Whatever might be the merit of the natural voices, it was evident there was spiritual melody in all their hearts.
The Negro was not much used to our way of singing, yet joined with great earnestness and affection, that showed how truly he felt what he uttered.
When the fifth verse was ended-- "Nothing brought him from above, Nothing but redeeming love"-- he repeated the words, almost unconscious where he was-- "No, noting, noting but redeeming love, bring him down to poor William; noting but redeeming love." The following verses were added and sung by way of conclusion:-- See, a stranger comes to view, Though he's black, {121} he's comely too Comes to join the choirs above, Singing of redeeming love.
Welcome, Negro, welcome here, Banish doubt and banish fear; You, who Christ's salvation prove, Praise and bless redeeming love.
I concluded with some remarks on the nature of salvation by grace, exhorting all present to press forward in the heavenly journey.

It was an evening the circumstances of which, had they never been recorded on earth, were yet, doubtless, registered in the book of remembrance above.
I then fixed the day for the baptism of the Negro, and so took leave of my little affectionate circle.
The moon shone bright as I returned home, and was beautifully reflected from the waters of the lake; harmony and repose characterized the scene.
I had just been uniting in the praises of the God of grace and providence; and now the God of nature demanded a fresh tribute of thanksgiving for the beauties and comforts of creation; as David sang, "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him ?" In a few days the Negro was baptized, and not long after went on a voyage with his master.
Since that time I have not been able to hear any tidings of him.

Whether he yet wanders as a pilgrim in this lower world, or whether he has joined the heavenly choir in the song of "redeeming love" in glory, I know not.
This I do know, he was a monument to the Lord's praise.

He bore the impression of the Saviour's image on his heart, and exhibited the marks of divine grace in his life and conversation, with singular simplicity and unfeigned sincerity.
Give to God the glory.
THE YOUNG COTTAGER..