The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-10-13
A story Of Slave Life In Virginia.

During slavery times there was an
elder Of the Presbyterian church In
Prince Edward county. Va, so ira
dition says. who had on his planta-
ton a fargo number of slaves. For
their religious welfare this goaly man
was watchfui and solicitous, This
zeal OF the pfous master was shown
in his personal efforts TO instruct
and influence his negroes unto god
iiness, and also by the encourage
ment that he gave TO every tudicious
effort put forth for their good. This
was we'll understood on the pianta-
ton.
Among the negroes Nho responded
10 the masters efforts was an elderly
man named Dublin. He became a
Christian. and showed much earnest
mesa and wisdom in dealing with his
people. and was eventually made q
preacher on the plantation.
Uncle Dnh1tn". WAS soon known
as faithful and diligent exhorter
and leader among the pious negroes.
and BY his efforts he turned num-
Der OF the ungodiy to righteous
life.
But on the plantation one of the
most careless AMI reckless of the
young men was the only son Of this
same Uncle Dublin" His name was
Jim. and he was about eighteen years
old. an abiebodied. vigorous young
man, the leader of all reckless and
irreligious and immoral proceedings
on the place. The young man was
source of grief and anxiety to his
pions father. and the old preacher
fearing before God for him. made
him the subject of much prayer and
or fearful remonstrance. Bot for the
time Jim was obdurate, hardening his
heart against all gracious influences
and continuing in HIS maynard
course. or all this the pious master
was aware.
One night Explain venabie was
awakened at late hour by the
noise of some one knocking at his
back door. He raised the window
az his bed room and asked. Who
is there. What is wanted9''
Al once the reply came in a voice
low and trembling with earnestness,
TT 10 me. n1arster, My boy, Jim. is
done 'fessed religion. wants you
/ to come wild mo to, DE eaain and
hen me to s'arch Jim"
The captain replied. II will come
as soon as I can get ready. But.
Dublin. you must talk 10 Jim before
me. and IL | FIND that any advice is
needed ! will give il. For you can
As soon as the captain was dressed
he came out and They proceeded Ia.
Dublin's cabin. They found Jim sit
ting by the fireside waiting for their
return. and In the happiness OF his
new life grooming some snatches OF
religious melody.
A chair was offered TO Captain
venable. and then Dublin. taking his
place opposite to Jim. began his ex-
xfua s< u u
as follows: My son, YOU fesses re-
ligion. What make you think you
is q Christian
The young man answered, II IL
sorry for my sins
The old man was silent for a while.
and then shaking his head he said,
dat won't do. We has all sinned
and We Is bound to be sorry for our
sins Sin must bring sorrow in dis
lie and de life to come 10 dat
all YOU can say. dat you ID sorry for
your sins, How's you sorry"
After long silence that was OPP
earnsstnsss Of al parties. Dublin re-
sumed his examination: Ny son. you
says you II Christian, nov tell your
old daddy what makes ron think You
Is"
Jim replied with trembling voice:
II prays"
But the anxious father replied:
Oar u I hsap Of people dat say
dey prAya Do heather people praya.
but II don't 10 NO good. Dc rich
man In hell prayed, but It don't DO no
rood. How dpss YOU pray -
All was silence again for : tina.
Jim hnding no answer to this last
question.
EfH21lY Dublin. m HrHy9ffUl 60IIcf.