Page:Negro servant, an authentic and interesting narrative of a young Negro servant.pdf/15

( 15 ) with the Negro, finding that his Master was gone from home for the day, and had given him liberty for some hours. I spoke to him on the nature, duty and privilege of the Christian Baptism; pointed out to him from a prayer-book which I had with me, the clear and Scriptural principles of our own church upon that head, and found that he was very desirous of conforming to them. He appeared to me to be well qualified for receiving that Sacramental pledge of his Redeemer's love; and I rejoiced in the prospect of beholding him no longer a 'stranger and foreigner, but a fellow-citizen with the saints, and of the household of God.'

'God,' said I to him, has promised to sprinkle many nations, not only with the waters of baptism, but also with the dews of his heavenly grace. He says, he will not only 'pour water on him that is thirsty," but I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. Yes, Massa,' said he, 'He can make me to be clean in heart, and of a right spirit: he can purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: he can wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.'

'May God give you these blessings, and confirm you in every good gift.'

I was much pleased with the affectionate manner in which he spoke of his parents, from whom he had been stolen in his childhood; and his wishes that God might direct them by some means to the knowledge of a Saviour.

'Who knows,' I said, 'but some of these ships may be carrying a missionary to the country where they live, to declare the good news of salvation to your countrymen, and to your own dear parents in particular, if they are yet alive.'

'O! my dear father and mother: my dear gracious Saviourǃ exclaimed he, leaping from the ground as he spoke, if thou will but save their soul, and tell them what thou hast done for sinners-but,'-