his master, are alike brought to receive salvation as the free gift of God,
through the mediation of our merciful Redeemer; and comforted her with the
hope, that although poor Zebby's mind was but little enlightened, and her
faith comparatively uninformed, yet as, to the best of her knowledge, she
had been devout and humble, resting her claims for future happiness on that
corner-stone, "the goodness of God in Christ Jesus," so there was no reason
to fear that she would not leave this world for a far better, for "a house
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Matilda's mind was deeply impressed with this holy and happy consolation,
but yet she could not help lamenting her own loss, in one whom she no
longer considered her slave, and little better than a beast of burden, but
as her countrywoman, her friend, the partaker of that precious faith by
which alone the most wise, wealthy, and great, can hope to inherit the
kingdom of heaven; and she could not help praying for her restoration to
health, with all the fervour of which her heart was capable; and many a
promise mingled with her prayer, that, if it pleased God to restore her,
she would never treat her ill again: and these promises she likewise
repeated to Mrs. Harewood and her governess.

Neither of these ladies lost the opportunity thus offered, of impressing
on her mind the duties which every woman, whatever may be her rank or
situation in life, does indeed owe to those whom Providence hath placed
under her. They explained, in particular, the necessity of forbearance in
point of manners, and of consideration in her daily employments--"If," said
the good mistress, "I ring the bell twice or thrice, where once would
answer every purpose, provided I gave myself the trouble of considering
what I really wanted, I not only waste my servant's time, which would
supply my wants, and therefore injure myself in one sense, but I waste the
strength which is her only means of subsistence, and I awaken that vexation
of temper, which, although perhaps suppressed before me, will yet rankle in
her bosom, and probably induce her to commit some injury on my property,
which is an actual sin in her: thus _my_ folly leads to _her_ guilt, and
the very least mischief that can accrue is her unhappiness; for who can be
happy whose temper is perpetually ruffled by the cruel thoughtlessness of
those who have the absolute disposal of their time, their talents, and, in
a great measure, the