Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-02-05
THE GENEROUS QUAKER.
TRANSLATED PROM THE FRENCH.

Walter Mnlin was one Of those respecta-
Bile characters celebrated for their candor,
know wledge and aidbility, who are an honor
20 their age and country. He was member
of the Society OF Friends. Not long since.
several Friends had proposed the cmancipa"
ton Of their slaves; that excellent resolution
was promulgated and recommended in seve-
raj assemblies. Already member of that
Society, and an inhabitant Of the town Of
Flushing, on the Island Of Nassau, as famous
for his medical knowledge, as for his Chris
tian virtues, Walter Mnlin, after freeing all
his slaves, in his will, generously provided
for them. lie did not hesitate to follow an
example so congenial to his soul. He re-
ceived from his father, thirty-seven slaves,
young and old. On the day appointed for
their emancipation, he called them to his
study separately, and held the following con-
versation with one Of them:
"WcI, friend James, how old art thou?"
81 am twenty nine years and six monthsn'
"What! twcnty-nine years and six months;
you should have been free, as your white
brothers are, at twenty-one. Religion and
humanity enjoin it, and justice tells me to
pay thee for eight years labor. As thou art
young and vigorous, and must labor for thy
support it is my inte ntion To give thee an OBJ
legation for the sum of one hundred dollars
with interest yearly. Hearken to me, James.
Thou urt as free as am; this is the begin
ming Of thy fortune thou hast no longer any
master, but God and the Laws. Go into the
other room, where thou wilt find my wife,thy
old mistress, and William Roberts, occupied
in writing thy mnnumisson. When | hav@
signed aud witnessed il, thou wilt 90 and
have it recorded in our Socety's books. May
God bless thee, James; be prudent and i'll
dustrious. In all thy misfortunes and troubles.
thou wilt ever find friend in thy Old master.
Walter Mfi;n."
/. james. surprised az q scene so unexpected
ana affecting. burst into tears, as if threat
cred with some dreadful evil. The sudden
effect Of gratitude and establishment, com
bincd with various other sentiments, swelled
the heart Of poor James. He wopt like
child. As soon us he was sufficiently col
lected--"Ah! my master" said he, "what
/ shall do with my liberty was born under
/ thy root; ] have always enjoyed the comforts
of Ice We have worked togc sher in the field ,
! and know that labored us mreh for myself
! as for thee. | was nourished with the same
! food ms tl,yseli and always rode to meeting
We have Saturdays to work for ourselves
, and we want for nothing. When we are sich
our good kind mistress always comes to our
bed side saying-"Well, my good lad. what
is the matter with thee? Do not be discou-
ragged; the Doctor will soon be here; have
: patience, it is the best remedy; ! will take
care Of thee" "Ah! when am free man.
9 what shall DO aud where shall go?
: Like white men, you will labor Tor those
, who will give you the hiel est wages; In
few years you will be able to purchase u
small farm; then Won can marry prudent
7 industrious woman. and bring up your chn~
dren in the fear of God and the love Of labor.
and after ENJOYING a free and tranquil life
thou wilt die in peace. This day you must
& absolutely have your liberty. J have long
e since determined that yon should have It..
IS Nav the Creator If all men put perio.a
to the ,r.fic in human flesh. May that an'