f a converted heathen!

I afterwards made particular inquiry into this young man's domestic and
general deportment. Everything I heard was satisfactory, nor could I
entertain a doubt respecting the consistency of his conduct and
character. I had some further conversations with him, in the course of
which I pursued such a plan of scriptural instruction and examination as
I conceived to be the most suitable to his progressive state of mind. He
improved much in reading, carried his Bible constantly with him, and took
every opportunity which his duty to his master's service would allow for
perusing it. I have frequently had occasion to observe that amongst the
truly religious poor, who have not had the advantage of being taught to
read in early youth, a concern about the soul and a desire to know the
word of God, have proved effectual motives for their learning to read
with great ease and advantage to themselves and others. It was
strikingly so in the present case.

I had, for a considerable time, been accustomed to meet some serious
persons once a week, in a cottage at no great distance from the house
where he lived, for the purpose of religious conversation, instruction,
and prayer. Having found these occasions remarkably useful and
interesting, I thought it would be very desirable to take the Negro
there, in order that there might be other witnesses to the simplicity and
sincerity of real Christianity, as exhibited in the character of this
promising young convert. I hoped it might prove an eminent mean of grace
to excite and quicken the spirit of prayer and praise amongst some of my
parishioners, over whose spiritual progress I was anxiously watching.

I accordingly obtained his master's leave that he should attend me to one
of my cottage assemblies. His master, who was thoroughly convinced of
the extraordinary change, in conduct and disposition, which religion had
produced in his servant, was pleased with my attention to him, and always
spoke well of his behaviour.

I set out on the day appointed for the interview. The cottage at which
we usually assembled was nearly four miles distant from my own residence.
My road lay along the foot of the hill mentioned in my last account of
the Negro, from the summit of which so luxuriant a prospect was seen. On
my right hand the steep acclivity of the hill intercepted all prospect,
except that of numerous sheep feeding on its rich and plentiful produce.
Here and there