Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-06-09

49, BChiho VI Olu lhuoI ]
containing abou, two spoonsiull for each, and
they kindly offered him some, but he took
leave, and walked home Illuminating on their
condition, and q~ucrying why it was, these
lively, sensible, and kind little creatures
might not be free as he was. A deep sense
of the injustice Of slavery fixed on his mind,
which increased with time and observation.
He was afterwards the means of convincing
their masters son, so that he formed a reso-
luton never to own a slave; and leaving the
State without any assistance from his father,
settled in Ohio. AT ten years of age, my bro
thct was apprenticed to a tailor in Virginia,
where he was exposed TO many snares and
trials. Our father was a man of strict JUS
tice and integrity, ana truly christian spirit
and conduct, but having placed his son in a
settlement of Friends, and with a member of
the Society, he trusted all would be WE'LL
When my brother was about to leave us, my
sister set the alphabet in writing for him 10
learn, that We might correspond which we
did, from that instruction alone on his part.
lie could only read the New Testament when
he left us, but continued TO improve by his
own exertion and attention, the few leisure
poItunity of instruction till near eighteen
years of age. He was released from his hard
servitude by an MISUNDERSTANDING suffered
much abuse, he left the place with a deteTmi-
..,;-- -. a.. xa,,.. o,I ,,,J,, ,,r1io,,;oa -
a Justice of the Peace, which caused the case
TO be examined. and resulted in his liberty.
After this he devoted some time 10 the study
of Arithmetic, Bookkeeping, Surveying, Nav
igation, &C., and he might truly be said to be
self-educated for 10 the end of time with
him, his comprehensive mind was ever en-
bracing all that was useful in science and lit
erature.
AT the period 10 which ! have referred, be-
ing very deficient in what he conceived to be
IA competent knowledge of his Trade, he set
tied to work in Baltimore, as the most likely
place 10 accomplish his object. His health
was often affected by confinement 10 bust
ness, and at those seasons his relatives in the
country were refreshed by his sojourn among
them. He was cheerful and pleasant in COM
pany, and disposition to add to the enjoy
ment of others, and not amuse himself al the
expense of the feelings OF any, always rem
dered him a welcome guest. In all situa-
tons he strictly avoided the use Of spirituous
liquors, though often urged to participate, as
the practice was very common with many in
those days. In the city he took his walks
mostly alone, for he found there were those
who would lead him into this difficulty or
some other snare, many Of which he saw, but
was favored joyfully and thankfully to escape.
In the course Of these trials, he acquired a
marked solidity OF department. tempered with
habitual cheerlulness and he attended meet
ings of all religious societies, In which he
was steady and attentive TO their doctrines
and ceremonies, and at length settled his
mind on sending for a certificate Of his right
in the Society of Friends, whose doctrines
were his own. lie could not join with some re-
ligious authors in decrying human reason, be-
l~ieving it had preserved him from many dan
gers-that it was the recipient Of the Divine
Spirit, and cooperating together, evil was
avoided, and good embraced-and thus good
fruits were produced in life and conduct. He
ALWAYS cherished a reverence for religion,
thought it not so mystical as many suppose
but plain and clear, agreeing with a sound
rational understanding. He conceived that
the nationality bestowed upon us by our Gre
ator, by which we are distinguished from the
brute creation, was very different from the
serpentine insinualions Of pride and selfish
ness; and that pride was the greatest dark
ener of Reason, and the most subtle and pc
tent enemy of mankind. II was, and coniln
ued to be his belief that many who promul
gate doctrines shrouded in mystery, are un
acquainted with real religion, and are bu
blind leaders of the blind. My dear brothe
always maintained an equal stand betweet
priestcraft and that state of society which
rejection of religion has a tendency TO encou
rage-one illustration of which will appea
from an incident of his early life.
In one Of his intervals of absence from tn
city, there was a man transienliy residing /
The neighborhood where he visited, who cal
ed himself an Atheist, and was in the praC
tice of gathering companies of young mel
and featuring in such a manner as it al
peared might not only destroy a reverend
for religion, bet PROSTATE moral hone'
ty. At one of these times Israel Frenc
happened to enter a house where they WEI
gathered and his solemn department cause
the speaker to step forward to meet him, sa,
ing, I" Young man, | see you have a priest @