Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1846-03-31
PUBLISHED IN THE PALLADIUM BY REQUEST.
THE HAPPY MAN OF COLOUR.

Some years ago, an English gentleman. by
particular providence, had occasion to be in
North America, where the following circum-
stance occurred, which is thus related in his own
words.
Every days observation convinces me. that
the children OF God are made so by his spe-
cial grace, and that all means equally effec-
iual with him, whenever no is pleased to employ
them for conversion.
in one of my excursions. while in tho
province of New-York, | was walking by myself
over a considerable plantation, amused with It's
husbandry, and comparing it with that Of my
own country, till came within little distance
Of middle nged Negro. who was filling tho
ground. ] felt strong inclination, unusual with
mo, to converse with him. After asking him
some itt!o questions about his work. which he
answered worry sensibly. wished him to tell me
whether his state Of slavery was no, isagreenble
to him, and " neither he would not gladly exchange
it for his liberty. NASSAU said he. looking
seriously upon mo, Il have q vito and children;
my NASSAU take care Of them, and have no
caro- to provide any thing; have good NASSAU,
who teach mo to read: and | read good book, that
makes me happy am glad, replied l, to hear
you say 90; and pray what IS tho good book you
read! The Bible. NASSAU, Gods own book
Do you understand, friend. as we'll read this
book! For many can read the words well, who
cannot get hold Of the true and good sense 90
NASSAU snid he. Il read the book much before
understand; but at last felt pain in my heart;
l found things in the book that cut mo to pieces.
All! said !, and what things were they? Why
NASSAU, found that had bad heart, NASSAU,
verv bad heart indeed: felt pain that God
would destroy mo, because wns wicked, and
done nothing ns should do. God was holy, and
l was very vile md naughty; | could have nothing
from him but fire and birthstone in hell. In
short, he entered into full account Of his convic-
tons of sin, which were indeed deep and pierre
ing rs almost any | had over heared Of; and what
nd ho had
that both probed to the bottom of his sinful heart,
and were mado the means of light and comfort
to his soul. thcn cnquired Of him, what minis
try or means he made use Of and found that his
master n Quaker, plain sort Of man. who
had taught his slaves to read, but who had not
however, conversed with this negro upon the state
of his soul. | asked him likewise how no got
comfort under oil this trall 90 NASSAU said he,
lit was Christ gave me comfort by his dear word.
He bado mo como unto him aud he would give
rest, for was very weary andihenvy laden And
hero he went through limo Of tho most precious
texts in the Bible, showing. by his ar,ess COM
mont upon them, he went along. what great
things God had done in tho course of yoars
for his soul. Being rather more acquainted with
doctrinnl truths, and the analogy of tho Bible,
than he had boon, or in his situation could easily
be, had mind to try how far q simple untutor
cd experience, graciousy given without the usual
means, could carry man from some speculative
errors; and l therefore asked him several ques-
tons about tho merit Of works, tho justification Of
a sinner. tho power Of grace, and the like own
was much nstonishcd at. as admired the
sweet spirit & simplicity Of his answers, with tho
heavenly wisdom that God had put into the mind
of this negro. His discourse, flowing merely from
tho richness Of grace, with o tenderness and ex-
PRESTON far boy ond tho reach Of art perfectly
armed mo. On tho other hand, my entering
into all his feelings. together with an account TO
him. which he had never hoard before, that thus
th,,sfh a ord n ia nj
Children and had dealt with me, drew streams of
ioyfu tears down his black face, that looked
upon zach other and talked with that inexpressi-
bic glow Of christian affection, that made mo
more than ever believe, what | have often too
thoughtlessly professed TO believe. THE COMMUNION
OF SAINTS. shall never forgot how the poor ex-
celent creature seemed to hang upon my lips,
and to eat my worry words, when enlarged upon
the love Of Christ to poor sinners, the free bounty
and tender mercy of God. tho frequent and de-
lightful he gives Of his presence, the faith
he bestows bis promises. the victories this faith
is enabled to got over trials and temptations the
hope in life and death, and the glorious expectr-
ton Of Immortality. To have taken off his ca
ger, delighted, animated cir and manner, would
have been a master piece for Reynolds. He
had never heard such discourse, nor found the
opportunity Of hearing it before. He seemed like
a man who had been thrown into new world,
and at length had found company. Though my
conversation lasted. at least, two or three hours,
l scarce enjoyed the happy swifness Of time
20 swee,y in all my life. We knew not how to
part. He would accompany me as far as he might,
and felt, on my side, such delight in the art
less. savory, solid, unaffected experience of his
dear soul, that could have been glad to him
oftener shon. or to see his like a, any time now;
bu, my situation rendered it impossible. there
fore took an ntfectionate adeu, with ardour
equal to tho warmest and the most ancient friend
ship; telling him, that neither the colour of his
body, nor the condition of his present life, could
proven him from being my dear brother in our
dear Saviour and that though VIC must part now,
never to each other again any more in this
world, had no doubt Of our having another JOY
full meeting in our Fathers home. where We
should live Together. and love one another thro'-
out a long and happy eternity,