hottentots -assembled early in the morning; they held a prayer-meeting, in which -the language of thanksgiving was held forth by one lately in slavery, -and appropriate hymns were sung. I exhorted the liberated to seek, -through Jesus Christ, deliverance from that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> worst of bondage—slavery -to sin. In the evening of the third day a temperance tea-meeting was -held in the chapel. A suspended wheel-tire was struck for a bell, to -call them to assemble. The men sat at the tables on one side of the -chapel, and the women at the other side; tea and cakes were dealt -out by some of the women. All were remarkably clean, and conducted -themselves with sober cheerfulness and looks full of interest. -After the Missionary had returned thanks and made a brief address, -it was my privilege to follow him in recommending total abstinence -from intoxicating liquors. Several Hottentots and freed slaves then -addressed the meeting, which afterwards adjourned for a short interval -at milking time. On re-assembling, George W. Walker spoke at some -length, and several others.</p> - -<p>At half-past ten the Missionary suggested that it would be unseasonable -to continue the meeting longer; he therefore opened a book of -signatures to the total-abstinence pledge, and one hundred and sixty -new names were received. As neither my companion, G. W. Walker, nor I -had hitherto signed such a pledge, we also added our names. A sweet -sense of the love of God overshadowed this meeting.</p> - -<p>Some attention had been paid to temperance from the early institution -of this settlement. The children have so little idea of what -drunkenness is, that in 1842, when an Englishman appeared in a state -of intoxication, some of them ran away, thinking he was mad; others -thought he must be ill because he <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>staggered, but others feared he was -blind, and offered to lead him.</p> - -<p>At the expiration of a year from this period, only one of the persons -who signed the pledge on this day, was known to have broken it, and -that only to the amount of taking a single glass of wine.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2>LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVE.</h2> - -<p class="center">WRITTEN ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF BRITISH EMANCIPATION.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>Oh, Holy Father! just and true</div> -<div class="i1">Are all thy works, and words, and ways;</div> -<div>And unto Thee alone are due</div> -<div class="i1">Thanksgiving and eternal praise!</div> -<div>As children of Thy gracious care,</div> -<div class="i1">We veil the eye—we bend the knee;</div> -<div>With broken words of praise and prayer,</div> -<div class="i1">Father and God, we come to Thee.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>For Thou hast heard, O God of Right!</div> -<div class="i1">The sighing of the island slave,</div> -<div>And stretched for him the arm of might,</div> -<div class="i1">Not shortened that it could not save.</div> -<div>The laborer sits beneath his vine,</div> -<div class="i1">The shackled soul and hand are free—</div> -<div>Thanksgiving!—for the work is Thine!</div> -<div>Praise!—for the blessing is of Thee!</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div class="right"><span class="smcap">Whittier.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NARRATIVES OF COLORED AMERICANS ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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