NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. 

The object of the writer, in preparing this account of himself, is to

RAISE SUFFICIENT MEANS TO FREE HIS LAST TWO CHILDREN FROM SLAVERY. 

Having already, within twelve years past, purchased himself, his wife, and five of his children, at a cost, altogether, of over _four thousanddollars_, he now earnestly desires a humane and christian public to

AID HIM IN THE SALE OF THIS BOOK, for the purpose of finishing the task in which he has so long andanxiously labored. 

God has blessed him in an extraordinary manner, not only by grantingfreedom to him and so large a portion of his family, but by giving himthe hope of the gospel, and permitting him to preach that gospel amonghis own people--in which calling he has been engaged for abouttwenty-five years. 

[Illustration: THE SARATOGA STREET AFRICAN BAPTIST CHAPEL. ]

The building, of which the above cut is an imperfect representation, fronts as above 100 feet on Saratoga street, and 46 feet on Calvertstreet. The house is of brick, and cost over $18, 000. --(See page 45. )

A

NARRATIVE

OF

THE LIFE

OF

REV. NOAH DAVIS, _A COLORED MAN. _

WRITTEN BY HIMSELF, AT THE AGE OF FIFTY-FOUR. 

PRINTED SOLELY FOR THE AUTHOR'S BENEFIT. 

Baltimore:PUBLISHED BY JOHN F. WEISHAMPEL, JR. , No. 484 West Baltimore St. 

ENTERED according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by NOAHDAVIS, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of Maryland. 

STEREOTYPED BYJOHN F. WEISHAMPEL, JR. , BOOKSELLER AND PUBLISHER, BALTIMORE. 

Contents. 

CHAPTER I. 

Early Life in Virginia--Example of Pious Parents. 

CHAPTER II. 

Apprenticed to the Shoe-making--Learns housework--Intemperance--"A negrocan't be trusted"--Learning how to write and cipher. 

CHAPTER III. 

Religious Experience--Conviction and Conversion. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Marriage--License to Preach--Purchase of Freedom--Call to Baltimore. 

CHAPTER V. 

Experience in Baltimore--Education--Purchase of a Wifeand two Children--Great Distress of Mind--Generous Assistance--ChurchMatters. 

CHAPTER VI. 

A New Movement in Baltimore--Erection of a MeetingHouse for the African Baptist Church--Heavy Indebtedness--Accountof the Enterprise. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Account of a Visit to the northern Cities--True Friends. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Conclusion--Object of this Book. 

NARRATIVE. 

CHAPTER I. 

Early Life in Virginia--Example of Pious Parents. 

I was born a slave, in Madison county, Virginia, March, 1804. My father, John Davis, and his family, belonged to Robert Patten, Esq. , a wealthymerchant, residing in Fredericksburg--who was also owner, in connectionwith Mr. John Thom, of a large merchant mill, located on "Crooked Run, "a stream running between Madison and Culpepper counties. My father wasthe head miller in that large establishment, in which responsiblestation he was much respected. 

There I was born, and remained until I was twelve years old. Mr. Pattenwas always considered one of the best of masters, allowing his servantsmany privileges; but my father enjoyed more than many others. Both heand my mother were pious members of a Baptist church, and from theirgodly example, I formed a determination, before I had reached mytwelfth year, that if I was spared to become a man, I would try to be asgood as my parents. My father could read a little, and make figures, butcould scarcely write at all. His custom, on those Sabbaths when weremained at home, was to spend his time in instructing his children, orthe neighboring servants, out of a New Testament, sent him fromFredericksburg by one of his older sons. I fancy I can see him now, sitting under his bush arbor, reading that precious book to manyattentive hearers around him. 

Such was the esteem I had for my pious father, that I have kept thatblessed book ever since his death, for his sake; and it was the firstNew Testament I read, after I felt the pardoning love of God in my soul. 

My father died, August 20, 1826, aged 60 years. My mother, Jane Davis, at the death of my father, removed from the farm, where my father died, and spent the remainder of her days in Fredericksburg, with herchildren. She lived to good old age, and fell asleep in Jesus, Dec. 24, 1831. 

My father had been allowed to keep a cow and horse, for his own use; andto raise and feed his hogs and poultry from the mill. He had theprivilege of keeping his children with him, until they were old enoughto put out to such trades as they might choose. I had several brothersand one sister. Two of my brothers, one older, the other younger thanmyself, lived with our parents, at this place. My oldest brother workedin the mill, with my father, while my youngest brother and I did littleelse than play about home, and wait upon our mother. I had severalplaymates, besides my brothers, and among them were the sons of Col. Thom, and the servant boys who stayed at his house. Although many yearshave passed away since, it gives me pleasure, even now, to recollect thehappy seasons I enjoyed with the playmates of my childhood. 

But this pleasant state of things was not to continue long. The ownersof the mill and farm concluded to sell out the whole concern. My fatherand his family then removed to another farm, belonging to our owner, located in Culpepper county, near Stevensburg. Here I remained nearly twoyears, working, part of the time, with a carpenter, who was building asummer residence for my master; and the rest of the time, assisting myfather to cultivate as much ground as he and his family could tend. HereI learned something of a farmer's life. The overseer, Mr. Daniel Brown, had the reputation of being one of the best overseers in the county. Butmy father's family was not put under him further than for hisprotection; for after our owner sold the mill, he set my parents free, and allowed them to maintain themselves, by cultivating as much groundon the farm as they needed. 

Sometimes my father would leave his little place in charge of my brotherRobert and myself, and would hire himself to work in some mill, or gopeddling poultry, vegetables, &c. , at some of the market places around. 

CHAPTER II. 

Apprenticed to the shoe-making--Learns housework--Intemperance--"A negrocan't be trusted"--Learning how to write and cipher. 

In December, 1818, for the first time in my life, I left my parents, togo a distance from home; and I was sad at the thought of parting withthose whom I loved and reverenced more than any persons on earth. Butthe expectation of seeing Fredericksburg, a place which, from all I hadthen learned, I supposed must be the greatest place in the world, reconciled me somewhat with the necessity of saying Good-bye to the dearones at home. I arrived at Fredericksburg, after a day and a half'stravel, in a wagon--a distance of some fifty miles. Having arrived intown, a boy green from the country, I was astonished and delighted atwhat appeared to me the splendor and beauty of the place. I spent amerry Christmas at my old master's stately mansion, along with my olderbrother, and for a while forgot the home on the farm. 

But soon, another home was selected for me, where I might learn atrade, and as I preferred the boot and shoe-making, I was put to Mr. Thomas Wright, a man of sterling integrity, who was considered the bestworkman in the whole town. Here I had an older brother living, which wassome inducement for my going to live with Mr. Wright. I was bound, toserve until I should be twenty-one years old. This was in January, 1819. 

Upon entering with Mr. Wright, I learned that the colored boys had toserve one year with Mrs. Wright, in the house and kitchen. The object ofthis was to train them for future usefulness, when called from the shop, to serve as waiters or cooks. Mrs. Wright was a good manager, and a veryparticular housekeeper. I used to think she was too particular. But Ihave learned better since. I have often wished, when I have been seekinghomes for my children, that I could find one like Mrs. Wright. She wouldspare no pains to teach her servants how she wanted her work done; andthen she would spare no pains to make them do it. I have often lookedback, with feelings of gratitude and veneration, to that pious lady, forher untiring perseverance in training me up in the way I should go. Butshe is gone, as I trust, to receive the reward of righteousness, in abetter world. 

After I had been under Mrs. Wright's special charge the first year, shecould leave me to cook a dinner, or clean the house, or do anything shemight set me at, without her being present. I was now considered fit totake my seat among the hands in the shop. 

Here I found quite a new state of things. The shoemakers, at that time, in Fredericksburg, were considered the most intemperate of any class ofmen in the place; and as the apprentice-boys had always to be veryobliging to the journeymen, in order to get along pleasantly with them, it was my duty to be runner for the shop; and I was soon trained how tobring liquor among the men with such secresy as to prevent the boss, whohad forbidden it to come on the premises, from knowing it. 

But, in those days, the drinking of ardent spirits was a commonpractice, even among christians. With such examples all around, I soonlearned the habit of drinking, along with every other vile habit towhich my companions were addicted. It was true in my case, that "evilcommunications corrupt good manners;" and had it not been for thestrictness with which my boss and his amiable lady watched over me, Ishould in all probability have become a confirmed drunkard, before mytime was out. But they held the reins over me, and kept me in, until Ihad served out my apprenticeship. 

I can say, however, that, much as I was inclined to other vices andsins, Mr. Wright readily gave me a recommendation for honesty, truthfulness, and goodness of character. In fact, he had felt suchconfidence in me, that he would often leave his shoe store in my care, when he would have to go to the north, for a supply of stock. And I cantruly say, that I never deceived him, when he thus trusted me. Nothingwould mortify me as much, as to hear it said, "A negro can't betrusted. " This saying would always nerve me with a determination _to betrustworthy_. --If I was trusted, I would deserve to be trusted. I wantedto show that principle was not confined to color. But I have been led tolook at it since, and have thought that perhaps it was more pride thanprinciple in me, at that time, for I was a wicked sinner. 

The first idea I ever got of writing, was from trying to imitate myemployer, who used to write the names of his customers on the lining ofthe boots and shoes, as he gave them out to be made. So I tried to makeletters, and soon succeeded in writing my name, and then the wordFredericksburg, and so on. My father had previously taught me thealphabet, in the spelling book, before I had left the mill. After Ibecame religious, I would carry my father's New Testament to church, andalways try to get to meeting in time to hear the preacher read a chapterbefore sermon. If he named the chapter before reading it, I would soonfind it. In this way, I gathered much information in pronouncing manyhard words in the Scriptures. 

It was a long time before I learned the meaning of the numeral lettersput in the Bible over the chapters. I had often seen them in thespelling book running alongside a column of figures; but no one evertold me that they were put there for the same use as the figures. 

CHAPTER III. 

Religious Experience--Conviction--Conversion. 

Just about the close of my apprenticeship, and as I began to feel myselfa man, I commenced to visit the girls, which induced me to go stillmore frequently to church. 

At that time, there were four churches in Fredericksburg. The coloredpeople had apartments for worship with the white people, at each ofthese churches. They were Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian andBaptist. 

I had no particular preference for any one of these denominations, morethan another; but, went wherever my favorites went. One night a younglady invited me to go to the Methodist church, where a prayer-meetingwas to be held. During the meeting, a venerable old gentleman rose tohis feet, and related an account of the sudden death of a young lady, which he had read in a newspapers. When he related that solemncircumstance, it so affected me, that I felt as if I was about to die, in a sudden manner also. 

Having always, from parental training, purposed in my mind to becomereligious before I died, I thought that now was the time to begin topray. But I could not try to pray in the church, for I was afraid thatthe girls would laugh at me. Yet I became so troubled, that I left thehouse, girls and all, intending to seek some place where I might pray. But to my horror and surprise, when I got out of the church, thisreflection occurred to me, "God is in heaven, and you are on earth:--howcan He hear you?" O, what distress of mind I now felt! I began to wonderhow God could hear my prayer; for, sure enough, He was in heaven, and Ion the earth. In my perplexity, I started for home. 

Just before I reached the shop, where I slept, this thought struck me, if possible with more force than the former reflection: "God does seeyou!" It really appeared to me as if I could see that God was indeedlooking at me; and not only so, but I felt that He had been looking atme all my life. I now said to myself, "It is of no use for me topray. --If God has seen all my wickedness, as I feel that He has, thenthere is no mercy for me. "

So I ran to my lodging-place, and tried to hide myself in a dark room. But this was useless; for it appeared that God could see me in the dark, as well as in the light. 

I now felt constrained to beg for mercy, and spent the time in trying toobtain pardon for my sins. But the morning came, and the hour drew nearfor the hands to go to work, and I was still unhappy. 

I felt so very different to what I had always felt, that I tried toexamine my impressions of the previous night, to learn if it was truethat God did see me or not; for I thought my imagination might havedeceived me. 

Up to this time, I was not fully convinced that God knew all about me. So I began to study about the matter. As I sat on the shoe-bench, Ipicked up a bunch of bristles, and selecting one of the smallest, Ibegan to wonder, if God could see an object so small as that. No soonerhad this inquiry arose in my heart, than it appeared to me, that theLord could not only see the bristle, but that He beheld me, as plainlyas I saw the little object in my hand; and not only so, but that God wasthen looking through me, just as I would hold up a tumbler of clearwater to the sun and look through it. This was enough. I felt that Imust pray, or perish; and now I began to pray. 

But it really seemed, that the more I prayed the less hope there was forme. Still I could not stop praying; for I felt that God was angry withme. I had sinned against his holy laws; and now, if He should cut meoff, and send me to hell, it was but right. These thoughts followed meday and night, for five weeks, before I felt relief. At length, one day, while sitting on my shoe bench, I felt that my time had come when I mustdie. What troubled me most, was that I should have to appear before God, in all my sins;--O, what horror filled my soul at the thought!

I began to wonder what I must do. I knew I was not prepared for deathand the Judgment. It is true that two of my shopmates, at that time, were members of the church; but they did not seem to care for my soul. All the rest of the hands were as wicked as myself. "What shall I do?"was in my mind, all the time I sat at work. 

The reflection occurred to me, "Your mother is a christian; it may beshe can save you. " But this suggestion appeared to be offensive to God. Then came another thought, --"As my master was a rich man, could he notdo something to help me?" But I found no relief in either ... And whileI sat thus, hoping and praying, light broke into my mind--all my troubleleft me in an instant. 

I felt such a love and peace flowing in my soul, that I could not sitlonger; I sprang to my feet, and cried out, "Glory to God!" It seemed tome, that God, whom I had beheld, a few seconds previously, angry withme, was now well-pleased. I could not tell why this great change hadtaken place in me; and my shopmates were surprised at my conduct, saying, that I must be getting crazy. But, just at this moment, thethought came into my mind, that I was converted; still, as I felt sovery different from what I had expected to feel, I could not see howthat could be. I concluded to run and see my mother, and ask her howpeople felt, when they got converted. So I went, right away, to mymother's house, some five or six squares from the shop. 

When I reached the door of her house, it appeared to me that everythingwas new and bright. I went in, and sat down. Mother asked me how I was. I told her, I felt _right smart_. This was a new sound from me; for myanswers to this question had long been--"_poorly_. " But now came thetrial; to ask mother how people felt, when they were converted. I feltashamed to ask the question; so I went into another room; and seeing ahymn book lying on the table, I took it up. The first hymn that struckmy sight began with these words:

 "When converts first begin to sing, Their happy souls are on the wing-- Their theme is all redeeming love; Fain would they be with Christ above. With admiration they behold The love of Christ, which can't be told, " &c. 

These lines expressed my feelings precisely, and being encouraged fromthem, I went to my mother, and asked her the question--"How do peoplefeel, when they get converted?" She replied, "Do you think you areconverted?" Now, this was a severe trial; for, although I felt that Iwas really changed, yet I wanted to hear from her, before I could decidewhether I was actually converted, or not. I replied, "No. " Then shesaid, "My son, the devil makes people think themselves converted, sometimes. " I arose, and left immediately, believing that the devil hadmade a fool of me. I returned to my shop, more determined to pray thanever before. 

I arrived, and took my seat, and tried to get under that same weight, that I had felt pressing me down, but a short while before. But itseemed to me that I could not; and, instead of feeling sad, I feltjoyful in my heart; and while trying to pray, I thought the Saviourappeared to me. I thought I saw God smiling upon me, through Christ, HisSon. My soul was filled with love to God and Jesus Christ. It appearedto me, I saw a fullness in Jesus Christ, to save every sinner who wouldcome to Him. And I felt, that if I was only converted, I would tell allsinners how precious the Saviour was. But I could not think myselfconverted yet, because I could not see what I had done, for God topardon my sins. Still I felt a love to Him for what He had done for mysoul. 

Then I began to think upon my shopmates--and, O what pity ran through mysoul for them. I wished to pray for them; but I felt so unworthy, that Icould not do it. At last I promised the Lord that if He would convert mysoul, I would talk to them. 

... It was several months after that, before I was made to realize this tobe the work of God; and when it was made plain, O what joy it did bringto my poor soul!

I shortly became a member of the Baptist church, and was baptized, incompany with some twenty others, by Rev. Geo. F. Adams, who was thenpastor of the Baptist church in Fredericksburg--September 19, 1831. Thischurch then contained about three hundred colored members. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Marriage--License to Preach--Purchase of Freedom--A Call to Baltimore. 

I had not been a member of the church a great while, before I formed anattachment to a young woman, who ultimately became my wife. I have everregarded her as the special gift of God to me. She embraced religionabout the same time that I did. We had been acquainted with each otherfor several years previous, and although we associated frequently in thesame social circle together; yet nothing of a special liking hadmanifested itself until the day she was baptized. 

But we were both slaves, and of course had to get the consent of ourowners, before we went further. My wife belonged to the late Carter L. Stephenson, Esq. , who was a brother to Hon. Andrew Stephenson, of Va. Mywife's master was quite indulgent to the servants about the house. Henever restrained visitors from coming on his premises to visit hisdomestics. It was said he had the likeliest set of servant girls in thetown; and though I cannot say I got the prettiest, yet I think I gotthe best one among them. We have lived happily together, as husband andwife, for the last twenty-eight years. We have had nine children--sevenborn in slavery, and two since my wife's freedom. Five out of the sevenin slavery I have bought--two are still in bondage. 

Before long, the brethren chose me to fill the office of a deacon. Butit never seemed to me to be the place that God designed for me; though Ifelt willing to do whatever lay in my power for God's glory and the goodof His people. The impression made upon my mind at my conversion, totalk to sinners, increased on me, until I could wait no longer. 

I related my convictions of duty to my brethren, and particularly to onewho was always held in high esteem for his piety and excellentcharacter--a colored brother, Armistead Walker. My case was firstbrought by him before the colored portion of the church; and after afull hearing of my statement, by the white brethren, with regard to mycall to preach, &c. , I was licensed to preach the gospel, and exhortsinners to repentance, as opportunity might be afforded. I had ampleopportunities at that time, for doing good, by preaching to my fellowmen, both in town and country. 

Several other colored brethren, about this time, gave evidence of havingbeen called of God, to the work of preaching the gospel. Among these wasa dear brother, named Alexander Daniel. He was a bright and shininglight, among our people, and everything considered, I think he was thebest preacher of color I ever heard. But alas, he is no more! He wasesteemed as a christian minister, and his friends, both white andcolored, united in erecting a monument over his grave. 

In my attempts to preach the gospel to my fellow sinners, I often feltembarrassed, not knowing how to read a chapter in the Bible correctly. My desires now increased for such a knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, as would enable me to read a chapter publicly to my hearers. I thoughtthat if I had all my time at my own command, I would devote it all todivine things. This desire I think, led me more than anything else, toask permission of my master, Dr. F. Patten, to purchase my freedom. Imade this a subject of prayer, both night and day, that God would showme what he would have me do. I felt encouraged to hope that I shouldfind favor with my owner, as he had always treated me kindly. But howshall I get the purchase money, provided he grants my request?--Thisappeared a difficult matter, but I thought if my master would give me achance, that I should be able to raise the money. 

I went to him, and stated my wishes, informing him why I wanted to befree--that I had been led to believe the Lord had converted my soul, andhad called me to talk to sinners. He granted my request, without asingle objection, fixing my price at five hundred dollars. 

But now I had to tell him that I had no money, and that I desired him togrant me another request; which was, to let me travel and find friends, who would give me the money. After learning my wishes fully, heconsented, and told me, when I got ready to start, he would give me apass, to go where I pleased. 

I thanked him sincerely for this privilege, and after makingarrangements, in the way of obtaining suitable letters ofrecommendation, I left Fredericksburg, in June, 1845, for Philadelphia, New York, Boston, &c. 

After spending nearly four months in visiting the northern cities, Ireturned home, with about one hundred and fifty dollars, greatlydisheartened. 

Previous to going north, I had raised about a hundred and fifty dollars, which I had already paid on my debt. 

The cause of my failure to raise all the money, I believe, was that Iwas unaccustomed to addressing large congregations of strangers; andoften, when I was favored with an opportunity of presenting my case tothe people, I would feel such embarrassment that I could scarcely sayanything. And I met another obstacle, which discouraged me very much;which was, that some persons would tell me they sympathized with me, inmy efforts to get free; but they said it was against their principles togive money, to buy slaves. I confess, this was new to me, and would cutme down much in my spirits--still I found generous and noble-heartedfriends, who treated me with every mark of kindness. 

I began to wonder to myself, whether God was in this matter, or not; andif so, why I had not succeeded. However, having returned home, I wentto work at my trade, for the purpose of earning the remainder of themoney. Having paid what I was able, toward my debt, and reserving enoughto open a shop, upon my own account, my old boss, Mr. Wright, my trueand constant friend, became my protector, so that I might carry on mybusiness lawfully. In this, however, I was not very successful; but Ihad not been long engaged at it, before I received a communication frommy white Baptist friends in Baltimore, through my pastor, Rev. Sam'lSmith, informing me that if I would come to Baltimore, and accept anappointment as missionary to the colored people of that city, they wouldassist me in raising the balance of the money then due upon myself. 

This was indeed an unexpected, and to me an undesired call. I began tothink, how can I leave my wife and seven small children, to go toBaltimore to live, a distance of more than a hundred miles from them. This, I thought, could not be. I thought my children would need mywatchful care, more now than at any other time. It is true, they wereall slaves, belonging to a rich widow lady. But she had always given methe entire control of my family. Now, if I should leave them at theirtender age, mischief might befall them. Still, as the letter fromBaltimore was from gentlemen of the best standing, it became me to givethem an answer. This I could not do, without first consulting my master. I did so, and after giving the matter a careful consideration, hethought I had better go and see those gentlemen--he was perfectlywilling to leave the matter to me. 

The result was, that I accepted the offer of the brethren in Baltimore;and by them I was enabled to pay the debt I owed; and I have never hadcause to repent it--though I had misgivings sometimes, when I would getinto trouble. 

But I have found those who were my friends at first, are my friendsstill. In a few weeks after I had arrived in Baltimore, (1847, ) thewhite Baptists who were favorable to the mission in behalf of thecolored people, secured for me an appointment as missionary of theDomestic Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, in connection withthe Maryland Baptist Union Association. I now felt a debt of gratitudeto these dear friends, that I could not show more acceptably to them, than by engaging heartily in the work to which I had been thus called. Iwent to work, first, by hiring a room in a private house, where I wouldcollect what few children I could get together, in a Sabbath school. Icontinued in this place for nearly a year, teaching the little children, and preaching to a few grown persons, who would come in at times to hearwhat this Baptist man had to say; and who, after satisfying theircuriosity, would generally leave me. During my stay in this locality, Icould not find half a dozen colored Baptists, who would take hold withme in this missionary enterprise. There were some few attached to thewhite churches; but only two of those showed any disposition to help mein this great and good work. I found that everybody loved to go with themultitude, and it was truly up-hill work with me. I found some who arecalled Anti-Mission, or Old School Baptists, who, when I called uponthem, would ask of what faith I was, --and when I would reply, that Ibelonged to what I understood to be the Regular Baptists, they wouldanswer, "Then you are not of our faith, " &c. 

Now I felt lonely indeed, separated far from home, from family, fromdear brethren and friends; thrown among strangers in a strange place. Those I came to benefit, stood aloof from me, and seemed to look uponall my movements with distrust and suspicion, and opposed to all I wastrying to do for the moral and spiritual benefit of our degraded race. But, thanks be to God, all I found in Baltimore were not of this stamp. Those of the white Baptists who had been the means of calling me to thisfield, adhered to me like brethren, indeed. Could I feel at liberty tomention names, I would bring to notice some dear friends who have everstood by me, in all my efforts to do good, and whose acts ofdisinterested benevolence have been rarely equaled. But their labors oflove are recorded on high, and I must forbear. 

CHAPTER V. 

Experience in Baltimore--Education--Purchase of a Wife and twoChildren--Great Distress of Mind--Generous Assistance--Church Matters. 

When I came among the colored people of Baltimore, I found, to mysurprise, that they were advanced in education, quite beyond what I hadconceived of. Of course, as I never had such advantages, I was farbehind the people; and as this did not appear well in a preacher, I feltvery small, when comparing my abilities with others of a superior stamp. I found that the great mass of colored professors of religion wereMethodists, whose piety and zeal seemed to carry all before them. Therewere, at that time, some ten or eleven colored Methodist churches, oneEpiscopalian, one Presbyterian; and one little Baptist church, locatedupon the outskirts of the city. The most of the Methodist churches werelarge and influential; and the Presbyterian church had one of the bestSabbath schools for colored children in the city. 

But the Baptist colored membership was looked upon as the smallest; andunder these circumstances, I was surrounded with discouragements;although the ministers and brethren of other denominations have alwaystreated me with marked christian kindness. 

I had never had a day's schooling; and coming to one of the first citiesin the Union, where the colored people had the advantages of schools, and where their pulpits were occupied, Sabbath after Sabbath, bycomparatively intelligent colored ministers--what could I expect, butthat the people would turn away from one who was trying to preach in theroom of a private house, some fifteen by twenty feet? Yet, there was noturning back: God had called me to the work, and it was His cause I wasadvocating. 

I found, that to preach, like other preachers, I must improve my mind, by reading the Bible and other good books, and by studying my ownlanguage. I started afresh--I got a small stock of books, and the whitebrethren loaned and gave me other useful volumes, to which they added aword of instruction and encouragement, whenever an opportunity offered;and the ministers cordially invited me to attend their Mondayministerial conference meeting, which was very useful to me. 

... I had now been in Baltimore more than a year. My wife and sevenchildren were still in Virginia. I went to see them as often as mycircumstances permitted--three or four times a year. About this time, mywife's mistress agreed to sell to me my wife and our two youngestchildren. The price fixed, was eight hundred dollars cash, and she gaveme twelve months to raise the money. The sun rose bright in my sky thatday; but before the year was out, my prospects were again in darkness. Now I had two great burdens upon my mind: one to attend properly to mymissionary duty, the other to raise eight hundred dollars. During thistime we succeeded in getting a better place for the Sabbath school, andthere was a larger attendance upon my preaching, which demanded readingand study, and also visiting, and increased my daily labors. On theother hand, the year was running away, in which I had to raise eighthundred dollars. So that I found myself at times in a great strait. 

My plan to raise the money was, to secure the amount, first, by pledges, before I collected any.... Finally, the year was more than passed away, and I had upon my subscription list about one half of the moneyneeded. It was now considered that the children had increased in valueone hundred dollars, and I was told that I could have them, by paying incash six hundred dollars, and giving a bond, with good security, forthree hundred more, payable in twelve months. I had six weeks, in whichto consummate this matter. I felt deeply, that this was a time to praythe Lord to help me, and for this my wife's prayers were ferventlyoffered with my own. I had left my wife in Virginia, and come toBaltimore, a distance of over a hundred miles; I had been separated thusfor nearly three years; I had been trying to make arrangements to haveher with me, for over twelve months, and as yet had failed. We wereoppressed with the most gloomy forebodings, and could only kneel downtogether and pray for God's direction and help. 

I was in Fredericksburg, and had but one day longer to stay, and spendwith my wife. What could be done, must be done quickly. I went to my oldfriend, Mr. Wright, and stated my case to him. After hearing of all Ihad done, and the conditions I had to comply with, he told me that if Iwould raise the six hundred dollars cash, he would endorse my bond forthe remaining three hundred. --This promise inspired me with new life. The next thing was, how could the six hundred dollars be obtained in sixweeks. I had upon my subscription list and in pledges nearly fourhundred dollars. But this had to be collected from friends living inFredericksburg, Washington city, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. 

I left Fredericksburg, and spent a few days in Washington, to collectwhat I could of the money promised to me there; and met muchencouragement, several friends doubling their subscriptions. When Iarrived in Baltimore, and made known the peculiar strait I was in, to myjoyful surprise, some of the friends who had pledged five dollars, gaveme ten; and one dear friend who had promised me ten dollars, for thisobject, and who had previously contributed largely in the purchase ofmyself, now gave me fifty. I began to count up, and in two weeks fromthe time I commenced collecting, I had in hand four hundred dollars. Presently, another very dear friend enquired of me how I was gettingalong; and when I told him, he said, "Bring your money to me. " I didso. It lacked two hundred dollars to make the purchase. This, the bestfriend I ever had in the world, made up the six hundred dollars, andsaid, "Go, get your wife; and you can keep on collecting, and repay thetwo hundred dollars when you get able. "

I was now overcome with gratitude and joy, and knew not what to say; andwhen I began to speak, he would not have any of my thanks. I went to myboarding house, and shut myself up in my room, where I might give ventto the gratitude of my heart: and, O, what a melting time I had! It wasto me a day of thanksgiving. 

Having now in hand the six hundred dollars, and the promise of Mr. Wright's security for three hundred more, I was, by twelve o'clock, nextday in Fredericksburg. 

At first sight, my wife was surprised that I had come back so soon; forit was only two weeks since I had left her; and when I informed her thatI had come after her and the children, she could hardly believe me. In afew days, having duly arranged all things relative to the purchase andremoval, we left for Baltimore, with feelings commingled with joy andsorrow--sorrow at parting with five of our older children, and our manyfriends; and rejoicing in the prospect of remaining together permanentlyin the missionary field, where God had called me to labor. I arrived inBaltimore, with my wife and two little ones, November 5th, 1851, andstopped with sister Hester Ann Hughes, a worthy member of the M. E. Church, with whom I had been boarding for four years. 

The Md. Baptist Union Association was now in session here, and it becamemy duty to prepare my church letter and missionary report, for thatbody. The church had now been organized just three years; commencingwith only four members, including the pastor. Our church statistics forthe year, as reported, were: Baptized, 2; Received by letter, 2; Presentnumber of members, 15.... Sabbath school much revived, under the specialefforts of several white brethren and sisters. Present number of Sundayscholars, 50. 

This year was a joyful one to me--my little church increasing, and theSabbath school flourishing, under the superintendence of the late trulyexcellent brother James C. Crane, though he was with us but for a shortseason. My wife and little ones were also with me, both in the churchand Sabbath school. I was a happy man, and felt more than ever inclinedto give thanks to God, and serve Him to the best of my ability. 

My salary was only three hundred dollars a year; but with hard exertionand close economy, together with my wife's taking in washing and goingout at day's work, we were enabled by the first of the year, to pay thetwo hundred dollars our dear friend had loaned us, in raising the sixhundred dollars before spoken of. But the bond for three hundred dollarswas now due, and how must this be met? I studied out a plan; which wasto get some gentleman who might want a little servant girl, to take mychild, and advance me three hundred dollars for the purpose of paying mynote, which was now due in Virginia. In this plan I succeeded; and hadmy own life insured for seven years for five hundred dollars, and madeit over to this gentleman, as security; until I ultimately paid him thewhole amount; though I was several years in paying it. 

Among the number that joined our little church, was a young brother, Jos. M. Harden, who was baptized by Dr. Fuller, but soon became avaluable member with us, both in the church and Sunday school. He wasborn in Baltimore, and had been early taught to read, and though he hadbeen at ten years old bound out, till he was twenty-one, his love ofbooks had made him far superior to colored people generally, and he wasvery valuable to me. Things had gone on hopefully with me, and my littlechurch, though our progress was very slow. But we had to suffer a lossin brother Harden's leaving us for the great missionary field in Africa, where I trust the Lord has sent him for a great and happy work. But Godhas blessed us in the person of brother Samuel W. Madden, whose laborsas a licensed preacher for several years have been invaluable to us. 

CHAPTER VI. 

A New Movement in Baltimore--Erection of a Meeting House for the AfricanBaptist Church--Heavy Indebtedness--Account of the Enterprise--PersonalTroubles. 

For several years previous to Jan. , 1855, our little church and Sundayschool had occupied a very inconvenient upper room on Courtland street. Our particular friend, Mr. William Crane, with some other white personsto aid him, was the devoted superintendent of our Sunday school, and theunfailing friend of our own little church, as well as of me personally. Mr. Crane had felt, with us, the great disadvantage of our place ofworship, and had exerted himself much to obtain a more commodious roomfor us. But in July, 1853; he commenced an extraordinary effort in ourbehalf, by purchasing a lot--one hundred feet by forty-six feet--withthree fronts, on Calvert, Saratoga and Davis streets, on which a chapelbuilding has been erected for us. 

Our chapel was opened for worship Feb. 18, 1855; and Rev. Dr. Fullerpreached the opening sermon to a crowded audience. 

On this occasion Mr. Wm. Crane read a detailed report of all the factsrelative to this building--a full copy of this report may be interestingprobably to my readers, and I have therefore obtained it, and herepresent it, in connection with a picture of the building, which will befound opposite the title page. 

 HISTORY OF THE SARATOGA STREET AFRICAN BAPTIST CHAPEL. 

"The questions have often been asked in this vicinity during the lastsix months, Who is putting up that large building called the 'SaratogaStreet African Baptist Chapel?' 'What are they putting it up for?'--'Whowill own it, when finished?' 'How much will it cost? and who will payfor it?'"

These questions have often been answered, but it seems proper, andindeed necessary, at this time to answer them plainly and clearly, forthe information of this large assembly. 

First, then, I reply: This entire building has been reared under mydirections, in the name of the Saratoga street African Baptist Church. 

This Church was organized with only four members, six years ago, withbrother Noah Davis, a missionary of the Md. Baptist Union Association, as its pastor, who has labored most faithfully in his work. But, although colored churches of the Baptist denomination in all of ourSouthern and Western cities count their members by thousands, thischurch has now only thirty members--but our hope and prayer is, thatestablished here in the centre of a population of full thirty thousandcolored people, God may bless the humble devoted efforts of His people, and increase their numbers a hundred fold. Four years ago, the 1st ofJanuary, we commenced a Sunday school in Courtland street, --where thischurch has always held its regular meetings, which notwithstanding itsmany discouragements--mostly from a want of devoted self-denyingteachers--has been unremittingly kept up morning and afternoon, till thepresent time, with an attendance varying from thirty to over one hundredscholars; and we feel assured that the hundreds of Bibles andTestaments, tracts, &c. , with the Sunday school instructions, and thepreaching of brother Davis will have laid the foundation for a lastingblessing to his people. This little church and Sunday school have metto-day for the first time in this building, and in the language of thePsalmist David, probably on an occasion like this, we would exclaim, "Send now, we beseech thee, O Lord--O Lord, we beseech thee, send nowprosperity!"--(Ps. 118: 25. )

But what are the objects for which this house has been built? I answer, the first object was, to furnish such a room as this, for the use ofthis church, where the gospel might be preached and its ordinancesadministered, and where Sunday schools and religious associations mightbe properly accommodated. The second was, to furnish rooms in the nextstory, for a male high school at one end, and a female high school atthe other, and where colored missionaries for Africa might be educatedfor that most important field of labor; with a large hall in the centre, for a lecture room, or for any other religious, moral, or usefulpurposes. The upper story has four separate rooms, finished for rentingto associations of colored people, with a view to paying whatever debtmay remain on the building, and for defraying its current expenses;--andit is hoped that, at some future day, a reading room and a circulatinglibrary for colored people may also be located here--the whole of itcombining a most respectable, central, commodious _Colored People'sHome_. 

But it is asked, who owns this building? I admit that it is an unusuallymixed up affair; but I will try to explain it. After a great deal ofsearching and enquiring after a lot or building, where this Church andSunday school could have a settled home, about two years ago, I wasinformed that this lot was for sale; and realizing instantly that mycherished objects could here be accomplished I bought it withouthesitation, for five thousand dollars; but the loss of two years'interest and the amount paid to tenants to move away, makes the cost ofthe lot now full six thousand dollars. I obtained the deed of J. H. B. Latrobe, Esq. , who sold it, as trustee for the estate of Hugh Finley, deceased, under an order of Court. After a charter of incorporation forthe Church had been made, I got Mr. Latrobe to draw up also this deed, [here presenting it] which he says is a perfectly good one--from WilliamCrane and wife, to Geo. F. Adams, J. W. M. Williams, and John W. Ball, as trustees for all concerned, conveying to this Church all my rightand title forever to all of the proposed building on this lot above thefirst story: leaving me the basement and the cellar as my own propertyforever, with the proviso, that the Church in its own name should put upthe entire building. But I agreed at the same time to subscribe fivethousand dollars on the subscription book of the Church towards erectingit. So that I am now sole owner of the store and cellar under theChapel--the Church has no ownership there at all--but the Church islegal owner of this Chapel and all the rooms above it. The Churchappointed me their agent to build the house, and as such I have made allthe contracts, paid out all the monies, and assumed all the liabilities. Before commencing the building, as before stated, my own subscriptionwas................................... $5, 000

My brother, J. C. Crane, from whom Iexpected efficient personal aid, gave.. 1, 000

Bro. Franklin Wilson, .................. 1, 000

A. Fuller Crane, ......................... 500

John W. Ball, ............................ 250

J. B. Thomas, ............................ 100

Among our colored friends, about......... 200 ------Amounting to, say, .................... $8, 050

Since that time, the pressure on the moneymarket has prevented any general effort toobtain subscriptions, but a city pastor hassubscribed.............................. $150

A sister of the First Baptist Church..... 100

Bro. Jonathan Batchelor, of Lynn, Mass... 100 ------Making in all, a total of............. $8, 400

The entire cost of the building, notwithstanding the most rigid economy, will be over eighteen thousand dollars, and full half of this amount isyet unprovided for. The bills are not all presented, but some of thelarger ones which have been settled by notes will be due in a shorttime; while the largest one, the lumber bill, has six months to run yet, so that I am bound to settle up and pay the entire balance ofexpenditure on this house, as agent of the Church, within the coming sixmonths. And whatever amount of money I advance over and above thesubscriptions and collections must, of course, remain as a debt due meby the Church, and be on interest until paid. 

The last question, how is the money obtained to pay for the building?has been partly answered; but a full explanation of it will depend onwhat the friends of the object will now contribute toward paying for it. I will subscribe one dollar for every ten dollars that may be subscribedand paid on account of the Church debt within the year 1855. In otherwords, I will add ten per cent to any amount which may be contributed. Imay remark, that in engaging in this project, I had not a dollar which Iwished to put out at interest. I want much more than my capital in mymercantile business. I am in fact borrowing, to lend to the Church. Butit is God's cause, and I have had to trust in Him to bear me through it. The failing health of my dear brother, J. C. Crane, [A] and the want ofhis invaluable co-operation with me, as well as the lack of hearty, zealous assistance on the part of many other brethren and friends, hasbeen painful to me. But I hope, now that the house is finished, thefriends of our Redeemer's cause and of the African race generally, maynot fail in lending their efficient aid. 

[Footnote A: Died March 31, 1857. See Memoir of Southern BaptistPublication Society. ]

I have only to add, brethren, "the time is short;" we must all of ussoon appear before the judgment seat of Christ, to render an account ofall the talents committed to our charge. If God has given me a talentfor the acquisition of money over and above what my duty to my familyrequires, I regard myself bound as a good steward to exert that talententirely for Him. I am not my own, and I feel perfectly assured that anyindividual who possesses the tact and ability for acquiring money isneccessarily (_sic. _) the best qualified for a judicious and properdisbursement of it; and I dare not try to leave my earthly acquisitionsin testamentary charitable bequests--to the inexperienced and uncertainmanagement of those who may come after me. 

"May God help us to work for Him, and at last may we hear, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. '"

This paper was read to the congregation, probably a thousand people, immediately after Dr. Fuller had preached the opening sermon, Feb. 18, 1855; and a collection was taken of about one hundred dollars. Subsequent to this, a venerable widow lady of Baltimore contributed$500, and other quite liberal donations were made. 

On the 1st of July, 1855, Mr. Crane rendered a full account to theChurch and trustees, of all the monies received and bills paid on thebuilding; showing that the entire costof it was, ............................ $18, 207, 73

Total am't of collections credited, ..... 9, 547, 86 ----------Leaving balance over-paid by him, .... $8, 659, 87

The trustees then gave Mr. Crane a bond for this balance, and a lease onthe building, until this debt, with interest on it, could be paid. 

Our Church now had great cause of gratitude at finding ourselves in afine large Chapel, in the centre of our city--a room 100 feet long, and19 feet high, with a gallery at each end, a baptistery, gas lights, andsliding partitions, to make two closed rooms under the galleries, whenneeded for the changing of clothes on baptismal occasions, as well asfor our Church prayer and conference meetings. 

We were in hopes that we could rent out the large hall, together withthe six other spacious rooms in the two upper stories, for schools, benevolent societies, &c. , so as to pay the interest on our debt, if nomore; but so far, we have not been able to do this. My own trials, withmy family, have greatly retarded my efforts in this matter. We have hadthe largest and best week-day school for colored children in the city--apart of the time with three teachers and over one hundred scholars--butfor four years, no rent has been received from the school. The pricesfor tuition have been so low, that they have hardly sustained theteachers; but we trust that our people have derived much benefit fromthem already, and hope they may receive much more good from them in thefuture. Since the dedication of our Chapel, our Church has more thandoubled its membership, and the congregation has increased four-fold;while on our baptizing occasions the hall is generally full. We havealways held three meetings for worship every Sunday, to accommodate manyservants, who have no command of their time, and also regular Wednesdayand Friday evening prayer and conference meetings. Our Sunday school hasalways had two sessions a day--an hour and a half in the morning, and anhour in the afternoon. 

I have been necessarily much hindered in my own labors, from pecuniaryembarrassments, arising from the sale of my children, who were left inVirginia--two daughters and three sons. The first of these, who wasabout to be sold, and taken away South, was my oldest daughter; and itwas with great difficulty and the help of friends that I raised eighthundred and fifty dollars, and got her on to Baltimore. But I was sooncalled upon to make a similar effort to save my eldest son from beingsold far from me. Entirely unexpected, I received the painful news thatmy boy was in one of the trader's jails in Richmond, and for sale. Thedealer knew me, and was disposed to let me have him, if I could get anyone to purchase him. I was, of course, deeply anxious to help my boy;but I began to think that I had already drawn so heavily on theliberality of all my friends, that to appeal to them again seemed out ofthe question. I immediately wrote to the owners of my son, and receivedan answer--that his price was fixed at seven hundred dollars. 

The fact is, God had already done so much more for me and my family thanwe had ever expected, that we could not tell what further help He mightgive us, until we had asked Him for it; and we could but pray over thistrying affair. I hardly knew what else to do, but pray. The boy wastwenty years old, and had been accustomed to waiting in the house, forthe most respectable families. It occurred to me, that I might perhapsget him a home near me, where we might see him and use our parentalinfluence over him. I thought it was possible, that I might find threehundred persons among my friends in Baltimore, who would contribute onedollar each to save my son, and that I might then obtain some friend inBaltimore to advance four hundred dollars, and let my son work it outwith him: and give this friend a life insurance policy on the boy, as asecurity. This plan seemed practicable, and I wrote to his owners, asking for ten days to raise the money; which they granted me. 

I now got my case made known publicly to the different coloredcongregations in the city--and was very much surprised to find how manyfriends I had, and how kindly they engaged in helping me. The result ofit was, that I obtained the three hundred dollars, and also a kindfriend to advance the four hundred dollars, within the ten days, andrecovered my son; who is now doing well, in working out the moneyadvanced on him. 

So far, I felt that I had great reason to say, "Hitherto the Lord hathhelped me. " I had obtained my own freedom and also that of my wife andfour children. 

But three of my children were still in bondage. In 1856, the mistress ofthese remaining ones died; and in settling up her estate, it becamenecessary to sell all her servants at auction with her other property. This was the decision of the Court; and commissioners were appointed tocarry out the sale, on the 1st of January, 1857. I felt now, that I hadgone as far as I could in getting my family free; for I felt verycertain that my daughter, about whom I felt the greatest anxiety, wouldsell at auction for more money than I could get any of my friends inBaltimore to give for her; and I saw no way to do any thing for the twoboys. I thought I had no chance of raising any more money myself, and Icould only pray the Lord to grant us His grace, to reconcile us and thechildren, to whatever might come upon us. But before the end of theyear, when the sale was to take place, the time was extended six monthsby the Court. My hopes now began to revive again; I began to think thatif I could be at the sale, my daughter, though a grown up girl mightpossibly not bring over six or seven hundred dollars. In that case, Imight perhaps get six or twelve months time, and get some friend inBaltimore to help me, as had been the case with my son. The sale waspostponed for six months longer, and finally occurred, Jan. 1, 1858. 

The money panic, of 1857, had partially destroyed my hopes of doinganything to relieve my daughter;--But I had secured the promise of akind friend in Baltimore, to go to Fredericksburg with me, and if heliked the appearance of the boys, to buy one or both of them. But inthis I was disappointed; for on the day of sale this gentleman wasconfined to his house by sickness. The sale went on. My oldest son, agedtwenty-one, sold for $560; and the younger one, just turning hisseventeenth year, brought $570. They were bought in by their youngmaster. But my daughter was run up to $990, by a slave trader, who afterthe sale agreed to let my friends have her, for me, for eleven hundreddollars. These friends were gentlemen of the first standing in theplace, who, out of kindness to me, whom they had well known for years, gave their bond jointly for the amount, and in this case again I got thegirl's life insured for one thousand dollars as a security for them. Thegirl was of course left in the hands of these gentlemen, in whom I hadthe most implicit confidence. 

I returned to Baltimore, and prepared for the redemption of my child. Ihad a circular printed, showing the facts as they were, and scattered itamong my friends. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Account of A Visit to the northern Cities--True Friends. 

During the winter and spring, I used every effort in my power in the wayof collecting funds, but, though I met with the most generous sympathyand kindness from all my friends--up to the 1st of June I had in handonly one hundred and fifty dollars. I then applied to the Mission Board, for permission to travel and solicit funds to help me out of mydistress. This was readily granted me. Having obtained a certificate, relative to the objects of my journey, signed by Rev. Franklin Wilson, Secretary of our State Missionary Board, as well as by the pastors andother friends in Baltimore, I started once more on this painful businessof begging money, to purchase my fifth child out of slavery. I went toPhiladelphia, and met with marked attention from the ministers of theBaptist churches generally, and especially from Rev. Messrs. McKean, Cole, and Griffith, with whom I had been acquainted in Baltimore; aswell as Revs. Messrs Cuthbert and Malcom, and the editors of theChristian Chronicle, Presbyterian, &c. I obtained in this city nearlytwo hundred dollars. 

With a view to meet a particular friend in Boston, I was induced tovisit that city next. The many acts of kindness and sympathy I met withthere can never be effaced from my memory. I had a special introductionto the Messrs. Gould and Lincoln, book publishers. To the latter, I owea lasting obligation. --Through him I obtained a hearing of my case inMr. Anderson's church, Roxbury, where I obtained very liberal aid, whilethe pastor was absent, as well as in many other cases. 

I called on Rev. Dr. Stow, who allowed my case to be presented to hiscongregation, at an evening meeting, where I received some fiftydollars. He also gave me a letter of commendation to the other Baptistministers, with a request that they would also sign it, which a largenumber did. The article was then published gratuitously for me in the"Watchman and Reflector" and "Christian Era. " Rev. L. A. Grimes, pastorof the 12th Baptist Church, (colored, ) from the respectable positionwhich he occupied in the community, did much for me, in furthering mycause, and introducing me to others, especially at the daily prayermeetings. 

I had the great privilege and pleasure of mingling with the people ofGod of every name, in these blessed meetings. The first I went to, wasat the old South Chapel. Here I felt at first greatly embarrassed whencalled on to speak or pray. I thought that those who came to thesemeetings must be among the most pious and intelligent people in Boston. The kind manner in which they treated me, confirmed me in my impressionsof them. But the best meetings, I think I ever enjoyed on earth, forsuch a length of time, (nearly two months, ) was at what was called theNorth street prayer meeting, or Father Mason's. This was in a largeupper room. It really appeared to me, that the most of those who met atthis place each day at twelve o'clock to spend an hour in prayer, totell what God had done for their souls, had been made "ready, " by theSpirit of God before they reached that sacred spot. --

I know, I shall fail to present a true picture of this heavenly place;for such it was to me, and many others. But, it may be, that my ownpeculiar circumstances may have rendered the meetings unusuallyprecious to me. But they were good to me in many respects. I was a poorcolored man, in distress, and needed christian sympathy. I found ittruly, among the many white friends with whom I met in the North streetprayer meeting. There, in that meeting, the dear friends would pray withme and for me. In a word, I felt at times it was good for me to beafflicted, for surely, if it had not been for my peculiar circumstances, I should never have been inside the Old South Chapel, or North streetprayer meeting, where I enjoyed so much of God's presence, and found somany real friends, in the midst of strangers. I felt that I realizedwhat the apostle Peter meant: "If need be, ye are in heaviness, throughmanifold temptation, that the trials of your faith, being much moreprecious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, mightbe found unto praise and honor and glory, at the appearing of JesusChrist. "--(1 Peter 1: 6, 7. ) Also, "For I will show him howgreat things he must suffer for my name's sake. "--(Acts 9: 16. ) Thearguments I drew from these passages of Scripture were, to show thatwhen God wanted to purify our faith, and strengthen our confidence inHim, He would send trials upon us. And to let us see how great thethings we must suffer for His name's sake, and to let us see too howgreat the grace He gives us, to enable us to endure hardness, as goodsoldiers of the cross. 

Suffice it to say, the friends in Boston and its vicinity gave me aboutfour hundred dollars towards the purchase of my daughter. I had theprivilege of meeting the Baptist ministers in their conference meeting. Here the Rev. Mr. Tilson, pastor of the First Baptist Church at Hingham, invited me to spend a Sunday evening at his place, which I did, verygreatly to my own satisfaction and profit. During my stay in Boston, Ivisited several of the smaller towns adjacent to it, --Lynn, Cambridge, Melrose, Malden, Chelsea, and others, and I was kindly received at allof them. I collected in Lynn something like $50, the most of which wasgiven to me by the members of the 2nd Baptist Church. Just beforeleaving Boston, to my great and agreeable surprise, I met Dr. F. Patten, surgeon in the U. S. Navy, (my former owner, ) in the street, in thatcity. I had not seen him for seven or eight years, and had no thoughtof seeing him in Boston. He recognized me first, and spoke to me beforeI knew he was near; but I instantly knew him. We greeted each otherheartily, and he invited me to visit him at Chelsea. This I did, thesame afternoon, and was kindly treated. 

While I sat there with him and his children, and he was looking over mysubscription book, I was constrained to look back for fifteen years, over all the way the Lord had brought me, since the day this samegentleman had given me privilege to purchase my freedom, and handed me apass, saying, "I am not afraid of you running away, Noah--you may gowhere you please. " I reflected, suppose I had stayed away, when I was inBoston, twelve years ago, begging money to buy myself--how would it bewith me and my family to-day? But I have tried to acknowledge the Lordin all my ways, always asking counsel of Him, and I now feel that He haskindly directed and kept me. 

I also visited New Bedford, where I met a large number of my oldacquaintances from Virginia, and had the privilege of presenting myobject to several of the Churches, and I received in all about $50. Inext went to Providence, Rhode Island, where I spent a couple of weeksgreatly to my advantage. It was indeed "providence" to me. I waspermitted to present my case to nearly all the Baptist Churches in thatcity. Five of these aided my cause; but their great kindness deservessome particular notice. The first one I visited was Rev. Mr. Stone's, whose congregation, with himself, greatly encouraged me. At the FirstChurch I told my story before an evening meeting, and shall never forgetthe kindness of the pastor, the senior deacon, and others. I obtainedhere nearly $100. I was kindly assisted by Rev. Mr. Keyser's Church, asalso the Fourth Baptist Church. But at the Central Baptist Church, Rev. Mr. Fields', I found unbounded kindness and liberality. After seeing myletters of recommendation, the pastor invited me to his prayer meeting, where I was favored with the privilege of telling my story, freely. Ihad been from home several months, and had collected in all about sevenhundred dollars, but still lacked about four hundred to accomplish myobject. I was receiving letters every week from my Church and family, saying that my presence at home was greatly needed; but the idea ofgoing home without accomplishing my great object, filled me withdistress. While speaking to the meeting, and telling how God haddelivered me from time to time out of trials, I felt such a sense of mycondition, that for the moment I could not restrain my feelings--myheart became so full, that it stopped all utterance. At the close of themeeting, the people showed their sympathy for me by giving me acollection of sixty one dollars. --One dear brother, (may the Lord blesshim!) came forward, and presenting me with a ten dollar bill, said, "Brother Davis, give yourself no more trouble about that daughter. --Yousay you have to stop in New York. Let me say, that when you get home, whatever you lack of the four hundred dollars, write to me, and I willsend you a check for the balance. " This was spoken in the presence ofthe whole meeting. I felt completely at a loss for words of gratitudeand thanksgiving; and merely said, the day is broke, and the Lord hasappeared for me indeed!

I now left Providence, feeling in my heart that the place is rightlycalled by that name, as far as I am concerned. 

I then went to New York. In that great city, I met with considerableassistance. I never started out, but it seemed that the Lord directed mysteps. I was allowed to address a prayer meeting of the First BaptistChurch, whose pastor was the late excellent Rev. A. K. Nott, and wasaided to the amount of over seventy dollars. 

Rev. Dr. Lathrop, with much christian kindness, invited me to his nightmeeting; but a severe rain prevented any attendance. He invited meagain, and then he was absent because of illness. I was depressed withdisappointment; but he had sent a request that I might be heard, (as Iafterward learned, ) and I was called on to state my case to theaudience. I was taken by surprise, for the pastor's illness had takenall hope from me of accomplishing anything there. Still I begun, bytelling my experience. I said that when it had pleased God to convert mysoul, I thought that all my trouble was gone, and gone forever; but Ihad since learned that I was much mistaken--I had learned that "in theworld we shall have tribulation. " I then went on to state my presenttrouble and distress--and before I left the meeting, I received withheart-felt gratitude, one hundred and thirty four dollars. This remindedme of Providence. 

Rev. Drs. Gillette and Armitage treated me with much generous sympathy, as also did many others. 

I visited Greenport on Long Island, where Rev. Henry Knapp kindly aidedme. Elders Swan and Read, and the brethren generally at New London, aided me to the amount of about fifty dollars. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Conclusion--Object of this Book. 

I now left the north, for home, and arrived there safely. My friendsgreeted me cordially on my success in collecting money. 

I still lacked, however, one hundred and forty-two dollars of the neededeleven hundred. I had used every effort in my power to prevent thenecessity of having to call on my generous friend in Providence. But inspite of all my endeavors, I had to make known to him this deficiency, which he immediately and generously supplied, by remitting me a checkfor the full amount. 

I was now prepared to go after my daughter, which I did, December 1st, 1858; thus releasing her within one year from the time she was sold. Sheis now with me, and doing well. 

I received a promise from the young master of my two sons, at the timehe purchased them, that if I should succeed in paying for my daughterduring that year, he would let me know what I might have my two boysfor. At the time, my boys were about returning to Richmond, where theyhad been hired out for several years. I charged them to let me hear agood report of their conduct; and if I could do anything for them, afterI had got through with the purchase of their sister, I would do it. Thispledge I made to the boys, in the presence of their master's agent. 

Having, through the aid of a kind Providence, been enabled to pay for mydaughter, I have felt it my duty to turn my attention toward redeemingmy word to my last children now in bondage. 

But this, of course, has called up anxious thought and prayerfulmeditation. I have also considered the peculiar condition of mychurch--the large outlay of money in the erection of the building, andthe heavy debt hanging upon it, which is increased every year by theinterest. I have also considered how long I have been supported in thisfield of labor by the Missionary Board of the Southern BaptistConvention and the Maryland Baptist Union Association. 

The question then occurred to me, Could I not, by _making a book_, dosomething to relieve myself and my children, and ultimately, by thesame means, help my church, under its heavy debt, and also relieve theMissionary Board from helping me. This idea struck me with so muchforce, that I have yielded to it--that is, to write a short Narrative ofmy own life, setting forth the trials and difficulties the Lord hasbrought me through to this day, and offer it for sale to my friendsgenerally, as well as to the public at large; and I hope it may not onlyaid me, but may serve to encourage others, who meet with similardifficulties, to put their trust in God. 

END OF THE NARRATIVE. 

SERMON. 

BY REV. NOAH DAVIS

TEXT. --"But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those ofhis own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than aninfidel. "--1 Tim. 5:8. 

In this chapter, we have several christian duties set forth by theapostle Paul, to Timothy, a young preacher of the gospel, who was toteach other christians to observe them, as evidences of the genuinenessof their faith in Christ. 

That faith which does not produce obedience to the commands of Jesusmust be regarded as defective. Religion requires us to love God, and allmen, and we must show our faith, by a life consistent with ourprofession. 

If human nature, fallen as it is, prompts men of the world to laborzealously to supply their own temporal necessities and the wants ofthose whom Providence has made to depend upon them, how much more willit be expected of those who profess to have drank of that pure Fountainof love, the Spirit of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Godhas indeed doomed man to eat his bread in the sweat of his face; but asif to reward him, he has connected with it a pleasure in the labor, andespecially, in our efforts to do good to others. 

In speaking from these words, let us first consider what is here meantby "providing" for "his own;" secondly, "and especially for those of hisown house;" thirdly, what it is to "deny the faith;" and lastly, draw acomparison between the one who "hath denied the faith" and the"infidel. "

1. In the first place, we are to consider the duty enjoined in the text, to provide for our own: which we understand to mean our own temporalwants, such as food and raiment and every temporal benefit. Every man isbound by the laws of nature to provide for himself the necessaries oflife, honestly in the sight of God and men, as far as in him lieth. Thisboth reason and common sense dictate. This religion inspires. "He thatwill not work, shall not eat, " is the teaching of the word of God. "Provide things honest in the sight of all men, " is the instruction ofthe great apostle to the Gentiles; at the same time giving them anexample, by working with his own hands, to supply his necessities, andthe wants of those who were with him. I have heard it said that a lazyperson cannot be a christian, and the same idea seems to be supported inmy text. 

"But if any provide not for his own. " Religion benefits those whopossess it, by regulating their appetite for temporal things, as well asgiving them a relish for spiritual ones. While we are in love with sin, we labor hard to enjoy its pleasures. How industriously do wicked menlabor for what they can eat, drink and wear. And shall a christian beless active to secure for himself the necessaries of life?--he wouldprove himself indeed to be worse than the infidel. But we have otherwants to be supplied, beside those of the body. God has given to all menan intellectual nature--a mind, which distinguishes them from thebrutes. These minds are capable of improvement; and every man is underobligation to make use of the means and opportunities which God hasgiven him for cultivating his mind, by educating himself, that he may beuseful to himself and those around him. But man is a social being aswell as an intellectual one. "God hath made of one blood, all nations ofmen, for to dwell on all the face of the earth. "--(Acts 17: 26. ) Much ofour happiness, and usefulness in this world arises from this qualitywhich man possesses over the animal creation. And just in proportion, aswe shall cultivate, and refine our social and intellectual natures, justin that proportion, shall we rise above the level of the savage and theheathen. 

But man has a soul, which must be fitted for the enjoyment of God, hereand hereafter. Now to provide for the wants of the soul, is our highestduty on earth. --Sin has unclothed us of that innocence in which ourCreator first made us, and the responsibility now rests upon every soul, to provide a clothing which will stand the inspection of God himself. This clothing, Christ has prepared through His sufferings, and death, and it is given to all them that believe in Him. And surely, if it beour duty to provide temporal things for ourselves, and for those of ourown house, how much more are we bound to seek and secure the one thingneedful. 

2. But we will consider in the second place, what is meant by providingfor our own house?--"and especially for those of his own house?" Househere means family. First, we will consider the duty devolving upon achristian parent, in making suitable provision for his own house, orfamily. This embraces all we have urged as his duty to himself. It isthe duty of all parents, to provide for their families every temporalgood which adds to their own comfort or usefulness in life. And it is noless the duty of parents to provide for the spiritual necessities oftheir own families. And first--we shall consider the duty of parents, toprovide suitable training for their children. This is a duty which Godhas enjoined and approves. He said of Abraham, "For I know him, that hewill command his children and his household after him, and they shallkeep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord maybring upon Abraham, that which He hath spoken of him. " The duty ofparents to train their children religiously, is clearly taught under thegospel dispensation. 

"And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them upin the nurture and admonition of the Lord. " Here, we have divineauthority, for teaching our children, the things, which make for theirgood, both in this life and that which is to come. But it may be asked, to what extent are parents bound to comply with these high and solemnobligations? We answer, to the utmost of their ability. To whom much isgiven, of him much is required, and to whom little is given, of himlittle is required. --But all are bound to train up their children "inthe way they should go, that when they are old, they may not depart fromit. " This duty is seen in the judgments which God has visited upon thoseparents and children who have neglected to obey the Lord in thisparticular. --(1 Samuel 2: 34. )

3. We are, in the third place, to enquire what it is to "deny thefaith. " Much is said in the Scriptures about faith. Much depends uponit. We are said to be "justified by faith, " and "saved by faith;" we"live by faith. " And inasmuch, as such as are spoken of in the text aresaid to be worse than an infidel, because they provide not forthemselves and families, thereby showing that they have denied thefaith, therefore let us try to consider what genuine faith is, and whatit is to deny it. This is the most important point in the subject nowbefore us. "Without faith it is impossible to please God. "

We will consider some of the effects of this distinguishing grace. Thereare several kinds of faith spoken of in the Bible. In one case, men aresaid to "believe for a while. " This faith is shown us in the parabletaught by our blessed Saviour, in the characters represented by the seedsown upon the rock, "which for a while believe, and in time oftemptation fall away. "--(Luke 8: 33. )

There is a faith which is called dead. --"Even so faith, if it hath notworks, is dead, being alone. "--(James 2: 17. ) But the faith whichenables the christian to obey the Saviour in all things, is said to"work by love. "--(Gal. 5: 6. ) Now we say that those who have this faith, will never deny it. The counterfeit may deceive, but the genuine cannot. We say this faith cannot deny itself. All who are spoken of in the OldTestament as having this faith never denied it. By it Abel made a moreexcellent sacrifice to God than Cain. By it, Enoch walked with God, whenthe other portion of mankind walked in the vain wicked imaginations oftheir own hearts. "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seenas yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house. ""Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. "

This is the grace which enables believers to renounce the pleasures ofsin, which are but for a season. It gives them a complete victory overthe world. It abideth with hope and charity. Now, whosoever professesthis faith, and then by his unholy life denies it, by neglecting toprovide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, makes itmanifest that he never had it. It is as unchangeable as its Author, forit is the gift of God. It prompted Noah to labor over a hundred years, to build an ark, to save his house. And what it has done, it willcontinue to do, for those who have it. This is the principle in religionwhich purifies the heart, overcomes the world, and causes christians tolove one another, whatever may be their circumstances, or color or rankin life. 

4. We are now in the fourth and last place to draw a comparison betweenthose who deny the faith, and an infidel. Now an infidel, is anunbeliever in the religion of Christ. --Yet he provides for his own, andespecially for those of his own house. In this he is consistent withhimself. Here he acts from reason, and principles of nature. But theindividual who denies the faith, is one, who has taken upon himself thesolemn vow before God and men, that he will act out what his professionsupposes him to be in possession of, which is superior in its influence, to the infidel's principles, yet he fails to do as much. 

But again, an infidel is a bad man, and makes no pretensions to hide it. But he who contradicts his profession, by denying it in the manner hereset forth, is worse for attempting to cover up a character, which initself is no better. But consider the effect produced by a false faith, (and we have shown, that such a faith, as does not come up with theinfidel's, is false, ) it does the person no harm. Many persons, whenthey make a profession of faith, suppose it is the true faith, but aftera while, they find that their faith does not work by love, it does notpurify their hearts. They love sin secretly, as much as before. Theylove worldly company as well as ever. And they find the employments, which their profession enjoins upon them, irksome and dry. Such personsare greatly deceived, yet they are ashamed to confess it, and throw offthe mask of profession. And such persons are often the greatestfault-finders with those, whose true faith inspires them to endurehardness, afflictions and deny themselves and take up their cross, sothat they may glorify their Saviour in their bodies and spirits whichare the Lord's. 

In conclusion, dear brethren, let us, who have made a profession offaith, examine ourselves, whether we be in the faith of the gospel, ornot. "Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates. " AMEN. 

STATISTICAL REPORT

OF ALL THE

COLORED PROTESTANT CHURCHESAND SABBATH SCHOOLSIN BALTIMORE. 

(As quoted from the Minutes of their respectivebodies, for the year 1859. )

Sharp st. And Wesley Chapel, Meth. Ep. , 1812Orchard st. And Asbury, " 1508Dallas st. , " 119Bethel, Saratoga st. , African M. E. , 1398Ebenezer, Montgomery st. , " " 600Union Bethel, Fell's Point, " " 100Water's Chapel, Spring st. , " " 98Mission " Tissia st. , " " 77South Howard st. Chapel, Zion Meth. , 200St. Thomas', Chesnut st. , Meth. Prot. , 70St. James', Saratoga st. , Episcopal, 100Presbyterian church, Madison st. , 69First Baptist, cor. Young and Thomson st. , 99Union Baptist, Lewis st. , 63Saratoga st. African Baptist Chapel, 73 -----Total Col'd Prot. Religious Popul'n, 6386

SABBATH SCHOOL REPORT. 

(Rendered to the S. S. Union, for 1859. )

 V B C O I O L F M B N S E A L V . M L S E E . E C R L H R S I T T O E I B E E L A ' R A A A D N ' C C R S S Y H H S . . . . . . Sharp st. , M. E. , 200 15 15 200Orchard st. , " 6 9 177Asbury, " 2 45 259Dallas st. , " 20 17 250John Wesley, " 250 10 10 120Bethel, African M. E. , 60 15 200 16 16 350Ebenezer, " " 27 178Spring st. , " " 113 13 120Allen chapel, " " 6 58Union Bethel, " " 11 86Good Samaritan, " 6 60Tissia st. , " " 108 6 30St. Thomas, M. P. , 200 3 4 56S. How'd st. , Zion, 5 7 102Mt. Olive, Ind. , 3 7 40Presbyterian, 20 10 240Episcopal, 205 5 5 70First Col'd Baptist, 78 3 3 33Union, " 11 86Saratoga st. , " 40 1 250 8 6 150 ----------------------------------Aggregate, 106 18 1604 126 222 2665

THE SARATOGA STREET_INSTITUTE. _

This Seminary for colored people, was opened in the upper rooms of theAfrican Baptist Chapel building, in December, 1856, and in a few months, over one hundred scholars, were in attendance. But from circumstanceswhich need not be narrated, in 1857, the school was removed away, without any rent having ever been paid for the use of the rooms. Asecond time a school has been collected of over one hundred scholars, but, up to the present time, August, 1859, the trustees of the buildinghave never received any sort of compensation for the use of the rooms, occupied by the Institute. 

Mr. J. G. Goodridge, lately a teacher of a Public School, in York, Pa, has now rented the rooms, and his friends feel great confidence in thesuccess of his labors. 

It may be remarked, that the large colored population of Baltimore, nowfrom thirty to forty thousand souls, have no sort of Public Schoolprovision made for them, by the city or state governments. They are leftentirely to themselves for any education they may obtain. 

The above named Institute combines advantages for the education ofcolored children far superior to any other in the city. 

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_Table of Contents. _

PART I. 

The beginning of Life. --The firstdisappointment. --Apprenticeship. --Follies of Youth. --Sin. 

PART II. 

The Child has become a young Man. --He dissipates. --The revelers ofVagrant Island. --Religion scoffed. --Follies and pains of an irregularlife. --Sickness. --The Friend in need. --Tempter. --"RECRUITSWANTED. "--Enlistment in a regiment of soldiers. --Col. Blood's speech. 

PART III. 

The Army. --Advancement. --Mortal succeeds Col. Blood. --The fury ofWar. --The slaughter. --Glory. --Unhappiness. --Honor to the brave. --MajorSharper. 

PART IV. 

Mortal in love. --He becomes wealthy. --He travels. --Vesuvius. --The graveof General Gog. --Gambling. --Ruin. 

PART V. 

The last scene of all. --Dr. Popular Gospel. --Dimelover and Sharp diehopefully. --John Mortal's last conversation with Mentor andTempter. --Despair and Death.