to see you; me tink you long time coming."

"William, I hope you are well. I am going to take you with me to a few
of my friends, who, I trust, are truly sincere in their religious
pursuits. We meet every Wednesday evening for conversation about the
things that belong to our everlasting peace, and I am sure you will be a
welcome visitor."

"Massa, me not goot enough to be with such goot people. Me great sinner;
dey be goot Christian."

"If you were to ask them, William, they would each tell you they were
worse than others. Many of them were once, and that not very long ago,
living in an openly sinful manner, ignorant of God, and the enemies of
Jesus Christ by thought and deed. But divine grace stopped them in their
wicked course, and subdued their hearts to the love and obedience of him
and his gospel. You will only meet a company of poor fellow-sinners, who
love to speak and sing the praises of redeeming love; and I am sure,
William, that is a song in which you will be willing to join them."

"O yes, sir! dat song just do for poor Negro."

By this time we had arrived at the cottage garden gate. Several well-
known faces appeared in and near the house, and the smile of affection
welcomed us as we entered. It was known that the Negro was to visit the
little society this evening, and satisfaction beamed on every
countenance, as I took him by the hand and introduced him among them,
saying, "I have brought a brother from Africa to see you, my friends. Bid
him welcome in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Sir," said an humble and pious labourer, whose heart and tongue always
overflowed with Christian kindness, "we are at all times glad to see our
dear minister, but especially so to-day in such company as you have
brought with you. We have heard how merciful the Lord has been to him.
Give me your hand, good friend (turning to the Negro). God be with you,
here and everywhere; and blessed be his holy name for calling sinners, as
I hope he has done you and me, to love and serve him for his mercy's
sake."

Each one greeted him as he came into the house, and some addressed him in
very kind and impressive language.

"Massa," said he, "me not know what to say to all dese goot friends; me
tink dis look a little like heaven upon earth."

He then, with tears in his eyes--which, almost before he spoke, brought
responsive drops into those of many present--said, "Goot friends and
bredren in Christ Jesus, God bless