lution of that Question that has
perplex'd the Minds of so many serious Persons, viz. In what Manner will
God deal with those benighted Parts of the World where the Gospel of
Jesus Christ hath never reach'd? Now it appears from the Experience of
this remarkable Person, that God does not save without the Knowledge of
the Truth; but, with Respect to those whom he hath fore-known, though
born under every outward Disadvantage, and in Regions of the grossest
Darkness and Ignorance, he most amazingly acts upon and influences their
Minds, and in the Course of wisely and most wonderfully appointed
Providences, he brings them to the Means of spiritual Information,
gradually opens to their View the Light of his Truth, and gives them
full Possession and Enjoyment of the inestimable Blessings of his
Gospel. Who can doubt but that the Suggestion so forcibly press'd upon
the Mind of Albert (when a Boy) that there was a Being superior to the
Sun, Moon, and Stars (the Objects of African Idolatry) came from the
Father of Lights, and was, with Respect to him, the First-Fruit of the
Display of Gospel-Glory? His long and perilous Journey to the Coast of
Guinea, where he was sold for a Slave, and so brought into a Christian
Land; shall we consider this as the alone Effect of a curious and
inquisitive Disposition? Shall we in accounting for it refer to nothing
higher than mere Chance and accidental Circumstances? Whatever Infidels
and Deists may think; I trust the Christian Reader will easily discern
an All-wise and Omnipotent Appointment and Direction in these Movements.
He belong'd to the Redeemer of lost Sinners; he was the Purchase of his
Cross; and therefore the Lord undertook to bring him by a Way that he
knew not, out of Darkness into his marvellous Light, that he might lead
him to a saving Heart-Acquaintance and Union with the triune God in
Christ reconciling the World unto himself; and not imputing their
Trespasses. As his Call was very extraordinary, so there are certain
Particulars exceedingly remarkable in his Experience. God has put
singular Honour upon him in the Exercise of his Faith and Patience,
which in the most distressing and pitiable Trials and Calamities have
been found to the Praise and Glory of God. How deeply must it affect a
tender Heart, not only to be reduc'd to the last Extremity himself, but
to have his Wife and Children perishing for Want before his Eyes! Yet
his Faith did not fail him; he put his Trust in the Lo