sciple. I rejoiced in
the prospect of receiving him into the Church agreeably to his desire. I
wished, however, to converse somewhat further, and inquire more minutely
into his conduct; and promised to ride over and see him in a few days at
his master's lodgings.

When he was gone, I thought within myself, God has indeed redeemed souls
by the blood of his Son, "out of _every_ kindred, and tongue, and people,
and nation." If many of them for a season are devoted to earthly
slavery, {98} through the cruel avarice of man, yet, blessed be God, some
amongst them are, through divine grace, called to the glorious liberty of
the children of God; and so are redeemed from the slavery of him who
takes so many captive at his will. It is a happy thought, that "Ethiopia
shall soon stretch forth her hands unto God. Sing unto God, ye kingdoms
of the earth. Oh, sing praises unto the Lord."

PART II.

When we endeavour to estimate the worth of an immortal soul, we are
utterly lost in the attempt. The art of spiritual computation is not
governed by the same principles and rules which guide our speculations
concerning earthly objects. The value of gold, silver, merchandize,
food, raiment, lands, and houses, is easily regulated, by custom,
convenience, or necessity. Even the more capricious and imaginary worth
of a picture, medal, or statue, may be reduced to something of systematic
rule. Crowns and sceptres have had their adjudged valuation; and
kingdoms have been bought and sold for sums of money. But who can affix
the adequate price to a human soul? "What shall it profit a man, if he
shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man
give in exchange for his soul?"

The principles of ordinary arithmetic all fail here; and we are
constrained to say, that He alone who paid the ransom for sinners, and
made the souls of men his "purchased possession," can comprehend and
solve the arduous question. They are, indeed, "bought with a price," but
are "not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold; but with
the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot." We shall only ascertain the value of a soul, when we shall be
fully able to estimate the worth of a Saviour.

Too often have we been obliged to hear what is the price which sordid,
unfeeling avarice has affixed to the _body_ of a poor Negro slave; let us
now attempt, while we pursue the foregoing narrative, to me