I found
shelter and employ in the family of J.K., another member of the Society of
Friends, a farmer.

The religious atmosphere in this family was excellent. Mrs. K. gave me the
first copy of the Holy Scriptures I ever possessed, she also gave me much
excellent counsel. She was a preacher in the Society of Friends; this
occasioned her with her husband to be much of their time from home. This
left the charge of the farm upon me, and besides put it out of their power
to render me that aid in my studies which my former friend had. I,
however, kept myself closely concealed, by confining myself to the limits
of the farm, and using all my leisure time in study. This place was more
secluded, and I felt less of dread and fear of discovery than I had
before, and although seriously embarrassed for want of an instructor, I
realized some pleasure and profit in my studies. I often employed myself
in drawing rude maps of the solar system, and diagrams illustrating the
theory of solar eclipses. I felt also a fondness for reading the Bible,
and committing chapters, and verses of hymns to memory. Often on the
Sabbath when alone in the barn, I would break the monotony of the hours by
endeavouring to speak, as if I was addressing an audience. My mind was
constantly struggling for thoughts, and I was still more grieved and
alarmed at its barrenness; I found it gradually freed from the darkness
entailed by slavery, but I was deeply and anxiously concerned how I should
fill it with useful knowledge. I had a few books, and no tutor.

In this way I spent seven months with J.K., and should have continued
longer, agreeably to his urgent solicitation, but I felt that life was
fast wearing, and that as I was now free, I must adventure in search of
knowledge. On leaving J.K., he kindly gave me the following certificate,--

"East Nautmeal, Chester County, Pennsylvania, _Tenth Month 5th, 1828._

"I hereby certify, that the bearer, J.W.C. Pennington, has been in my
employ seven months, during most of which time I have been from home,
leaving my entire business in his trust, and that he has proved a highly
trustworthy and industrious young man. He leaves with the sincere regret
of myself and family; but as he feels it to be his duty to go where he
can obtain education, so as to fit him to be more useful, I cordially
commend him to the warm sympathy of the friends of humanity wherever a
wise providence may appoint him a home.

Si