Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Waugh was then stationed over
Wilk street church. I am careful to state these facts, that the reader
may be able to form an idea of the precise influences which had to do
with shaping and directing my mind.

In view of the cares and anxieties incident to the life she was then
leading, and, especially, in view of the separation from religious
associations to which she was subjected, my mistress had, as I have
before stated, become lukewarm, and needed to be looked up by her
leader. This brought Mr. Waugh to our house, and gave me an opportunity
to hear him exhort and pray. But my chief instructor, in matters of
religion, was Uncle Lawson. He was my spiritual father; and I loved him
intensely, and was at his house every chance I got.

This pleasure was not long allowed me. Master Hugh became averse to my
going to Father Lawson's, and threatened to whip me if I ever went there
again. I now felt myself persecuted by a wicked man; and I _would_ go to
Father Lawson's, notwithstanding the threat. The good old man had told
me, that the "Lord had a great work for me to do;" and I must prepare
to do it; and that he had been shown that I must preach the gospel. His
words made a deep impression on my mind, and I verily felt that some
such work was before me, though I could not see _how_ I should ever
engage in its performance. "The good Lord," he said, "would bring it to
pass in his own good time," and that I must go on reading and studying
the scriptures. The advice and the suggestions of Uncle Lawson, were
not without their influence upon my character and destiny. He threw my
thoughts into a channel from which they have never entirely diverged. He
fanned my already intense love of knowledge into a flame, by assuring
me that I was to be a useful man in the world. When I would{132} say
to him, "How can these things be and what can _I_ do?" his simple reply
was, _"Trust in the Lord."_ When I told him that "I was a slave, and
a slave FOR LIFE," he said, "the Lord can make you free, my dear. All
things are possible with him, only _have faith in God."_ "Ask, and it
shall be given." "If you want liberty," said the good old man, "ask the
Lord for it, _in faith_, AND HE WILL GIVE IT TO YOU."

Thus assured, and cheered on, under the inspiration of hope, I worked
and prayed with a light heart, believing that my life was under the
guidance of a wisdom higher than my own. With all other blessings sought
at th