re about Jesus. He
was now very desirous to see his minister; and before a convenient
opportunity occurred, he was in such distress of mind as actually to
attempt two several times to kill himself. His minister visited him,
conversed and prayed with him.

"_Oh_," he would say, "God never think such poor negro, he no love so
much sinner, he no before ever see such bad heart!" The mercy of Christ,
and his compassion towards sinners, were explained to him, and his soul
was filled with "joy and peace in believing," He now rejoiced and
thanked God that he was brought from his native shores, as he had a
fairer country, and purer enjoyments presented to his view, after the
scenes of this transitory world shall be over. He now became more
industrious and more faithful. By uncommon industry he raised money
sufficient to purchase his own freedom. He next bought the liberty of
his wife, and had nearly completed paying for that of his only
daughter, when she was liberated by the hand of death. His wife soon
followed her, and left this world a perfect void to the husband and
father. His every tie that bound him to earth was now broken. Having no
earthly enjoyment, he now placed his affections on heaven above. It is
easy for the Christian to make rapid progress in holiness when not
fettered by worldly cares.

It was now dark, and I must leave my new acquaintance. I left him with
his face wet with tears, still standing beside the tomb--the tomb of his
old minister! This good man had been his faithful and constant guide,
and though his ashes had been slumbering for years, the negro had not
yet forgotten how to weep at their urn. I could not but admire the
wonderful dealings of God, in order to bring men to himself. Happy
minister! who hast been the instrument of covering a multitude of sins!
Happy negro! his is not this world. Though no sculptured marble may tell
the traveller where he may shortly lie--though he never trod the thorny
road of ambition or power--though the trumpet of fame never blew the
echo of his name through a gaping world--still those eyes, which will
soon be closed in death, may hereafter awake, to behold, undaunted, a
world in flames, and these heavens fleeing away.

~Violent Earthquake in Calabria.~

In nature there is nothing which can inspire us with so much awe as
those violent outbreakings which occasionally convulse the earth,
creating fearful devastation, overthrowing cities, and destroying much