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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/1052-0.txt b/1052-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d0f2382 --- /dev/null +++ b/1052-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2971 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1052 *** + +STEP BY STEP + +OR + +TIDY'S WAY TO FREEDOM. + + + "Woe to all who grind + Their brethren of a common Father down! + To all who plunder from the immortal mind + Its bright and glorious crown!" + --WHITTIER. + +[colophon omitted] + +Published By The + +American Tract Society, + +28 Cornhill, Boston. + + +Transcriber's Note: I have removed page numbers; all italics +are emphasis only. I have omitted running heads and have closed +contractions, e.g. "she 's" becoming "she's"; in addition, on page +180, stanza 3, line 1, I have changed the single quotation mark at the +beginning of the line to a double quotation mark. + + +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by THE AMERICAN +TRACT SOCIETY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the +District of Massachusetts. + +Riverside, Cambridge: + +Stereotyped And Printed By H. O. Houghton. + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAP. PAGE + + + I. INTRODUCTION. . . . . . 5 + II. THE BABY. . . . . 13 + III. SUNSHINE. . . . . 24 + IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. . . . 36 + V. A NEW HOME. . . . . 43 + VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. 50 + VII. FRANCES. . . . . 62 + VIII. PRAYER. . . . . 75 + IX. THE FIRST LESSON. . . . 87 + X. LONY'S PETITION. . . . . 95 + XI. ROUGH PLACES. . . . . 105 + XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. . 112 + XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. . . . 127 + XIV. CRUELTY. . . . . 137 + XV. COTTON. . . . . 147 + XVI. RESCUE. . . . . 154 + XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. . . . 165 + XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. . . 174 + + +OLD DINAH JOHNSON. . . . . + + + + +STEP BY STEP. + + + +CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. + +MY DEAR CHILDREN,--All of you who read this little book have doubtless +heard more or less of slavery. You know it is the system by which a +portion of our people hold their fellow-creatures as property, and doom +them to perpetual servitude. It is a hateful and accursed institution, +which God can not look upon but with abhorrence, and which no one of +his children should for a moment tolerate. It is opposed to every thing +Christian and humane, and full of all meanness and cruelty. It treats a +fellow-being, only because his skin is not so fair as our own, as +though he were a dumb animal or a piece of furniture. It allows him +no expression of choice about any thing, and no liberty of action. It +recognizes and employs all the instincts of the lower, but ignores and +tramples down all the faculties of his higher, nature. Can there be a +greater wrong? + +It is said by some, in extenuation of this wrong, that the slaves are +well fed and clothed, and are kindly, even affectionately, looked +after. This is true, in some cases,--with the house-servants, +particularly,--but, as a general thing, their food and clothing are +coarse and insufficient. But supposing it was otherwise; supposing they +were provided for with as much liberality as are the working classes at +the North, what is that when put into the balance with all the ills they +suffer? What comfort is it, when a wife is torn from her husband, or a +mother from her children, to know that each is to have enough to eat? +None at all. The most generous provision for the body can not satisfy +the longings of the heart, or compensate for its bereavements. + +They suffer, also, a constant dread and fear of change, which is not +the least of their torturing troubles. A kind owner may be taken away by +death, and the new one be harsh and cruel; or necessity may compel +him to sell his slaves, and thus they may be thrown into most unhappy +situations. So they live with a heavy cloud of sorrow always before +them, which their eyes can not look through or beyond. There is no +hope--no EARTHLY hope--for this poor, oppressed race. + +Their minds, too, are starved. No education, not even the least, is +allowed. It is a criminal offense in some of the States to teach a slave +to read. Now, if they could be made to exist without any consciousness +of intellectual capacity, it would not be so bad. But this is +impossible. They think and reason and wonder about things which they +see and hear; and, in many cases, feel an eager desire to be instructed. +This desire can not be gratified, because it would unfit them for their +servile condition; therefore all teaching is rigidly denied them. The +treasures of knowledge are bolted and barred to their approach, and +they are kept in the utmost darkness and ignorance. Oh, to starve the +mind!--Is it not far worse than to starve the body? + +There is yet another process of famishing to which the slaves are +subjected. They are not, as a general thing, taught by their masters +about God, the salvation of Jesus Christ or the way to heaven. The SOUL +is starved. To be sure, they pick up, here and there, a few crumbs of +religious truth, and make the most of their scanty supply. Many of them +truly love the Lord; and his unseen presence and joyful anticipations +of heaven make them submissive to their hardships, and cheerful and +faithful in their duties. But they can not thank their masters for what +religious light and knowledge they get. + +And who are these that hold their fellow-creatures in such cruel +bondage, starving body, mind, and soul with such indifference and +inhumanity? We blush to tell you. Many of them are of the number of +those who profess to love the Lord their God with all the heart, and +their neighbor as themselves. Can it be possible that God's own children +can participate in such a wickedness; can buy and sell, beat and kill, +their fellow-creatures? Can those who have humbly repented of sin, and +by faith accepted of the salvation of Jesus Christ, turn from his holy +cross to abuse others who are redeemed by the same precious blood, and +are heirs to the same glorious immortality? CAN such be Christians? + +And, children, you probably all understand that slavery is the sole +cause of the sad war which is now ravaging our beloved country; and +Christian people are praying, not only that the war may cease, but +that the sin which has caused it may cease also. We believe that God is +overruling all things to bring about this happy result, and before this +little story shall meet your eyes, there may be no more slaves within +our borders. Still we shall not have written it in vain, if it help +you to realize, more clearly than you have done, the sufferings and +degradation to which this unfortunate class have been subjected, and to +labor with zeal in the work which will then devolve upon us of educating +and elevating them. + +My story is not one of UNUSUAL interest. Thousands and ten of thousands +equally affecting might be told, and many far more romantic and +thrilling. What a day will that be, when the recorded history of every +slave-life shall be read before an assembled universe! What a long +catalogue of martyrs and heroes will then be revealed! What complicated +tales of wrongs and woes! What crowns and palms of victory will then be +awarded! What treasures of wrath heaped up against the day of wrath will +then be poured in fiery indignation upon deserving heads! Truly, then, +will come to pass the saying of the Lord Jesus, "The first shall be last +and the last first." + +Then, too, will appear most gloriously the loving kindness and tender +mercy of God, who loves to stoop to the poor and humble, and to care for +those who are friendless and alone. It seems as if our Heavenly Father +took special delight in revealing the truths of salvation to this +untutored people, in a mysterious way leading them into gospel light +and liberty; so that though men take pains to keep them in ignorance, +multitudes of them give evidence of piety, and find consolation for +their miseries in the sweet love of God. + +It is the dealings of God in guiding one of these to a knowledge of +himself, that I wish to relate to you in the following chapters. + + + +CHAPTER II. THE BABY. + +IN a snug corner of a meager slave-cabin, on a low cot, lies a little +babe asleep. A scarlet honeysuckle of wild and luxuriant growth shades +the uncurtained and unsashed window; and the humming-birds, flitting +among its brilliant blossoms, murmur a constant, gentle lullaby for the +infant sleeper. See, its skin is not so dark but that we may clearly +trace the blue veins underlying it; the lips, half parted, are lovely +as a rosebud; and the soft, silky curls are dewy as the flowers on this +June morning. A dimpled arm and one naked foot have escaped from the +gay patch-work quilt, which some fond hand has closely tucked about the +little form; and the breath comes and goes quickly, as if the folded +eyes were feasting on visions of beauty and delight. Dear little one! + + "We should see the spirits ringing + Round thee, were the clouds away; + 'Tis the child-heart draws them, singing + In the silent-seeming clay." + +Though that child-heart beats beneath a despised skin, though it has its +resting-place in a hovel, the angels may be there. Their loving, pitying +natures shrink not from poverty, but stoop with heavenly sympathy to the +mean abodes of suffering and misery. + +A soft step steals in through the half-opened door, across the room, and +a fervent kiss is laid on the little velvet cheek. + +Who is the intruder? Ah, who cares to watch and smile over a sleeping +infant, save its mother? Here, in this rude cabin, is a mother's +heart,--tender with its holy affections, and all aglow with delight, as +she gazes on the beautiful vision before her. + +We must call the mother Annie. She had but one name, for she was a +slave. Like the horse or the dog, she must have some appellation by +which, as an individual, she might be designated; a sort of appendage +on which to hang, as it were, the commands, threats, and severities that +from time to time might be administered; but farther than that, for her +own personal uses, why did she need a name? She was not a person, only a +thing,--a piece of property belonging to the Carroll estate. + +But for all that, she was a woman and a mother. God had sealed her such, +and who could obliterate his impress, or rob her of the crown he had +placed about her head,--a crown of thorns though it were? Her heart was +as full of all sweet motherly instincts as if she had been born in a +more favored condition; and the swarthy complexion of her child made +it no less dear or lovely in her sight; while a consciousness of its +degradation and sad future served only to deepen and intensify her love. +She knew what her child was born to suffer; but affection thrust far +away the evil day, that she might not lose the happiness of the present. +The babe was hers,--her own,--and for long years yet would be her joy +and comfort. + +Annie had other children, but they were wild, romping boys, grown out +of their babyhood, and so very naturally left to run and take care of +themselves. She had not ceased to love them, however, and would have +manifested it more, but for the idol, the little girl baby, which had +now for nearly a year nestled in her arms, and completely possessed +her heart. When they were hungry, they came like chickens about her +cabin-door, and being mistress of the kitchen, she always had plenty of +good, substantial crumbs for them; and when they were sick, she nursed +them with pitying care; but this was about all the attention they +received. + +The baby engrossed every leisure moment she could command. Many times a +day she would pause in her work to caress it. She would seat it upon the +floor, amid a perfect bed of honeysuckle blossoms, and bring the bright +orange gourds that grew around the door for its amusement. Sometimes a +broken toy or a shining trinket, which she had picked up in the house, +or a smooth pebble from the yard, would be added to the treasures of the +little one. Then she would come with food, the soft-boiled rice, or the +sweet corn gruel, she knew so well how to prepare; and often, often +she would steal in, as now, out of pure fondness, to watch its peaceful +slumbers. + +"Named the pickaninny yet?" asked the master one day, as he passed +the cabin, and carelessly looked in upon the mother and child amusing +themselves within. "'Tis time you did; 'most time to turn her off now, +you see." + +"Oh, Massa, don't say dat word," answered the woman, imploringly. +"'Pears I couldn't b'ar to turn her off yet,--couldn't live without her, +no ways. Reckon I'll call her Tidy; dat ar's my sister's name, and she's +got dat same sweet look 'bout de eyes,--don't you think so, Massa? Poor +Tidy! she's"--and Annie stopped, and a deep sigh, instead of words, +filled up the sentence, and tears dropped down upon the baby's forehead. +Memory traveled back to that dreadful night when this only sister had +been dragged from her bed, chained with a slave-gang, and driven off to +the dreaded South, never more to be heard from. + +WE talk of the "sunny South;"--to the slave, the South is cold, dark, +and cheerless; the land of untold horrors, the grave of hope and joy. + +"'Pears as if my poor old mudder," said Annie, brushing away the tears, +"never got up right smart after Tidy went away. She'd had six children +sold from her afore, and she set stores by her and me, 'cause we was +girls, and we was all she had left, too. Tidy was pooty as a flower; +and dat's just what your fadder, Massa Carroll, sold her for. My poor +mudder--how she cried and took on! but then she grew more settled like. +She said she'd gi'n her up for de good Lord to take care on. She said, +if he could take care of de posies in de woods, he certain sure would +look after her, and so she left off groaning like; but she's never got +over that sad look in her face. 'Oh,' says she to me, says she, 'Annie, +do call dat leetle cretur's name Tidy,--mebbe 'twill make my poor, sore +heart heal up;' and so I will." + +"So I would, Annie; yes, so I would," said the Master soothingly. "So I +would, if 'twill be any comfort to poor old Marcia,--clever old soul she +is. She was my mammy, and I was always fond of her. She has trotted me +on her knee, and toted me about on her back, many an hour. I must +go down to the quarters this very day, and see if she has things +comfortable. She's getting old, and we must do well by her in her old +age. And you, Annie, you mustn't mind those other things. We mustn't +borrow trouble. And we can't help it, you know; and we mustn't cry and +fret for what we can't help. What's the use? It don't do any good, you +see, and only makes a bad matter worse. Must take things as they come, +in this world of ours, Annie;" and the Master thought thus to assuage +the tide of bitter recollection in the breast of his down-trodden +bond-woman, and divert her mind from the painful future before her and +her darling child. In vain. The tears still fell over the brow of the +baby, flowing from the deep fountain of sorrow and tenderness that +springs forth only from a mother's heart. + +"Oh, Massa," she ventured timidly to say amid her sobs, "please don't +never part baby and me." + +"Be a good girl, Annie," said he, "and mind your work, and don't be +borrowing trouble. We'll take good care of you. You've got a nice baby, +that's a fact,--the smartest little thing on the whole plantation; see +how well you can raise her now." + +The fond heart of the trembling mother leaped back again to its +happiness at the praise bestowed upon her baby; and taking up the little +blossom, she laid it with pride upon her bosom, murmuring, "Years of +good times we'll have, sweety, afore sich dark days come,--mebbe they'll +never come to you and me." + +Alas, vain hope! Scarcely a single year had passed, when one day she +came to the cot to look at the little sleeper, and lo, her treasure was +gone! The master had found it convenient, in making a sale of some +field hands, to THROW IN this infant, by way of closing a satisfactory +bargain. + +None can tell, but those who have gone through the trying experience, +how hard it is for a mother to part with her child when God calls it +away by death. But oh, how much harder it must be to have a babe torn +away from the maternal arms by the stern hand of oppression, and flung +out on the cruel tide of selfishness and passion! Let us weep, dear +children, for the poor slave mothers who have to endure such wrongs. + +I will not undertake to describe the distress of this poor woman when +the knowledge of her loss burst upon her. It was as when the tall +tree is shivered by the lightning's blast. Her strong frame shook +and trembled beneath the shock; her eye rolled and burned in tearless +anguish, and her voice failed her in the intensity of her grief. For +hours she was unable to move. Alone, uncomforted, she lay upon the +earth, crushed beneath the weight of this unexpected calamity. + +"Leave her alone," said the master, "and let her grieve it out. The +cat will mew when her kittens are taken away. She'll get over it before +long, and come up again all right." + +"Ye mus' b'ar it, chile," said Annie's poor, old mother, drawing from +her own experience the only comfort which could be of any avail. "De +bressed Lord will help ye; nobody else can. I's so sorry for ye, honey; +but yer poor, old mudder can't do noffin. 'Tis de yoke de Heavenly +Massa puts on yer neck, and ye can't take it off nohow till he ondoes it +hissef wid his own hand. Ye mus' b'ar it, and say, De will ob de bressed +Lord be done." + +But, trying as this separation was, it proved to be the first link in +that chain of loving-kindnesses by which this little slave-child was to +be drawn towards God. Do you remember this verse in the Bible: "I have +loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have +I drawn thee." + + + +CHAPTER III. SUNSHINE. + +IF ever there was a sunshiny corner of slavery, it was that into which +a kind Providence dropped this little, helpless babe, now but a little +more than two years old. + +It was a pleasant day in early spring when Colonel Lee alighted from +his gig before the family mansion at Rosevale, and laid the child, as a +present, at the feet of his daughter Matilda. + +Miss Matilda Lee was about thirty years of age,--as active and thrifty +a little woman as could be found any where within the domains of this +cruel system of oppression. Slavery is like a two-edged knife, cutting +both ways. It not only destroys the black, but demoralizes and ruins +the white race. Those who hold slaves are usually indolent, proud, and +inefficient. They think it a disgrace to work by the side of the negro, +and therefore will allow things to be left in a very careless, untidy +way, rather than put forth their energy to alter or improve them. And as +it is impossible for slaves, untaught and degraded as they are, to give +a neat and thrifty appearance to their homes, we, who have been brought +up at the North, accustomed to work ourselves, assisted by well-trained +domestics, can scarcely realize the many discomforts often to be +experienced in Southern houses. But Miss Lee was unusually energetic and +helpful, desirous of having every thing about her neat and tasteful, and +not afraid to do something towards it with her own hands. + +Being the eldest daughter, the entire charge of the family had devolved +upon her since the death of her mother, which had occurred about ten +years before. Within this time, her brothers and sisters had been +married, and now she and her father were all that were left at the old +homestead. + +Their servants, too, had dwindled away. Some had been given to the +sons and daughters when they left the parental roof; some had died, and +others had been sold to pay debts and furnish the means of living. Old +Rosa, the cook, Nancy, the waiting-maid, and Methuselah, the ancient +gardener, were all the house-servants that remained. So they lived in +a very quiet and frugal way; and Miss Matilda's activities, not being +entirely engrossed with family cares, found employment in the nurture of +flowers and pets. + +The grounds in front of the old-fashioned mansion had been laid out +originally in very elaborate style; and, though of late years they +had been greatly neglected, they still retained traces of their former +splendor. The rose-vines on the inside of the enclosure had grown +over the low, brick wall, to meet and mingle with the trees and bushes +outside, till together they formed a solid and luxuriant mass of +verdure. White and crimson roses shone amid the dark, glossy foliage +of the mountain-laurel, which held up with sturdy stem its own rich +clusters of fluted cups, that seemed to assert equality with the queen +of flowers, and would not be eclipsed by the fragrant loveliness of +their beautiful dependents. The borders of box, which had once been +trimmed and trained into fanciful points and tufts and convolutions of +verdure, had grown into misshapen clumps; and the white, pebbly walks no +longer sparkled in the sunlight. + +Still Miss Matilda, by the aid of Methuselah, in appearance almost +as ancient as we may suppose his namesake to have been, found great +pleasure in cultivating her flower-beds; and every year, her crocuses +and hyacinths, crown-imperials and tulips, pinks, lilies, and roses, +none the less beautiful because they are so commonly enjoyed, gave a +cheerful aspect to the place. + +Her numerous pets made the house equally bright and pleasant. There +was Sir Walter Raleigh, the dog, and Mrs. Felina, the great, splendid, +Maltese mother of three beautiful blue kittens; Jack and Gill, the +gentle, soft-toned Java sparrows; and Ruby, the unwearying canary +singer, always in loud and uninterpretable conversation with San Rosa, +the mocking-bird. The birds hung in the broad, deep window of the +sitting-room, in the shade of the jasmine and honeysuckle vines that +embowered it and filled the air with delicious perfume. The dog and +cat, when not inclined to active enjoyments, were accommodated with +comfortable beds in the adjoining apartment, which was the sleeping-room +of their mistress. + +The new household pet became an occupant of this same room. + +"Laws, now, Miss Tilda, ye a'n't gwine to put de chile in ther wid all +de dogs and cats, now. 'Pears ye might have company enough o' nights +widout takin' in a cryin' baby. She'll cry sure widout her mammy, and +what ye gwine to do thin?" and old Rosa stoutly protested against the +arrangement. + +"Never mind, Aunt Rosa, don't worry now; I'll manage to take good +care of the little creature. I know what you're after,--you want her +yourself." + +"Ho, ho ho! Laws, now, Miss Tilda, you dun know noffing 'bout babies; +takes an old mammy like me to fotch 'em up. Come here, child; what's yer +name?" + +The frightened little one, whose tongue had not yet learned to utter +many words, made no attempt to answer, but stood timidly looking from +one to another of the surrounding group. + +"She ha'n't got no name, 'ta'n't likely," suggested Nance. + +"We must christen her, then," said Miss Lee. + +"Carroll called her Tidy," remarked the old gentleman, entering the room +at that moment. + +"DAT'S a name of 'spectability," said Rosa, with a satisfied air. "'Tis +my 'pinion chillen should allus have 'spectable names, else they're +'posed on in dis yer world. Nudd's Tidy, now, dere's a spec'men for yer. +Never was no more 'complished 'fectioner dan she. She knowed how to cook +all de earth, she did. Hi! couldn't she barbecue a heifer, or brile +a cock's comb, jest as 'spertly as Miss Tilda here broiders a ruffle. +Right smart cretur she wor. And so YE'RE a gwine to be, honey,--your old +mammy sees it in de tips ob yer fingers;" and Rosa caught up the child, +and well-nigh smothered it with all sorts of maternal fondnesses. + +"Now Nance," continued the old negress, turning with an air of authority +to the tall, loose-jointed, reed-like maid, "Now Nance, ye mind yer +doin's in dese yer premises. Don't ye go for to kick de young un round +like as ef she cost noffin'. Ef ye do, look out;" and she shook her +turbaned head, and doubled her fist in very threatening manner before +the girl. "Now we've got a baby in dis yer house, we'll see how de tings +is gwine for to go." + +A baby in the Lee mansion did indeed inaugurate a new order of things +in the family. So young a servant they had not had for many a day on the +estate; and Rosa felt at once the responsibility of her position, and +played the mother to her heart's content. All the care of the child's +education seemed from that moment to devolve upon her, notwithstanding +Miss Lee's repeated assertions that SHE designed to bring up the little +one after her own heart, and that Tidy should never wait upon any one +but herself. + +Between them both, Tidy had things pretty much her own way. Such an +infant of course could not be expected to comprehend the fact that she +was a slave, and born to be ruled over, and trodden under foot. Like any +other little one, she enjoyed existence, and was as happy as could be +all the day long. Every thing around her,--the chickens and turkeys +in the yard, the flowers in the garden, the kittens and birds in the +sitting-room, and the goodies in the kitchen,--added to her pleasure. +She frisked and gamboled about the house and grounds as free and joyous +as the squirrels in the woods, and without a thought or suspicion that +any thing but happiness was in store for her. She not only slept at +night in the room of her mistress, but when the daily meals were served, +the child, seated on a low bench beside Miss Lee, was fed from her own +dish. So that, in respect to her animal nature, she fared as well as any +child need to; but this was all. Not a word of instruction of any kind +did she receive. + +As she grew older, and her active mind, observing and wondering at the +many objects of interest in nature, burst out into childish questions, +"What is this for?" and "Who made that?" her mistress would answer +carelessly, "I don't know," or "You'll find out by and by." Her thirst +for knowledge was never satisfied; for while Miss Lee was good-natured +and gentle in her ways toward the child, she took no pains to impart +information of any kind. Why should she? Tidy was only a slave. + +Here, my little readers, you may see the difference between her +condition and your own. You are carefully taught every thing that will +be of use to you. Even before you ask questions, they are answered; and +father and mother, older brothers and sisters, aunties, teachers, and +friends are ready and anxious to explain to you all the curious and +interesting things that come under your notice. Indeed, so desirous are +they to cultivate your intellectual nature, that they seek to stimulate +your appetite for knowledge, by drawing your attention to many things +which otherwise you would overlook. At the same time, they point you to +the great and all-wise Creator, that you may admire and love him who has +made every thing for our highest happiness and good. + +But slavery depends for its existence and growth upon the ignorance of +its miserable victims. If Tidy's questions had been answered, and her +curiosity satisfied, she would have gone on in her investigations; and +from studying objects in nature, she would have come to study books, and +perhaps would have read the Bible, and thus found out a great deal which +it is not considered proper for a slave to know. + +"We couldn't keep our servants, if we were to instruct them," says +the slaveholder; and therefore he makes the law which constitutes it a +criminal offense to teach a slave to read. + +But Tidy was taught to WORK. That is just what slaves are made for,--to +work, and so save their owners the trouble of working themselves. +Slaveholders do not recognize the fact that God designed us all to work, +and has so arranged matters, that true comfort and happiness can only be +reached through the gateway of labor. It is no blessing to be idle, and +let others wait upon us; and in this respect the slaves certainly have +the advantage of their masters. + +Tidy was an apt learner, and at eight years of age she could do up Miss +Matilda's ruffles, clean the great brass andirons and fender in the +sitting-room, and set a room to rights as neatly as any person in the +house. + + +CHAPTER IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. + +SHALL I pause here in my narrative to tell you what became of Annie +and some of the other persons who have been mentioned in the preceding +chapters? + +Tidy often saw her mother. Miss Lee used to visit Mr. Carroll's family, +and never went without taking Tidy, that the child and her mother might +have a good time together. And good times indeed they were. + +When Annie learned that her baby had been taken to Rosevale, that she +was so well cared for, and that they would be able sometimes to see one +another, her grief was very much abated, and she began to think in what +new ways she could show her love for her little one. She saved all the +money she could get; and, as she had opportunity, she would buy a bit +of gay calico, to make the child a frock or an apron. Mothers, you +perceive, are all alike, from the days of Hannah, who made a "little +coat" for her son Samuel, and "brought it to him from year to year, +when she came up with her husband to the yearly sacrifice," down to the +present time. Nothing pleases them more than to provide things useful +and pretty for their little ones. Even this slave-mother, with her +scanty means, felt this same longing. It did her heart good to be +doing something for her child; and so she was constantly planning and +preparing for these visits, that she might never be without something +new and gratifying to give her. In the warm days of summer, she would +take her down to Sweet-Brier Pond, a pretty pool of water right in the +heart of a sweet pine grove, a little way from the house, and Tidy +would have a good splashing frolic in the water, and come out looking +as bright and shining as a newly-polished piece of mahogany. Her mother +would press the water from her dripping locks, and turn the soft, glossy +hair in short, smooth curls over her fingers, put on the new frock, +and then set her out before her admiring eyes, and exclaim in her fond +motherly pride,-- + +"You's a purty cretur, honey. You dun know noffin how yer mudder lubs +ye." + +Tidy remembers to this day the delightful afternoon thus spent the +very last time she went to see her mother, though neither of them then +thought it was to be the last. Mr. Carroll, Annie's master, was very +close in all his business transactions, never allowing, as he remarked, +his left hand to know what his right hand did. He stole Tidy away, as we +have already told you, from her mother; and this was the way he usually +managed in parting his slaves, especially any that were much valued. He +said it was "a part of his religion to deal TENDERLY with his people!" + +"'Tis a great deal better," said he, "to avoid a row. They would +moan and wail and make such a fuss, if they knew they were to change +quarters." + +Humane man, wasn't he? + +Mr. Carroll got into debt, and an opportunity occurring, he sold Annie +and her four boys. The bargain was made without the knowledge of any +one on the estate; and in the night they were transferred to their new +master. Nobody ever knew to what part of the country they were carried. + +When the news reached the ear of Marcia, Annie's mother, it proved to be +more than she could bear. Her very last comfort was thus torn from her. +When she was told of it, the poor, decrepit old woman fell from her +chair upon the floor of her cabin insensible. The people lifted her up +and laid her upon the bed, but she never came to consciousness. She lay +without sense or motion until the next day, when she died. The slaves +said, "Old Marcia's heart broke." + +Thus little Tidy was left alone in the world, without a single relative +to love her. Didn't she care much about it? That happened thirty +years ago, and she can not speak of it even now without tears. But she +comforts herself by saying, "I shall meet them in heaven." Annie may not +yet have arrived at that blessed home; but Marcia has rejoiced all these +years in the presence of the Lord she loved, and has found, by a glad +experience, that the happiness of heaven can compensate for all the +trials of earth. + + "For God has marked each sorrowing day, + And numbered every secret tear; + And heaven's long age of bliss shall pay + For all his children suffer here." + +And now I must tell you of another death which occurred about this same +time. It was that of Colonel Lee. He had been a rich and a proud man, +and it would seem, that, like the rich man in the parable, he had had +all his good things in this life; and now that he had come to the +gates of death, he found himself in a sadly destitute and lamentable +condition. He was afraid to die; and when he came to the very last, his +shrieks of terror and distress were fearful. His mind was wandering, and +he fancied some strong being was binding him with chains and shackles. +He screamed for help, and even called for Rosa, his faithful old +servant, to come and help him. + +"Take off those hand-cuffs," he cried; "take them off. I can not bear +them. Don't let them put on those chains. Oh, I can't move! They'll drag +me away! Stop them; help me! save me!" + +But, alas! no one could save him. The man who had all his life been +loading his fellow-creatures with chains and fetters was now in the +grasp of One mightier than he, who was "delivering him over into chains +of darkness, to be reserved unto the judgment." + +How dreadful was such an end! + +"I would rather be a slave with all my sorrows," said Tidy, when she +related this sad story, "and wait for comfort until I get to heaven, +than to have all the riches of all the slaveholders in the world, gained +by injustice and oppression; for I could only carry them as far as the +grave, and there they would be an awful weight to drag me down into +torments for ever." + + + +CHAPTER V. A NEW HOME. + +AFTER Colonel Lee's death, which happened when Tidy was about ten years +old, the plantation and all the slaves were sold, and Miss Matilda, with +Tidy, who was her own personal property, found a home with her brother. +Mr. Richard Lee owned an estate about twenty miles from Rosevale. +His lands had once been well cultivated, but now received very little +attention, for medicinal springs had been discovered there a few years +before, and it was expected that these springs, by being made a resort +for invalids and fashionable people, would bring to the family all the +income they could desire. + +Mr. and Mrs. Lee were not very pleasant people. They were selfish and +penurious, and hard-hearted and severe towards their servants. They no +doubt were happy to have their sister take up her abode with them; but +there is reason to believe she was chiefly welcome on account of the +valuable little piece of property she brought with her. Tidy was just +exactly what Mrs. Lee wanted to fill a place in her family, which she +had never before been able to supply to her satisfaction. She needed +her as an under-nurse, and waiter-and-tender in general upon her four +children. Amelia, the eldest, was just Tidy's age, and Susan was two +years younger. Then came Lemuel, a boy of three, and George, the baby. + +Mammy Grace was the family nurse, but as she was growing old and +somewhat infirm, she required a pair of young, sprightly feet to +run after little Lemmy to keep him out of mischief, and to carry the +teething, worrying baby about. Tidy was just the child for her. + +The morning after her arrival, Mrs. Lee instructed her in her duties +thus:-- + +"You are to do what Mammy Grace and the children tell you to. See that +Lemmy doesn't stuff things into his ears and nose; mind you don't let +the baby fall, and behave yourself." + +She wasn't told what would be the consequence if she did not "behave +herself," but Tidy felt that she had something to fear from that +flashing eye and heavy brow. Miss Matilda had protected her, as far as +she was able, though without the child's knowledge, by saying to her +sister that she was willing her little servant should be employed in the +family, but that she was never to be whipped. + +"You're mighty saving of your little piece of flesh and blood," said her +sister-in-law. "I find it doesn't work well to be too tender; they need +a little cuffing now and then to keep them straight." + +"Tidy is a good child," replied Miss Matilda. "She always does as she is +told, and I have never had occasion to punish her in my life; and I can +not consent to her being treated severely." + +"We shall see," said Mrs. Lee; "but, I tell you, I take no impudence +from my hands." + +Miss Matilda's stipulation and her constant presence in the family no +doubt screened Tidy from much that was unpleasant from her new mistress; +for if children or servants are ever so well inclined, an ugly and +easily excited temper in a superior will provoke evil dispositions in +them, and MAKE occasions of punishment. But in this case the mistress +was evidently held in check. A knock on the head sometimes, a kick or a +cross word, was the greatest severity she ventured to inflict; so that, +upon the whole, the new home was a pleasant and happy one. + +The services Tidy was required to render were a perfect delight to her. +Like all children, she liked to be associated with those of her own age, +and, though called a slave, to all intents and purposes she was +received as the playmate and companion of Amelia and Susan. They were +good-natured, agreeable little girls, and it was a pleasure rather +than a task to walk to and from school, and carry their books and +dinner-basket for them. And to go into the play-house, and have the +handling of the dolls, the tea-sets, and toys, was employment as +charming as it was new. + +The nursery was in the cabin of Mammy Grace, which was situated a few +steps from the family mansion, and was distinguished from the log-huts +of the other slaves, by having brick walls and two rooms. The inner room +contained the baby's cradle, a crib for the little one who had not yet +outgrown his noon-day nap, her own bed, and now a cot for Tidy. In the +outer stood the spinning-wheel,--at which the old nurse wrought when not +occupied with the children,--a small table, an old chest of drawers, and +a few rude chairs. Some old carpets which had been discarded from the +house were laid over the floors, and gave an air of comfort to the +place. One shelf by the side of the fireplace held all the china and +plate they had to use; for, you must know, little readers, that slave +cabins contain very few of the conveniences which are so familiar to +you. To assert, as some people do, that the negroes do not need them, is +simply to say that they have never been used to the common comforts of +life, and so do not know their worth. + +Nevertheless, the place with all its scantiness of furniture was a happy +abode for Tidy, who found in Mammy Grace even a better mother than old +Rosa had been to her; for, besides being kind and cheerful, she was +pious, and from her lips it was that Tidy first heard the name of +God. Would you believe it? Tidy had lived to be ten years old in this +Christian land, and had never heard of the God who made her. Miss Lee, +with all her kindness, was not a Christian, and never read the Bible, +offered prayer, or went to church; so that the poor child had grown up +thus far as ignorant of religious truth as a heathen. + +We may well consider then the providence of God which brought her under +the care of Mammy Grace, the negro nurse, as another link in that golden +chain of love which was to draw her up out of the shame and misery +of her abject condition to the knowledge and service of her Heavenly +Father. + + + +CHAPTER VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. + +THE first day of the new service was over. The two babies had been +carried to the house and put to bed as usual at sunset, and Mammy Grace +had mixed the corn-pone for supper, and laid it to bake beneath the hot +ashes. + +Tidy stretched herself at full length near the open door of the cabin, +and resting her head upon her hand looked out. All was still save the +hum of voices from the house, and now and then the plaintive song of +the whippoorwill in the meadow. The new moon was just hiding its silvery +crescent behind Tulip Mountain, and the shadows were growing every +moment darker among the flower-laden trees that covered its sides. +It was just the hour for thinking; and as the weary child lay there, +watching the stars that, one by one, stepped with such strange, +noiseless grace out upon the clear, blue sky, soothed by the calm +influence that breathed through the beautiful twilight, she soon forgot +herself and her surroundings, and was lost in the mazes of speculation +and wonder. What were these bright spots that kept coming thicker +and faster over her head, winking and blinking at her, as if with a +conscious and friendly intelligence? Who made them? what were they +doing? where did they hide in the daytime? If she could climb up yonder +mountain, and then get to the top of those tall tulip-trees, she was +sure she could reach them, or, at least, see better what they were. Were +they candles, that some unseen hand had lighted and thrust out there, +that the night might not be wholly dark? That could not be, for then the +wind, which was fanning the trees, would blow them out. How the little +mind longed to fathom the mystery! Once she had ventured to ask Miss +Matilda what those bright specks up in the sky were, and she answered, +in an indifferent sort of way, "Stars, you little silly goose,--why, +don't you know? They are stars." And then she was just about as wise and +as satisfied as she had been before. + +She was so busy with her thoughts, that she did not perceive Mammy +Grace, as she drew the old, broken-backed rocking-chair up to the door, +and sitting down, with her elbows on her knees and her head upon her +hands, leaned forward, to discover, if possible, what the child was so +intently gazing at. She could discern no object in the deep twilight; +but, struck herself with the still beauty of the scene, she exclaimed,-- + +"Pooty night, a'n't it? How de stars of heaben do shine!" + +The voice disturbed Tidy in her reverie. Her first impulse was to get +up and walk away, that she might finish out her thinking in some other +place, where she could be alone. But the thought flashed through her +mind, that perhaps the kind-looking old nurse at her side might be able +to tell her some of the many things she was so perplexed about; and, +almost before she knew she was speaking, she blurted out,-- + +"What's them things up thar?" + +"Dem bright little shiny tings, honey, in de firm'ment? Laws, don' ye +know? Whar's ye lived all yer days, if ye don' know de stars when ye +sees 'em?" + +"Who owns 'em? and what they stuck up ther for?" asked the child, +somewhat encouraged. + +"Who owns 'em? Hi! dey's de property ob de Lord ob heaben, chile, I +reckons; and dey's put dar to gib us light o'nights. Jest see 'em shine! +and what a sight of 'em dar is, too; nobody can't count 'em noway. And +de Lord he hold 'em all in de holler ob his hand," said the old negress, +shaping her great black palm to suit the idea; "and he knows 'em all +by name, too. Specs 'tis wonderful; but ebery one ob dem leetle, teenty +tings has got a name, and de great Lord he 'members 'em ebery one." + +Tidy's wonder was not at all diminished by what she heard; and the +questions she wanted to ask came up so fast in her mind, she hardly +knew which to utter first. What they were made out of, how they came and +went, what they meant by twinkling so, were things she had long desired +to know; but for the moment these were forgotten in the burning, eager +curiosity she had, now that she had heard the name of their Maker, to +know more of him, and where he was to be found. Half rising from +her former position, and looking earnestly in the face of her humble +instructor, which was beaming with her own admiration of the glorious +works and power of the Lord, she exclaimed vehemently,-- + +"That Lord,--who's him? I's never heerd of him afore." + +"Laws, honey, don' ye know? He's de great Lord of heaben and earf, dat +made you and me and ebery body else. He made all de tings ye sees,--de +trees, de green grass, de birds, de pigs,--dere's noffin dat he didn't +make. Oh, he's de mighty Lord, I tells ye, chile! Didn't ye neber hear +'bout him afore?" + +Tidy shook her head; she could hardly speak. + +"Tell me some more," she said at last. + +"Well, chile, dis great Lord he lib up in de heaben of heabens, way up +ober dat blue sky, and he sits all de time on a great trone, and he sees +ebery ting dat goes on down har in dis yer world. Ef ye does any ting +bad, he puts it down in a great book he's got, and byme-by he'll punish +de wicked folks right orful." + +"Whip?" questioned Tidy. + +"Whip! no; burn in de hot fire and brimstone for eber and for eber. 'Tis +orful to be wicked, and hab de great Lord punish." + +"I ha'n't done noffin," cried out Tidy, fairly trembling with terror. + +"Laws, no,--course not, chile; ye's noffin but a chile, ye know; but +some folks does orful tings. But ye needn't be afeard, honey; he's +a good Lord, and lubs us all; and ef ye tries to be good, and 'beys +missus, and neber lies, nor steals, nor swars, he'll be a good friend to +ye. He'll make de sun to shine on yer, and de rain to fall; and when ye +dies, he'll take yer right up dar, to lib wid him allus. There now, jest +hark,--dat's old Si comin' up de lane. Don' ye h'ar him singin'? He lubs +de Lord, he does, and he's allus a-singin'. Hark, now! a'n't it pooty? +Guess de pone's done by dis time;" and she shuffled to the fireplace, to +look after her cake. + +Tidy, almost overwhelmed with the weight of knowledge that had been +poured in upon her inquiring spirit, and hardly knowing whether what +she had heard should make her glad or sorry, leaned back against the +door-post, and carelessly listened to the voice, as it came nearer and +nearer. In a minute the words fell with pleasing distinctness upon the +ear. + + "Dear sister, didn't you promise me + To help me shout and praise him? + Den come and jine your voice to mine, + And sing his lub amazin'. + I tink I hear de trumpet sound, + About de break of day; + Good Lord, we'll rise in de mornin', + And fly, and fly away, + On de mornin's wings, to Canaan's land, + To heaben, our happy home, + Bright angels shall convey our souls + To de new Jerusalem." + +"Hallelujah, amen, bress de Lord. How is ye dis night, Mammy Grace?" +said a cheerful voice at the cabin-door. + +"Ho! go 'long, Simon,--I knowed ye was comin'. Ye allus blows yer +trumpet 'fore yer gits here. Come in, help yerse'f to a cha'r. Here, +chile," addressing Tidy, "here's yer supper,--eat it now; and don' ye +neber let what I's telled ye slip out of yer 'membrance." + +Which Tidy was not at all likely to do. She picked up the bread which +was thrown to her, and, munching it as she went along, walked away to +the pump to get a drink of water. + +Children, when you rise in the morning and come down stairs to the +cheerful breakfast, or when you are called at noon and night, to join +the family circle again around a neatly-spread table, did you ever think +what a refining influence this single custom has upon your life? The +savage eats his meanly-prepared food from the vessel in which it is +cooked, each member of his household dipping with his fingers, or some +rude utensil, into the one dish. He is scarcely raised above the cattle +that eat their fodder at the crib, or the dog that gnaws the bone thrown +to him upon the ground. And are the slaves any better off? They are +neither allowed time, convenience, or inducements to enjoy a practice, +which is so common with us, that we fail to number it among our +privileges, or to recognize its elevating tendency; and yet they are +stigmatized as a debased and brutish class. Can we expect them to be +otherwise? Who is accountable for this degradation? By what system have +they become so reduced? and have any suitable efforts ever been made for +their elevation? + + +Since I wrote this chapter, I have learned some things with regard to +the freed men at Port Royal, where so many fugitive slaves have taken +refuge during the war, and are now employed by Government, and being +educated by Christian teachers, which will make what I have just said +more apparent. Dr. French, who has labored among this people, in a +public address, drew a pleasing picture of the improvements introduced +into the home-life of the negroes,--how, as they began to feel free, and +earn an independent subsistence, their cabins were whitewashed, swept +clean, kept in order, and pictures and maps, cut from illustrated +newspapers, were pasted up on the walls by the women as a decoration. +He spoke of the rivalry in neatness thus produced, and of the general +elevating and refining effect. On his representation, the commanding +officers and the society by whom he is employed permitted him to +introduce into some twenty-five of the cabins, on twenty-five different +plantations, what had never been known before,--a window with panes of +glass. To this luxury were added tables, good, strong, tin wash-basins, +and soap, stout bed-ticks, and a small looking-glass. The effect of the +father of the family, sitting at the head of his new table, while his +sable wife and children gathered around it, and asking a blessing on the +simple fare, was very touching. Hitherto they had boiled their hominy in +a common skillet, and eaten it out of oyster-shells, when and wherever +they could, some in-doors and some outside, in every variety of +attitude. He said, also, that the ludicrous pranks of both old and +young, on eying themselves for the first time in the mirror, were quite +amusing. + + + +CHAPTER VII. FRANCES. + +QUITE a number of children were gathered in the vicinity of the pump, +performing their usual antics, under the direction and leadership of +a girl larger and older than the rest,--a genuine, coal-black, +woolly-headed, thick-lipped young negro. This was the daughter of Venus, +the cook, and her appointment of service was the kitchen. Full of fun, +and nimble as an eel in every joint, her various pranks and feats of +skill were perfectly amazing, and were received with boisterous applause +by the rest of the group. + +As she saw Tidy advancing, however, she ceased her evolutions, and, +turning to the others with a comic grimace, she bade them hold off, +while she held discourse with the new-comer. + +"Her comes yer white nigger," she said, in a loud whisper, "and I's +boun' to gaffer de las' news;" and putting on a demure face, she +accosted the neatly-appareled child. + +"Specs ye're a stranger in dese yer parts. What's yer name?" + +"Tidy;--what's yourn?" was the ready response. + +"Dey calls me France. Dey don't stop to place fandangles on to names +here. Specs dey'll call YOU Ti." + +"I doesn't care; I's willin'," replied Tidy, good-naturedly. + +"What's de matter wid yer? Been sick?" proceeded France, with a roguish +twinkle of the eye. "Specs you's had measles or 'sumption,--yer's pale +as deaf; and yer hair,--laws, sakes, it'll a'most stan' alone! de kind's +all done gone out of it." + +"Never had much," said Tidy, laughing. "It's most straight, see;" and +she pulled one of the short ringlets out with her fingers. "And I isn't +sick, neither; 'tis my 'plexion." + +"'Plexion!" repeated Frances, with a tone of derision; "'tis white folks +has 'plexion; niggers don't hab none. Don't grow white skins in dese yer +parts." + +"White's as good as black, I s'pose, a'n't it?" answered Tidy, diverted +by the droll manners of her new acquaintance. "I don't see no odds +nohow." + +"'Ta'n't 'spectable, dat's all. Brack's de fashion here on dis yer +plantation. 'Tis tough, b'ars whippin's and hard knocks. Whew! Hi! Ke! +Missus'll cut ye all up to slivers fust time." + +"Does missus whip?" + +"Reckon she does jest dat ting. Reckons you'll feel it right smart 'fore +you're much older. Hi! she whips like a driver,--cuts de skin all off +de knuckles in little less dan no time at all. Yer'll see; make yer curl +all up." + +It was not a very pleasant prospect for Tidy, to be sure; but, more +amused than frightened, she went on with her inquiries. + +"What does she whip ye for?" + +"Laws, sake, for noffin at all; jest when she takes a notion; jest for +ex'cise, like. Owes me one, now," said the girl. "I breaked de pitcher +dis mornin', and, ho, ho, ho! how missus flied! I runned and 'scaped +her, though." + +"She'll catch ye some time." + +"No, she don't, not for dat score. Specs I'll dodge till she's got +suffin' else to tink about. Dat's de way dis chile fix it. Shouldn't hab +no skin leff, ef I didn't. Laws, now, ye ought to seen toder day, when +I's done stept on missus' toe. Didn't do it a purpose, sartain true, ef +ye do laugh," said she, shaking her head at the tittering tribe at her +heels. "Dat are leetle Luce pushed, and missus jest had her hand up to +gib Luce an old-fashioned crack on the head wid dat big brack key of +hern. Hi! didn't she fly roun', and forgot all 'bout Luce, a tryin' to +hit dis nig--and dis nig scooted and runned, and when missus' hand +come down wid de big key, thar warn't no nigger's head at all thar--and +missus was gwine to lay it on so drefful hard, dat she falled ober +hersef right down into de kitchen, and by de time she picked hersef up, +bof de nigs war done gone. Ho, ho, ho! I tells ye she was mad enough ter +eat 'em. 'Pears as ef sparks comed right out of dem brack eyes." + +The girl's loud voice, as she grew animated in telling her exploits, and +the boisterous glee of her hearers, might have drawn the mistress with +whip in hand from the house, to inflict with double severity the evaded +punishment of the morning, but for the timely interference of Venus, +who, with her clean white apron and turbaned head, majestically emerged +from the kitchen, warning the young rebel and her associates to clear +the premises. + +"Along wid yer, and keep yer tongue tween yer teeth, chile, or you'll +cotch it." + +So Frances, drawing Tidy along with her, and followed by the whole +troop, turned into the lane that led down to the negro quarters, and as +they saunter along, I will tell you about her. + +She was a fair specimen of slave children, full of the merry humor, the +love of fun and frolic peculiar to her race, with not a little admixture +of art and cunning. She was wild, rough, and boisterous, one of the sort +always getting into disgrace. She couldn't step without stumbling, nor +hold anything in her hand without spilling. She never had on a whole +frock, except when it was new, and her bare feet were seldom without +a bandage. She considered herself one of the most unfortunate of +creatures, because she met with so many accidents, and had, in +consequence, to suffer so much punishment; and it was of no use to try +to do differently, she declared, for she "couldn't help it, nohow." + +I have seen just such children who were not slaves, haven't you? And I +think I understand the cause of their misfortunes. Shall I give you an +inkling of it? It is because they are so heedless and headlong in their +ways, racing and romping about with perfect recklessness. Don't you +think now that I am right, little reader, you who cried this very day, +because you were always getting into trouble, and getting scolded and +punished for it? You who are always tearing your frock and soiling your +nice white apron, spilling ink on your copy-book, and misplacing your +geography, forgetting your pencil and losing your sponge, and so getting +reproof upon reproof until you are heart-sick and discouraged? I know +what Jessie Smith's father told HER the other day. "You wouldn't meet +with so many mishaps, Jessie, if you didn't RUSH so." Jessie tried, +after that, to move round more gently and carefully, and I think she got +on better. + +Frances was just one of these "rushing" children, but she was +good-natured, and Tidy was quite fascinated with her. It was so new to +have an associate of her own age too; and so it came to pass that almost +immediately they were fast friends. Now, as they strolled along in the +starlight, under the great spreading pines which stood as sentinels +here and there along their path, Tidy drank in eagerly all her companion +said, and in a little while had gathered all the interesting points of +information concerning the place and the people. Frances told her how +hard and mean the master and mistress were, and how poorly the slaves +fared down at the quarters. Up at the house they made out very well, she +said; but not half so well as she and her mother did when they lived out +east on Mr. Blackstone's plantation. Then she described the busy summer +season, when hundreds of people came there to board and drink the water +of the springs. Mr. Lee had built two long rows of little brick houses, +she said, down by the springs, where the people lived while they were +here, and there was a great dining cabin with long tables and seats, +and a barbecue hall, where they had barbecues, and then danced all night +long, and had gay times. And there was plenty of money going at such +times, for the people had quantities of money and gave it to the slaves. + +The negro quarters consisted of six log cabins, which had once been +whitewashed, but now were extremely wretched in appearance, both without +and within. It is customary on the plantations of the South to have the +houses of the negroes a little removed, perhaps a quarter of a mile, +from the family mansion. Thus, with the exception of the house servants, +who must be within call, the slave portion of the family live by +themselves, and generally in a most uncivilized and miserable way. In +some cases their houses are quite neatly built and kept; but it was not +so on Mr. Lee's estate. + +In front of these old huts was a spring, the water bubbling up and +running through a dilapidated, moss-covered spout, into a tub half sunk +in the earth, which in the daytime served as a drinking trough for the +animals, and a bathing-pool for the babies. Brushwood and logs were +lying around in all directions, and here and there a fire was burning, +at which the negroes were cooking their supper. Dogs and a few stray +babies were roaming about, seeming lonely for want of the pigs and +chickens which kept company with them all day, but had now gone to rest. +Boys and girls of larger growth were rollicking and careering over the +place, dancing and singing and entertaining themselves and the whole +settlement with their jollities and noise. + +Is it surprising, we must stop to ask, that the colored people are a +degraded class, when we consider the way in which the children live from +their very infancy. No work for them to do, nothing to learn, nobody to +care for them,--they are just left to grow and fatten like swine, till +they are in condition to be sold or to be broken in to their tasks in +the field. Utterly neglected, they contract, of necessity, lazy and +vicious habits, and it is no wonder they have to be whipped and broken +in to work as animals to the yoke or harness; and no wonder that under +such treatment for successive generations, the race should become so +reduced in mental and moral ability, as to be thought by many incapable +of ever reclaiming a position among the enlightened nations of the +earth. Oh, what a weight of guilt have the people of our country +incurred in allowing four millions of those poor people to be so trodden +down in the very midst of us! + +When the children reached home again they found Mammy Grace's cabin +quite full of men and women, shouting, singing, and talking in a way +quite unintelligible to our little stranger. After she had dropped upon +her cot for the night, she lifted her head and ventured to ask what +those people had been about. + +"Don' ye know, chile? We's had a praisin'-meetin'. We has 'em ebery +week, one week it's here, and one week it's ober to General Doolittle's, +ober de hill yonder. Ef ye's a good chile, honey, ye shall go wid yer +old mammy some time, ye shall." + +"What do you do?" asked Tidy. + +"We praises, chile,--praises de Lord, and den we prays too." + +"What's that?" + +"Laws, chile, ye don't know noffin. Whar's ye been fotched up all yer +days? Why, when we wants any ting we can't git oursef, nohow, we ask de +Lord to gib it to us--dat's what it is." + +That first day and evening in Tidy's new home was a memorable day in her +experience. It seemed as if she had been lifted up two or three degrees +in existence, so much had she heard and learned. She had enough to +think about as she lay down to rest, for the first time away from Miss +Matilda's sheltering presence. + + + +CHAPTER VIII. PRAYER. + +As Tidy grew in stature she grew in favor also with those around her. +Spry but gentle in her movements, obedient, obliging, and apt to learn, +she secured the good-will of her master and mistress, and the visitors +that thronged to the place. If any little service was to be performed +which required more than usual care or expedition, she was the one to be +called upon to do it. It was no easy task to please a person so fretful +and impatient in spirit as Mrs. Lee, yet Tidy, by her promptness and +docility, succeeded admirably. Still, with all her well-doing she was +not able entirely to avoid her harshness and cruelty. + +One day, when she had been several months in Mrs. Lee's family, she was +set to find a ball of yarn which had become detached from her mistress's +knitting-work. Diligently she hunted for it every-where,--in Mammy +Grace's cabin, on the veranda, in the drawing-room, dining-room, and +kitchen, up-stairs, down-stairs, and in the lady's chamber, but no ball +was to be found. The mistress grew impatient, and the child searched +again. The mistress became unreasonable and threatened, and the child +really began to tremble for fear of undeserved chastisement. What could +she do? + +What do you think she did? I will tell you? + +Ever since that first night with Mammy Grace, when Tidy had asked her +what it was to pray, and had been told, "When we wants any ting we can't +git oursefs, nohow, we asks de Lord to gib it to us," these words +had been treasured in her memory; but as yet she had never had an +opportunity to put them to a practical use; for up to this time she +had not really wanted any thing. Her necessities were all supplied even +better than she had reason to expect; for in addition to the plain but +sufficient fare that was allowed her in the cabin, she was never a day +without luxuries from the table of the family. Fruits, tarts, and many +a choice bit of cake, found their way through the children's hands to +their little favorite, so that she had nothing to wish for in the eating +line. Her services with the children were so much in accordance with her +taste as to be almost pastime, and the old nurse was as kind and good as +a mother could be. Never until this day had she been brought into a +real strait; and it was in this emergency that she thought to put Mammy +Grace's suggestion to the test. She had attended the weekly prayer or +"praisin'-meetin's" as they were called, and observed that when the +men and women prayed, they seemed to talk in a familiar way with this +invisible Lord; and she determined to do the same. As she went out for +the third time from the presence of her mistress, downcast and unhappy, +she thought that if she only had such eyes as the Lord had, which Mammy +Grace repeatedly told her were in every place, considering every little +thing in the earth, she would know just where to go to find the missing +ball. At that thought something seemed to whisper, "Pray." + +She darted out of the door, ran across the yard, making her way as +speedily as possible to the only retired spot she knew of. This was +a deep gully at the back of the house, through which a tiny stream of +water crept, just moistening the roots of the wild cherry and alder +bushes which grew there in great abundance, and keeping the grass fresh +and green all the summer long. No one ever came to this spot excepting +now and then the laundress with a piece of linen to bleach, or the +children to play hide-and-seek of a moonlight evening. Here she fell +upon her knees, and lifting up her hands as she had seen others do, she +said,-- + +"Blessed Lord, I want to find missus' ball of yarn, and I can't. You +know whar 'tis. Show me, so I sha'n't get cracks over my head with the +big key. Hallelujah, amen." + +She didn't know, innocent child, what this "Hallelujah, amen," meant; +but she remembered that Uncle Simon always ended in that way, and +she supposed it had something important to do with the prayer. So she +uttered it with a feeling of great satisfaction, as though that capped +the climax of her duty, and put the seal of acceptance on her petition; +and then she got up and walked away, as sure as could be that the ball +would be forthcoming. I dare say she expected to see it rolling out +before her from some unthought-of corner as she went along. + +Do not laugh at the poor little slave girl, children, or ridicule the +idea of her taking such a small thing to the Lord. If you, and older +people too, were in the habit of carrying all your little troubles to +the throne of grace, I am sure you would find help that you little dream +of. If the Lord in his greatness regards the little sparrows, so that +not one of them shall fall to the ground without his notice, and if he +numbers the hairs of our heads, surely there is nothing that can give +us uneasiness of mind or sorrow of heart too small to commend to his +notice. I wish we might all follow Tidy's example, and I have no doubt +that our heavenly Father, who is quite willing to have his words and his +love tested, would answer us as he did her. + +She went directly to the house, carefully looking this way and that, +as if expecting, as I said, that the ball would suddenly appear before +her,--of course it did not,--and passing across the veranda, entered the +hall. A great, old-fashioned, eight-day clock, like the pendulum that +hung in the farmer's kitchen so long, and got tired of ticking, I +imagine, stood in one corner. Just at the foot of this, Tidy saw a white +string protruding. She forgot for the moment what she was hunting after, +and stooped to pick up the string. She pulled at it, but it seemed to +catch in something and slipped through her fingers. She pulled again, +when lo and behold! out came the ball of yarn. Didn't her eyes sparkle? +Didn't her hands twitch with excitement, as she picked it up and carried +it to her mistress? So much for praying, said she to herself; I shall +know what to do the next time I get into trouble. + +The next time the affair proved a more serious one. It was no less than +a search for Frances, who had again been guilty of some misdemeanor, and +had hidden herself away to escape punishment. On the second day of her +absence, Mrs. Lee called Tidy, and instructed her to search for the +girl, with the assurance that if she didn't find her, she herself should +get the whipping. It was no very pleasant prospect for Tidy, but she +set to her task earnestly. A half-day she spent going over the +premises,--the house, the out-buildings, the quarters, and the +pine-woods opposite; but the girl was not to be found. + +Afraid to come and report her want of success, for a while she was quite +in despair; until again she bethought herself of prayer, and out she ran +to the gully. There she cried,-- + +"Lord, I's very anxious to find France. I'll thank you to show me whar +she is, and make missus merciful, so she sha'n't lash neither one of +us. Oh, if I could only find France. Blessed Lord, you can help me find +her"---- + +She was pleading very earnestly when a voice suddenly interrupted her, +and there, at her side, stood the girl. + +"Who's dat ar you's conbersin wid 'bout me, little goose?" asked +Frances. + +"Oh, France," cried Tidy in delight, "whar was you? Missus set me +lookin' for yer, and she said she'd whip all the skin off me, if I +didn't find yer. Whar's you been?" + +"Laws, you nummy, ye don't specs now I's gwine to let all dis yer +plantation know dat secret. Ho, ho, ho! If I telled, I couldn't go dar +'gin no way. I's comed here for my dinner, caus specs dis chile can't +starve nohow. See, my mudder knows whar to put de bones for dis yer +chile," and pushing aside the bushes, she displayed an ample supply of +eatables, which she fell to devouring greedily. Tidy had to reason long +and stoutly with the refractory girl before she could persuade her to +return to the house; and when she accomplished her purpose, she was +probably not aware of the real motive that wrought in that dark, stupid +negro mind. It was not the fear of an increased punishment, if she +remained longer absent,--it was not the faint hope that Tidy held +up, that if she humbly asked her mistress's pardon, she might be +forgiven,--but the thought that if she did not at once return, Tidy must +suffer in her stead, was too much for her. She was, notwithstanding her +black skin and rude nature, too generous to allow that. + +So the two wended their way to the kitchen in great trepidation, and +Tidy, stepping round to the sitting-room, timidly informed her mistress +of the arrival, adding in most beseeching manner, "Please, Missus, don't +whip her, 'caus she's so sorry." + +"You mind your own business, little sauce-box, or you'll catch it too. +When I want your advice, I'll come for it," and seizing her whip which +she kept on a shelf close by, she proceeded to the kitchen. Miss Matilda +followed, determined to see that justice was done to one at least. + +The poor frightened girl fell on her knees. + +"Oh, Missus," she cried, "dear Missus, do 'scuse me. I'll neber do dat +ting over 'gin! I'll neber run away 'gin! I'll neber do noffin! Oh, +Missus, please don't, oh, dear,"--as notwithstanding the appeal, the +angry blow fell. Before another could descend, Miss Matilda laid her +hand upon her sister's arm. + +"Excuse the girl, Susan," she said, gently, "excuse her just this once, +and give her a trial. See if she won't do better." + +It was very hard, for it was contrary to her nature, for Mrs. Lee to +show mercy. However, she did yield, and after a very severe reprimand to +the culprit, and a very unreasonable, angry speech to Tidy, who, to +to [sic] her thinking, had become implicated in Frances' guilt, she +dismissed them both from her presence,--the one chuckling over her +fortunate escape, and the other querying in her mind, whether or no +this unhoped-for mercy was another answer to prayer. Miss Matilda made +a remark as they retired, which Tidy heard, whether it was designed for +her ear or not. + +"I always have designed to give that child her liberty when she is old +enough; and if any thing prevents my doing so, I hope she will take it +herself." + +Take her liberty! What did that mean? Tidy laid up the saying, and +pondered it in her heart. + +Does any one of our little readers ask why Miss Matilda did not free +the child then? Tidy's services paid her owner's board at her brother's +house, and she couldn't afford to give away her very subsistence; COULD +SHE? + + + +CHAPTER IX. THE FIRST LESSON. + +THE walk to school was a very delightful one, and as the trio trudged +over the road from day to day, chattering like magpies, laughing, +singing, shouting, and dancing in the exuberance of childish glee, +all seemed equally light-hearted and joyous. Even the little slave who +carried the books which she was unable to read, and the basket of +dinner of which she could not by right partake, with a keen eye for +the beautiful, and a sensitive heart to appreciate nature, could not +apparently have been more happy, if her condition had been reversed, and +she had been made the served instead of the servant. + +The way for half a mile lay through a dense pine-wood,--the tall trees +rising like stately pillars in some vast temple filled with balsamic +incense, and floored with a clean, elastic fabric, smooth as polished +marble, over which the little feet lightly and gayly tripped. In the +central depths where the sun's rays never penetrated, and the fallen +leaves lay so thickly on the ground, no flowers could grow, but on the +outer edges spring lavished her treasures. The trailing arbutus added +new fragrance to the perfumed air, frail anemones trembled in the +wind, and violets flourished in the shade. The blood-root lifted its +lily-white blossoms to the light, and the cream-tinted, fragile bells of +the uvularia nestled by its side. Passing the wood and its embroidered +flowery border, a brook ran across the road. The rippling waters were +almost hidden by the bushes which grew upon its banks, where the wild +honeysuckle and touch-me-not, laurels and eglantine, mingled their +beautiful blossoms, and wooed the bee and humming-bird to their +gay bowers. Over this stream a narrow bridge led directly to the +school-house; but the homeward side was so attractive, that the children +always tarried there until they saw the teacher on the step, or heard +the little bell tinkling from the door. Tidy remained with them till +the last minute, and there her bright face might invariably be seen when +school was dismissed in the afternoon. A large flat rock between the +woods and the flowery edges of Pine Run was the place of rendezvous. + +One summer's morning they were earlier than usual, and emerging from the +woods, warm and weary with their long walk, they threw themselves down +upon the rock over which in the early day, the shadows of the trees +refreshingly fell. Amelia turned her face toward the Run, and lulled by +the gentle murmuring of the water, and the humming of the insects, +was soon quietly asleep; Susie, with an apron full of burs, was making +furniture for the play-house which they were arranging in a cleft of +the rock; and Tidy, who carried the books, was busily turning over the +leaves and amusing herself with the pictures. + +"My sakes!" she exclaimed presently, "what a funny cretur! See that +great lump on his back!" and she pointed with her finger to the picture +of a camel. "Miss Susie! what IS that? Is it a lame horse?" + +"Why no, Tidy, that's a camel; 'tisn't a horse at all. I was reading +that very place yesterday,--let me see," and taking the book she read +very intelligently a brief account of the wonderful animal. + +"How queer!" said Tidy, deeply interested. "And is there something in +this book about all the pictures?" + +"Yes," answered Susie, "if you could only read now, you would know about +every one. See here, on the next page is an elephant; see his great +tusks and his monstrous long trunk," and the child read to her attentive +listener of another of the wonders of creation. + +[illustration omitted] + +"How I wish I could read,--why can't I?" asked Tidy; and the little +colored face was turned up full of animation. "I don't b'lieve but I +could learn as well as you." + +"Why of course you could," answered Amelia, who had risen quite +refreshed by her short nap. "I don't see why not. You can't go to school +you know, because mother wants you to work; but I could teach you just +as well as not." + +"Oh, could you? will you?--do begin!" cried the eager child. "Oh, Miss +Mely, if you only would, I'd do any thing for you." + +"Look here," said Amelia, seizing the book from her sister's hands, and +by virtue of superior age, constituting herself the teacher; "do you +see those lines?" and she pointed to the columns of letters on the first +page. + +"Yes," said the ready pupil, all attention. + +"Well, those are letters,--the alphabet, they call it. Every one of them +has got a name, and when you have learned to know them all perfectly, so +that you can call them all right wherever you see 'em, why, then you can +read any thing." + +"Any thing?" asked Tidy in amazement. + +"Yes, any thing,--all kinds of books and papers and the Bible and every +thing." + +"I can learn THEM, I's sure I can," said Tidy. "Le's begin now." + +"Well, you see that first one,--that's A. You see how it's made,--two +lines go right up to a point, and then a straight one across. Now say, +what is it?" + +"A." + +"Yes; and now the next one,--that's B. There's a straight line down and +two curves on the front. What's that?" + +"B." + +"Now you must remember those two,--I sha'n't tell you any more this +morning, and I shall make you do just as Miss Agnes used to make me. +Miss Agnes was our governess at home before we came here to school. She +made me take a newspaper,--see, here's a piece,--and prick the letters +on it with a pin. Now you take this piece of paper, and prick every A +and every B that you can find on it, and to-morrow I'll show you some +more." + +Just then the bell sounded from the schoolhouse, and Amelia and Susan +went to their duties, but not with half so glad a heart as Tidy set +herself to hers. Down she squatted on the rock, and did not leave +the place till her first task was successfully accomplished, and the +precious piece of perforated paper safely stowed away for Amelia's +inspection. + +Day after day this process was repeated, until all the letters great and +small had been learned; and now for the more difficult work of putting +them together. There seemed to be but one step between Tidy and perfect +happiness. If she could only have a hymn-book and know how to read it, +she would ask nothing more. She didn't care so much about the Bible. If +she had known, as you do, children, that it is God's word, no doubt she +would have been anxious to learn what it contained. But this truth she +had never heard, and therefore all her desires were centered in the +hymn-book, in which were stored so many of those precious and beautiful +hymns which she loved so much to hear Uncle Simon repeat and sing. Would +she ever be so happy as to be able to sing them from her own book? + + + +CHAPTER X. LONY'S PETITION. + +BUT, ah! this is a world of disappointment, and it almost always happens +that if we attain any real good, we have to toil for it. Tidy's path was +not to continue as smooth and pleasant as it had been. + +Mr. and Mrs. Lee, by some untoward accident, found out what was going +on, and at once expounded the law and the necessities of the case to +their children, forbidding them in the most peremptory manner, and on +penalty of the severest chastisement, ever to attempt again to give Tidy +or any other slave a lesson. What the punishment was with which they +were threatened she never knew, for the little girls never dared even to +speak upon the subject; but she knew it must be something very dreadful, +and though this was a most cruel blow to her expectations, she loved +them too well to bring them into the slightest danger on her own +account. So she never afterwards alluded to the subject. + +Her first impulse was to give up all for lost, and to sit down and +weep despairingly over her disappointment; but she was of too hopeful a +disposition to do so. + +"I knows the letters," said she to herself, "and I specs I can learn +myself. I can SCRAMBLE ALONG, some way." + +Scrambling indeed! I wonder if any of you, little folks, would be +willing to undertake it. + +In her trouble she did not forget the strong hold to which she had +learned to resort in trouble. She PRAYED about it every day, morning, +noon, and night. Indeed the words "Lord, help me learn to read," were +seldom out of her heart. Even when she did not dare to utter them with +her lips, they were mentally ejaculated. Hers was indeed an unceasing +prayer. + +"Come chile," said Mammy Grace, one evening in the cool, frosty autumn, +as Tidy was hovering over the embers, eating her corn-bread, "put on de +ole shawl, and we'll tote ober de hills to Massa Bertram's. De meetin's +dare dis yer night, and Si's gwine to go. Come, honey, 'tis chill dis +ebening, and de walk'll put the warmf right smart inter ye;" and they +started off at a quick pace, over the hills, through the woods, down +the lanes, and across little brooks, the pale, cold moonlight streaming +across their path, and the warm sunlight of divine peace and favor +enlivening their hearts as they went on, making nothing at all of a walk +of three miles to sing and pray in company with Christian friends. Would +WE take as much pains to attend a prayer-meeting? + +It was not the customary place of meeting, and the people for the most +part were strangers. One party had come by special invitation, to see a +new PIECE OF PROPERTY which had just arrived upon the place,--a piece of +property that thought, and felt, and moved, and walked, like a thing +of life; that loved and feared the Lord, and sung and prayed like any +Christian. What wonderful qualities slaveholders' chattels possess! + +The woman, whose name was Apollonia, familiarly called Lony, was a tall, +gaunt, square-built negress, with a skin so black and shining, and her +limbs so rigid, that she might almost have been mistaken for one +of those massive statues we sometimes see carved out of the solid +anthracite. A bright yellow turban on her head rose in shape like an +Egyptian pyramid, adding to her extraordinary hight, and strangely +contrasting with her black, thick, African features. Altogether her +appearance would have been formidable and repelling, but for a look +in her eye like the clear shining after rain, and a tranquil, peaceful +expression which had over-spread her hard visage. Tidy was overawed +and fascinated by the gigantic figure, and when, after a few minutes +of sacred silence, the new comer, who seemed accepted as the presiding +spirit of the occasion, commenced singing, she was more than usually +interested and attentive. The words were not familiar to the company, so +that none could join, and the deep monotone of the woman, at first +low, and by degrees becoming louder and more animated, made every word +distinct and impressive. + + "I was but a youth when first I was called on, + To think of my soul and the state I was in; + I saw myself standing from God a great distance, + And betwixt me and him was a mountain of Sin. + + "Old Satan declared that I had been converted, + Old Satan persuaded me I was too young; + And before my days ended that I would grow tired, + And I'd wish that I'd never so early begun." + +"But, praise de Lord," exclaimed the woman, stopping short in her hymn, +and rising suddenly to her feet, "I habn't growed tired yet, and I's +been walkin in de ways of goodness forty years and more. De Lord, he is +good,--I knows he is, for I's tried him and found him out, and I's neber +tired o' praisin him. Bress de Lord! He's new to me ebery mornin, and +fresh as de coolin waters ebery ebening. Praise de Lord! Hallelujah! +When I was a chile, I use to make massa's boys mad so's to hear 'em +swar. It pleased dis wicked cretur to hear de fierce swarrin'. One day I +went to de garden behind de house to git de water-melons for dinner, and +I heerd a voice. 'Pears 'twas like a leetle, soft voice, but I couldn't +see nobody nowhar dat spoke, and it said, 'Lony, Lony, don't yer make +dem boys swar no more, ef ye do, ye'll lose yer soul.' I looked all roun +and roun, for I was skeered a'most to deff, but I couldn't see nobody, +and den I know'd 'twas a voice from heaben, for I'd heerd o' sich, and +I says, 'No, Lord, no, I won't.' I didn't know den what de SOUL was, +or what a drefful ting 'twas to lose it; but I knowd it mus mean suffin +orful. So I began to consider all de time 'bout de soul. Byme-by a +Baptis' min'ster comed to de place, and massa and missus was converted. +Den dey let us hab meetin's and de clersh'-man he comed and talked to +us. I didn't comperhend much he said, 'caus I was young and foolish; but +he telled a good many times 'bout dat ef we want to save our souls we +mus be babtize and git under de Lord's table. Says I to my own sef, +'Specs now ef poor Lony could only find de table of de bressed Lord, +'twould all be well, and she'd be pertected foreber.' So I prayed and +prayed, and one night de good Lord comed hissef, and bringd his great, +splendid table, and all de fair angels dressed in white and gold and +settin roun it, and I got under, and I ate de crumbs dat fell down, and +den 'pears I begun to live. Oh, 'twas sich a peace dat came all ober +me, and I wanted to sing and shout all of de time. And dat's jess whar I +been eber sence, my friends, and I neber wants to come away till I dies; +and den de good Lord'll take me up to de great heabenly mansion, and +gib me de gold robes, and den I shall set up wid de rest and be like 'em +all. And I's willin to wait, 'caus I lubs de Lord and praises him ebery +day. He is de good Lord, and he lubs me and hearkens ebery time I speaks +to him; and I ha'n't 'bleeged to holler loud, nuther, for he's neber far +away, but he keeps close by dis poor soul so he can hear ebery word and +cry. And he'll hear all yer cries, my friends, when ye prays for yersef +or for yer chillen, or yer bredren and sisters. Le's pray, now." + +Then kneeling down, this representative of a despised and untutored +race, with a faith that triumphed gloriously over her abject +surroundings, poured forth her supplications, talking with the Lord as a +man talks with his friend, as it were face to face. + +"O bressed Lord, dat's in de heaben and de earf and ebery whar; you's +heerd all de tings dat we's asked for. And you knows all dat dese yer +poor chillen wants dat dey hasn't axed for; and if dere's any ob 'em +here, dat doesn't dare to speak out loud, and tell what dey does want, +you can hear it jess as well, ef it is way down deep buried up in de +heart; and oh, bressed Lord, do gib 'em de desires of de heart, 'less +it's suffin dat'll hurt 'em, and den Lord don't gib it to 'em at all." + +This was enough for our little Tidy. Her heart swelled, and the great +tears ran down her cheeks, as she thought instantly of the one dear, +cherished petition that she dared not utter, but which was uppermost in +her heart continually; and as the woman pleaded with the Lord to hear +and answer the desires of every soul present, she held that want of hers +up before Him as a cup to be filled, and the Lord verily did fill it +up to the brim. A quiet, restful feeling took the place of the burning, +eager anxiety she had hitherto felt, and from that moment she was sure, +yes, SURE that she would have her wish, and some day be able to read. +Nothing had ever encouraged and strengthened her so much as the earnest +words and prayers of this Christian woman. How thankful she always felt +that she had been brought to the prayer-meeting at Massa Bertram's that +night. + + + +CHAPTER XI. ROUGH PLACES. + +To obtain possession of the hymn-book she desired, was not so very +difficult in Tidy's estimation. The numerous visitors at the house, +pleased with her bright face, her gentle manners, and ready attentions, +often dropped a coin into her hand, and these little moneys were +carefully treasured for the accomplishment of her purpose. She +calculated that by Christmas-time she should have enough money to buy +it, and Uncle Simon she knew would procure it for her. Her greatest +anxiety now was to be ready to use it. + +But how could she make herself ready? How was she to learn without a +teacher or a book? + +There had been an old primer for some time tossing about the +play-room--its scarlet cover looking more gorgeous and tempting in +Tidy's eyes, as they fell upon it day after day, than any trinket or +gewgaw she could have seen; yet she dared not touch it. She was too +honest to appropriate it to herself without leave, and she was afraid +to allude to the forbidden lessons by asking Amelia or Susan for it. +Several times she tried to draw their attention to the neglected book, +and to give them some hint of her own longing for it,--but all to no +avail. One day, however, she had orders from the children to clear up +the room thoroughly. + +"Make every thing neat as a pin," said Amelia, "while we go down to +dinner, for we are going to have company this afternoon; and if it looks +right nice, I'll give you an orange." + +"What shall I do with dis yer book, then, Miss Mely?" hastily asked +Tidy, as she stooped to pick up the book, and felt herself trembling all +over that she had dared to put her fingers upon it. + +"That? Oh, that's no good; throw it away,--we never use it now,--or keep +it yourself, if you want to," said she, after a second thought. + +It was done. The book was quickly deposited in a safe place, and the +clearing up proceeded rapidly. The orange was a small consideration; for +had she not got a book, her heart's desire, and now she could learn to +read. + +She could learn all alone; she would be her own teacher. If she got into +a very narrow place she would get Uncle Simon to help her out. No one +else on the estate knew how to read, and he didn't know much, but no +doubt he could be of some assistance. Such was Tidy's inward plan. + +After this, the little girl might have been seen every evening stretched +at full length on the cabin floor, her head towards the fireplace, where +the choicest pine knots were kindled into a cheerful blaze, with her +spelling-book open before her. She was "clambering" up the rough way of +knowledge. + +Did she accomplish her purpose? To be sure she did. Little reader, did +you ever make up your mind to do any thing and fail? There's an old +proverb that says, "Where there's a will there's a way;" and this is +true. Resolution and energy, patience and perseverance, will achieve +nearly every thing you set about. Try it. Try it when you have hard +lessons to do, puzzling examples in arithmetic to solve, that long stint +in sewing to do, that distasteful music to practice, those bad habits to +conquer. Try it faithfully, and when you grow up, you'll be able to say, +from your own experience, "Where there's a will there's a way." + +You must not expect, however, that Tidy learned very rapidly or very +perfectly under such discouragements. Think how it would be with +yourself, if you only knew your letters. You might read quite easily +m-a-n, but how do you think you could find out that those letters +spelled man? + +Tidy advanced much more expeditiously after she had obtained possession +of her hymn-book. Some of the hymns were quite familiar to her from her +having heard them sung so often at the meetings, and she determined to +study these first; and you may well imagine how proud she felt,--not +sinfully, but innocently proud,--when she seated herself one afternoon +by Mammy Grace's side, and pulling her hymn-book out of her bosom, asked +if she might read a hymn. + +"Yes, chile, 'deed ye may, ef ye can. Specs 'twill do yer ole mammy's +heart good to hear ye read de books like de white folks." + +And the child opened the book, and in a clear, pleasant, happy voice she +read slowly, but correctly,-- + + "My God, the spring of all my joys, + The life of my delights, + The glory of my brightest days, + And comfort of my nights. + + "In darkest shades if he appear, + My dawning is begun; + He is my soul's sweet morning star, + And he my rising sun." + +"Look dar, chile," cried the old nurse, springing to her feet, "Massa +George's jess a'most out ob de door. Ef he SHOULD fall and break his +neck, what WOULD 'come of us. Dis yer chile 'd neber hab no more peace +all de days of her life. Yer reads raal pooty, honey; but ye mus'n't +neglect duty for de books, 'caus ef ye do, ye isn't worthy of de +prevelege." + +So Tidy had to forego her hymns till the children were put to bed. + +After this, in the long winter evenings, in Mammy Grace's snug cabin, +what harvests of enjoyment were gathered from that precious book. Uncle +Simon was the favored guest on such occasions, and always "bringed his +welcome wid hissef," he said, in the shape of pitch-pine fagots, the +richest to be found, by the light of which they read and sung the songs +of Zion, which they dearly loved; the pious old slave in the mean +time commending, congratulating, and encouraging Tidy in her wonderful +intellectual achievements. + + + +CHAPTER XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. + +PERSONS of will and energy generally have some distinct object before +them which they are striving to reach,--something of importance to +be gained or done. As fast as one thing is attained, another plan +is projected; and so they go on, mounting up from one achievement to +another all through life. And this enterprising spirit begins to be +developed at a very early age in children. + +Tidy was one of these active little beings, full of business, never +unhappy for want of something to do; and besides the ordinary and more +trivial occupations of the outer life, her spirit or inner life had ever +a dear, cherished object before it, which engrossed her thoughts, +taxed her capabilities, and raised her above the degraded level of her +companions in servitude. + +Now that she had attained one grand point in learning to read, she +ventured on another and far more difficult enterprise. What do you think +it was? Why, nothing more or less than to GET HER LIBERTY. + +She had heard Miss Matilda say in the kitchen, "If I don't give the +child her liberty, I hope she will take it." This was her warrant. She +perceived, by Miss Matilda's words and manner, in the first place, that +liberty was desirable, and, in the second, that she COULD take it. But, +ignorant child as she was, she little knew the difficulties that stood +in the way. + +She had now lived several years in Mr. Lee's family, and had grown wiser +in many respects. She began to realize more fully what it was to be a +slave, and what her probable prospects were, if she did not escape. She +learned that there was a place, not a great way from her Virginian home, +where people did not hold her race in bondage; where she could go and +come as she pleased, choose her own employers and occupation, be paid +for her labor, provide for herself, and perhaps some day have a home of +her own, with husband and children whom she could hold and enjoy. Do you +think it strange that such a condition seemed attractive, and that she +was willing to make great efforts and run fearful risks to reach it? + +She kept her intentions profoundly secret. Even Mammy Grace and Uncle +Simon, her best friends, were not in her confidence. But she prayed +about it constantly, and sought information from every possible source +with regard to this free land,--where it was, and how it could be +reached,--and at last formed her plan, which she determined to carry out +during the coming summer. + +She knew she must have money, if she was going to travel, and for a +long time she had been carefully saving up all she could command. She +constantly endeavored to make herself useful in various ways in order to +get it. The summer-time was her money harvest; and this season she was +delighted to find visitors thronging to the Springs in greater numbers +than she had ever seen before. She knew if there was plenty of company, +there would be plenty of business, and consequently a plenty of money; +for the class of people who came there were for the most part wealthy, +and were quite willing to pay for the attentions they received. The +little brick houses in which they lodged were under the care of the +slave girls. Each one had two of these cabins, as they were called, in +charge, and were required to keep them in order, to wait upon the ladies +and children, and serve them at the table. Tidy was unwearied in her +efforts to please. She answered promptly to every call, and kept her +rooms in the neatest manner; and for her pains she received many a +bright coin, which was providently stored away in a little bag, and +concealed beneath her mattress. Perhaps these conscientious people would +not have bestowed money so freely on their favorite young maid, if they +had known the purpose to which it was to be applied. For they say that +slavery is a Christian institution, a sort of missionary enterprise, +which has been divinely appointed for the good of the colored race; and +of course to get away from it is to run away from God and the privileges +and blessings he is so kind as to give. + +Tidy, however, thought differently, as the slaves generally do; and as +she had made up her mind that she should gain greater advantages in +a state of freedom, she determined to persevere in her attempt. Her +accumulations finally became so large, that she thought she might +venture to start on her journey. + +She knew, too, that she must have clothes quite different from those she +usually wore. And how was she to get these? Ah, she had had an eye for a +long while to this. She and Amelia were not only of the same age, but +of the same size. Tidy had grown in the last two years very rapidly, and +had now reached a womanly hight and figure. She had watched the growth +of Amelia with the keenest interest. So far, it had corresponded with +her own so exactly that she could easily wear the clothes made for +her young mistress. In fact, Amelia often dressed Tidy up in her own +garments that she might get a better idea of how they looked upon +herself. This season, Amelia, for the first time, had a traveling suit +complete, for she was going a journey with her father; and when it +was finished, she was so pleased that she sent for Tidy at once to +participate in her joy, and insisted that she should immediately put it +on, that she might see how it fitted, and if every thing about it was as +it should be. The dress was a dark green merino, made with a very long +pelerine cape, which was the very pink of the fashion, and was the +especial admiration of all the children. Tidy arrayed herself in these, +and, putting the little jaunty cap of the same color on her head, stood +before the glass and surveyed herself with as perfect satisfaction as +the owner of the becoming costume herself experienced. Indeed she +could hardly keep her eye from telling tales of the joy within, as she +inwardly said, "There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip, and may +be, Miss Amelia, I shall go traveling in this before you do." She felt +that nothing could have been provided more suitable or timely than this +charming suit. + +Are you shocked, little reader, that Tidy, the good, exemplary, +conscientious Tidy, should have thought of appropriating Amelia's +wardrobe to herself? I must stop a moment here to explain to you the +slaves' code of morals. They are so ignorant that we must not expect +them to have so high or correct a standard of conduct as we have, or to +be able to make such nice distinctions in questions of right and wrong. + +Ever since Mammy Grace had made to her young pupil the first imperfect +revelation of God's character and government, declaring that he would +punish with eternal fire those who should lie, swear, or steal, +the child had held these sins in the greatest abhorrence, and was +scrupulously careful to avoid them. She would not have taken from the +baby-house a trinket, or an article of food from the kitchen, without +leave, on any account. At the same time, she had learned the slave +theory that as they are never paid for their labor, they have a right +to any thing which their labor has purchased, OF WHICH THEY HAVE NEED. +Consequently if a slave is not provided with food sufficient for his +wants, he supplies himself. The pigs and chickens, vegetables and +fruits, or any thing else which he can handily obtain, he helps himself +to, as though they were his own, and never burdens his conscience +with the sin of stealing. A slave, who had obtained his freedom, once +remarked in a public meeting, that when he was a boy, he was OBLIGED +to steal, or TAKE food, as he called it, in order to live, because so +little was provided for him. "But now," said he, while his face shone +with a consciousness of honesty and honor, "I wouldn't take a cent's +worth from any man; no, not for my right hand." + +So, you see, that this principle of appropriating what the labor of her +own hands had earned, when necessity demanded it, was that upon which +Tidy was to act. She never needed to steal food, nor even luxuries, for +she always had enough; nor money, because, for her limited wants, she +always had enough of that. But now, when she was going a journey, and +wanted to look especially nice, she felt very glad to have the dress +prepared so fitting for the occasion; and she did not feel a single +misgiving of conscience about taking it when she got ready to use it. +Whether this was just right or not, I shall leave an open question for +you to decide in your own minds. It will bear thought and discussion, +and will be quite a profitable subject for you to consider. + +When the preparations were all made, Mammy Grace and old Simon were let +into the secret. Whether they said any thing by way of discussion I do +not know--at any rate, it did not alter Tidy's determination. I think, +however, that she found her two aged friends very useful in aiding her +last movements; and when the eventful moment arrived, and Tidy, attired +in Miss Amelia's garments, with a traveling-bag in her hand, containing +her hymn-book, her money, and a few needed articles, stood at the foot +of the walk that led into the public road, Mammy Grace stood with her in +the starlight of the early summer's morning, and bade her God-speed. + +"Ye looks like a lady for all de world, honey; I 'clare dese yer old +eyes neber would a thought 'twas you, in dis yer fine dress--hi, hi, hi! +Specs nobody'll tink ye's run away. De old nuss hates to part wid her +chile; but ef ye must go, ye must, and de bressed Lord go wid ye, and +keep ye safe." + +Then giving her a most affectionate hug, she put a paper of eatables in +her hand, and helped her to mount the horse before Uncle Simon, who was +already in the saddle. Where or how the old man procured the horse and +equipments, HE knew--but nobody else did. + +The animal was a fast trotter, and brought them speedily five miles to +the village, where Tidy was to take the stage-coach to Baltimore. It +was before railroads and steam-engines were much talked of in Virginia. +Alighting in the outskirts of the town, Simon lifted the young girl to +the ground, and hastily commending her to "de bressed Lord of heaben and +earf," he bade her good-by, and went back to his bondage and toil. They +never saw each other again. + +The day was fine, and riding a novel occupation for Tidy, but so full +was her trembling heart of anxiety and fear that she could not enjoy it. +She was afraid to look out of the window lest she might be recognized by +some one; and she dared not look at the two pleasant-faced gentlemen who +were in the coach with her, lest they might question her, and find out +her true condition. So she cuddled back as closely as possible in the +corner, and when they kindly offered her cakes and fruit, she just +ventured to say, "No, thank you." Her own food, which the dear old nurse +had taken so much pains to put up for her, lay untouched in her lap, for +her heart was so absorbed she could not eat. + +Night brought her to the hotel in Baltimore. The great city, the large +building, and busy servants running hither and thither quite bewildered +her, and she had to watch herself very closely lest she should betray +herself. The waiters looked at her rather suspiciously; but she behaved +with all propriety, called for her room and supper, paid for what she +had, and in the morning was ready to take her seat in the northern +stage, and no one ventured to molest or question her. How her heart +leaped when she found herself safely on her way to Philadelphia. One +day more, and she would be in a free city. What she should do when she +arrived there, how she was to support herself in future, did not trouble +her. That she might stand on free soil, and lift up her eyes to the +stars that shone on her liberated body was all she thought of; and +to-night this was to be. With every step of the plodding horses, she +grew bolder and more assured, and her faith and hope and joyousness +rose. But, alas! there was a lion in the way of which she had not +dreamed. + +"Your pass!" shouted a grim-looking man, as she stepped, bag in hand, +with gentle dignity on the boat that was to take her across the stream +which divided slave territory from our free States. "Where's your pass? +Don't stand there staring at me," said the official, as the frightened +girl looked up as if for an explanation. + +A pass! She had never once thought of that! No one had mentioned her +need of it. What was she to do? She looked confounded and terrified. + +"No pass?" inquired the man, sternly. "'Tis easy enough to see what +YOU are, then. A runaway!" said he, turning to a man at his right hand, +"make her fast." + +Frightened and trembling, Tidy tried to run, but it was of no use; a +strong hand seized her slender arm, and held her securely. Then her +sight seemed to fail her, she grew dizzy, and fell fainting on the deck. +A crowd gathered about her. They remarked her light skin and delicate +features, her ladylike form and neat dress. Could she be a slave? they +asked. Would such a child as she appeared to be attempt to gain her +liberty? They dashed water on her head, and, as her consciousness +returned, she saw the faces of those two pleasant Scotch gentlemen, +who had rode with her the day before all the way from Virginia, looking +kindly and pitifully upon her. + +"If you had only told us," they said, "we could have helped you." + +But there was no friend or helper in that terrible hour, and poor Tidy, +weeping and almost heart-broken, was carried back to Baltimore, and +thrown into the SLAVE-JAIL. + + + +CHAPTER XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. + +IF I pronounce this disastrous event in Tidy's life another link in +the chain of loving-kindness by which God was leading her to himself, +perhaps you will wonder. But, my dear children, adversities are designed +for this very purpose, and are all directed in infinite love and wisdom +for our good. Tidy had prayed that she might be free, and the Lord +heard, and meant to answer her prayer. He meant not only to give her the +liberty she sought, but, more than that, to make her soul free in Christ +Jesus; but there were some things she needed to learn first. She was +not prepared yet to use her personal liberty rightly, nor did she at all +appreciate or desire that other and better freedom. Therefore the Lord +disappointed her at this time, and turned the course of her life, as it +were, upside down, that by painful experiences and narrow straits she +might learn what an all-sufficient Friend he could be to her; that she +might learn too the sinfulness of her own heart, and his free grace and +mercy for her pardon and salvation. + +God "leads the blind in the way they know not." Tidy knew nothing of +the method by which he was guiding her, and when she found her hopes +crushed, and herself crouching, forlorn and friendless, weary and +half-famished, in a prison, she gave up all for lost. She felt indeed +cast off and forsaken. For hours she sat and cried despairingly, the +pretty dress crumpled and stained with tears, and the hat which had been +so much admired trampled under foot. Shame, grief, and fear of what was +to come drove her almost to distraction. + +At the end of three days, Mr. Lee, acting as her master, who had been +apprised of her arrest, arrived at the prison. But what a wretched +object had he come to see! He could scarcely believe that the miserable, +dejected being before him was the once bright, beautiful Tidy,--such a +change had her disappointment and sorrow wrought. He really pitied +her, if a slaveholder ever can pity a slave, and yet he reproached her +severely. He told her she was a fool to run away; that niggers never +knew when they were well off; that if she had had a thimble-full of +sense she might have known she couldn't make her escape. He said they +had just been offered a thousand dollars for her,--which was then +considered an enormous price,--by a gentleman in Virginia, and they had +been on the point of selling her. + +"I's Miss Matilda's," fiercely cried the poor girl at this, "and SHE +wouldn't a sold me; she said she never would." + +"Yes, she would, Miss," replied Mr. Lee; "we don't let her throw +away such a valuable piece of property for nothing, I can tell you. A +thousand dollars in the bank isn't a small thing. It wouldn't find feet +to walk off with very soon, that we know." + +"Miss Matilda TOLD me to take my liberty," said Tidy, disconsolately. + +"Miss Matilda is a fool, like you. But we shall look out she don't cheat +herself in such a fashion. Now you can have your choice, little one; +you can go home with me, and take a good flogging for an example to the +rest, and stay with us till another buyer comes up,--for Mr. Nicholson +won't take such an uncertain piece of goods as you have showed yourself +to be,--or you can go South. There's a trader here ready to take you +right off. I'll give you till tomorrow morning to make up your mind." + +"I'll go South," said the poor girl, the next morning. "I can't bear +ever to see Miss Tilda again." And she settled herself down to her fate. +She knew her life of bondage would be hard there, and she would not +have much chance of getting her freedom. But it was better than the +mortification of going back. + +So she was sold to Mr. Pervis, the slave-trader. Mr. Pervis made about +fifty purchases in Baltimore and the vicinity, and then organizing his +gang he started for the South. Oh, what a different journey from that +which Tidy had intended when she left home. A thousand miles South, into +the very heart of slavery's dominions, with a company of coarse, stupid, +filthy, wretched creatures, such as she never would have willingly +associated with at home, so much more delicately had she been +reared. Many of these were field-hands sold to go to the cotton +plantations,--sold for "rascality." + +Do you know what that means? You think it is ugliness. But no; it is +a DISEASE. It is a droll sort of malady, to which a learned Louisiana +doctor has given a singular name, which I can't spell, and which you +wouldn't know how to pronounce; but the symptoms I can describe. Where +a slave is attacked with this disease, he acts in a very stupid and +careless manner, and does a great deal of mischief, breaking, abusing, +and wasting every thing he can lay his hands on. He tears his clothes, +throws away food, cuts up plants in the field, breaks his tools, hurts +the horses and cattle, and does a vast amount of injury, and in such +a way that it seems as if it was all done on purpose. He will neither +work, nor eat the food offered him; quarrels with the other slaves and +fights with the drivers, and altogether acts in such an ugly way that +the overseer says he is "rascally." If it was really ugliness, he would +be whipped; but, of course, whipping won't cure disease; so the masters +consider it incurable, and sell the slave to go South to work in the +rice-swamps and cotton-fields. They, perhaps, think a change of +climate will do more for the patient than any other means. The Southern +physicians don't have much success, to tell the truth, in curing this +difficulty, for they don't seem to understand it. If they would only +consult with some of their profession at the North, I have no doubt they +would get some valuable suggestions on the subject. I really believe +that the liberty-cure, practised by some judicious money-pathic +physician, would effectually cure this "rascality." I wish I could see +it tried. + +Tidy found herself, therefore, in very undesirable company on this +expedition to Georgia, and made up her mind very shortly that there +would not be much enjoyment in it. She did not have to drag wearily +along on foot all the way; for Mr. Lee was considerate enough to suggest +to Mr. Pervis, that, as she had been brought up as a house-servant, and +not accustomed to very hard work, she would not be able to walk much, +and if she was not allowed to ride, there would be no Tidy left by the +time they got to their journey's end, and the thousand dollars which had +just been paid for her would have been thrown away. So Mr. Pervis gave +her a permanent place in one of the wagons, and the other women were +taken up by turns, whenever the poor creatures could step no longer. +The men dragged along, handcuffed in pairs, and their low, brutal, and +profane conversation was dreadful to Tidy. Oh, how often she wished she +had staid contentedly with Mammy Grace, and not tried to run away. And +yet her hope was not utterly gone, for she often caught herself saying, +with closed teeth, "Give me a chance, and I'll try it again." Freedom +looked too attractive to be entirely relinquished. + +The gang halted at night, put up their tents, lighted fires and cooked +their mean repast. Then they stretched themselves on the bare ground to +sleep. In the morning, after the wretched breakfast was eaten, the tents +were struck, the wagons loaded again, and they started for another day's +travel,--and so on till the long, wearisome march was over. It took them +many weeks before they arrived at their destination. + +There Tidy was soon resold, the trader making two hundred dollars by +the bargain, and she became the property of Mr. Turner, who took her to +Natchez, on the Mississippi River, where she became waiting-maid to Mrs. +Turner, his wife. + +The poor girl was never the same in appearance after she left her +Virginia home. A deep pall seemed to have been thrown over her spirit, +and her hopes and happiness lay buried beneath it. Her disposition had +lost its buoyancy, and her face wore a sad, pensive look. She tried +to do her duty here as before, and her skill and neatness made her a +favorite. But there was no one here to care for her and love her as +Mammy Grace had done; and she missed the children sadly. Her hymn-book +was neglected; for when she opened it such a flood of recollections came +over her that the tears blinded her eyes and she could not see a word, +and she never now heard a prayer. She was again in an irreligious +family, and among an ungodly set of servants, and her faith, hope, and +love began to grow dim. A dull, heavy manner, and a careless, reckless +state of mind was growing upon her. + +It required deeper sorrow than she had yet experienced to wake her up +from this sluggish, unhappy condition. + + + +CHAPTER XIV. CRUELTY. + +SHE was standing one beautiful evening at the front gate of the house, +leaning on the rail, and gazing listlessly up the street. She was +thinking, perhaps, of that starry night when first she had heard of the +name of God, or that other, when her faith had been so wonderfully built +up in listening to the striking experiences and prayer of the memorable +Lony. Perhaps she had wandered farther back to the time, when, under old +Rosa's protection, she had fed the chickens and watered the flowers at +Rosevale with childish content. Whatever it was, the tears would come, +and several times she raised her hand and dashed them away. Then she +turned her head and gazed the other way. + +A large hotel stood nearly opposite the house, and across the narrow +street she watched the mingling, busy crowd of black and white, young +and old, coming and going, each intent on his own interests, each +holding in his heart the secret of his own history. Who are they all? +thought Tidy, what business are they all about? I wonder if they are all +happy? not one of them knows or cares for poor, unhappy me,--when lo! +there suddenly loomed up before her a familiar face. She watched it +eagerly as it moved up and down in the throng, for she felt that she had +seen it before. But it was some minutes before she could tell exactly +where. At last it all came to her. It was Arthur Carroll, the son of the +man who had owned her when a baby. She had often seen and played with +him in her visits to her mother. Many years had passed since she last +beheld him, and he had grown to be a young gentleman; but she was sure +it was he. He stepped out of the hotel and came towards the house. +She uttered a little, quick cry, "Why, Mass Arthur!" He turned and +recognized her, and at once stopped to inquire into her condition and +circumstances. + +It was almost like a visit to old Virginia to see young Carroll; and as +cold water to a thirsty soul was the news he brought her from that far +country. Tidy drank in eagerly every word he could tell her of the +Lees, and others whom she knew, and they were enjoying an animated +conversation when Tidy's master passed that way. He saw his slave +engaged in familiar talk with a stranger, and remembering the remark +of the trader of whom he had bought her, that she had tried "the +running-away game" once, and must be watched lest she should repeat the +attempt, without waiting to inquire into the circumstances of the case, +he resolved to administer a proper chastisement. Coming up behind, he +struck her a violent blow on the side of the head that sent the frail +girl reeling to the ground. + +For a few minutes Tidy lay stunned upon the earth. When she came to +herself, her head was smarting with pain and her heart burned like fire +with indignation, and in a perfect frenzy of distress and mortification +she rushed out of the gate and flew down the street. Up and down, +through the streets and lanes of the city, she ran for hours, not +knowing or caring whither she went, until finally, exhausted and +bewildered, she dropped down upon the ground. Some one raised the +panting girl and took her to the guard-house. There she lay until +morning before she could give any distinct thought to what she had done, +and what course she was now to pursue. + +When she began to think clearly, she felt that she had acted very +unwisely. For a slave to resist punishment, if it is ever so undeserved, +or to attempt to escape it by running away, is only to provoke severer +chastisement. That she well knew, and that there was nothing to be done +now, but to walk back to her master's house and meet a fate she could +not avoid. She only hoped that, when she acknowledged her fault, and +frankly told her master that she did it under a wild and bewildering +excitement, he would pardon her and let it pass. + +She dragged her weary steps back to her master's house, fainting with +fatigue and hunger, and presented herself before her mistress. + +"I's right sorry I runned so," she said, "but I was kind o' scared like, +and didn't know jest what I did. I knows I's no business to run away +when massa cuffed me." + +Her mistress made no reply but an angry look; but nothing was said by +any one about what had happened, and Tidy felt that trouble was brewing. +What it would be she could not tell, but her heart was heavy within her. +Nothing occurred that day, but the next morning she was told to tie up +her clothes and be ready to go up the river at ten o'clock. She +knew what going up the river meant. Mr. Turner owned a large cotton +plantation about twenty miles from Natchez, and the severest punishment +dreaded by his servants in the city was to be sent there. + +Tom, the coachman, accompanied Tidy, bearing in his pocket a note to the +overseer of the plantation. Would you take a peep into it before she, +whom it most concerned, learned its contents? It ran thus,-- + +"NATCHEZ, Wednesday, A. M. + +"DIOSSY,-- + +"Give this wench a hundred lashes with the long whip this afternoon. +Wash her down well, and when she is fit to work, put her into the cotton +field. + +"ABRAM TURNER." + +Oh, let us weep, dear children, for the poor girl, who, for no crime +at all, not even a misdeed, was made to bare her tender skin to such +shameless cruelty. No friend was there to help her, to plead for her, to +deliver her from the relentless, violent hand of the wicked oppressor. +She was left all alone to her terrible suffering. Can we wonder that she +felt that even the Lord had forgotten her? + +That night there was scarcely an inch of flesh from her neck to her feet +that was not torn, raw, and bleeding. The salt brine, which is used to +heal the wounds, although when first applied it seems to aggravate +the torture, was poured pitilessly over her, and writhing with agony, +fainting, and almost dead, she was borne to a wretched hut, and laid +on a hard pallet. Three weeks she lay there, sick and helpless; but she +cried unto the Lord in her distress, and he heard her, and prepared to +deliver her, though the time of her deliverance was not yet fully come. +She had been brought low, but her eyes were not yet opened to her true +needs, and she had not yet learned the prayer God would have her offer, +"Be merciful to me, a SINNER." + +Children, when you pray, do not be discouraged, if God does not answer +you INSTANTLY. His way is not as our way; and though he hears us, and +means to answer us, he may see that we are not yet ready to receive and +appreciate the blessing we seek. Besides, there is no TIME with God as +we count time. WE reckon by days and weeks, by months and years, but +with him all is "one, eternal NOW;" and he goes steadily on, executing +his purposes of love and mercy, without regard to those points and +measures of time which seem so important to us. We must remember, too, +that it takes longer to do some things than others. A praying woman +whose faith was greatly tried, once asked her minister what this verse +meant,--Luke xviii. 8: "I tell you that he will avenge them SPEEDILY." +He replied, "If you make a loaf of bread in ten minutes, you think you +have done your work speedily. Supposing a steam-engine is to be built. +The pattern must be drafted, the iron brought, the parts cast, fitted, +polished, tried,--it will take months to complete it, and then you may +consider it SPEEDILY executed. So, when we ask God to do something for +us, he may see a good deal of preparation to be necessary,--obstacles +are to be removed, stepping-stones to be laid,--in the words of the +Bible, the rough places are to be made plain, and the crooked ways +straight, before the way of the Lord is prepared, and he can come +directly with the thing we have asked." + +It was thus with Tidy. She kept praying all the time to be free, but the +Lord, who meant to give her a larger and better freedom than she +asked, led her through such rough and crooked paths that she was quite +discouraged, and nearly gave up all for lost. + +This was her painful condition when she was driven, for the first time +in her life, with a gang of men and women to work in the cotton-field. + + + +CHAPTER XV. COTTON. + +LET us look into a cotton-field; we will take this one of a hundred +acres. The cotton is planted in rows, and requires incessant tillage to +secure a good crop. The weeds and long grass grow so rankly in this warm +climate that great watchfulness and care are required to keep them down. +If there should be much rain during the season, they will spread so +rapidly as perhaps quite to outgrow and ruin the crop. + +Two gangs of laborers work in the field. The plough-gang go first +through the rows, turning up the soil, and are followed by the hoe-gang, +who break out the weeds, and lay the soil carefully around the roots of +the young plants. This operation has to be repeated again and again; and +so important is it to have it done seasonably that the workers are urged +on, early and late, until the field is in a flourishing condition. Hot +or cold, wet or dry, day and night, sometimes, the poor creatures have +to toil through this busy season. Then there is a little intermission of +the severe labor until the picking time, when again they are obliged to +work incessantly. + +Most of the hoers are women and boys, some of whom do the whole allotted +task; others only a quarter, half, or three quarters, according to their +ability. When the children are first put into the field, they are only +put to quarter tasks, and some of the women are unable to do more. The +bell is rung for them at early dawn, when they rise, prepare and eat +their breakfast, and move down to the field. Clad in coarse, filthy, and +scanty clothing, they drag sullenly along, and use their implements of +labor with a slow, reluctant motion, that says very plainly, "This +work is not for ME. My toil will do ME no good." Oh, how would freedom, +kindness, and good wages spur up those unwilling toilers! How would +the bright faces, the cheerful words and songs of independent, +self-interested, intelligent laborers, make those fields to rejoice, +almost imparting vigor and growth to the cotton itself! But, alas! it is +a sad place, a valley of sighs and groans and tears and blood, a realm +of hate and malice, of imprecation and wrath, and every fierce and +wicked passion. + +A "water-toter" follows each gang with a pail and calabash; and the +negro-driver stands among them with a long whip in his hand, which he +snaps over their heads continually, and lets the lash fall, with more or +less severity, on one and another, shouting and yelling meanwhile in +a furious and brutal manner, as a boisterous teamster would do to his +unruly oxen. + +If the season is wet, the danger to the crop being greater, there is +more necessity for constant toil, and the poor slaves are whipped, +pushed, and driven to the very utmost, and allowed no time to rest. +It is no matter if the old are over-worked, or the young too hardly +pressed, or the feeble women faint under their burdens. So that a good +crop is produced, and the planter can enjoy his luxuries, it is no +consideration that tools are worn out, mules are destroyed, or the +slaves die; more can be bought for next year, and the slaveholder says +it pays to force a crop, though it be at the expense of life among the +hands. + +At noon, the dinner is brought to each gang in a cart. The hoers stop +work only long enough to eat their poor fare standing,--and poor fare +indeed it is. The corn that is made into bread is so filled with husks +and ground so poorly that it is scarcely better than the fodder given to +the cattle; and the bacon, if they have any, is badly cured and cooked. +But they must eat that or starve; there is no chance of getting any +thing better. The ploughmen take their dinners in the sheds where the +mules are allowed to rest; and since two hours is usually given these +animals, for rest and foddering, they, of course, must take the same. + +At sunset they leave off work, and, tired and hungry, they have to +prepare their own supper; and after hastily eating it, at nine o'clock +the bell is rung for them to go to bed. Sundays they are not usually +required to work, and some planters give their slaves a portion of +Saturday, in the more leisure season; and this intermission of field +labor is all the opportunity they have to wash and mend their clothes, +or for any enjoyment. What a sorry life! sixteen hours out of the +twenty-four, with a hoe in the hand, or a heavy cotton sack or basket +tied about the neck, toiling on under the curses and lash of the driver +and the overseer. + +Tidy dreaded it. Brought up as she had been, accustomed to comparatively +neat clothing, good food, cheerful associates, and light work, how could +she live here? She felt that she could not long endure it. Her strength +would fail, her task be unfinished, then she must be punished, and +before long, through hard fare, unwearied toil, and ill usage, she felt +that she should die. But there was no help. Once she had ventured to +send an entreaty to her master to take her back to house service. But he +was hardhearted and unrelenting, and declared with an oath that made her +ears tingle that she should never leave the cotton-field till she died, +and there was no power in heaven or earth that could make him change +his determination. So she hopelessly plodded on, day after day, scorched +beneath the hot sun, and drenched with the pouring rain, weak, faint, +and thirsty, trembling before the coarse shouts, and shrinking from the +tormenting lash of the pitiless driver, sure that her fate was sealed. + +[illustration omitted] + +Was there no eye to pity, and no arm to rescue? Yes, the unseen God, +whose name is love, was leading her still. Through all the dark, rough +places of her life, his kind, invisible hand was laying link to link in +that wondrous chain which was finally to bring her safe and happy into +his own bosom. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. RESCUE. + +THE slaves on Mr. Turner's plantation had no SABBATH. To be sure, they +were not driven to the field on Sunday, because it was considered an +economic provision to let man and beast rest one day out of the seven. +But they had no church to attend, and never had any meetings among +themselves. Indeed there were no pious ones among them. The men took the +day for sport; the women washed and ironed, sewed and cooked, and did +various necessary chores for themselves and children, for which they +were allowed no other opportunity; and spent the rest of the day in rude +singing, dancing, and boisterous merriment. + +Tidy could not live as the rest did. She could not forget the +instructions and habits of the past. She preferred to sit up later on +Saturday evening to do the work which others did on Sunday, and when +that day came, she never entered into their coarse gayety and mirth. She +had no heart for it, and did not care though she was reviled and scoffed +at for her particular, pious ways. + +One Sunday afternoon, weary with the noise and rioting at the quarters, +homesick and sad, she wandered away from her hovel, and strolling down +the path which led to the cotton-field, she kept on through bush and +brake and wood until she reached the bank of the river. Here, where the +great Mississippi, the Father of Waters, seemed to have broken his way +through tangled and interminable forests, she stood and looked out upon +the broad stream. It lay like a vast mirror reflecting the sunlight, +its surface only now and then disturbed by a passing boat or prowling +king-fisher. Up and down the bank, with folded arms and pensive +countenance, the toil-worn, weary girl walked, her soul in unison with +the solitude and silence of the place. Recollections of the past, which +continually haunted her, but which she had of late striven with all her +might to banish from her mind, now rushed like a mighty tide over +her. She could not help thinking of the pleasant Sabbath days in old +Virginia, when she and Mammy Grace were always permitted to go to +church; and of those sunset hours, when, seated in the door of the neat +cabin, she had joined with the old nurse and Uncle Simon in singing +those beautiful hymns they loved so well. How long it was since she +had tried to sing one! Before she was aware, she was humming, in a low +voice, the once familiar words:-- + + "Oh, when shall I see Jesus, + And reign with him above? + And from that flowing fountain + Drink everlasting love?" + +Then, suddenly jumping over all the intervening verses, as if she, a +poor shipwrecked soul, were springing to the cable suddenly thrown out +before her, she burst out in a loud strain,-- + + "Whene'er you meet with trouble + And trials on your way, + Oh, cast your care on Jesus, + And don't forget to pray." + +With what unction Uncle Simon used to pour forth that verse. It was to +him the grand cure-all, the panacea for every heart-trouble; and over +and over again he would sing it, always winding up in his own peculiar +fashion with a quick, jerked-out "Hallelujah! Amen." + +His image rose vividly before Tidy at that moment, and, as the tears +began to roll down her cheeks, she clasped her hands over her face, and +cried, "Oh, I has forgot that. I has forgot to pray." Then, falling on +her knees, she poured forth such an earnest prayer as had never before, +perhaps, been heard in that vast solitude. Her heart was relieved by +this outpouring of her griefs to God, and she wondered that she had +allowed herself, notwithstanding her sufferings and discouragements, to +neglect such a privilege. It is so sometimes; grief is so overwhelming +that it seems to shut us away from God; but we can never find comfort +or relief until we have pierced through the clouds, and got near to his +loving ear and heart again. Tidy found this true. "And now," she said +to herself, "I WILL keep on praying until he hears me, and comes to help +me,--I am determined I will." + +But perhaps, thought she, I haven't prayed the right prayer; perhaps +there's something about me that's wrong; and she cried with a loud +voice, that was echoed back again from those forest depths, "O Lord, +tell me just how to pray, that I mayn't make no mistake." + +No sooner had she uttered this petition than she thought she heard a +voice, and these were its words: "Say, 'O Lord, pluck me out of the +fiery brands, and take my feet out of the miry pit, and make me stand +on the everlasting rock; and, O Lord, save my soul.'" Tidy had heard a +great many of her people tell about dreams and visions and voices, but +she had never before had any such experiences. But this came to her with +a reality she could not doubt or resist. It seemed like a voice from +heaven, and she remarked that great stress was laid upon the last +words, "O Lord, SAVE MY SOUL." Hitherto she had only sought temporal +deliverance. She had never been fully awakened to her condition as a +sinner, and had, therefore, never asked for the salvation of her soul. +Now it was strongly impressed upon her mind that there was something +more to be delivered from than the horrors of the cotton-field. She +was a sinner, was not in favor with God, and if she should die in her +present condition, she would go down to those everlasting burnings which +she had always feared. All this was conveyed to her mind by a sudden +impression, in much shorter time than I can relate it; and at once she +accepted it, and earnestly resolved that she would offer that twofold +prayer every day and hour, till the Lord should be pleased to come for +her help. + +Perhaps some of my readers would like to ask if I believe she really +heard a voice. No, I do not. I think it was the Holy Spirit of God that +brought to her mind some of the Scripture expressions she had formerly +heard, and applied them to her heart with power. This is the peculiar +work of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was bidding farewell to his +disciples, he told them he should send the Comforter, which is the Holy +Ghost, who should teach them all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO THEIR +REMEMBRANCE. I think that God, in his tender love and pity for Tidy, +sent the Holy Ghost to bring to her remembrance those things which had +long been buried in her heart; and at that tranquil hour, in that still, +lonely spot, when her spirit was tender with sorrow, she was just in the +condition to receive his influences, and give attention to the thoughts +he had stirred up within her. And coming to her perception quickly, +like a flash of light, as truth often does, it seemed to her excited +imagination like an audible voice, and the words had all the effect upon +her of a direct revelation from heaven. + +This striking experience refreshed the poor girl, and nerved her anew +for her toils and trials. She felt hope again dawning within her; and +though she could see no way, she had faith to believe that the Lord +would appear for her rescue. She prayed the new prayer constantly. It +was her first thought in the morning, and her last at night, and during +every moment of the livelong day was in her heart or on her lips. + +One forenoon, as she was drawing her weary length along with the +accustomed gang, picking the ripe, bursting cotton-bolls, a messenger +arrived to say that she was wanted by the master. She almost fainted at +the summons. What could he want her for? Surely it was not for good. Was +he going to inflict cruelty again as unmerited as it had before been? +She threw off her cotton-sack from her neck, to obey the summons; +but she trembled so that she could scarcely walk. Her knees smote one +against another, her heart throbbed, and her tongue cleaved to the +roof of her mouth in her excitement and fright. As she drew near to the +house, she perceived her master with haughty strides walking up and down +the veranda, his hands behind him and his head thrown back, his whole +appearance bearing witness to the proud, imperious spirit within. A +gentleman of milder aspect was seated on a chair, intently eying Tidy as +she approached, and she heard him say,-- + +"Can you recommend her, Turner? Do you really think she is capable of +filling the place?" + +"Capable!" said the master. "Take off that bag, and dress her, and +you'll see. TOO smart, that's her fault. YOU'LL see." + +"I like her looks; I'll try her," was the reply; and this was all the +intimation Tidy had that she had been transferred to another master. Her +heart leaped within her at what she heard; but when peremptorily told to +get ready to follow Mr. Meesham, she hesitated. What for, do you think? +Her first impulse was to throw herself at her master's feet, and ask +what had induced him to sell her. But she dared not. He cast upon her +a glance of such spurning contempt that she cringed before him. But she +made up her mind that God only could have moved that stern, proud man to +change a purpose which he had declared to be inflexible. She was right. +God, who controls all hearts, and can turn them withersoever he pleases, +in answer to prayer, had moved that stubborn heart. + +Thus the first part of Tidy's new prayer was answered. + + + +CHAPTER XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. + +THE new home of Mr. Meesham was in Mobile. The master was an unmarried +man, who wanted a capable superintendent for his domestic concerns, a +neat, lady-like servant to wait upon his table, a trustworthy keeper +of his keys, a leader and director of his household slaves. All this +he found in Tidy, and when she was promoted to the head of the +establishment, dressed in becoming apparel, with plenty of food at her +command, pleasant, easy work to do, and leisure enough for rest and +enjoyment, perhaps you think she was happy. + +Ah, she was still a slave, and every day she was painfully reminded of +it. She could not exercise her own judgment, nor act according to her +own sense of right. She must walk in the way her master pointed out, and +do his bidding. Whatever comforts she could pick up as she went along, +she was welcome to; but she must have no choice or will of her own. + +Perhaps you think her gratitude to God for his great deliverance would +make her happy. So it did for a time, and then she forgot her deliverer, +and the still greater blessing she needed to ask of him. How many there +are just like her, who cry to God for help in adversity, and forget him +when the help comes. How many who promise God, when they are in trouble +and danger, that if they are spared they will serve him, and, when the +danger is past, entirely forget their vows. + +Thus it was with Tidy. She had been brought out of the cotton-field, and +the misery that curtained it all round, into circumstances of plenty and +comparative ease; and, rejoicing that the first part of her prayer was +answered, she forgot all about the second and most important petition, +"O Lord, save my soul." + +But God was too faithful to forget it. He allowed her to go on in her +own course a few years longer, and then he laid his hand upon her again. +He prostrated her upon a bed of sickness, and brought her to look death +in the face. Then the Holy Spirit began to deal powerfully with her. She +realized that she was a great sinner. It seemed that she was standing on +the brink of a horrible precipice, and her sins, like so many tormenting +spirits, were ready to cast her headlong into the abyss of destruction. +Whither could she flee for safety? + +She found a Bible and tried to read; but it had been so long since she +had looked into a book that she had almost forgotten what she once knew. +It was impossible for her to read right on as we do; she could only pick +out here and there a word and a sentence. One day she opened the book +and her eye fell on the word "Come." She knew that word very well. +It made her think right away of the hymn, "Come, ye sinners, poor and +needy." She thought she would read on just there, and see what it said; +and imperfectly, and after long endeavors, she made out this verse, +"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins +be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like +crimson, they shall be as wool." Then she glanced at a verse above, +"Wash ye, make you clean: put away the evil of your doings from before +mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well." + +These verses conveyed to her dark, unin-structed mind two very clear +ideas. One was that she was to forsake every thing that appeared to +her like sin, and to do right in future; and the other, that she was +permitted to reason with the Lord about the sins she had committed; both +which she at once resolved to do. + +Her prayer now was changed. Before she had begged, entreated the Lord +to forgive her sins; now she brought arguments. "Am I not a poor slave, +Lord," she cried, "that never has known nothing at all. I never heard no +preaching, I never had nobody to tell me how to be saved. I have done a +good many wicked things, but I didn't know they were wicked then; and +I have left undone many things, but I didn't know I ought to be so +particular to do them. And, Lord, out of your own goodness and kindness +won't you forgive this poor child. You are so full of love, pity me, +pity me, O Lord, and save my poor soul. I will try to be good. I will +try to do right. I'll never, never dance no more. I'll try to bear all +the hard knocks I get, and I won't be hard on them that's beneath me, +and I will pray, and try to read the Bible, and I'll talk to the rest of +the people; only, Lord, forgive my sins, and take this load off that's +breaking my heart, and make me feel safe and happy, so I won't be afraid +when I die." + +Thus the sick girl prayed with clasped hands upon her bed of pain; but +still her mind was dark. There was no one to tell her of the way of +salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Had she never heard of Jesus? +She had heard his name, had sung it in her hymns; but she imagined it +to be another name for the Lord, and had never heard of the glorious +salvation that blessed Name imparts. + +One night, while in this state of distress and perplexity, Tidy dreamed +a dream. She thought she saw the Lord, seated on a majestic throne, with +thousands and ten thousands of shining angels about him, and she was +brought a guilty criminal before him. Convicted of sin, and not knowing +what else to do, she again commenced pleading in her own behalf, using +every argument she could think of to move the Lord to mercy. There was +no answer, but the great Judge to whom she appealed seemed turned aside +in earnest conversation with one who stood at his right hand, wearing +the human form, but more fair and beautiful than any person she had ever +seen. Then the Lord turned again and looked upon her,--and such a look, +of pity, of love, of forgiveness and reconciliation! A sweet peace +distilled upon her soul, and joy, such as she had never felt, sprang up +in her bosom. "I am forgiven, I am accepted!" she cried, "but not for +any thing I have said. This stranger has undertaken my case. He has +interceded for me. I know not what plea he has used, but it has been +successful, and my soul is saved." In this exultation of joy she awoke. + +Yes, her soul WAS free. The plan of salvation had been dimly revealed +to the weeping sinner in the visions of the night. What strange ways the +Lord sometimes takes to reveal his love to his creatures! But his way +is not as our way, and he has ALL means at his control. Every soul will +have an individual history to tell of the revelation of God's mercy to +it. + +Thus the second part of Tidy's long-offered prayer was answered. From +this time she rejoiced in the Lord, and gloried in her unknown Saviour. +Her prayers were changed to praises, and she forgot that she was a slave +in the happiness of her new-found soul-liberty. + + +She kept her Bible at hand, and every now and then picked out some +precious verse; but the long, sweet story of Calvary, hidden between its +covers, she had not yet read. And her voice found delightful employment +in singing the hymns of the olden time, which came to her now with a +meaning they had never had before. The Lord sent her health of body, and +as she returned to her duties, she tried in all things to be faithful +and worthy. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. + +THE Lord had not yet exhausted his love towards Tidy, but was designing +still greater mercies for her. He was going to deliver her from the +thralldom of oppression, and to send her to be further instructed in his +truth, and to bear testimony to his loving-kindness in another home. + +The master's heart was moved to set her free; and, embarked in a small +vessel, with a New England captain, Tidy found herself at twenty years +of age sailing away from the land of cruel bondage, to a home where she +should know the blessings of freedom. Her emancipation papers were put +into the hands of the captain, and money to provide for her comfort, +with the assurance that while her master lived she should never want. + +At first she was sick and almost broken-hearted at the change in her +condition. Much as she longed for freedom, she had formed new ties in +her Mobile home, which it was hard for her affectionate nature to break. +She was old enough now to look forward to some of the difficulties to be +encountered in a land of strangers, seeking employment in unaccustomed +ways. But she went to her Bible as usual in her trouble, and the words +which the Angel of the Covenant addressed to Jacob, when, exiled from +his father's house, he made the stones of Bethel his pillow, came right +home refreshingly to her,--"I am with thee, and will keep thee in +all places whither thou goest." The soreness at her heart was at once +healed, and she cried out, in deep emotion, "Enough, Lord! Now I have +got something to hold on by, and I will never let it go. When I get into +trouble, I shall come and say, Lord, you remember what you said to me on +board ship, and I know you will keep your promise." + +Thus fortified for her new life, Tidy arrived at New York. The sun was +just setting as she planted her foot on the soil of freedom; and as +his slanting rays fell upon her, she thought of her toiling, suffering +sisters, driven at this hour from labor to misery, and her heart +sickened at the thought. "O God," she cried, "hasten the day when ALL +shall be free." + +Tidy's first experience in this wilderness of delights, where was so +much to be seen, learned, and enjoyed, was a striking one, and proved +how the goodness of God followed her all the days of her life. It was +Saturday evening when she landed. The family with whom the captain +placed her were pious people, and were glad enough of the opportunity on +the morrow of taking an emancipated slave, who had never been inside +a church, to the house of God. It was a humble, un-pretending edifice +where the colored people worshiped, but to her it was spacious and +splendid. How neat and orderly every thing appeared. Men, women, and +children, in their Sunday attire, walked quietly through the streets, +and reverently seated themselves in the place of worship. The minister +ascended the pulpit, and the singers took their places in the choir. It +was communion Sunday, and the table within the altar was spread for the +holy feast. All these strange and incomprehensible proceedings filled +the mind of Tidy with solemnity and awe. + +The services began. The prayer and reading of the Scripture seemed to +feed her hungry soul as with the bread of life. Then the congregation +arose and sang,-- + + "Alas, and did my Saviour bleed? + And did my Sovereign die? + Would he devote his sacred head + For such a worm as I? + Oh, the Lamb, the loving Lamb, + The Lamb on Calvary; + + The Lamb that was slain, + That liveth again, + To intercede for me." + +All through the hymn she was actually trembling with excitement. Her +whole being was thrilled, her eyes overflowed with tears, and she +could scarcely hold herself up, as verse after verse, with the swelling +chorus, convinced her that they sang the praises of Him whom she had +seen in her dream, who stood between her and an offended God, and whom, +though she knew him not, she loved and cherished in her inmost soul. Oh, +if she could know more about him! + +Her wish was to be gratified. As Paul said to the people of Athens, +"Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you," so might +the preacher of righteousness have said to this eager listener. He took +for his text these words: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was +bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; +and with his stripes we are healed." Then followed the whole story of +the cross,--the reasons why it was necessary for Jesus to give his life +a ransom for many; the divine love that prompted the sacrifice; the +all-sufficiency of the atonement; and the completeness of Christ's +salvation. He spoke of Jesus as the one accepted Intercessor, Advocate, +and Surety above, and urged his hearers to yield themselves with faith +and love to this faithful and merciful Saviour. + +Tidy sat with her eyes fixed on the speaker, her mouth open with +amazement, and her hands clasped tightly over her heart, as if to quiet +its feverish throbs; and when he had finished, and one and another in +the congregation added an earnest "Amen," "Hallelujah," and "Praise the +Lord," she could keep still no longer. "'TIS HE," she cried, raising her +hands, "'TIS HE; But I never heard his name before." + +The closing hymn fell with sweet acceptance upon her ear, and calmed, in +some measure, the tumultuous rapture of her spirit:-- + + "Earth has engrossed my love too long! + 'Tis time I lift mine eyes + Upward, dear Father, to thy throne, + And to my native skies. + + "There the blest Man, my Saviour sits; + The God! how bright he shines! + And scatters infinite delights + On all the happy minds. + + *'Seraphs, with elevated strains, + Circle the throne around; + And move and charm the starry plains, + With an immortal sound. + + "Jesus, the Lord, their harps employs; + Jesus, my love, they sing! + Jesus, the life of all our joys, + Sounds sweet from every string. + + "Now let me mount and join their song, + And be an angel too; + My heart, my hand, my ear, my tongue, + Here's joyful work for you. + + "There ye that love my Saviour sit, + There I would fain have place, + Among your thrones, or at your feet, + So I might see his face." + +Is there any thing, dear children, that can penetrate the whole being +with such rapturous joy as the love of Christ? If you have never felt +it, learn to know him that you may experience those "infinite delights" +which he only can pour in upon the soul. + +And now we must take leave of Tidy. She lives still, a hearty, humble, +trusting Christian. She has been led to her true rest in God, and in +him she is secure and happy; "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; having +nothing, and yet possessing all things." + +"I have every thing I want," she says, as she sits beside me, "for God +is my Father, and his children, you know, Missus, inherits the earth." + +"How happens it, then, that you are so poor?" I ask. + +"My Father gives me every thing he sees best for me," is her beautiful +reply. "It wouldn't be good for me to have a great many things. When I +need any thing, I ask him, and he always gives it to me. I AM PERFECTLY +SATISFIED." + + +Dear children, upon this little story-tree two golden apples of +instruction hang, which I want you to pluck and enjoy. One is, that if +God so loved a humble slave-child, and took such pains to bring her to +himself, it is our privilege to feel the same sympathy and love for this +poor despised race. And this love will draw us two ways: first, towards +God, admiring and praising his infinite goodness and compassion; and, +secondly, towards these prostrate, down-trodden people, to do all we +can, in God's name, and for his dear sake, for their elevation and +instruction. Remember, "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these +little ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple,"--that +is, through this feeling of love, of Christian kindness, "he shall in no +wise lose his reward." + +The other,--if God so loved this humble slave-child, he has the same +love towards every one of you. Will you not yield yourselves to his +control, and let his various loving-kindnesses draw you too to himself? + + + +OLD DINAH JOHNSON. + +ONE day little Henry Wallace came to his mother's side, as she was +sitting at her work, and, after standing thoughtfully a few moments, he +looked up in her face and said: + +"Ma, how many heavens are there?" + +"Only one, my child," replied his mother, looking up from her work with +surprise at such a question. "What made you ask me that?" + +"Isn't there but one?" inquired Henry, with a little sort of trouble in +his voice. "Then, will Dinah Johnson go to the same heaven we do?" + +"Certainly, my dear; for heaven is one glorious temple, and God is the +light of it; and into it will be gathered all those who love the Lord +Jesus Christ, to dwell in his presence, in fullness of joy, for ever. +But Henry, my darling, why did you ask such a question? Don't you want +poor old Dinah to go to the same heaven that we do?" + +"Oh, yes, mamma, I love Dinah, and I want her to go to our heaven; +but last Sunday papa told me that the angels were every one fair and +beautiful, and Jacob Sanders says Dinah is a homely old darkey. Now, how +can she change, mamma?" + +Henry's mother saw at once where the difficulty lay in her little boy's +mind; so, putting aside her work, she took the child up on her knee, and +explained the matter to him. + +"Henry," said she, "I am sorry to hear that Jacob Sanders calls Dinah a +darkey; for those who are so unfortunate as to have a black skin don't +like to be called that or any other bad name. They have trouble enough +without that, and I hope you will never, never do it. They like best to +be called colored persons, and we should always try to please them. We +should pity them, and try to relieve their sorrows, and not increase +them. Don't you think so?" + +"Yes, ma, and I do love Dinah, and I don't care if she isn't white, like +you." + +"Neither does God, our heavenly Father, care, Henry, about the color of +the skin. The Bible says, 'God is no respecter of persons; but in every +nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with +him.' God looks at the soul more than at the body. Nothing colors THE +SOUL but sin. That stains and blackens it all over, and only the blood +of Jesus Christ can wash it pure and white again. But every soul that +has been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb will be welcomed +into heaven, with songs of great rejoicing; and all will dwell together +in peace and purity, and love and great happiness for ever. + +"Poor old Dinah is one of God's dear children. She loves the dear +Saviour very much, and tries in every way to please and honor him; and +she is looking forward with great pleasure to the time when she shall +drop that infirm, old, black body, and be clothed with light as an +angel. I shall be glad for her,--sha'n't you, darling?" + +"Yes, indeed, mamma,--so glad;" and the little boy's mind was henceforth +at rest on that point. + +But I must tell my readers who old Dinah Johnson was. Once she was a +slave; but when she had become so old that her busy head and hands and +feet could do no more service for her master, he had set her free. Of +course, she was glad to be free,--to feel that she could go where she +liked, and do as she pleased, and keep all the money she could earn for +herself. Precious little it was, though, for her sight was growing dim, +and her hands and feet were all distorted with rheumatism; and what with +pains and poverty and old age, her strength was fast wasting. But she +was happy, really happy. + +If you could have looked upon her, though, you wouldn't have supposed +she had any thing to be happy about. With a skin black as night, hair +gray and scanty, her face was as homely as homely could be, and her +limbs were weak and tottering. The old, unpainted house she lived in +shook and creaked with every blast of the wintry wind, and the snow +drifted in at every crack and crevice. Her furniture was very poor, +and her food mean. But it is not what we see outside that makes people +happy. Oh, no; happiness springs from the inside. The fountain is in the +heart, from which the streams of joy and gladness flow. + +With all her homeliness and poverty, old Dinah was a jewel in the sight +of the Lord. He had graven her upon the palm of his hand, and written +her name in the book of life; and she was treasured as a precious child +in his loving heart. The name of the Lord was precious to her, also; +they were bound together in a covenant of love. Of course, she was +happy. + +Her heavenly Friend never forgot her. He sent many a one to bring her +work and money and fuel and clothes. She was never without her bread and +water,--you know the Lord has told his children that their "BREAD and +WATER shall be SURE,"--and almost always she had a little tea and sugar +in the cupboard. At Thanksgiving time, many a good basket-full of +pies and chickens found their way to her humble door; and when she had +received them, she would raise her hands and eyes to heaven, and thank +the Lord for his goodness, and ask for a blessing upon the kind hearts +that sent the gifts. She did not always know who they were, but she was +sure she should see them and love them in heaven. + +The only thing that seemed to trouble old Dinah was that she couldn't +help others; that she couldn't do any thing for her Lord and Saviour. +"I am so black and ugly," she would say, "and so old and lame and poor, +that I a'n't fit to speak to any body; but I'll pray, I'll pray." +She managed to hobble to church; and there, from her high seat in the +gallery,--poor colored people must always have the highest seats in +the house of God,--she could look all around the congregation. She took +especial notice of the young men and women that came into church; and +what do you think she did? Why, she would select this one and that one +to pray for, that they might be converted. She would find out their +names, and something about them; and then she would ask God, a great +many times every day, that he would send his Holy Spirit to them, and +give them new hearts. They didn't know any thing about her, of course, +nor what she was doing. By and by, she would hear the glad news that +they had come to Christ. Then she would choose others. These were +converted, too; and by and by there was a great revival in the church, +and many sinners were saved. After a time, there came a large crowd to +join the church, and number themselves among the Lord's people; and poor +old Dinah saw twelve young men, and several young women stand up in the +aisle that day, and give themselves publicly to God, whom she had picked +out and prayed for in this way. Oh, she was so happy, then! Her old +eyes overflowed with tears of joy, and she couldn't stop thanking and +praising God. + +Now this was the good old creature that Henry Wallace thought might have +to go to another heaven, because her skin was black. Do YOU think God +would need to make another heaven for her? No, indeed. But I'll tell +you, dear children, what I think. If there is a place in heaven higher +and nearer God than another, that's the place where poor old Dinah will +be found at last. I think that those who love God most, whether they are +black or white, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, refined or rude, will +stand the nearest to him in heaven. I am sure there was such warm love +between her and the Saviour, that he will not want her to be far away +from him in that bright world. He will call her up close to his side, +and look upon her with sweet, affectionate smiles all the time. And +many a one will wonder, perhaps, who that can be, so favored, so +distinguished. They will never imagine it to be the glorified body of a +poor, old, black slave, from such a wretched home,--will they? + +If there are TWO heavens, I would like to be admitted to hers,--wouldn't +you? + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Step by Step, by The American Tract Society + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1052 *** diff --git a/1052-h/1052-h.htm b/1052-h/1052-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..64bb31d --- /dev/null +++ b/1052-h/1052-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3483 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Step by Step, by The American Tract Society + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1052 ***</div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + STEP BY STEP + </h1> + <h3> + OR + </h3> + <h2> + TIDY'S WAY TO FREEDOM. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Woe to all who grind + Their brethren of a common Father down! + To all who plunder from the immortal mind + Its bright and glorious crown!" + —WHITTIER. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + [colophon omitted] + </h5> + <h4> + Published By The <br /> American Tract Society, <br /> 28 Cornhill, Boston. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="mynote"> + <p> + Transcriber's Note: I have removed page numbers; all italics are + emphasis only. I have omitted running heads and have closed + contractions, e.g. "she 's" becoming "she's"; in addition, on page 180, + stanza 3, line 1, I have changed the single quotation mark at the + beginning of the line to a double quotation mark. + </p> + <p> + Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by THE AMERICAN + TRACT SOCIETY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the + District of Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + Riverside, Cambridge: + </p> + <p> + Stereotyped And Printed By H. O. Houghton. + </p> + <br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>STEP BY STEP.</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. THE BABY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. SUNSHINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. A NEW HOME. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. FRANCES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. PRAYER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. THE FIRST LESSON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. LONY'S PETITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. ROUGH PLACES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. CRUELTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. COTTON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. RESCUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + STEP BY STEP. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + MY DEAR CHILDREN,—All of you who read this little book have + doubtless heard more or less of slavery. You know it is the system by + which a portion of our people hold their fellow-creatures as property, and + doom them to perpetual servitude. It is a hateful and accursed + institution, which God can not look upon but with abhorrence, and which no + one of his children should for a moment tolerate. It is opposed to every + thing Christian and humane, and full of all meanness and cruelty. It + treats a fellow-being, only because his skin is not so fair as our own, as + though he were a dumb animal or a piece of furniture. It allows him no + expression of choice about any thing, and no liberty of action. It + recognizes and employs all the instincts of the lower, but ignores and + tramples down all the faculties of his higher, nature. Can there be a + greater wrong? + </p> + <p> + It is said by some, in extenuation of this wrong, that the slaves are well + fed and clothed, and are kindly, even affectionately, looked after. This + is true, in some cases,—with the house-servants, particularly,—but, + as a general thing, their food and clothing are coarse and insufficient. + But supposing it was otherwise; supposing they were provided for with as + much liberality as are the working classes at the North, what is that when + put into the balance with all the ills they suffer? What comfort is it, + when a wife is torn from her husband, or a mother from her children, to + know that each is to have enough to eat? None at all. The most generous + provision for the body can not satisfy the longings of the heart, or + compensate for its bereavements. + </p> + <p> + They suffer, also, a constant dread and fear of change, which is not the + least of their torturing troubles. A kind owner may be taken away by + death, and the new one be harsh and cruel; or necessity may compel him to + sell his slaves, and thus they may be thrown into most unhappy situations. + So they live with a heavy cloud of sorrow always before them, which their + eyes can not look through or beyond. There is no hope—no EARTHLY + hope—for this poor, oppressed race. + </p> + <p> + Their minds, too, are starved. No education, not even the least, is + allowed. It is a criminal offense in some of the States to teach a slave + to read. Now, if they could be made to exist without any consciousness of + intellectual capacity, it would not be so bad. But this is impossible. + They think and reason and wonder about things which they see and hear; + and, in many cases, feel an eager desire to be instructed. This desire can + not be gratified, because it would unfit them for their servile condition; + therefore all teaching is rigidly denied them. The treasures of knowledge + are bolted and barred to their approach, and they are kept in the utmost + darkness and ignorance. Oh, to starve the mind!—Is it not far worse + than to starve the body? + </p> + <p> + There is yet another process of famishing to which the slaves are + subjected. They are not, as a general thing, taught by their masters about + God, the salvation of Jesus Christ or the way to heaven. The SOUL is + starved. To be sure, they pick up, here and there, a few crumbs of + religious truth, and make the most of their scanty supply. Many of them + truly love the Lord; and his unseen presence and joyful anticipations of + heaven make them submissive to their hardships, and cheerful and faithful + in their duties. But they can not thank their masters for what religious + light and knowledge they get. + </p> + <p> + And who are these that hold their fellow-creatures in such cruel bondage, + starving body, mind, and soul with such indifference and inhumanity? We + blush to tell you. Many of them are of the number of those who profess to + love the Lord their God with all the heart, and their neighbor as + themselves. Can it be possible that God's own children can participate in + such a wickedness; can buy and sell, beat and kill, their + fellow-creatures? Can those who have humbly repented of sin, and by faith + accepted of the salvation of Jesus Christ, turn from his holy cross to + abuse others who are redeemed by the same precious blood, and are heirs to + the same glorious immortality? CAN such be Christians? + </p> + <p> + And, children, you probably all understand that slavery is the sole cause + of the sad war which is now ravaging our beloved country; and Christian + people are praying, not only that the war may cease, but that the sin + which has caused it may cease also. We believe that God is overruling all + things to bring about this happy result, and before this little story + shall meet your eyes, there may be no more slaves within our borders. + Still we shall not have written it in vain, if it help you to realize, + more clearly than you have done, the sufferings and degradation to which + this unfortunate class have been subjected, and to labor with zeal in the + work which will then devolve upon us of educating and elevating them. + </p> + <p> + My story is not one of UNUSUAL interest. Thousands and ten of thousands + equally affecting might be told, and many far more romantic and thrilling. + What a day will that be, when the recorded history of every slave-life + shall be read before an assembled universe! What a long catalogue of + martyrs and heroes will then be revealed! What complicated tales of wrongs + and woes! What crowns and palms of victory will then be awarded! What + treasures of wrath heaped up against the day of wrath will then be poured + in fiery indignation upon deserving heads! Truly, then, will come to pass + the saying of the Lord Jesus, "The first shall be last and the last + first." + </p> + <p> + Then, too, will appear most gloriously the loving kindness and tender + mercy of God, who loves to stoop to the poor and humble, and to care for + those who are friendless and alone. It seems as if our Heavenly Father + took special delight in revealing the truths of salvation to this + untutored people, in a mysterious way leading them into gospel light and + liberty; so that though men take pains to keep them in ignorance, + multitudes of them give evidence of piety, and find consolation for their + miseries in the sweet love of God. + </p> + <p> + It is the dealings of God in guiding one of these to a knowledge of + himself, that I wish to relate to you in the following chapters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE BABY. + </h2> + <p> + IN a snug corner of a meager slave-cabin, on a low cot, lies a little babe + asleep. A scarlet honeysuckle of wild and luxuriant growth shades the + uncurtained and unsashed window; and the humming-birds, flitting among its + brilliant blossoms, murmur a constant, gentle lullaby for the infant + sleeper. See, its skin is not so dark but that we may clearly trace the + blue veins underlying it; the lips, half parted, are lovely as a rosebud; + and the soft, silky curls are dewy as the flowers on this June morning. A + dimpled arm and one naked foot have escaped from the gay patch-work quilt, + which some fond hand has closely tucked about the little form; and the + breath comes and goes quickly, as if the folded eyes were feasting on + visions of beauty and delight. Dear little one! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "We should see the spirits ringing + Round thee, were the clouds away; + 'Tis the child-heart draws them, singing + In the silent-seeming clay." +</pre> + <p> + Though that child-heart beats beneath a despised skin, though it has its + resting-place in a hovel, the angels may be there. Their loving, pitying + natures shrink not from poverty, but stoop with heavenly sympathy to the + mean abodes of suffering and misery. + </p> + <p> + A soft step steals in through the half-opened door, across the room, and a + fervent kiss is laid on the little velvet cheek. + </p> + <p> + Who is the intruder? Ah, who cares to watch and smile over a sleeping + infant, save its mother? Here, in this rude cabin, is a mother's heart,—tender + with its holy affections, and all aglow with delight, as she gazes on the + beautiful vision before her. + </p> + <p> + We must call the mother Annie. She had but one name, for she was a slave. + Like the horse or the dog, she must have some appellation by which, as an + individual, she might be designated; a sort of appendage on which to hang, + as it were, the commands, threats, and severities that from time to time + might be administered; but farther than that, for her own personal uses, + why did she need a name? She was not a person, only a thing,—a piece + of property belonging to the Carroll estate. + </p> + <p> + But for all that, she was a woman and a mother. God had sealed her such, + and who could obliterate his impress, or rob her of the crown he had + placed about her head,—a crown of thorns though it were? Her heart + was as full of all sweet motherly instincts as if she had been born in a + more favored condition; and the swarthy complexion of her child made it no + less dear or lovely in her sight; while a consciousness of its degradation + and sad future served only to deepen and intensify her love. She knew what + her child was born to suffer; but affection thrust far away the evil day, + that she might not lose the happiness of the present. The babe was hers,—her + own,—and for long years yet would be her joy and comfort. + </p> + <p> + Annie had other children, but they were wild, romping boys, grown out of + their babyhood, and so very naturally left to run and take care of + themselves. She had not ceased to love them, however, and would have + manifested it more, but for the idol, the little girl baby, which had now + for nearly a year nestled in her arms, and completely possessed her heart. + When they were hungry, they came like chickens about her cabin-door, and + being mistress of the kitchen, she always had plenty of good, substantial + crumbs for them; and when they were sick, she nursed them with pitying + care; but this was about all the attention they received. + </p> + <p> + The baby engrossed every leisure moment she could command. Many times a + day she would pause in her work to caress it. She would seat it upon the + floor, amid a perfect bed of honeysuckle blossoms, and bring the bright + orange gourds that grew around the door for its amusement. Sometimes a + broken toy or a shining trinket, which she had picked up in the house, or + a smooth pebble from the yard, would be added to the treasures of the + little one. Then she would come with food, the soft-boiled rice, or the + sweet corn gruel, she knew so well how to prepare; and often, often she + would steal in, as now, out of pure fondness, to watch its peaceful + slumbers. + </p> + <p> + "Named the pickaninny yet?" asked the master one day, as he passed the + cabin, and carelessly looked in upon the mother and child amusing + themselves within. "'Tis time you did; 'most time to turn her off now, you + see." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Massa, don't say dat word," answered the woman, imploringly. "'Pears + I couldn't b'ar to turn her off yet,—couldn't live without her, no + ways. Reckon I'll call her Tidy; dat ar's my sister's name, and she's got + dat same sweet look 'bout de eyes,—don't you think so, Massa? Poor + Tidy! she's"—and Annie stopped, and a deep sigh, instead of words, + filled up the sentence, and tears dropped down upon the baby's forehead. + Memory traveled back to that dreadful night when this only sister had been + dragged from her bed, chained with a slave-gang, and driven off to the + dreaded South, never more to be heard from. + </p> + <p> + WE talk of the "sunny South;"—to the slave, the South is cold, dark, + and cheerless; the land of untold horrors, the grave of hope and joy. + </p> + <p> + "'Pears as if my poor old mudder," said Annie, brushing away the tears, + "never got up right smart after Tidy went away. She'd had six children + sold from her afore, and she set stores by her and me, 'cause we was + girls, and we was all she had left, too. Tidy was pooty as a flower; and + dat's just what your fadder, Massa Carroll, sold her for. My poor mudder—how + she cried and took on! but then she grew more settled like. She said she'd + gi'n her up for de good Lord to take care on. She said, if he could take + care of de posies in de woods, he certain sure would look after her, and + so she left off groaning like; but she's never got over that sad look in + her face. 'Oh,' says she to me, says she, 'Annie, do call dat leetle + cretur's name Tidy,—mebbe 'twill make my poor, sore heart heal up;' + and so I will." + </p> + <p> + "So I would, Annie; yes, so I would," said the Master soothingly. "So I + would, if 'twill be any comfort to poor old Marcia,—clever old soul + she is. She was my mammy, and I was always fond of her. She has trotted me + on her knee, and toted me about on her back, many an hour. I must go down + to the quarters this very day, and see if she has things comfortable. + She's getting old, and we must do well by her in her old age. And you, + Annie, you mustn't mind those other things. We mustn't borrow trouble. And + we can't help it, you know; and we mustn't cry and fret for what we can't + help. What's the use? It don't do any good, you see, and only makes a bad + matter worse. Must take things as they come, in this world of ours, + Annie;" and the Master thought thus to assuage the tide of bitter + recollection in the breast of his down-trodden bond-woman, and divert her + mind from the painful future before her and her darling child. In vain. + The tears still fell over the brow of the baby, flowing from the deep + fountain of sorrow and tenderness that springs forth only from a mother's + heart. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Massa," she ventured timidly to say amid her sobs, "please don't + never part baby and me." + </p> + <p> + "Be a good girl, Annie," said he, "and mind your work, and don't be + borrowing trouble. We'll take good care of you. You've got a nice baby, + that's a fact,—the smartest little thing on the whole plantation; + see how well you can raise her now." + </p> + <p> + The fond heart of the trembling mother leaped back again to its happiness + at the praise bestowed upon her baby; and taking up the little blossom, + she laid it with pride upon her bosom, murmuring, "Years of good times + we'll have, sweety, afore sich dark days come,—mebbe they'll never + come to you and me." + </p> + <p> + Alas, vain hope! Scarcely a single year had passed, when one day she came + to the cot to look at the little sleeper, and lo, her treasure was gone! + The master had found it convenient, in making a sale of some field hands, + to THROW IN this infant, by way of closing a satisfactory bargain. + </p> + <p> + None can tell, but those who have gone through the trying experience, how + hard it is for a mother to part with her child when God calls it away by + death. But oh, how much harder it must be to have a babe torn away from + the maternal arms by the stern hand of oppression, and flung out on the + cruel tide of selfishness and passion! Let us weep, dear children, for the + poor slave mothers who have to endure such wrongs. + </p> + <p> + I will not undertake to describe the distress of this poor woman when the + knowledge of her loss burst upon her. It was as when the tall tree is + shivered by the lightning's blast. Her strong frame shook and trembled + beneath the shock; her eye rolled and burned in tearless anguish, and her + voice failed her in the intensity of her grief. For hours she was unable + to move. Alone, uncomforted, she lay upon the earth, crushed beneath the + weight of this unexpected calamity. + </p> + <p> + "Leave her alone," said the master, "and let her grieve it out. The cat + will mew when her kittens are taken away. She'll get over it before long, + and come up again all right." + </p> + <p> + "Ye mus' b'ar it, chile," said Annie's poor, old mother, drawing from her + own experience the only comfort which could be of any avail. "De bressed + Lord will help ye; nobody else can. I's so sorry for ye, honey; but yer + poor, old mudder can't do noffin. 'Tis de yoke de Heavenly Massa puts on + yer neck, and ye can't take it off nohow till he ondoes it hissef wid his + own hand. Ye mus' b'ar it, and say, De will ob de bressed Lord be done." + </p> + <p> + But, trying as this separation was, it proved to be the first link in that + chain of loving-kindnesses by which this little slave-child was to be + drawn towards God. Do you remember this verse in the Bible: "I have loved + thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn + thee." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. SUNSHINE. + </h2> + <p> + IF ever there was a sunshiny corner of slavery, it was that into which a + kind Providence dropped this little, helpless babe, now but a little more + than two years old. + </p> + <p> + It was a pleasant day in early spring when Colonel Lee alighted from his + gig before the family mansion at Rosevale, and laid the child, as a + present, at the feet of his daughter Matilda. + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda Lee was about thirty years of age,—as active and + thrifty a little woman as could be found any where within the domains of + this cruel system of oppression. Slavery is like a two-edged knife, + cutting both ways. It not only destroys the black, but demoralizes and + ruins the white race. Those who hold slaves are usually indolent, proud, + and inefficient. They think it a disgrace to work by the side of the + negro, and therefore will allow things to be left in a very careless, + untidy way, rather than put forth their energy to alter or improve them. + And as it is impossible for slaves, untaught and degraded as they are, to + give a neat and thrifty appearance to their homes, we, who have been + brought up at the North, accustomed to work ourselves, assisted by + well-trained domestics, can scarcely realize the many discomforts often to + be experienced in Southern houses. But Miss Lee was unusually energetic + and helpful, desirous of having every thing about her neat and tasteful, + and not afraid to do something towards it with her own hands. + </p> + <p> + Being the eldest daughter, the entire charge of the family had devolved + upon her since the death of her mother, which had occurred about ten years + before. Within this time, her brothers and sisters had been married, and + now she and her father were all that were left at the old homestead. + </p> + <p> + Their servants, too, had dwindled away. Some had been given to the sons + and daughters when they left the parental roof; some had died, and others + had been sold to pay debts and furnish the means of living. Old Rosa, the + cook, Nancy, the waiting-maid, and Methuselah, the ancient gardener, were + all the house-servants that remained. So they lived in a very quiet and + frugal way; and Miss Matilda's activities, not being entirely engrossed + with family cares, found employment in the nurture of flowers and pets. + </p> + <p> + The grounds in front of the old-fashioned mansion had been laid out + originally in very elaborate style; and, though of late years they had + been greatly neglected, they still retained traces of their former + splendor. The rose-vines on the inside of the enclosure had grown over the + low, brick wall, to meet and mingle with the trees and bushes outside, + till together they formed a solid and luxuriant mass of verdure. White and + crimson roses shone amid the dark, glossy foliage of the mountain-laurel, + which held up with sturdy stem its own rich clusters of fluted cups, that + seemed to assert equality with the queen of flowers, and would not be + eclipsed by the fragrant loveliness of their beautiful dependents. The + borders of box, which had once been trimmed and trained into fanciful + points and tufts and convolutions of verdure, had grown into misshapen + clumps; and the white, pebbly walks no longer sparkled in the sunlight. + </p> + <p> + Still Miss Matilda, by the aid of Methuselah, in appearance almost as + ancient as we may suppose his namesake to have been, found great pleasure + in cultivating her flower-beds; and every year, her crocuses and + hyacinths, crown-imperials and tulips, pinks, lilies, and roses, none the + less beautiful because they are so commonly enjoyed, gave a cheerful + aspect to the place. + </p> + <p> + Her numerous pets made the house equally bright and pleasant. There was + Sir Walter Raleigh, the dog, and Mrs. Felina, the great, splendid, Maltese + mother of three beautiful blue kittens; Jack and Gill, the gentle, + soft-toned Java sparrows; and Ruby, the unwearying canary singer, always + in loud and uninterpretable conversation with San Rosa, the mocking-bird. + The birds hung in the broad, deep window of the sitting-room, in the shade + of the jasmine and honeysuckle vines that embowered it and filled the air + with delicious perfume. The dog and cat, when not inclined to active + enjoyments, were accommodated with comfortable beds in the adjoining + apartment, which was the sleeping-room of their mistress. + </p> + <p> + The new household pet became an occupant of this same room. + </p> + <p> + "Laws, now, Miss Tilda, ye a'n't gwine to put de chile in ther wid all de + dogs and cats, now. 'Pears ye might have company enough o' nights widout + takin' in a cryin' baby. She'll cry sure widout her mammy, and what ye + gwine to do thin?" and old Rosa stoutly protested against the arrangement. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Aunt Rosa, don't worry now; I'll manage to take good care of + the little creature. I know what you're after,—you want her + yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Ho, ho ho! Laws, now, Miss Tilda, you dun know noffing 'bout babies; + takes an old mammy like me to fotch 'em up. Come here, child; what's yer + name?" + </p> + <p> + The frightened little one, whose tongue had not yet learned to utter many + words, made no attempt to answer, but stood timidly looking from one to + another of the surrounding group. + </p> + <p> + "She ha'n't got no name, 'ta'n't likely," suggested Nance. + </p> + <p> + "We must christen her, then," said Miss Lee. + </p> + <p> + "Carroll called her Tidy," remarked the old gentleman, entering the room + at that moment. + </p> + <p> + "DAT'S a name of 'spectability," said Rosa, with a satisfied air. "'Tis my + 'pinion chillen should allus have 'spectable names, else they're 'posed on + in dis yer world. Nudd's Tidy, now, dere's a spec'men for yer. Never was + no more 'complished 'fectioner dan she. She knowed how to cook all de + earth, she did. Hi! couldn't she barbecue a heifer, or brile a cock's + comb, jest as 'spertly as Miss Tilda here broiders a ruffle. Right smart + cretur she wor. And so YE'RE a gwine to be, honey,—your old mammy + sees it in de tips ob yer fingers;" and Rosa caught up the child, and + well-nigh smothered it with all sorts of maternal fondnesses. + </p> + <p> + "Now Nance," continued the old negress, turning with an air of authority + to the tall, loose-jointed, reed-like maid, "Now Nance, ye mind yer doin's + in dese yer premises. Don't ye go for to kick de young un round like as ef + she cost noffin'. Ef ye do, look out;" and she shook her turbaned head, + and doubled her fist in very threatening manner before the girl. "Now + we've got a baby in dis yer house, we'll see how de tings is gwine for to + go." + </p> + <p> + A baby in the Lee mansion did indeed inaugurate a new order of things in + the family. So young a servant they had not had for many a day on the + estate; and Rosa felt at once the responsibility of her position, and + played the mother to her heart's content. All the care of the child's + education seemed from that moment to devolve upon her, notwithstanding + Miss Lee's repeated assertions that SHE designed to bring up the little + one after her own heart, and that Tidy should never wait upon any one but + herself. + </p> + <p> + Between them both, Tidy had things pretty much her own way. Such an infant + of course could not be expected to comprehend the fact that she was a + slave, and born to be ruled over, and trodden under foot. Like any other + little one, she enjoyed existence, and was as happy as could be all the + day long. Every thing around her,—the chickens and turkeys in the + yard, the flowers in the garden, the kittens and birds in the + sitting-room, and the goodies in the kitchen,—added to her pleasure. + She frisked and gamboled about the house and grounds as free and joyous as + the squirrels in the woods, and without a thought or suspicion that any + thing but happiness was in store for her. She not only slept at night in + the room of her mistress, but when the daily meals were served, the child, + seated on a low bench beside Miss Lee, was fed from her own dish. So that, + in respect to her animal nature, she fared as well as any child need to; + but this was all. Not a word of instruction of any kind did she receive. + </p> + <p> + As she grew older, and her active mind, observing and wondering at the + many objects of interest in nature, burst out into childish questions, + "What is this for?" and "Who made that?" her mistress would answer + carelessly, "I don't know," or "You'll find out by and by." Her thirst for + knowledge was never satisfied; for while Miss Lee was good-natured and + gentle in her ways toward the child, she took no pains to impart + information of any kind. Why should she? Tidy was only a slave. + </p> + <p> + Here, my little readers, you may see the difference between her condition + and your own. You are carefully taught every thing that will be of use to + you. Even before you ask questions, they are answered; and father and + mother, older brothers and sisters, aunties, teachers, and friends are + ready and anxious to explain to you all the curious and interesting things + that come under your notice. Indeed, so desirous are they to cultivate + your intellectual nature, that they seek to stimulate your appetite for + knowledge, by drawing your attention to many things which otherwise you + would overlook. At the same time, they point you to the great and all-wise + Creator, that you may admire and love him who has made every thing for our + highest happiness and good. + </p> + <p> + But slavery depends for its existence and growth upon the ignorance of its + miserable victims. If Tidy's questions had been answered, and her + curiosity satisfied, she would have gone on in her investigations; and + from studying objects in nature, she would have come to study books, and + perhaps would have read the Bible, and thus found out a great deal which + it is not considered proper for a slave to know. + </p> + <p> + "We couldn't keep our servants, if we were to instruct them," says the + slaveholder; and therefore he makes the law which constitutes it a + criminal offense to teach a slave to read. + </p> + <p> + But Tidy was taught to WORK. That is just what slaves are made for,—to + work, and so save their owners the trouble of working themselves. + Slaveholders do not recognize the fact that God designed us all to work, + and has so arranged matters, that true comfort and happiness can only be + reached through the gateway of labor. It is no blessing to be idle, and + let others wait upon us; and in this respect the slaves certainly have the + advantage of their masters. + </p> + <p> + Tidy was an apt learner, and at eight years of age she could do up Miss + Matilda's ruffles, clean the great brass andirons and fender in the + sitting-room, and set a room to rights as neatly as any person in the + house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. + </h2> + <p> + SHALL I pause here in my narrative to tell you what became of Annie and + some of the other persons who have been mentioned in the preceding + chapters? + </p> + <p> + Tidy often saw her mother. Miss Lee used to visit Mr. Carroll's family, + and never went without taking Tidy, that the child and her mother might + have a good time together. And good times indeed they were. + </p> + <p> + When Annie learned that her baby had been taken to Rosevale, that she was + so well cared for, and that they would be able sometimes to see one + another, her grief was very much abated, and she began to think in what + new ways she could show her love for her little one. She saved all the + money she could get; and, as she had opportunity, she would buy a bit of + gay calico, to make the child a frock or an apron. Mothers, you perceive, + are all alike, from the days of Hannah, who made a "little coat" for her + son Samuel, and "brought it to him from year to year, when she came up + with her husband to the yearly sacrifice," down to the present time. + Nothing pleases them more than to provide things useful and pretty for + their little ones. Even this slave-mother, with her scanty means, felt + this same longing. It did her heart good to be doing something for her + child; and so she was constantly planning and preparing for these visits, + that she might never be without something new and gratifying to give her. + In the warm days of summer, she would take her down to Sweet-Brier Pond, a + pretty pool of water right in the heart of a sweet pine grove, a little + way from the house, and Tidy would have a good splashing frolic in the + water, and come out looking as bright and shining as a newly-polished + piece of mahogany. Her mother would press the water from her dripping + locks, and turn the soft, glossy hair in short, smooth curls over her + fingers, put on the new frock, and then set her out before her admiring + eyes, and exclaim in her fond motherly pride,— + </p> + <p> + "You's a purty cretur, honey. You dun know noffin how yer mudder lubs ye." + </p> + <p> + Tidy remembers to this day the delightful afternoon thus spent the very + last time she went to see her mother, though neither of them then thought + it was to be the last. Mr. Carroll, Annie's master, was very close in all + his business transactions, never allowing, as he remarked, his left hand + to know what his right hand did. He stole Tidy away, as we have already + told you, from her mother; and this was the way he usually managed in + parting his slaves, especially any that were much valued. He said it was + "a part of his religion to deal TENDERLY with his people!" + </p> + <p> + "'Tis a great deal better," said he, "to avoid a row. They would moan and + wail and make such a fuss, if they knew they were to change quarters." + </p> + <p> + Humane man, wasn't he? + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll got into debt, and an opportunity occurring, he sold Annie and + her four boys. The bargain was made without the knowledge of any one on + the estate; and in the night they were transferred to their new master. + Nobody ever knew to what part of the country they were carried. + </p> + <p> + When the news reached the ear of Marcia, Annie's mother, it proved to be + more than she could bear. Her very last comfort was thus torn from her. + When she was told of it, the poor, decrepit old woman fell from her chair + upon the floor of her cabin insensible. The people lifted her up and laid + her upon the bed, but she never came to consciousness. She lay without + sense or motion until the next day, when she died. The slaves said, "Old + Marcia's heart broke." + </p> + <p> + Thus little Tidy was left alone in the world, without a single relative to + love her. Didn't she care much about it? That happened thirty years ago, + and she can not speak of it even now without tears. But she comforts + herself by saying, "I shall meet them in heaven." Annie may not yet have + arrived at that blessed home; but Marcia has rejoiced all these years in + the presence of the Lord she loved, and has found, by a glad experience, + that the happiness of heaven can compensate for all the trials of earth. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For God has marked each sorrowing day, + And numbered every secret tear; + And heaven's long age of bliss shall pay + For all his children suffer here." +</pre> + <p> + And now I must tell you of another death which occurred about this same + time. It was that of Colonel Lee. He had been a rich and a proud man, and + it would seem, that, like the rich man in the parable, he had had all his + good things in this life; and now that he had come to the gates of death, + he found himself in a sadly destitute and lamentable condition. He was + afraid to die; and when he came to the very last, his shrieks of terror + and distress were fearful. His mind was wandering, and he fancied some + strong being was binding him with chains and shackles. He screamed for + help, and even called for Rosa, his faithful old servant, to come and help + him. + </p> + <p> + "Take off those hand-cuffs," he cried; "take them off. I can not bear + them. Don't let them put on those chains. Oh, I can't move! They'll drag + me away! Stop them; help me! save me!" + </p> + <p> + But, alas! no one could save him. The man who had all his life been + loading his fellow-creatures with chains and fetters was now in the grasp + of One mightier than he, who was "delivering him over into chains of + darkness, to be reserved unto the judgment." + </p> + <p> + How dreadful was such an end! + </p> + <p> + "I would rather be a slave with all my sorrows," said Tidy, when she + related this sad story, "and wait for comfort until I get to heaven, than + to have all the riches of all the slaveholders in the world, gained by + injustice and oppression; for I could only carry them as far as the grave, + and there they would be an awful weight to drag me down into torments for + ever." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. A NEW HOME. + </h2> + <p> + AFTER Colonel Lee's death, which happened when Tidy was about ten years + old, the plantation and all the slaves were sold, and Miss Matilda, with + Tidy, who was her own personal property, found a home with her brother. + Mr. Richard Lee owned an estate about twenty miles from Rosevale. His + lands had once been well cultivated, but now received very little + attention, for medicinal springs had been discovered there a few years + before, and it was expected that these springs, by being made a resort for + invalids and fashionable people, would bring to the family all the income + they could desire. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Lee were not very pleasant people. They were selfish and + penurious, and hard-hearted and severe towards their servants. They no + doubt were happy to have their sister take up her abode with them; but + there is reason to believe she was chiefly welcome on account of the + valuable little piece of property she brought with her. Tidy was just + exactly what Mrs. Lee wanted to fill a place in her family, which she had + never before been able to supply to her satisfaction. She needed her as an + under-nurse, and waiter-and-tender in general upon her four children. + Amelia, the eldest, was just Tidy's age, and Susan was two years younger. + Then came Lemuel, a boy of three, and George, the baby. + </p> + <p> + Mammy Grace was the family nurse, but as she was growing old and somewhat + infirm, she required a pair of young, sprightly feet to run after little + Lemmy to keep him out of mischief, and to carry the teething, worrying + baby about. Tidy was just the child for her. + </p> + <p> + The morning after her arrival, Mrs. Lee instructed her in her duties thus:— + </p> + <p> + "You are to do what Mammy Grace and the children tell you to. See that + Lemmy doesn't stuff things into his ears and nose; mind you don't let the + baby fall, and behave yourself." + </p> + <p> + She wasn't told what would be the consequence if she did not "behave + herself," but Tidy felt that she had something to fear from that flashing + eye and heavy brow. Miss Matilda had protected her, as far as she was + able, though without the child's knowledge, by saying to her sister that + she was willing her little servant should be employed in the family, but + that she was never to be whipped. + </p> + <p> + "You're mighty saving of your little piece of flesh and blood," said her + sister-in-law. "I find it doesn't work well to be too tender; they need a + little cuffing now and then to keep them straight." + </p> + <p> + "Tidy is a good child," replied Miss Matilda. "She always does as she is + told, and I have never had occasion to punish her in my life; and I can + not consent to her being treated severely." + </p> + <p> + "We shall see," said Mrs. Lee; "but, I tell you, I take no impudence from + my hands." + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda's stipulation and her constant presence in the family no + doubt screened Tidy from much that was unpleasant from her new mistress; + for if children or servants are ever so well inclined, an ugly and easily + excited temper in a superior will provoke evil dispositions in them, and + MAKE occasions of punishment. But in this case the mistress was evidently + held in check. A knock on the head sometimes, a kick or a cross word, was + the greatest severity she ventured to inflict; so that, upon the whole, + the new home was a pleasant and happy one. + </p> + <p> + The services Tidy was required to render were a perfect delight to her. + Like all children, she liked to be associated with those of her own age, + and, though called a slave, to all intents and purposes she was received + as the playmate and companion of Amelia and Susan. They were good-natured, + agreeable little girls, and it was a pleasure rather than a task to walk + to and from school, and carry their books and dinner-basket for them. And + to go into the play-house, and have the handling of the dolls, the + tea-sets, and toys, was employment as charming as it was new. + </p> + <p> + The nursery was in the cabin of Mammy Grace, which was situated a few + steps from the family mansion, and was distinguished from the log-huts of + the other slaves, by having brick walls and two rooms. The inner room + contained the baby's cradle, a crib for the little one who had not yet + outgrown his noon-day nap, her own bed, and now a cot for Tidy. In the + outer stood the spinning-wheel,—at which the old nurse wrought when + not occupied with the children,—a small table, an old chest of + drawers, and a few rude chairs. Some old carpets which had been discarded + from the house were laid over the floors, and gave an air of comfort to + the place. One shelf by the side of the fireplace held all the china and + plate they had to use; for, you must know, little readers, that slave + cabins contain very few of the conveniences which are so familiar to you. + To assert, as some people do, that the negroes do not need them, is simply + to say that they have never been used to the common comforts of life, and + so do not know their worth. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the place with all its scantiness of furniture was a happy + abode for Tidy, who found in Mammy Grace even a better mother than old + Rosa had been to her; for, besides being kind and cheerful, she was pious, + and from her lips it was that Tidy first heard the name of God. Would you + believe it? Tidy had lived to be ten years old in this Christian land, and + had never heard of the God who made her. Miss Lee, with all her kindness, + was not a Christian, and never read the Bible, offered prayer, or went to + church; so that the poor child had grown up thus far as ignorant of + religious truth as a heathen. + </p> + <p> + We may well consider then the providence of God which brought her under + the care of Mammy Grace, the negro nurse, as another link in that golden + chain of love which was to draw her up out of the shame and misery of her + abject condition to the knowledge and service of her Heavenly Father. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. + </h2> + <p> + THE first day of the new service was over. The two babies had been carried + to the house and put to bed as usual at sunset, and Mammy Grace had mixed + the corn-pone for supper, and laid it to bake beneath the hot ashes. + </p> + <p> + Tidy stretched herself at full length near the open door of the cabin, and + resting her head upon her hand looked out. All was still save the hum of + voices from the house, and now and then the plaintive song of the + whippoorwill in the meadow. The new moon was just hiding its silvery + crescent behind Tulip Mountain, and the shadows were growing every moment + darker among the flower-laden trees that covered its sides. It was just + the hour for thinking; and as the weary child lay there, watching the + stars that, one by one, stepped with such strange, noiseless grace out + upon the clear, blue sky, soothed by the calm influence that breathed + through the beautiful twilight, she soon forgot herself and her + surroundings, and was lost in the mazes of speculation and wonder. What + were these bright spots that kept coming thicker and faster over her head, + winking and blinking at her, as if with a conscious and friendly + intelligence? Who made them? what were they doing? where did they hide in + the daytime? If she could climb up yonder mountain, and then get to the + top of those tall tulip-trees, she was sure she could reach them, or, at + least, see better what they were. Were they candles, that some unseen hand + had lighted and thrust out there, that the night might not be wholly dark? + That could not be, for then the wind, which was fanning the trees, would + blow them out. How the little mind longed to fathom the mystery! Once she + had ventured to ask Miss Matilda what those bright specks up in the sky + were, and she answered, in an indifferent sort of way, "Stars, you little + silly goose,—why, don't you know? They are stars." And then she was + just about as wise and as satisfied as she had been before. + </p> + <p> + She was so busy with her thoughts, that she did not perceive Mammy Grace, + as she drew the old, broken-backed rocking-chair up to the door, and + sitting down, with her elbows on her knees and her head upon her hands, + leaned forward, to discover, if possible, what the child was so intently + gazing at. She could discern no object in the deep twilight; but, struck + herself with the still beauty of the scene, she exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "Pooty night, a'n't it? How de stars of heaben do shine!" + </p> + <p> + The voice disturbed Tidy in her reverie. Her first impulse was to get up + and walk away, that she might finish out her thinking in some other place, + where she could be alone. But the thought flashed through her mind, that + perhaps the kind-looking old nurse at her side might be able to tell her + some of the many things she was so perplexed about; and, almost before she + knew she was speaking, she blurted out,— + </p> + <p> + "What's them things up thar?" + </p> + <p> + "Dem bright little shiny tings, honey, in de firm'ment? Laws, don' ye + know? Whar's ye lived all yer days, if ye don' know de stars when ye sees + 'em?" + </p> + <p> + "Who owns 'em? and what they stuck up ther for?" asked the child, somewhat + encouraged. + </p> + <p> + "Who owns 'em? Hi! dey's de property ob de Lord ob heaben, chile, I + reckons; and dey's put dar to gib us light o'nights. Jest see 'em shine! + and what a sight of 'em dar is, too; nobody can't count 'em noway. And de + Lord he hold 'em all in de holler ob his hand," said the old negress, + shaping her great black palm to suit the idea; "and he knows 'em all by + name, too. Specs 'tis wonderful; but ebery one ob dem leetle, teenty tings + has got a name, and de great Lord he 'members 'em ebery one." + </p> + <p> + Tidy's wonder was not at all diminished by what she heard; and the + questions she wanted to ask came up so fast in her mind, she hardly knew + which to utter first. What they were made out of, how they came and went, + what they meant by twinkling so, were things she had long desired to know; + but for the moment these were forgotten in the burning, eager curiosity + she had, now that she had heard the name of their Maker, to know more of + him, and where he was to be found. Half rising from her former position, + and looking earnestly in the face of her humble instructor, which was + beaming with her own admiration of the glorious works and power of the + Lord, she exclaimed vehemently,— + </p> + <p> + "That Lord,—who's him? I's never heerd of him afore." + </p> + <p> + "Laws, honey, don' ye know? He's de great Lord of heaben and earf, dat + made you and me and ebery body else. He made all de tings ye sees,—de + trees, de green grass, de birds, de pigs,—dere's noffin dat he + didn't make. Oh, he's de mighty Lord, I tells ye, chile! Didn't ye neber + hear 'bout him afore?" + </p> + <p> + Tidy shook her head; she could hardly speak. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me some more," she said at last. + </p> + <p> + "Well, chile, dis great Lord he lib up in de heaben of heabens, way up + ober dat blue sky, and he sits all de time on a great trone, and he sees + ebery ting dat goes on down har in dis yer world. Ef ye does any ting bad, + he puts it down in a great book he's got, and byme-by he'll punish de + wicked folks right orful." + </p> + <p> + "Whip?" questioned Tidy. + </p> + <p> + "Whip! no; burn in de hot fire and brimstone for eber and for eber. 'Tis + orful to be wicked, and hab de great Lord punish." + </p> + <p> + "I ha'n't done noffin," cried out Tidy, fairly trembling with terror. + </p> + <p> + "Laws, no,—course not, chile; ye's noffin but a chile, ye know; but + some folks does orful tings. But ye needn't be afeard, honey; he's a good + Lord, and lubs us all; and ef ye tries to be good, and 'beys missus, and + neber lies, nor steals, nor swars, he'll be a good friend to ye. He'll + make de sun to shine on yer, and de rain to fall; and when ye dies, he'll + take yer right up dar, to lib wid him allus. There now, jest hark,—dat's + old Si comin' up de lane. Don' ye h'ar him singin'? He lubs de Lord, he + does, and he's allus a-singin'. Hark, now! a'n't it pooty? Guess de pone's + done by dis time;" and she shuffled to the fireplace, to look after her + cake. + </p> + <p> + Tidy, almost overwhelmed with the weight of knowledge that had been poured + in upon her inquiring spirit, and hardly knowing whether what she had + heard should make her glad or sorry, leaned back against the door-post, + and carelessly listened to the voice, as it came nearer and nearer. In a + minute the words fell with pleasing distinctness upon the ear. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Dear sister, didn't you promise me + To help me shout and praise him? + Den come and jine your voice to mine, + And sing his lub amazin'. + I tink I hear de trumpet sound, + About de break of day; + Good Lord, we'll rise in de mornin', + And fly, and fly away, + On de mornin's wings, to Canaan's land, + To heaben, our happy home, + Bright angels shall convey our souls + To de new Jerusalem." +</pre> + <p> + "Hallelujah, amen, bress de Lord. How is ye dis night, Mammy Grace?" said + a cheerful voice at the cabin-door. + </p> + <p> + "Ho! go 'long, Simon,—I knowed ye was comin'. Ye allus blows yer + trumpet 'fore yer gits here. Come in, help yerse'f to a cha'r. Here, + chile," addressing Tidy, "here's yer supper,—eat it now; and don' ye + neber let what I's telled ye slip out of yer 'membrance." + </p> + <p> + Which Tidy was not at all likely to do. She picked up the bread which was + thrown to her, and, munching it as she went along, walked away to the pump + to get a drink of water. + </p> + <p> + Children, when you rise in the morning and come down stairs to the + cheerful breakfast, or when you are called at noon and night, to join the + family circle again around a neatly-spread table, did you ever think what + a refining influence this single custom has upon your life? The savage + eats his meanly-prepared food from the vessel in which it is cooked, each + member of his household dipping with his fingers, or some rude utensil, + into the one dish. He is scarcely raised above the cattle that eat their + fodder at the crib, or the dog that gnaws the bone thrown to him upon the + ground. And are the slaves any better off? They are neither allowed time, + convenience, or inducements to enjoy a practice, which is so common with + us, that we fail to number it among our privileges, or to recognize its + elevating tendency; and yet they are stigmatized as a debased and brutish + class. Can we expect them to be otherwise? Who is accountable for this + degradation? By what system have they become so reduced? and have any + suitable efforts ever been made for their elevation? + </p> + <p> + Since I wrote this chapter, I have learned some things with regard to the + freed men at Port Royal, where so many fugitive slaves have taken refuge + during the war, and are now employed by Government, and being educated by + Christian teachers, which will make what I have just said more apparent. + Dr. French, who has labored among this people, in a public address, drew a + pleasing picture of the improvements introduced into the home-life of the + negroes,—how, as they began to feel free, and earn an independent + subsistence, their cabins were whitewashed, swept clean, kept in order, + and pictures and maps, cut from illustrated newspapers, were pasted up on + the walls by the women as a decoration. He spoke of the rivalry in + neatness thus produced, and of the general elevating and refining effect. + On his representation, the commanding officers and the society by whom he + is employed permitted him to introduce into some twenty-five of the + cabins, on twenty-five different plantations, what had never been known + before,—a window with panes of glass. To this luxury were added + tables, good, strong, tin wash-basins, and soap, stout bed-ticks, and a + small looking-glass. The effect of the father of the family, sitting at + the head of his new table, while his sable wife and children gathered + around it, and asking a blessing on the simple fare, was very touching. + Hitherto they had boiled their hominy in a common skillet, and eaten it + out of oyster-shells, when and wherever they could, some in-doors and some + outside, in every variety of attitude. He said, also, that the ludicrous + pranks of both old and young, on eying themselves for the first time in + the mirror, were quite amusing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. FRANCES. + </h2> + <p> + QUITE a number of children were gathered in the vicinity of the pump, + performing their usual antics, under the direction and leadership of a + girl larger and older than the rest,—a genuine, coal-black, + woolly-headed, thick-lipped young negro. This was the daughter of Venus, + the cook, and her appointment of service was the kitchen. Full of fun, and + nimble as an eel in every joint, her various pranks and feats of skill + were perfectly amazing, and were received with boisterous applause by the + rest of the group. + </p> + <p> + As she saw Tidy advancing, however, she ceased her evolutions, and, + turning to the others with a comic grimace, she bade them hold off, while + she held discourse with the new-comer. + </p> + <p> + "Her comes yer white nigger," she said, in a loud whisper, "and I's boun' + to gaffer de las' news;" and putting on a demure face, she accosted the + neatly-appareled child. + </p> + <p> + "Specs ye're a stranger in dese yer parts. What's yer name?" + </p> + <p> + "Tidy;—what's yourn?" was the ready response. + </p> + <p> + "Dey calls me France. Dey don't stop to place fandangles on to names here. + Specs dey'll call YOU Ti." + </p> + <p> + "I doesn't care; I's willin'," replied Tidy, good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + "What's de matter wid yer? Been sick?" proceeded France, with a roguish + twinkle of the eye. "Specs you's had measles or 'sumption,—yer's + pale as deaf; and yer hair,—laws, sakes, it'll a'most stan' alone! + de kind's all done gone out of it." + </p> + <p> + "Never had much," said Tidy, laughing. "It's most straight, see;" and she + pulled one of the short ringlets out with her fingers. "And I isn't sick, + neither; 'tis my 'plexion." + </p> + <p> + "'Plexion!" repeated Frances, with a tone of derision; "'tis white folks + has 'plexion; niggers don't hab none. Don't grow white skins in dese yer + parts." + </p> + <p> + "White's as good as black, I s'pose, a'n't it?" answered Tidy, diverted by + the droll manners of her new acquaintance. "I don't see no odds nohow." + </p> + <p> + "'Ta'n't 'spectable, dat's all. Brack's de fashion here on dis yer + plantation. 'Tis tough, b'ars whippin's and hard knocks. Whew! Hi! Ke! + Missus'll cut ye all up to slivers fust time." + </p> + <p> + "Does missus whip?" + </p> + <p> + "Reckon she does jest dat ting. Reckons you'll feel it right smart 'fore + you're much older. Hi! she whips like a driver,—cuts de skin all off + de knuckles in little less dan no time at all. Yer'll see; make yer curl + all up." + </p> + <p> + It was not a very pleasant prospect for Tidy, to be sure; but, more amused + than frightened, she went on with her inquiries. + </p> + <p> + "What does she whip ye for?" + </p> + <p> + "Laws, sake, for noffin at all; jest when she takes a notion; jest for + ex'cise, like. Owes me one, now," said the girl. "I breaked de pitcher dis + mornin', and, ho, ho, ho! how missus flied! I runned and 'scaped her, + though." + </p> + <p> + "She'll catch ye some time." + </p> + <p> + "No, she don't, not for dat score. Specs I'll dodge till she's got suffin' + else to tink about. Dat's de way dis chile fix it. Shouldn't hab no skin + leff, ef I didn't. Laws, now, ye ought to seen toder day, when I's done + stept on missus' toe. Didn't do it a purpose, sartain true, ef ye do + laugh," said she, shaking her head at the tittering tribe at her heels. + "Dat are leetle Luce pushed, and missus jest had her hand up to gib Luce + an old-fashioned crack on the head wid dat big brack key of hern. Hi! + didn't she fly roun', and forgot all 'bout Luce, a tryin' to hit dis nig—and + dis nig scooted and runned, and when missus' hand come down wid de big + key, thar warn't no nigger's head at all thar—and missus was gwine + to lay it on so drefful hard, dat she falled ober hersef right down into + de kitchen, and by de time she picked hersef up, bof de nigs war done + gone. Ho, ho, ho! I tells ye she was mad enough ter eat 'em. 'Pears as ef + sparks comed right out of dem brack eyes." + </p> + <p> + The girl's loud voice, as she grew animated in telling her exploits, and + the boisterous glee of her hearers, might have drawn the mistress with + whip in hand from the house, to inflict with double severity the evaded + punishment of the morning, but for the timely interference of Venus, who, + with her clean white apron and turbaned head, majestically emerged from + the kitchen, warning the young rebel and her associates to clear the + premises. + </p> + <p> + "Along wid yer, and keep yer tongue tween yer teeth, chile, or you'll + cotch it." + </p> + <p> + So Frances, drawing Tidy along with her, and followed by the whole troop, + turned into the lane that led down to the negro quarters, and as they + saunter along, I will tell you about her. + </p> + <p> + She was a fair specimen of slave children, full of the merry humor, the + love of fun and frolic peculiar to her race, with not a little admixture + of art and cunning. She was wild, rough, and boisterous, one of the sort + always getting into disgrace. She couldn't step without stumbling, nor + hold anything in her hand without spilling. She never had on a whole + frock, except when it was new, and her bare feet were seldom without a + bandage. She considered herself one of the most unfortunate of creatures, + because she met with so many accidents, and had, in consequence, to suffer + so much punishment; and it was of no use to try to do differently, she + declared, for she "couldn't help it, nohow." + </p> + <p> + I have seen just such children who were not slaves, haven't you? And I + think I understand the cause of their misfortunes. Shall I give you an + inkling of it? It is because they are so heedless and headlong in their + ways, racing and romping about with perfect recklessness. Don't you think + now that I am right, little reader, you who cried this very day, because + you were always getting into trouble, and getting scolded and punished for + it? You who are always tearing your frock and soiling your nice white + apron, spilling ink on your copy-book, and misplacing your geography, + forgetting your pencil and losing your sponge, and so getting reproof upon + reproof until you are heart-sick and discouraged? I know what Jessie + Smith's father told HER the other day. "You wouldn't meet with so many + mishaps, Jessie, if you didn't RUSH so." Jessie tried, after that, to move + round more gently and carefully, and I think she got on better. + </p> + <p> + Frances was just one of these "rushing" children, but she was + good-natured, and Tidy was quite fascinated with her. It was so new to + have an associate of her own age too; and so it came to pass that almost + immediately they were fast friends. Now, as they strolled along in the + starlight, under the great spreading pines which stood as sentinels here + and there along their path, Tidy drank in eagerly all her companion said, + and in a little while had gathered all the interesting points of + information concerning the place and the people. Frances told her how hard + and mean the master and mistress were, and how poorly the slaves fared + down at the quarters. Up at the house they made out very well, she said; + but not half so well as she and her mother did when they lived out east on + Mr. Blackstone's plantation. Then she described the busy summer season, + when hundreds of people came there to board and drink the water of the + springs. Mr. Lee had built two long rows of little brick houses, she said, + down by the springs, where the people lived while they were here, and + there was a great dining cabin with long tables and seats, and a barbecue + hall, where they had barbecues, and then danced all night long, and had + gay times. And there was plenty of money going at such times, for the + people had quantities of money and gave it to the slaves. + </p> + <p> + The negro quarters consisted of six log cabins, which had once been + whitewashed, but now were extremely wretched in appearance, both without + and within. It is customary on the plantations of the South to have the + houses of the negroes a little removed, perhaps a quarter of a mile, from + the family mansion. Thus, with the exception of the house servants, who + must be within call, the slave portion of the family live by themselves, + and generally in a most uncivilized and miserable way. In some cases their + houses are quite neatly built and kept; but it was not so on Mr. Lee's + estate. + </p> + <p> + In front of these old huts was a spring, the water bubbling up and running + through a dilapidated, moss-covered spout, into a tub half sunk in the + earth, which in the daytime served as a drinking trough for the animals, + and a bathing-pool for the babies. Brushwood and logs were lying around in + all directions, and here and there a fire was burning, at which the + negroes were cooking their supper. Dogs and a few stray babies were + roaming about, seeming lonely for want of the pigs and chickens which kept + company with them all day, but had now gone to rest. Boys and girls of + larger growth were rollicking and careering over the place, dancing and + singing and entertaining themselves and the whole settlement with their + jollities and noise. + </p> + <p> + Is it surprising, we must stop to ask, that the colored people are a + degraded class, when we consider the way in which the children live from + their very infancy. No work for them to do, nothing to learn, nobody to + care for them,—they are just left to grow and fatten like swine, + till they are in condition to be sold or to be broken in to their tasks in + the field. Utterly neglected, they contract, of necessity, lazy and + vicious habits, and it is no wonder they have to be whipped and broken in + to work as animals to the yoke or harness; and no wonder that under such + treatment for successive generations, the race should become so reduced in + mental and moral ability, as to be thought by many incapable of ever + reclaiming a position among the enlightened nations of the earth. Oh, what + a weight of guilt have the people of our country incurred in allowing four + millions of those poor people to be so trodden down in the very midst of + us! + </p> + <p> + When the children reached home again they found Mammy Grace's cabin quite + full of men and women, shouting, singing, and talking in a way quite + unintelligible to our little stranger. After she had dropped upon her cot + for the night, she lifted her head and ventured to ask what those people + had been about. + </p> + <p> + "Don' ye know, chile? We's had a praisin'-meetin'. We has 'em ebery week, + one week it's here, and one week it's ober to General Doolittle's, ober de + hill yonder. Ef ye's a good chile, honey, ye shall go wid yer old mammy + some time, ye shall." + </p> + <p> + "What do you do?" asked Tidy. + </p> + <p> + "We praises, chile,—praises de Lord, and den we prays too." + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" + </p> + <p> + "Laws, chile, ye don't know noffin. Whar's ye been fotched up all yer + days? Why, when we wants any ting we can't git oursef, nohow, we ask de + Lord to gib it to us—dat's what it is." + </p> + <p> + That first day and evening in Tidy's new home was a memorable day in her + experience. It seemed as if she had been lifted up two or three degrees in + existence, so much had she heard and learned. She had enough to think + about as she lay down to rest, for the first time away from Miss Matilda's + sheltering presence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. PRAYER. + </h2> + <p> + As Tidy grew in stature she grew in favor also with those around her. Spry + but gentle in her movements, obedient, obliging, and apt to learn, she + secured the good-will of her master and mistress, and the visitors that + thronged to the place. If any little service was to be performed which + required more than usual care or expedition, she was the one to be called + upon to do it. It was no easy task to please a person so fretful and + impatient in spirit as Mrs. Lee, yet Tidy, by her promptness and docility, + succeeded admirably. Still, with all her well-doing she was not able + entirely to avoid her harshness and cruelty. + </p> + <p> + One day, when she had been several months in Mrs. Lee's family, she was + set to find a ball of yarn which had become detached from her mistress's + knitting-work. Diligently she hunted for it every-where,—in Mammy + Grace's cabin, on the veranda, in the drawing-room, dining-room, and + kitchen, up-stairs, down-stairs, and in the lady's chamber, but no ball + was to be found. The mistress grew impatient, and the child searched + again. The mistress became unreasonable and threatened, and the child + really began to tremble for fear of undeserved chastisement. What could + she do? + </p> + <p> + What do you think she did? I will tell you? + </p> + <p> + Ever since that first night with Mammy Grace, when Tidy had asked her what + it was to pray, and had been told, "When we wants any ting we can't git + oursefs, nohow, we asks de Lord to gib it to us," these words had been + treasured in her memory; but as yet she had never had an opportunity to + put them to a practical use; for up to this time she had not really wanted + any thing. Her necessities were all supplied even better than she had + reason to expect; for in addition to the plain but sufficient fare that + was allowed her in the cabin, she was never a day without luxuries from + the table of the family. Fruits, tarts, and many a choice bit of cake, + found their way through the children's hands to their little favorite, so + that she had nothing to wish for in the eating line. Her services with the + children were so much in accordance with her taste as to be almost + pastime, and the old nurse was as kind and good as a mother could be. + Never until this day had she been brought into a real strait; and it was + in this emergency that she thought to put Mammy Grace's suggestion to the + test. She had attended the weekly prayer or "praisin'-meetin's" as they + were called, and observed that when the men and women prayed, they seemed + to talk in a familiar way with this invisible Lord; and she determined to + do the same. As she went out for the third time from the presence of her + mistress, downcast and unhappy, she thought that if she only had such eyes + as the Lord had, which Mammy Grace repeatedly told her were in every + place, considering every little thing in the earth, she would know just + where to go to find the missing ball. At that thought something seemed to + whisper, "Pray." + </p> + <p> + She darted out of the door, ran across the yard, making her way as + speedily as possible to the only retired spot she knew of. This was a deep + gully at the back of the house, through which a tiny stream of water + crept, just moistening the roots of the wild cherry and alder bushes which + grew there in great abundance, and keeping the grass fresh and green all + the summer long. No one ever came to this spot excepting now and then the + laundress with a piece of linen to bleach, or the children to play + hide-and-seek of a moonlight evening. Here she fell upon her knees, and + lifting up her hands as she had seen others do, she said,— + </p> + <p> + "Blessed Lord, I want to find missus' ball of yarn, and I can't. You know + whar 'tis. Show me, so I sha'n't get cracks over my head with the big key. + Hallelujah, amen." + </p> + <p> + She didn't know, innocent child, what this "Hallelujah, amen," meant; but + she remembered that Uncle Simon always ended in that way, and she supposed + it had something important to do with the prayer. So she uttered it with a + feeling of great satisfaction, as though that capped the climax of her + duty, and put the seal of acceptance on her petition; and then she got up + and walked away, as sure as could be that the ball would be forthcoming. I + dare say she expected to see it rolling out before her from some + unthought-of corner as she went along. + </p> + <p> + Do not laugh at the poor little slave girl, children, or ridicule the idea + of her taking such a small thing to the Lord. If you, and older people + too, were in the habit of carrying all your little troubles to the throne + of grace, I am sure you would find help that you little dream of. If the + Lord in his greatness regards the little sparrows, so that not one of them + shall fall to the ground without his notice, and if he numbers the hairs + of our heads, surely there is nothing that can give us uneasiness of mind + or sorrow of heart too small to commend to his notice. I wish we might all + follow Tidy's example, and I have no doubt that our heavenly Father, who + is quite willing to have his words and his love tested, would answer us as + he did her. + </p> + <p> + She went directly to the house, carefully looking this way and that, as if + expecting, as I said, that the ball would suddenly appear before her,—of + course it did not,—and passing across the veranda, entered the hall. + A great, old-fashioned, eight-day clock, like the pendulum that hung in + the farmer's kitchen so long, and got tired of ticking, I imagine, stood + in one corner. Just at the foot of this, Tidy saw a white string + protruding. She forgot for the moment what she was hunting after, and + stooped to pick up the string. She pulled at it, but it seemed to catch in + something and slipped through her fingers. She pulled again, when lo and + behold! out came the ball of yarn. Didn't her eyes sparkle? Didn't her + hands twitch with excitement, as she picked it up and carried it to her + mistress? So much for praying, said she to herself; I shall know what to + do the next time I get into trouble. + </p> + <p> + The next time the affair proved a more serious one. It was no less than a + search for Frances, who had again been guilty of some misdemeanor, and had + hidden herself away to escape punishment. On the second day of her + absence, Mrs. Lee called Tidy, and instructed her to search for the girl, + with the assurance that if she didn't find her, she herself should get the + whipping. It was no very pleasant prospect for Tidy, but she set to her + task earnestly. A half-day she spent going over the premises,—the + house, the out-buildings, the quarters, and the pine-woods opposite; but + the girl was not to be found. + </p> + <p> + Afraid to come and report her want of success, for a while she was quite + in despair; until again she bethought herself of prayer, and out she ran + to the gully. There she cried,— + </p> + <p> + "Lord, I's very anxious to find France. I'll thank you to show me whar she + is, and make missus merciful, so she sha'n't lash neither one of us. Oh, + if I could only find France. Blessed Lord, you can help me find her"—— + </p> + <p> + She was pleading very earnestly when a voice suddenly interrupted her, and + there, at her side, stood the girl. + </p> + <p> + "Who's dat ar you's conbersin wid 'bout me, little goose?" asked Frances. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, France," cried Tidy in delight, "whar was you? Missus set me lookin' + for yer, and she said she'd whip all the skin off me, if I didn't find + yer. Whar's you been?" + </p> + <p> + "Laws, you nummy, ye don't specs now I's gwine to let all dis yer + plantation know dat secret. Ho, ho, ho! If I telled, I couldn't go dar + 'gin no way. I's comed here for my dinner, caus specs dis chile can't + starve nohow. See, my mudder knows whar to put de bones for dis yer + chile," and pushing aside the bushes, she displayed an ample supply of + eatables, which she fell to devouring greedily. Tidy had to reason long + and stoutly with the refractory girl before she could persuade her to + return to the house; and when she accomplished her purpose, she was + probably not aware of the real motive that wrought in that dark, stupid + negro mind. It was not the fear of an increased punishment, if she + remained longer absent,—it was not the faint hope that Tidy held up, + that if she humbly asked her mistress's pardon, she might be forgiven,—but + the thought that if she did not at once return, Tidy must suffer in her + stead, was too much for her. She was, notwithstanding her black skin and + rude nature, too generous to allow that. + </p> + <p> + So the two wended their way to the kitchen in great trepidation, and Tidy, + stepping round to the sitting-room, timidly informed her mistress of the + arrival, adding in most beseeching manner, "Please, Missus, don't whip + her, 'caus she's so sorry." + </p> + <p> + "You mind your own business, little sauce-box, or you'll catch it too. + When I want your advice, I'll come for it," and seizing her whip which she + kept on a shelf close by, she proceeded to the kitchen. Miss Matilda + followed, determined to see that justice was done to one at least. + </p> + <p> + The poor frightened girl fell on her knees. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Missus," she cried, "dear Missus, do 'scuse me. I'll neber do dat + ting over 'gin! I'll neber run away 'gin! I'll neber do noffin! Oh, + Missus, please don't, oh, dear,"—as notwithstanding the appeal, the + angry blow fell. Before another could descend, Miss Matilda laid her hand + upon her sister's arm. + </p> + <p> + "Excuse the girl, Susan," she said, gently, "excuse her just this once, + and give her a trial. See if she won't do better." + </p> + <p> + It was very hard, for it was contrary to her nature, for Mrs. Lee to show + mercy. However, she did yield, and after a very severe reprimand to the + culprit, and a very unreasonable, angry speech to Tidy, who, to to [sic] + her thinking, had become implicated in Frances' guilt, she dismissed them + both from her presence,—the one chuckling over her fortunate escape, + and the other querying in her mind, whether or no this unhoped-for mercy + was another answer to prayer. Miss Matilda made a remark as they retired, + which Tidy heard, whether it was designed for her ear or not. + </p> + <p> + "I always have designed to give that child her liberty when she is old + enough; and if any thing prevents my doing so, I hope she will take it + herself." + </p> + <p> + Take her liberty! What did that mean? Tidy laid up the saying, and + pondered it in her heart. + </p> + <p> + Does any one of our little readers ask why Miss Matilda did not free the + child then? Tidy's services paid her owner's board at her brother's house, + and she couldn't afford to give away her very subsistence; COULD SHE? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE FIRST LESSON. + </h2> + <p> + THE walk to school was a very delightful one, and as the trio trudged over + the road from day to day, chattering like magpies, laughing, singing, + shouting, and dancing in the exuberance of childish glee, all seemed + equally light-hearted and joyous. Even the little slave who carried the + books which she was unable to read, and the basket of dinner of which she + could not by right partake, with a keen eye for the beautiful, and a + sensitive heart to appreciate nature, could not apparently have been more + happy, if her condition had been reversed, and she had been made the + served instead of the servant. + </p> + <p> + The way for half a mile lay through a dense pine-wood,—the tall + trees rising like stately pillars in some vast temple filled with balsamic + incense, and floored with a clean, elastic fabric, smooth as polished + marble, over which the little feet lightly and gayly tripped. In the + central depths where the sun's rays never penetrated, and the fallen + leaves lay so thickly on the ground, no flowers could grow, but on the + outer edges spring lavished her treasures. The trailing arbutus added new + fragrance to the perfumed air, frail anemones trembled in the wind, and + violets flourished in the shade. The blood-root lifted its lily-white + blossoms to the light, and the cream-tinted, fragile bells of the uvularia + nestled by its side. Passing the wood and its embroidered flowery border, + a brook ran across the road. The rippling waters were almost hidden by the + bushes which grew upon its banks, where the wild honeysuckle and + touch-me-not, laurels and eglantine, mingled their beautiful blossoms, and + wooed the bee and humming-bird to their gay bowers. Over this stream a + narrow bridge led directly to the school-house; but the homeward side was + so attractive, that the children always tarried there until they saw the + teacher on the step, or heard the little bell tinkling from the door. Tidy + remained with them till the last minute, and there her bright face might + invariably be seen when school was dismissed in the afternoon. A large + flat rock between the woods and the flowery edges of Pine Run was the + place of rendezvous. + </p> + <p> + One summer's morning they were earlier than usual, and emerging from the + woods, warm and weary with their long walk, they threw themselves down + upon the rock over which in the early day, the shadows of the trees + refreshingly fell. Amelia turned her face toward the Run, and lulled by + the gentle murmuring of the water, and the humming of the insects, was + soon quietly asleep; Susie, with an apron full of burs, was making + furniture for the play-house which they were arranging in a cleft of the + rock; and Tidy, who carried the books, was busily turning over the leaves + and amusing herself with the pictures. + </p> + <p> + "My sakes!" she exclaimed presently, "what a funny cretur! See that great + lump on his back!" and she pointed with her finger to the picture of a + camel. "Miss Susie! what IS that? Is it a lame horse?" + </p> + <p> + "Why no, Tidy, that's a camel; 'tisn't a horse at all. I was reading that + very place yesterday,—let me see," and taking the book she read very + intelligently a brief account of the wonderful animal. + </p> + <p> + "How queer!" said Tidy, deeply interested. "And is there something in this + book about all the pictures?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered Susie, "if you could only read now, you would know about + every one. See here, on the next page is an elephant; see his great tusks + and his monstrous long trunk," and the child read to her attentive + listener of another of the wonders of creation. + </p> + <p> + [illustration omitted] + </p> + <p> + "How I wish I could read,—why can't I?" asked Tidy; and the little + colored face was turned up full of animation. "I don't b'lieve but I could + learn as well as you." + </p> + <p> + "Why of course you could," answered Amelia, who had risen quite refreshed + by her short nap. "I don't see why not. You can't go to school you know, + because mother wants you to work; but I could teach you just as well as + not." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, could you? will you?—do begin!" cried the eager child. "Oh, + Miss Mely, if you only would, I'd do any thing for you." + </p> + <p> + "Look here," said Amelia, seizing the book from her sister's hands, and by + virtue of superior age, constituting herself the teacher; "do you see + those lines?" and she pointed to the columns of letters on the first page. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the ready pupil, all attention. + </p> + <p> + "Well, those are letters,—the alphabet, they call it. Every one of + them has got a name, and when you have learned to know them all perfectly, + so that you can call them all right wherever you see 'em, why, then you + can read any thing." + </p> + <p> + "Any thing?" asked Tidy in amazement. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, any thing,—all kinds of books and papers and the Bible and + every thing." + </p> + <p> + "I can learn THEM, I's sure I can," said Tidy. "Le's begin now." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you see that first one,—that's A. You see how it's made,—two + lines go right up to a point, and then a straight one across. Now say, + what is it?" + </p> + <p> + "A." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and now the next one,—that's B. There's a straight line down + and two curves on the front. What's that?" + </p> + <p> + "B." + </p> + <p> + "Now you must remember those two,—I sha'n't tell you any more this + morning, and I shall make you do just as Miss Agnes used to make me. Miss + Agnes was our governess at home before we came here to school. She made me + take a newspaper,—see, here's a piece,—and prick the letters + on it with a pin. Now you take this piece of paper, and prick every A and + every B that you can find on it, and to-morrow I'll show you some more." + </p> + <p> + Just then the bell sounded from the schoolhouse, and Amelia and Susan went + to their duties, but not with half so glad a heart as Tidy set herself to + hers. Down she squatted on the rock, and did not leave the place till her + first task was successfully accomplished, and the precious piece of + perforated paper safely stowed away for Amelia's inspection. + </p> + <p> + Day after day this process was repeated, until all the letters great and + small had been learned; and now for the more difficult work of putting + them together. There seemed to be but one step between Tidy and perfect + happiness. If she could only have a hymn-book and know how to read it, she + would ask nothing more. She didn't care so much about the Bible. If she + had known, as you do, children, that it is God's word, no doubt she would + have been anxious to learn what it contained. But this truth she had never + heard, and therefore all her desires were centered in the hymn-book, in + which were stored so many of those precious and beautiful hymns which she + loved so much to hear Uncle Simon repeat and sing. Would she ever be so + happy as to be able to sing them from her own book? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. LONY'S PETITION. + </h2> + <p> + BUT, ah! this is a world of disappointment, and it almost always happens + that if we attain any real good, we have to toil for it. Tidy's path was + not to continue as smooth and pleasant as it had been. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Lee, by some untoward accident, found out what was going on, + and at once expounded the law and the necessities of the case to their + children, forbidding them in the most peremptory manner, and on penalty of + the severest chastisement, ever to attempt again to give Tidy or any other + slave a lesson. What the punishment was with which they were threatened + she never knew, for the little girls never dared even to speak upon the + subject; but she knew it must be something very dreadful, and though this + was a most cruel blow to her expectations, she loved them too well to + bring them into the slightest danger on her own account. So she never + afterwards alluded to the subject. + </p> + <p> + Her first impulse was to give up all for lost, and to sit down and weep + despairingly over her disappointment; but she was of too hopeful a + disposition to do so. + </p> + <p> + "I knows the letters," said she to herself, "and I specs I can learn + myself. I can SCRAMBLE ALONG, some way." + </p> + <p> + Scrambling indeed! I wonder if any of you, little folks, would be willing + to undertake it. + </p> + <p> + In her trouble she did not forget the strong hold to which she had learned + to resort in trouble. She PRAYED about it every day, morning, noon, and + night. Indeed the words "Lord, help me learn to read," were seldom out of + her heart. Even when she did not dare to utter them with her lips, they + were mentally ejaculated. Hers was indeed an unceasing prayer. + </p> + <p> + "Come chile," said Mammy Grace, one evening in the cool, frosty autumn, as + Tidy was hovering over the embers, eating her corn-bread, "put on de ole + shawl, and we'll tote ober de hills to Massa Bertram's. De meetin's dare + dis yer night, and Si's gwine to go. Come, honey, 'tis chill dis ebening, + and de walk'll put the warmf right smart inter ye;" and they started off + at a quick pace, over the hills, through the woods, down the lanes, and + across little brooks, the pale, cold moonlight streaming across their + path, and the warm sunlight of divine peace and favor enlivening their + hearts as they went on, making nothing at all of a walk of three miles to + sing and pray in company with Christian friends. Would WE take as much + pains to attend a prayer-meeting? + </p> + <p> + It was not the customary place of meeting, and the people for the most + part were strangers. One party had come by special invitation, to see a + new PIECE OF PROPERTY which had just arrived upon the place,—a piece + of property that thought, and felt, and moved, and walked, like a thing of + life; that loved and feared the Lord, and sung and prayed like any + Christian. What wonderful qualities slaveholders' chattels possess! + </p> + <p> + The woman, whose name was Apollonia, familiarly called Lony, was a tall, + gaunt, square-built negress, with a skin so black and shining, and her + limbs so rigid, that she might almost have been mistaken for one of those + massive statues we sometimes see carved out of the solid anthracite. A + bright yellow turban on her head rose in shape like an Egyptian pyramid, + adding to her extraordinary hight, and strangely contrasting with her + black, thick, African features. Altogether her appearance would have been + formidable and repelling, but for a look in her eye like the clear shining + after rain, and a tranquil, peaceful expression which had over-spread her + hard visage. Tidy was overawed and fascinated by the gigantic figure, and + when, after a few minutes of sacred silence, the new comer, who seemed + accepted as the presiding spirit of the occasion, commenced singing, she + was more than usually interested and attentive. The words were not + familiar to the company, so that none could join, and the deep monotone of + the woman, at first low, and by degrees becoming louder and more animated, + made every word distinct and impressive. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I was but a youth when first I was called on, + To think of my soul and the state I was in; + I saw myself standing from God a great distance, + And betwixt me and him was a mountain of Sin. + + "Old Satan declared that I had been converted, + Old Satan persuaded me I was too young; + And before my days ended that I would grow tired, + And I'd wish that I'd never so early begun." +</pre> + <p> + "But, praise de Lord," exclaimed the woman, stopping short in her hymn, + and rising suddenly to her feet, "I habn't growed tired yet, and I's been + walkin in de ways of goodness forty years and more. De Lord, he is good,—I + knows he is, for I's tried him and found him out, and I's neber tired o' + praisin him. Bress de Lord! He's new to me ebery mornin, and fresh as de + coolin waters ebery ebening. Praise de Lord! Hallelujah! When I was a + chile, I use to make massa's boys mad so's to hear 'em swar. It pleased + dis wicked cretur to hear de fierce swarrin'. One day I went to de garden + behind de house to git de water-melons for dinner, and I heerd a voice. + 'Pears 'twas like a leetle, soft voice, but I couldn't see nobody nowhar + dat spoke, and it said, 'Lony, Lony, don't yer make dem boys swar no more, + ef ye do, ye'll lose yer soul.' I looked all roun and roun, for I was + skeered a'most to deff, but I couldn't see nobody, and den I know'd 'twas + a voice from heaben, for I'd heerd o' sich, and I says, 'No, Lord, no, I + won't.' I didn't know den what de SOUL was, or what a drefful ting 'twas + to lose it; but I knowd it mus mean suffin orful. So I began to consider + all de time 'bout de soul. Byme-by a Baptis' min'ster comed to de place, + and massa and missus was converted. Den dey let us hab meetin's and de + clersh'-man he comed and talked to us. I didn't comperhend much he said, + 'caus I was young and foolish; but he telled a good many times 'bout dat + ef we want to save our souls we mus be babtize and git under de Lord's + table. Says I to my own sef, 'Specs now ef poor Lony could only find de + table of de bressed Lord, 'twould all be well, and she'd be pertected + foreber.' So I prayed and prayed, and one night de good Lord comed hissef, + and bringd his great, splendid table, and all de fair angels dressed in + white and gold and settin roun it, and I got under, and I ate de crumbs + dat fell down, and den 'pears I begun to live. Oh, 'twas sich a peace dat + came all ober me, and I wanted to sing and shout all of de time. And dat's + jess whar I been eber sence, my friends, and I neber wants to come away + till I dies; and den de good Lord'll take me up to de great heabenly + mansion, and gib me de gold robes, and den I shall set up wid de rest and + be like 'em all. And I's willin to wait, 'caus I lubs de Lord and praises + him ebery day. He is de good Lord, and he lubs me and hearkens ebery time + I speaks to him; and I ha'n't 'bleeged to holler loud, nuther, for he's + neber far away, but he keeps close by dis poor soul so he can hear ebery + word and cry. And he'll hear all yer cries, my friends, when ye prays for + yersef or for yer chillen, or yer bredren and sisters. Le's pray, now." + </p> + <p> + Then kneeling down, this representative of a despised and untutored race, + with a faith that triumphed gloriously over her abject surroundings, + poured forth her supplications, talking with the Lord as a man talks with + his friend, as it were face to face. + </p> + <p> + "O bressed Lord, dat's in de heaben and de earf and ebery whar; you's + heerd all de tings dat we's asked for. And you knows all dat dese yer poor + chillen wants dat dey hasn't axed for; and if dere's any ob 'em here, dat + doesn't dare to speak out loud, and tell what dey does want, you can hear + it jess as well, ef it is way down deep buried up in de heart; and oh, + bressed Lord, do gib 'em de desires of de heart, 'less it's suffin dat'll + hurt 'em, and den Lord don't gib it to 'em at all." + </p> + <p> + This was enough for our little Tidy. Her heart swelled, and the great + tears ran down her cheeks, as she thought instantly of the one dear, + cherished petition that she dared not utter, but which was uppermost in + her heart continually; and as the woman pleaded with the Lord to hear and + answer the desires of every soul present, she held that want of hers up + before Him as a cup to be filled, and the Lord verily did fill it up to + the brim. A quiet, restful feeling took the place of the burning, eager + anxiety she had hitherto felt, and from that moment she was sure, yes, + SURE that she would have her wish, and some day be able to read. Nothing + had ever encouraged and strengthened her so much as the earnest words and + prayers of this Christian woman. How thankful she always felt that she had + been brought to the prayer-meeting at Massa Bertram's that night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. ROUGH PLACES. + </h2> + <p> + To obtain possession of the hymn-book she desired, was not so very + difficult in Tidy's estimation. The numerous visitors at the house, + pleased with her bright face, her gentle manners, and ready attentions, + often dropped a coin into her hand, and these little moneys were carefully + treasured for the accomplishment of her purpose. She calculated that by + Christmas-time she should have enough money to buy it, and Uncle Simon she + knew would procure it for her. Her greatest anxiety now was to be ready to + use it. + </p> + <p> + But how could she make herself ready? How was she to learn without a + teacher or a book? + </p> + <p> + There had been an old primer for some time tossing about the play-room—its + scarlet cover looking more gorgeous and tempting in Tidy's eyes, as they + fell upon it day after day, than any trinket or gewgaw she could have + seen; yet she dared not touch it. She was too honest to appropriate it to + herself without leave, and she was afraid to allude to the forbidden + lessons by asking Amelia or Susan for it. Several times she tried to draw + their attention to the neglected book, and to give them some hint of her + own longing for it,—but all to no avail. One day, however, she had + orders from the children to clear up the room thoroughly. + </p> + <p> + "Make every thing neat as a pin," said Amelia, "while we go down to + dinner, for we are going to have company this afternoon; and if it looks + right nice, I'll give you an orange." + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do with dis yer book, then, Miss Mely?" hastily asked Tidy, + as she stooped to pick up the book, and felt herself trembling all over + that she had dared to put her fingers upon it. + </p> + <p> + "That? Oh, that's no good; throw it away,—we never use it now,—or + keep it yourself, if you want to," said she, after a second thought. + </p> + <p> + It was done. The book was quickly deposited in a safe place, and the + clearing up proceeded rapidly. The orange was a small consideration; for + had she not got a book, her heart's desire, and now she could learn to + read. + </p> + <p> + She could learn all alone; she would be her own teacher. If she got into a + very narrow place she would get Uncle Simon to help her out. No one else + on the estate knew how to read, and he didn't know much, but no doubt he + could be of some assistance. Such was Tidy's inward plan. + </p> + <p> + After this, the little girl might have been seen every evening stretched + at full length on the cabin floor, her head towards the fireplace, where + the choicest pine knots were kindled into a cheerful blaze, with her + spelling-book open before her. She was "clambering" up the rough way of + knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Did she accomplish her purpose? To be sure she did. Little reader, did you + ever make up your mind to do any thing and fail? There's an old proverb + that says, "Where there's a will there's a way;" and this is true. + Resolution and energy, patience and perseverance, will achieve nearly + every thing you set about. Try it. Try it when you have hard lessons to + do, puzzling examples in arithmetic to solve, that long stint in sewing to + do, that distasteful music to practice, those bad habits to conquer. Try + it faithfully, and when you grow up, you'll be able to say, from your own + experience, "Where there's a will there's a way." + </p> + <p> + You must not expect, however, that Tidy learned very rapidly or very + perfectly under such discouragements. Think how it would be with yourself, + if you only knew your letters. You might read quite easily m-a-n, but how + do you think you could find out that those letters spelled man? + </p> + <p> + Tidy advanced much more expeditiously after she had obtained possession of + her hymn-book. Some of the hymns were quite familiar to her from her + having heard them sung so often at the meetings, and she determined to + study these first; and you may well imagine how proud she felt,—not + sinfully, but innocently proud,—when she seated herself one + afternoon by Mammy Grace's side, and pulling her hymn-book out of her + bosom, asked if she might read a hymn. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, chile, 'deed ye may, ef ye can. Specs 'twill do yer ole mammy's + heart good to hear ye read de books like de white folks." + </p> + <p> + And the child opened the book, and in a clear, pleasant, happy voice she + read slowly, but correctly,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "My God, the spring of all my joys, + The life of my delights, + The glory of my brightest days, + And comfort of my nights. + + "In darkest shades if he appear, + My dawning is begun; + He is my soul's sweet morning star, + And he my rising sun." +</pre> + <p> + "Look dar, chile," cried the old nurse, springing to her feet, "Massa + George's jess a'most out ob de door. Ef he SHOULD fall and break his neck, + what WOULD 'come of us. Dis yer chile 'd neber hab no more peace all de + days of her life. Yer reads raal pooty, honey; but ye mus'n't neglect duty + for de books, 'caus ef ye do, ye isn't worthy of de prevelege." + </p> + <p> + So Tidy had to forego her hymns till the children were put to bed. + </p> + <p> + After this, in the long winter evenings, in Mammy Grace's snug cabin, what + harvests of enjoyment were gathered from that precious book. Uncle Simon + was the favored guest on such occasions, and always "bringed his welcome + wid hissef," he said, in the shape of pitch-pine fagots, the richest to be + found, by the light of which they read and sung the songs of Zion, which + they dearly loved; the pious old slave in the mean time commending, + congratulating, and encouraging Tidy in her wonderful intellectual + achievements. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. + </h2> + <p> + PERSONS of will and energy generally have some distinct object before them + which they are striving to reach,—something of importance to be + gained or done. As fast as one thing is attained, another plan is + projected; and so they go on, mounting up from one achievement to another + all through life. And this enterprising spirit begins to be developed at a + very early age in children. + </p> + <p> + Tidy was one of these active little beings, full of business, never + unhappy for want of something to do; and besides the ordinary and more + trivial occupations of the outer life, her spirit or inner life had ever a + dear, cherished object before it, which engrossed her thoughts, taxed her + capabilities, and raised her above the degraded level of her companions in + servitude. + </p> + <p> + Now that she had attained one grand point in learning to read, she + ventured on another and far more difficult enterprise. What do you think + it was? Why, nothing more or less than to GET HER LIBERTY. + </p> + <p> + She had heard Miss Matilda say in the kitchen, "If I don't give the child + her liberty, I hope she will take it." This was her warrant. She + perceived, by Miss Matilda's words and manner, in the first place, that + liberty was desirable, and, in the second, that she COULD take it. But, + ignorant child as she was, she little knew the difficulties that stood in + the way. + </p> + <p> + She had now lived several years in Mr. Lee's family, and had grown wiser + in many respects. She began to realize more fully what it was to be a + slave, and what her probable prospects were, if she did not escape. She + learned that there was a place, not a great way from her Virginian home, + where people did not hold her race in bondage; where she could go and come + as she pleased, choose her own employers and occupation, be paid for her + labor, provide for herself, and perhaps some day have a home of her own, + with husband and children whom she could hold and enjoy. Do you think it + strange that such a condition seemed attractive, and that she was willing + to make great efforts and run fearful risks to reach it? + </p> + <p> + She kept her intentions profoundly secret. Even Mammy Grace and Uncle + Simon, her best friends, were not in her confidence. But she prayed about + it constantly, and sought information from every possible source with + regard to this free land,—where it was, and how it could be reached,—and + at last formed her plan, which she determined to carry out during the + coming summer. + </p> + <p> + She knew she must have money, if she was going to travel, and for a long + time she had been carefully saving up all she could command. She + constantly endeavored to make herself useful in various ways in order to + get it. The summer-time was her money harvest; and this season she was + delighted to find visitors thronging to the Springs in greater numbers + than she had ever seen before. She knew if there was plenty of company, + there would be plenty of business, and consequently a plenty of money; for + the class of people who came there were for the most part wealthy, and + were quite willing to pay for the attentions they received. The little + brick houses in which they lodged were under the care of the slave girls. + Each one had two of these cabins, as they were called, in charge, and were + required to keep them in order, to wait upon the ladies and children, and + serve them at the table. Tidy was unwearied in her efforts to please. She + answered promptly to every call, and kept her rooms in the neatest manner; + and for her pains she received many a bright coin, which was providently + stored away in a little bag, and concealed beneath her mattress. Perhaps + these conscientious people would not have bestowed money so freely on + their favorite young maid, if they had known the purpose to which it was + to be applied. For they say that slavery is a Christian institution, a + sort of missionary enterprise, which has been divinely appointed for the + good of the colored race; and of course to get away from it is to run away + from God and the privileges and blessings he is so kind as to give. + </p> + <p> + Tidy, however, thought differently, as the slaves generally do; and as she + had made up her mind that she should gain greater advantages in a state of + freedom, she determined to persevere in her attempt. Her accumulations + finally became so large, that she thought she might venture to start on + her journey. + </p> + <p> + She knew, too, that she must have clothes quite different from those she + usually wore. And how was she to get these? Ah, she had had an eye for a + long while to this. She and Amelia were not only of the same age, but of + the same size. Tidy had grown in the last two years very rapidly, and had + now reached a womanly hight and figure. She had watched the growth of + Amelia with the keenest interest. So far, it had corresponded with her own + so exactly that she could easily wear the clothes made for her young + mistress. In fact, Amelia often dressed Tidy up in her own garments that + she might get a better idea of how they looked upon herself. This season, + Amelia, for the first time, had a traveling suit complete, for she was + going a journey with her father; and when it was finished, she was so + pleased that she sent for Tidy at once to participate in her joy, and + insisted that she should immediately put it on, that she might see how it + fitted, and if every thing about it was as it should be. The dress was a + dark green merino, made with a very long pelerine cape, which was the very + pink of the fashion, and was the especial admiration of all the children. + Tidy arrayed herself in these, and, putting the little jaunty cap of the + same color on her head, stood before the glass and surveyed herself with + as perfect satisfaction as the owner of the becoming costume herself + experienced. Indeed she could hardly keep her eye from telling tales of + the joy within, as she inwardly said, "There's many a slip twixt the cup + and the lip, and may be, Miss Amelia, I shall go traveling in this before + you do." She felt that nothing could have been provided more suitable or + timely than this charming suit. + </p> + <p> + Are you shocked, little reader, that Tidy, the good, exemplary, + conscientious Tidy, should have thought of appropriating Amelia's wardrobe + to herself? I must stop a moment here to explain to you the slaves' code + of morals. They are so ignorant that we must not expect them to have so + high or correct a standard of conduct as we have, or to be able to make + such nice distinctions in questions of right and wrong. + </p> + <p> + Ever since Mammy Grace had made to her young pupil the first imperfect + revelation of God's character and government, declaring that he would + punish with eternal fire those who should lie, swear, or steal, the child + had held these sins in the greatest abhorrence, and was scrupulously + careful to avoid them. She would not have taken from the baby-house a + trinket, or an article of food from the kitchen, without leave, on any + account. At the same time, she had learned the slave theory that as they + are never paid for their labor, they have a right to any thing which their + labor has purchased, OF WHICH THEY HAVE NEED. Consequently if a slave is + not provided with food sufficient for his wants, he supplies himself. The + pigs and chickens, vegetables and fruits, or any thing else which he can + handily obtain, he helps himself to, as though they were his own, and + never burdens his conscience with the sin of stealing. A slave, who had + obtained his freedom, once remarked in a public meeting, that when he was + a boy, he was OBLIGED to steal, or TAKE food, as he called it, in order to + live, because so little was provided for him. "But now," said he, while + his face shone with a consciousness of honesty and honor, "I wouldn't take + a cent's worth from any man; no, not for my right hand." + </p> + <p> + So, you see, that this principle of appropriating what the labor of her + own hands had earned, when necessity demanded it, was that upon which Tidy + was to act. She never needed to steal food, nor even luxuries, for she + always had enough; nor money, because, for her limited wants, she always + had enough of that. But now, when she was going a journey, and wanted to + look especially nice, she felt very glad to have the dress prepared so + fitting for the occasion; and she did not feel a single misgiving of + conscience about taking it when she got ready to use it. Whether this was + just right or not, I shall leave an open question for you to decide in + your own minds. It will bear thought and discussion, and will be quite a + profitable subject for you to consider. + </p> + <p> + When the preparations were all made, Mammy Grace and old Simon were let + into the secret. Whether they said any thing by way of discussion I do not + know—at any rate, it did not alter Tidy's determination. I think, + however, that she found her two aged friends very useful in aiding her + last movements; and when the eventful moment arrived, and Tidy, attired in + Miss Amelia's garments, with a traveling-bag in her hand, containing her + hymn-book, her money, and a few needed articles, stood at the foot of the + walk that led into the public road, Mammy Grace stood with her in the + starlight of the early summer's morning, and bade her God-speed. + </p> + <p> + "Ye looks like a lady for all de world, honey; I 'clare dese yer old eyes + neber would a thought 'twas you, in dis yer fine dress—hi, hi, hi! + Specs nobody'll tink ye's run away. De old nuss hates to part wid her + chile; but ef ye must go, ye must, and de bressed Lord go wid ye, and keep + ye safe." + </p> + <p> + Then giving her a most affectionate hug, she put a paper of eatables in + her hand, and helped her to mount the horse before Uncle Simon, who was + already in the saddle. Where or how the old man procured the horse and + equipments, HE knew—but nobody else did. + </p> + <p> + The animal was a fast trotter, and brought them speedily five miles to the + village, where Tidy was to take the stage-coach to Baltimore. It was + before railroads and steam-engines were much talked of in Virginia. + Alighting in the outskirts of the town, Simon lifted the young girl to the + ground, and hastily commending her to "de bressed Lord of heaben and + earf," he bade her good-by, and went back to his bondage and toil. They + never saw each other again. + </p> + <p> + The day was fine, and riding a novel occupation for Tidy, but so full was + her trembling heart of anxiety and fear that she could not enjoy it. She + was afraid to look out of the window lest she might be recognized by some + one; and she dared not look at the two pleasant-faced gentlemen who were + in the coach with her, lest they might question her, and find out her true + condition. So she cuddled back as closely as possible in the corner, and + when they kindly offered her cakes and fruit, she just ventured to say, + "No, thank you." Her own food, which the dear old nurse had taken so much + pains to put up for her, lay untouched in her lap, for her heart was so + absorbed she could not eat. + </p> + <p> + Night brought her to the hotel in Baltimore. The great city, the large + building, and busy servants running hither and thither quite bewildered + her, and she had to watch herself very closely lest she should betray + herself. The waiters looked at her rather suspiciously; but she behaved + with all propriety, called for her room and supper, paid for what she had, + and in the morning was ready to take her seat in the northern stage, and + no one ventured to molest or question her. How her heart leaped when she + found herself safely on her way to Philadelphia. One day more, and she + would be in a free city. What she should do when she arrived there, how + she was to support herself in future, did not trouble her. That she might + stand on free soil, and lift up her eyes to the stars that shone on her + liberated body was all she thought of; and to-night this was to be. With + every step of the plodding horses, she grew bolder and more assured, and + her faith and hope and joyousness rose. But, alas! there was a lion in the + way of which she had not dreamed. + </p> + <p> + "Your pass!" shouted a grim-looking man, as she stepped, bag in hand, with + gentle dignity on the boat that was to take her across the stream which + divided slave territory from our free States. "Where's your pass? Don't + stand there staring at me," said the official, as the frightened girl + looked up as if for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + A pass! She had never once thought of that! No one had mentioned her need + of it. What was she to do? She looked confounded and terrified. + </p> + <p> + "No pass?" inquired the man, sternly. "'Tis easy enough to see what YOU + are, then. A runaway!" said he, turning to a man at his right hand, "make + her fast." + </p> + <p> + Frightened and trembling, Tidy tried to run, but it was of no use; a + strong hand seized her slender arm, and held her securely. Then her sight + seemed to fail her, she grew dizzy, and fell fainting on the deck. A crowd + gathered about her. They remarked her light skin and delicate features, + her ladylike form and neat dress. Could she be a slave? they asked. Would + such a child as she appeared to be attempt to gain her liberty? They + dashed water on her head, and, as her consciousness returned, she saw the + faces of those two pleasant Scotch gentlemen, who had rode with her the + day before all the way from Virginia, looking kindly and pitifully upon + her. + </p> + <p> + "If you had only told us," they said, "we could have helped you." + </p> + <p> + But there was no friend or helper in that terrible hour, and poor Tidy, + weeping and almost heart-broken, was carried back to Baltimore, and thrown + into the SLAVE-JAIL. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. + </h2> + <p> + IF I pronounce this disastrous event in Tidy's life another link in the + chain of loving-kindness by which God was leading her to himself, perhaps + you will wonder. But, my dear children, adversities are designed for this + very purpose, and are all directed in infinite love and wisdom for our + good. Tidy had prayed that she might be free, and the Lord heard, and + meant to answer her prayer. He meant not only to give her the liberty she + sought, but, more than that, to make her soul free in Christ Jesus; but + there were some things she needed to learn first. She was not prepared yet + to use her personal liberty rightly, nor did she at all appreciate or + desire that other and better freedom. Therefore the Lord disappointed her + at this time, and turned the course of her life, as it were, upside down, + that by painful experiences and narrow straits she might learn what an + all-sufficient Friend he could be to her; that she might learn too the + sinfulness of her own heart, and his free grace and mercy for her pardon + and salvation. + </p> + <p> + God "leads the blind in the way they know not." Tidy knew nothing of the + method by which he was guiding her, and when she found her hopes crushed, + and herself crouching, forlorn and friendless, weary and half-famished, in + a prison, she gave up all for lost. She felt indeed cast off and forsaken. + For hours she sat and cried despairingly, the pretty dress crumpled and + stained with tears, and the hat which had been so much admired trampled + under foot. Shame, grief, and fear of what was to come drove her almost to + distraction. + </p> + <p> + At the end of three days, Mr. Lee, acting as her master, who had been + apprised of her arrest, arrived at the prison. But what a wretched object + had he come to see! He could scarcely believe that the miserable, dejected + being before him was the once bright, beautiful Tidy,—such a change + had her disappointment and sorrow wrought. He really pitied her, if a + slaveholder ever can pity a slave, and yet he reproached her severely. He + told her she was a fool to run away; that niggers never knew when they + were well off; that if she had had a thimble-full of sense she might have + known she couldn't make her escape. He said they had just been offered a + thousand dollars for her,—which was then considered an enormous + price,—by a gentleman in Virginia, and they had been on the point of + selling her. + </p> + <p> + "I's Miss Matilda's," fiercely cried the poor girl at this, "and SHE + wouldn't a sold me; she said she never would." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, she would, Miss," replied Mr. Lee; "we don't let her throw away such + a valuable piece of property for nothing, I can tell you. A thousand + dollars in the bank isn't a small thing. It wouldn't find feet to walk off + with very soon, that we know." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Matilda TOLD me to take my liberty," said Tidy, disconsolately. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Matilda is a fool, like you. But we shall look out she don't cheat + herself in such a fashion. Now you can have your choice, little one; you + can go home with me, and take a good flogging for an example to the rest, + and stay with us till another buyer comes up,—for Mr. Nicholson + won't take such an uncertain piece of goods as you have showed yourself to + be,—or you can go South. There's a trader here ready to take you + right off. I'll give you till tomorrow morning to make up your mind." + </p> + <p> + "I'll go South," said the poor girl, the next morning. "I can't bear ever + to see Miss Tilda again." And she settled herself down to her fate. She + knew her life of bondage would be hard there, and she would not have much + chance of getting her freedom. But it was better than the mortification of + going back. + </p> + <p> + So she was sold to Mr. Pervis, the slave-trader. Mr. Pervis made about + fifty purchases in Baltimore and the vicinity, and then organizing his + gang he started for the South. Oh, what a different journey from that + which Tidy had intended when she left home. A thousand miles South, into + the very heart of slavery's dominions, with a company of coarse, stupid, + filthy, wretched creatures, such as she never would have willingly + associated with at home, so much more delicately had she been reared. Many + of these were field-hands sold to go to the cotton plantations,—sold + for "rascality." + </p> + <p> + Do you know what that means? You think it is ugliness. But no; it is a + DISEASE. It is a droll sort of malady, to which a learned Louisiana doctor + has given a singular name, which I can't spell, and which you wouldn't + know how to pronounce; but the symptoms I can describe. Where a slave is + attacked with this disease, he acts in a very stupid and careless manner, + and does a great deal of mischief, breaking, abusing, and wasting every + thing he can lay his hands on. He tears his clothes, throws away food, + cuts up plants in the field, breaks his tools, hurts the horses and + cattle, and does a vast amount of injury, and in such a way that it seems + as if it was all done on purpose. He will neither work, nor eat the food + offered him; quarrels with the other slaves and fights with the drivers, + and altogether acts in such an ugly way that the overseer says he is + "rascally." If it was really ugliness, he would be whipped; but, of + course, whipping won't cure disease; so the masters consider it incurable, + and sell the slave to go South to work in the rice-swamps and + cotton-fields. They, perhaps, think a change of climate will do more for + the patient than any other means. The Southern physicians don't have much + success, to tell the truth, in curing this difficulty, for they don't seem + to understand it. If they would only consult with some of their profession + at the North, I have no doubt they would get some valuable suggestions on + the subject. I really believe that the liberty-cure, practised by some + judicious money-pathic physician, would effectually cure this "rascality." + I wish I could see it tried. + </p> + <p> + Tidy found herself, therefore, in very undesirable company on this + expedition to Georgia, and made up her mind very shortly that there would + not be much enjoyment in it. She did not have to drag wearily along on + foot all the way; for Mr. Lee was considerate enough to suggest to Mr. + Pervis, that, as she had been brought up as a house-servant, and not + accustomed to very hard work, she would not be able to walk much, and if + she was not allowed to ride, there would be no Tidy left by the time they + got to their journey's end, and the thousand dollars which had just been + paid for her would have been thrown away. So Mr. Pervis gave her a + permanent place in one of the wagons, and the other women were taken up by + turns, whenever the poor creatures could step no longer. The men dragged + along, handcuffed in pairs, and their low, brutal, and profane + conversation was dreadful to Tidy. Oh, how often she wished she had staid + contentedly with Mammy Grace, and not tried to run away. And yet her hope + was not utterly gone, for she often caught herself saying, with closed + teeth, "Give me a chance, and I'll try it again." Freedom looked too + attractive to be entirely relinquished. + </p> + <p> + The gang halted at night, put up their tents, lighted fires and cooked + their mean repast. Then they stretched themselves on the bare ground to + sleep. In the morning, after the wretched breakfast was eaten, the tents + were struck, the wagons loaded again, and they started for another day's + travel,—and so on till the long, wearisome march was over. It took + them many weeks before they arrived at their destination. + </p> + <p> + There Tidy was soon resold, the trader making two hundred dollars by the + bargain, and she became the property of Mr. Turner, who took her to + Natchez, on the Mississippi River, where she became waiting-maid to Mrs. + Turner, his wife. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl was never the same in appearance after she left her Virginia + home. A deep pall seemed to have been thrown over her spirit, and her + hopes and happiness lay buried beneath it. Her disposition had lost its + buoyancy, and her face wore a sad, pensive look. She tried to do her duty + here as before, and her skill and neatness made her a favorite. But there + was no one here to care for her and love her as Mammy Grace had done; and + she missed the children sadly. Her hymn-book was neglected; for when she + opened it such a flood of recollections came over her that the tears + blinded her eyes and she could not see a word, and she never now heard a + prayer. She was again in an irreligious family, and among an ungodly set + of servants, and her faith, hope, and love began to grow dim. A dull, + heavy manner, and a careless, reckless state of mind was growing upon her. + </p> + <p> + It required deeper sorrow than she had yet experienced to wake her up from + this sluggish, unhappy condition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. CRUELTY. + </h2> + <p> + SHE was standing one beautiful evening at the front gate of the house, + leaning on the rail, and gazing listlessly up the street. She was + thinking, perhaps, of that starry night when first she had heard of the + name of God, or that other, when her faith had been so wonderfully built + up in listening to the striking experiences and prayer of the memorable + Lony. Perhaps she had wandered farther back to the time, when, under old + Rosa's protection, she had fed the chickens and watered the flowers at + Rosevale with childish content. Whatever it was, the tears would come, and + several times she raised her hand and dashed them away. Then she turned + her head and gazed the other way. + </p> + <p> + A large hotel stood nearly opposite the house, and across the narrow + street she watched the mingling, busy crowd of black and white, young and + old, coming and going, each intent on his own interests, each holding in + his heart the secret of his own history. Who are they all? thought Tidy, + what business are they all about? I wonder if they are all happy? not one + of them knows or cares for poor, unhappy me,—when lo! there suddenly + loomed up before her a familiar face. She watched it eagerly as it moved + up and down in the throng, for she felt that she had seen it before. But + it was some minutes before she could tell exactly where. At last it all + came to her. It was Arthur Carroll, the son of the man who had owned her + when a baby. She had often seen and played with him in her visits to her + mother. Many years had passed since she last beheld him, and he had grown + to be a young gentleman; but she was sure it was he. He stepped out of the + hotel and came towards the house. She uttered a little, quick cry, "Why, + Mass Arthur!" He turned and recognized her, and at once stopped to inquire + into her condition and circumstances. + </p> + <p> + It was almost like a visit to old Virginia to see young Carroll; and as + cold water to a thirsty soul was the news he brought her from that far + country. Tidy drank in eagerly every word he could tell her of the Lees, + and others whom she knew, and they were enjoying an animated conversation + when Tidy's master passed that way. He saw his slave engaged in familiar + talk with a stranger, and remembering the remark of the trader of whom he + had bought her, that she had tried "the running-away game" once, and must + be watched lest she should repeat the attempt, without waiting to inquire + into the circumstances of the case, he resolved to administer a proper + chastisement. Coming up behind, he struck her a violent blow on the side + of the head that sent the frail girl reeling to the ground. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes Tidy lay stunned upon the earth. When she came to + herself, her head was smarting with pain and her heart burned like fire + with indignation, and in a perfect frenzy of distress and mortification + she rushed out of the gate and flew down the street. Up and down, through + the streets and lanes of the city, she ran for hours, not knowing or + caring whither she went, until finally, exhausted and bewildered, she + dropped down upon the ground. Some one raised the panting girl and took + her to the guard-house. There she lay until morning before she could give + any distinct thought to what she had done, and what course she was now to + pursue. + </p> + <p> + When she began to think clearly, she felt that she had acted very + unwisely. For a slave to resist punishment, if it is ever so undeserved, + or to attempt to escape it by running away, is only to provoke severer + chastisement. That she well knew, and that there was nothing to be done + now, but to walk back to her master's house and meet a fate she could not + avoid. She only hoped that, when she acknowledged her fault, and frankly + told her master that she did it under a wild and bewildering excitement, + he would pardon her and let it pass. + </p> + <p> + She dragged her weary steps back to her master's house, fainting with + fatigue and hunger, and presented herself before her mistress. + </p> + <p> + "I's right sorry I runned so," she said, "but I was kind o' scared like, + and didn't know jest what I did. I knows I's no business to run away when + massa cuffed me." + </p> + <p> + Her mistress made no reply but an angry look; but nothing was said by any + one about what had happened, and Tidy felt that trouble was brewing. What + it would be she could not tell, but her heart was heavy within her. + Nothing occurred that day, but the next morning she was told to tie up her + clothes and be ready to go up the river at ten o'clock. She knew what + going up the river meant. Mr. Turner owned a large cotton plantation about + twenty miles from Natchez, and the severest punishment dreaded by his + servants in the city was to be sent there. + </p> + <p> + Tom, the coachman, accompanied Tidy, bearing in his pocket a note to the + overseer of the plantation. Would you take a peep into it before she, whom + it most concerned, learned its contents? It ran thus,— + </p> + <p> + "NATCHEZ, Wednesday, A. M. + </p> + <p> + "DIOSSY,— + </p> + <p> + "Give this wench a hundred lashes with the long whip this afternoon. Wash + her down well, and when she is fit to work, put her into the cotton field. + </p> + <p> + "ABRAM TURNER." + </p> + <p> + Oh, let us weep, dear children, for the poor girl, who, for no crime at + all, not even a misdeed, was made to bare her tender skin to such + shameless cruelty. No friend was there to help her, to plead for her, to + deliver her from the relentless, violent hand of the wicked oppressor. She + was left all alone to her terrible suffering. Can we wonder that she felt + that even the Lord had forgotten her? + </p> + <p> + That night there was scarcely an inch of flesh from her neck to her feet + that was not torn, raw, and bleeding. The salt brine, which is used to + heal the wounds, although when first applied it seems to aggravate the + torture, was poured pitilessly over her, and writhing with agony, + fainting, and almost dead, she was borne to a wretched hut, and laid on a + hard pallet. Three weeks she lay there, sick and helpless; but she cried + unto the Lord in her distress, and he heard her, and prepared to deliver + her, though the time of her deliverance was not yet fully come. She had + been brought low, but her eyes were not yet opened to her true needs, and + she had not yet learned the prayer God would have her offer, "Be merciful + to me, a SINNER." + </p> + <p> + Children, when you pray, do not be discouraged, if God does not answer you + INSTANTLY. His way is not as our way; and though he hears us, and means to + answer us, he may see that we are not yet ready to receive and appreciate + the blessing we seek. Besides, there is no TIME with God as we count time. + WE reckon by days and weeks, by months and years, but with him all is + "one, eternal NOW;" and he goes steadily on, executing his purposes of + love and mercy, without regard to those points and measures of time which + seem so important to us. We must remember, too, that it takes longer to do + some things than others. A praying woman whose faith was greatly tried, + once asked her minister what this verse meant,—Luke xviii. 8: "I + tell you that he will avenge them SPEEDILY." He replied, "If you make a + loaf of bread in ten minutes, you think you have done your work speedily. + Supposing a steam-engine is to be built. The pattern must be drafted, the + iron brought, the parts cast, fitted, polished, tried,—it will take + months to complete it, and then you may consider it SPEEDILY executed. So, + when we ask God to do something for us, he may see a good deal of + preparation to be necessary,—obstacles are to be removed, + stepping-stones to be laid,—in the words of the Bible, the rough + places are to be made plain, and the crooked ways straight, before the way + of the Lord is prepared, and he can come directly with the thing we have + asked." + </p> + <p> + It was thus with Tidy. She kept praying all the time to be free, but the + Lord, who meant to give her a larger and better freedom than she asked, + led her through such rough and crooked paths that she was quite + discouraged, and nearly gave up all for lost. + </p> + <p> + This was her painful condition when she was driven, for the first time in + her life, with a gang of men and women to work in the cotton-field. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. COTTON. + </h2> + <p> + LET us look into a cotton-field; we will take this one of a hundred acres. + The cotton is planted in rows, and requires incessant tillage to secure a + good crop. The weeds and long grass grow so rankly in this warm climate + that great watchfulness and care are required to keep them down. If there + should be much rain during the season, they will spread so rapidly as + perhaps quite to outgrow and ruin the crop. + </p> + <p> + Two gangs of laborers work in the field. The plough-gang go first through + the rows, turning up the soil, and are followed by the hoe-gang, who break + out the weeds, and lay the soil carefully around the roots of the young + plants. This operation has to be repeated again and again; and so + important is it to have it done seasonably that the workers are urged on, + early and late, until the field is in a flourishing condition. Hot or + cold, wet or dry, day and night, sometimes, the poor creatures have to + toil through this busy season. Then there is a little intermission of the + severe labor until the picking time, when again they are obliged to work + incessantly. + </p> + <p> + Most of the hoers are women and boys, some of whom do the whole allotted + task; others only a quarter, half, or three quarters, according to their + ability. When the children are first put into the field, they are only put + to quarter tasks, and some of the women are unable to do more. The bell is + rung for them at early dawn, when they rise, prepare and eat their + breakfast, and move down to the field. Clad in coarse, filthy, and scanty + clothing, they drag sullenly along, and use their implements of labor with + a slow, reluctant motion, that says very plainly, "This work is not for + ME. My toil will do ME no good." Oh, how would freedom, kindness, and good + wages spur up those unwilling toilers! How would the bright faces, the + cheerful words and songs of independent, self-interested, intelligent + laborers, make those fields to rejoice, almost imparting vigor and growth + to the cotton itself! But, alas! it is a sad place, a valley of sighs and + groans and tears and blood, a realm of hate and malice, of imprecation and + wrath, and every fierce and wicked passion. + </p> + <p> + A "water-toter" follows each gang with a pail and calabash; and the + negro-driver stands among them with a long whip in his hand, which he + snaps over their heads continually, and lets the lash fall, with more or + less severity, on one and another, shouting and yelling meanwhile in a + furious and brutal manner, as a boisterous teamster would do to his unruly + oxen. + </p> + <p> + If the season is wet, the danger to the crop being greater, there is more + necessity for constant toil, and the poor slaves are whipped, pushed, and + driven to the very utmost, and allowed no time to rest. It is no matter if + the old are over-worked, or the young too hardly pressed, or the feeble + women faint under their burdens. So that a good crop is produced, and the + planter can enjoy his luxuries, it is no consideration that tools are worn + out, mules are destroyed, or the slaves die; more can be bought for next + year, and the slaveholder says it pays to force a crop, though it be at + the expense of life among the hands. + </p> + <p> + At noon, the dinner is brought to each gang in a cart. The hoers stop work + only long enough to eat their poor fare standing,—and poor fare + indeed it is. The corn that is made into bread is so filled with husks and + ground so poorly that it is scarcely better than the fodder given to the + cattle; and the bacon, if they have any, is badly cured and cooked. But + they must eat that or starve; there is no chance of getting any thing + better. The ploughmen take their dinners in the sheds where the mules are + allowed to rest; and since two hours is usually given these animals, for + rest and foddering, they, of course, must take the same. + </p> + <p> + At sunset they leave off work, and, tired and hungry, they have to prepare + their own supper; and after hastily eating it, at nine o'clock the bell is + rung for them to go to bed. Sundays they are not usually required to work, + and some planters give their slaves a portion of Saturday, in the more + leisure season; and this intermission of field labor is all the + opportunity they have to wash and mend their clothes, or for any + enjoyment. What a sorry life! sixteen hours out of the twenty-four, with a + hoe in the hand, or a heavy cotton sack or basket tied about the neck, + toiling on under the curses and lash of the driver and the overseer. + </p> + <p> + Tidy dreaded it. Brought up as she had been, accustomed to comparatively + neat clothing, good food, cheerful associates, and light work, how could + she live here? She felt that she could not long endure it. Her strength + would fail, her task be unfinished, then she must be punished, and before + long, through hard fare, unwearied toil, and ill usage, she felt that she + should die. But there was no help. Once she had ventured to send an + entreaty to her master to take her back to house service. But he was + hardhearted and unrelenting, and declared with an oath that made her ears + tingle that she should never leave the cotton-field till she died, and + there was no power in heaven or earth that could make him change his + determination. So she hopelessly plodded on, day after day, scorched + beneath the hot sun, and drenched with the pouring rain, weak, faint, and + thirsty, trembling before the coarse shouts, and shrinking from the + tormenting lash of the pitiless driver, sure that her fate was sealed. + </p> + <p> + [illustration omitted] + </p> + <p> + Was there no eye to pity, and no arm to rescue? Yes, the unseen God, whose + name is love, was leading her still. Through all the dark, rough places of + her life, his kind, invisible hand was laying link to link in that + wondrous chain which was finally to bring her safe and happy into his own + bosom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. RESCUE. + </h2> + <p> + THE slaves on Mr. Turner's plantation had no SABBATH. To be sure, they + were not driven to the field on Sunday, because it was considered an + economic provision to let man and beast rest one day out of the seven. But + they had no church to attend, and never had any meetings among themselves. + Indeed there were no pious ones among them. The men took the day for + sport; the women washed and ironed, sewed and cooked, and did various + necessary chores for themselves and children, for which they were allowed + no other opportunity; and spent the rest of the day in rude singing, + dancing, and boisterous merriment. + </p> + <p> + Tidy could not live as the rest did. She could not forget the instructions + and habits of the past. She preferred to sit up later on Saturday evening + to do the work which others did on Sunday, and when that day came, she + never entered into their coarse gayety and mirth. She had no heart for it, + and did not care though she was reviled and scoffed at for her particular, + pious ways. + </p> + <p> + One Sunday afternoon, weary with the noise and rioting at the quarters, + homesick and sad, she wandered away from her hovel, and strolling down the + path which led to the cotton-field, she kept on through bush and brake and + wood until she reached the bank of the river. Here, where the great + Mississippi, the Father of Waters, seemed to have broken his way through + tangled and interminable forests, she stood and looked out upon the broad + stream. It lay like a vast mirror reflecting the sunlight, its surface + only now and then disturbed by a passing boat or prowling king-fisher. Up + and down the bank, with folded arms and pensive countenance, the + toil-worn, weary girl walked, her soul in unison with the solitude and + silence of the place. Recollections of the past, which continually haunted + her, but which she had of late striven with all her might to banish from + her mind, now rushed like a mighty tide over her. She could not help + thinking of the pleasant Sabbath days in old Virginia, when she and Mammy + Grace were always permitted to go to church; and of those sunset hours, + when, seated in the door of the neat cabin, she had joined with the old + nurse and Uncle Simon in singing those beautiful hymns they loved so well. + How long it was since she had tried to sing one! Before she was aware, she + was humming, in a low voice, the once familiar words:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Oh, when shall I see Jesus, + And reign with him above? + And from that flowing fountain + Drink everlasting love?" +</pre> + <p> + Then, suddenly jumping over all the intervening verses, as if she, a poor + shipwrecked soul, were springing to the cable suddenly thrown out before + her, she burst out in a loud strain,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Whene'er you meet with trouble + And trials on your way, + Oh, cast your care on Jesus, + And don't forget to pray." +</pre> + <p> + With what unction Uncle Simon used to pour forth that verse. It was to him + the grand cure-all, the panacea for every heart-trouble; and over and over + again he would sing it, always winding up in his own peculiar fashion with + a quick, jerked-out "Hallelujah! Amen." + </p> + <p> + His image rose vividly before Tidy at that moment, and, as the tears began + to roll down her cheeks, she clasped her hands over her face, and cried, + "Oh, I has forgot that. I has forgot to pray." Then, falling on her knees, + she poured forth such an earnest prayer as had never before, perhaps, been + heard in that vast solitude. Her heart was relieved by this outpouring of + her griefs to God, and she wondered that she had allowed herself, + notwithstanding her sufferings and discouragements, to neglect such a + privilege. It is so sometimes; grief is so overwhelming that it seems to + shut us away from God; but we can never find comfort or relief until we + have pierced through the clouds, and got near to his loving ear and heart + again. Tidy found this true. "And now," she said to herself, "I WILL keep + on praying until he hears me, and comes to help me,—I am determined + I will." + </p> + <p> + But perhaps, thought she, I haven't prayed the right prayer; perhaps + there's something about me that's wrong; and she cried with a loud voice, + that was echoed back again from those forest depths, "O Lord, tell me just + how to pray, that I mayn't make no mistake." + </p> + <p> + No sooner had she uttered this petition than she thought she heard a + voice, and these were its words: "Say, 'O Lord, pluck me out of the fiery + brands, and take my feet out of the miry pit, and make me stand on the + everlasting rock; and, O Lord, save my soul.'" Tidy had heard a great many + of her people tell about dreams and visions and voices, but she had never + before had any such experiences. But this came to her with a reality she + could not doubt or resist. It seemed like a voice from heaven, and she + remarked that great stress was laid upon the last words, "O Lord, SAVE MY + SOUL." Hitherto she had only sought temporal deliverance. She had never + been fully awakened to her condition as a sinner, and had, therefore, + never asked for the salvation of her soul. Now it was strongly impressed + upon her mind that there was something more to be delivered from than the + horrors of the cotton-field. She was a sinner, was not in favor with God, + and if she should die in her present condition, she would go down to those + everlasting burnings which she had always feared. All this was conveyed to + her mind by a sudden impression, in much shorter time than I can relate + it; and at once she accepted it, and earnestly resolved that she would + offer that twofold prayer every day and hour, till the Lord should be + pleased to come for her help. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps some of my readers would like to ask if I believe she really heard + a voice. No, I do not. I think it was the Holy Spirit of God that brought + to her mind some of the Scripture expressions she had formerly heard, and + applied them to her heart with power. This is the peculiar work of the + Holy Spirit. When Christ was bidding farewell to his disciples, he told + them he should send the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, who should + teach them all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO THEIR REMEMBRANCE. I think + that God, in his tender love and pity for Tidy, sent the Holy Ghost to + bring to her remembrance those things which had long been buried in her + heart; and at that tranquil hour, in that still, lonely spot, when her + spirit was tender with sorrow, she was just in the condition to receive + his influences, and give attention to the thoughts he had stirred up + within her. And coming to her perception quickly, like a flash of light, + as truth often does, it seemed to her excited imagination like an audible + voice, and the words had all the effect upon her of a direct revelation + from heaven. + </p> + <p> + This striking experience refreshed the poor girl, and nerved her anew for + her toils and trials. She felt hope again dawning within her; and though + she could see no way, she had faith to believe that the Lord would appear + for her rescue. She prayed the new prayer constantly. It was her first + thought in the morning, and her last at night, and during every moment of + the livelong day was in her heart or on her lips. + </p> + <p> + One forenoon, as she was drawing her weary length along with the + accustomed gang, picking the ripe, bursting cotton-bolls, a messenger + arrived to say that she was wanted by the master. She almost fainted at + the summons. What could he want her for? Surely it was not for good. Was + he going to inflict cruelty again as unmerited as it had before been? She + threw off her cotton-sack from her neck, to obey the summons; but she + trembled so that she could scarcely walk. Her knees smote one against + another, her heart throbbed, and her tongue cleaved to the roof of her + mouth in her excitement and fright. As she drew near to the house, she + perceived her master with haughty strides walking up and down the veranda, + his hands behind him and his head thrown back, his whole appearance + bearing witness to the proud, imperious spirit within. A gentleman of + milder aspect was seated on a chair, intently eying Tidy as she + approached, and she heard him say,— + </p> + <p> + "Can you recommend her, Turner? Do you really think she is capable of + filling the place?" + </p> + <p> + "Capable!" said the master. "Take off that bag, and dress her, and you'll + see. TOO smart, that's her fault. YOU'LL see." + </p> + <p> + "I like her looks; I'll try her," was the reply; and this was all the + intimation Tidy had that she had been transferred to another master. Her + heart leaped within her at what she heard; but when peremptorily told to + get ready to follow Mr. Meesham, she hesitated. What for, do you think? + Her first impulse was to throw herself at her master's feet, and ask what + had induced him to sell her. But she dared not. He cast upon her a glance + of such spurning contempt that she cringed before him. But she made up her + mind that God only could have moved that stern, proud man to change a + purpose which he had declared to be inflexible. She was right. God, who + controls all hearts, and can turn them withersoever he pleases, in answer + to prayer, had moved that stubborn heart. + </p> + <p> + Thus the first part of Tidy's new prayer was answered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. + </h2> + <p> + THE new home of Mr. Meesham was in Mobile. The master was an unmarried + man, who wanted a capable superintendent for his domestic concerns, a + neat, lady-like servant to wait upon his table, a trustworthy keeper of + his keys, a leader and director of his household slaves. All this he found + in Tidy, and when she was promoted to the head of the establishment, + dressed in becoming apparel, with plenty of food at her command, pleasant, + easy work to do, and leisure enough for rest and enjoyment, perhaps you + think she was happy. + </p> + <p> + Ah, she was still a slave, and every day she was painfully reminded of it. + She could not exercise her own judgment, nor act according to her own + sense of right. She must walk in the way her master pointed out, and do + his bidding. Whatever comforts she could pick up as she went along, she + was welcome to; but she must have no choice or will of her own. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps you think her gratitude to God for his great deliverance would + make her happy. So it did for a time, and then she forgot her deliverer, + and the still greater blessing she needed to ask of him. How many there + are just like her, who cry to God for help in adversity, and forget him + when the help comes. How many who promise God, when they are in trouble + and danger, that if they are spared they will serve him, and, when the + danger is past, entirely forget their vows. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was with Tidy. She had been brought out of the cotton-field, and + the misery that curtained it all round, into circumstances of plenty and + comparative ease; and, rejoicing that the first part of her prayer was + answered, she forgot all about the second and most important petition, "O + Lord, save my soul." + </p> + <p> + But God was too faithful to forget it. He allowed her to go on in her own + course a few years longer, and then he laid his hand upon her again. He + prostrated her upon a bed of sickness, and brought her to look death in + the face. Then the Holy Spirit began to deal powerfully with her. She + realized that she was a great sinner. It seemed that she was standing on + the brink of a horrible precipice, and her sins, like so many tormenting + spirits, were ready to cast her headlong into the abyss of destruction. + Whither could she flee for safety? + </p> + <p> + She found a Bible and tried to read; but it had been so long since she had + looked into a book that she had almost forgotten what she once knew. It + was impossible for her to read right on as we do; she could only pick out + here and there a word and a sentence. One day she opened the book and her + eye fell on the word "Come." She knew that word very well. It made her + think right away of the hymn, "Come, ye sinners, poor and needy." She + thought she would read on just there, and see what it said; and + imperfectly, and after long endeavors, she made out this verse, "Come now, + and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as + scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, + they shall be as wool." Then she glanced at a verse above, "Wash ye, make + you clean: put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease + to do evil; learn to do well." + </p> + <p> + These verses conveyed to her dark, unin-structed mind two very clear + ideas. One was that she was to forsake every thing that appeared to her + like sin, and to do right in future; and the other, that she was permitted + to reason with the Lord about the sins she had committed; both which she + at once resolved to do. + </p> + <p> + Her prayer now was changed. Before she had begged, entreated the Lord to + forgive her sins; now she brought arguments. "Am I not a poor slave, + Lord," she cried, "that never has known nothing at all. I never heard no + preaching, I never had nobody to tell me how to be saved. I have done a + good many wicked things, but I didn't know they were wicked then; and I + have left undone many things, but I didn't know I ought to be so + particular to do them. And, Lord, out of your own goodness and kindness + won't you forgive this poor child. You are so full of love, pity me, pity + me, O Lord, and save my poor soul. I will try to be good. I will try to do + right. I'll never, never dance no more. I'll try to bear all the hard + knocks I get, and I won't be hard on them that's beneath me, and I will + pray, and try to read the Bible, and I'll talk to the rest of the people; + only, Lord, forgive my sins, and take this load off that's breaking my + heart, and make me feel safe and happy, so I won't be afraid when I die." + </p> + <p> + Thus the sick girl prayed with clasped hands upon her bed of pain; but + still her mind was dark. There was no one to tell her of the way of + salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Had she never heard of Jesus? She + had heard his name, had sung it in her hymns; but she imagined it to be + another name for the Lord, and had never heard of the glorious salvation + that blessed Name imparts. + </p> + <p> + One night, while in this state of distress and perplexity, Tidy dreamed a + dream. She thought she saw the Lord, seated on a majestic throne, with + thousands and ten thousands of shining angels about him, and she was + brought a guilty criminal before him. Convicted of sin, and not knowing + what else to do, she again commenced pleading in her own behalf, using + every argument she could think of to move the Lord to mercy. There was no + answer, but the great Judge to whom she appealed seemed turned aside in + earnest conversation with one who stood at his right hand, wearing the + human form, but more fair and beautiful than any person she had ever seen. + Then the Lord turned again and looked upon her,—and such a look, of + pity, of love, of forgiveness and reconciliation! A sweet peace distilled + upon her soul, and joy, such as she had never felt, sprang up in her + bosom. "I am forgiven, I am accepted!" she cried, "but not for any thing I + have said. This stranger has undertaken my case. He has interceded for me. + I know not what plea he has used, but it has been successful, and my soul + is saved." In this exultation of joy she awoke. + </p> + <p> + Yes, her soul WAS free. The plan of salvation had been dimly revealed to + the weeping sinner in the visions of the night. What strange ways the Lord + sometimes takes to reveal his love to his creatures! But his way is not as + our way, and he has ALL means at his control. Every soul will have an + individual history to tell of the revelation of God's mercy to it. + </p> + <p> + Thus the second part of Tidy's long-offered prayer was answered. From this + time she rejoiced in the Lord, and gloried in her unknown Saviour. Her + prayers were changed to praises, and she forgot that she was a slave in + the happiness of her new-found soul-liberty. + </p> + <p> + She kept her Bible at hand, and every now and then picked out some + precious verse; but the long, sweet story of Calvary, hidden between its + covers, she had not yet read. And her voice found delightful employment in + singing the hymns of the olden time, which came to her now with a meaning + they had never had before. The Lord sent her health of body, and as she + returned to her duties, she tried in all things to be faithful and worthy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. + </h2> + <p> + THE Lord had not yet exhausted his love towards Tidy, but was designing + still greater mercies for her. He was going to deliver her from the + thralldom of oppression, and to send her to be further instructed in his + truth, and to bear testimony to his loving-kindness in another home. + </p> + <p> + The master's heart was moved to set her free; and, embarked in a small + vessel, with a New England captain, Tidy found herself at twenty years of + age sailing away from the land of cruel bondage, to a home where she + should know the blessings of freedom. Her emancipation papers were put + into the hands of the captain, and money to provide for her comfort, with + the assurance that while her master lived she should never want. + </p> + <p> + At first she was sick and almost broken-hearted at the change in her + condition. Much as she longed for freedom, she had formed new ties in her + Mobile home, which it was hard for her affectionate nature to break. She + was old enough now to look forward to some of the difficulties to be + encountered in a land of strangers, seeking employment in unaccustomed + ways. But she went to her Bible as usual in her trouble, and the words + which the Angel of the Covenant addressed to Jacob, when, exiled from his + father's house, he made the stones of Bethel his pillow, came right home + refreshingly to her,—"I am with thee, and will keep thee in all + places whither thou goest." The soreness at her heart was at once healed, + and she cried out, in deep emotion, "Enough, Lord! Now I have got + something to hold on by, and I will never let it go. When I get into + trouble, I shall come and say, Lord, you remember what you said to me on + board ship, and I know you will keep your promise." + </p> + <p> + Thus fortified for her new life, Tidy arrived at New York. The sun was + just setting as she planted her foot on the soil of freedom; and as his + slanting rays fell upon her, she thought of her toiling, suffering + sisters, driven at this hour from labor to misery, and her heart sickened + at the thought. "O God," she cried, "hasten the day when ALL shall be + free." + </p> + <p> + Tidy's first experience in this wilderness of delights, where was so much + to be seen, learned, and enjoyed, was a striking one, and proved how the + goodness of God followed her all the days of her life. It was Saturday + evening when she landed. The family with whom the captain placed her were + pious people, and were glad enough of the opportunity on the morrow of + taking an emancipated slave, who had never been inside a church, to the + house of God. It was a humble, un-pretending edifice where the colored + people worshiped, but to her it was spacious and splendid. How neat and + orderly every thing appeared. Men, women, and children, in their Sunday + attire, walked quietly through the streets, and reverently seated + themselves in the place of worship. The minister ascended the pulpit, and + the singers took their places in the choir. It was communion Sunday, and + the table within the altar was spread for the holy feast. All these + strange and incomprehensible proceedings filled the mind of Tidy with + solemnity and awe. + </p> + <p> + The services began. The prayer and reading of the Scripture seemed to feed + her hungry soul as with the bread of life. Then the congregation arose and + sang,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Alas, and did my Saviour bleed? + And did my Sovereign die? + Would he devote his sacred head + For such a worm as I? + Oh, the Lamb, the loving Lamb, + The Lamb on Calvary; + + The Lamb that was slain, + That liveth again, + To intercede for me." +</pre> + <p> + All through the hymn she was actually trembling with excitement. Her whole + being was thrilled, her eyes overflowed with tears, and she could scarcely + hold herself up, as verse after verse, with the swelling chorus, convinced + her that they sang the praises of Him whom she had seen in her dream, who + stood between her and an offended God, and whom, though she knew him not, + she loved and cherished in her inmost soul. Oh, if she could know more + about him! + </p> + <p> + Her wish was to be gratified. As Paul said to the people of Athens, "Whom + therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you," so might the + preacher of righteousness have said to this eager listener. He took for + his text these words: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was + bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; + and with his stripes we are healed." Then followed the whole story of the + cross,—the reasons why it was necessary for Jesus to give his life a + ransom for many; the divine love that prompted the sacrifice; the + all-sufficiency of the atonement; and the completeness of Christ's + salvation. He spoke of Jesus as the one accepted Intercessor, Advocate, + and Surety above, and urged his hearers to yield themselves with faith and + love to this faithful and merciful Saviour. + </p> + <p> + Tidy sat with her eyes fixed on the speaker, her mouth open with + amazement, and her hands clasped tightly over her heart, as if to quiet + its feverish throbs; and when he had finished, and one and another in the + congregation added an earnest "Amen," "Hallelujah," and "Praise the Lord," + she could keep still no longer. "'TIS HE," she cried, raising her hands, + "'TIS HE; But I never heard his name before." + </p> + <p> + The closing hymn fell with sweet acceptance upon her ear, and calmed, in + some measure, the tumultuous rapture of her spirit:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Earth has engrossed my love too long! + 'Tis time I lift mine eyes + Upward, dear Father, to thy throne, + And to my native skies. + + "There the blest Man, my Saviour sits; + The God! how bright he shines! + And scatters infinite delights + On all the happy minds. + + *'Seraphs, with elevated strains, + Circle the throne around; + And move and charm the starry plains, + With an immortal sound. + + "Jesus, the Lord, their harps employs; + Jesus, my love, they sing! + Jesus, the life of all our joys, + Sounds sweet from every string. + + "Now let me mount and join their song, + And be an angel too; + My heart, my hand, my ear, my tongue, + Here's joyful work for you. + + "There ye that love my Saviour sit, + There I would fain have place, + Among your thrones, or at your feet, + So I might see his face." +</pre> + <p> + Is there any thing, dear children, that can penetrate the whole being with + such rapturous joy as the love of Christ? If you have never felt it, learn + to know him that you may experience those "infinite delights" which he + only can pour in upon the soul. + </p> + <p> + And now we must take leave of Tidy. She lives still, a hearty, humble, + trusting Christian. She has been led to her true rest in God, and in him + she is secure and happy; "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; having nothing, + and yet possessing all things." + </p> + <p> + "I have every thing I want," she says, as she sits beside me, "for God is + my Father, and his children, you know, Missus, inherits the earth." + </p> + <p> + "How happens it, then, that you are so poor?" I ask. + </p> + <p> + "My Father gives me every thing he sees best for me," is her beautiful + reply. "It wouldn't be good for me to have a great many things. When I + need any thing, I ask him, and he always gives it to me. I AM PERFECTLY + SATISFIED." + </p> + <p> + Dear children, upon this little story-tree two golden apples of + instruction hang, which I want you to pluck and enjoy. One is, that if God + so loved a humble slave-child, and took such pains to bring her to + himself, it is our privilege to feel the same sympathy and love for this + poor despised race. And this love will draw us two ways: first, towards + God, admiring and praising his infinite goodness and compassion; and, + secondly, towards these prostrate, down-trodden people, to do all we can, + in God's name, and for his dear sake, for their elevation and instruction. + Remember, "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones, a + cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple,"—that is, through + this feeling of love, of Christian kindness, "he shall in no wise lose his + reward." + </p> + <p> + The other,—if God so loved this humble slave-child, he has the same + love towards every one of you. Will you not yield yourselves to his + control, and let his various loving-kindnesses draw you too to himself? + </p> + <p> + OLD DINAH JOHNSON. + </p> + <p> + ONE day little Henry Wallace came to his mother's side, as she was sitting + at her work, and, after standing thoughtfully a few moments, he looked up + in her face and said: + </p> + <p> + "Ma, how many heavens are there?" + </p> + <p> + "Only one, my child," replied his mother, looking up from her work with + surprise at such a question. "What made you ask me that?" + </p> + <p> + "Isn't there but one?" inquired Henry, with a little sort of trouble in + his voice. "Then, will Dinah Johnson go to the same heaven we do?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, my dear; for heaven is one glorious temple, and God is the + light of it; and into it will be gathered all those who love the Lord + Jesus Christ, to dwell in his presence, in fullness of joy, for ever. But + Henry, my darling, why did you ask such a question? Don't you want poor + old Dinah to go to the same heaven that we do?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, mamma, I love Dinah, and I want her to go to our heaven; but + last Sunday papa told me that the angels were every one fair and + beautiful, and Jacob Sanders says Dinah is a homely old darkey. Now, how + can she change, mamma?" + </p> + <p> + Henry's mother saw at once where the difficulty lay in her little boy's + mind; so, putting aside her work, she took the child up on her knee, and + explained the matter to him. + </p> + <p> + "Henry," said she, "I am sorry to hear that Jacob Sanders calls Dinah a + darkey; for those who are so unfortunate as to have a black skin don't + like to be called that or any other bad name. They have trouble enough + without that, and I hope you will never, never do it. They like best to be + called colored persons, and we should always try to please them. We should + pity them, and try to relieve their sorrows, and not increase them. Don't + you think so?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, ma, and I do love Dinah, and I don't care if she isn't white, like + you." + </p> + <p> + "Neither does God, our heavenly Father, care, Henry, about the color of + the skin. The Bible says, 'God is no respecter of persons; but in every + nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with + him.' God looks at the soul more than at the body. Nothing colors THE SOUL + but sin. That stains and blackens it all over, and only the blood of Jesus + Christ can wash it pure and white again. But every soul that has been + washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb will be welcomed into + heaven, with songs of great rejoicing; and all will dwell together in + peace and purity, and love and great happiness for ever. + </p> + <p> + "Poor old Dinah is one of God's dear children. She loves the dear Saviour + very much, and tries in every way to please and honor him; and she is + looking forward with great pleasure to the time when she shall drop that + infirm, old, black body, and be clothed with light as an angel. I shall be + glad for her,—sha'n't you, darling?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed, mamma,—so glad;" and the little boy's mind was + henceforth at rest on that point. + </p> + <p> + But I must tell my readers who old Dinah Johnson was. Once she was a + slave; but when she had become so old that her busy head and hands and + feet could do no more service for her master, he had set her free. Of + course, she was glad to be free,—to feel that she could go where she + liked, and do as she pleased, and keep all the money she could earn for + herself. Precious little it was, though, for her sight was growing dim, + and her hands and feet were all distorted with rheumatism; and what with + pains and poverty and old age, her strength was fast wasting. But she was + happy, really happy. + </p> + <p> + If you could have looked upon her, though, you wouldn't have supposed she + had any thing to be happy about. With a skin black as night, hair gray and + scanty, her face was as homely as homely could be, and her limbs were weak + and tottering. The old, unpainted house she lived in shook and creaked + with every blast of the wintry wind, and the snow drifted in at every + crack and crevice. Her furniture was very poor, and her food mean. But it + is not what we see outside that makes people happy. Oh, no; happiness + springs from the inside. The fountain is in the heart, from which the + streams of joy and gladness flow. + </p> + <p> + With all her homeliness and poverty, old Dinah was a jewel in the sight of + the Lord. He had graven her upon the palm of his hand, and written her + name in the book of life; and she was treasured as a precious child in his + loving heart. The name of the Lord was precious to her, also; they were + bound together in a covenant of love. Of course, she was happy. + </p> + <p> + Her heavenly Friend never forgot her. He sent many a one to bring her work + and money and fuel and clothes. She was never without her bread and water,—you + know the Lord has told his children that their "BREAD and WATER shall be + SURE,"—and almost always she had a little tea and sugar in the + cupboard. At Thanksgiving time, many a good basket-full of pies and + chickens found their way to her humble door; and when she had received + them, she would raise her hands and eyes to heaven, and thank the Lord for + his goodness, and ask for a blessing upon the kind hearts that sent the + gifts. She did not always know who they were, but she was sure she should + see them and love them in heaven. + </p> + <p> + The only thing that seemed to trouble old Dinah was that she couldn't help + others; that she couldn't do any thing for her Lord and Saviour. "I am so + black and ugly," she would say, "and so old and lame and poor, that I + a'n't fit to speak to any body; but I'll pray, I'll pray." She managed to + hobble to church; and there, from her high seat in the gallery,—poor + colored people must always have the highest seats in the house of God,—she + could look all around the congregation. She took especial notice of the + young men and women that came into church; and what do you think she did? + Why, she would select this one and that one to pray for, that they might + be converted. She would find out their names, and something about them; + and then she would ask God, a great many times every day, that he would + send his Holy Spirit to them, and give them new hearts. They didn't know + any thing about her, of course, nor what she was doing. By and by, she + would hear the glad news that they had come to Christ. Then she would + choose others. These were converted, too; and by and by there was a great + revival in the church, and many sinners were saved. After a time, there + came a large crowd to join the church, and number themselves among the + Lord's people; and poor old Dinah saw twelve young men, and several young + women stand up in the aisle that day, and give themselves publicly to God, + whom she had picked out and prayed for in this way. Oh, she was so happy, + then! Her old eyes overflowed with tears of joy, and she couldn't stop + thanking and praising God. + </p> + <p> + Now this was the good old creature that Henry Wallace thought might have + to go to another heaven, because her skin was black. Do YOU think God + would need to make another heaven for her? No, indeed. But I'll tell you, + dear children, what I think. If there is a place in heaven higher and + nearer God than another, that's the place where poor old Dinah will be + found at last. I think that those who love God most, whether they are + black or white, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, refined or rude, will + stand the nearest to him in heaven. I am sure there was such warm love + between her and the Saviour, that he will not want her to be far away from + him in that bright world. He will call her up close to his side, and look + upon her with sweet, affectionate smiles all the time. And many a one will + wonder, perhaps, who that can be, so favored, so distinguished. They will + never imagine it to be the glorified body of a poor, old, black slave, + from such a wretched home,—will they? + </p> + <p> + If there are TWO heavens, I would like to be admitted to hers,—wouldn't + you? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1052 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ada4ec7 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #1052 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1052) diff --git a/old/1052-h.zip b/old/1052-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b11adf4 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/1052-h.zip diff --git a/old/1052-h/1052-h.htm b/old/1052-h/1052-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b6ea362 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/1052-h/1052-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3885 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Step by Step, by The American Tract Society + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Step by Step, by The American Tract Society + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Step by Step + or, Tidy's Way to Freedom + +Author: The American Tract Society + +Release Date: August 5, 2008 [EBook #1052] +Last Updated: January 8, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STEP BY STEP *** + + + + +Produced by Judy Boss, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + STEP BY STEP + </h1> + <h3> + OR + </h3> + <h2> + TIDY'S WAY TO FREEDOM. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Woe to all who grind + Their brethren of a common Father down! + To all who plunder from the immortal mind + Its bright and glorious crown!" + —WHITTIER. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + [colophon omitted] + </h5> + <h4> + Published By The <br /> American Tract Society, <br /> 28 Cornhill, Boston. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="mynote"> + <p> + Transcriber's Note: I have removed page numbers; all italics are + emphasis only. I have omitted running heads and have closed + contractions, e.g. "she 's" becoming "she's"; in addition, on page 180, + stanza 3, line 1, I have changed the single quotation mark at the + beginning of the line to a double quotation mark. + </p> + <p> + Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by THE AMERICAN + TRACT SOCIETY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the + District of Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + Riverside, Cambridge: + </p> + <p> + Stereotyped And Printed By H. O. Houghton. + </p> + <br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>STEP BY STEP.</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. THE BABY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. SUNSHINE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. A NEW HOME. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. FRANCES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. PRAYER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. THE FIRST LESSON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. LONY'S PETITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. ROUGH PLACES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. CRUELTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. COTTON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. RESCUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + STEP BY STEP. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + MY DEAR CHILDREN,—All of you who read this little book have + doubtless heard more or less of slavery. You know it is the system by + which a portion of our people hold their fellow-creatures as property, and + doom them to perpetual servitude. It is a hateful and accursed + institution, which God can not look upon but with abhorrence, and which no + one of his children should for a moment tolerate. It is opposed to every + thing Christian and humane, and full of all meanness and cruelty. It + treats a fellow-being, only because his skin is not so fair as our own, as + though he were a dumb animal or a piece of furniture. It allows him no + expression of choice about any thing, and no liberty of action. It + recognizes and employs all the instincts of the lower, but ignores and + tramples down all the faculties of his higher, nature. Can there be a + greater wrong? + </p> + <p> + It is said by some, in extenuation of this wrong, that the slaves are well + fed and clothed, and are kindly, even affectionately, looked after. This + is true, in some cases,—with the house-servants, particularly,—but, + as a general thing, their food and clothing are coarse and insufficient. + But supposing it was otherwise; supposing they were provided for with as + much liberality as are the working classes at the North, what is that when + put into the balance with all the ills they suffer? What comfort is it, + when a wife is torn from her husband, or a mother from her children, to + know that each is to have enough to eat? None at all. The most generous + provision for the body can not satisfy the longings of the heart, or + compensate for its bereavements. + </p> + <p> + They suffer, also, a constant dread and fear of change, which is not the + least of their torturing troubles. A kind owner may be taken away by + death, and the new one be harsh and cruel; or necessity may compel him to + sell his slaves, and thus they may be thrown into most unhappy situations. + So they live with a heavy cloud of sorrow always before them, which their + eyes can not look through or beyond. There is no hope—no EARTHLY + hope—for this poor, oppressed race. + </p> + <p> + Their minds, too, are starved. No education, not even the least, is + allowed. It is a criminal offense in some of the States to teach a slave + to read. Now, if they could be made to exist without any consciousness of + intellectual capacity, it would not be so bad. But this is impossible. + They think and reason and wonder about things which they see and hear; + and, in many cases, feel an eager desire to be instructed. This desire can + not be gratified, because it would unfit them for their servile condition; + therefore all teaching is rigidly denied them. The treasures of knowledge + are bolted and barred to their approach, and they are kept in the utmost + darkness and ignorance. Oh, to starve the mind!—Is it not far worse + than to starve the body? + </p> + <p> + There is yet another process of famishing to which the slaves are + subjected. They are not, as a general thing, taught by their masters about + God, the salvation of Jesus Christ or the way to heaven. The SOUL is + starved. To be sure, they pick up, here and there, a few crumbs of + religious truth, and make the most of their scanty supply. Many of them + truly love the Lord; and his unseen presence and joyful anticipations of + heaven make them submissive to their hardships, and cheerful and faithful + in their duties. But they can not thank their masters for what religious + light and knowledge they get. + </p> + <p> + And who are these that hold their fellow-creatures in such cruel bondage, + starving body, mind, and soul with such indifference and inhumanity? We + blush to tell you. Many of them are of the number of those who profess to + love the Lord their God with all the heart, and their neighbor as + themselves. Can it be possible that God's own children can participate in + such a wickedness; can buy and sell, beat and kill, their + fellow-creatures? Can those who have humbly repented of sin, and by faith + accepted of the salvation of Jesus Christ, turn from his holy cross to + abuse others who are redeemed by the same precious blood, and are heirs to + the same glorious immortality? CAN such be Christians? + </p> + <p> + And, children, you probably all understand that slavery is the sole cause + of the sad war which is now ravaging our beloved country; and Christian + people are praying, not only that the war may cease, but that the sin + which has caused it may cease also. We believe that God is overruling all + things to bring about this happy result, and before this little story + shall meet your eyes, there may be no more slaves within our borders. + Still we shall not have written it in vain, if it help you to realize, + more clearly than you have done, the sufferings and degradation to which + this unfortunate class have been subjected, and to labor with zeal in the + work which will then devolve upon us of educating and elevating them. + </p> + <p> + My story is not one of UNUSUAL interest. Thousands and ten of thousands + equally affecting might be told, and many far more romantic and thrilling. + What a day will that be, when the recorded history of every slave-life + shall be read before an assembled universe! What a long catalogue of + martyrs and heroes will then be revealed! What complicated tales of wrongs + and woes! What crowns and palms of victory will then be awarded! What + treasures of wrath heaped up against the day of wrath will then be poured + in fiery indignation upon deserving heads! Truly, then, will come to pass + the saying of the Lord Jesus, "The first shall be last and the last + first." + </p> + <p> + Then, too, will appear most gloriously the loving kindness and tender + mercy of God, who loves to stoop to the poor and humble, and to care for + those who are friendless and alone. It seems as if our Heavenly Father + took special delight in revealing the truths of salvation to this + untutored people, in a mysterious way leading them into gospel light and + liberty; so that though men take pains to keep them in ignorance, + multitudes of them give evidence of piety, and find consolation for their + miseries in the sweet love of God. + </p> + <p> + It is the dealings of God in guiding one of these to a knowledge of + himself, that I wish to relate to you in the following chapters. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE BABY. + </h2> + <p> + IN a snug corner of a meager slave-cabin, on a low cot, lies a little babe + asleep. A scarlet honeysuckle of wild and luxuriant growth shades the + uncurtained and unsashed window; and the humming-birds, flitting among its + brilliant blossoms, murmur a constant, gentle lullaby for the infant + sleeper. See, its skin is not so dark but that we may clearly trace the + blue veins underlying it; the lips, half parted, are lovely as a rosebud; + and the soft, silky curls are dewy as the flowers on this June morning. A + dimpled arm and one naked foot have escaped from the gay patch-work quilt, + which some fond hand has closely tucked about the little form; and the + breath comes and goes quickly, as if the folded eyes were feasting on + visions of beauty and delight. Dear little one! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "We should see the spirits ringing + Round thee, were the clouds away; + 'Tis the child-heart draws them, singing + In the silent-seeming clay." +</pre> + <p> + Though that child-heart beats beneath a despised skin, though it has its + resting-place in a hovel, the angels may be there. Their loving, pitying + natures shrink not from poverty, but stoop with heavenly sympathy to the + mean abodes of suffering and misery. + </p> + <p> + A soft step steals in through the half-opened door, across the room, and a + fervent kiss is laid on the little velvet cheek. + </p> + <p> + Who is the intruder? Ah, who cares to watch and smile over a sleeping + infant, save its mother? Here, in this rude cabin, is a mother's heart,—tender + with its holy affections, and all aglow with delight, as she gazes on the + beautiful vision before her. + </p> + <p> + We must call the mother Annie. She had but one name, for she was a slave. + Like the horse or the dog, she must have some appellation by which, as an + individual, she might be designated; a sort of appendage on which to hang, + as it were, the commands, threats, and severities that from time to time + might be administered; but farther than that, for her own personal uses, + why did she need a name? She was not a person, only a thing,—a piece + of property belonging to the Carroll estate. + </p> + <p> + But for all that, she was a woman and a mother. God had sealed her such, + and who could obliterate his impress, or rob her of the crown he had + placed about her head,—a crown of thorns though it were? Her heart + was as full of all sweet motherly instincts as if she had been born in a + more favored condition; and the swarthy complexion of her child made it no + less dear or lovely in her sight; while a consciousness of its degradation + and sad future served only to deepen and intensify her love. She knew what + her child was born to suffer; but affection thrust far away the evil day, + that she might not lose the happiness of the present. The babe was hers,—her + own,—and for long years yet would be her joy and comfort. + </p> + <p> + Annie had other children, but they were wild, romping boys, grown out of + their babyhood, and so very naturally left to run and take care of + themselves. She had not ceased to love them, however, and would have + manifested it more, but for the idol, the little girl baby, which had now + for nearly a year nestled in her arms, and completely possessed her heart. + When they were hungry, they came like chickens about her cabin-door, and + being mistress of the kitchen, she always had plenty of good, substantial + crumbs for them; and when they were sick, she nursed them with pitying + care; but this was about all the attention they received. + </p> + <p> + The baby engrossed every leisure moment she could command. Many times a + day she would pause in her work to caress it. She would seat it upon the + floor, amid a perfect bed of honeysuckle blossoms, and bring the bright + orange gourds that grew around the door for its amusement. Sometimes a + broken toy or a shining trinket, which she had picked up in the house, or + a smooth pebble from the yard, would be added to the treasures of the + little one. Then she would come with food, the soft-boiled rice, or the + sweet corn gruel, she knew so well how to prepare; and often, often she + would steal in, as now, out of pure fondness, to watch its peaceful + slumbers. + </p> + <p> + "Named the pickaninny yet?" asked the master one day, as he passed the + cabin, and carelessly looked in upon the mother and child amusing + themselves within. "'Tis time you did; 'most time to turn her off now, you + see." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Massa, don't say dat word," answered the woman, imploringly. "'Pears + I couldn't b'ar to turn her off yet,—couldn't live without her, no + ways. Reckon I'll call her Tidy; dat ar's my sister's name, and she's got + dat same sweet look 'bout de eyes,—don't you think so, Massa? Poor + Tidy! she's"—and Annie stopped, and a deep sigh, instead of words, + filled up the sentence, and tears dropped down upon the baby's forehead. + Memory traveled back to that dreadful night when this only sister had been + dragged from her bed, chained with a slave-gang, and driven off to the + dreaded South, never more to be heard from. + </p> + <p> + WE talk of the "sunny South;"—to the slave, the South is cold, dark, + and cheerless; the land of untold horrors, the grave of hope and joy. + </p> + <p> + "'Pears as if my poor old mudder," said Annie, brushing away the tears, + "never got up right smart after Tidy went away. She'd had six children + sold from her afore, and she set stores by her and me, 'cause we was + girls, and we was all she had left, too. Tidy was pooty as a flower; and + dat's just what your fadder, Massa Carroll, sold her for. My poor mudder—how + she cried and took on! but then she grew more settled like. She said she'd + gi'n her up for de good Lord to take care on. She said, if he could take + care of de posies in de woods, he certain sure would look after her, and + so she left off groaning like; but she's never got over that sad look in + her face. 'Oh,' says she to me, says she, 'Annie, do call dat leetle + cretur's name Tidy,—mebbe 'twill make my poor, sore heart heal up;' + and so I will." + </p> + <p> + "So I would, Annie; yes, so I would," said the Master soothingly. "So I + would, if 'twill be any comfort to poor old Marcia,—clever old soul + she is. She was my mammy, and I was always fond of her. She has trotted me + on her knee, and toted me about on her back, many an hour. I must go down + to the quarters this very day, and see if she has things comfortable. + She's getting old, and we must do well by her in her old age. And you, + Annie, you mustn't mind those other things. We mustn't borrow trouble. And + we can't help it, you know; and we mustn't cry and fret for what we can't + help. What's the use? It don't do any good, you see, and only makes a bad + matter worse. Must take things as they come, in this world of ours, + Annie;" and the Master thought thus to assuage the tide of bitter + recollection in the breast of his down-trodden bond-woman, and divert her + mind from the painful future before her and her darling child. In vain. + The tears still fell over the brow of the baby, flowing from the deep + fountain of sorrow and tenderness that springs forth only from a mother's + heart. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Massa," she ventured timidly to say amid her sobs, "please don't + never part baby and me." + </p> + <p> + "Be a good girl, Annie," said he, "and mind your work, and don't be + borrowing trouble. We'll take good care of you. You've got a nice baby, + that's a fact,—the smartest little thing on the whole plantation; + see how well you can raise her now." + </p> + <p> + The fond heart of the trembling mother leaped back again to its happiness + at the praise bestowed upon her baby; and taking up the little blossom, + she laid it with pride upon her bosom, murmuring, "Years of good times + we'll have, sweety, afore sich dark days come,—mebbe they'll never + come to you and me." + </p> + <p> + Alas, vain hope! Scarcely a single year had passed, when one day she came + to the cot to look at the little sleeper, and lo, her treasure was gone! + The master had found it convenient, in making a sale of some field hands, + to THROW IN this infant, by way of closing a satisfactory bargain. + </p> + <p> + None can tell, but those who have gone through the trying experience, how + hard it is for a mother to part with her child when God calls it away by + death. But oh, how much harder it must be to have a babe torn away from + the maternal arms by the stern hand of oppression, and flung out on the + cruel tide of selfishness and passion! Let us weep, dear children, for the + poor slave mothers who have to endure such wrongs. + </p> + <p> + I will not undertake to describe the distress of this poor woman when the + knowledge of her loss burst upon her. It was as when the tall tree is + shivered by the lightning's blast. Her strong frame shook and trembled + beneath the shock; her eye rolled and burned in tearless anguish, and her + voice failed her in the intensity of her grief. For hours she was unable + to move. Alone, uncomforted, she lay upon the earth, crushed beneath the + weight of this unexpected calamity. + </p> + <p> + "Leave her alone," said the master, "and let her grieve it out. The cat + will mew when her kittens are taken away. She'll get over it before long, + and come up again all right." + </p> + <p> + "Ye mus' b'ar it, chile," said Annie's poor, old mother, drawing from her + own experience the only comfort which could be of any avail. "De bressed + Lord will help ye; nobody else can. I's so sorry for ye, honey; but yer + poor, old mudder can't do noffin. 'Tis de yoke de Heavenly Massa puts on + yer neck, and ye can't take it off nohow till he ondoes it hissef wid his + own hand. Ye mus' b'ar it, and say, De will ob de bressed Lord be done." + </p> + <p> + But, trying as this separation was, it proved to be the first link in that + chain of loving-kindnesses by which this little slave-child was to be + drawn towards God. Do you remember this verse in the Bible: "I have loved + thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn + thee." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. SUNSHINE. + </h2> + <p> + IF ever there was a sunshiny corner of slavery, it was that into which a + kind Providence dropped this little, helpless babe, now but a little more + than two years old. + </p> + <p> + It was a pleasant day in early spring when Colonel Lee alighted from his + gig before the family mansion at Rosevale, and laid the child, as a + present, at the feet of his daughter Matilda. + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda Lee was about thirty years of age,—as active and + thrifty a little woman as could be found any where within the domains of + this cruel system of oppression. Slavery is like a two-edged knife, + cutting both ways. It not only destroys the black, but demoralizes and + ruins the white race. Those who hold slaves are usually indolent, proud, + and inefficient. They think it a disgrace to work by the side of the + negro, and therefore will allow things to be left in a very careless, + untidy way, rather than put forth their energy to alter or improve them. + And as it is impossible for slaves, untaught and degraded as they are, to + give a neat and thrifty appearance to their homes, we, who have been + brought up at the North, accustomed to work ourselves, assisted by + well-trained domestics, can scarcely realize the many discomforts often to + be experienced in Southern houses. But Miss Lee was unusually energetic + and helpful, desirous of having every thing about her neat and tasteful, + and not afraid to do something towards it with her own hands. + </p> + <p> + Being the eldest daughter, the entire charge of the family had devolved + upon her since the death of her mother, which had occurred about ten years + before. Within this time, her brothers and sisters had been married, and + now she and her father were all that were left at the old homestead. + </p> + <p> + Their servants, too, had dwindled away. Some had been given to the sons + and daughters when they left the parental roof; some had died, and others + had been sold to pay debts and furnish the means of living. Old Rosa, the + cook, Nancy, the waiting-maid, and Methuselah, the ancient gardener, were + all the house-servants that remained. So they lived in a very quiet and + frugal way; and Miss Matilda's activities, not being entirely engrossed + with family cares, found employment in the nurture of flowers and pets. + </p> + <p> + The grounds in front of the old-fashioned mansion had been laid out + originally in very elaborate style; and, though of late years they had + been greatly neglected, they still retained traces of their former + splendor. The rose-vines on the inside of the enclosure had grown over the + low, brick wall, to meet and mingle with the trees and bushes outside, + till together they formed a solid and luxuriant mass of verdure. White and + crimson roses shone amid the dark, glossy foliage of the mountain-laurel, + which held up with sturdy stem its own rich clusters of fluted cups, that + seemed to assert equality with the queen of flowers, and would not be + eclipsed by the fragrant loveliness of their beautiful dependents. The + borders of box, which had once been trimmed and trained into fanciful + points and tufts and convolutions of verdure, had grown into misshapen + clumps; and the white, pebbly walks no longer sparkled in the sunlight. + </p> + <p> + Still Miss Matilda, by the aid of Methuselah, in appearance almost as + ancient as we may suppose his namesake to have been, found great pleasure + in cultivating her flower-beds; and every year, her crocuses and + hyacinths, crown-imperials and tulips, pinks, lilies, and roses, none the + less beautiful because they are so commonly enjoyed, gave a cheerful + aspect to the place. + </p> + <p> + Her numerous pets made the house equally bright and pleasant. There was + Sir Walter Raleigh, the dog, and Mrs. Felina, the great, splendid, Maltese + mother of three beautiful blue kittens; Jack and Gill, the gentle, + soft-toned Java sparrows; and Ruby, the unwearying canary singer, always + in loud and uninterpretable conversation with San Rosa, the mocking-bird. + The birds hung in the broad, deep window of the sitting-room, in the shade + of the jasmine and honeysuckle vines that embowered it and filled the air + with delicious perfume. The dog and cat, when not inclined to active + enjoyments, were accommodated with comfortable beds in the adjoining + apartment, which was the sleeping-room of their mistress. + </p> + <p> + The new household pet became an occupant of this same room. + </p> + <p> + "Laws, now, Miss Tilda, ye a'n't gwine to put de chile in ther wid all de + dogs and cats, now. 'Pears ye might have company enough o' nights widout + takin' in a cryin' baby. She'll cry sure widout her mammy, and what ye + gwine to do thin?" and old Rosa stoutly protested against the arrangement. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Aunt Rosa, don't worry now; I'll manage to take good care of + the little creature. I know what you're after,—you want her + yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Ho, ho ho! Laws, now, Miss Tilda, you dun know noffing 'bout babies; + takes an old mammy like me to fotch 'em up. Come here, child; what's yer + name?" + </p> + <p> + The frightened little one, whose tongue had not yet learned to utter many + words, made no attempt to answer, but stood timidly looking from one to + another of the surrounding group. + </p> + <p> + "She ha'n't got no name, 'ta'n't likely," suggested Nance. + </p> + <p> + "We must christen her, then," said Miss Lee. + </p> + <p> + "Carroll called her Tidy," remarked the old gentleman, entering the room + at that moment. + </p> + <p> + "DAT'S a name of 'spectability," said Rosa, with a satisfied air. "'Tis my + 'pinion chillen should allus have 'spectable names, else they're 'posed on + in dis yer world. Nudd's Tidy, now, dere's a spec'men for yer. Never was + no more 'complished 'fectioner dan she. She knowed how to cook all de + earth, she did. Hi! couldn't she barbecue a heifer, or brile a cock's + comb, jest as 'spertly as Miss Tilda here broiders a ruffle. Right smart + cretur she wor. And so YE'RE a gwine to be, honey,—your old mammy + sees it in de tips ob yer fingers;" and Rosa caught up the child, and + well-nigh smothered it with all sorts of maternal fondnesses. + </p> + <p> + "Now Nance," continued the old negress, turning with an air of authority + to the tall, loose-jointed, reed-like maid, "Now Nance, ye mind yer doin's + in dese yer premises. Don't ye go for to kick de young un round like as ef + she cost noffin'. Ef ye do, look out;" and she shook her turbaned head, + and doubled her fist in very threatening manner before the girl. "Now + we've got a baby in dis yer house, we'll see how de tings is gwine for to + go." + </p> + <p> + A baby in the Lee mansion did indeed inaugurate a new order of things in + the family. So young a servant they had not had for many a day on the + estate; and Rosa felt at once the responsibility of her position, and + played the mother to her heart's content. All the care of the child's + education seemed from that moment to devolve upon her, notwithstanding + Miss Lee's repeated assertions that SHE designed to bring up the little + one after her own heart, and that Tidy should never wait upon any one but + herself. + </p> + <p> + Between them both, Tidy had things pretty much her own way. Such an infant + of course could not be expected to comprehend the fact that she was a + slave, and born to be ruled over, and trodden under foot. Like any other + little one, she enjoyed existence, and was as happy as could be all the + day long. Every thing around her,—the chickens and turkeys in the + yard, the flowers in the garden, the kittens and birds in the + sitting-room, and the goodies in the kitchen,—added to her pleasure. + She frisked and gamboled about the house and grounds as free and joyous as + the squirrels in the woods, and without a thought or suspicion that any + thing but happiness was in store for her. She not only slept at night in + the room of her mistress, but when the daily meals were served, the child, + seated on a low bench beside Miss Lee, was fed from her own dish. So that, + in respect to her animal nature, she fared as well as any child need to; + but this was all. Not a word of instruction of any kind did she receive. + </p> + <p> + As she grew older, and her active mind, observing and wondering at the + many objects of interest in nature, burst out into childish questions, + "What is this for?" and "Who made that?" her mistress would answer + carelessly, "I don't know," or "You'll find out by and by." Her thirst for + knowledge was never satisfied; for while Miss Lee was good-natured and + gentle in her ways toward the child, she took no pains to impart + information of any kind. Why should she? Tidy was only a slave. + </p> + <p> + Here, my little readers, you may see the difference between her condition + and your own. You are carefully taught every thing that will be of use to + you. Even before you ask questions, they are answered; and father and + mother, older brothers and sisters, aunties, teachers, and friends are + ready and anxious to explain to you all the curious and interesting things + that come under your notice. Indeed, so desirous are they to cultivate + your intellectual nature, that they seek to stimulate your appetite for + knowledge, by drawing your attention to many things which otherwise you + would overlook. At the same time, they point you to the great and all-wise + Creator, that you may admire and love him who has made every thing for our + highest happiness and good. + </p> + <p> + But slavery depends for its existence and growth upon the ignorance of its + miserable victims. If Tidy's questions had been answered, and her + curiosity satisfied, she would have gone on in her investigations; and + from studying objects in nature, she would have come to study books, and + perhaps would have read the Bible, and thus found out a great deal which + it is not considered proper for a slave to know. + </p> + <p> + "We couldn't keep our servants, if we were to instruct them," says the + slaveholder; and therefore he makes the law which constitutes it a + criminal offense to teach a slave to read. + </p> + <p> + But Tidy was taught to WORK. That is just what slaves are made for,—to + work, and so save their owners the trouble of working themselves. + Slaveholders do not recognize the fact that God designed us all to work, + and has so arranged matters, that true comfort and happiness can only be + reached through the gateway of labor. It is no blessing to be idle, and + let others wait upon us; and in this respect the slaves certainly have the + advantage of their masters. + </p> + <p> + Tidy was an apt learner, and at eight years of age she could do up Miss + Matilda's ruffles, clean the great brass andirons and fender in the + sitting-room, and set a room to rights as neatly as any person in the + house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. + </h2> + <p> + SHALL I pause here in my narrative to tell you what became of Annie and + some of the other persons who have been mentioned in the preceding + chapters? + </p> + <p> + Tidy often saw her mother. Miss Lee used to visit Mr. Carroll's family, + and never went without taking Tidy, that the child and her mother might + have a good time together. And good times indeed they were. + </p> + <p> + When Annie learned that her baby had been taken to Rosevale, that she was + so well cared for, and that they would be able sometimes to see one + another, her grief was very much abated, and she began to think in what + new ways she could show her love for her little one. She saved all the + money she could get; and, as she had opportunity, she would buy a bit of + gay calico, to make the child a frock or an apron. Mothers, you perceive, + are all alike, from the days of Hannah, who made a "little coat" for her + son Samuel, and "brought it to him from year to year, when she came up + with her husband to the yearly sacrifice," down to the present time. + Nothing pleases them more than to provide things useful and pretty for + their little ones. Even this slave-mother, with her scanty means, felt + this same longing. It did her heart good to be doing something for her + child; and so she was constantly planning and preparing for these visits, + that she might never be without something new and gratifying to give her. + In the warm days of summer, she would take her down to Sweet-Brier Pond, a + pretty pool of water right in the heart of a sweet pine grove, a little + way from the house, and Tidy would have a good splashing frolic in the + water, and come out looking as bright and shining as a newly-polished + piece of mahogany. Her mother would press the water from her dripping + locks, and turn the soft, glossy hair in short, smooth curls over her + fingers, put on the new frock, and then set her out before her admiring + eyes, and exclaim in her fond motherly pride,— + </p> + <p> + "You's a purty cretur, honey. You dun know noffin how yer mudder lubs ye." + </p> + <p> + Tidy remembers to this day the delightful afternoon thus spent the very + last time she went to see her mother, though neither of them then thought + it was to be the last. Mr. Carroll, Annie's master, was very close in all + his business transactions, never allowing, as he remarked, his left hand + to know what his right hand did. He stole Tidy away, as we have already + told you, from her mother; and this was the way he usually managed in + parting his slaves, especially any that were much valued. He said it was + "a part of his religion to deal TENDERLY with his people!" + </p> + <p> + "'Tis a great deal better," said he, "to avoid a row. They would moan and + wail and make such a fuss, if they knew they were to change quarters." + </p> + <p> + Humane man, wasn't he? + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll got into debt, and an opportunity occurring, he sold Annie and + her four boys. The bargain was made without the knowledge of any one on + the estate; and in the night they were transferred to their new master. + Nobody ever knew to what part of the country they were carried. + </p> + <p> + When the news reached the ear of Marcia, Annie's mother, it proved to be + more than she could bear. Her very last comfort was thus torn from her. + When she was told of it, the poor, decrepit old woman fell from her chair + upon the floor of her cabin insensible. The people lifted her up and laid + her upon the bed, but she never came to consciousness. She lay without + sense or motion until the next day, when she died. The slaves said, "Old + Marcia's heart broke." + </p> + <p> + Thus little Tidy was left alone in the world, without a single relative to + love her. Didn't she care much about it? That happened thirty years ago, + and she can not speak of it even now without tears. But she comforts + herself by saying, "I shall meet them in heaven." Annie may not yet have + arrived at that blessed home; but Marcia has rejoiced all these years in + the presence of the Lord she loved, and has found, by a glad experience, + that the happiness of heaven can compensate for all the trials of earth. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For God has marked each sorrowing day, + And numbered every secret tear; + And heaven's long age of bliss shall pay + For all his children suffer here." +</pre> + <p> + And now I must tell you of another death which occurred about this same + time. It was that of Colonel Lee. He had been a rich and a proud man, and + it would seem, that, like the rich man in the parable, he had had all his + good things in this life; and now that he had come to the gates of death, + he found himself in a sadly destitute and lamentable condition. He was + afraid to die; and when he came to the very last, his shrieks of terror + and distress were fearful. His mind was wandering, and he fancied some + strong being was binding him with chains and shackles. He screamed for + help, and even called for Rosa, his faithful old servant, to come and help + him. + </p> + <p> + "Take off those hand-cuffs," he cried; "take them off. I can not bear + them. Don't let them put on those chains. Oh, I can't move! They'll drag + me away! Stop them; help me! save me!" + </p> + <p> + But, alas! no one could save him. The man who had all his life been + loading his fellow-creatures with chains and fetters was now in the grasp + of One mightier than he, who was "delivering him over into chains of + darkness, to be reserved unto the judgment." + </p> + <p> + How dreadful was such an end! + </p> + <p> + "I would rather be a slave with all my sorrows," said Tidy, when she + related this sad story, "and wait for comfort until I get to heaven, than + to have all the riches of all the slaveholders in the world, gained by + injustice and oppression; for I could only carry them as far as the grave, + and there they would be an awful weight to drag me down into torments for + ever." + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. A NEW HOME. + </h2> + <p> + AFTER Colonel Lee's death, which happened when Tidy was about ten years + old, the plantation and all the slaves were sold, and Miss Matilda, with + Tidy, who was her own personal property, found a home with her brother. + Mr. Richard Lee owned an estate about twenty miles from Rosevale. His + lands had once been well cultivated, but now received very little + attention, for medicinal springs had been discovered there a few years + before, and it was expected that these springs, by being made a resort for + invalids and fashionable people, would bring to the family all the income + they could desire. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Lee were not very pleasant people. They were selfish and + penurious, and hard-hearted and severe towards their servants. They no + doubt were happy to have their sister take up her abode with them; but + there is reason to believe she was chiefly welcome on account of the + valuable little piece of property she brought with her. Tidy was just + exactly what Mrs. Lee wanted to fill a place in her family, which she had + never before been able to supply to her satisfaction. She needed her as an + under-nurse, and waiter-and-tender in general upon her four children. + Amelia, the eldest, was just Tidy's age, and Susan was two years younger. + Then came Lemuel, a boy of three, and George, the baby. + </p> + <p> + Mammy Grace was the family nurse, but as she was growing old and somewhat + infirm, she required a pair of young, sprightly feet to run after little + Lemmy to keep him out of mischief, and to carry the teething, worrying + baby about. Tidy was just the child for her. + </p> + <p> + The morning after her arrival, Mrs. Lee instructed her in her duties thus:— + </p> + <p> + "You are to do what Mammy Grace and the children tell you to. See that + Lemmy doesn't stuff things into his ears and nose; mind you don't let the + baby fall, and behave yourself." + </p> + <p> + She wasn't told what would be the consequence if she did not "behave + herself," but Tidy felt that she had something to fear from that flashing + eye and heavy brow. Miss Matilda had protected her, as far as she was + able, though without the child's knowledge, by saying to her sister that + she was willing her little servant should be employed in the family, but + that she was never to be whipped. + </p> + <p> + "You're mighty saving of your little piece of flesh and blood," said her + sister-in-law. "I find it doesn't work well to be too tender; they need a + little cuffing now and then to keep them straight." + </p> + <p> + "Tidy is a good child," replied Miss Matilda. "She always does as she is + told, and I have never had occasion to punish her in my life; and I can + not consent to her being treated severely." + </p> + <p> + "We shall see," said Mrs. Lee; "but, I tell you, I take no impudence from + my hands." + </p> + <p> + Miss Matilda's stipulation and her constant presence in the family no + doubt screened Tidy from much that was unpleasant from her new mistress; + for if children or servants are ever so well inclined, an ugly and easily + excited temper in a superior will provoke evil dispositions in them, and + MAKE occasions of punishment. But in this case the mistress was evidently + held in check. A knock on the head sometimes, a kick or a cross word, was + the greatest severity she ventured to inflict; so that, upon the whole, + the new home was a pleasant and happy one. + </p> + <p> + The services Tidy was required to render were a perfect delight to her. + Like all children, she liked to be associated with those of her own age, + and, though called a slave, to all intents and purposes she was received + as the playmate and companion of Amelia and Susan. They were good-natured, + agreeable little girls, and it was a pleasure rather than a task to walk + to and from school, and carry their books and dinner-basket for them. And + to go into the play-house, and have the handling of the dolls, the + tea-sets, and toys, was employment as charming as it was new. + </p> + <p> + The nursery was in the cabin of Mammy Grace, which was situated a few + steps from the family mansion, and was distinguished from the log-huts of + the other slaves, by having brick walls and two rooms. The inner room + contained the baby's cradle, a crib for the little one who had not yet + outgrown his noon-day nap, her own bed, and now a cot for Tidy. In the + outer stood the spinning-wheel,—at which the old nurse wrought when + not occupied with the children,—a small table, an old chest of + drawers, and a few rude chairs. Some old carpets which had been discarded + from the house were laid over the floors, and gave an air of comfort to + the place. One shelf by the side of the fireplace held all the china and + plate they had to use; for, you must know, little readers, that slave + cabins contain very few of the conveniences which are so familiar to you. + To assert, as some people do, that the negroes do not need them, is simply + to say that they have never been used to the common comforts of life, and + so do not know their worth. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the place with all its scantiness of furniture was a happy + abode for Tidy, who found in Mammy Grace even a better mother than old + Rosa had been to her; for, besides being kind and cheerful, she was pious, + and from her lips it was that Tidy first heard the name of God. Would you + believe it? Tidy had lived to be ten years old in this Christian land, and + had never heard of the God who made her. Miss Lee, with all her kindness, + was not a Christian, and never read the Bible, offered prayer, or went to + church; so that the poor child had grown up thus far as ignorant of + religious truth as a heathen. + </p> + <p> + We may well consider then the providence of God which brought her under + the care of Mammy Grace, the negro nurse, as another link in that golden + chain of love which was to draw her up out of the shame and misery of her + abject condition to the knowledge and service of her Heavenly Father. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. + </h2> + <p> + THE first day of the new service was over. The two babies had been carried + to the house and put to bed as usual at sunset, and Mammy Grace had mixed + the corn-pone for supper, and laid it to bake beneath the hot ashes. + </p> + <p> + Tidy stretched herself at full length near the open door of the cabin, and + resting her head upon her hand looked out. All was still save the hum of + voices from the house, and now and then the plaintive song of the + whippoorwill in the meadow. The new moon was just hiding its silvery + crescent behind Tulip Mountain, and the shadows were growing every moment + darker among the flower-laden trees that covered its sides. It was just + the hour for thinking; and as the weary child lay there, watching the + stars that, one by one, stepped with such strange, noiseless grace out + upon the clear, blue sky, soothed by the calm influence that breathed + through the beautiful twilight, she soon forgot herself and her + surroundings, and was lost in the mazes of speculation and wonder. What + were these bright spots that kept coming thicker and faster over her head, + winking and blinking at her, as if with a conscious and friendly + intelligence? Who made them? what were they doing? where did they hide in + the daytime? If she could climb up yonder mountain, and then get to the + top of those tall tulip-trees, she was sure she could reach them, or, at + least, see better what they were. Were they candles, that some unseen hand + had lighted and thrust out there, that the night might not be wholly dark? + That could not be, for then the wind, which was fanning the trees, would + blow them out. How the little mind longed to fathom the mystery! Once she + had ventured to ask Miss Matilda what those bright specks up in the sky + were, and she answered, in an indifferent sort of way, "Stars, you little + silly goose,—why, don't you know? They are stars." And then she was + just about as wise and as satisfied as she had been before. + </p> + <p> + She was so busy with her thoughts, that she did not perceive Mammy Grace, + as she drew the old, broken-backed rocking-chair up to the door, and + sitting down, with her elbows on her knees and her head upon her hands, + leaned forward, to discover, if possible, what the child was so intently + gazing at. She could discern no object in the deep twilight; but, struck + herself with the still beauty of the scene, she exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "Pooty night, a'n't it? How de stars of heaben do shine!" + </p> + <p> + The voice disturbed Tidy in her reverie. Her first impulse was to get up + and walk away, that she might finish out her thinking in some other place, + where she could be alone. But the thought flashed through her mind, that + perhaps the kind-looking old nurse at her side might be able to tell her + some of the many things she was so perplexed about; and, almost before she + knew she was speaking, she blurted out,— + </p> + <p> + "What's them things up thar?" + </p> + <p> + "Dem bright little shiny tings, honey, in de firm'ment? Laws, don' ye + know? Whar's ye lived all yer days, if ye don' know de stars when ye sees + 'em?" + </p> + <p> + "Who owns 'em? and what they stuck up ther for?" asked the child, somewhat + encouraged. + </p> + <p> + "Who owns 'em? Hi! dey's de property ob de Lord ob heaben, chile, I + reckons; and dey's put dar to gib us light o'nights. Jest see 'em shine! + and what a sight of 'em dar is, too; nobody can't count 'em noway. And de + Lord he hold 'em all in de holler ob his hand," said the old negress, + shaping her great black palm to suit the idea; "and he knows 'em all by + name, too. Specs 'tis wonderful; but ebery one ob dem leetle, teenty tings + has got a name, and de great Lord he 'members 'em ebery one." + </p> + <p> + Tidy's wonder was not at all diminished by what she heard; and the + questions she wanted to ask came up so fast in her mind, she hardly knew + which to utter first. What they were made out of, how they came and went, + what they meant by twinkling so, were things she had long desired to know; + but for the moment these were forgotten in the burning, eager curiosity + she had, now that she had heard the name of their Maker, to know more of + him, and where he was to be found. Half rising from her former position, + and looking earnestly in the face of her humble instructor, which was + beaming with her own admiration of the glorious works and power of the + Lord, she exclaimed vehemently,— + </p> + <p> + "That Lord,—who's him? I's never heerd of him afore." + </p> + <p> + "Laws, honey, don' ye know? He's de great Lord of heaben and earf, dat + made you and me and ebery body else. He made all de tings ye sees,—de + trees, de green grass, de birds, de pigs,—dere's noffin dat he + didn't make. Oh, he's de mighty Lord, I tells ye, chile! Didn't ye neber + hear 'bout him afore?" + </p> + <p> + Tidy shook her head; she could hardly speak. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me some more," she said at last. + </p> + <p> + "Well, chile, dis great Lord he lib up in de heaben of heabens, way up + ober dat blue sky, and he sits all de time on a great trone, and he sees + ebery ting dat goes on down har in dis yer world. Ef ye does any ting bad, + he puts it down in a great book he's got, and byme-by he'll punish de + wicked folks right orful." + </p> + <p> + "Whip?" questioned Tidy. + </p> + <p> + "Whip! no; burn in de hot fire and brimstone for eber and for eber. 'Tis + orful to be wicked, and hab de great Lord punish." + </p> + <p> + "I ha'n't done noffin," cried out Tidy, fairly trembling with terror. + </p> + <p> + "Laws, no,—course not, chile; ye's noffin but a chile, ye know; but + some folks does orful tings. But ye needn't be afeard, honey; he's a good + Lord, and lubs us all; and ef ye tries to be good, and 'beys missus, and + neber lies, nor steals, nor swars, he'll be a good friend to ye. He'll + make de sun to shine on yer, and de rain to fall; and when ye dies, he'll + take yer right up dar, to lib wid him allus. There now, jest hark,—dat's + old Si comin' up de lane. Don' ye h'ar him singin'? He lubs de Lord, he + does, and he's allus a-singin'. Hark, now! a'n't it pooty? Guess de pone's + done by dis time;" and she shuffled to the fireplace, to look after her + cake. + </p> + <p> + Tidy, almost overwhelmed with the weight of knowledge that had been poured + in upon her inquiring spirit, and hardly knowing whether what she had + heard should make her glad or sorry, leaned back against the door-post, + and carelessly listened to the voice, as it came nearer and nearer. In a + minute the words fell with pleasing distinctness upon the ear. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Dear sister, didn't you promise me + To help me shout and praise him? + Den come and jine your voice to mine, + And sing his lub amazin'. + I tink I hear de trumpet sound, + About de break of day; + Good Lord, we'll rise in de mornin', + And fly, and fly away, + On de mornin's wings, to Canaan's land, + To heaben, our happy home, + Bright angels shall convey our souls + To de new Jerusalem." +</pre> + <p> + "Hallelujah, amen, bress de Lord. How is ye dis night, Mammy Grace?" said + a cheerful voice at the cabin-door. + </p> + <p> + "Ho! go 'long, Simon,—I knowed ye was comin'. Ye allus blows yer + trumpet 'fore yer gits here. Come in, help yerse'f to a cha'r. Here, + chile," addressing Tidy, "here's yer supper,—eat it now; and don' ye + neber let what I's telled ye slip out of yer 'membrance." + </p> + <p> + Which Tidy was not at all likely to do. She picked up the bread which was + thrown to her, and, munching it as she went along, walked away to the pump + to get a drink of water. + </p> + <p> + Children, when you rise in the morning and come down stairs to the + cheerful breakfast, or when you are called at noon and night, to join the + family circle again around a neatly-spread table, did you ever think what + a refining influence this single custom has upon your life? The savage + eats his meanly-prepared food from the vessel in which it is cooked, each + member of his household dipping with his fingers, or some rude utensil, + into the one dish. He is scarcely raised above the cattle that eat their + fodder at the crib, or the dog that gnaws the bone thrown to him upon the + ground. And are the slaves any better off? They are neither allowed time, + convenience, or inducements to enjoy a practice, which is so common with + us, that we fail to number it among our privileges, or to recognize its + elevating tendency; and yet they are stigmatized as a debased and brutish + class. Can we expect them to be otherwise? Who is accountable for this + degradation? By what system have they become so reduced? and have any + suitable efforts ever been made for their elevation? + </p> + <p> + Since I wrote this chapter, I have learned some things with regard to the + freed men at Port Royal, where so many fugitive slaves have taken refuge + during the war, and are now employed by Government, and being educated by + Christian teachers, which will make what I have just said more apparent. + Dr. French, who has labored among this people, in a public address, drew a + pleasing picture of the improvements introduced into the home-life of the + negroes,—how, as they began to feel free, and earn an independent + subsistence, their cabins were whitewashed, swept clean, kept in order, + and pictures and maps, cut from illustrated newspapers, were pasted up on + the walls by the women as a decoration. He spoke of the rivalry in + neatness thus produced, and of the general elevating and refining effect. + On his representation, the commanding officers and the society by whom he + is employed permitted him to introduce into some twenty-five of the + cabins, on twenty-five different plantations, what had never been known + before,—a window with panes of glass. To this luxury were added + tables, good, strong, tin wash-basins, and soap, stout bed-ticks, and a + small looking-glass. The effect of the father of the family, sitting at + the head of his new table, while his sable wife and children gathered + around it, and asking a blessing on the simple fare, was very touching. + Hitherto they had boiled their hominy in a common skillet, and eaten it + out of oyster-shells, when and wherever they could, some in-doors and some + outside, in every variety of attitude. He said, also, that the ludicrous + pranks of both old and young, on eying themselves for the first time in + the mirror, were quite amusing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. FRANCES. + </h2> + <p> + QUITE a number of children were gathered in the vicinity of the pump, + performing their usual antics, under the direction and leadership of a + girl larger and older than the rest,—a genuine, coal-black, + woolly-headed, thick-lipped young negro. This was the daughter of Venus, + the cook, and her appointment of service was the kitchen. Full of fun, and + nimble as an eel in every joint, her various pranks and feats of skill + were perfectly amazing, and were received with boisterous applause by the + rest of the group. + </p> + <p> + As she saw Tidy advancing, however, she ceased her evolutions, and, + turning to the others with a comic grimace, she bade them hold off, while + she held discourse with the new-comer. + </p> + <p> + "Her comes yer white nigger," she said, in a loud whisper, "and I's boun' + to gaffer de las' news;" and putting on a demure face, she accosted the + neatly-appareled child. + </p> + <p> + "Specs ye're a stranger in dese yer parts. What's yer name?" + </p> + <p> + "Tidy;—what's yourn?" was the ready response. + </p> + <p> + "Dey calls me France. Dey don't stop to place fandangles on to names here. + Specs dey'll call YOU Ti." + </p> + <p> + "I doesn't care; I's willin'," replied Tidy, good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + "What's de matter wid yer? Been sick?" proceeded France, with a roguish + twinkle of the eye. "Specs you's had measles or 'sumption,—yer's + pale as deaf; and yer hair,—laws, sakes, it'll a'most stan' alone! + de kind's all done gone out of it." + </p> + <p> + "Never had much," said Tidy, laughing. "It's most straight, see;" and she + pulled one of the short ringlets out with her fingers. "And I isn't sick, + neither; 'tis my 'plexion." + </p> + <p> + "'Plexion!" repeated Frances, with a tone of derision; "'tis white folks + has 'plexion; niggers don't hab none. Don't grow white skins in dese yer + parts." + </p> + <p> + "White's as good as black, I s'pose, a'n't it?" answered Tidy, diverted by + the droll manners of her new acquaintance. "I don't see no odds nohow." + </p> + <p> + "'Ta'n't 'spectable, dat's all. Brack's de fashion here on dis yer + plantation. 'Tis tough, b'ars whippin's and hard knocks. Whew! Hi! Ke! + Missus'll cut ye all up to slivers fust time." + </p> + <p> + "Does missus whip?" + </p> + <p> + "Reckon she does jest dat ting. Reckons you'll feel it right smart 'fore + you're much older. Hi! she whips like a driver,—cuts de skin all off + de knuckles in little less dan no time at all. Yer'll see; make yer curl + all up." + </p> + <p> + It was not a very pleasant prospect for Tidy, to be sure; but, more amused + than frightened, she went on with her inquiries. + </p> + <p> + "What does she whip ye for?" + </p> + <p> + "Laws, sake, for noffin at all; jest when she takes a notion; jest for + ex'cise, like. Owes me one, now," said the girl. "I breaked de pitcher dis + mornin', and, ho, ho, ho! how missus flied! I runned and 'scaped her, + though." + </p> + <p> + "She'll catch ye some time." + </p> + <p> + "No, she don't, not for dat score. Specs I'll dodge till she's got suffin' + else to tink about. Dat's de way dis chile fix it. Shouldn't hab no skin + leff, ef I didn't. Laws, now, ye ought to seen toder day, when I's done + stept on missus' toe. Didn't do it a purpose, sartain true, ef ye do + laugh," said she, shaking her head at the tittering tribe at her heels. + "Dat are leetle Luce pushed, and missus jest had her hand up to gib Luce + an old-fashioned crack on the head wid dat big brack key of hern. Hi! + didn't she fly roun', and forgot all 'bout Luce, a tryin' to hit dis nig—and + dis nig scooted and runned, and when missus' hand come down wid de big + key, thar warn't no nigger's head at all thar—and missus was gwine + to lay it on so drefful hard, dat she falled ober hersef right down into + de kitchen, and by de time she picked hersef up, bof de nigs war done + gone. Ho, ho, ho! I tells ye she was mad enough ter eat 'em. 'Pears as ef + sparks comed right out of dem brack eyes." + </p> + <p> + The girl's loud voice, as she grew animated in telling her exploits, and + the boisterous glee of her hearers, might have drawn the mistress with + whip in hand from the house, to inflict with double severity the evaded + punishment of the morning, but for the timely interference of Venus, who, + with her clean white apron and turbaned head, majestically emerged from + the kitchen, warning the young rebel and her associates to clear the + premises. + </p> + <p> + "Along wid yer, and keep yer tongue tween yer teeth, chile, or you'll + cotch it." + </p> + <p> + So Frances, drawing Tidy along with her, and followed by the whole troop, + turned into the lane that led down to the negro quarters, and as they + saunter along, I will tell you about her. + </p> + <p> + She was a fair specimen of slave children, full of the merry humor, the + love of fun and frolic peculiar to her race, with not a little admixture + of art and cunning. She was wild, rough, and boisterous, one of the sort + always getting into disgrace. She couldn't step without stumbling, nor + hold anything in her hand without spilling. She never had on a whole + frock, except when it was new, and her bare feet were seldom without a + bandage. She considered herself one of the most unfortunate of creatures, + because she met with so many accidents, and had, in consequence, to suffer + so much punishment; and it was of no use to try to do differently, she + declared, for she "couldn't help it, nohow." + </p> + <p> + I have seen just such children who were not slaves, haven't you? And I + think I understand the cause of their misfortunes. Shall I give you an + inkling of it? It is because they are so heedless and headlong in their + ways, racing and romping about with perfect recklessness. Don't you think + now that I am right, little reader, you who cried this very day, because + you were always getting into trouble, and getting scolded and punished for + it? You who are always tearing your frock and soiling your nice white + apron, spilling ink on your copy-book, and misplacing your geography, + forgetting your pencil and losing your sponge, and so getting reproof upon + reproof until you are heart-sick and discouraged? I know what Jessie + Smith's father told HER the other day. "You wouldn't meet with so many + mishaps, Jessie, if you didn't RUSH so." Jessie tried, after that, to move + round more gently and carefully, and I think she got on better. + </p> + <p> + Frances was just one of these "rushing" children, but she was + good-natured, and Tidy was quite fascinated with her. It was so new to + have an associate of her own age too; and so it came to pass that almost + immediately they were fast friends. Now, as they strolled along in the + starlight, under the great spreading pines which stood as sentinels here + and there along their path, Tidy drank in eagerly all her companion said, + and in a little while had gathered all the interesting points of + information concerning the place and the people. Frances told her how hard + and mean the master and mistress were, and how poorly the slaves fared + down at the quarters. Up at the house they made out very well, she said; + but not half so well as she and her mother did when they lived out east on + Mr. Blackstone's plantation. Then she described the busy summer season, + when hundreds of people came there to board and drink the water of the + springs. Mr. Lee had built two long rows of little brick houses, she said, + down by the springs, where the people lived while they were here, and + there was a great dining cabin with long tables and seats, and a barbecue + hall, where they had barbecues, and then danced all night long, and had + gay times. And there was plenty of money going at such times, for the + people had quantities of money and gave it to the slaves. + </p> + <p> + The negro quarters consisted of six log cabins, which had once been + whitewashed, but now were extremely wretched in appearance, both without + and within. It is customary on the plantations of the South to have the + houses of the negroes a little removed, perhaps a quarter of a mile, from + the family mansion. Thus, with the exception of the house servants, who + must be within call, the slave portion of the family live by themselves, + and generally in a most uncivilized and miserable way. In some cases their + houses are quite neatly built and kept; but it was not so on Mr. Lee's + estate. + </p> + <p> + In front of these old huts was a spring, the water bubbling up and running + through a dilapidated, moss-covered spout, into a tub half sunk in the + earth, which in the daytime served as a drinking trough for the animals, + and a bathing-pool for the babies. Brushwood and logs were lying around in + all directions, and here and there a fire was burning, at which the + negroes were cooking their supper. Dogs and a few stray babies were + roaming about, seeming lonely for want of the pigs and chickens which kept + company with them all day, but had now gone to rest. Boys and girls of + larger growth were rollicking and careering over the place, dancing and + singing and entertaining themselves and the whole settlement with their + jollities and noise. + </p> + <p> + Is it surprising, we must stop to ask, that the colored people are a + degraded class, when we consider the way in which the children live from + their very infancy. No work for them to do, nothing to learn, nobody to + care for them,—they are just left to grow and fatten like swine, + till they are in condition to be sold or to be broken in to their tasks in + the field. Utterly neglected, they contract, of necessity, lazy and + vicious habits, and it is no wonder they have to be whipped and broken in + to work as animals to the yoke or harness; and no wonder that under such + treatment for successive generations, the race should become so reduced in + mental and moral ability, as to be thought by many incapable of ever + reclaiming a position among the enlightened nations of the earth. Oh, what + a weight of guilt have the people of our country incurred in allowing four + millions of those poor people to be so trodden down in the very midst of + us! + </p> + <p> + When the children reached home again they found Mammy Grace's cabin quite + full of men and women, shouting, singing, and talking in a way quite + unintelligible to our little stranger. After she had dropped upon her cot + for the night, she lifted her head and ventured to ask what those people + had been about. + </p> + <p> + "Don' ye know, chile? We's had a praisin'-meetin'. We has 'em ebery week, + one week it's here, and one week it's ober to General Doolittle's, ober de + hill yonder. Ef ye's a good chile, honey, ye shall go wid yer old mammy + some time, ye shall." + </p> + <p> + "What do you do?" asked Tidy. + </p> + <p> + "We praises, chile,—praises de Lord, and den we prays too." + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" + </p> + <p> + "Laws, chile, ye don't know noffin. Whar's ye been fotched up all yer + days? Why, when we wants any ting we can't git oursef, nohow, we ask de + Lord to gib it to us—dat's what it is." + </p> + <p> + That first day and evening in Tidy's new home was a memorable day in her + experience. It seemed as if she had been lifted up two or three degrees in + existence, so much had she heard and learned. She had enough to think + about as she lay down to rest, for the first time away from Miss Matilda's + sheltering presence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. PRAYER. + </h2> + <p> + As Tidy grew in stature she grew in favor also with those around her. Spry + but gentle in her movements, obedient, obliging, and apt to learn, she + secured the good-will of her master and mistress, and the visitors that + thronged to the place. If any little service was to be performed which + required more than usual care or expedition, she was the one to be called + upon to do it. It was no easy task to please a person so fretful and + impatient in spirit as Mrs. Lee, yet Tidy, by her promptness and docility, + succeeded admirably. Still, with all her well-doing she was not able + entirely to avoid her harshness and cruelty. + </p> + <p> + One day, when she had been several months in Mrs. Lee's family, she was + set to find a ball of yarn which had become detached from her mistress's + knitting-work. Diligently she hunted for it every-where,—in Mammy + Grace's cabin, on the veranda, in the drawing-room, dining-room, and + kitchen, up-stairs, down-stairs, and in the lady's chamber, but no ball + was to be found. The mistress grew impatient, and the child searched + again. The mistress became unreasonable and threatened, and the child + really began to tremble for fear of undeserved chastisement. What could + she do? + </p> + <p> + What do you think she did? I will tell you? + </p> + <p> + Ever since that first night with Mammy Grace, when Tidy had asked her what + it was to pray, and had been told, "When we wants any ting we can't git + oursefs, nohow, we asks de Lord to gib it to us," these words had been + treasured in her memory; but as yet she had never had an opportunity to + put them to a practical use; for up to this time she had not really wanted + any thing. Her necessities were all supplied even better than she had + reason to expect; for in addition to the plain but sufficient fare that + was allowed her in the cabin, she was never a day without luxuries from + the table of the family. Fruits, tarts, and many a choice bit of cake, + found their way through the children's hands to their little favorite, so + that she had nothing to wish for in the eating line. Her services with the + children were so much in accordance with her taste as to be almost + pastime, and the old nurse was as kind and good as a mother could be. + Never until this day had she been brought into a real strait; and it was + in this emergency that she thought to put Mammy Grace's suggestion to the + test. She had attended the weekly prayer or "praisin'-meetin's" as they + were called, and observed that when the men and women prayed, they seemed + to talk in a familiar way with this invisible Lord; and she determined to + do the same. As she went out for the third time from the presence of her + mistress, downcast and unhappy, she thought that if she only had such eyes + as the Lord had, which Mammy Grace repeatedly told her were in every + place, considering every little thing in the earth, she would know just + where to go to find the missing ball. At that thought something seemed to + whisper, "Pray." + </p> + <p> + She darted out of the door, ran across the yard, making her way as + speedily as possible to the only retired spot she knew of. This was a deep + gully at the back of the house, through which a tiny stream of water + crept, just moistening the roots of the wild cherry and alder bushes which + grew there in great abundance, and keeping the grass fresh and green all + the summer long. No one ever came to this spot excepting now and then the + laundress with a piece of linen to bleach, or the children to play + hide-and-seek of a moonlight evening. Here she fell upon her knees, and + lifting up her hands as she had seen others do, she said,— + </p> + <p> + "Blessed Lord, I want to find missus' ball of yarn, and I can't. You know + whar 'tis. Show me, so I sha'n't get cracks over my head with the big key. + Hallelujah, amen." + </p> + <p> + She didn't know, innocent child, what this "Hallelujah, amen," meant; but + she remembered that Uncle Simon always ended in that way, and she supposed + it had something important to do with the prayer. So she uttered it with a + feeling of great satisfaction, as though that capped the climax of her + duty, and put the seal of acceptance on her petition; and then she got up + and walked away, as sure as could be that the ball would be forthcoming. I + dare say she expected to see it rolling out before her from some + unthought-of corner as she went along. + </p> + <p> + Do not laugh at the poor little slave girl, children, or ridicule the idea + of her taking such a small thing to the Lord. If you, and older people + too, were in the habit of carrying all your little troubles to the throne + of grace, I am sure you would find help that you little dream of. If the + Lord in his greatness regards the little sparrows, so that not one of them + shall fall to the ground without his notice, and if he numbers the hairs + of our heads, surely there is nothing that can give us uneasiness of mind + or sorrow of heart too small to commend to his notice. I wish we might all + follow Tidy's example, and I have no doubt that our heavenly Father, who + is quite willing to have his words and his love tested, would answer us as + he did her. + </p> + <p> + She went directly to the house, carefully looking this way and that, as if + expecting, as I said, that the ball would suddenly appear before her,—of + course it did not,—and passing across the veranda, entered the hall. + A great, old-fashioned, eight-day clock, like the pendulum that hung in + the farmer's kitchen so long, and got tired of ticking, I imagine, stood + in one corner. Just at the foot of this, Tidy saw a white string + protruding. She forgot for the moment what she was hunting after, and + stooped to pick up the string. She pulled at it, but it seemed to catch in + something and slipped through her fingers. She pulled again, when lo and + behold! out came the ball of yarn. Didn't her eyes sparkle? Didn't her + hands twitch with excitement, as she picked it up and carried it to her + mistress? So much for praying, said she to herself; I shall know what to + do the next time I get into trouble. + </p> + <p> + The next time the affair proved a more serious one. It was no less than a + search for Frances, who had again been guilty of some misdemeanor, and had + hidden herself away to escape punishment. On the second day of her + absence, Mrs. Lee called Tidy, and instructed her to search for the girl, + with the assurance that if she didn't find her, she herself should get the + whipping. It was no very pleasant prospect for Tidy, but she set to her + task earnestly. A half-day she spent going over the premises,—the + house, the out-buildings, the quarters, and the pine-woods opposite; but + the girl was not to be found. + </p> + <p> + Afraid to come and report her want of success, for a while she was quite + in despair; until again she bethought herself of prayer, and out she ran + to the gully. There she cried,— + </p> + <p> + "Lord, I's very anxious to find France. I'll thank you to show me whar she + is, and make missus merciful, so she sha'n't lash neither one of us. Oh, + if I could only find France. Blessed Lord, you can help me find her"—— + </p> + <p> + She was pleading very earnestly when a voice suddenly interrupted her, and + there, at her side, stood the girl. + </p> + <p> + "Who's dat ar you's conbersin wid 'bout me, little goose?" asked Frances. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, France," cried Tidy in delight, "whar was you? Missus set me lookin' + for yer, and she said she'd whip all the skin off me, if I didn't find + yer. Whar's you been?" + </p> + <p> + "Laws, you nummy, ye don't specs now I's gwine to let all dis yer + plantation know dat secret. Ho, ho, ho! If I telled, I couldn't go dar + 'gin no way. I's comed here for my dinner, caus specs dis chile can't + starve nohow. See, my mudder knows whar to put de bones for dis yer + chile," and pushing aside the bushes, she displayed an ample supply of + eatables, which she fell to devouring greedily. Tidy had to reason long + and stoutly with the refractory girl before she could persuade her to + return to the house; and when she accomplished her purpose, she was + probably not aware of the real motive that wrought in that dark, stupid + negro mind. It was not the fear of an increased punishment, if she + remained longer absent,—it was not the faint hope that Tidy held up, + that if she humbly asked her mistress's pardon, she might be forgiven,—but + the thought that if she did not at once return, Tidy must suffer in her + stead, was too much for her. She was, notwithstanding her black skin and + rude nature, too generous to allow that. + </p> + <p> + So the two wended their way to the kitchen in great trepidation, and Tidy, + stepping round to the sitting-room, timidly informed her mistress of the + arrival, adding in most beseeching manner, "Please, Missus, don't whip + her, 'caus she's so sorry." + </p> + <p> + "You mind your own business, little sauce-box, or you'll catch it too. + When I want your advice, I'll come for it," and seizing her whip which she + kept on a shelf close by, she proceeded to the kitchen. Miss Matilda + followed, determined to see that justice was done to one at least. + </p> + <p> + The poor frightened girl fell on her knees. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Missus," she cried, "dear Missus, do 'scuse me. I'll neber do dat + ting over 'gin! I'll neber run away 'gin! I'll neber do noffin! Oh, + Missus, please don't, oh, dear,"—as notwithstanding the appeal, the + angry blow fell. Before another could descend, Miss Matilda laid her hand + upon her sister's arm. + </p> + <p> + "Excuse the girl, Susan," she said, gently, "excuse her just this once, + and give her a trial. See if she won't do better." + </p> + <p> + It was very hard, for it was contrary to her nature, for Mrs. Lee to show + mercy. However, she did yield, and after a very severe reprimand to the + culprit, and a very unreasonable, angry speech to Tidy, who, to to [sic] + her thinking, had become implicated in Frances' guilt, she dismissed them + both from her presence,—the one chuckling over her fortunate escape, + and the other querying in her mind, whether or no this unhoped-for mercy + was another answer to prayer. Miss Matilda made a remark as they retired, + which Tidy heard, whether it was designed for her ear or not. + </p> + <p> + "I always have designed to give that child her liberty when she is old + enough; and if any thing prevents my doing so, I hope she will take it + herself." + </p> + <p> + Take her liberty! What did that mean? Tidy laid up the saying, and + pondered it in her heart. + </p> + <p> + Does any one of our little readers ask why Miss Matilda did not free the + child then? Tidy's services paid her owner's board at her brother's house, + and she couldn't afford to give away her very subsistence; COULD SHE? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE FIRST LESSON. + </h2> + <p> + THE walk to school was a very delightful one, and as the trio trudged over + the road from day to day, chattering like magpies, laughing, singing, + shouting, and dancing in the exuberance of childish glee, all seemed + equally light-hearted and joyous. Even the little slave who carried the + books which she was unable to read, and the basket of dinner of which she + could not by right partake, with a keen eye for the beautiful, and a + sensitive heart to appreciate nature, could not apparently have been more + happy, if her condition had been reversed, and she had been made the + served instead of the servant. + </p> + <p> + The way for half a mile lay through a dense pine-wood,—the tall + trees rising like stately pillars in some vast temple filled with balsamic + incense, and floored with a clean, elastic fabric, smooth as polished + marble, over which the little feet lightly and gayly tripped. In the + central depths where the sun's rays never penetrated, and the fallen + leaves lay so thickly on the ground, no flowers could grow, but on the + outer edges spring lavished her treasures. The trailing arbutus added new + fragrance to the perfumed air, frail anemones trembled in the wind, and + violets flourished in the shade. The blood-root lifted its lily-white + blossoms to the light, and the cream-tinted, fragile bells of the uvularia + nestled by its side. Passing the wood and its embroidered flowery border, + a brook ran across the road. The rippling waters were almost hidden by the + bushes which grew upon its banks, where the wild honeysuckle and + touch-me-not, laurels and eglantine, mingled their beautiful blossoms, and + wooed the bee and humming-bird to their gay bowers. Over this stream a + narrow bridge led directly to the school-house; but the homeward side was + so attractive, that the children always tarried there until they saw the + teacher on the step, or heard the little bell tinkling from the door. Tidy + remained with them till the last minute, and there her bright face might + invariably be seen when school was dismissed in the afternoon. A large + flat rock between the woods and the flowery edges of Pine Run was the + place of rendezvous. + </p> + <p> + One summer's morning they were earlier than usual, and emerging from the + woods, warm and weary with their long walk, they threw themselves down + upon the rock over which in the early day, the shadows of the trees + refreshingly fell. Amelia turned her face toward the Run, and lulled by + the gentle murmuring of the water, and the humming of the insects, was + soon quietly asleep; Susie, with an apron full of burs, was making + furniture for the play-house which they were arranging in a cleft of the + rock; and Tidy, who carried the books, was busily turning over the leaves + and amusing herself with the pictures. + </p> + <p> + "My sakes!" she exclaimed presently, "what a funny cretur! See that great + lump on his back!" and she pointed with her finger to the picture of a + camel. "Miss Susie! what IS that? Is it a lame horse?" + </p> + <p> + "Why no, Tidy, that's a camel; 'tisn't a horse at all. I was reading that + very place yesterday,—let me see," and taking the book she read very + intelligently a brief account of the wonderful animal. + </p> + <p> + "How queer!" said Tidy, deeply interested. "And is there something in this + book about all the pictures?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered Susie, "if you could only read now, you would know about + every one. See here, on the next page is an elephant; see his great tusks + and his monstrous long trunk," and the child read to her attentive + listener of another of the wonders of creation. + </p> + <p> + [illustration omitted] + </p> + <p> + "How I wish I could read,—why can't I?" asked Tidy; and the little + colored face was turned up full of animation. "I don't b'lieve but I could + learn as well as you." + </p> + <p> + "Why of course you could," answered Amelia, who had risen quite refreshed + by her short nap. "I don't see why not. You can't go to school you know, + because mother wants you to work; but I could teach you just as well as + not." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, could you? will you?—do begin!" cried the eager child. "Oh, + Miss Mely, if you only would, I'd do any thing for you." + </p> + <p> + "Look here," said Amelia, seizing the book from her sister's hands, and by + virtue of superior age, constituting herself the teacher; "do you see + those lines?" and she pointed to the columns of letters on the first page. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the ready pupil, all attention. + </p> + <p> + "Well, those are letters,—the alphabet, they call it. Every one of + them has got a name, and when you have learned to know them all perfectly, + so that you can call them all right wherever you see 'em, why, then you + can read any thing." + </p> + <p> + "Any thing?" asked Tidy in amazement. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, any thing,—all kinds of books and papers and the Bible and + every thing." + </p> + <p> + "I can learn THEM, I's sure I can," said Tidy. "Le's begin now." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you see that first one,—that's A. You see how it's made,—two + lines go right up to a point, and then a straight one across. Now say, + what is it?" + </p> + <p> + "A." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and now the next one,—that's B. There's a straight line down + and two curves on the front. What's that?" + </p> + <p> + "B." + </p> + <p> + "Now you must remember those two,—I sha'n't tell you any more this + morning, and I shall make you do just as Miss Agnes used to make me. Miss + Agnes was our governess at home before we came here to school. She made me + take a newspaper,—see, here's a piece,—and prick the letters + on it with a pin. Now you take this piece of paper, and prick every A and + every B that you can find on it, and to-morrow I'll show you some more." + </p> + <p> + Just then the bell sounded from the schoolhouse, and Amelia and Susan went + to their duties, but not with half so glad a heart as Tidy set herself to + hers. Down she squatted on the rock, and did not leave the place till her + first task was successfully accomplished, and the precious piece of + perforated paper safely stowed away for Amelia's inspection. + </p> + <p> + Day after day this process was repeated, until all the letters great and + small had been learned; and now for the more difficult work of putting + them together. There seemed to be but one step between Tidy and perfect + happiness. If she could only have a hymn-book and know how to read it, she + would ask nothing more. She didn't care so much about the Bible. If she + had known, as you do, children, that it is God's word, no doubt she would + have been anxious to learn what it contained. But this truth she had never + heard, and therefore all her desires were centered in the hymn-book, in + which were stored so many of those precious and beautiful hymns which she + loved so much to hear Uncle Simon repeat and sing. Would she ever be so + happy as to be able to sing them from her own book? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. LONY'S PETITION. + </h2> + <p> + BUT, ah! this is a world of disappointment, and it almost always happens + that if we attain any real good, we have to toil for it. Tidy's path was + not to continue as smooth and pleasant as it had been. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Lee, by some untoward accident, found out what was going on, + and at once expounded the law and the necessities of the case to their + children, forbidding them in the most peremptory manner, and on penalty of + the severest chastisement, ever to attempt again to give Tidy or any other + slave a lesson. What the punishment was with which they were threatened + she never knew, for the little girls never dared even to speak upon the + subject; but she knew it must be something very dreadful, and though this + was a most cruel blow to her expectations, she loved them too well to + bring them into the slightest danger on her own account. So she never + afterwards alluded to the subject. + </p> + <p> + Her first impulse was to give up all for lost, and to sit down and weep + despairingly over her disappointment; but she was of too hopeful a + disposition to do so. + </p> + <p> + "I knows the letters," said she to herself, "and I specs I can learn + myself. I can SCRAMBLE ALONG, some way." + </p> + <p> + Scrambling indeed! I wonder if any of you, little folks, would be willing + to undertake it. + </p> + <p> + In her trouble she did not forget the strong hold to which she had learned + to resort in trouble. She PRAYED about it every day, morning, noon, and + night. Indeed the words "Lord, help me learn to read," were seldom out of + her heart. Even when she did not dare to utter them with her lips, they + were mentally ejaculated. Hers was indeed an unceasing prayer. + </p> + <p> + "Come chile," said Mammy Grace, one evening in the cool, frosty autumn, as + Tidy was hovering over the embers, eating her corn-bread, "put on de ole + shawl, and we'll tote ober de hills to Massa Bertram's. De meetin's dare + dis yer night, and Si's gwine to go. Come, honey, 'tis chill dis ebening, + and de walk'll put the warmf right smart inter ye;" and they started off + at a quick pace, over the hills, through the woods, down the lanes, and + across little brooks, the pale, cold moonlight streaming across their + path, and the warm sunlight of divine peace and favor enlivening their + hearts as they went on, making nothing at all of a walk of three miles to + sing and pray in company with Christian friends. Would WE take as much + pains to attend a prayer-meeting? + </p> + <p> + It was not the customary place of meeting, and the people for the most + part were strangers. One party had come by special invitation, to see a + new PIECE OF PROPERTY which had just arrived upon the place,—a piece + of property that thought, and felt, and moved, and walked, like a thing of + life; that loved and feared the Lord, and sung and prayed like any + Christian. What wonderful qualities slaveholders' chattels possess! + </p> + <p> + The woman, whose name was Apollonia, familiarly called Lony, was a tall, + gaunt, square-built negress, with a skin so black and shining, and her + limbs so rigid, that she might almost have been mistaken for one of those + massive statues we sometimes see carved out of the solid anthracite. A + bright yellow turban on her head rose in shape like an Egyptian pyramid, + adding to her extraordinary hight, and strangely contrasting with her + black, thick, African features. Altogether her appearance would have been + formidable and repelling, but for a look in her eye like the clear shining + after rain, and a tranquil, peaceful expression which had over-spread her + hard visage. Tidy was overawed and fascinated by the gigantic figure, and + when, after a few minutes of sacred silence, the new comer, who seemed + accepted as the presiding spirit of the occasion, commenced singing, she + was more than usually interested and attentive. The words were not + familiar to the company, so that none could join, and the deep monotone of + the woman, at first low, and by degrees becoming louder and more animated, + made every word distinct and impressive. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I was but a youth when first I was called on, + To think of my soul and the state I was in; + I saw myself standing from God a great distance, + And betwixt me and him was a mountain of Sin. + + "Old Satan declared that I had been converted, + Old Satan persuaded me I was too young; + And before my days ended that I would grow tired, + And I'd wish that I'd never so early begun." +</pre> + <p> + "But, praise de Lord," exclaimed the woman, stopping short in her hymn, + and rising suddenly to her feet, "I habn't growed tired yet, and I's been + walkin in de ways of goodness forty years and more. De Lord, he is good,—I + knows he is, for I's tried him and found him out, and I's neber tired o' + praisin him. Bress de Lord! He's new to me ebery mornin, and fresh as de + coolin waters ebery ebening. Praise de Lord! Hallelujah! When I was a + chile, I use to make massa's boys mad so's to hear 'em swar. It pleased + dis wicked cretur to hear de fierce swarrin'. One day I went to de garden + behind de house to git de water-melons for dinner, and I heerd a voice. + 'Pears 'twas like a leetle, soft voice, but I couldn't see nobody nowhar + dat spoke, and it said, 'Lony, Lony, don't yer make dem boys swar no more, + ef ye do, ye'll lose yer soul.' I looked all roun and roun, for I was + skeered a'most to deff, but I couldn't see nobody, and den I know'd 'twas + a voice from heaben, for I'd heerd o' sich, and I says, 'No, Lord, no, I + won't.' I didn't know den what de SOUL was, or what a drefful ting 'twas + to lose it; but I knowd it mus mean suffin orful. So I began to consider + all de time 'bout de soul. Byme-by a Baptis' min'ster comed to de place, + and massa and missus was converted. Den dey let us hab meetin's and de + clersh'-man he comed and talked to us. I didn't comperhend much he said, + 'caus I was young and foolish; but he telled a good many times 'bout dat + ef we want to save our souls we mus be babtize and git under de Lord's + table. Says I to my own sef, 'Specs now ef poor Lony could only find de + table of de bressed Lord, 'twould all be well, and she'd be pertected + foreber.' So I prayed and prayed, and one night de good Lord comed hissef, + and bringd his great, splendid table, and all de fair angels dressed in + white and gold and settin roun it, and I got under, and I ate de crumbs + dat fell down, and den 'pears I begun to live. Oh, 'twas sich a peace dat + came all ober me, and I wanted to sing and shout all of de time. And dat's + jess whar I been eber sence, my friends, and I neber wants to come away + till I dies; and den de good Lord'll take me up to de great heabenly + mansion, and gib me de gold robes, and den I shall set up wid de rest and + be like 'em all. And I's willin to wait, 'caus I lubs de Lord and praises + him ebery day. He is de good Lord, and he lubs me and hearkens ebery time + I speaks to him; and I ha'n't 'bleeged to holler loud, nuther, for he's + neber far away, but he keeps close by dis poor soul so he can hear ebery + word and cry. And he'll hear all yer cries, my friends, when ye prays for + yersef or for yer chillen, or yer bredren and sisters. Le's pray, now." + </p> + <p> + Then kneeling down, this representative of a despised and untutored race, + with a faith that triumphed gloriously over her abject surroundings, + poured forth her supplications, talking with the Lord as a man talks with + his friend, as it were face to face. + </p> + <p> + "O bressed Lord, dat's in de heaben and de earf and ebery whar; you's + heerd all de tings dat we's asked for. And you knows all dat dese yer poor + chillen wants dat dey hasn't axed for; and if dere's any ob 'em here, dat + doesn't dare to speak out loud, and tell what dey does want, you can hear + it jess as well, ef it is way down deep buried up in de heart; and oh, + bressed Lord, do gib 'em de desires of de heart, 'less it's suffin dat'll + hurt 'em, and den Lord don't gib it to 'em at all." + </p> + <p> + This was enough for our little Tidy. Her heart swelled, and the great + tears ran down her cheeks, as she thought instantly of the one dear, + cherished petition that she dared not utter, but which was uppermost in + her heart continually; and as the woman pleaded with the Lord to hear and + answer the desires of every soul present, she held that want of hers up + before Him as a cup to be filled, and the Lord verily did fill it up to + the brim. A quiet, restful feeling took the place of the burning, eager + anxiety she had hitherto felt, and from that moment she was sure, yes, + SURE that she would have her wish, and some day be able to read. Nothing + had ever encouraged and strengthened her so much as the earnest words and + prayers of this Christian woman. How thankful she always felt that she had + been brought to the prayer-meeting at Massa Bertram's that night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. ROUGH PLACES. + </h2> + <p> + To obtain possession of the hymn-book she desired, was not so very + difficult in Tidy's estimation. The numerous visitors at the house, + pleased with her bright face, her gentle manners, and ready attentions, + often dropped a coin into her hand, and these little moneys were carefully + treasured for the accomplishment of her purpose. She calculated that by + Christmas-time she should have enough money to buy it, and Uncle Simon she + knew would procure it for her. Her greatest anxiety now was to be ready to + use it. + </p> + <p> + But how could she make herself ready? How was she to learn without a + teacher or a book? + </p> + <p> + There had been an old primer for some time tossing about the play-room—its + scarlet cover looking more gorgeous and tempting in Tidy's eyes, as they + fell upon it day after day, than any trinket or gewgaw she could have + seen; yet she dared not touch it. She was too honest to appropriate it to + herself without leave, and she was afraid to allude to the forbidden + lessons by asking Amelia or Susan for it. Several times she tried to draw + their attention to the neglected book, and to give them some hint of her + own longing for it,—but all to no avail. One day, however, she had + orders from the children to clear up the room thoroughly. + </p> + <p> + "Make every thing neat as a pin," said Amelia, "while we go down to + dinner, for we are going to have company this afternoon; and if it looks + right nice, I'll give you an orange." + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do with dis yer book, then, Miss Mely?" hastily asked Tidy, + as she stooped to pick up the book, and felt herself trembling all over + that she had dared to put her fingers upon it. + </p> + <p> + "That? Oh, that's no good; throw it away,—we never use it now,—or + keep it yourself, if you want to," said she, after a second thought. + </p> + <p> + It was done. The book was quickly deposited in a safe place, and the + clearing up proceeded rapidly. The orange was a small consideration; for + had she not got a book, her heart's desire, and now she could learn to + read. + </p> + <p> + She could learn all alone; she would be her own teacher. If she got into a + very narrow place she would get Uncle Simon to help her out. No one else + on the estate knew how to read, and he didn't know much, but no doubt he + could be of some assistance. Such was Tidy's inward plan. + </p> + <p> + After this, the little girl might have been seen every evening stretched + at full length on the cabin floor, her head towards the fireplace, where + the choicest pine knots were kindled into a cheerful blaze, with her + spelling-book open before her. She was "clambering" up the rough way of + knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Did she accomplish her purpose? To be sure she did. Little reader, did you + ever make up your mind to do any thing and fail? There's an old proverb + that says, "Where there's a will there's a way;" and this is true. + Resolution and energy, patience and perseverance, will achieve nearly + every thing you set about. Try it. Try it when you have hard lessons to + do, puzzling examples in arithmetic to solve, that long stint in sewing to + do, that distasteful music to practice, those bad habits to conquer. Try + it faithfully, and when you grow up, you'll be able to say, from your own + experience, "Where there's a will there's a way." + </p> + <p> + You must not expect, however, that Tidy learned very rapidly or very + perfectly under such discouragements. Think how it would be with yourself, + if you only knew your letters. You might read quite easily m-a-n, but how + do you think you could find out that those letters spelled man? + </p> + <p> + Tidy advanced much more expeditiously after she had obtained possession of + her hymn-book. Some of the hymns were quite familiar to her from her + having heard them sung so often at the meetings, and she determined to + study these first; and you may well imagine how proud she felt,—not + sinfully, but innocently proud,—when she seated herself one + afternoon by Mammy Grace's side, and pulling her hymn-book out of her + bosom, asked if she might read a hymn. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, chile, 'deed ye may, ef ye can. Specs 'twill do yer ole mammy's + heart good to hear ye read de books like de white folks." + </p> + <p> + And the child opened the book, and in a clear, pleasant, happy voice she + read slowly, but correctly,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "My God, the spring of all my joys, + The life of my delights, + The glory of my brightest days, + And comfort of my nights. + + "In darkest shades if he appear, + My dawning is begun; + He is my soul's sweet morning star, + And he my rising sun." +</pre> + <p> + "Look dar, chile," cried the old nurse, springing to her feet, "Massa + George's jess a'most out ob de door. Ef he SHOULD fall and break his neck, + what WOULD 'come of us. Dis yer chile 'd neber hab no more peace all de + days of her life. Yer reads raal pooty, honey; but ye mus'n't neglect duty + for de books, 'caus ef ye do, ye isn't worthy of de prevelege." + </p> + <p> + So Tidy had to forego her hymns till the children were put to bed. + </p> + <p> + After this, in the long winter evenings, in Mammy Grace's snug cabin, what + harvests of enjoyment were gathered from that precious book. Uncle Simon + was the favored guest on such occasions, and always "bringed his welcome + wid hissef," he said, in the shape of pitch-pine fagots, the richest to be + found, by the light of which they read and sung the songs of Zion, which + they dearly loved; the pious old slave in the mean time commending, + congratulating, and encouraging Tidy in her wonderful intellectual + achievements. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. + </h2> + <p> + PERSONS of will and energy generally have some distinct object before them + which they are striving to reach,—something of importance to be + gained or done. As fast as one thing is attained, another plan is + projected; and so they go on, mounting up from one achievement to another + all through life. And this enterprising spirit begins to be developed at a + very early age in children. + </p> + <p> + Tidy was one of these active little beings, full of business, never + unhappy for want of something to do; and besides the ordinary and more + trivial occupations of the outer life, her spirit or inner life had ever a + dear, cherished object before it, which engrossed her thoughts, taxed her + capabilities, and raised her above the degraded level of her companions in + servitude. + </p> + <p> + Now that she had attained one grand point in learning to read, she + ventured on another and far more difficult enterprise. What do you think + it was? Why, nothing more or less than to GET HER LIBERTY. + </p> + <p> + She had heard Miss Matilda say in the kitchen, "If I don't give the child + her liberty, I hope she will take it." This was her warrant. She + perceived, by Miss Matilda's words and manner, in the first place, that + liberty was desirable, and, in the second, that she COULD take it. But, + ignorant child as she was, she little knew the difficulties that stood in + the way. + </p> + <p> + She had now lived several years in Mr. Lee's family, and had grown wiser + in many respects. She began to realize more fully what it was to be a + slave, and what her probable prospects were, if she did not escape. She + learned that there was a place, not a great way from her Virginian home, + where people did not hold her race in bondage; where she could go and come + as she pleased, choose her own employers and occupation, be paid for her + labor, provide for herself, and perhaps some day have a home of her own, + with husband and children whom she could hold and enjoy. Do you think it + strange that such a condition seemed attractive, and that she was willing + to make great efforts and run fearful risks to reach it? + </p> + <p> + She kept her intentions profoundly secret. Even Mammy Grace and Uncle + Simon, her best friends, were not in her confidence. But she prayed about + it constantly, and sought information from every possible source with + regard to this free land,—where it was, and how it could be reached,—and + at last formed her plan, which she determined to carry out during the + coming summer. + </p> + <p> + She knew she must have money, if she was going to travel, and for a long + time she had been carefully saving up all she could command. She + constantly endeavored to make herself useful in various ways in order to + get it. The summer-time was her money harvest; and this season she was + delighted to find visitors thronging to the Springs in greater numbers + than she had ever seen before. She knew if there was plenty of company, + there would be plenty of business, and consequently a plenty of money; for + the class of people who came there were for the most part wealthy, and + were quite willing to pay for the attentions they received. The little + brick houses in which they lodged were under the care of the slave girls. + Each one had two of these cabins, as they were called, in charge, and were + required to keep them in order, to wait upon the ladies and children, and + serve them at the table. Tidy was unwearied in her efforts to please. She + answered promptly to every call, and kept her rooms in the neatest manner; + and for her pains she received many a bright coin, which was providently + stored away in a little bag, and concealed beneath her mattress. Perhaps + these conscientious people would not have bestowed money so freely on + their favorite young maid, if they had known the purpose to which it was + to be applied. For they say that slavery is a Christian institution, a + sort of missionary enterprise, which has been divinely appointed for the + good of the colored race; and of course to get away from it is to run away + from God and the privileges and blessings he is so kind as to give. + </p> + <p> + Tidy, however, thought differently, as the slaves generally do; and as she + had made up her mind that she should gain greater advantages in a state of + freedom, she determined to persevere in her attempt. Her accumulations + finally became so large, that she thought she might venture to start on + her journey. + </p> + <p> + She knew, too, that she must have clothes quite different from those she + usually wore. And how was she to get these? Ah, she had had an eye for a + long while to this. She and Amelia were not only of the same age, but of + the same size. Tidy had grown in the last two years very rapidly, and had + now reached a womanly hight and figure. She had watched the growth of + Amelia with the keenest interest. So far, it had corresponded with her own + so exactly that she could easily wear the clothes made for her young + mistress. In fact, Amelia often dressed Tidy up in her own garments that + she might get a better idea of how they looked upon herself. This season, + Amelia, for the first time, had a traveling suit complete, for she was + going a journey with her father; and when it was finished, she was so + pleased that she sent for Tidy at once to participate in her joy, and + insisted that she should immediately put it on, that she might see how it + fitted, and if every thing about it was as it should be. The dress was a + dark green merino, made with a very long pelerine cape, which was the very + pink of the fashion, and was the especial admiration of all the children. + Tidy arrayed herself in these, and, putting the little jaunty cap of the + same color on her head, stood before the glass and surveyed herself with + as perfect satisfaction as the owner of the becoming costume herself + experienced. Indeed she could hardly keep her eye from telling tales of + the joy within, as she inwardly said, "There's many a slip twixt the cup + and the lip, and may be, Miss Amelia, I shall go traveling in this before + you do." She felt that nothing could have been provided more suitable or + timely than this charming suit. + </p> + <p> + Are you shocked, little reader, that Tidy, the good, exemplary, + conscientious Tidy, should have thought of appropriating Amelia's wardrobe + to herself? I must stop a moment here to explain to you the slaves' code + of morals. They are so ignorant that we must not expect them to have so + high or correct a standard of conduct as we have, or to be able to make + such nice distinctions in questions of right and wrong. + </p> + <p> + Ever since Mammy Grace had made to her young pupil the first imperfect + revelation of God's character and government, declaring that he would + punish with eternal fire those who should lie, swear, or steal, the child + had held these sins in the greatest abhorrence, and was scrupulously + careful to avoid them. She would not have taken from the baby-house a + trinket, or an article of food from the kitchen, without leave, on any + account. At the same time, she had learned the slave theory that as they + are never paid for their labor, they have a right to any thing which their + labor has purchased, OF WHICH THEY HAVE NEED. Consequently if a slave is + not provided with food sufficient for his wants, he supplies himself. The + pigs and chickens, vegetables and fruits, or any thing else which he can + handily obtain, he helps himself to, as though they were his own, and + never burdens his conscience with the sin of stealing. A slave, who had + obtained his freedom, once remarked in a public meeting, that when he was + a boy, he was OBLIGED to steal, or TAKE food, as he called it, in order to + live, because so little was provided for him. "But now," said he, while + his face shone with a consciousness of honesty and honor, "I wouldn't take + a cent's worth from any man; no, not for my right hand." + </p> + <p> + So, you see, that this principle of appropriating what the labor of her + own hands had earned, when necessity demanded it, was that upon which Tidy + was to act. She never needed to steal food, nor even luxuries, for she + always had enough; nor money, because, for her limited wants, she always + had enough of that. But now, when she was going a journey, and wanted to + look especially nice, she felt very glad to have the dress prepared so + fitting for the occasion; and she did not feel a single misgiving of + conscience about taking it when she got ready to use it. Whether this was + just right or not, I shall leave an open question for you to decide in + your own minds. It will bear thought and discussion, and will be quite a + profitable subject for you to consider. + </p> + <p> + When the preparations were all made, Mammy Grace and old Simon were let + into the secret. Whether they said any thing by way of discussion I do not + know—at any rate, it did not alter Tidy's determination. I think, + however, that she found her two aged friends very useful in aiding her + last movements; and when the eventful moment arrived, and Tidy, attired in + Miss Amelia's garments, with a traveling-bag in her hand, containing her + hymn-book, her money, and a few needed articles, stood at the foot of the + walk that led into the public road, Mammy Grace stood with her in the + starlight of the early summer's morning, and bade her God-speed. + </p> + <p> + "Ye looks like a lady for all de world, honey; I 'clare dese yer old eyes + neber would a thought 'twas you, in dis yer fine dress—hi, hi, hi! + Specs nobody'll tink ye's run away. De old nuss hates to part wid her + chile; but ef ye must go, ye must, and de bressed Lord go wid ye, and keep + ye safe." + </p> + <p> + Then giving her a most affectionate hug, she put a paper of eatables in + her hand, and helped her to mount the horse before Uncle Simon, who was + already in the saddle. Where or how the old man procured the horse and + equipments, HE knew—but nobody else did. + </p> + <p> + The animal was a fast trotter, and brought them speedily five miles to the + village, where Tidy was to take the stage-coach to Baltimore. It was + before railroads and steam-engines were much talked of in Virginia. + Alighting in the outskirts of the town, Simon lifted the young girl to the + ground, and hastily commending her to "de bressed Lord of heaben and + earf," he bade her good-by, and went back to his bondage and toil. They + never saw each other again. + </p> + <p> + The day was fine, and riding a novel occupation for Tidy, but so full was + her trembling heart of anxiety and fear that she could not enjoy it. She + was afraid to look out of the window lest she might be recognized by some + one; and she dared not look at the two pleasant-faced gentlemen who were + in the coach with her, lest they might question her, and find out her true + condition. So she cuddled back as closely as possible in the corner, and + when they kindly offered her cakes and fruit, she just ventured to say, + "No, thank you." Her own food, which the dear old nurse had taken so much + pains to put up for her, lay untouched in her lap, for her heart was so + absorbed she could not eat. + </p> + <p> + Night brought her to the hotel in Baltimore. The great city, the large + building, and busy servants running hither and thither quite bewildered + her, and she had to watch herself very closely lest she should betray + herself. The waiters looked at her rather suspiciously; but she behaved + with all propriety, called for her room and supper, paid for what she had, + and in the morning was ready to take her seat in the northern stage, and + no one ventured to molest or question her. How her heart leaped when she + found herself safely on her way to Philadelphia. One day more, and she + would be in a free city. What she should do when she arrived there, how + she was to support herself in future, did not trouble her. That she might + stand on free soil, and lift up her eyes to the stars that shone on her + liberated body was all she thought of; and to-night this was to be. With + every step of the plodding horses, she grew bolder and more assured, and + her faith and hope and joyousness rose. But, alas! there was a lion in the + way of which she had not dreamed. + </p> + <p> + "Your pass!" shouted a grim-looking man, as she stepped, bag in hand, with + gentle dignity on the boat that was to take her across the stream which + divided slave territory from our free States. "Where's your pass? Don't + stand there staring at me," said the official, as the frightened girl + looked up as if for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + A pass! She had never once thought of that! No one had mentioned her need + of it. What was she to do? She looked confounded and terrified. + </p> + <p> + "No pass?" inquired the man, sternly. "'Tis easy enough to see what YOU + are, then. A runaway!" said he, turning to a man at his right hand, "make + her fast." + </p> + <p> + Frightened and trembling, Tidy tried to run, but it was of no use; a + strong hand seized her slender arm, and held her securely. Then her sight + seemed to fail her, she grew dizzy, and fell fainting on the deck. A crowd + gathered about her. They remarked her light skin and delicate features, + her ladylike form and neat dress. Could she be a slave? they asked. Would + such a child as she appeared to be attempt to gain her liberty? They + dashed water on her head, and, as her consciousness returned, she saw the + faces of those two pleasant Scotch gentlemen, who had rode with her the + day before all the way from Virginia, looking kindly and pitifully upon + her. + </p> + <p> + "If you had only told us," they said, "we could have helped you." + </p> + <p> + But there was no friend or helper in that terrible hour, and poor Tidy, + weeping and almost heart-broken, was carried back to Baltimore, and thrown + into the SLAVE-JAIL. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. + </h2> + <p> + IF I pronounce this disastrous event in Tidy's life another link in the + chain of loving-kindness by which God was leading her to himself, perhaps + you will wonder. But, my dear children, adversities are designed for this + very purpose, and are all directed in infinite love and wisdom for our + good. Tidy had prayed that she might be free, and the Lord heard, and + meant to answer her prayer. He meant not only to give her the liberty she + sought, but, more than that, to make her soul free in Christ Jesus; but + there were some things she needed to learn first. She was not prepared yet + to use her personal liberty rightly, nor did she at all appreciate or + desire that other and better freedom. Therefore the Lord disappointed her + at this time, and turned the course of her life, as it were, upside down, + that by painful experiences and narrow straits she might learn what an + all-sufficient Friend he could be to her; that she might learn too the + sinfulness of her own heart, and his free grace and mercy for her pardon + and salvation. + </p> + <p> + God "leads the blind in the way they know not." Tidy knew nothing of the + method by which he was guiding her, and when she found her hopes crushed, + and herself crouching, forlorn and friendless, weary and half-famished, in + a prison, she gave up all for lost. She felt indeed cast off and forsaken. + For hours she sat and cried despairingly, the pretty dress crumpled and + stained with tears, and the hat which had been so much admired trampled + under foot. Shame, grief, and fear of what was to come drove her almost to + distraction. + </p> + <p> + At the end of three days, Mr. Lee, acting as her master, who had been + apprised of her arrest, arrived at the prison. But what a wretched object + had he come to see! He could scarcely believe that the miserable, dejected + being before him was the once bright, beautiful Tidy,—such a change + had her disappointment and sorrow wrought. He really pitied her, if a + slaveholder ever can pity a slave, and yet he reproached her severely. He + told her she was a fool to run away; that niggers never knew when they + were well off; that if she had had a thimble-full of sense she might have + known she couldn't make her escape. He said they had just been offered a + thousand dollars for her,—which was then considered an enormous + price,—by a gentleman in Virginia, and they had been on the point of + selling her. + </p> + <p> + "I's Miss Matilda's," fiercely cried the poor girl at this, "and SHE + wouldn't a sold me; she said she never would." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, she would, Miss," replied Mr. Lee; "we don't let her throw away such + a valuable piece of property for nothing, I can tell you. A thousand + dollars in the bank isn't a small thing. It wouldn't find feet to walk off + with very soon, that we know." + </p> + <p> + "Miss Matilda TOLD me to take my liberty," said Tidy, disconsolately. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Matilda is a fool, like you. But we shall look out she don't cheat + herself in such a fashion. Now you can have your choice, little one; you + can go home with me, and take a good flogging for an example to the rest, + and stay with us till another buyer comes up,—for Mr. Nicholson + won't take such an uncertain piece of goods as you have showed yourself to + be,—or you can go South. There's a trader here ready to take you + right off. I'll give you till tomorrow morning to make up your mind." + </p> + <p> + "I'll go South," said the poor girl, the next morning. "I can't bear ever + to see Miss Tilda again." And she settled herself down to her fate. She + knew her life of bondage would be hard there, and she would not have much + chance of getting her freedom. But it was better than the mortification of + going back. + </p> + <p> + So she was sold to Mr. Pervis, the slave-trader. Mr. Pervis made about + fifty purchases in Baltimore and the vicinity, and then organizing his + gang he started for the South. Oh, what a different journey from that + which Tidy had intended when she left home. A thousand miles South, into + the very heart of slavery's dominions, with a company of coarse, stupid, + filthy, wretched creatures, such as she never would have willingly + associated with at home, so much more delicately had she been reared. Many + of these were field-hands sold to go to the cotton plantations,—sold + for "rascality." + </p> + <p> + Do you know what that means? You think it is ugliness. But no; it is a + DISEASE. It is a droll sort of malady, to which a learned Louisiana doctor + has given a singular name, which I can't spell, and which you wouldn't + know how to pronounce; but the symptoms I can describe. Where a slave is + attacked with this disease, he acts in a very stupid and careless manner, + and does a great deal of mischief, breaking, abusing, and wasting every + thing he can lay his hands on. He tears his clothes, throws away food, + cuts up plants in the field, breaks his tools, hurts the horses and + cattle, and does a vast amount of injury, and in such a way that it seems + as if it was all done on purpose. He will neither work, nor eat the food + offered him; quarrels with the other slaves and fights with the drivers, + and altogether acts in such an ugly way that the overseer says he is + "rascally." If it was really ugliness, he would be whipped; but, of + course, whipping won't cure disease; so the masters consider it incurable, + and sell the slave to go South to work in the rice-swamps and + cotton-fields. They, perhaps, think a change of climate will do more for + the patient than any other means. The Southern physicians don't have much + success, to tell the truth, in curing this difficulty, for they don't seem + to understand it. If they would only consult with some of their profession + at the North, I have no doubt they would get some valuable suggestions on + the subject. I really believe that the liberty-cure, practised by some + judicious money-pathic physician, would effectually cure this "rascality." + I wish I could see it tried. + </p> + <p> + Tidy found herself, therefore, in very undesirable company on this + expedition to Georgia, and made up her mind very shortly that there would + not be much enjoyment in it. She did not have to drag wearily along on + foot all the way; for Mr. Lee was considerate enough to suggest to Mr. + Pervis, that, as she had been brought up as a house-servant, and not + accustomed to very hard work, she would not be able to walk much, and if + she was not allowed to ride, there would be no Tidy left by the time they + got to their journey's end, and the thousand dollars which had just been + paid for her would have been thrown away. So Mr. Pervis gave her a + permanent place in one of the wagons, and the other women were taken up by + turns, whenever the poor creatures could step no longer. The men dragged + along, handcuffed in pairs, and their low, brutal, and profane + conversation was dreadful to Tidy. Oh, how often she wished she had staid + contentedly with Mammy Grace, and not tried to run away. And yet her hope + was not utterly gone, for she often caught herself saying, with closed + teeth, "Give me a chance, and I'll try it again." Freedom looked too + attractive to be entirely relinquished. + </p> + <p> + The gang halted at night, put up their tents, lighted fires and cooked + their mean repast. Then they stretched themselves on the bare ground to + sleep. In the morning, after the wretched breakfast was eaten, the tents + were struck, the wagons loaded again, and they started for another day's + travel,—and so on till the long, wearisome march was over. It took + them many weeks before they arrived at their destination. + </p> + <p> + There Tidy was soon resold, the trader making two hundred dollars by the + bargain, and she became the property of Mr. Turner, who took her to + Natchez, on the Mississippi River, where she became waiting-maid to Mrs. + Turner, his wife. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl was never the same in appearance after she left her Virginia + home. A deep pall seemed to have been thrown over her spirit, and her + hopes and happiness lay buried beneath it. Her disposition had lost its + buoyancy, and her face wore a sad, pensive look. She tried to do her duty + here as before, and her skill and neatness made her a favorite. But there + was no one here to care for her and love her as Mammy Grace had done; and + she missed the children sadly. Her hymn-book was neglected; for when she + opened it such a flood of recollections came over her that the tears + blinded her eyes and she could not see a word, and she never now heard a + prayer. She was again in an irreligious family, and among an ungodly set + of servants, and her faith, hope, and love began to grow dim. A dull, + heavy manner, and a careless, reckless state of mind was growing upon her. + </p> + <p> + It required deeper sorrow than she had yet experienced to wake her up from + this sluggish, unhappy condition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. CRUELTY. + </h2> + <p> + SHE was standing one beautiful evening at the front gate of the house, + leaning on the rail, and gazing listlessly up the street. She was + thinking, perhaps, of that starry night when first she had heard of the + name of God, or that other, when her faith had been so wonderfully built + up in listening to the striking experiences and prayer of the memorable + Lony. Perhaps she had wandered farther back to the time, when, under old + Rosa's protection, she had fed the chickens and watered the flowers at + Rosevale with childish content. Whatever it was, the tears would come, and + several times she raised her hand and dashed them away. Then she turned + her head and gazed the other way. + </p> + <p> + A large hotel stood nearly opposite the house, and across the narrow + street she watched the mingling, busy crowd of black and white, young and + old, coming and going, each intent on his own interests, each holding in + his heart the secret of his own history. Who are they all? thought Tidy, + what business are they all about? I wonder if they are all happy? not one + of them knows or cares for poor, unhappy me,—when lo! there suddenly + loomed up before her a familiar face. She watched it eagerly as it moved + up and down in the throng, for she felt that she had seen it before. But + it was some minutes before she could tell exactly where. At last it all + came to her. It was Arthur Carroll, the son of the man who had owned her + when a baby. She had often seen and played with him in her visits to her + mother. Many years had passed since she last beheld him, and he had grown + to be a young gentleman; but she was sure it was he. He stepped out of the + hotel and came towards the house. She uttered a little, quick cry, "Why, + Mass Arthur!" He turned and recognized her, and at once stopped to inquire + into her condition and circumstances. + </p> + <p> + It was almost like a visit to old Virginia to see young Carroll; and as + cold water to a thirsty soul was the news he brought her from that far + country. Tidy drank in eagerly every word he could tell her of the Lees, + and others whom she knew, and they were enjoying an animated conversation + when Tidy's master passed that way. He saw his slave engaged in familiar + talk with a stranger, and remembering the remark of the trader of whom he + had bought her, that she had tried "the running-away game" once, and must + be watched lest she should repeat the attempt, without waiting to inquire + into the circumstances of the case, he resolved to administer a proper + chastisement. Coming up behind, he struck her a violent blow on the side + of the head that sent the frail girl reeling to the ground. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes Tidy lay stunned upon the earth. When she came to + herself, her head was smarting with pain and her heart burned like fire + with indignation, and in a perfect frenzy of distress and mortification + she rushed out of the gate and flew down the street. Up and down, through + the streets and lanes of the city, she ran for hours, not knowing or + caring whither she went, until finally, exhausted and bewildered, she + dropped down upon the ground. Some one raised the panting girl and took + her to the guard-house. There she lay until morning before she could give + any distinct thought to what she had done, and what course she was now to + pursue. + </p> + <p> + When she began to think clearly, she felt that she had acted very + unwisely. For a slave to resist punishment, if it is ever so undeserved, + or to attempt to escape it by running away, is only to provoke severer + chastisement. That she well knew, and that there was nothing to be done + now, but to walk back to her master's house and meet a fate she could not + avoid. She only hoped that, when she acknowledged her fault, and frankly + told her master that she did it under a wild and bewildering excitement, + he would pardon her and let it pass. + </p> + <p> + She dragged her weary steps back to her master's house, fainting with + fatigue and hunger, and presented herself before her mistress. + </p> + <p> + "I's right sorry I runned so," she said, "but I was kind o' scared like, + and didn't know jest what I did. I knows I's no business to run away when + massa cuffed me." + </p> + <p> + Her mistress made no reply but an angry look; but nothing was said by any + one about what had happened, and Tidy felt that trouble was brewing. What + it would be she could not tell, but her heart was heavy within her. + Nothing occurred that day, but the next morning she was told to tie up her + clothes and be ready to go up the river at ten o'clock. She knew what + going up the river meant. Mr. Turner owned a large cotton plantation about + twenty miles from Natchez, and the severest punishment dreaded by his + servants in the city was to be sent there. + </p> + <p> + Tom, the coachman, accompanied Tidy, bearing in his pocket a note to the + overseer of the plantation. Would you take a peep into it before she, whom + it most concerned, learned its contents? It ran thus,— + </p> + <p> + "NATCHEZ, Wednesday, A. M. + </p> + <p> + "DIOSSY,— + </p> + <p> + "Give this wench a hundred lashes with the long whip this afternoon. Wash + her down well, and when she is fit to work, put her into the cotton field. + </p> + <p> + "ABRAM TURNER." + </p> + <p> + Oh, let us weep, dear children, for the poor girl, who, for no crime at + all, not even a misdeed, was made to bare her tender skin to such + shameless cruelty. No friend was there to help her, to plead for her, to + deliver her from the relentless, violent hand of the wicked oppressor. She + was left all alone to her terrible suffering. Can we wonder that she felt + that even the Lord had forgotten her? + </p> + <p> + That night there was scarcely an inch of flesh from her neck to her feet + that was not torn, raw, and bleeding. The salt brine, which is used to + heal the wounds, although when first applied it seems to aggravate the + torture, was poured pitilessly over her, and writhing with agony, + fainting, and almost dead, she was borne to a wretched hut, and laid on a + hard pallet. Three weeks she lay there, sick and helpless; but she cried + unto the Lord in her distress, and he heard her, and prepared to deliver + her, though the time of her deliverance was not yet fully come. She had + been brought low, but her eyes were not yet opened to her true needs, and + she had not yet learned the prayer God would have her offer, "Be merciful + to me, a SINNER." + </p> + <p> + Children, when you pray, do not be discouraged, if God does not answer you + INSTANTLY. His way is not as our way; and though he hears us, and means to + answer us, he may see that we are not yet ready to receive and appreciate + the blessing we seek. Besides, there is no TIME with God as we count time. + WE reckon by days and weeks, by months and years, but with him all is + "one, eternal NOW;" and he goes steadily on, executing his purposes of + love and mercy, without regard to those points and measures of time which + seem so important to us. We must remember, too, that it takes longer to do + some things than others. A praying woman whose faith was greatly tried, + once asked her minister what this verse meant,—Luke xviii. 8: "I + tell you that he will avenge them SPEEDILY." He replied, "If you make a + loaf of bread in ten minutes, you think you have done your work speedily. + Supposing a steam-engine is to be built. The pattern must be drafted, the + iron brought, the parts cast, fitted, polished, tried,—it will take + months to complete it, and then you may consider it SPEEDILY executed. So, + when we ask God to do something for us, he may see a good deal of + preparation to be necessary,—obstacles are to be removed, + stepping-stones to be laid,—in the words of the Bible, the rough + places are to be made plain, and the crooked ways straight, before the way + of the Lord is prepared, and he can come directly with the thing we have + asked." + </p> + <p> + It was thus with Tidy. She kept praying all the time to be free, but the + Lord, who meant to give her a larger and better freedom than she asked, + led her through such rough and crooked paths that she was quite + discouraged, and nearly gave up all for lost. + </p> + <p> + This was her painful condition when she was driven, for the first time in + her life, with a gang of men and women to work in the cotton-field. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. COTTON. + </h2> + <p> + LET us look into a cotton-field; we will take this one of a hundred acres. + The cotton is planted in rows, and requires incessant tillage to secure a + good crop. The weeds and long grass grow so rankly in this warm climate + that great watchfulness and care are required to keep them down. If there + should be much rain during the season, they will spread so rapidly as + perhaps quite to outgrow and ruin the crop. + </p> + <p> + Two gangs of laborers work in the field. The plough-gang go first through + the rows, turning up the soil, and are followed by the hoe-gang, who break + out the weeds, and lay the soil carefully around the roots of the young + plants. This operation has to be repeated again and again; and so + important is it to have it done seasonably that the workers are urged on, + early and late, until the field is in a flourishing condition. Hot or + cold, wet or dry, day and night, sometimes, the poor creatures have to + toil through this busy season. Then there is a little intermission of the + severe labor until the picking time, when again they are obliged to work + incessantly. + </p> + <p> + Most of the hoers are women and boys, some of whom do the whole allotted + task; others only a quarter, half, or three quarters, according to their + ability. When the children are first put into the field, they are only put + to quarter tasks, and some of the women are unable to do more. The bell is + rung for them at early dawn, when they rise, prepare and eat their + breakfast, and move down to the field. Clad in coarse, filthy, and scanty + clothing, they drag sullenly along, and use their implements of labor with + a slow, reluctant motion, that says very plainly, "This work is not for + ME. My toil will do ME no good." Oh, how would freedom, kindness, and good + wages spur up those unwilling toilers! How would the bright faces, the + cheerful words and songs of independent, self-interested, intelligent + laborers, make those fields to rejoice, almost imparting vigor and growth + to the cotton itself! But, alas! it is a sad place, a valley of sighs and + groans and tears and blood, a realm of hate and malice, of imprecation and + wrath, and every fierce and wicked passion. + </p> + <p> + A "water-toter" follows each gang with a pail and calabash; and the + negro-driver stands among them with a long whip in his hand, which he + snaps over their heads continually, and lets the lash fall, with more or + less severity, on one and another, shouting and yelling meanwhile in a + furious and brutal manner, as a boisterous teamster would do to his unruly + oxen. + </p> + <p> + If the season is wet, the danger to the crop being greater, there is more + necessity for constant toil, and the poor slaves are whipped, pushed, and + driven to the very utmost, and allowed no time to rest. It is no matter if + the old are over-worked, or the young too hardly pressed, or the feeble + women faint under their burdens. So that a good crop is produced, and the + planter can enjoy his luxuries, it is no consideration that tools are worn + out, mules are destroyed, or the slaves die; more can be bought for next + year, and the slaveholder says it pays to force a crop, though it be at + the expense of life among the hands. + </p> + <p> + At noon, the dinner is brought to each gang in a cart. The hoers stop work + only long enough to eat their poor fare standing,—and poor fare + indeed it is. The corn that is made into bread is so filled with husks and + ground so poorly that it is scarcely better than the fodder given to the + cattle; and the bacon, if they have any, is badly cured and cooked. But + they must eat that or starve; there is no chance of getting any thing + better. The ploughmen take their dinners in the sheds where the mules are + allowed to rest; and since two hours is usually given these animals, for + rest and foddering, they, of course, must take the same. + </p> + <p> + At sunset they leave off work, and, tired and hungry, they have to prepare + their own supper; and after hastily eating it, at nine o'clock the bell is + rung for them to go to bed. Sundays they are not usually required to work, + and some planters give their slaves a portion of Saturday, in the more + leisure season; and this intermission of field labor is all the + opportunity they have to wash and mend their clothes, or for any + enjoyment. What a sorry life! sixteen hours out of the twenty-four, with a + hoe in the hand, or a heavy cotton sack or basket tied about the neck, + toiling on under the curses and lash of the driver and the overseer. + </p> + <p> + Tidy dreaded it. Brought up as she had been, accustomed to comparatively + neat clothing, good food, cheerful associates, and light work, how could + she live here? She felt that she could not long endure it. Her strength + would fail, her task be unfinished, then she must be punished, and before + long, through hard fare, unwearied toil, and ill usage, she felt that she + should die. But there was no help. Once she had ventured to send an + entreaty to her master to take her back to house service. But he was + hardhearted and unrelenting, and declared with an oath that made her ears + tingle that she should never leave the cotton-field till she died, and + there was no power in heaven or earth that could make him change his + determination. So she hopelessly plodded on, day after day, scorched + beneath the hot sun, and drenched with the pouring rain, weak, faint, and + thirsty, trembling before the coarse shouts, and shrinking from the + tormenting lash of the pitiless driver, sure that her fate was sealed. + </p> + <p> + [illustration omitted] + </p> + <p> + Was there no eye to pity, and no arm to rescue? Yes, the unseen God, whose + name is love, was leading her still. Through all the dark, rough places of + her life, his kind, invisible hand was laying link to link in that + wondrous chain which was finally to bring her safe and happy into his own + bosom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. RESCUE. + </h2> + <p> + THE slaves on Mr. Turner's plantation had no SABBATH. To be sure, they + were not driven to the field on Sunday, because it was considered an + economic provision to let man and beast rest one day out of the seven. But + they had no church to attend, and never had any meetings among themselves. + Indeed there were no pious ones among them. The men took the day for + sport; the women washed and ironed, sewed and cooked, and did various + necessary chores for themselves and children, for which they were allowed + no other opportunity; and spent the rest of the day in rude singing, + dancing, and boisterous merriment. + </p> + <p> + Tidy could not live as the rest did. She could not forget the instructions + and habits of the past. She preferred to sit up later on Saturday evening + to do the work which others did on Sunday, and when that day came, she + never entered into their coarse gayety and mirth. She had no heart for it, + and did not care though she was reviled and scoffed at for her particular, + pious ways. + </p> + <p> + One Sunday afternoon, weary with the noise and rioting at the quarters, + homesick and sad, she wandered away from her hovel, and strolling down the + path which led to the cotton-field, she kept on through bush and brake and + wood until she reached the bank of the river. Here, where the great + Mississippi, the Father of Waters, seemed to have broken his way through + tangled and interminable forests, she stood and looked out upon the broad + stream. It lay like a vast mirror reflecting the sunlight, its surface + only now and then disturbed by a passing boat or prowling king-fisher. Up + and down the bank, with folded arms and pensive countenance, the + toil-worn, weary girl walked, her soul in unison with the solitude and + silence of the place. Recollections of the past, which continually haunted + her, but which she had of late striven with all her might to banish from + her mind, now rushed like a mighty tide over her. She could not help + thinking of the pleasant Sabbath days in old Virginia, when she and Mammy + Grace were always permitted to go to church; and of those sunset hours, + when, seated in the door of the neat cabin, she had joined with the old + nurse and Uncle Simon in singing those beautiful hymns they loved so well. + How long it was since she had tried to sing one! Before she was aware, she + was humming, in a low voice, the once familiar words:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Oh, when shall I see Jesus, + And reign with him above? + And from that flowing fountain + Drink everlasting love?" +</pre> + <p> + Then, suddenly jumping over all the intervening verses, as if she, a poor + shipwrecked soul, were springing to the cable suddenly thrown out before + her, she burst out in a loud strain,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Whene'er you meet with trouble + And trials on your way, + Oh, cast your care on Jesus, + And don't forget to pray." +</pre> + <p> + With what unction Uncle Simon used to pour forth that verse. It was to him + the grand cure-all, the panacea for every heart-trouble; and over and over + again he would sing it, always winding up in his own peculiar fashion with + a quick, jerked-out "Hallelujah! Amen." + </p> + <p> + His image rose vividly before Tidy at that moment, and, as the tears began + to roll down her cheeks, she clasped her hands over her face, and cried, + "Oh, I has forgot that. I has forgot to pray." Then, falling on her knees, + she poured forth such an earnest prayer as had never before, perhaps, been + heard in that vast solitude. Her heart was relieved by this outpouring of + her griefs to God, and she wondered that she had allowed herself, + notwithstanding her sufferings and discouragements, to neglect such a + privilege. It is so sometimes; grief is so overwhelming that it seems to + shut us away from God; but we can never find comfort or relief until we + have pierced through the clouds, and got near to his loving ear and heart + again. Tidy found this true. "And now," she said to herself, "I WILL keep + on praying until he hears me, and comes to help me,—I am determined + I will." + </p> + <p> + But perhaps, thought she, I haven't prayed the right prayer; perhaps + there's something about me that's wrong; and she cried with a loud voice, + that was echoed back again from those forest depths, "O Lord, tell me just + how to pray, that I mayn't make no mistake." + </p> + <p> + No sooner had she uttered this petition than she thought she heard a + voice, and these were its words: "Say, 'O Lord, pluck me out of the fiery + brands, and take my feet out of the miry pit, and make me stand on the + everlasting rock; and, O Lord, save my soul.'" Tidy had heard a great many + of her people tell about dreams and visions and voices, but she had never + before had any such experiences. But this came to her with a reality she + could not doubt or resist. It seemed like a voice from heaven, and she + remarked that great stress was laid upon the last words, "O Lord, SAVE MY + SOUL." Hitherto she had only sought temporal deliverance. She had never + been fully awakened to her condition as a sinner, and had, therefore, + never asked for the salvation of her soul. Now it was strongly impressed + upon her mind that there was something more to be delivered from than the + horrors of the cotton-field. She was a sinner, was not in favor with God, + and if she should die in her present condition, she would go down to those + everlasting burnings which she had always feared. All this was conveyed to + her mind by a sudden impression, in much shorter time than I can relate + it; and at once she accepted it, and earnestly resolved that she would + offer that twofold prayer every day and hour, till the Lord should be + pleased to come for her help. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps some of my readers would like to ask if I believe she really heard + a voice. No, I do not. I think it was the Holy Spirit of God that brought + to her mind some of the Scripture expressions she had formerly heard, and + applied them to her heart with power. This is the peculiar work of the + Holy Spirit. When Christ was bidding farewell to his disciples, he told + them he should send the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, who should + teach them all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO THEIR REMEMBRANCE. I think + that God, in his tender love and pity for Tidy, sent the Holy Ghost to + bring to her remembrance those things which had long been buried in her + heart; and at that tranquil hour, in that still, lonely spot, when her + spirit was tender with sorrow, she was just in the condition to receive + his influences, and give attention to the thoughts he had stirred up + within her. And coming to her perception quickly, like a flash of light, + as truth often does, it seemed to her excited imagination like an audible + voice, and the words had all the effect upon her of a direct revelation + from heaven. + </p> + <p> + This striking experience refreshed the poor girl, and nerved her anew for + her toils and trials. She felt hope again dawning within her; and though + she could see no way, she had faith to believe that the Lord would appear + for her rescue. She prayed the new prayer constantly. It was her first + thought in the morning, and her last at night, and during every moment of + the livelong day was in her heart or on her lips. + </p> + <p> + One forenoon, as she was drawing her weary length along with the + accustomed gang, picking the ripe, bursting cotton-bolls, a messenger + arrived to say that she was wanted by the master. She almost fainted at + the summons. What could he want her for? Surely it was not for good. Was + he going to inflict cruelty again as unmerited as it had before been? She + threw off her cotton-sack from her neck, to obey the summons; but she + trembled so that she could scarcely walk. Her knees smote one against + another, her heart throbbed, and her tongue cleaved to the roof of her + mouth in her excitement and fright. As she drew near to the house, she + perceived her master with haughty strides walking up and down the veranda, + his hands behind him and his head thrown back, his whole appearance + bearing witness to the proud, imperious spirit within. A gentleman of + milder aspect was seated on a chair, intently eying Tidy as she + approached, and she heard him say,— + </p> + <p> + "Can you recommend her, Turner? Do you really think she is capable of + filling the place?" + </p> + <p> + "Capable!" said the master. "Take off that bag, and dress her, and you'll + see. TOO smart, that's her fault. YOU'LL see." + </p> + <p> + "I like her looks; I'll try her," was the reply; and this was all the + intimation Tidy had that she had been transferred to another master. Her + heart leaped within her at what she heard; but when peremptorily told to + get ready to follow Mr. Meesham, she hesitated. What for, do you think? + Her first impulse was to throw herself at her master's feet, and ask what + had induced him to sell her. But she dared not. He cast upon her a glance + of such spurning contempt that she cringed before him. But she made up her + mind that God only could have moved that stern, proud man to change a + purpose which he had declared to be inflexible. She was right. God, who + controls all hearts, and can turn them withersoever he pleases, in answer + to prayer, had moved that stubborn heart. + </p> + <p> + Thus the first part of Tidy's new prayer was answered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. + </h2> + <p> + THE new home of Mr. Meesham was in Mobile. The master was an unmarried + man, who wanted a capable superintendent for his domestic concerns, a + neat, lady-like servant to wait upon his table, a trustworthy keeper of + his keys, a leader and director of his household slaves. All this he found + in Tidy, and when she was promoted to the head of the establishment, + dressed in becoming apparel, with plenty of food at her command, pleasant, + easy work to do, and leisure enough for rest and enjoyment, perhaps you + think she was happy. + </p> + <p> + Ah, she was still a slave, and every day she was painfully reminded of it. + She could not exercise her own judgment, nor act according to her own + sense of right. She must walk in the way her master pointed out, and do + his bidding. Whatever comforts she could pick up as she went along, she + was welcome to; but she must have no choice or will of her own. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps you think her gratitude to God for his great deliverance would + make her happy. So it did for a time, and then she forgot her deliverer, + and the still greater blessing she needed to ask of him. How many there + are just like her, who cry to God for help in adversity, and forget him + when the help comes. How many who promise God, when they are in trouble + and danger, that if they are spared they will serve him, and, when the + danger is past, entirely forget their vows. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was with Tidy. She had been brought out of the cotton-field, and + the misery that curtained it all round, into circumstances of plenty and + comparative ease; and, rejoicing that the first part of her prayer was + answered, she forgot all about the second and most important petition, "O + Lord, save my soul." + </p> + <p> + But God was too faithful to forget it. He allowed her to go on in her own + course a few years longer, and then he laid his hand upon her again. He + prostrated her upon a bed of sickness, and brought her to look death in + the face. Then the Holy Spirit began to deal powerfully with her. She + realized that she was a great sinner. It seemed that she was standing on + the brink of a horrible precipice, and her sins, like so many tormenting + spirits, were ready to cast her headlong into the abyss of destruction. + Whither could she flee for safety? + </p> + <p> + She found a Bible and tried to read; but it had been so long since she had + looked into a book that she had almost forgotten what she once knew. It + was impossible for her to read right on as we do; she could only pick out + here and there a word and a sentence. One day she opened the book and her + eye fell on the word "Come." She knew that word very well. It made her + think right away of the hymn, "Come, ye sinners, poor and needy." She + thought she would read on just there, and see what it said; and + imperfectly, and after long endeavors, she made out this verse, "Come now, + and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as + scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, + they shall be as wool." Then she glanced at a verse above, "Wash ye, make + you clean: put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease + to do evil; learn to do well." + </p> + <p> + These verses conveyed to her dark, unin-structed mind two very clear + ideas. One was that she was to forsake every thing that appeared to her + like sin, and to do right in future; and the other, that she was permitted + to reason with the Lord about the sins she had committed; both which she + at once resolved to do. + </p> + <p> + Her prayer now was changed. Before she had begged, entreated the Lord to + forgive her sins; now she brought arguments. "Am I not a poor slave, + Lord," she cried, "that never has known nothing at all. I never heard no + preaching, I never had nobody to tell me how to be saved. I have done a + good many wicked things, but I didn't know they were wicked then; and I + have left undone many things, but I didn't know I ought to be so + particular to do them. And, Lord, out of your own goodness and kindness + won't you forgive this poor child. You are so full of love, pity me, pity + me, O Lord, and save my poor soul. I will try to be good. I will try to do + right. I'll never, never dance no more. I'll try to bear all the hard + knocks I get, and I won't be hard on them that's beneath me, and I will + pray, and try to read the Bible, and I'll talk to the rest of the people; + only, Lord, forgive my sins, and take this load off that's breaking my + heart, and make me feel safe and happy, so I won't be afraid when I die." + </p> + <p> + Thus the sick girl prayed with clasped hands upon her bed of pain; but + still her mind was dark. There was no one to tell her of the way of + salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Had she never heard of Jesus? She + had heard his name, had sung it in her hymns; but she imagined it to be + another name for the Lord, and had never heard of the glorious salvation + that blessed Name imparts. + </p> + <p> + One night, while in this state of distress and perplexity, Tidy dreamed a + dream. She thought she saw the Lord, seated on a majestic throne, with + thousands and ten thousands of shining angels about him, and she was + brought a guilty criminal before him. Convicted of sin, and not knowing + what else to do, she again commenced pleading in her own behalf, using + every argument she could think of to move the Lord to mercy. There was no + answer, but the great Judge to whom she appealed seemed turned aside in + earnest conversation with one who stood at his right hand, wearing the + human form, but more fair and beautiful than any person she had ever seen. + Then the Lord turned again and looked upon her,—and such a look, of + pity, of love, of forgiveness and reconciliation! A sweet peace distilled + upon her soul, and joy, such as she had never felt, sprang up in her + bosom. "I am forgiven, I am accepted!" she cried, "but not for any thing I + have said. This stranger has undertaken my case. He has interceded for me. + I know not what plea he has used, but it has been successful, and my soul + is saved." In this exultation of joy she awoke. + </p> + <p> + Yes, her soul WAS free. The plan of salvation had been dimly revealed to + the weeping sinner in the visions of the night. What strange ways the Lord + sometimes takes to reveal his love to his creatures! But his way is not as + our way, and he has ALL means at his control. Every soul will have an + individual history to tell of the revelation of God's mercy to it. + </p> + <p> + Thus the second part of Tidy's long-offered prayer was answered. From this + time she rejoiced in the Lord, and gloried in her unknown Saviour. Her + prayers were changed to praises, and she forgot that she was a slave in + the happiness of her new-found soul-liberty. + </p> + <p> + She kept her Bible at hand, and every now and then picked out some + precious verse; but the long, sweet story of Calvary, hidden between its + covers, she had not yet read. And her voice found delightful employment in + singing the hymns of the olden time, which came to her now with a meaning + they had never had before. The Lord sent her health of body, and as she + returned to her duties, she tried in all things to be faithful and worthy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. + </h2> + <p> + THE Lord had not yet exhausted his love towards Tidy, but was designing + still greater mercies for her. He was going to deliver her from the + thralldom of oppression, and to send her to be further instructed in his + truth, and to bear testimony to his loving-kindness in another home. + </p> + <p> + The master's heart was moved to set her free; and, embarked in a small + vessel, with a New England captain, Tidy found herself at twenty years of + age sailing away from the land of cruel bondage, to a home where she + should know the blessings of freedom. Her emancipation papers were put + into the hands of the captain, and money to provide for her comfort, with + the assurance that while her master lived she should never want. + </p> + <p> + At first she was sick and almost broken-hearted at the change in her + condition. Much as she longed for freedom, she had formed new ties in her + Mobile home, which it was hard for her affectionate nature to break. She + was old enough now to look forward to some of the difficulties to be + encountered in a land of strangers, seeking employment in unaccustomed + ways. But she went to her Bible as usual in her trouble, and the words + which the Angel of the Covenant addressed to Jacob, when, exiled from his + father's house, he made the stones of Bethel his pillow, came right home + refreshingly to her,—"I am with thee, and will keep thee in all + places whither thou goest." The soreness at her heart was at once healed, + and she cried out, in deep emotion, "Enough, Lord! Now I have got + something to hold on by, and I will never let it go. When I get into + trouble, I shall come and say, Lord, you remember what you said to me on + board ship, and I know you will keep your promise." + </p> + <p> + Thus fortified for her new life, Tidy arrived at New York. The sun was + just setting as she planted her foot on the soil of freedom; and as his + slanting rays fell upon her, she thought of her toiling, suffering + sisters, driven at this hour from labor to misery, and her heart sickened + at the thought. "O God," she cried, "hasten the day when ALL shall be + free." + </p> + <p> + Tidy's first experience in this wilderness of delights, where was so much + to be seen, learned, and enjoyed, was a striking one, and proved how the + goodness of God followed her all the days of her life. It was Saturday + evening when she landed. The family with whom the captain placed her were + pious people, and were glad enough of the opportunity on the morrow of + taking an emancipated slave, who had never been inside a church, to the + house of God. It was a humble, un-pretending edifice where the colored + people worshiped, but to her it was spacious and splendid. How neat and + orderly every thing appeared. Men, women, and children, in their Sunday + attire, walked quietly through the streets, and reverently seated + themselves in the place of worship. The minister ascended the pulpit, and + the singers took their places in the choir. It was communion Sunday, and + the table within the altar was spread for the holy feast. All these + strange and incomprehensible proceedings filled the mind of Tidy with + solemnity and awe. + </p> + <p> + The services began. The prayer and reading of the Scripture seemed to feed + her hungry soul as with the bread of life. Then the congregation arose and + sang,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Alas, and did my Saviour bleed? + And did my Sovereign die? + Would he devote his sacred head + For such a worm as I? + Oh, the Lamb, the loving Lamb, + The Lamb on Calvary; + + The Lamb that was slain, + That liveth again, + To intercede for me." +</pre> + <p> + All through the hymn she was actually trembling with excitement. Her whole + being was thrilled, her eyes overflowed with tears, and she could scarcely + hold herself up, as verse after verse, with the swelling chorus, convinced + her that they sang the praises of Him whom she had seen in her dream, who + stood between her and an offended God, and whom, though she knew him not, + she loved and cherished in her inmost soul. Oh, if she could know more + about him! + </p> + <p> + Her wish was to be gratified. As Paul said to the people of Athens, "Whom + therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you," so might the + preacher of righteousness have said to this eager listener. He took for + his text these words: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was + bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; + and with his stripes we are healed." Then followed the whole story of the + cross,—the reasons why it was necessary for Jesus to give his life a + ransom for many; the divine love that prompted the sacrifice; the + all-sufficiency of the atonement; and the completeness of Christ's + salvation. He spoke of Jesus as the one accepted Intercessor, Advocate, + and Surety above, and urged his hearers to yield themselves with faith and + love to this faithful and merciful Saviour. + </p> + <p> + Tidy sat with her eyes fixed on the speaker, her mouth open with + amazement, and her hands clasped tightly over her heart, as if to quiet + its feverish throbs; and when he had finished, and one and another in the + congregation added an earnest "Amen," "Hallelujah," and "Praise the Lord," + she could keep still no longer. "'TIS HE," she cried, raising her hands, + "'TIS HE; But I never heard his name before." + </p> + <p> + The closing hymn fell with sweet acceptance upon her ear, and calmed, in + some measure, the tumultuous rapture of her spirit:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Earth has engrossed my love too long! + 'Tis time I lift mine eyes + Upward, dear Father, to thy throne, + And to my native skies. + + "There the blest Man, my Saviour sits; + The God! how bright he shines! + And scatters infinite delights + On all the happy minds. + + *'Seraphs, with elevated strains, + Circle the throne around; + And move and charm the starry plains, + With an immortal sound. + + "Jesus, the Lord, their harps employs; + Jesus, my love, they sing! + Jesus, the life of all our joys, + Sounds sweet from every string. + + "Now let me mount and join their song, + And be an angel too; + My heart, my hand, my ear, my tongue, + Here's joyful work for you. + + "There ye that love my Saviour sit, + There I would fain have place, + Among your thrones, or at your feet, + So I might see his face." +</pre> + <p> + Is there any thing, dear children, that can penetrate the whole being with + such rapturous joy as the love of Christ? If you have never felt it, learn + to know him that you may experience those "infinite delights" which he + only can pour in upon the soul. + </p> + <p> + And now we must take leave of Tidy. She lives still, a hearty, humble, + trusting Christian. She has been led to her true rest in God, and in him + she is secure and happy; "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; having nothing, + and yet possessing all things." + </p> + <p> + "I have every thing I want," she says, as she sits beside me, "for God is + my Father, and his children, you know, Missus, inherits the earth." + </p> + <p> + "How happens it, then, that you are so poor?" I ask. + </p> + <p> + "My Father gives me every thing he sees best for me," is her beautiful + reply. "It wouldn't be good for me to have a great many things. When I + need any thing, I ask him, and he always gives it to me. I AM PERFECTLY + SATISFIED." + </p> + <p> + Dear children, upon this little story-tree two golden apples of + instruction hang, which I want you to pluck and enjoy. One is, that if God + so loved a humble slave-child, and took such pains to bring her to + himself, it is our privilege to feel the same sympathy and love for this + poor despised race. And this love will draw us two ways: first, towards + God, admiring and praising his infinite goodness and compassion; and, + secondly, towards these prostrate, down-trodden people, to do all we can, + in God's name, and for his dear sake, for their elevation and instruction. + Remember, "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones, a + cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple,"—that is, through + this feeling of love, of Christian kindness, "he shall in no wise lose his + reward." + </p> + <p> + The other,—if God so loved this humble slave-child, he has the same + love towards every one of you. Will you not yield yourselves to his + control, and let his various loving-kindnesses draw you too to himself? + </p> + <p> + OLD DINAH JOHNSON. + </p> + <p> + ONE day little Henry Wallace came to his mother's side, as she was sitting + at her work, and, after standing thoughtfully a few moments, he looked up + in her face and said: + </p> + <p> + "Ma, how many heavens are there?" + </p> + <p> + "Only one, my child," replied his mother, looking up from her work with + surprise at such a question. "What made you ask me that?" + </p> + <p> + "Isn't there but one?" inquired Henry, with a little sort of trouble in + his voice. "Then, will Dinah Johnson go to the same heaven we do?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, my dear; for heaven is one glorious temple, and God is the + light of it; and into it will be gathered all those who love the Lord + Jesus Christ, to dwell in his presence, in fullness of joy, for ever. But + Henry, my darling, why did you ask such a question? Don't you want poor + old Dinah to go to the same heaven that we do?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, mamma, I love Dinah, and I want her to go to our heaven; but + last Sunday papa told me that the angels were every one fair and + beautiful, and Jacob Sanders says Dinah is a homely old darkey. Now, how + can she change, mamma?" + </p> + <p> + Henry's mother saw at once where the difficulty lay in her little boy's + mind; so, putting aside her work, she took the child up on her knee, and + explained the matter to him. + </p> + <p> + "Henry," said she, "I am sorry to hear that Jacob Sanders calls Dinah a + darkey; for those who are so unfortunate as to have a black skin don't + like to be called that or any other bad name. They have trouble enough + without that, and I hope you will never, never do it. They like best to be + called colored persons, and we should always try to please them. We should + pity them, and try to relieve their sorrows, and not increase them. Don't + you think so?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, ma, and I do love Dinah, and I don't care if she isn't white, like + you." + </p> + <p> + "Neither does God, our heavenly Father, care, Henry, about the color of + the skin. The Bible says, 'God is no respecter of persons; but in every + nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with + him.' God looks at the soul more than at the body. Nothing colors THE SOUL + but sin. That stains and blackens it all over, and only the blood of Jesus + Christ can wash it pure and white again. But every soul that has been + washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb will be welcomed into + heaven, with songs of great rejoicing; and all will dwell together in + peace and purity, and love and great happiness for ever. + </p> + <p> + "Poor old Dinah is one of God's dear children. She loves the dear Saviour + very much, and tries in every way to please and honor him; and she is + looking forward with great pleasure to the time when she shall drop that + infirm, old, black body, and be clothed with light as an angel. I shall be + glad for her,—sha'n't you, darling?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed, mamma,—so glad;" and the little boy's mind was + henceforth at rest on that point. + </p> + <p> + But I must tell my readers who old Dinah Johnson was. Once she was a + slave; but when she had become so old that her busy head and hands and + feet could do no more service for her master, he had set her free. Of + course, she was glad to be free,—to feel that she could go where she + liked, and do as she pleased, and keep all the money she could earn for + herself. Precious little it was, though, for her sight was growing dim, + and her hands and feet were all distorted with rheumatism; and what with + pains and poverty and old age, her strength was fast wasting. But she was + happy, really happy. + </p> + <p> + If you could have looked upon her, though, you wouldn't have supposed she + had any thing to be happy about. With a skin black as night, hair gray and + scanty, her face was as homely as homely could be, and her limbs were weak + and tottering. The old, unpainted house she lived in shook and creaked + with every blast of the wintry wind, and the snow drifted in at every + crack and crevice. Her furniture was very poor, and her food mean. But it + is not what we see outside that makes people happy. Oh, no; happiness + springs from the inside. The fountain is in the heart, from which the + streams of joy and gladness flow. + </p> + <p> + With all her homeliness and poverty, old Dinah was a jewel in the sight of + the Lord. He had graven her upon the palm of his hand, and written her + name in the book of life; and she was treasured as a precious child in his + loving heart. The name of the Lord was precious to her, also; they were + bound together in a covenant of love. Of course, she was happy. + </p> + <p> + Her heavenly Friend never forgot her. He sent many a one to bring her work + and money and fuel and clothes. She was never without her bread and water,—you + know the Lord has told his children that their "BREAD and WATER shall be + SURE,"—and almost always she had a little tea and sugar in the + cupboard. At Thanksgiving time, many a good basket-full of pies and + chickens found their way to her humble door; and when she had received + them, she would raise her hands and eyes to heaven, and thank the Lord for + his goodness, and ask for a blessing upon the kind hearts that sent the + gifts. She did not always know who they were, but she was sure she should + see them and love them in heaven. + </p> + <p> + The only thing that seemed to trouble old Dinah was that she couldn't help + others; that she couldn't do any thing for her Lord and Saviour. "I am so + black and ugly," she would say, "and so old and lame and poor, that I + a'n't fit to speak to any body; but I'll pray, I'll pray." She managed to + hobble to church; and there, from her high seat in the gallery,—poor + colored people must always have the highest seats in the house of God,—she + could look all around the congregation. She took especial notice of the + young men and women that came into church; and what do you think she did? + Why, she would select this one and that one to pray for, that they might + be converted. She would find out their names, and something about them; + and then she would ask God, a great many times every day, that he would + send his Holy Spirit to them, and give them new hearts. They didn't know + any thing about her, of course, nor what she was doing. By and by, she + would hear the glad news that they had come to Christ. Then she would + choose others. These were converted, too; and by and by there was a great + revival in the church, and many sinners were saved. After a time, there + came a large crowd to join the church, and number themselves among the + Lord's people; and poor old Dinah saw twelve young men, and several young + women stand up in the aisle that day, and give themselves publicly to God, + whom she had picked out and prayed for in this way. Oh, she was so happy, + then! Her old eyes overflowed with tears of joy, and she couldn't stop + thanking and praising God. + </p> + <p> + Now this was the good old creature that Henry Wallace thought might have + to go to another heaven, because her skin was black. Do YOU think God + would need to make another heaven for her? No, indeed. But I'll tell you, + dear children, what I think. If there is a place in heaven higher and + nearer God than another, that's the place where poor old Dinah will be + found at last. I think that those who love God most, whether they are + black or white, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, refined or rude, will + stand the nearest to him in heaven. I am sure there was such warm love + between her and the Saviour, that he will not want her to be far away from + him in that bright world. He will call her up close to his side, and look + upon her with sweet, affectionate smiles all the time. And many a one will + wonder, perhaps, who that can be, so favored, so distinguished. They will + never imagine it to be the glorified body of a poor, old, black slave, + from such a wretched home,—will they? + </p> + <p> + If there are TWO heavens, I would like to be admitted to hers,—wouldn't + you? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Step by Step, by The American Tract Society + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STEP BY STEP *** + +***** This file should be named 1052-h.htm or 1052-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/5/1052/ + +Produced by Judy Boss, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Step by Step + or, Tidy's Way to Freedom + +Author: The American Tract Society + +Posting Date: August 5, 2008 [EBook #1052] +Release Date: September, 1997 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STEP BY STEP *** + + + + +Produced by Judy Boss + + + + + +STEP BY STEP + +OR + +TIDY'S WAY TO FREEDOM. + + + "Woe to all who grind + Their brethren of a common Father down! + To all who plunder from the immortal mind + Its bright and glorious crown!" + --WHITTIER. + +[colophon omitted] + +Published By The + +American Tract Society, + +28 Cornhill, Boston. + + +Transcriber's Note: I have removed page numbers; all italics +are emphasis only. I have omitted running heads and have closed +contractions, e.g. "she 's" becoming "she's"; in addition, on page +180, stanza 3, line 1, I have changed the single quotation mark at the +beginning of the line to a double quotation mark. + + +Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by THE AMERICAN +TRACT SOCIETY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the +District of Massachusetts. + +Riverside, Cambridge: + +Stereotyped And Printed By H. O. Houghton. + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAP. PAGE + + + I. INTRODUCTION. . . . . . 5 + II. THE BABY. . . . . 13 + III. SUNSHINE. . . . . 24 + IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. . . . 36 + V. A NEW HOME. . . . . 43 + VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. 50 + VII. FRANCES. . . . . 62 + VIII. PRAYER. . . . . 75 + IX. THE FIRST LESSON. . . . 87 + X. LONY'S PETITION. . . . . 95 + XI. ROUGH PLACES. . . . . 105 + XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. . 112 + XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. . . . 127 + XIV. CRUELTY. . . . . 137 + XV. COTTON. . . . . 147 + XVI. RESCUE. . . . . 154 + XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. . . . 165 + XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. . . 174 + + +OLD DINAH JOHNSON. . . . . + + + + +STEP BY STEP. + + + +CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. + +MY DEAR CHILDREN,--All of you who read this little book have doubtless +heard more or less of slavery. You know it is the system by which a +portion of our people hold their fellow-creatures as property, and doom +them to perpetual servitude. It is a hateful and accursed institution, +which God can not look upon but with abhorrence, and which no one of +his children should for a moment tolerate. It is opposed to every thing +Christian and humane, and full of all meanness and cruelty. It treats a +fellow-being, only because his skin is not so fair as our own, as +though he were a dumb animal or a piece of furniture. It allows him +no expression of choice about any thing, and no liberty of action. It +recognizes and employs all the instincts of the lower, but ignores and +tramples down all the faculties of his higher, nature. Can there be a +greater wrong? + +It is said by some, in extenuation of this wrong, that the slaves are +well fed and clothed, and are kindly, even affectionately, looked +after. This is true, in some cases,--with the house-servants, +particularly,--but, as a general thing, their food and clothing are +coarse and insufficient. But supposing it was otherwise; supposing they +were provided for with as much liberality as are the working classes at +the North, what is that when put into the balance with all the ills they +suffer? What comfort is it, when a wife is torn from her husband, or a +mother from her children, to know that each is to have enough to eat? +None at all. The most generous provision for the body can not satisfy +the longings of the heart, or compensate for its bereavements. + +They suffer, also, a constant dread and fear of change, which is not +the least of their torturing troubles. A kind owner may be taken away by +death, and the new one be harsh and cruel; or necessity may compel +him to sell his slaves, and thus they may be thrown into most unhappy +situations. So they live with a heavy cloud of sorrow always before +them, which their eyes can not look through or beyond. There is no +hope--no EARTHLY hope--for this poor, oppressed race. + +Their minds, too, are starved. No education, not even the least, is +allowed. It is a criminal offense in some of the States to teach a slave +to read. Now, if they could be made to exist without any consciousness +of intellectual capacity, it would not be so bad. But this is +impossible. They think and reason and wonder about things which they +see and hear; and, in many cases, feel an eager desire to be instructed. +This desire can not be gratified, because it would unfit them for their +servile condition; therefore all teaching is rigidly denied them. The +treasures of knowledge are bolted and barred to their approach, and +they are kept in the utmost darkness and ignorance. Oh, to starve the +mind!--Is it not far worse than to starve the body? + +There is yet another process of famishing to which the slaves are +subjected. They are not, as a general thing, taught by their masters +about God, the salvation of Jesus Christ or the way to heaven. The SOUL +is starved. To be sure, they pick up, here and there, a few crumbs of +religious truth, and make the most of their scanty supply. Many of them +truly love the Lord; and his unseen presence and joyful anticipations +of heaven make them submissive to their hardships, and cheerful and +faithful in their duties. But they can not thank their masters for what +religious light and knowledge they get. + +And who are these that hold their fellow-creatures in such cruel +bondage, starving body, mind, and soul with such indifference and +inhumanity? We blush to tell you. Many of them are of the number of +those who profess to love the Lord their God with all the heart, and +their neighbor as themselves. Can it be possible that God's own children +can participate in such a wickedness; can buy and sell, beat and kill, +their fellow-creatures? Can those who have humbly repented of sin, and +by faith accepted of the salvation of Jesus Christ, turn from his holy +cross to abuse others who are redeemed by the same precious blood, and +are heirs to the same glorious immortality? CAN such be Christians? + +And, children, you probably all understand that slavery is the sole +cause of the sad war which is now ravaging our beloved country; and +Christian people are praying, not only that the war may cease, but +that the sin which has caused it may cease also. We believe that God is +overruling all things to bring about this happy result, and before this +little story shall meet your eyes, there may be no more slaves within +our borders. Still we shall not have written it in vain, if it help +you to realize, more clearly than you have done, the sufferings and +degradation to which this unfortunate class have been subjected, and to +labor with zeal in the work which will then devolve upon us of educating +and elevating them. + +My story is not one of UNUSUAL interest. Thousands and ten of thousands +equally affecting might be told, and many far more romantic and +thrilling. What a day will that be, when the recorded history of every +slave-life shall be read before an assembled universe! What a long +catalogue of martyrs and heroes will then be revealed! What complicated +tales of wrongs and woes! What crowns and palms of victory will then be +awarded! What treasures of wrath heaped up against the day of wrath will +then be poured in fiery indignation upon deserving heads! Truly, then, +will come to pass the saying of the Lord Jesus, "The first shall be last +and the last first." + +Then, too, will appear most gloriously the loving kindness and tender +mercy of God, who loves to stoop to the poor and humble, and to care for +those who are friendless and alone. It seems as if our Heavenly Father +took special delight in revealing the truths of salvation to this +untutored people, in a mysterious way leading them into gospel light +and liberty; so that though men take pains to keep them in ignorance, +multitudes of them give evidence of piety, and find consolation for +their miseries in the sweet love of God. + +It is the dealings of God in guiding one of these to a knowledge of +himself, that I wish to relate to you in the following chapters. + + + +CHAPTER II. THE BABY. + +IN a snug corner of a meager slave-cabin, on a low cot, lies a little +babe asleep. A scarlet honeysuckle of wild and luxuriant growth shades +the uncurtained and unsashed window; and the humming-birds, flitting +among its brilliant blossoms, murmur a constant, gentle lullaby for the +infant sleeper. See, its skin is not so dark but that we may clearly +trace the blue veins underlying it; the lips, half parted, are lovely +as a rosebud; and the soft, silky curls are dewy as the flowers on this +June morning. A dimpled arm and one naked foot have escaped from the +gay patch-work quilt, which some fond hand has closely tucked about the +little form; and the breath comes and goes quickly, as if the folded +eyes were feasting on visions of beauty and delight. Dear little one! + + "We should see the spirits ringing + Round thee, were the clouds away; + 'Tis the child-heart draws them, singing + In the silent-seeming clay." + +Though that child-heart beats beneath a despised skin, though it has its +resting-place in a hovel, the angels may be there. Their loving, pitying +natures shrink not from poverty, but stoop with heavenly sympathy to the +mean abodes of suffering and misery. + +A soft step steals in through the half-opened door, across the room, and +a fervent kiss is laid on the little velvet cheek. + +Who is the intruder? Ah, who cares to watch and smile over a sleeping +infant, save its mother? Here, in this rude cabin, is a mother's +heart,--tender with its holy affections, and all aglow with delight, as +she gazes on the beautiful vision before her. + +We must call the mother Annie. She had but one name, for she was a +slave. Like the horse or the dog, she must have some appellation by +which, as an individual, she might be designated; a sort of appendage +on which to hang, as it were, the commands, threats, and severities that +from time to time might be administered; but farther than that, for her +own personal uses, why did she need a name? She was not a person, only a +thing,--a piece of property belonging to the Carroll estate. + +But for all that, she was a woman and a mother. God had sealed her such, +and who could obliterate his impress, or rob her of the crown he had +placed about her head,--a crown of thorns though it were? Her heart was +as full of all sweet motherly instincts as if she had been born in a +more favored condition; and the swarthy complexion of her child made +it no less dear or lovely in her sight; while a consciousness of its +degradation and sad future served only to deepen and intensify her love. +She knew what her child was born to suffer; but affection thrust far +away the evil day, that she might not lose the happiness of the present. +The babe was hers,--her own,--and for long years yet would be her joy +and comfort. + +Annie had other children, but they were wild, romping boys, grown out +of their babyhood, and so very naturally left to run and take care of +themselves. She had not ceased to love them, however, and would have +manifested it more, but for the idol, the little girl baby, which had +now for nearly a year nestled in her arms, and completely possessed +her heart. When they were hungry, they came like chickens about her +cabin-door, and being mistress of the kitchen, she always had plenty of +good, substantial crumbs for them; and when they were sick, she nursed +them with pitying care; but this was about all the attention they +received. + +The baby engrossed every leisure moment she could command. Many times a +day she would pause in her work to caress it. She would seat it upon the +floor, amid a perfect bed of honeysuckle blossoms, and bring the bright +orange gourds that grew around the door for its amusement. Sometimes a +broken toy or a shining trinket, which she had picked up in the house, +or a smooth pebble from the yard, would be added to the treasures of the +little one. Then she would come with food, the soft-boiled rice, or the +sweet corn gruel, she knew so well how to prepare; and often, often +she would steal in, as now, out of pure fondness, to watch its peaceful +slumbers. + +"Named the pickaninny yet?" asked the master one day, as he passed +the cabin, and carelessly looked in upon the mother and child amusing +themselves within. "'Tis time you did; 'most time to turn her off now, +you see." + +"Oh, Massa, don't say dat word," answered the woman, imploringly. +"'Pears I couldn't b'ar to turn her off yet,--couldn't live without her, +no ways. Reckon I'll call her Tidy; dat ar's my sister's name, and she's +got dat same sweet look 'bout de eyes,--don't you think so, Massa? Poor +Tidy! she's"--and Annie stopped, and a deep sigh, instead of words, +filled up the sentence, and tears dropped down upon the baby's forehead. +Memory traveled back to that dreadful night when this only sister had +been dragged from her bed, chained with a slave-gang, and driven off to +the dreaded South, never more to be heard from. + +WE talk of the "sunny South;"--to the slave, the South is cold, dark, +and cheerless; the land of untold horrors, the grave of hope and joy. + +"'Pears as if my poor old mudder," said Annie, brushing away the tears, +"never got up right smart after Tidy went away. She'd had six children +sold from her afore, and she set stores by her and me, 'cause we was +girls, and we was all she had left, too. Tidy was pooty as a flower; +and dat's just what your fadder, Massa Carroll, sold her for. My poor +mudder--how she cried and took on! but then she grew more settled like. +She said she'd gi'n her up for de good Lord to take care on. She said, +if he could take care of de posies in de woods, he certain sure would +look after her, and so she left off groaning like; but she's never got +over that sad look in her face. 'Oh,' says she to me, says she, 'Annie, +do call dat leetle cretur's name Tidy,--mebbe 'twill make my poor, sore +heart heal up;' and so I will." + +"So I would, Annie; yes, so I would," said the Master soothingly. "So I +would, if 'twill be any comfort to poor old Marcia,--clever old soul she +is. She was my mammy, and I was always fond of her. She has trotted me +on her knee, and toted me about on her back, many an hour. I must +go down to the quarters this very day, and see if she has things +comfortable. She's getting old, and we must do well by her in her old +age. And you, Annie, you mustn't mind those other things. We mustn't +borrow trouble. And we can't help it, you know; and we mustn't cry and +fret for what we can't help. What's the use? It don't do any good, you +see, and only makes a bad matter worse. Must take things as they come, +in this world of ours, Annie;" and the Master thought thus to assuage +the tide of bitter recollection in the breast of his down-trodden +bond-woman, and divert her mind from the painful future before her and +her darling child. In vain. The tears still fell over the brow of the +baby, flowing from the deep fountain of sorrow and tenderness that +springs forth only from a mother's heart. + +"Oh, Massa," she ventured timidly to say amid her sobs, "please don't +never part baby and me." + +"Be a good girl, Annie," said he, "and mind your work, and don't be +borrowing trouble. We'll take good care of you. You've got a nice baby, +that's a fact,--the smartest little thing on the whole plantation; see +how well you can raise her now." + +The fond heart of the trembling mother leaped back again to its +happiness at the praise bestowed upon her baby; and taking up the little +blossom, she laid it with pride upon her bosom, murmuring, "Years of +good times we'll have, sweety, afore sich dark days come,--mebbe they'll +never come to you and me." + +Alas, vain hope! Scarcely a single year had passed, when one day she +came to the cot to look at the little sleeper, and lo, her treasure was +gone! The master had found it convenient, in making a sale of some +field hands, to THROW IN this infant, by way of closing a satisfactory +bargain. + +None can tell, but those who have gone through the trying experience, +how hard it is for a mother to part with her child when God calls it +away by death. But oh, how much harder it must be to have a babe torn +away from the maternal arms by the stern hand of oppression, and flung +out on the cruel tide of selfishness and passion! Let us weep, dear +children, for the poor slave mothers who have to endure such wrongs. + +I will not undertake to describe the distress of this poor woman when +the knowledge of her loss burst upon her. It was as when the tall +tree is shivered by the lightning's blast. Her strong frame shook +and trembled beneath the shock; her eye rolled and burned in tearless +anguish, and her voice failed her in the intensity of her grief. For +hours she was unable to move. Alone, uncomforted, she lay upon the +earth, crushed beneath the weight of this unexpected calamity. + +"Leave her alone," said the master, "and let her grieve it out. The +cat will mew when her kittens are taken away. She'll get over it before +long, and come up again all right." + +"Ye mus' b'ar it, chile," said Annie's poor, old mother, drawing from +her own experience the only comfort which could be of any avail. "De +bressed Lord will help ye; nobody else can. I's so sorry for ye, honey; +but yer poor, old mudder can't do noffin. 'Tis de yoke de Heavenly +Massa puts on yer neck, and ye can't take it off nohow till he ondoes it +hissef wid his own hand. Ye mus' b'ar it, and say, De will ob de bressed +Lord be done." + +But, trying as this separation was, it proved to be the first link in +that chain of loving-kindnesses by which this little slave-child was to +be drawn towards God. Do you remember this verse in the Bible: "I have +loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have +I drawn thee." + + + +CHAPTER III. SUNSHINE. + +IF ever there was a sunshiny corner of slavery, it was that into which +a kind Providence dropped this little, helpless babe, now but a little +more than two years old. + +It was a pleasant day in early spring when Colonel Lee alighted from +his gig before the family mansion at Rosevale, and laid the child, as a +present, at the feet of his daughter Matilda. + +Miss Matilda Lee was about thirty years of age,--as active and thrifty +a little woman as could be found any where within the domains of this +cruel system of oppression. Slavery is like a two-edged knife, cutting +both ways. It not only destroys the black, but demoralizes and ruins +the white race. Those who hold slaves are usually indolent, proud, and +inefficient. They think it a disgrace to work by the side of the negro, +and therefore will allow things to be left in a very careless, untidy +way, rather than put forth their energy to alter or improve them. And as +it is impossible for slaves, untaught and degraded as they are, to give +a neat and thrifty appearance to their homes, we, who have been brought +up at the North, accustomed to work ourselves, assisted by well-trained +domestics, can scarcely realize the many discomforts often to be +experienced in Southern houses. But Miss Lee was unusually energetic and +helpful, desirous of having every thing about her neat and tasteful, and +not afraid to do something towards it with her own hands. + +Being the eldest daughter, the entire charge of the family had devolved +upon her since the death of her mother, which had occurred about ten +years before. Within this time, her brothers and sisters had been +married, and now she and her father were all that were left at the old +homestead. + +Their servants, too, had dwindled away. Some had been given to the +sons and daughters when they left the parental roof; some had died, and +others had been sold to pay debts and furnish the means of living. Old +Rosa, the cook, Nancy, the waiting-maid, and Methuselah, the ancient +gardener, were all the house-servants that remained. So they lived in +a very quiet and frugal way; and Miss Matilda's activities, not being +entirely engrossed with family cares, found employment in the nurture of +flowers and pets. + +The grounds in front of the old-fashioned mansion had been laid out +originally in very elaborate style; and, though of late years they +had been greatly neglected, they still retained traces of their former +splendor. The rose-vines on the inside of the enclosure had grown +over the low, brick wall, to meet and mingle with the trees and bushes +outside, till together they formed a solid and luxuriant mass of +verdure. White and crimson roses shone amid the dark, glossy foliage +of the mountain-laurel, which held up with sturdy stem its own rich +clusters of fluted cups, that seemed to assert equality with the queen +of flowers, and would not be eclipsed by the fragrant loveliness of +their beautiful dependents. The borders of box, which had once been +trimmed and trained into fanciful points and tufts and convolutions of +verdure, had grown into misshapen clumps; and the white, pebbly walks no +longer sparkled in the sunlight. + +Still Miss Matilda, by the aid of Methuselah, in appearance almost +as ancient as we may suppose his namesake to have been, found great +pleasure in cultivating her flower-beds; and every year, her crocuses +and hyacinths, crown-imperials and tulips, pinks, lilies, and roses, +none the less beautiful because they are so commonly enjoyed, gave a +cheerful aspect to the place. + +Her numerous pets made the house equally bright and pleasant. There +was Sir Walter Raleigh, the dog, and Mrs. Felina, the great, splendid, +Maltese mother of three beautiful blue kittens; Jack and Gill, the +gentle, soft-toned Java sparrows; and Ruby, the unwearying canary +singer, always in loud and uninterpretable conversation with San Rosa, +the mocking-bird. The birds hung in the broad, deep window of the +sitting-room, in the shade of the jasmine and honeysuckle vines that +embowered it and filled the air with delicious perfume. The dog and +cat, when not inclined to active enjoyments, were accommodated with +comfortable beds in the adjoining apartment, which was the sleeping-room +of their mistress. + +The new household pet became an occupant of this same room. + +"Laws, now, Miss Tilda, ye a'n't gwine to put de chile in ther wid all +de dogs and cats, now. 'Pears ye might have company enough o' nights +widout takin' in a cryin' baby. She'll cry sure widout her mammy, and +what ye gwine to do thin?" and old Rosa stoutly protested against the +arrangement. + +"Never mind, Aunt Rosa, don't worry now; I'll manage to take good +care of the little creature. I know what you're after,--you want her +yourself." + +"Ho, ho ho! Laws, now, Miss Tilda, you dun know noffing 'bout babies; +takes an old mammy like me to fotch 'em up. Come here, child; what's yer +name?" + +The frightened little one, whose tongue had not yet learned to utter +many words, made no attempt to answer, but stood timidly looking from +one to another of the surrounding group. + +"She ha'n't got no name, 'ta'n't likely," suggested Nance. + +"We must christen her, then," said Miss Lee. + +"Carroll called her Tidy," remarked the old gentleman, entering the room +at that moment. + +"DAT'S a name of 'spectability," said Rosa, with a satisfied air. "'Tis +my 'pinion chillen should allus have 'spectable names, else they're +'posed on in dis yer world. Nudd's Tidy, now, dere's a spec'men for yer. +Never was no more 'complished 'fectioner dan she. She knowed how to cook +all de earth, she did. Hi! couldn't she barbecue a heifer, or brile +a cock's comb, jest as 'spertly as Miss Tilda here broiders a ruffle. +Right smart cretur she wor. And so YE'RE a gwine to be, honey,--your old +mammy sees it in de tips ob yer fingers;" and Rosa caught up the child, +and well-nigh smothered it with all sorts of maternal fondnesses. + +"Now Nance," continued the old negress, turning with an air of authority +to the tall, loose-jointed, reed-like maid, "Now Nance, ye mind yer +doin's in dese yer premises. Don't ye go for to kick de young un round +like as ef she cost noffin'. Ef ye do, look out;" and she shook her +turbaned head, and doubled her fist in very threatening manner before +the girl. "Now we've got a baby in dis yer house, we'll see how de tings +is gwine for to go." + +A baby in the Lee mansion did indeed inaugurate a new order of things +in the family. So young a servant they had not had for many a day on the +estate; and Rosa felt at once the responsibility of her position, and +played the mother to her heart's content. All the care of the child's +education seemed from that moment to devolve upon her, notwithstanding +Miss Lee's repeated assertions that SHE designed to bring up the little +one after her own heart, and that Tidy should never wait upon any one +but herself. + +Between them both, Tidy had things pretty much her own way. Such an +infant of course could not be expected to comprehend the fact that she +was a slave, and born to be ruled over, and trodden under foot. Like any +other little one, she enjoyed existence, and was as happy as could be +all the day long. Every thing around her,--the chickens and turkeys +in the yard, the flowers in the garden, the kittens and birds in the +sitting-room, and the goodies in the kitchen,--added to her pleasure. +She frisked and gamboled about the house and grounds as free and joyous +as the squirrels in the woods, and without a thought or suspicion that +any thing but happiness was in store for her. She not only slept at +night in the room of her mistress, but when the daily meals were served, +the child, seated on a low bench beside Miss Lee, was fed from her own +dish. So that, in respect to her animal nature, she fared as well as any +child need to; but this was all. Not a word of instruction of any kind +did she receive. + +As she grew older, and her active mind, observing and wondering at the +many objects of interest in nature, burst out into childish questions, +"What is this for?" and "Who made that?" her mistress would answer +carelessly, "I don't know," or "You'll find out by and by." Her thirst +for knowledge was never satisfied; for while Miss Lee was good-natured +and gentle in her ways toward the child, she took no pains to impart +information of any kind. Why should she? Tidy was only a slave. + +Here, my little readers, you may see the difference between her +condition and your own. You are carefully taught every thing that will +be of use to you. Even before you ask questions, they are answered; and +father and mother, older brothers and sisters, aunties, teachers, and +friends are ready and anxious to explain to you all the curious and +interesting things that come under your notice. Indeed, so desirous are +they to cultivate your intellectual nature, that they seek to stimulate +your appetite for knowledge, by drawing your attention to many things +which otherwise you would overlook. At the same time, they point you to +the great and all-wise Creator, that you may admire and love him who has +made every thing for our highest happiness and good. + +But slavery depends for its existence and growth upon the ignorance of +its miserable victims. If Tidy's questions had been answered, and her +curiosity satisfied, she would have gone on in her investigations; and +from studying objects in nature, she would have come to study books, and +perhaps would have read the Bible, and thus found out a great deal which +it is not considered proper for a slave to know. + +"We couldn't keep our servants, if we were to instruct them," says +the slaveholder; and therefore he makes the law which constitutes it a +criminal offense to teach a slave to read. + +But Tidy was taught to WORK. That is just what slaves are made for,--to +work, and so save their owners the trouble of working themselves. +Slaveholders do not recognize the fact that God designed us all to work, +and has so arranged matters, that true comfort and happiness can only be +reached through the gateway of labor. It is no blessing to be idle, and +let others wait upon us; and in this respect the slaves certainly have +the advantage of their masters. + +Tidy was an apt learner, and at eight years of age she could do up Miss +Matilda's ruffles, clean the great brass andirons and fender in the +sitting-room, and set a room to rights as neatly as any person in the +house. + + +CHAPTER IV. SEVERAL EVENTS. + +SHALL I pause here in my narrative to tell you what became of Annie +and some of the other persons who have been mentioned in the preceding +chapters? + +Tidy often saw her mother. Miss Lee used to visit Mr. Carroll's family, +and never went without taking Tidy, that the child and her mother might +have a good time together. And good times indeed they were. + +When Annie learned that her baby had been taken to Rosevale, that she +was so well cared for, and that they would be able sometimes to see one +another, her grief was very much abated, and she began to think in what +new ways she could show her love for her little one. She saved all the +money she could get; and, as she had opportunity, she would buy a bit +of gay calico, to make the child a frock or an apron. Mothers, you +perceive, are all alike, from the days of Hannah, who made a "little +coat" for her son Samuel, and "brought it to him from year to year, +when she came up with her husband to the yearly sacrifice," down to the +present time. Nothing pleases them more than to provide things useful +and pretty for their little ones. Even this slave-mother, with her +scanty means, felt this same longing. It did her heart good to be +doing something for her child; and so she was constantly planning and +preparing for these visits, that she might never be without something +new and gratifying to give her. In the warm days of summer, she would +take her down to Sweet-Brier Pond, a pretty pool of water right in the +heart of a sweet pine grove, a little way from the house, and Tidy +would have a good splashing frolic in the water, and come out looking +as bright and shining as a newly-polished piece of mahogany. Her mother +would press the water from her dripping locks, and turn the soft, glossy +hair in short, smooth curls over her fingers, put on the new frock, +and then set her out before her admiring eyes, and exclaim in her fond +motherly pride,-- + +"You's a purty cretur, honey. You dun know noffin how yer mudder lubs +ye." + +Tidy remembers to this day the delightful afternoon thus spent the +very last time she went to see her mother, though neither of them then +thought it was to be the last. Mr. Carroll, Annie's master, was very +close in all his business transactions, never allowing, as he remarked, +his left hand to know what his right hand did. He stole Tidy away, as we +have already told you, from her mother; and this was the way he usually +managed in parting his slaves, especially any that were much valued. He +said it was "a part of his religion to deal TENDERLY with his people!" + +"'Tis a great deal better," said he, "to avoid a row. They would +moan and wail and make such a fuss, if they knew they were to change +quarters." + +Humane man, wasn't he? + +Mr. Carroll got into debt, and an opportunity occurring, he sold Annie +and her four boys. The bargain was made without the knowledge of any +one on the estate; and in the night they were transferred to their new +master. Nobody ever knew to what part of the country they were carried. + +When the news reached the ear of Marcia, Annie's mother, it proved to be +more than she could bear. Her very last comfort was thus torn from her. +When she was told of it, the poor, decrepit old woman fell from her +chair upon the floor of her cabin insensible. The people lifted her up +and laid her upon the bed, but she never came to consciousness. She lay +without sense or motion until the next day, when she died. The slaves +said, "Old Marcia's heart broke." + +Thus little Tidy was left alone in the world, without a single relative +to love her. Didn't she care much about it? That happened thirty +years ago, and she can not speak of it even now without tears. But she +comforts herself by saying, "I shall meet them in heaven." Annie may not +yet have arrived at that blessed home; but Marcia has rejoiced all these +years in the presence of the Lord she loved, and has found, by a glad +experience, that the happiness of heaven can compensate for all the +trials of earth. + + "For God has marked each sorrowing day, + And numbered every secret tear; + And heaven's long age of bliss shall pay + For all his children suffer here." + +And now I must tell you of another death which occurred about this same +time. It was that of Colonel Lee. He had been a rich and a proud man, +and it would seem, that, like the rich man in the parable, he had had +all his good things in this life; and now that he had come to the +gates of death, he found himself in a sadly destitute and lamentable +condition. He was afraid to die; and when he came to the very last, his +shrieks of terror and distress were fearful. His mind was wandering, and +he fancied some strong being was binding him with chains and shackles. +He screamed for help, and even called for Rosa, his faithful old +servant, to come and help him. + +"Take off those hand-cuffs," he cried; "take them off. I can not bear +them. Don't let them put on those chains. Oh, I can't move! They'll drag +me away! Stop them; help me! save me!" + +But, alas! no one could save him. The man who had all his life been +loading his fellow-creatures with chains and fetters was now in the +grasp of One mightier than he, who was "delivering him over into chains +of darkness, to be reserved unto the judgment." + +How dreadful was such an end! + +"I would rather be a slave with all my sorrows," said Tidy, when she +related this sad story, "and wait for comfort until I get to heaven, +than to have all the riches of all the slaveholders in the world, gained +by injustice and oppression; for I could only carry them as far as the +grave, and there they would be an awful weight to drag me down into +torments for ever." + + + +CHAPTER V. A NEW HOME. + +AFTER Colonel Lee's death, which happened when Tidy was about ten years +old, the plantation and all the slaves were sold, and Miss Matilda, with +Tidy, who was her own personal property, found a home with her brother. +Mr. Richard Lee owned an estate about twenty miles from Rosevale. +His lands had once been well cultivated, but now received very little +attention, for medicinal springs had been discovered there a few years +before, and it was expected that these springs, by being made a resort +for invalids and fashionable people, would bring to the family all the +income they could desire. + +Mr. and Mrs. Lee were not very pleasant people. They were selfish and +penurious, and hard-hearted and severe towards their servants. They no +doubt were happy to have their sister take up her abode with them; but +there is reason to believe she was chiefly welcome on account of the +valuable little piece of property she brought with her. Tidy was just +exactly what Mrs. Lee wanted to fill a place in her family, which she +had never before been able to supply to her satisfaction. She needed +her as an under-nurse, and waiter-and-tender in general upon her four +children. Amelia, the eldest, was just Tidy's age, and Susan was two +years younger. Then came Lemuel, a boy of three, and George, the baby. + +Mammy Grace was the family nurse, but as she was growing old and +somewhat infirm, she required a pair of young, sprightly feet to +run after little Lemmy to keep him out of mischief, and to carry the +teething, worrying baby about. Tidy was just the child for her. + +The morning after her arrival, Mrs. Lee instructed her in her duties +thus:-- + +"You are to do what Mammy Grace and the children tell you to. See that +Lemmy doesn't stuff things into his ears and nose; mind you don't let +the baby fall, and behave yourself." + +She wasn't told what would be the consequence if she did not "behave +herself," but Tidy felt that she had something to fear from that +flashing eye and heavy brow. Miss Matilda had protected her, as far as +she was able, though without the child's knowledge, by saying to her +sister that she was willing her little servant should be employed in the +family, but that she was never to be whipped. + +"You're mighty saving of your little piece of flesh and blood," said her +sister-in-law. "I find it doesn't work well to be too tender; they need +a little cuffing now and then to keep them straight." + +"Tidy is a good child," replied Miss Matilda. "She always does as she is +told, and I have never had occasion to punish her in my life; and I can +not consent to her being treated severely." + +"We shall see," said Mrs. Lee; "but, I tell you, I take no impudence +from my hands." + +Miss Matilda's stipulation and her constant presence in the family no +doubt screened Tidy from much that was unpleasant from her new mistress; +for if children or servants are ever so well inclined, an ugly and +easily excited temper in a superior will provoke evil dispositions in +them, and MAKE occasions of punishment. But in this case the mistress +was evidently held in check. A knock on the head sometimes, a kick or a +cross word, was the greatest severity she ventured to inflict; so that, +upon the whole, the new home was a pleasant and happy one. + +The services Tidy was required to render were a perfect delight to her. +Like all children, she liked to be associated with those of her own age, +and, though called a slave, to all intents and purposes she was +received as the playmate and companion of Amelia and Susan. They were +good-natured, agreeable little girls, and it was a pleasure rather +than a task to walk to and from school, and carry their books and +dinner-basket for them. And to go into the play-house, and have the +handling of the dolls, the tea-sets, and toys, was employment as +charming as it was new. + +The nursery was in the cabin of Mammy Grace, which was situated a few +steps from the family mansion, and was distinguished from the log-huts +of the other slaves, by having brick walls and two rooms. The inner room +contained the baby's cradle, a crib for the little one who had not yet +outgrown his noon-day nap, her own bed, and now a cot for Tidy. In the +outer stood the spinning-wheel,--at which the old nurse wrought when not +occupied with the children,--a small table, an old chest of drawers, and +a few rude chairs. Some old carpets which had been discarded from the +house were laid over the floors, and gave an air of comfort to the +place. One shelf by the side of the fireplace held all the china and +plate they had to use; for, you must know, little readers, that slave +cabins contain very few of the conveniences which are so familiar to +you. To assert, as some people do, that the negroes do not need them, is +simply to say that they have never been used to the common comforts of +life, and so do not know their worth. + +Nevertheless, the place with all its scantiness of furniture was a happy +abode for Tidy, who found in Mammy Grace even a better mother than old +Rosa had been to her; for, besides being kind and cheerful, she was +pious, and from her lips it was that Tidy first heard the name of +God. Would you believe it? Tidy had lived to be ten years old in this +Christian land, and had never heard of the God who made her. Miss Lee, +with all her kindness, was not a Christian, and never read the Bible, +offered prayer, or went to church; so that the poor child had grown up +thus far as ignorant of religious truth as a heathen. + +We may well consider then the providence of God which brought her under +the care of Mammy Grace, the negro nurse, as another link in that golden +chain of love which was to draw her up out of the shame and misery +of her abject condition to the knowledge and service of her Heavenly +Father. + + + +CHAPTER VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. + +THE first day of the new service was over. The two babies had been +carried to the house and put to bed as usual at sunset, and Mammy Grace +had mixed the corn-pone for supper, and laid it to bake beneath the hot +ashes. + +Tidy stretched herself at full length near the open door of the cabin, +and resting her head upon her hand looked out. All was still save the +hum of voices from the house, and now and then the plaintive song of +the whippoorwill in the meadow. The new moon was just hiding its silvery +crescent behind Tulip Mountain, and the shadows were growing every +moment darker among the flower-laden trees that covered its sides. +It was just the hour for thinking; and as the weary child lay there, +watching the stars that, one by one, stepped with such strange, +noiseless grace out upon the clear, blue sky, soothed by the calm +influence that breathed through the beautiful twilight, she soon forgot +herself and her surroundings, and was lost in the mazes of speculation +and wonder. What were these bright spots that kept coming thicker +and faster over her head, winking and blinking at her, as if with a +conscious and friendly intelligence? Who made them? what were they +doing? where did they hide in the daytime? If she could climb up yonder +mountain, and then get to the top of those tall tulip-trees, she was +sure she could reach them, or, at least, see better what they were. Were +they candles, that some unseen hand had lighted and thrust out there, +that the night might not be wholly dark? That could not be, for then the +wind, which was fanning the trees, would blow them out. How the little +mind longed to fathom the mystery! Once she had ventured to ask Miss +Matilda what those bright specks up in the sky were, and she answered, +in an indifferent sort of way, "Stars, you little silly goose,--why, +don't you know? They are stars." And then she was just about as wise and +as satisfied as she had been before. + +She was so busy with her thoughts, that she did not perceive Mammy +Grace, as she drew the old, broken-backed rocking-chair up to the door, +and sitting down, with her elbows on her knees and her head upon her +hands, leaned forward, to discover, if possible, what the child was so +intently gazing at. She could discern no object in the deep twilight; +but, struck herself with the still beauty of the scene, she exclaimed,-- + +"Pooty night, a'n't it? How de stars of heaben do shine!" + +The voice disturbed Tidy in her reverie. Her first impulse was to get +up and walk away, that she might finish out her thinking in some other +place, where she could be alone. But the thought flashed through her +mind, that perhaps the kind-looking old nurse at her side might be able +to tell her some of the many things she was so perplexed about; and, +almost before she knew she was speaking, she blurted out,-- + +"What's them things up thar?" + +"Dem bright little shiny tings, honey, in de firm'ment? Laws, don' ye +know? Whar's ye lived all yer days, if ye don' know de stars when ye +sees 'em?" + +"Who owns 'em? and what they stuck up ther for?" asked the child, +somewhat encouraged. + +"Who owns 'em? Hi! dey's de property ob de Lord ob heaben, chile, I +reckons; and dey's put dar to gib us light o'nights. Jest see 'em shine! +and what a sight of 'em dar is, too; nobody can't count 'em noway. And +de Lord he hold 'em all in de holler ob his hand," said the old negress, +shaping her great black palm to suit the idea; "and he knows 'em all +by name, too. Specs 'tis wonderful; but ebery one ob dem leetle, teenty +tings has got a name, and de great Lord he 'members 'em ebery one." + +Tidy's wonder was not at all diminished by what she heard; and the +questions she wanted to ask came up so fast in her mind, she hardly +knew which to utter first. What they were made out of, how they came and +went, what they meant by twinkling so, were things she had long desired +to know; but for the moment these were forgotten in the burning, eager +curiosity she had, now that she had heard the name of their Maker, to +know more of him, and where he was to be found. Half rising from +her former position, and looking earnestly in the face of her humble +instructor, which was beaming with her own admiration of the glorious +works and power of the Lord, she exclaimed vehemently,-- + +"That Lord,--who's him? I's never heerd of him afore." + +"Laws, honey, don' ye know? He's de great Lord of heaben and earf, dat +made you and me and ebery body else. He made all de tings ye sees,--de +trees, de green grass, de birds, de pigs,--dere's noffin dat he didn't +make. Oh, he's de mighty Lord, I tells ye, chile! Didn't ye neber hear +'bout him afore?" + +Tidy shook her head; she could hardly speak. + +"Tell me some more," she said at last. + +"Well, chile, dis great Lord he lib up in de heaben of heabens, way up +ober dat blue sky, and he sits all de time on a great trone, and he sees +ebery ting dat goes on down har in dis yer world. Ef ye does any ting +bad, he puts it down in a great book he's got, and byme-by he'll punish +de wicked folks right orful." + +"Whip?" questioned Tidy. + +"Whip! no; burn in de hot fire and brimstone for eber and for eber. 'Tis +orful to be wicked, and hab de great Lord punish." + +"I ha'n't done noffin," cried out Tidy, fairly trembling with terror. + +"Laws, no,--course not, chile; ye's noffin but a chile, ye know; but +some folks does orful tings. But ye needn't be afeard, honey; he's +a good Lord, and lubs us all; and ef ye tries to be good, and 'beys +missus, and neber lies, nor steals, nor swars, he'll be a good friend to +ye. He'll make de sun to shine on yer, and de rain to fall; and when ye +dies, he'll take yer right up dar, to lib wid him allus. There now, jest +hark,--dat's old Si comin' up de lane. Don' ye h'ar him singin'? He lubs +de Lord, he does, and he's allus a-singin'. Hark, now! a'n't it pooty? +Guess de pone's done by dis time;" and she shuffled to the fireplace, to +look after her cake. + +Tidy, almost overwhelmed with the weight of knowledge that had been +poured in upon her inquiring spirit, and hardly knowing whether what +she had heard should make her glad or sorry, leaned back against the +door-post, and carelessly listened to the voice, as it came nearer and +nearer. In a minute the words fell with pleasing distinctness upon the +ear. + + "Dear sister, didn't you promise me + To help me shout and praise him? + Den come and jine your voice to mine, + And sing his lub amazin'. + I tink I hear de trumpet sound, + About de break of day; + Good Lord, we'll rise in de mornin', + And fly, and fly away, + On de mornin's wings, to Canaan's land, + To heaben, our happy home, + Bright angels shall convey our souls + To de new Jerusalem." + +"Hallelujah, amen, bress de Lord. How is ye dis night, Mammy Grace?" +said a cheerful voice at the cabin-door. + +"Ho! go 'long, Simon,--I knowed ye was comin'. Ye allus blows yer +trumpet 'fore yer gits here. Come in, help yerse'f to a cha'r. Here, +chile," addressing Tidy, "here's yer supper,--eat it now; and don' ye +neber let what I's telled ye slip out of yer 'membrance." + +Which Tidy was not at all likely to do. She picked up the bread which +was thrown to her, and, munching it as she went along, walked away to +the pump to get a drink of water. + +Children, when you rise in the morning and come down stairs to the +cheerful breakfast, or when you are called at noon and night, to join +the family circle again around a neatly-spread table, did you ever think +what a refining influence this single custom has upon your life? The +savage eats his meanly-prepared food from the vessel in which it is +cooked, each member of his household dipping with his fingers, or some +rude utensil, into the one dish. He is scarcely raised above the cattle +that eat their fodder at the crib, or the dog that gnaws the bone thrown +to him upon the ground. And are the slaves any better off? They are +neither allowed time, convenience, or inducements to enjoy a practice, +which is so common with us, that we fail to number it among our +privileges, or to recognize its elevating tendency; and yet they are +stigmatized as a debased and brutish class. Can we expect them to be +otherwise? Who is accountable for this degradation? By what system have +they become so reduced? and have any suitable efforts ever been made for +their elevation? + + +Since I wrote this chapter, I have learned some things with regard to +the freed men at Port Royal, where so many fugitive slaves have taken +refuge during the war, and are now employed by Government, and being +educated by Christian teachers, which will make what I have just said +more apparent. Dr. French, who has labored among this people, in a +public address, drew a pleasing picture of the improvements introduced +into the home-life of the negroes,--how, as they began to feel free, and +earn an independent subsistence, their cabins were whitewashed, swept +clean, kept in order, and pictures and maps, cut from illustrated +newspapers, were pasted up on the walls by the women as a decoration. +He spoke of the rivalry in neatness thus produced, and of the general +elevating and refining effect. On his representation, the commanding +officers and the society by whom he is employed permitted him to +introduce into some twenty-five of the cabins, on twenty-five different +plantations, what had never been known before,--a window with panes of +glass. To this luxury were added tables, good, strong, tin wash-basins, +and soap, stout bed-ticks, and a small looking-glass. The effect of the +father of the family, sitting at the head of his new table, while his +sable wife and children gathered around it, and asking a blessing on the +simple fare, was very touching. Hitherto they had boiled their hominy in +a common skillet, and eaten it out of oyster-shells, when and wherever +they could, some in-doors and some outside, in every variety of +attitude. He said, also, that the ludicrous pranks of both old and +young, on eying themselves for the first time in the mirror, were quite +amusing. + + + +CHAPTER VII. FRANCES. + +QUITE a number of children were gathered in the vicinity of the pump, +performing their usual antics, under the direction and leadership of +a girl larger and older than the rest,--a genuine, coal-black, +woolly-headed, thick-lipped young negro. This was the daughter of Venus, +the cook, and her appointment of service was the kitchen. Full of fun, +and nimble as an eel in every joint, her various pranks and feats of +skill were perfectly amazing, and were received with boisterous applause +by the rest of the group. + +As she saw Tidy advancing, however, she ceased her evolutions, and, +turning to the others with a comic grimace, she bade them hold off, +while she held discourse with the new-comer. + +"Her comes yer white nigger," she said, in a loud whisper, "and I's +boun' to gaffer de las' news;" and putting on a demure face, she +accosted the neatly-appareled child. + +"Specs ye're a stranger in dese yer parts. What's yer name?" + +"Tidy;--what's yourn?" was the ready response. + +"Dey calls me France. Dey don't stop to place fandangles on to names +here. Specs dey'll call YOU Ti." + +"I doesn't care; I's willin'," replied Tidy, good-naturedly. + +"What's de matter wid yer? Been sick?" proceeded France, with a roguish +twinkle of the eye. "Specs you's had measles or 'sumption,--yer's pale +as deaf; and yer hair,--laws, sakes, it'll a'most stan' alone! de kind's +all done gone out of it." + +"Never had much," said Tidy, laughing. "It's most straight, see;" and +she pulled one of the short ringlets out with her fingers. "And I isn't +sick, neither; 'tis my 'plexion." + +"'Plexion!" repeated Frances, with a tone of derision; "'tis white folks +has 'plexion; niggers don't hab none. Don't grow white skins in dese yer +parts." + +"White's as good as black, I s'pose, a'n't it?" answered Tidy, diverted +by the droll manners of her new acquaintance. "I don't see no odds +nohow." + +"'Ta'n't 'spectable, dat's all. Brack's de fashion here on dis yer +plantation. 'Tis tough, b'ars whippin's and hard knocks. Whew! Hi! Ke! +Missus'll cut ye all up to slivers fust time." + +"Does missus whip?" + +"Reckon she does jest dat ting. Reckons you'll feel it right smart 'fore +you're much older. Hi! she whips like a driver,--cuts de skin all off +de knuckles in little less dan no time at all. Yer'll see; make yer curl +all up." + +It was not a very pleasant prospect for Tidy, to be sure; but, more +amused than frightened, she went on with her inquiries. + +"What does she whip ye for?" + +"Laws, sake, for noffin at all; jest when she takes a notion; jest for +ex'cise, like. Owes me one, now," said the girl. "I breaked de pitcher +dis mornin', and, ho, ho, ho! how missus flied! I runned and 'scaped +her, though." + +"She'll catch ye some time." + +"No, she don't, not for dat score. Specs I'll dodge till she's got +suffin' else to tink about. Dat's de way dis chile fix it. Shouldn't hab +no skin leff, ef I didn't. Laws, now, ye ought to seen toder day, when +I's done stept on missus' toe. Didn't do it a purpose, sartain true, ef +ye do laugh," said she, shaking her head at the tittering tribe at her +heels. "Dat are leetle Luce pushed, and missus jest had her hand up to +gib Luce an old-fashioned crack on the head wid dat big brack key of +hern. Hi! didn't she fly roun', and forgot all 'bout Luce, a tryin' to +hit dis nig--and dis nig scooted and runned, and when missus' hand +come down wid de big key, thar warn't no nigger's head at all thar--and +missus was gwine to lay it on so drefful hard, dat she falled ober +hersef right down into de kitchen, and by de time she picked hersef up, +bof de nigs war done gone. Ho, ho, ho! I tells ye she was mad enough ter +eat 'em. 'Pears as ef sparks comed right out of dem brack eyes." + +The girl's loud voice, as she grew animated in telling her exploits, and +the boisterous glee of her hearers, might have drawn the mistress with +whip in hand from the house, to inflict with double severity the evaded +punishment of the morning, but for the timely interference of Venus, +who, with her clean white apron and turbaned head, majestically emerged +from the kitchen, warning the young rebel and her associates to clear +the premises. + +"Along wid yer, and keep yer tongue tween yer teeth, chile, or you'll +cotch it." + +So Frances, drawing Tidy along with her, and followed by the whole +troop, turned into the lane that led down to the negro quarters, and as +they saunter along, I will tell you about her. + +She was a fair specimen of slave children, full of the merry humor, the +love of fun and frolic peculiar to her race, with not a little admixture +of art and cunning. She was wild, rough, and boisterous, one of the sort +always getting into disgrace. She couldn't step without stumbling, nor +hold anything in her hand without spilling. She never had on a whole +frock, except when it was new, and her bare feet were seldom without +a bandage. She considered herself one of the most unfortunate of +creatures, because she met with so many accidents, and had, in +consequence, to suffer so much punishment; and it was of no use to try +to do differently, she declared, for she "couldn't help it, nohow." + +I have seen just such children who were not slaves, haven't you? And I +think I understand the cause of their misfortunes. Shall I give you an +inkling of it? It is because they are so heedless and headlong in their +ways, racing and romping about with perfect recklessness. Don't you +think now that I am right, little reader, you who cried this very day, +because you were always getting into trouble, and getting scolded and +punished for it? You who are always tearing your frock and soiling your +nice white apron, spilling ink on your copy-book, and misplacing your +geography, forgetting your pencil and losing your sponge, and so getting +reproof upon reproof until you are heart-sick and discouraged? I know +what Jessie Smith's father told HER the other day. "You wouldn't meet +with so many mishaps, Jessie, if you didn't RUSH so." Jessie tried, +after that, to move round more gently and carefully, and I think she got +on better. + +Frances was just one of these "rushing" children, but she was +good-natured, and Tidy was quite fascinated with her. It was so new to +have an associate of her own age too; and so it came to pass that almost +immediately they were fast friends. Now, as they strolled along in the +starlight, under the great spreading pines which stood as sentinels +here and there along their path, Tidy drank in eagerly all her companion +said, and in a little while had gathered all the interesting points of +information concerning the place and the people. Frances told her how +hard and mean the master and mistress were, and how poorly the slaves +fared down at the quarters. Up at the house they made out very well, she +said; but not half so well as she and her mother did when they lived out +east on Mr. Blackstone's plantation. Then she described the busy summer +season, when hundreds of people came there to board and drink the water +of the springs. Mr. Lee had built two long rows of little brick houses, +she said, down by the springs, where the people lived while they were +here, and there was a great dining cabin with long tables and seats, +and a barbecue hall, where they had barbecues, and then danced all night +long, and had gay times. And there was plenty of money going at such +times, for the people had quantities of money and gave it to the slaves. + +The negro quarters consisted of six log cabins, which had once been +whitewashed, but now were extremely wretched in appearance, both without +and within. It is customary on the plantations of the South to have the +houses of the negroes a little removed, perhaps a quarter of a mile, +from the family mansion. Thus, with the exception of the house servants, +who must be within call, the slave portion of the family live by +themselves, and generally in a most uncivilized and miserable way. In +some cases their houses are quite neatly built and kept; but it was not +so on Mr. Lee's estate. + +In front of these old huts was a spring, the water bubbling up and +running through a dilapidated, moss-covered spout, into a tub half sunk +in the earth, which in the daytime served as a drinking trough for the +animals, and a bathing-pool for the babies. Brushwood and logs were +lying around in all directions, and here and there a fire was burning, +at which the negroes were cooking their supper. Dogs and a few stray +babies were roaming about, seeming lonely for want of the pigs and +chickens which kept company with them all day, but had now gone to rest. +Boys and girls of larger growth were rollicking and careering over the +place, dancing and singing and entertaining themselves and the whole +settlement with their jollities and noise. + +Is it surprising, we must stop to ask, that the colored people are a +degraded class, when we consider the way in which the children live from +their very infancy. No work for them to do, nothing to learn, nobody to +care for them,--they are just left to grow and fatten like swine, till +they are in condition to be sold or to be broken in to their tasks in +the field. Utterly neglected, they contract, of necessity, lazy and +vicious habits, and it is no wonder they have to be whipped and broken +in to work as animals to the yoke or harness; and no wonder that under +such treatment for successive generations, the race should become so +reduced in mental and moral ability, as to be thought by many incapable +of ever reclaiming a position among the enlightened nations of the +earth. Oh, what a weight of guilt have the people of our country +incurred in allowing four millions of those poor people to be so trodden +down in the very midst of us! + +When the children reached home again they found Mammy Grace's cabin +quite full of men and women, shouting, singing, and talking in a way +quite unintelligible to our little stranger. After she had dropped upon +her cot for the night, she lifted her head and ventured to ask what +those people had been about. + +"Don' ye know, chile? We's had a praisin'-meetin'. We has 'em ebery +week, one week it's here, and one week it's ober to General Doolittle's, +ober de hill yonder. Ef ye's a good chile, honey, ye shall go wid yer +old mammy some time, ye shall." + +"What do you do?" asked Tidy. + +"We praises, chile,--praises de Lord, and den we prays too." + +"What's that?" + +"Laws, chile, ye don't know noffin. Whar's ye been fotched up all yer +days? Why, when we wants any ting we can't git oursef, nohow, we ask de +Lord to gib it to us--dat's what it is." + +That first day and evening in Tidy's new home was a memorable day in her +experience. It seemed as if she had been lifted up two or three degrees +in existence, so much had she heard and learned. She had enough to +think about as she lay down to rest, for the first time away from Miss +Matilda's sheltering presence. + + + +CHAPTER VIII. PRAYER. + +As Tidy grew in stature she grew in favor also with those around her. +Spry but gentle in her movements, obedient, obliging, and apt to learn, +she secured the good-will of her master and mistress, and the visitors +that thronged to the place. If any little service was to be performed +which required more than usual care or expedition, she was the one to be +called upon to do it. It was no easy task to please a person so fretful +and impatient in spirit as Mrs. Lee, yet Tidy, by her promptness and +docility, succeeded admirably. Still, with all her well-doing she was +not able entirely to avoid her harshness and cruelty. + +One day, when she had been several months in Mrs. Lee's family, she was +set to find a ball of yarn which had become detached from her mistress's +knitting-work. Diligently she hunted for it every-where,--in Mammy +Grace's cabin, on the veranda, in the drawing-room, dining-room, and +kitchen, up-stairs, down-stairs, and in the lady's chamber, but no ball +was to be found. The mistress grew impatient, and the child searched +again. The mistress became unreasonable and threatened, and the child +really began to tremble for fear of undeserved chastisement. What could +she do? + +What do you think she did? I will tell you? + +Ever since that first night with Mammy Grace, when Tidy had asked her +what it was to pray, and had been told, "When we wants any ting we can't +git oursefs, nohow, we asks de Lord to gib it to us," these words +had been treasured in her memory; but as yet she had never had an +opportunity to put them to a practical use; for up to this time she +had not really wanted any thing. Her necessities were all supplied even +better than she had reason to expect; for in addition to the plain but +sufficient fare that was allowed her in the cabin, she was never a day +without luxuries from the table of the family. Fruits, tarts, and many +a choice bit of cake, found their way through the children's hands to +their little favorite, so that she had nothing to wish for in the eating +line. Her services with the children were so much in accordance with her +taste as to be almost pastime, and the old nurse was as kind and good as +a mother could be. Never until this day had she been brought into a +real strait; and it was in this emergency that she thought to put Mammy +Grace's suggestion to the test. She had attended the weekly prayer or +"praisin'-meetin's" as they were called, and observed that when the +men and women prayed, they seemed to talk in a familiar way with this +invisible Lord; and she determined to do the same. As she went out for +the third time from the presence of her mistress, downcast and unhappy, +she thought that if she only had such eyes as the Lord had, which Mammy +Grace repeatedly told her were in every place, considering every little +thing in the earth, she would know just where to go to find the missing +ball. At that thought something seemed to whisper, "Pray." + +She darted out of the door, ran across the yard, making her way as +speedily as possible to the only retired spot she knew of. This was +a deep gully at the back of the house, through which a tiny stream of +water crept, just moistening the roots of the wild cherry and alder +bushes which grew there in great abundance, and keeping the grass fresh +and green all the summer long. No one ever came to this spot excepting +now and then the laundress with a piece of linen to bleach, or the +children to play hide-and-seek of a moonlight evening. Here she fell +upon her knees, and lifting up her hands as she had seen others do, she +said,-- + +"Blessed Lord, I want to find missus' ball of yarn, and I can't. You +know whar 'tis. Show me, so I sha'n't get cracks over my head with the +big key. Hallelujah, amen." + +She didn't know, innocent child, what this "Hallelujah, amen," meant; +but she remembered that Uncle Simon always ended in that way, and +she supposed it had something important to do with the prayer. So she +uttered it with a feeling of great satisfaction, as though that capped +the climax of her duty, and put the seal of acceptance on her petition; +and then she got up and walked away, as sure as could be that the ball +would be forthcoming. I dare say she expected to see it rolling out +before her from some unthought-of corner as she went along. + +Do not laugh at the poor little slave girl, children, or ridicule the +idea of her taking such a small thing to the Lord. If you, and older +people too, were in the habit of carrying all your little troubles to +the throne of grace, I am sure you would find help that you little dream +of. If the Lord in his greatness regards the little sparrows, so that +not one of them shall fall to the ground without his notice, and if he +numbers the hairs of our heads, surely there is nothing that can give +us uneasiness of mind or sorrow of heart too small to commend to his +notice. I wish we might all follow Tidy's example, and I have no doubt +that our heavenly Father, who is quite willing to have his words and his +love tested, would answer us as he did her. + +She went directly to the house, carefully looking this way and that, +as if expecting, as I said, that the ball would suddenly appear before +her,--of course it did not,--and passing across the veranda, entered the +hall. A great, old-fashioned, eight-day clock, like the pendulum that +hung in the farmer's kitchen so long, and got tired of ticking, I +imagine, stood in one corner. Just at the foot of this, Tidy saw a white +string protruding. She forgot for the moment what she was hunting after, +and stooped to pick up the string. She pulled at it, but it seemed to +catch in something and slipped through her fingers. She pulled again, +when lo and behold! out came the ball of yarn. Didn't her eyes sparkle? +Didn't her hands twitch with excitement, as she picked it up and carried +it to her mistress? So much for praying, said she to herself; I shall +know what to do the next time I get into trouble. + +The next time the affair proved a more serious one. It was no less than +a search for Frances, who had again been guilty of some misdemeanor, and +had hidden herself away to escape punishment. On the second day of her +absence, Mrs. Lee called Tidy, and instructed her to search for the +girl, with the assurance that if she didn't find her, she herself should +get the whipping. It was no very pleasant prospect for Tidy, but she +set to her task earnestly. A half-day she spent going over the +premises,--the house, the out-buildings, the quarters, and the +pine-woods opposite; but the girl was not to be found. + +Afraid to come and report her want of success, for a while she was quite +in despair; until again she bethought herself of prayer, and out she ran +to the gully. There she cried,-- + +"Lord, I's very anxious to find France. I'll thank you to show me whar +she is, and make missus merciful, so she sha'n't lash neither one of +us. Oh, if I could only find France. Blessed Lord, you can help me find +her"---- + +She was pleading very earnestly when a voice suddenly interrupted her, +and there, at her side, stood the girl. + +"Who's dat ar you's conbersin wid 'bout me, little goose?" asked +Frances. + +"Oh, France," cried Tidy in delight, "whar was you? Missus set me +lookin' for yer, and she said she'd whip all the skin off me, if I +didn't find yer. Whar's you been?" + +"Laws, you nummy, ye don't specs now I's gwine to let all dis yer +plantation know dat secret. Ho, ho, ho! If I telled, I couldn't go dar +'gin no way. I's comed here for my dinner, caus specs dis chile can't +starve nohow. See, my mudder knows whar to put de bones for dis yer +chile," and pushing aside the bushes, she displayed an ample supply of +eatables, which she fell to devouring greedily. Tidy had to reason long +and stoutly with the refractory girl before she could persuade her to +return to the house; and when she accomplished her purpose, she was +probably not aware of the real motive that wrought in that dark, stupid +negro mind. It was not the fear of an increased punishment, if she +remained longer absent,--it was not the faint hope that Tidy held +up, that if she humbly asked her mistress's pardon, she might be +forgiven,--but the thought that if she did not at once return, Tidy must +suffer in her stead, was too much for her. She was, notwithstanding her +black skin and rude nature, too generous to allow that. + +So the two wended their way to the kitchen in great trepidation, and +Tidy, stepping round to the sitting-room, timidly informed her mistress +of the arrival, adding in most beseeching manner, "Please, Missus, don't +whip her, 'caus she's so sorry." + +"You mind your own business, little sauce-box, or you'll catch it too. +When I want your advice, I'll come for it," and seizing her whip which +she kept on a shelf close by, she proceeded to the kitchen. Miss Matilda +followed, determined to see that justice was done to one at least. + +The poor frightened girl fell on her knees. + +"Oh, Missus," she cried, "dear Missus, do 'scuse me. I'll neber do dat +ting over 'gin! I'll neber run away 'gin! I'll neber do noffin! Oh, +Missus, please don't, oh, dear,"--as notwithstanding the appeal, the +angry blow fell. Before another could descend, Miss Matilda laid her +hand upon her sister's arm. + +"Excuse the girl, Susan," she said, gently, "excuse her just this once, +and give her a trial. See if she won't do better." + +It was very hard, for it was contrary to her nature, for Mrs. Lee to +show mercy. However, she did yield, and after a very severe reprimand to +the culprit, and a very unreasonable, angry speech to Tidy, who, to +to [sic] her thinking, had become implicated in Frances' guilt, she +dismissed them both from her presence,--the one chuckling over her +fortunate escape, and the other querying in her mind, whether or no +this unhoped-for mercy was another answer to prayer. Miss Matilda made +a remark as they retired, which Tidy heard, whether it was designed for +her ear or not. + +"I always have designed to give that child her liberty when she is old +enough; and if any thing prevents my doing so, I hope she will take it +herself." + +Take her liberty! What did that mean? Tidy laid up the saying, and +pondered it in her heart. + +Does any one of our little readers ask why Miss Matilda did not free +the child then? Tidy's services paid her owner's board at her brother's +house, and she couldn't afford to give away her very subsistence; COULD +SHE? + + + +CHAPTER IX. THE FIRST LESSON. + +THE walk to school was a very delightful one, and as the trio trudged +over the road from day to day, chattering like magpies, laughing, +singing, shouting, and dancing in the exuberance of childish glee, +all seemed equally light-hearted and joyous. Even the little slave who +carried the books which she was unable to read, and the basket of +dinner of which she could not by right partake, with a keen eye for +the beautiful, and a sensitive heart to appreciate nature, could not +apparently have been more happy, if her condition had been reversed, and +she had been made the served instead of the servant. + +The way for half a mile lay through a dense pine-wood,--the tall trees +rising like stately pillars in some vast temple filled with balsamic +incense, and floored with a clean, elastic fabric, smooth as polished +marble, over which the little feet lightly and gayly tripped. In the +central depths where the sun's rays never penetrated, and the fallen +leaves lay so thickly on the ground, no flowers could grow, but on the +outer edges spring lavished her treasures. The trailing arbutus added +new fragrance to the perfumed air, frail anemones trembled in the +wind, and violets flourished in the shade. The blood-root lifted its +lily-white blossoms to the light, and the cream-tinted, fragile bells of +the uvularia nestled by its side. Passing the wood and its embroidered +flowery border, a brook ran across the road. The rippling waters were +almost hidden by the bushes which grew upon its banks, where the wild +honeysuckle and touch-me-not, laurels and eglantine, mingled their +beautiful blossoms, and wooed the bee and humming-bird to their +gay bowers. Over this stream a narrow bridge led directly to the +school-house; but the homeward side was so attractive, that the children +always tarried there until they saw the teacher on the step, or heard +the little bell tinkling from the door. Tidy remained with them till +the last minute, and there her bright face might invariably be seen when +school was dismissed in the afternoon. A large flat rock between the +woods and the flowery edges of Pine Run was the place of rendezvous. + +One summer's morning they were earlier than usual, and emerging from the +woods, warm and weary with their long walk, they threw themselves down +upon the rock over which in the early day, the shadows of the trees +refreshingly fell. Amelia turned her face toward the Run, and lulled by +the gentle murmuring of the water, and the humming of the insects, +was soon quietly asleep; Susie, with an apron full of burs, was making +furniture for the play-house which they were arranging in a cleft of +the rock; and Tidy, who carried the books, was busily turning over the +leaves and amusing herself with the pictures. + +"My sakes!" she exclaimed presently, "what a funny cretur! See that +great lump on his back!" and she pointed with her finger to the picture +of a camel. "Miss Susie! what IS that? Is it a lame horse?" + +"Why no, Tidy, that's a camel; 'tisn't a horse at all. I was reading +that very place yesterday,--let me see," and taking the book she read +very intelligently a brief account of the wonderful animal. + +"How queer!" said Tidy, deeply interested. "And is there something in +this book about all the pictures?" + +"Yes," answered Susie, "if you could only read now, you would know about +every one. See here, on the next page is an elephant; see his great +tusks and his monstrous long trunk," and the child read to her attentive +listener of another of the wonders of creation. + +[illustration omitted] + +"How I wish I could read,--why can't I?" asked Tidy; and the little +colored face was turned up full of animation. "I don't b'lieve but I +could learn as well as you." + +"Why of course you could," answered Amelia, who had risen quite +refreshed by her short nap. "I don't see why not. You can't go to school +you know, because mother wants you to work; but I could teach you just +as well as not." + +"Oh, could you? will you?--do begin!" cried the eager child. "Oh, Miss +Mely, if you only would, I'd do any thing for you." + +"Look here," said Amelia, seizing the book from her sister's hands, and +by virtue of superior age, constituting herself the teacher; "do you +see those lines?" and she pointed to the columns of letters on the first +page. + +"Yes," said the ready pupil, all attention. + +"Well, those are letters,--the alphabet, they call it. Every one of them +has got a name, and when you have learned to know them all perfectly, so +that you can call them all right wherever you see 'em, why, then you can +read any thing." + +"Any thing?" asked Tidy in amazement. + +"Yes, any thing,--all kinds of books and papers and the Bible and every +thing." + +"I can learn THEM, I's sure I can," said Tidy. "Le's begin now." + +"Well, you see that first one,--that's A. You see how it's made,--two +lines go right up to a point, and then a straight one across. Now say, +what is it?" + +"A." + +"Yes; and now the next one,--that's B. There's a straight line down and +two curves on the front. What's that?" + +"B." + +"Now you must remember those two,--I sha'n't tell you any more this +morning, and I shall make you do just as Miss Agnes used to make me. +Miss Agnes was our governess at home before we came here to school. She +made me take a newspaper,--see, here's a piece,--and prick the letters +on it with a pin. Now you take this piece of paper, and prick every A +and every B that you can find on it, and to-morrow I'll show you some +more." + +Just then the bell sounded from the schoolhouse, and Amelia and Susan +went to their duties, but not with half so glad a heart as Tidy set +herself to hers. Down she squatted on the rock, and did not leave +the place till her first task was successfully accomplished, and the +precious piece of perforated paper safely stowed away for Amelia's +inspection. + +Day after day this process was repeated, until all the letters great and +small had been learned; and now for the more difficult work of putting +them together. There seemed to be but one step between Tidy and perfect +happiness. If she could only have a hymn-book and know how to read it, +she would ask nothing more. She didn't care so much about the Bible. If +she had known, as you do, children, that it is God's word, no doubt she +would have been anxious to learn what it contained. But this truth she +had never heard, and therefore all her desires were centered in the +hymn-book, in which were stored so many of those precious and beautiful +hymns which she loved so much to hear Uncle Simon repeat and sing. Would +she ever be so happy as to be able to sing them from her own book? + + + +CHAPTER X. LONY'S PETITION. + +BUT, ah! this is a world of disappointment, and it almost always happens +that if we attain any real good, we have to toil for it. Tidy's path was +not to continue as smooth and pleasant as it had been. + +Mr. and Mrs. Lee, by some untoward accident, found out what was going +on, and at once expounded the law and the necessities of the case to +their children, forbidding them in the most peremptory manner, and on +penalty of the severest chastisement, ever to attempt again to give Tidy +or any other slave a lesson. What the punishment was with which they +were threatened she never knew, for the little girls never dared even to +speak upon the subject; but she knew it must be something very dreadful, +and though this was a most cruel blow to her expectations, she loved +them too well to bring them into the slightest danger on her own +account. So she never afterwards alluded to the subject. + +Her first impulse was to give up all for lost, and to sit down and +weep despairingly over her disappointment; but she was of too hopeful a +disposition to do so. + +"I knows the letters," said she to herself, "and I specs I can learn +myself. I can SCRAMBLE ALONG, some way." + +Scrambling indeed! I wonder if any of you, little folks, would be +willing to undertake it. + +In her trouble she did not forget the strong hold to which she had +learned to resort in trouble. She PRAYED about it every day, morning, +noon, and night. Indeed the words "Lord, help me learn to read," were +seldom out of her heart. Even when she did not dare to utter them with +her lips, they were mentally ejaculated. Hers was indeed an unceasing +prayer. + +"Come chile," said Mammy Grace, one evening in the cool, frosty autumn, +as Tidy was hovering over the embers, eating her corn-bread, "put on de +ole shawl, and we'll tote ober de hills to Massa Bertram's. De meetin's +dare dis yer night, and Si's gwine to go. Come, honey, 'tis chill dis +ebening, and de walk'll put the warmf right smart inter ye;" and they +started off at a quick pace, over the hills, through the woods, down +the lanes, and across little brooks, the pale, cold moonlight streaming +across their path, and the warm sunlight of divine peace and favor +enlivening their hearts as they went on, making nothing at all of a walk +of three miles to sing and pray in company with Christian friends. Would +WE take as much pains to attend a prayer-meeting? + +It was not the customary place of meeting, and the people for the most +part were strangers. One party had come by special invitation, to see a +new PIECE OF PROPERTY which had just arrived upon the place,--a piece of +property that thought, and felt, and moved, and walked, like a thing +of life; that loved and feared the Lord, and sung and prayed like any +Christian. What wonderful qualities slaveholders' chattels possess! + +The woman, whose name was Apollonia, familiarly called Lony, was a tall, +gaunt, square-built negress, with a skin so black and shining, and her +limbs so rigid, that she might almost have been mistaken for one +of those massive statues we sometimes see carved out of the solid +anthracite. A bright yellow turban on her head rose in shape like an +Egyptian pyramid, adding to her extraordinary hight, and strangely +contrasting with her black, thick, African features. Altogether her +appearance would have been formidable and repelling, but for a look +in her eye like the clear shining after rain, and a tranquil, peaceful +expression which had over-spread her hard visage. Tidy was overawed +and fascinated by the gigantic figure, and when, after a few minutes +of sacred silence, the new comer, who seemed accepted as the presiding +spirit of the occasion, commenced singing, she was more than usually +interested and attentive. The words were not familiar to the company, so +that none could join, and the deep monotone of the woman, at first +low, and by degrees becoming louder and more animated, made every word +distinct and impressive. + + "I was but a youth when first I was called on, + To think of my soul and the state I was in; + I saw myself standing from God a great distance, + And betwixt me and him was a mountain of Sin. + + "Old Satan declared that I had been converted, + Old Satan persuaded me I was too young; + And before my days ended that I would grow tired, + And I'd wish that I'd never so early begun." + +"But, praise de Lord," exclaimed the woman, stopping short in her hymn, +and rising suddenly to her feet, "I habn't growed tired yet, and I's +been walkin in de ways of goodness forty years and more. De Lord, he is +good,--I knows he is, for I's tried him and found him out, and I's neber +tired o' praisin him. Bress de Lord! He's new to me ebery mornin, and +fresh as de coolin waters ebery ebening. Praise de Lord! Hallelujah! +When I was a chile, I use to make massa's boys mad so's to hear 'em +swar. It pleased dis wicked cretur to hear de fierce swarrin'. One day I +went to de garden behind de house to git de water-melons for dinner, and +I heerd a voice. 'Pears 'twas like a leetle, soft voice, but I couldn't +see nobody nowhar dat spoke, and it said, 'Lony, Lony, don't yer make +dem boys swar no more, ef ye do, ye'll lose yer soul.' I looked all roun +and roun, for I was skeered a'most to deff, but I couldn't see nobody, +and den I know'd 'twas a voice from heaben, for I'd heerd o' sich, and +I says, 'No, Lord, no, I won't.' I didn't know den what de SOUL was, +or what a drefful ting 'twas to lose it; but I knowd it mus mean suffin +orful. So I began to consider all de time 'bout de soul. Byme-by a +Baptis' min'ster comed to de place, and massa and missus was converted. +Den dey let us hab meetin's and de clersh'-man he comed and talked to +us. I didn't comperhend much he said, 'caus I was young and foolish; but +he telled a good many times 'bout dat ef we want to save our souls we +mus be babtize and git under de Lord's table. Says I to my own sef, +'Specs now ef poor Lony could only find de table of de bressed Lord, +'twould all be well, and she'd be pertected foreber.' So I prayed and +prayed, and one night de good Lord comed hissef, and bringd his great, +splendid table, and all de fair angels dressed in white and gold and +settin roun it, and I got under, and I ate de crumbs dat fell down, and +den 'pears I begun to live. Oh, 'twas sich a peace dat came all ober +me, and I wanted to sing and shout all of de time. And dat's jess whar I +been eber sence, my friends, and I neber wants to come away till I dies; +and den de good Lord'll take me up to de great heabenly mansion, and +gib me de gold robes, and den I shall set up wid de rest and be like 'em +all. And I's willin to wait, 'caus I lubs de Lord and praises him ebery +day. He is de good Lord, and he lubs me and hearkens ebery time I speaks +to him; and I ha'n't 'bleeged to holler loud, nuther, for he's neber far +away, but he keeps close by dis poor soul so he can hear ebery word and +cry. And he'll hear all yer cries, my friends, when ye prays for yersef +or for yer chillen, or yer bredren and sisters. Le's pray, now." + +Then kneeling down, this representative of a despised and untutored +race, with a faith that triumphed gloriously over her abject +surroundings, poured forth her supplications, talking with the Lord as a +man talks with his friend, as it were face to face. + +"O bressed Lord, dat's in de heaben and de earf and ebery whar; you's +heerd all de tings dat we's asked for. And you knows all dat dese yer +poor chillen wants dat dey hasn't axed for; and if dere's any ob 'em +here, dat doesn't dare to speak out loud, and tell what dey does want, +you can hear it jess as well, ef it is way down deep buried up in de +heart; and oh, bressed Lord, do gib 'em de desires of de heart, 'less +it's suffin dat'll hurt 'em, and den Lord don't gib it to 'em at all." + +This was enough for our little Tidy. Her heart swelled, and the great +tears ran down her cheeks, as she thought instantly of the one dear, +cherished petition that she dared not utter, but which was uppermost in +her heart continually; and as the woman pleaded with the Lord to hear +and answer the desires of every soul present, she held that want of hers +up before Him as a cup to be filled, and the Lord verily did fill it +up to the brim. A quiet, restful feeling took the place of the burning, +eager anxiety she had hitherto felt, and from that moment she was sure, +yes, SURE that she would have her wish, and some day be able to read. +Nothing had ever encouraged and strengthened her so much as the earnest +words and prayers of this Christian woman. How thankful she always felt +that she had been brought to the prayer-meeting at Massa Bertram's that +night. + + + +CHAPTER XI. ROUGH PLACES. + +To obtain possession of the hymn-book she desired, was not so very +difficult in Tidy's estimation. The numerous visitors at the house, +pleased with her bright face, her gentle manners, and ready attentions, +often dropped a coin into her hand, and these little moneys were +carefully treasured for the accomplishment of her purpose. She +calculated that by Christmas-time she should have enough money to buy +it, and Uncle Simon she knew would procure it for her. Her greatest +anxiety now was to be ready to use it. + +But how could she make herself ready? How was she to learn without a +teacher or a book? + +There had been an old primer for some time tossing about the +play-room--its scarlet cover looking more gorgeous and tempting in +Tidy's eyes, as they fell upon it day after day, than any trinket or +gewgaw she could have seen; yet she dared not touch it. She was too +honest to appropriate it to herself without leave, and she was afraid +to allude to the forbidden lessons by asking Amelia or Susan for it. +Several times she tried to draw their attention to the neglected book, +and to give them some hint of her own longing for it,--but all to no +avail. One day, however, she had orders from the children to clear up +the room thoroughly. + +"Make every thing neat as a pin," said Amelia, "while we go down to +dinner, for we are going to have company this afternoon; and if it looks +right nice, I'll give you an orange." + +"What shall I do with dis yer book, then, Miss Mely?" hastily asked +Tidy, as she stooped to pick up the book, and felt herself trembling all +over that she had dared to put her fingers upon it. + +"That? Oh, that's no good; throw it away,--we never use it now,--or keep +it yourself, if you want to," said she, after a second thought. + +It was done. The book was quickly deposited in a safe place, and the +clearing up proceeded rapidly. The orange was a small consideration; for +had she not got a book, her heart's desire, and now she could learn to +read. + +She could learn all alone; she would be her own teacher. If she got into +a very narrow place she would get Uncle Simon to help her out. No one +else on the estate knew how to read, and he didn't know much, but no +doubt he could be of some assistance. Such was Tidy's inward plan. + +After this, the little girl might have been seen every evening stretched +at full length on the cabin floor, her head towards the fireplace, where +the choicest pine knots were kindled into a cheerful blaze, with her +spelling-book open before her. She was "clambering" up the rough way of +knowledge. + +Did she accomplish her purpose? To be sure she did. Little reader, did +you ever make up your mind to do any thing and fail? There's an old +proverb that says, "Where there's a will there's a way;" and this is +true. Resolution and energy, patience and perseverance, will achieve +nearly every thing you set about. Try it. Try it when you have hard +lessons to do, puzzling examples in arithmetic to solve, that long stint +in sewing to do, that distasteful music to practice, those bad habits to +conquer. Try it faithfully, and when you grow up, you'll be able to say, +from your own experience, "Where there's a will there's a way." + +You must not expect, however, that Tidy learned very rapidly or very +perfectly under such discouragements. Think how it would be with +yourself, if you only knew your letters. You might read quite easily +m-a-n, but how do you think you could find out that those letters +spelled man? + +Tidy advanced much more expeditiously after she had obtained possession +of her hymn-book. Some of the hymns were quite familiar to her from her +having heard them sung so often at the meetings, and she determined to +study these first; and you may well imagine how proud she felt,--not +sinfully, but innocently proud,--when she seated herself one afternoon +by Mammy Grace's side, and pulling her hymn-book out of her bosom, asked +if she might read a hymn. + +"Yes, chile, 'deed ye may, ef ye can. Specs 'twill do yer ole mammy's +heart good to hear ye read de books like de white folks." + +And the child opened the book, and in a clear, pleasant, happy voice she +read slowly, but correctly,-- + + "My God, the spring of all my joys, + The life of my delights, + The glory of my brightest days, + And comfort of my nights. + + "In darkest shades if he appear, + My dawning is begun; + He is my soul's sweet morning star, + And he my rising sun." + +"Look dar, chile," cried the old nurse, springing to her feet, "Massa +George's jess a'most out ob de door. Ef he SHOULD fall and break his +neck, what WOULD 'come of us. Dis yer chile 'd neber hab no more peace +all de days of her life. Yer reads raal pooty, honey; but ye mus'n't +neglect duty for de books, 'caus ef ye do, ye isn't worthy of de +prevelege." + +So Tidy had to forego her hymns till the children were put to bed. + +After this, in the long winter evenings, in Mammy Grace's snug cabin, +what harvests of enjoyment were gathered from that precious book. Uncle +Simon was the favored guest on such occasions, and always "bringed his +welcome wid hissef," he said, in the shape of pitch-pine fagots, the +richest to be found, by the light of which they read and sung the songs +of Zion, which they dearly loved; the pious old slave in the mean +time commending, congratulating, and encouraging Tidy in her wonderful +intellectual achievements. + + + +CHAPTER XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING. + +PERSONS of will and energy generally have some distinct object before +them which they are striving to reach,--something of importance to +be gained or done. As fast as one thing is attained, another plan +is projected; and so they go on, mounting up from one achievement to +another all through life. And this enterprising spirit begins to be +developed at a very early age in children. + +Tidy was one of these active little beings, full of business, never +unhappy for want of something to do; and besides the ordinary and more +trivial occupations of the outer life, her spirit or inner life had ever +a dear, cherished object before it, which engrossed her thoughts, +taxed her capabilities, and raised her above the degraded level of her +companions in servitude. + +Now that she had attained one grand point in learning to read, she +ventured on another and far more difficult enterprise. What do you think +it was? Why, nothing more or less than to GET HER LIBERTY. + +She had heard Miss Matilda say in the kitchen, "If I don't give the +child her liberty, I hope she will take it." This was her warrant. She +perceived, by Miss Matilda's words and manner, in the first place, that +liberty was desirable, and, in the second, that she COULD take it. But, +ignorant child as she was, she little knew the difficulties that stood +in the way. + +She had now lived several years in Mr. Lee's family, and had grown wiser +in many respects. She began to realize more fully what it was to be a +slave, and what her probable prospects were, if she did not escape. She +learned that there was a place, not a great way from her Virginian home, +where people did not hold her race in bondage; where she could go and +come as she pleased, choose her own employers and occupation, be paid +for her labor, provide for herself, and perhaps some day have a home of +her own, with husband and children whom she could hold and enjoy. Do you +think it strange that such a condition seemed attractive, and that she +was willing to make great efforts and run fearful risks to reach it? + +She kept her intentions profoundly secret. Even Mammy Grace and Uncle +Simon, her best friends, were not in her confidence. But she prayed +about it constantly, and sought information from every possible source +with regard to this free land,--where it was, and how it could be +reached,--and at last formed her plan, which she determined to carry out +during the coming summer. + +She knew she must have money, if she was going to travel, and for a +long time she had been carefully saving up all she could command. She +constantly endeavored to make herself useful in various ways in order to +get it. The summer-time was her money harvest; and this season she was +delighted to find visitors thronging to the Springs in greater numbers +than she had ever seen before. She knew if there was plenty of company, +there would be plenty of business, and consequently a plenty of money; +for the class of people who came there were for the most part wealthy, +and were quite willing to pay for the attentions they received. The +little brick houses in which they lodged were under the care of the +slave girls. Each one had two of these cabins, as they were called, in +charge, and were required to keep them in order, to wait upon the ladies +and children, and serve them at the table. Tidy was unwearied in her +efforts to please. She answered promptly to every call, and kept her +rooms in the neatest manner; and for her pains she received many a +bright coin, which was providently stored away in a little bag, and +concealed beneath her mattress. Perhaps these conscientious people would +not have bestowed money so freely on their favorite young maid, if they +had known the purpose to which it was to be applied. For they say that +slavery is a Christian institution, a sort of missionary enterprise, +which has been divinely appointed for the good of the colored race; and +of course to get away from it is to run away from God and the privileges +and blessings he is so kind as to give. + +Tidy, however, thought differently, as the slaves generally do; and as +she had made up her mind that she should gain greater advantages in +a state of freedom, she determined to persevere in her attempt. Her +accumulations finally became so large, that she thought she might +venture to start on her journey. + +She knew, too, that she must have clothes quite different from those she +usually wore. And how was she to get these? Ah, she had had an eye for a +long while to this. She and Amelia were not only of the same age, but +of the same size. Tidy had grown in the last two years very rapidly, and +had now reached a womanly hight and figure. She had watched the growth +of Amelia with the keenest interest. So far, it had corresponded with +her own so exactly that she could easily wear the clothes made for +her young mistress. In fact, Amelia often dressed Tidy up in her own +garments that she might get a better idea of how they looked upon +herself. This season, Amelia, for the first time, had a traveling suit +complete, for she was going a journey with her father; and when it +was finished, she was so pleased that she sent for Tidy at once to +participate in her joy, and insisted that she should immediately put it +on, that she might see how it fitted, and if every thing about it was as +it should be. The dress was a dark green merino, made with a very long +pelerine cape, which was the very pink of the fashion, and was the +especial admiration of all the children. Tidy arrayed herself in these, +and, putting the little jaunty cap of the same color on her head, stood +before the glass and surveyed herself with as perfect satisfaction as +the owner of the becoming costume herself experienced. Indeed she +could hardly keep her eye from telling tales of the joy within, as she +inwardly said, "There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip, and may +be, Miss Amelia, I shall go traveling in this before you do." She felt +that nothing could have been provided more suitable or timely than this +charming suit. + +Are you shocked, little reader, that Tidy, the good, exemplary, +conscientious Tidy, should have thought of appropriating Amelia's +wardrobe to herself? I must stop a moment here to explain to you the +slaves' code of morals. They are so ignorant that we must not expect +them to have so high or correct a standard of conduct as we have, or to +be able to make such nice distinctions in questions of right and wrong. + +Ever since Mammy Grace had made to her young pupil the first imperfect +revelation of God's character and government, declaring that he would +punish with eternal fire those who should lie, swear, or steal, +the child had held these sins in the greatest abhorrence, and was +scrupulously careful to avoid them. She would not have taken from the +baby-house a trinket, or an article of food from the kitchen, without +leave, on any account. At the same time, she had learned the slave +theory that as they are never paid for their labor, they have a right +to any thing which their labor has purchased, OF WHICH THEY HAVE NEED. +Consequently if a slave is not provided with food sufficient for his +wants, he supplies himself. The pigs and chickens, vegetables and +fruits, or any thing else which he can handily obtain, he helps himself +to, as though they were his own, and never burdens his conscience +with the sin of stealing. A slave, who had obtained his freedom, once +remarked in a public meeting, that when he was a boy, he was OBLIGED +to steal, or TAKE food, as he called it, in order to live, because so +little was provided for him. "But now," said he, while his face shone +with a consciousness of honesty and honor, "I wouldn't take a cent's +worth from any man; no, not for my right hand." + +So, you see, that this principle of appropriating what the labor of her +own hands had earned, when necessity demanded it, was that upon which +Tidy was to act. She never needed to steal food, nor even luxuries, for +she always had enough; nor money, because, for her limited wants, she +always had enough of that. But now, when she was going a journey, and +wanted to look especially nice, she felt very glad to have the dress +prepared so fitting for the occasion; and she did not feel a single +misgiving of conscience about taking it when she got ready to use it. +Whether this was just right or not, I shall leave an open question for +you to decide in your own minds. It will bear thought and discussion, +and will be quite a profitable subject for you to consider. + +When the preparations were all made, Mammy Grace and old Simon were let +into the secret. Whether they said any thing by way of discussion I do +not know--at any rate, it did not alter Tidy's determination. I think, +however, that she found her two aged friends very useful in aiding her +last movements; and when the eventful moment arrived, and Tidy, attired +in Miss Amelia's garments, with a traveling-bag in her hand, containing +her hymn-book, her money, and a few needed articles, stood at the foot +of the walk that led into the public road, Mammy Grace stood with her in +the starlight of the early summer's morning, and bade her God-speed. + +"Ye looks like a lady for all de world, honey; I 'clare dese yer old +eyes neber would a thought 'twas you, in dis yer fine dress--hi, hi, hi! +Specs nobody'll tink ye's run away. De old nuss hates to part wid her +chile; but ef ye must go, ye must, and de bressed Lord go wid ye, and +keep ye safe." + +Then giving her a most affectionate hug, she put a paper of eatables in +her hand, and helped her to mount the horse before Uncle Simon, who was +already in the saddle. Where or how the old man procured the horse and +equipments, HE knew--but nobody else did. + +The animal was a fast trotter, and brought them speedily five miles to +the village, where Tidy was to take the stage-coach to Baltimore. It +was before railroads and steam-engines were much talked of in Virginia. +Alighting in the outskirts of the town, Simon lifted the young girl to +the ground, and hastily commending her to "de bressed Lord of heaben and +earf," he bade her good-by, and went back to his bondage and toil. They +never saw each other again. + +The day was fine, and riding a novel occupation for Tidy, but so full +was her trembling heart of anxiety and fear that she could not enjoy it. +She was afraid to look out of the window lest she might be recognized by +some one; and she dared not look at the two pleasant-faced gentlemen who +were in the coach with her, lest they might question her, and find out +her true condition. So she cuddled back as closely as possible in the +corner, and when they kindly offered her cakes and fruit, she just +ventured to say, "No, thank you." Her own food, which the dear old nurse +had taken so much pains to put up for her, lay untouched in her lap, for +her heart was so absorbed she could not eat. + +Night brought her to the hotel in Baltimore. The great city, the large +building, and busy servants running hither and thither quite bewildered +her, and she had to watch herself very closely lest she should betray +herself. The waiters looked at her rather suspiciously; but she behaved +with all propriety, called for her room and supper, paid for what she +had, and in the morning was ready to take her seat in the northern +stage, and no one ventured to molest or question her. How her heart +leaped when she found herself safely on her way to Philadelphia. One +day more, and she would be in a free city. What she should do when she +arrived there, how she was to support herself in future, did not trouble +her. That she might stand on free soil, and lift up her eyes to the +stars that shone on her liberated body was all she thought of; and +to-night this was to be. With every step of the plodding horses, she +grew bolder and more assured, and her faith and hope and joyousness +rose. But, alas! there was a lion in the way of which she had not +dreamed. + +"Your pass!" shouted a grim-looking man, as she stepped, bag in hand, +with gentle dignity on the boat that was to take her across the stream +which divided slave territory from our free States. "Where's your pass? +Don't stand there staring at me," said the official, as the frightened +girl looked up as if for an explanation. + +A pass! She had never once thought of that! No one had mentioned her +need of it. What was she to do? She looked confounded and terrified. + +"No pass?" inquired the man, sternly. "'Tis easy enough to see what +YOU are, then. A runaway!" said he, turning to a man at his right hand, +"make her fast." + +Frightened and trembling, Tidy tried to run, but it was of no use; a +strong hand seized her slender arm, and held her securely. Then her +sight seemed to fail her, she grew dizzy, and fell fainting on the deck. +A crowd gathered about her. They remarked her light skin and delicate +features, her ladylike form and neat dress. Could she be a slave? they +asked. Would such a child as she appeared to be attempt to gain her +liberty? They dashed water on her head, and, as her consciousness +returned, she saw the faces of those two pleasant Scotch gentlemen, +who had rode with her the day before all the way from Virginia, looking +kindly and pitifully upon her. + +"If you had only told us," they said, "we could have helped you." + +But there was no friend or helper in that terrible hour, and poor Tidy, +weeping and almost heart-broken, was carried back to Baltimore, and +thrown into the SLAVE-JAIL. + + + +CHAPTER XIII. A LONG JOURNEY. + +IF I pronounce this disastrous event in Tidy's life another link in +the chain of loving-kindness by which God was leading her to himself, +perhaps you will wonder. But, my dear children, adversities are designed +for this very purpose, and are all directed in infinite love and wisdom +for our good. Tidy had prayed that she might be free, and the Lord +heard, and meant to answer her prayer. He meant not only to give her the +liberty she sought, but, more than that, to make her soul free in Christ +Jesus; but there were some things she needed to learn first. She was +not prepared yet to use her personal liberty rightly, nor did she at all +appreciate or desire that other and better freedom. Therefore the Lord +disappointed her at this time, and turned the course of her life, as it +were, upside down, that by painful experiences and narrow straits she +might learn what an all-sufficient Friend he could be to her; that she +might learn too the sinfulness of her own heart, and his free grace and +mercy for her pardon and salvation. + +God "leads the blind in the way they know not." Tidy knew nothing of +the method by which he was guiding her, and when she found her hopes +crushed, and herself crouching, forlorn and friendless, weary and +half-famished, in a prison, she gave up all for lost. She felt indeed +cast off and forsaken. For hours she sat and cried despairingly, the +pretty dress crumpled and stained with tears, and the hat which had been +so much admired trampled under foot. Shame, grief, and fear of what was +to come drove her almost to distraction. + +At the end of three days, Mr. Lee, acting as her master, who had been +apprised of her arrest, arrived at the prison. But what a wretched +object had he come to see! He could scarcely believe that the miserable, +dejected being before him was the once bright, beautiful Tidy,--such a +change had her disappointment and sorrow wrought. He really pitied +her, if a slaveholder ever can pity a slave, and yet he reproached her +severely. He told her she was a fool to run away; that niggers never +knew when they were well off; that if she had had a thimble-full of +sense she might have known she couldn't make her escape. He said they +had just been offered a thousand dollars for her,--which was then +considered an enormous price,--by a gentleman in Virginia, and they had +been on the point of selling her. + +"I's Miss Matilda's," fiercely cried the poor girl at this, "and SHE +wouldn't a sold me; she said she never would." + +"Yes, she would, Miss," replied Mr. Lee; "we don't let her throw +away such a valuable piece of property for nothing, I can tell you. A +thousand dollars in the bank isn't a small thing. It wouldn't find feet +to walk off with very soon, that we know." + +"Miss Matilda TOLD me to take my liberty," said Tidy, disconsolately. + +"Miss Matilda is a fool, like you. But we shall look out she don't cheat +herself in such a fashion. Now you can have your choice, little one; +you can go home with me, and take a good flogging for an example to the +rest, and stay with us till another buyer comes up,--for Mr. Nicholson +won't take such an uncertain piece of goods as you have showed yourself +to be,--or you can go South. There's a trader here ready to take you +right off. I'll give you till tomorrow morning to make up your mind." + +"I'll go South," said the poor girl, the next morning. "I can't bear +ever to see Miss Tilda again." And she settled herself down to her fate. +She knew her life of bondage would be hard there, and she would not +have much chance of getting her freedom. But it was better than the +mortification of going back. + +So she was sold to Mr. Pervis, the slave-trader. Mr. Pervis made about +fifty purchases in Baltimore and the vicinity, and then organizing his +gang he started for the South. Oh, what a different journey from that +which Tidy had intended when she left home. A thousand miles South, into +the very heart of slavery's dominions, with a company of coarse, stupid, +filthy, wretched creatures, such as she never would have willingly +associated with at home, so much more delicately had she been +reared. Many of these were field-hands sold to go to the cotton +plantations,--sold for "rascality." + +Do you know what that means? You think it is ugliness. But no; it is +a DISEASE. It is a droll sort of malady, to which a learned Louisiana +doctor has given a singular name, which I can't spell, and which you +wouldn't know how to pronounce; but the symptoms I can describe. Where +a slave is attacked with this disease, he acts in a very stupid and +careless manner, and does a great deal of mischief, breaking, abusing, +and wasting every thing he can lay his hands on. He tears his clothes, +throws away food, cuts up plants in the field, breaks his tools, hurts +the horses and cattle, and does a vast amount of injury, and in such +a way that it seems as if it was all done on purpose. He will neither +work, nor eat the food offered him; quarrels with the other slaves and +fights with the drivers, and altogether acts in such an ugly way that +the overseer says he is "rascally." If it was really ugliness, he would +be whipped; but, of course, whipping won't cure disease; so the masters +consider it incurable, and sell the slave to go South to work in the +rice-swamps and cotton-fields. They, perhaps, think a change of +climate will do more for the patient than any other means. The Southern +physicians don't have much success, to tell the truth, in curing this +difficulty, for they don't seem to understand it. If they would only +consult with some of their profession at the North, I have no doubt they +would get some valuable suggestions on the subject. I really believe +that the liberty-cure, practised by some judicious money-pathic +physician, would effectually cure this "rascality." I wish I could see +it tried. + +Tidy found herself, therefore, in very undesirable company on this +expedition to Georgia, and made up her mind very shortly that there +would not be much enjoyment in it. She did not have to drag wearily +along on foot all the way; for Mr. Lee was considerate enough to suggest +to Mr. Pervis, that, as she had been brought up as a house-servant, and +not accustomed to very hard work, she would not be able to walk much, +and if she was not allowed to ride, there would be no Tidy left by the +time they got to their journey's end, and the thousand dollars which had +just been paid for her would have been thrown away. So Mr. Pervis gave +her a permanent place in one of the wagons, and the other women were +taken up by turns, whenever the poor creatures could step no longer. +The men dragged along, handcuffed in pairs, and their low, brutal, and +profane conversation was dreadful to Tidy. Oh, how often she wished she +had staid contentedly with Mammy Grace, and not tried to run away. And +yet her hope was not utterly gone, for she often caught herself saying, +with closed teeth, "Give me a chance, and I'll try it again." Freedom +looked too attractive to be entirely relinquished. + +The gang halted at night, put up their tents, lighted fires and cooked +their mean repast. Then they stretched themselves on the bare ground to +sleep. In the morning, after the wretched breakfast was eaten, the tents +were struck, the wagons loaded again, and they started for another day's +travel,--and so on till the long, wearisome march was over. It took them +many weeks before they arrived at their destination. + +There Tidy was soon resold, the trader making two hundred dollars by +the bargain, and she became the property of Mr. Turner, who took her to +Natchez, on the Mississippi River, where she became waiting-maid to Mrs. +Turner, his wife. + +The poor girl was never the same in appearance after she left her +Virginia home. A deep pall seemed to have been thrown over her spirit, +and her hopes and happiness lay buried beneath it. Her disposition had +lost its buoyancy, and her face wore a sad, pensive look. She tried +to do her duty here as before, and her skill and neatness made her a +favorite. But there was no one here to care for her and love her as +Mammy Grace had done; and she missed the children sadly. Her hymn-book +was neglected; for when she opened it such a flood of recollections came +over her that the tears blinded her eyes and she could not see a word, +and she never now heard a prayer. She was again in an irreligious +family, and among an ungodly set of servants, and her faith, hope, and +love began to grow dim. A dull, heavy manner, and a careless, reckless +state of mind was growing upon her. + +It required deeper sorrow than she had yet experienced to wake her up +from this sluggish, unhappy condition. + + + +CHAPTER XIV. CRUELTY. + +SHE was standing one beautiful evening at the front gate of the house, +leaning on the rail, and gazing listlessly up the street. She was +thinking, perhaps, of that starry night when first she had heard of the +name of God, or that other, when her faith had been so wonderfully built +up in listening to the striking experiences and prayer of the memorable +Lony. Perhaps she had wandered farther back to the time, when, under old +Rosa's protection, she had fed the chickens and watered the flowers at +Rosevale with childish content. Whatever it was, the tears would come, +and several times she raised her hand and dashed them away. Then she +turned her head and gazed the other way. + +A large hotel stood nearly opposite the house, and across the narrow +street she watched the mingling, busy crowd of black and white, young +and old, coming and going, each intent on his own interests, each +holding in his heart the secret of his own history. Who are they all? +thought Tidy, what business are they all about? I wonder if they are all +happy? not one of them knows or cares for poor, unhappy me,--when lo! +there suddenly loomed up before her a familiar face. She watched it +eagerly as it moved up and down in the throng, for she felt that she had +seen it before. But it was some minutes before she could tell exactly +where. At last it all came to her. It was Arthur Carroll, the son of the +man who had owned her when a baby. She had often seen and played with +him in her visits to her mother. Many years had passed since she last +beheld him, and he had grown to be a young gentleman; but she was sure +it was he. He stepped out of the hotel and came towards the house. +She uttered a little, quick cry, "Why, Mass Arthur!" He turned and +recognized her, and at once stopped to inquire into her condition and +circumstances. + +It was almost like a visit to old Virginia to see young Carroll; and as +cold water to a thirsty soul was the news he brought her from that far +country. Tidy drank in eagerly every word he could tell her of the +Lees, and others whom she knew, and they were enjoying an animated +conversation when Tidy's master passed that way. He saw his slave +engaged in familiar talk with a stranger, and remembering the remark +of the trader of whom he had bought her, that she had tried "the +running-away game" once, and must be watched lest she should repeat the +attempt, without waiting to inquire into the circumstances of the case, +he resolved to administer a proper chastisement. Coming up behind, he +struck her a violent blow on the side of the head that sent the frail +girl reeling to the ground. + +For a few minutes Tidy lay stunned upon the earth. When she came to +herself, her head was smarting with pain and her heart burned like fire +with indignation, and in a perfect frenzy of distress and mortification +she rushed out of the gate and flew down the street. Up and down, +through the streets and lanes of the city, she ran for hours, not +knowing or caring whither she went, until finally, exhausted and +bewildered, she dropped down upon the ground. Some one raised the +panting girl and took her to the guard-house. There she lay until +morning before she could give any distinct thought to what she had done, +and what course she was now to pursue. + +When she began to think clearly, she felt that she had acted very +unwisely. For a slave to resist punishment, if it is ever so undeserved, +or to attempt to escape it by running away, is only to provoke severer +chastisement. That she well knew, and that there was nothing to be done +now, but to walk back to her master's house and meet a fate she could +not avoid. She only hoped that, when she acknowledged her fault, and +frankly told her master that she did it under a wild and bewildering +excitement, he would pardon her and let it pass. + +She dragged her weary steps back to her master's house, fainting with +fatigue and hunger, and presented herself before her mistress. + +"I's right sorry I runned so," she said, "but I was kind o' scared like, +and didn't know jest what I did. I knows I's no business to run away +when massa cuffed me." + +Her mistress made no reply but an angry look; but nothing was said by +any one about what had happened, and Tidy felt that trouble was brewing. +What it would be she could not tell, but her heart was heavy within her. +Nothing occurred that day, but the next morning she was told to tie up +her clothes and be ready to go up the river at ten o'clock. She +knew what going up the river meant. Mr. Turner owned a large cotton +plantation about twenty miles from Natchez, and the severest punishment +dreaded by his servants in the city was to be sent there. + +Tom, the coachman, accompanied Tidy, bearing in his pocket a note to the +overseer of the plantation. Would you take a peep into it before she, +whom it most concerned, learned its contents? It ran thus,-- + +"NATCHEZ, Wednesday, A. M. + +"DIOSSY,-- + +"Give this wench a hundred lashes with the long whip this afternoon. +Wash her down well, and when she is fit to work, put her into the cotton +field. + +"ABRAM TURNER." + +Oh, let us weep, dear children, for the poor girl, who, for no crime +at all, not even a misdeed, was made to bare her tender skin to such +shameless cruelty. No friend was there to help her, to plead for her, to +deliver her from the relentless, violent hand of the wicked oppressor. +She was left all alone to her terrible suffering. Can we wonder that she +felt that even the Lord had forgotten her? + +That night there was scarcely an inch of flesh from her neck to her feet +that was not torn, raw, and bleeding. The salt brine, which is used to +heal the wounds, although when first applied it seems to aggravate +the torture, was poured pitilessly over her, and writhing with agony, +fainting, and almost dead, she was borne to a wretched hut, and laid +on a hard pallet. Three weeks she lay there, sick and helpless; but she +cried unto the Lord in her distress, and he heard her, and prepared to +deliver her, though the time of her deliverance was not yet fully come. +She had been brought low, but her eyes were not yet opened to her true +needs, and she had not yet learned the prayer God would have her offer, +"Be merciful to me, a SINNER." + +Children, when you pray, do not be discouraged, if God does not answer +you INSTANTLY. His way is not as our way; and though he hears us, and +means to answer us, he may see that we are not yet ready to receive and +appreciate the blessing we seek. Besides, there is no TIME with God as +we count time. WE reckon by days and weeks, by months and years, but +with him all is "one, eternal NOW;" and he goes steadily on, executing +his purposes of love and mercy, without regard to those points and +measures of time which seem so important to us. We must remember, too, +that it takes longer to do some things than others. A praying woman +whose faith was greatly tried, once asked her minister what this verse +meant,--Luke xviii. 8: "I tell you that he will avenge them SPEEDILY." +He replied, "If you make a loaf of bread in ten minutes, you think you +have done your work speedily. Supposing a steam-engine is to be built. +The pattern must be drafted, the iron brought, the parts cast, fitted, +polished, tried,--it will take months to complete it, and then you may +consider it SPEEDILY executed. So, when we ask God to do something for +us, he may see a good deal of preparation to be necessary,--obstacles +are to be removed, stepping-stones to be laid,--in the words of the +Bible, the rough places are to be made plain, and the crooked ways +straight, before the way of the Lord is prepared, and he can come +directly with the thing we have asked." + +It was thus with Tidy. She kept praying all the time to be free, but the +Lord, who meant to give her a larger and better freedom than she +asked, led her through such rough and crooked paths that she was quite +discouraged, and nearly gave up all for lost. + +This was her painful condition when she was driven, for the first time +in her life, with a gang of men and women to work in the cotton-field. + + + +CHAPTER XV. COTTON. + +LET us look into a cotton-field; we will take this one of a hundred +acres. The cotton is planted in rows, and requires incessant tillage to +secure a good crop. The weeds and long grass grow so rankly in this warm +climate that great watchfulness and care are required to keep them down. +If there should be much rain during the season, they will spread so +rapidly as perhaps quite to outgrow and ruin the crop. + +Two gangs of laborers work in the field. The plough-gang go first +through the rows, turning up the soil, and are followed by the hoe-gang, +who break out the weeds, and lay the soil carefully around the roots of +the young plants. This operation has to be repeated again and again; and +so important is it to have it done seasonably that the workers are urged +on, early and late, until the field is in a flourishing condition. Hot +or cold, wet or dry, day and night, sometimes, the poor creatures have +to toil through this busy season. Then there is a little intermission of +the severe labor until the picking time, when again they are obliged to +work incessantly. + +Most of the hoers are women and boys, some of whom do the whole allotted +task; others only a quarter, half, or three quarters, according to their +ability. When the children are first put into the field, they are only +put to quarter tasks, and some of the women are unable to do more. The +bell is rung for them at early dawn, when they rise, prepare and eat +their breakfast, and move down to the field. Clad in coarse, filthy, and +scanty clothing, they drag sullenly along, and use their implements of +labor with a slow, reluctant motion, that says very plainly, "This +work is not for ME. My toil will do ME no good." Oh, how would freedom, +kindness, and good wages spur up those unwilling toilers! How would +the bright faces, the cheerful words and songs of independent, +self-interested, intelligent laborers, make those fields to rejoice, +almost imparting vigor and growth to the cotton itself! But, alas! it is +a sad place, a valley of sighs and groans and tears and blood, a realm +of hate and malice, of imprecation and wrath, and every fierce and +wicked passion. + +A "water-toter" follows each gang with a pail and calabash; and the +negro-driver stands among them with a long whip in his hand, which he +snaps over their heads continually, and lets the lash fall, with more or +less severity, on one and another, shouting and yelling meanwhile in +a furious and brutal manner, as a boisterous teamster would do to his +unruly oxen. + +If the season is wet, the danger to the crop being greater, there is +more necessity for constant toil, and the poor slaves are whipped, +pushed, and driven to the very utmost, and allowed no time to rest. +It is no matter if the old are over-worked, or the young too hardly +pressed, or the feeble women faint under their burdens. So that a good +crop is produced, and the planter can enjoy his luxuries, it is no +consideration that tools are worn out, mules are destroyed, or the +slaves die; more can be bought for next year, and the slaveholder says +it pays to force a crop, though it be at the expense of life among the +hands. + +At noon, the dinner is brought to each gang in a cart. The hoers stop +work only long enough to eat their poor fare standing,--and poor fare +indeed it is. The corn that is made into bread is so filled with husks +and ground so poorly that it is scarcely better than the fodder given to +the cattle; and the bacon, if they have any, is badly cured and cooked. +But they must eat that or starve; there is no chance of getting any +thing better. The ploughmen take their dinners in the sheds where the +mules are allowed to rest; and since two hours is usually given these +animals, for rest and foddering, they, of course, must take the same. + +At sunset they leave off work, and, tired and hungry, they have to +prepare their own supper; and after hastily eating it, at nine o'clock +the bell is rung for them to go to bed. Sundays they are not usually +required to work, and some planters give their slaves a portion of +Saturday, in the more leisure season; and this intermission of field +labor is all the opportunity they have to wash and mend their clothes, +or for any enjoyment. What a sorry life! sixteen hours out of the +twenty-four, with a hoe in the hand, or a heavy cotton sack or basket +tied about the neck, toiling on under the curses and lash of the driver +and the overseer. + +Tidy dreaded it. Brought up as she had been, accustomed to comparatively +neat clothing, good food, cheerful associates, and light work, how could +she live here? She felt that she could not long endure it. Her strength +would fail, her task be unfinished, then she must be punished, and +before long, through hard fare, unwearied toil, and ill usage, she felt +that she should die. But there was no help. Once she had ventured to +send an entreaty to her master to take her back to house service. But he +was hardhearted and unrelenting, and declared with an oath that made her +ears tingle that she should never leave the cotton-field till she died, +and there was no power in heaven or earth that could make him change +his determination. So she hopelessly plodded on, day after day, scorched +beneath the hot sun, and drenched with the pouring rain, weak, faint, +and thirsty, trembling before the coarse shouts, and shrinking from the +tormenting lash of the pitiless driver, sure that her fate was sealed. + +[illustration omitted] + +Was there no eye to pity, and no arm to rescue? Yes, the unseen God, +whose name is love, was leading her still. Through all the dark, rough +places of her life, his kind, invisible hand was laying link to link in +that wondrous chain which was finally to bring her safe and happy into +his own bosom. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. RESCUE. + +THE slaves on Mr. Turner's plantation had no SABBATH. To be sure, they +were not driven to the field on Sunday, because it was considered an +economic provision to let man and beast rest one day out of the seven. +But they had no church to attend, and never had any meetings among +themselves. Indeed there were no pious ones among them. The men took the +day for sport; the women washed and ironed, sewed and cooked, and did +various necessary chores for themselves and children, for which they +were allowed no other opportunity; and spent the rest of the day in rude +singing, dancing, and boisterous merriment. + +Tidy could not live as the rest did. She could not forget the +instructions and habits of the past. She preferred to sit up later on +Saturday evening to do the work which others did on Sunday, and when +that day came, she never entered into their coarse gayety and mirth. She +had no heart for it, and did not care though she was reviled and scoffed +at for her particular, pious ways. + +One Sunday afternoon, weary with the noise and rioting at the quarters, +homesick and sad, she wandered away from her hovel, and strolling down +the path which led to the cotton-field, she kept on through bush and +brake and wood until she reached the bank of the river. Here, where the +great Mississippi, the Father of Waters, seemed to have broken his way +through tangled and interminable forests, she stood and looked out upon +the broad stream. It lay like a vast mirror reflecting the sunlight, +its surface only now and then disturbed by a passing boat or prowling +king-fisher. Up and down the bank, with folded arms and pensive +countenance, the toil-worn, weary girl walked, her soul in unison with +the solitude and silence of the place. Recollections of the past, which +continually haunted her, but which she had of late striven with all her +might to banish from her mind, now rushed like a mighty tide over +her. She could not help thinking of the pleasant Sabbath days in old +Virginia, when she and Mammy Grace were always permitted to go to +church; and of those sunset hours, when, seated in the door of the neat +cabin, she had joined with the old nurse and Uncle Simon in singing +those beautiful hymns they loved so well. How long it was since she +had tried to sing one! Before she was aware, she was humming, in a low +voice, the once familiar words:-- + + "Oh, when shall I see Jesus, + And reign with him above? + And from that flowing fountain + Drink everlasting love?" + +Then, suddenly jumping over all the intervening verses, as if she, a +poor shipwrecked soul, were springing to the cable suddenly thrown out +before her, she burst out in a loud strain,-- + + "Whene'er you meet with trouble + And trials on your way, + Oh, cast your care on Jesus, + And don't forget to pray." + +With what unction Uncle Simon used to pour forth that verse. It was to +him the grand cure-all, the panacea for every heart-trouble; and over +and over again he would sing it, always winding up in his own peculiar +fashion with a quick, jerked-out "Hallelujah! Amen." + +His image rose vividly before Tidy at that moment, and, as the tears +began to roll down her cheeks, she clasped her hands over her face, and +cried, "Oh, I has forgot that. I has forgot to pray." Then, falling on +her knees, she poured forth such an earnest prayer as had never before, +perhaps, been heard in that vast solitude. Her heart was relieved by +this outpouring of her griefs to God, and she wondered that she had +allowed herself, notwithstanding her sufferings and discouragements, to +neglect such a privilege. It is so sometimes; grief is so overwhelming +that it seems to shut us away from God; but we can never find comfort +or relief until we have pierced through the clouds, and got near to his +loving ear and heart again. Tidy found this true. "And now," she said +to herself, "I WILL keep on praying until he hears me, and comes to help +me,--I am determined I will." + +But perhaps, thought she, I haven't prayed the right prayer; perhaps +there's something about me that's wrong; and she cried with a loud +voice, that was echoed back again from those forest depths, "O Lord, +tell me just how to pray, that I mayn't make no mistake." + +No sooner had she uttered this petition than she thought she heard a +voice, and these were its words: "Say, 'O Lord, pluck me out of the +fiery brands, and take my feet out of the miry pit, and make me stand +on the everlasting rock; and, O Lord, save my soul.'" Tidy had heard a +great many of her people tell about dreams and visions and voices, but +she had never before had any such experiences. But this came to her with +a reality she could not doubt or resist. It seemed like a voice from +heaven, and she remarked that great stress was laid upon the last +words, "O Lord, SAVE MY SOUL." Hitherto she had only sought temporal +deliverance. She had never been fully awakened to her condition as a +sinner, and had, therefore, never asked for the salvation of her soul. +Now it was strongly impressed upon her mind that there was something +more to be delivered from than the horrors of the cotton-field. She +was a sinner, was not in favor with God, and if she should die in her +present condition, she would go down to those everlasting burnings which +she had always feared. All this was conveyed to her mind by a sudden +impression, in much shorter time than I can relate it; and at once she +accepted it, and earnestly resolved that she would offer that twofold +prayer every day and hour, till the Lord should be pleased to come for +her help. + +Perhaps some of my readers would like to ask if I believe she really +heard a voice. No, I do not. I think it was the Holy Spirit of God that +brought to her mind some of the Scripture expressions she had formerly +heard, and applied them to her heart with power. This is the peculiar +work of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was bidding farewell to his +disciples, he told them he should send the Comforter, which is the Holy +Ghost, who should teach them all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO THEIR +REMEMBRANCE. I think that God, in his tender love and pity for Tidy, +sent the Holy Ghost to bring to her remembrance those things which had +long been buried in her heart; and at that tranquil hour, in that still, +lonely spot, when her spirit was tender with sorrow, she was just in the +condition to receive his influences, and give attention to the thoughts +he had stirred up within her. And coming to her perception quickly, +like a flash of light, as truth often does, it seemed to her excited +imagination like an audible voice, and the words had all the effect upon +her of a direct revelation from heaven. + +This striking experience refreshed the poor girl, and nerved her anew +for her toils and trials. She felt hope again dawning within her; and +though she could see no way, she had faith to believe that the Lord +would appear for her rescue. She prayed the new prayer constantly. It +was her first thought in the morning, and her last at night, and during +every moment of the livelong day was in her heart or on her lips. + +One forenoon, as she was drawing her weary length along with the +accustomed gang, picking the ripe, bursting cotton-bolls, a messenger +arrived to say that she was wanted by the master. She almost fainted at +the summons. What could he want her for? Surely it was not for good. Was +he going to inflict cruelty again as unmerited as it had before been? +She threw off her cotton-sack from her neck, to obey the summons; +but she trembled so that she could scarcely walk. Her knees smote one +against another, her heart throbbed, and her tongue cleaved to the +roof of her mouth in her excitement and fright. As she drew near to the +house, she perceived her master with haughty strides walking up and down +the veranda, his hands behind him and his head thrown back, his whole +appearance bearing witness to the proud, imperious spirit within. A +gentleman of milder aspect was seated on a chair, intently eying Tidy as +she approached, and she heard him say,-- + +"Can you recommend her, Turner? Do you really think she is capable of +filling the place?" + +"Capable!" said the master. "Take off that bag, and dress her, and +you'll see. TOO smart, that's her fault. YOU'LL see." + +"I like her looks; I'll try her," was the reply; and this was all the +intimation Tidy had that she had been transferred to another master. Her +heart leaped within her at what she heard; but when peremptorily told to +get ready to follow Mr. Meesham, she hesitated. What for, do you think? +Her first impulse was to throw herself at her master's feet, and ask +what had induced him to sell her. But she dared not. He cast upon her +a glance of such spurning contempt that she cringed before him. But she +made up her mind that God only could have moved that stern, proud man to +change a purpose which he had declared to be inflexible. She was right. +God, who controls all hearts, and can turn them withersoever he pleases, +in answer to prayer, had moved that stubborn heart. + +Thus the first part of Tidy's new prayer was answered. + + + +CHAPTER XVII. TRUE LIBERTY. + +THE new home of Mr. Meesham was in Mobile. The master was an unmarried +man, who wanted a capable superintendent for his domestic concerns, a +neat, lady-like servant to wait upon his table, a trustworthy keeper +of his keys, a leader and director of his household slaves. All this +he found in Tidy, and when she was promoted to the head of the +establishment, dressed in becoming apparel, with plenty of food at her +command, pleasant, easy work to do, and leisure enough for rest and +enjoyment, perhaps you think she was happy. + +Ah, she was still a slave, and every day she was painfully reminded of +it. She could not exercise her own judgment, nor act according to her +own sense of right. She must walk in the way her master pointed out, and +do his bidding. Whatever comforts she could pick up as she went along, +she was welcome to; but she must have no choice or will of her own. + +Perhaps you think her gratitude to God for his great deliverance would +make her happy. So it did for a time, and then she forgot her deliverer, +and the still greater blessing she needed to ask of him. How many there +are just like her, who cry to God for help in adversity, and forget him +when the help comes. How many who promise God, when they are in trouble +and danger, that if they are spared they will serve him, and, when the +danger is past, entirely forget their vows. + +Thus it was with Tidy. She had been brought out of the cotton-field, and +the misery that curtained it all round, into circumstances of plenty and +comparative ease; and, rejoicing that the first part of her prayer was +answered, she forgot all about the second and most important petition, +"O Lord, save my soul." + +But God was too faithful to forget it. He allowed her to go on in her +own course a few years longer, and then he laid his hand upon her again. +He prostrated her upon a bed of sickness, and brought her to look death +in the face. Then the Holy Spirit began to deal powerfully with her. She +realized that she was a great sinner. It seemed that she was standing on +the brink of a horrible precipice, and her sins, like so many tormenting +spirits, were ready to cast her headlong into the abyss of destruction. +Whither could she flee for safety? + +She found a Bible and tried to read; but it had been so long since she +had looked into a book that she had almost forgotten what she once knew. +It was impossible for her to read right on as we do; she could only pick +out here and there a word and a sentence. One day she opened the book +and her eye fell on the word "Come." She knew that word very well. +It made her think right away of the hymn, "Come, ye sinners, poor and +needy." She thought she would read on just there, and see what it said; +and imperfectly, and after long endeavors, she made out this verse, +"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins +be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like +crimson, they shall be as wool." Then she glanced at a verse above, +"Wash ye, make you clean: put away the evil of your doings from before +mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well." + +These verses conveyed to her dark, unin-structed mind two very clear +ideas. One was that she was to forsake every thing that appeared to +her like sin, and to do right in future; and the other, that she was +permitted to reason with the Lord about the sins she had committed; both +which she at once resolved to do. + +Her prayer now was changed. Before she had begged, entreated the Lord +to forgive her sins; now she brought arguments. "Am I not a poor slave, +Lord," she cried, "that never has known nothing at all. I never heard no +preaching, I never had nobody to tell me how to be saved. I have done a +good many wicked things, but I didn't know they were wicked then; and +I have left undone many things, but I didn't know I ought to be so +particular to do them. And, Lord, out of your own goodness and kindness +won't you forgive this poor child. You are so full of love, pity me, +pity me, O Lord, and save my poor soul. I will try to be good. I will +try to do right. I'll never, never dance no more. I'll try to bear all +the hard knocks I get, and I won't be hard on them that's beneath me, +and I will pray, and try to read the Bible, and I'll talk to the rest of +the people; only, Lord, forgive my sins, and take this load off that's +breaking my heart, and make me feel safe and happy, so I won't be afraid +when I die." + +Thus the sick girl prayed with clasped hands upon her bed of pain; but +still her mind was dark. There was no one to tell her of the way of +salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Had she never heard of Jesus? +She had heard his name, had sung it in her hymns; but she imagined it +to be another name for the Lord, and had never heard of the glorious +salvation that blessed Name imparts. + +One night, while in this state of distress and perplexity, Tidy dreamed +a dream. She thought she saw the Lord, seated on a majestic throne, with +thousands and ten thousands of shining angels about him, and she was +brought a guilty criminal before him. Convicted of sin, and not knowing +what else to do, she again commenced pleading in her own behalf, using +every argument she could think of to move the Lord to mercy. There was +no answer, but the great Judge to whom she appealed seemed turned aside +in earnest conversation with one who stood at his right hand, wearing +the human form, but more fair and beautiful than any person she had ever +seen. Then the Lord turned again and looked upon her,--and such a look, +of pity, of love, of forgiveness and reconciliation! A sweet peace +distilled upon her soul, and joy, such as she had never felt, sprang up +in her bosom. "I am forgiven, I am accepted!" she cried, "but not for +any thing I have said. This stranger has undertaken my case. He has +interceded for me. I know not what plea he has used, but it has been +successful, and my soul is saved." In this exultation of joy she awoke. + +Yes, her soul WAS free. The plan of salvation had been dimly revealed +to the weeping sinner in the visions of the night. What strange ways the +Lord sometimes takes to reveal his love to his creatures! But his way +is not as our way, and he has ALL means at his control. Every soul will +have an individual history to tell of the revelation of God's mercy to +it. + +Thus the second part of Tidy's long-offered prayer was answered. From +this time she rejoiced in the Lord, and gloried in her unknown Saviour. +Her prayers were changed to praises, and she forgot that she was a slave +in the happiness of her new-found soul-liberty. + + +She kept her Bible at hand, and every now and then picked out some +precious verse; but the long, sweet story of Calvary, hidden between its +covers, she had not yet read. And her voice found delightful employment +in singing the hymns of the olden time, which came to her now with a +meaning they had never had before. The Lord sent her health of body, and +as she returned to her duties, she tried in all things to be faithful +and worthy. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES. + +THE Lord had not yet exhausted his love towards Tidy, but was designing +still greater mercies for her. He was going to deliver her from the +thralldom of oppression, and to send her to be further instructed in his +truth, and to bear testimony to his loving-kindness in another home. + +The master's heart was moved to set her free; and, embarked in a small +vessel, with a New England captain, Tidy found herself at twenty years +of age sailing away from the land of cruel bondage, to a home where she +should know the blessings of freedom. Her emancipation papers were put +into the hands of the captain, and money to provide for her comfort, +with the assurance that while her master lived she should never want. + +At first she was sick and almost broken-hearted at the change in her +condition. Much as she longed for freedom, she had formed new ties in +her Mobile home, which it was hard for her affectionate nature to break. +She was old enough now to look forward to some of the difficulties to be +encountered in a land of strangers, seeking employment in unaccustomed +ways. But she went to her Bible as usual in her trouble, and the words +which the Angel of the Covenant addressed to Jacob, when, exiled from +his father's house, he made the stones of Bethel his pillow, came right +home refreshingly to her,--"I am with thee, and will keep thee in +all places whither thou goest." The soreness at her heart was at once +healed, and she cried out, in deep emotion, "Enough, Lord! Now I have +got something to hold on by, and I will never let it go. When I get into +trouble, I shall come and say, Lord, you remember what you said to me on +board ship, and I know you will keep your promise." + +Thus fortified for her new life, Tidy arrived at New York. The sun was +just setting as she planted her foot on the soil of freedom; and as +his slanting rays fell upon her, she thought of her toiling, suffering +sisters, driven at this hour from labor to misery, and her heart +sickened at the thought. "O God," she cried, "hasten the day when ALL +shall be free." + +Tidy's first experience in this wilderness of delights, where was so +much to be seen, learned, and enjoyed, was a striking one, and proved +how the goodness of God followed her all the days of her life. It was +Saturday evening when she landed. The family with whom the captain +placed her were pious people, and were glad enough of the opportunity on +the morrow of taking an emancipated slave, who had never been inside +a church, to the house of God. It was a humble, un-pretending edifice +where the colored people worshiped, but to her it was spacious and +splendid. How neat and orderly every thing appeared. Men, women, and +children, in their Sunday attire, walked quietly through the streets, +and reverently seated themselves in the place of worship. The minister +ascended the pulpit, and the singers took their places in the choir. It +was communion Sunday, and the table within the altar was spread for the +holy feast. All these strange and incomprehensible proceedings filled +the mind of Tidy with solemnity and awe. + +The services began. The prayer and reading of the Scripture seemed to +feed her hungry soul as with the bread of life. Then the congregation +arose and sang,-- + + "Alas, and did my Saviour bleed? + And did my Sovereign die? + Would he devote his sacred head + For such a worm as I? + Oh, the Lamb, the loving Lamb, + The Lamb on Calvary; + + The Lamb that was slain, + That liveth again, + To intercede for me." + +All through the hymn she was actually trembling with excitement. Her +whole being was thrilled, her eyes overflowed with tears, and she +could scarcely hold herself up, as verse after verse, with the swelling +chorus, convinced her that they sang the praises of Him whom she had +seen in her dream, who stood between her and an offended God, and whom, +though she knew him not, she loved and cherished in her inmost soul. Oh, +if she could know more about him! + +Her wish was to be gratified. As Paul said to the people of Athens, +"Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you," so might +the preacher of righteousness have said to this eager listener. He took +for his text these words: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was +bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; +and with his stripes we are healed." Then followed the whole story of +the cross,--the reasons why it was necessary for Jesus to give his life +a ransom for many; the divine love that prompted the sacrifice; the +all-sufficiency of the atonement; and the completeness of Christ's +salvation. He spoke of Jesus as the one accepted Intercessor, Advocate, +and Surety above, and urged his hearers to yield themselves with faith +and love to this faithful and merciful Saviour. + +Tidy sat with her eyes fixed on the speaker, her mouth open with +amazement, and her hands clasped tightly over her heart, as if to quiet +its feverish throbs; and when he had finished, and one and another in +the congregation added an earnest "Amen," "Hallelujah," and "Praise the +Lord," she could keep still no longer. "'TIS HE," she cried, raising her +hands, "'TIS HE; But I never heard his name before." + +The closing hymn fell with sweet acceptance upon her ear, and calmed, in +some measure, the tumultuous rapture of her spirit:-- + + "Earth has engrossed my love too long! + 'Tis time I lift mine eyes + Upward, dear Father, to thy throne, + And to my native skies. + + "There the blest Man, my Saviour sits; + The God! how bright he shines! + And scatters infinite delights + On all the happy minds. + + *'Seraphs, with elevated strains, + Circle the throne around; + And move and charm the starry plains, + With an immortal sound. + + "Jesus, the Lord, their harps employs; + Jesus, my love, they sing! + Jesus, the life of all our joys, + Sounds sweet from every string. + + "Now let me mount and join their song, + And be an angel too; + My heart, my hand, my ear, my tongue, + Here's joyful work for you. + + "There ye that love my Saviour sit, + There I would fain have place, + Among your thrones, or at your feet, + So I might see his face." + +Is there any thing, dear children, that can penetrate the whole being +with such rapturous joy as the love of Christ? If you have never felt +it, learn to know him that you may experience those "infinite delights" +which he only can pour in upon the soul. + +And now we must take leave of Tidy. She lives still, a hearty, humble, +trusting Christian. She has been led to her true rest in God, and in +him she is secure and happy; "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; having +nothing, and yet possessing all things." + +"I have every thing I want," she says, as she sits beside me, "for God +is my Father, and his children, you know, Missus, inherits the earth." + +"How happens it, then, that you are so poor?" I ask. + +"My Father gives me every thing he sees best for me," is her beautiful +reply. "It wouldn't be good for me to have a great many things. When I +need any thing, I ask him, and he always gives it to me. I AM PERFECTLY +SATISFIED." + + +Dear children, upon this little story-tree two golden apples of +instruction hang, which I want you to pluck and enjoy. One is, that if +God so loved a humble slave-child, and took such pains to bring her to +himself, it is our privilege to feel the same sympathy and love for this +poor despised race. And this love will draw us two ways: first, towards +God, admiring and praising his infinite goodness and compassion; and, +secondly, towards these prostrate, down-trodden people, to do all we +can, in God's name, and for his dear sake, for their elevation and +instruction. Remember, "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these +little ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple,"--that +is, through this feeling of love, of Christian kindness, "he shall in no +wise lose his reward." + +The other,--if God so loved this humble slave-child, he has the same +love towards every one of you. Will you not yield yourselves to his +control, and let his various loving-kindnesses draw you too to himself? + + + +OLD DINAH JOHNSON. + +ONE day little Henry Wallace came to his mother's side, as she was +sitting at her work, and, after standing thoughtfully a few moments, he +looked up in her face and said: + +"Ma, how many heavens are there?" + +"Only one, my child," replied his mother, looking up from her work with +surprise at such a question. "What made you ask me that?" + +"Isn't there but one?" inquired Henry, with a little sort of trouble in +his voice. "Then, will Dinah Johnson go to the same heaven we do?" + +"Certainly, my dear; for heaven is one glorious temple, and God is the +light of it; and into it will be gathered all those who love the Lord +Jesus Christ, to dwell in his presence, in fullness of joy, for ever. +But Henry, my darling, why did you ask such a question? Don't you want +poor old Dinah to go to the same heaven that we do?" + +"Oh, yes, mamma, I love Dinah, and I want her to go to our heaven; +but last Sunday papa told me that the angels were every one fair and +beautiful, and Jacob Sanders says Dinah is a homely old darkey. Now, how +can she change, mamma?" + +Henry's mother saw at once where the difficulty lay in her little boy's +mind; so, putting aside her work, she took the child up on her knee, and +explained the matter to him. + +"Henry," said she, "I am sorry to hear that Jacob Sanders calls Dinah a +darkey; for those who are so unfortunate as to have a black skin don't +like to be called that or any other bad name. They have trouble enough +without that, and I hope you will never, never do it. They like best to +be called colored persons, and we should always try to please them. We +should pity them, and try to relieve their sorrows, and not increase +them. Don't you think so?" + +"Yes, ma, and I do love Dinah, and I don't care if she isn't white, like +you." + +"Neither does God, our heavenly Father, care, Henry, about the color of +the skin. The Bible says, 'God is no respecter of persons; but in every +nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with +him.' God looks at the soul more than at the body. Nothing colors THE +SOUL but sin. That stains and blackens it all over, and only the blood +of Jesus Christ can wash it pure and white again. But every soul that +has been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb will be welcomed +into heaven, with songs of great rejoicing; and all will dwell together +in peace and purity, and love and great happiness for ever. + +"Poor old Dinah is one of God's dear children. She loves the dear +Saviour very much, and tries in every way to please and honor him; and +she is looking forward with great pleasure to the time when she shall +drop that infirm, old, black body, and be clothed with light as an +angel. I shall be glad for her,--sha'n't you, darling?" + +"Yes, indeed, mamma,--so glad;" and the little boy's mind was henceforth +at rest on that point. + +But I must tell my readers who old Dinah Johnson was. Once she was a +slave; but when she had become so old that her busy head and hands and +feet could do no more service for her master, he had set her free. Of +course, she was glad to be free,--to feel that she could go where she +liked, and do as she pleased, and keep all the money she could earn for +herself. Precious little it was, though, for her sight was growing dim, +and her hands and feet were all distorted with rheumatism; and what with +pains and poverty and old age, her strength was fast wasting. But she +was happy, really happy. + +If you could have looked upon her, though, you wouldn't have supposed +she had any thing to be happy about. With a skin black as night, hair +gray and scanty, her face was as homely as homely could be, and her +limbs were weak and tottering. The old, unpainted house she lived in +shook and creaked with every blast of the wintry wind, and the snow +drifted in at every crack and crevice. Her furniture was very poor, +and her food mean. But it is not what we see outside that makes people +happy. Oh, no; happiness springs from the inside. The fountain is in the +heart, from which the streams of joy and gladness flow. + +With all her homeliness and poverty, old Dinah was a jewel in the sight +of the Lord. He had graven her upon the palm of his hand, and written +her name in the book of life; and she was treasured as a precious child +in his loving heart. The name of the Lord was precious to her, also; +they were bound together in a covenant of love. Of course, she was +happy. + +Her heavenly Friend never forgot her. He sent many a one to bring her +work and money and fuel and clothes. She was never without her bread and +water,--you know the Lord has told his children that their "BREAD and +WATER shall be SURE,"--and almost always she had a little tea and sugar +in the cupboard. At Thanksgiving time, many a good basket-full of +pies and chickens found their way to her humble door; and when she had +received them, she would raise her hands and eyes to heaven, and thank +the Lord for his goodness, and ask for a blessing upon the kind hearts +that sent the gifts. She did not always know who they were, but she was +sure she should see them and love them in heaven. + +The only thing that seemed to trouble old Dinah was that she couldn't +help others; that she couldn't do any thing for her Lord and Saviour. +"I am so black and ugly," she would say, "and so old and lame and poor, +that I a'n't fit to speak to any body; but I'll pray, I'll pray." +She managed to hobble to church; and there, from her high seat in the +gallery,--poor colored people must always have the highest seats in +the house of God,--she could look all around the congregation. She took +especial notice of the young men and women that came into church; and +what do you think she did? Why, she would select this one and that one +to pray for, that they might be converted. She would find out their +names, and something about them; and then she would ask God, a great +many times every day, that he would send his Holy Spirit to them, and +give them new hearts. They didn't know any thing about her, of course, +nor what she was doing. By and by, she would hear the glad news that +they had come to Christ. Then she would choose others. These were +converted, too; and by and by there was a great revival in the church, +and many sinners were saved. After a time, there came a large crowd to +join the church, and number themselves among the Lord's people; and poor +old Dinah saw twelve young men, and several young women stand up in the +aisle that day, and give themselves publicly to God, whom she had picked +out and prayed for in this way. Oh, she was so happy, then! Her old +eyes overflowed with tears of joy, and she couldn't stop thanking and +praising God. + +Now this was the good old creature that Henry Wallace thought might have +to go to another heaven, because her skin was black. Do YOU think God +would need to make another heaven for her? No, indeed. But I'll tell +you, dear children, what I think. If there is a place in heaven higher +and nearer God than another, that's the place where poor old Dinah will +be found at last. I think that those who love God most, whether they are +black or white, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, refined or rude, will +stand the nearest to him in heaven. I am sure there was such warm love +between her and the Saviour, that he will not want her to be far away +from him in that bright world. He will call her up close to his side, +and look upon her with sweet, affectionate smiles all the time. And +many a one will wonder, perhaps, who that can be, so favored, so +distinguished. They will never imagine it to be the glorified body of a +poor, old, black slave, from such a wretched home,--will they? + +If there are TWO heavens, I would like to be admitted to hers,--wouldn't +you? + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Step by Step, by The American Tract Society + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STEP BY STEP *** + +***** This file should be named 1052.txt or 1052.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/5/1052/ + +Produced by Judy Boss + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +This etext was prepared by Judy Boss, Omaha, NE + + + + + +[I have removed page numbers; all italics are emphasis only.] + +Note: I have omitted running heads and have closed contractions, +e.g. "she 's" becoming "she's"; in addition, on page 180, stanza 3, +line 1, I have changed the single quotation mark at the beginning +of the line to a double quotation mark. + +<b>STEP BY STEP;<b> + +OR + +TIDY'S WAY TO FREEDOM. + +"Woe to all who grind +Their brethren of a common Father down! +To all who plunder from the immortal mind +Its bright and glorious crown!" +WHITTIER. + +[colophon omitted] + +PUBLISHED BY THE + +AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY, + +28 CORNHILL, BOSTON. + + + + Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by +THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY, + in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of +Massachusetts. + + +RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: + + STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY H. O. HOUGHTON. + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAP. PAGE + I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . 5 + II. THE BABY . . . . . 13 + III. SUNSHINE . . . . . 24 + IV. SEVERAL EVENTS . . . . 36 + V. A NEW HOME . . . . . 43 + VI. BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE . 50 + VII. FRANCES . . . . . 62 + VIII. PRAYER . . . . . 75 + IX. THE FIRST LESSON . . . . 87 + X. LONY'S PETITION . . . . . 95 + XI. ROUGH PLACES . . . . . 105 + XII. A GREAT UNDERTAKING . . 112 + XIII. A LONG JOURNEY . . . . 127 + XIV. CRUELTY . . . . . 137 + XV. COTTON . . . . . 147 + XVI. RESCUE . . . . . 154 + XVII. TRUE LIBERTY . . . . 165 +XVIII. CROWNING MERCIES . . . 174 +--------------- +OLD DINAH JOHNSON . . . . . +<b>STEP BY STEP.<b> + +CHAPTER I. + +INTRODUCTION. + +MY DEAR CHILDREN,--All of you who read this little book have doubtless +heard more or less of slavery. You know it is the system by which a +portion of our people hold their fellow-creatures as property, and doom +them to perpetual servitude. It is a hateful and accursed institution, +which God can not look upon but with abhorrence, and which no one +of his children should for a moment tolerate. It is opposed to every +thing Christian and humane, and full of all meanness and cruelty. +It treats a fellow-being, only because his skin is not so fair +as our own, as though he were a dumb animal or a piece of furniture. +It allows him no expression of choice about any thing, and no liberty +of action. It recognizes and employs all the instincts of the lower, +but ignores and tramples down all the faculties of his higher, nature. +Can there be a greater wrong? + +It is said by some, in extenuation of this wrong, that the slaves are +well fed and clothed, and are kindly, even affectionately, looked after. +This is true, in some cases,--with the house-servants, particularly,--but, +as a general thing, their food and clothing are coarse and insufficient. +But supposing it was otherwise; supposing they were provided for +with as much liberality as are the working classes at the North, +what is that when put into the balance with all the ills they suffer? +What comfort is it, when a wife is torn from her husband, or a mother +from her children, to know that each is to have enough to eat? +None at all. The most generous provision for the body can not satisfy +the longings of the heart, or compensate for its bereavements. + +They suffer, also, a constant dread and fear of change, +which is not the least of their torturing troubles. +A kind owner may be taken away by death, and the new one be harsh +and cruel; or necessity may compel him to sell his slaves, +and thus they may be thrown into most unhappy situations. +So they live with a heavy cloud of sorrow always before them, +which their eyes can not look through or beyond. There is no hope-- +no EARTHLY hope--for this poor, oppressed race. + +Their minds, too, are starved. No education, not even the least, +is allowed. It is a criminal offense in some of the States to teach +a slave to read. Now, if they could be made to exist without any +consciousness of intellectual capacity, it would not be so bad. +But this is impossible. They think and reason and wonder about +things which they see and hear; and, in many cases, feel an eager +desire to be instructed. This desire can not be gratified, +because it would unfit them for their servile condition; +therefore all teaching is rigidly denied them. The treasures +of knowledge are bolted and barred to their approach, and they are +kept in the utmost darkness and ignorance. Oh, to starve the mind!-- +Is it not far worse than to starve the body? + +There is yet another process of famishing to which the slaves +are subjected. They are not, as a general thing, taught by their +masters about God, the salvation of Jesus Christ or the way to heaven. +The SOUL is starved. To be sure, they pick up, here and there, a few +crumbs of religious truth, and make the most of their scanty supply. +Many of them truly love the Lord; and his unseen presence and joyful +anticipations of heaven make them submissive to their hardships, +and cheerful and faithful in their duties. But they can not thank +their masters for what religious light and knowledge they get. + +And who are these that hold their fellow-creatures in such cruel bondage, +starving body, mind, and soul with such indifference and inhumanity? +We blush to tell you. Many of them are of the number of those +who profess to love the Lord their God with all the heart, +and their neighbor as themselves. Can it be possible that God's own +children can participate in such a wickedness; can buy and sell, +beat and kill, their fellow-creatures? Can those who have humbly +repented of sin, and by faith accepted of the salvation of Jesus Christ, +turn from his holy cross to abuse others who are redeemed by the same +precious blood, and are heirs to the same glorious immortality? +CAN such be Christians? + +And, children, you probably all understand that slavery is the sole +cause of the sad war which is now ravaging our beloved country; +and Christian people are praying, not only that the war may cease, +but that the sin which has caused it may cease also. We believe +that God is overruling all things to bring about this happy result, +and before this little story shall meet your eyes, there may be no +more slaves within our borders. Still we shall not have written it +in vain, if it help you to realize, more clearly than you have done, +the sufferings and degradation to which this unfortunate class have +been subjected, and to labor with zeal in the work which will then +devolve upon us of educating and elevating them. + +My story is not one of UNUSUAL interest. Thousands and ten of +thousands equally affecting might be told, and many far more romantic +and thrilling. What a day will that be, when the recorded history +of every slave-life shall be read before an assembled universe! +What a long catalogue of martyrs and heroes will then be revealed! +What complicated tales of wrongs and woes! What crowns and palms +of victory will then be awarded! What treasures of wrath heaped up +against the day of wrath will then be poured in fiery indignation +upon deserving heads! Truly, then, will come to pass the saying +of the Lord Jesus, "The first shall be last and the last first." + +Then, too, will appear most gloriously the loving kindness and +tender mercy of God, who loves to stoop to the poor and humble, +and to care for those who are friendless and alone. It seems as if +our Heavenly Father took special delight in revealing the truths +of salvation to this untutored people, in a mysterious way leading +them into gospel light and liberty; so that though men take pains +to keep them in ignorance, multitudes of them give evidence of piety, +and find consolation for their miseries in the sweet love of God. + +It is the dealings of God in guiding one of these to a knowledge +of himself, that I wish to relate to you in the following chapters. + + + +CHAPTER II. + +THE BABY. + +IN a snug corner of a meager slave-cabin, on a low cot, +lies a little babe asleep. A scarlet honeysuckle of wild +and luxuriant growth shades the uncurtained and unsashed window; +and the humming-birds, flitting among its brilliant blossoms, +murmur a constant, gentle lullaby for the infant sleeper. +See, its skin is not so dark but that we may clearly trace the blue +veins underlying it; the lips, half parted, are lovely as a rosebud; +and the soft, silky curls are dewy as the flowers on this June morning. +A dimpled arm and one naked foot have escaped from the gay +patch-work quilt, which some fond hand has closely tucked +about the little form; and the breath comes and goes quickly, +as if the folded eyes were feasting on visions of beauty and delight. +Dear little one! + + "We should see the spirits ringing + Round thee, were the clouds away; + 'Tis the child-heart draws them, singing + In the silent-seeming clay." + +Though that child-heart beats beneath a despised skin, though it +has its resting-place in a hovel, the angels may be there. +Their loving, pitying natures shrink not from poverty, but stoop +with heavenly sympathy to the mean abodes of suffering and misery. + +A soft step steals in through the half-opened door, across the room, +and a fervent kiss is laid on the little velvet cheek. + +Who is the intruder? Ah, who cares to watch and smile over +a sleeping infant, save its mother? Here, in this rude cabin, +is a mother's heart,--tender with its holy affections, and all aglow +with delight, as she gazes on the beautiful vision before her. + +We must call the mother Annie. She had but one name, for she was a slave. +Like the horse or the dog, she must have some appellation by which, +as an individual, she might be designated; a sort of appendage +on which to hang, as it were, the commands, threats, and severities +that from time to time might be administered; but farther +than that, for her own personal uses, why did she need a name? +She was not a person, only a thing,--a piece of property belonging +to the Carroll estate. + +But for all that, she was a woman and a mother. God had sealed her such, +and who could obliterate his impress, or rob her of the crown +he had placed about her head,--a crown of thorns though it were? +Her heart was as full of all sweet motherly instincts as if she +had been born in a more favored condition; and the swarthy +complexion of her child made it no less dear or lovely in her sight; +while a consciousness of its degradation and sad future served only +to deepen and intensify her love. She knew what her child was born +to suffer; but affection thrust far away the evil day, that she +might not lose the happiness of the present. The babe was hers,-- +her own,--and for long years yet would be her joy and comfort. + +Annie had other children, but they were wild, romping boys, grown out +of their babyhood, and so very naturally left to run and take care +of themselves. She had not ceased to love them, however, and would +have manifested it more, but for the idol, the little girl baby, +which had now for nearly a year nestled in her arms, and completely +possessed her heart. When they were hungry, they came like +chickens about her cabin-door, and being mistress of the kitchen, +she always had plenty of good, substantial crumbs for them; +and when they were sick, she nursed them with pitying care; +but this was about all the attention they received. + +The baby engrossed every leisure moment she could command. +Many times a day she would pause in her work to caress it. She would +seat it upon the floor, amid a perfect bed of honeysuckle blossoms, +and bring the bright orange gourds that grew around the door +for its amusement. Sometimes a broken toy or a shining trinket, +which she had picked up in the house, or a smooth pebble from the yard, +would be added to the treasures of the little one. Then she would +come with food, the soft-boiled rice, or the sweet corn gruel, +she knew so well how to prepare; and often, often she would steal in, +as now, out of pure fondness, to watch its peaceful slumbers. + +"Named the pickaninny yet?" asked the master one day, as he passed +the cabin, and carelessly looked in upon the mother and child +amusing themselves within. "'Tis time you did; 'most time to turn +her off now, you see." + +"Oh, Massa, don't say dat word," answered the woman, imploringly. +"'Pears I couldn't b'ar to turn her off yet,--couldn't live +without her, no ways. Reckon I'll call her Tidy; dat ar's my +sister's name, and she's got dat same sweet look 'bout de eyes,-- +don't you think so, Massa? Poor Tidy! she's"--and Annie stopped, +and a deep sigh, instead of words, filled up the sentence, and tears +dropped down upon the baby's forehead. Memory traveled back to that +dreadful night when this only sister had been dragged from her bed, +chained with a slave-gang, and driven off to the dreaded South, +never more to be heard from. + +WE talk of the "sunny South;"--to the slave, the South is cold, dark, +and cheerless; the land of untold horrors, the grave of hope and joy. + +"'Pears as if my poor old mudder," said Annie, brushing away +the tears, "never got up right smart after Tidy went away. +She'd had six children sold from her afore, and she set +stores by her and me, 'cause we was girls, and we was all she +had left, too. Tidy was pooty as a flower; and dat's just +what your fadder, Massa Carroll, sold her for. My poor mudder-- +how she cried and took on! but then she grew more settled like. +She said she'd gi'n her up for de good Lord to take care on. +She said, if he could take care of de posies in de woods, he certain +sure would look after her, and so she left off groaning like; +but she's never got over that sad look in her face. 'Oh,' says she +to me, says she, 'Annie, do call dat leetle cretur's name Tidy,-- +mebbe 'twill make my poor, sore heart heal up;' and so I will." + +"So I would, Annie; yes, so I would," said the Master soothingly. +"So I would, if 'twill be any comfort to poor old Marcia,--clever old +soul she is. She was my mammy, and I was always fond of her. She has +trotted me on her knee, and toted me about on her back, many an hour. +I must go down to the quarters this very day, and see if she has +things comfortable. She's getting old, and we must do well by her +in her old age. And you, Annie, you mustn't mind those other things. +We mustn't borrow trouble. And we can't help it, you know; +and we mustn't cry and fret for what we can't help. What's the use? +It don't do any good, you see, and only makes a bad matter worse. +Must take things as they come, in this world of ours, Annie;" +and the Master thought thus to assuage the tide of bitter recollection +in the breast of his down-trodden bond-woman, and divert her mind +from the painful future before her and her darling child. In vain. +The tears still fell over the brow of the baby, flowing from the deep +fountain of sorrow and tenderness that springs forth only from +a mother's heart. + +"Oh, Massa," she ventured timidly to say amid her sobs, "please don't +never part baby and me." + +"Be a good girl, Annie," said he, "and mind your work, +and don't be borrowing trouble. We'll take good care of you. +You've got a nice baby, that's a fact,--the smartest little thing +on the whole plantation; see how well you can raise her now." + +The fond heart of the trembling mother leaped back again to its +happiness at the praise bestowed upon her baby; and taking up +the little blossom, she laid it with pride upon her bosom, murmuring, +"Years of good times we'll have, sweety, afore sich dark days come,-- +mebbe they'll never come to you and me." + +Alas, vain hope! Scarcely a single year had passed, when one +day she came to the cot to look at the little sleeper, and lo, +her treasure was gone! The master had found it convenient, +in making a sale of some field hands, to THROW IN this infant, +by way of closing a satisfactory bargain. + +None can tell, but those who have gone through the trying experience, +how hard it is for a mother to part with her child when God calls it +away by death. But oh, how much harder it must be to have a babe +torn away from the maternal arms by the stern hand of oppression, +and flung out on the cruel tide of selfishness and passion! +Let us weep, dear children, for the poor slave mothers who have +to endure such wrongs. + +I will not undertake to describe the distress of this poor +woman when the knowledge of her loss burst upon her. +It was as when the tall tree is shivered by the lightning's blast. +Her strong frame shook and trembled beneath the shock; her eye +rolled and burned in tearless anguish, and her voice failed her +in the intensity of her grief. For hours she was unable to move. +Alone, uncomforted, she lay upon the earth, crushed beneath the weight +of this unexpected calamity. + +"Leave her alone," said the master, "and let her grieve it out. +The cat will mew when her kittens are taken away. She'll get +over it before long, and come up again all right." + +"Ye mus' b'ar it, chile," said Annie's poor, old mother, +drawing from her own experience the only comfort which could be +of any avail. "De bressed Lord will help ye; nobody else can. +I's so sorry for ye, honey; but yer poor, old mudder can't do noffin. +'Tis de yoke de Heavenly Massa puts on yer neck, and ye can't +take it off nohow till he ondoes it hissef wid his own hand. +Ye mus' b'ar it, and say, De will ob de bressed Lord be done." + +But, trying as this separation was, it proved to be the first +link in that chain of loving-kindnesses by which this little +slave-child was to be drawn towards God. Do you remember this +verse in the Bible: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love; +therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee"? + + +CHAPTER III. + +SUNSHINE. + +IF ever there was a sunshiny corner of slavery, it was that into +which a kind Providence dropped this little, helpless babe, +now but a little more than two years old. + +It was a pleasant day in early spring when Colonel Lee alighted from +his gig before the family mansion at Rosevale, and laid the child, +as a present, at the feet of his daughter Matilda. + +Miss Matilda Lee was about thirty years of age,-- +as active and thrifty a little woman as could be found any +where within the domains of this cruel system of oppression. +Slavery is like a two-edged knife, cutting both ways. It not only +destroys the black, but demoralizes and ruins the white race. +Those who hold slaves are usually indolent, proud, and inefficient. +They think it a disgrace to work by the side of the negro, +and therefore will allow things to be left in a very careless, +untidy way, rather than put forth their energy to alter or improve them. +And as it is impossible for slaves, untaught and degraded as they are, +to give a neat and thrifty appearance to their homes, we, who have +been brought up at the North, accustomed to work ourselves, +assisted by well-trained domestics, can scarcely realize +the many discomforts often to be experienced in Southern houses. +But Miss Lee was unusually energetic and helpful, desirous of having +every thing about her neat and tasteful, and not afraid to do +something towards it with her own hands. + +Being the eldest daughter, the entire charge of the family had +devolved upon her since the death of her mother, which had occurred +about ten years before. Within this time, her brothers and sisters +had been married, and now she and her father were all that were left +at the old homestead. + +Their servants, too, had dwindled away. Some had been given to the sons +and daughters when they left the parental roof; some had died, +and others had been sold to pay debts and furnish the means of living. +Old Rosa, the cook, Nancy, the waiting-maid, and Methuselah, +the ancient gardener, were all the house-servants that remained. +So they lived in a very quiet and frugal way; and Miss Matilda's +activities, not being entirely engrossed with family cares, +found employment in the nurture of flowers and pets. + +The grounds in front of the old-fashioned mansion had been laid out +originally in very elaborate style; and, though of late years they had been +greatly neglected, they still retained traces of their former splendor. +The rose-vines on the inside of the enclosure had grown over the low, +brick wall, to meet and mingle with the trees and bushes outside, +till together they formed a solid and luxuriant mass of verdure. +White and crimson roses shone amid the dark, glossy foliage +of the mountain-laurel, which held up with sturdy stem its own +rich clusters of fluted cups, that seemed to assert equality with +the queen of flowers, and would not be eclipsed by the fragrant +loveliness of their beautiful dependents. The borders of box, +which had once been trimmed and trained into fanciful points and +tufts and convolutions of verdure, had grown into misshapen clumps; +and the white, pebbly walks no longer sparkled in the sunlight. + +Still Miss Matilda, by the aid of Methuselah, in appearance almost +as ancient as we may suppose his namesake to have been, found great +pleasure in cultivating her flower-beds; and every year, her crocuses +and hyacinths, crown-imperials and tulips, pinks, lilies, and roses, +none the less beautiful because they are so commonly enjoyed, +gave a cheerful aspect to the place. + +Her numerous pets made the house equally bright and pleasant. +There was Sir Walter Raleigh, the dog, and Mrs. Felina, the great, +splendid, Maltese mother of three beautiful blue kittens; Jack and Gill, +the gentle, soft-toned Java sparrows; and Ruby, the unwearying +canary singer, always in loud and uninterpretable conversation with +San Rosa, the mocking-bird. The birds hung in the broad, deep window +of the sitting-room, in the shade of the jasmine and honeysuckle +vines that embowered it and filled the air with delicious perfume. +The dog and cat, when not inclined to active enjoyments, +were accommodated with comfortable beds in the adjoining apartment, +which was the sleeping-room of their mistress. + +The new household pet became an occupant of this same room. + +"Laws, now, Miss Tilda, ye a'n't gwine to put de chile in ther wid +all de dogs and cats, now. 'Pears ye might have company enough o' +nights widout takin' in a cryin' baby. She'll cry sure widout +her mammy, and what ye gwine to do thin?" and old Rosa stoutly +protested against the arrangement. + +"Never mind, Aunt Rosa, don't worry now; I'll manage to take +good care of the little creature. I know what you're after,-- +you want her yourself." + +"Ho, ho ho! Laws, now, Miss Tilda, you dun know noffing 'bout babies; +takes an old mammy like me to fotch 'em up. Come here, child; +what's yer name?" + +The frightened little one, whose tongue had not yet learned to utter +many words, made no attempt to answer, but stood timidly looking +from one to another of the surrounding group. + +"She ha'n't got no name, 'ta'n't likely," suggested Nance. + +"We must christen her, then," said Miss Lee. + +"Carroll called her Tidy," remarked the old gentleman, entering the room +at that moment. + +"DAT'S a name of 'spectability," said Rosa, with a satisfied air. +"'Tis my 'pinion chillen should allus have 'spectable names, +else they're 'posed on in dis yer world. Nudd's Tidy, now, dere's a +spec'men for yer. Never was no more 'complished 'fectioner dan she. +She knowed how to cook all de earth, she did. Hi! couldn't she +barbecue a heifer, or brile a cock's comb, jest as 'spertly as +Miss Tilda here broiders a ruffle. Right smart cretur she wor. +And so YE'RE a gwine to be, honey,--your old mammy sees it in de +tips ob yer fingers;" and Rosa caught up the child, and well-nigh +smothered it with all sorts of maternal fondnesses. + +"Now Nance," continued the old negress, turning with an air +of authority to the tall, loose-jointed, reed-like maid, +"Now Nance, ye mind yer doin's in dese yer premises. +Don't ye go for to kick de young un round like as ef she cost +noffin'. Ef ye do, look out;" and she shook her turbaned head, +and doubled her fist in very threatening manner before the girl. +"Now we've got a baby in dis yer house, we'll see how de tings +is gwine for to go." + +A baby in the Lee mansion did indeed inaugurate a new order +of things in the family. So young a servant they had not had for +many a day on the estate; and Rosa felt at once the responsibility +of her position, and played the mother to her heart's content. +All the care of the child's education seemed from that moment +to devolve upon her, notwithstanding Miss Lee's repeated assertions +that SHE designed to bring up the little one after her own heart, +and that Tidy should never wait upon any one but herself. + +Between them both, Tidy had things pretty much her own way. +Such an infant of course could not be expected to comprehend the fact +that she was a slave, and born to be ruled over, and trodden under foot. +Like any other little one, she enjoyed existence, and was as happy +as could be all the day long. Every thing around her,--the chickens +and turkeys in the yard, the flowers in the garden, the kittens +and birds in the sitting-room, and the goodies in the kitchen,-- +added to her pleasure. She frisked and gamboled about the house +and grounds as free and joyous as the squirrels in the woods, +and without a thought or suspicion that any thing but happiness +was in store for her. She not only slept at night in the room +of her mistress, but when the daily meals were served, the child, +seated on a low bench beside Miss Lee, was fed from her own dish. +So that, in respect to her animal nature, she fared as well as any +child need to; but this was all. Not a word of instruction of any +kind did she receive. + +As she grew older, and her active mind, observing and wondering at +the many objects of interest in nature, burst out into childish questions, +"What is this for?" and "Who made that?" her mistress would +answer carelessly, "I don't know," or "You'll find out by and by." +Her thirst for knowledge was never satisfied; for while Miss Lee +was good-natured and gentle in her ways toward the child, she took +no pains to impart information of any kind. Why should she? +Tidy was only a slave. + +Here, my little readers, you may see the difference between her +condition and your own. You are carefully taught every thing +that will be of use to you. Even before you ask questions, +they are answered; and father and mother, older brothers and sisters, +aunties, teachers, and friends are ready and anxious to explain to you +all the curious and interesting things that come under your notice. +Indeed, so desirous are they to cultivate your intellectual nature, +that they seek to stimulate your appetite for knowledge, by drawing +your attention to many things which otherwise you would overlook. +At the same time, they point you to the great and all-wise Creator, +that you may admire and love him who has made every thing for our +highest happiness and good. + +But slavery depends for its existence and growth upon the ignorance +of its miserable victims. If Tidy's questions had been answered, +and her curiosity satisfied, she would have gone on in her investigations; +and from studying objects in nature, she would have come to study books, +and perhaps would have read the Bible, and thus found out a great +deal which it is not considered proper for a slave to know. + +"We couldn't keep our servants, if we were to instruct them," +says the slaveholder; and therefore he makes the law which constitutes +it a criminal offense to teach a slave to read. + +But Tidy was taught to WORK. That is just what slaves are made for,-- +to work, and so save their owners the trouble of working themselves. +Slaveholders do not recognize the fact that God designed us +all to work, and has so arranged matters, that true comfort +and happiness can only be reached through the gateway of labor. +It is no blessing to be idle, and let others wait upon us; +and in this respect the slaves certainly have the advantage +of their masters. + +Tidy was an apt learner, and at eight years of age she could do up +Miss Matilda's ruffles, clean the great brass andirons and fender +in the sitting-room, and set a room to rights as neatly as any person +in the house. + + +CHAPTER IV. + +SEVERAL EVENTS. + +SHALL I pause here in my narrative to tell you what became +of Annie and some of the other persons who have been mentioned +in the preceding chapters? + +Tidy often saw her mother. Miss Lee used to visit Mr. Carroll's family, +and never went without taking Tidy, that the child and her mother +might have a good time together. And good times indeed they were. + +When Annie learned that her baby had been taken to Rosevale, +that she was so well cared for, and that they would be able sometimes +to see one another, her grief was very much abated, and she began +to think in what new ways she could show her love for her little one. +She saved all the money she could get; and, as she had opportunity, +she would buy a bit of gay calico, to make the child a frock or an apron. +Mothers, you perceive, are all alike, from the days of Hannah, +who made a "little coat" for her son Samuel, and "brought it +to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to the +yearly sacrifice," down to the present time. Nothing pleases them +more than to provide things useful and pretty for their little ones. +Even this slave-mother, with her scanty means, felt this same longing. +It did her heart good to be doing something for her child; +and so she was constantly planning and preparing for these visits, +that she might never be without something new and gratifying +to give her. In the warm days of summer, she would take her down +to Sweet-Brier Pond, a pretty pool of water right in the heart +of a sweet pine grove, a little way from the house, and Tidy would +have a good splashing frolic in the water, and come out looking +as bright and shining as a newly-polished piece of mahogany. +Her mother would press the water from her dripping locks, and turn +the soft, glossy hair in short, smooth curls over her fingers, +put on the new frock, and then set her out before her admiring eyes, +and exclaim in her fond motherly pride,-- + +"You's a purty cretur, honey. You dun know noffin how yer +mudder lubs ye." + +Tidy remembers to this day the delightful afternoon thus spent +the very last time she went to see her mother, though neither of them +then thought it was to be the last. Mr. Carroll, Annie's master, +was very close in all his business transactions, never allowing, +as he remarked, his left hand to know what his right hand did. +He stole Tidy away, as we have already told you, from her mother; +and this was the way he usually managed in parting his slaves, +especially any that were much valued. He said it was "a + +part of his religion to deal TENDERLY with his people!" + +"'Tis a great deal better," said he, "to avoid a row. +They would moan and wail and make such a fuss, if they knew they +were to change quarters." + +Humane man, wasn't he? + +Mr. Carroll got into debt, and an opportunity occurring, he sold +Annie and her four boys. The bargain was made without the knowledge +of any one on the estate; and in the night they were transferred +to their new master. Nobody ever knew to what part of the country +they were carried. + +When the news reached the ear of Marcia, Annie's mother, it proved to be +more than she could bear. Her very last comfort was thus torn from her. +When she was told of it, the poor, decrepit old woman fell from her +chair upon the floor of her cabin insensible. The people lifted her +up and laid her upon the bed, but she never came to consciousness. +She lay without sense or motion until the next day, when she died. +The slaves said, "Old Marcia's heart broke." + +Thus little Tidy was left alone in the world, without a single relative +to love her. Didn't she care much about it? That happened thirty +years ago, and she can not speak of it even now without tears. +But she comforts herself by saying, "I shall meet them in heaven." +Annie may not yet have arrived at that blessed home; but Marcia has +rejoiced all these years in the presence of the Lord she loved, +and has found, by a glad experience, that the happiness of heaven +can compensate for all the trials of earth. + + "For God has marked each sorrowing day, + And numbered every secret tear; + And heaven's long age of bliss shall pay + For all his children suffer here." + +And now I must tell you of another death which occurred about this +same time. It was that of Colonel Lee. He had been a rich and a +proud man, and it would seem, that, like the rich man in the parable, +he had had all his good things in this life; and now that he had +come to the gates of death, he found himself in a sadly destitute +and lamentable condition. He was afraid to die; and when he came +to the very last, his shrieks of terror and distress were fearful. +His mind was wandering, and he fancied some strong being was binding +him with chains and shackles. He screamed for help, and even called +for Rosa, his faithful old servant, to come and help him. + +"Take off those hand-cuffs," he cried; "take them off. I can not +bear them. Don't let them put on those chains. Oh, I can't move! +They'll drag me away! Stop them; help me! save me!" + +But, alas! no one could save him. The man who had all his life +been loading his fellow-creatures with chains and fetters was now +in the grasp of One mightier than he, who was "delivering him +over into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto the judgment." + +How dreadful was such an end! + +"I would rather be a slave with all my sorrows," said Tidy, when she +related this sad story, "and wait for comfort until I get to heaven, +than to have all the riches of all the slaveholders in the world, +gained by injustice and oppression; for I could only carry them +as far as the grave, and there they would be an awful weight to drag +me down into torments for ever." + + +CHAPTER V. + +A NEW HOME. + +AFTER Colonel Lee's death, which happened when Tidy was about +ten years old, the plantation and all the slaves were sold, +and Miss Matilda, with Tidy, who was her own personal property, +found a home with her brother. Mr. Richard Lee owned an estate +about twenty miles from Rosevale. His lands had once been +well cultivated, but now received very little attention, +for medicinal springs had been discovered there a few years before, +and it was expected that these springs, by being made a resort +for invalids and fashionable people, would bring to the family +all the income they could desire. + +Mr. and Mrs. Lee were not very pleasant people. They were selfish +and penurious, and hard-hearted and severe towards their servants. +They no doubt were happy to have their sister take up her abode with them; +but there is reason to believe she was chiefly welcome on account +of the valuable little piece of property she brought with her. +Tidy was just exactly what Mrs. Lee wanted to fill a place in her family, +which she had never before been able to supply to her satisfaction. +She needed her as an under-nurse, and waiter-and-tender in general +upon her four children. Amelia, the eldest, was just Tidy's age, +and Susan was two years younger. Then came Lemuel, a boy of three, +and George, the baby. + +Mammy Grace was the family nurse, but as she was growing old +and somewhat infirm, she required a pair of young, sprightly feet +to run after little Lemmy to keep him out of mischief, and to carry +the teething, worrying baby about. Tidy was just the child for her. + +The morning after her arrival, Mrs. Lee instructed her in +her duties thus:-- + +"You are to do what Mammy Grace and the children tell you to. +See that Lemmy doesn't stuff things into his ears and nose; +mind you don't let the baby fall, and behave yourself." + +She wasn't told what would be the consequence if she did not +"behave herself," but Tidy felt that she had something to fear from +that flashing eye and heavy brow. Miss Matilda had protected her, +as far as she was able, though without the child's knowledge, +by saying to her sister that she was willing her little servant should +be employed in the family, but that she was never to be whipped. + +"You're mighty saving of your little piece of flesh and blood," +said her sister-in-law. "I find it doesn't work well to be too tender; +they need a little cuffing now and then to keep them straight." + +"Tidy is a good child," replied Miss Matilda. "She always does as she +is told, and I have never had occasion to punish her in my life; +and I can not consent to her being treated severely." + +"We shall see," said Mrs. Lee; "but, I tell you, I take no impudence +from my hands." + +Miss Matilda's stipulation and her constant presence in the family +no doubt screened Tidy from much that was unpleasant from her +new mistress; for if children or servants are ever so well inclined, +an ugly and easily excited temper in a superior will provoke +evil dispositions in them, and MAKE occasions of punishment. +But in this case the mistress was evidently held in check. +A knock on the head sometimes, a kick or a cross word, was the +greatest severity she ventured to inflict; so that, upon the whole, +the new home was a pleasant and happy one. + +The services Tidy was required to render were a perfect delight to her. +Like all children, she liked to be associated with those of her +own age, and, though called a slave, to all intents and purposes +she was received as the playmate and companion of Amelia +and Susan. They were good-natured, agreeable little girls, +and it was a pleasure rather than a task to walk to and +from school, and carry their books and dinner-basket for them. +And to go into the play-house, and have the handling of the dolls, +the tea-sets, and toys, was employment as charming as it was new. + +The nursery was in the cabin of Mammy Grace, which was situated +a few steps from the family mansion, and was distinguished from +the log-huts of the other slaves, by having brick walls and two rooms. +The inner room contained the baby's cradle, a crib for the little +one who had not yet outgrown his noon-day nap, her own bed, +and now a cot for Tidy. In the outer stood the spinning-wheel,--at +which the old nurse wrought when not occupied with the children,-- +a small table, an old chest of drawers, and a few rude chairs. +Some old carpets which had been discarded from the house were +laid over the floors, and gave an air of comfort to the place. +One shelf by the side of the fireplace held all the china and plate +they had to use; for, you must know, little readers, that slave cabins +contain very few of the conveniences which are so familiar to you. +To assert, as some people do, that the negroes do not need them, +is simply to say that they have never been used to the common +comforts of life, and so do not know their worth. + +Nevertheless, the place with all its scantiness of furniture was +a happy abode for Tidy, who found in Mammy Grace even a better mother +than old Rosa had been to her; for, besides being kind and cheerful, +she was pious, and from her lips it was that Tidy first heard the name +of God. Would you believe it? Tidy had lived to be ten years old +in this Christian land, and had never heard of the God who made her. +Miss Lee, with all her kindness, was not a Christian, and never read +the Bible, offered prayer, or went to church; so that the poor child +had grown up thus far as ignorant of religious truth as a heathen. + +We may well consider then the providence of God which brought her +under the care of Mammy Grace, the negro nurse, as another link +in that golden chain of love which was to draw her up out of the shame +and misery of her abject condition to the knowledge and service +of her Heavenly Father. + + +CHAPTER VI. + +BEGINNINGS OF KNOWLEDGE. + +THE first day of the new service was over. The two babies had +been carried to the house and put to bed as usual at sunset, +and Mammy Grace had mixed the corn-pone for supper, and laid it +to bake beneath the hot ashes. + +Tidy stretched herself at full length near the open door +of the cabin, and resting her head upon her hand looked out. +All was still save the hum of voices from the house, and now +and then the plaintive song of the whippoorwill in the meadow. +The new moon was just hiding its silvery crescent behind +Tulip Mountain, and the shadows were growing every moment +darker among the flower-laden trees that covered its sides. +It was just the hour for thinking; and as the weary child lay there, +watching the stars that, one by one, stepped with such strange, +noiseless grace out upon the clear, blue sky, soothed by the calm +influence that breathed through the beautiful twilight, she soon +forgot herself and her surroundings, and was lost in the mazes +of speculation and wonder. What were these bright spots that kept +coming thicker and faster over her head, winking and blinking +at her, as if with a conscious and friendly intelligence? +Who made them? what were they doing? where did they hide in the daytime? +If she could climb up yonder mountain, and then get to the top of those +tall tulip-trees, she was sure she could reach them, or, at least, +see better what they were. Were they candles, that some unseen hand had +lighted and thrust out there, that the night might not be wholly dark? +That could not be, for then the wind, which was fanning the trees, +would blow them out. How the little mind longed to fathom the mystery! +Once she had ventured to ask Miss Matilda what those bright specks +up in the sky were, and she answered, in an indifferent sort of way, +"Stars, you little silly goose,--why, don't you know? They are stars." +And then she was just about as wise and as satisfied as she +had been before. + +She was so busy with her thoughts, that she did not perceive +Mammy Grace, as she drew the old, broken-backed rocking-chair up +to the door, and sitting down, with her elbows on her knees and her +head upon her hands, leaned forward, to discover, if possible, +what the child was so intently gazing at. She could discern no +object in the deep twilight; but, struck herself with the still +beauty of the scene, she exclaimed,-- + +"Pooty night, a'n't it? How de stars of heaben do shine!" + +The voice disturbed Tidy in her reverie. Her first impulse was +to get up and walk away, that she might finish out her thinking +in some other place, where she could be alone. But the thought +flashed through her mind, that perhaps the kind-looking old nurse +at her side might be able to tell her some of the many things she +was so perplexed about; and, almost before she knew she was speaking, +she blurted out,-- + +"What's them things up thar?" + +"Dem bright little shiny tings, honey, in de firm'ment? Laws, don' +ye know? Whar's ye lived all yer days, if ye don' know de stars +when ye sees 'em?" + +"Who owns 'em? and what they stuck up ther for?" asked the child, +somewhat encouraged. + +"Who owns 'em? Hi! dey's de property ob de Lord ob heaben, chile, +I reckons; and dey's put dar to gib us light o'nights. Jest see +'em shine! and what a sight of 'em dar is, too; nobody can't count +'em noway. And de Lord he hold 'em all in de holler ob his hand," +said the old negress, shaping her great black palm to suit the idea; +"and he knows 'em all by name, too. Specs 'tis wonderful; +but ebery one ob dem leetle, teenty tings has got a name, and de +great Lord he 'members 'em ebery one." + +Tidy's wonder was not at all diminished by what she heard; +and the questions she wanted to ask came up so fast in her mind, +she hardly knew which to utter first. What they were made out of, +how they came and went, what they meant by twinkling so, +were things she had long desired to know; but for the moment +these were forgotten in the burning, eager curiosity she had, +now that she had heard the name of their Maker, to know more of him, +and where he was to be found. Half rising from her former position, +and looking earnestly in the face of her humble instructor, +which was beaming with her own admiration of the glorious works +and power of the Lord, she exclaimed vehemently,-- + +"That Lord,--who's him? I's never heerd of him afore." + +"Laws, honey, don' ye know? He's de great Lord of heaben and earf, +dat made you and me and ebery body else. He made all de tings ye sees,-- +de trees, de green grass, de birds, de pigs,--dere's noffin dat +he didn't make. Oh, he's de mighty Lord, I tells ye, chile! +Didn't ye neber hear 'bout him afore?" + +Tidy shook her head; she could hardly speak. + +"Tell me some more," she said at last. + +"Well, chile, dis great Lord he lib up in de heaben of heabens, +way up ober dat blue sky, and he sits all de time on a great trone, +and he sees ebery ting dat goes on down har in dis yer world. +Ef ye does any ting bad, he puts it down in a great book he's got, +and byme-by he'll punish de wicked folks right orful." + +"Whip?" questioned Tidy. + +"Whip! no; burn in de hot fire and brimstone for eber and for eber. +'Tis orful to be wicked, and hab de great Lord punish." + +"I ha'n't done noffin," cried out Tidy, fairly trembling with terror. + +"Laws, no,--course not, chile; ye's noffin but a chile, ye know; +but some folks does orful tings. But ye needn't be afeard, honey; +he's a good Lord, and lubs us all; and ef ye tries to be good, +and 'beys missus, and neber lies, nor steals, nor swars, +he'll be a good friend to ye. He'll make de sun to shine on yer, +and de rain to fall; and when ye dies, he'll take yer right up dar, +to lib wid him allus. There now, jest hark,--dat's old Si comin' +up de lane. Don' ye h'ar him singin'? He lubs de Lord, +he does, and he's allus a-singin'. Hark, now! a'n't it pooty? +Guess de pone's done by dis time;" and she shuffled to the fireplace, +to look after her cake. + +Tidy, almost overwhelmed with the weight of knowledge that had been poured +in upon her inquiring spirit, and hardly knowing whether what she had +heard should make her glad or sorry, leaned back against the door-post, +and carelessly listened to the voice, as it came nearer and nearer. +In a minute the words fell with pleasing distinctness upon the ear. + + "Dear sister, didn't you promise me + To help me shout and praise him? + Den come and jine your voice to mine, + And sing his lub amazin'. + I tink I hear de trumpet sound, + About de break of day; + Good Lord, we'll rise in de mornin', + And fly, and fly away, + On de mornin's wings, to Canaan's land, + To heaben, our happy home, + Bright angels shall convey our souls + To de new Jerusalem." + +"Hallelujah, amen, bress de Lord. How is ye dis night, Mammy Grace?" +said a cheerful voice at the cabin-door. + +"Ho! go 'long, Simon,--I knowed ye was comin'. Ye allus blows +yer trumpet 'fore yer gits here. Come in, help yerse'f to a +cha'r. Here, chile," addressing Tidy, "here's yer supper,--eat it now; +and don' ye neber let what I's telled ye slip out of yer 'membrance." + +Which Tidy was not at all likely to do. She picked up the bread +which was thrown to her, and, munching it as she went along, +walked away to the pump to get a drink of water. + +Children, when you rise in the morning and come down stairs to +the cheerful breakfast, or when you are called at noon and night, +to join the family circle again around a neatly-spread table, +did you ever think what a refining influence this single custom +has upon your life? The savage eats his meanly-prepared food +from the vessel in which it is cooked, each member of his household +dipping with his fingers, or some rude utensil, into the one dish. +He is scarcely raised above the cattle that eat their fodder at the crib, +or the dog that gnaws the bone thrown to him upon the ground. +And are the slaves any better off? They are neither allowed time, +convenience, or inducements to enjoy a practice, which is so +common with us, that we fail to number it among our privileges, +or to recognize its elevating tendency; and yet they are stigmatized +as a debased and brutish class. Can we expect them to be otherwise? +Who is accountable for this degradation? By what system have they +become so reduced? and have any suitable efforts ever been made +for their elevation? + + +Since I wrote this chapter, I have learned some things with regard +to the freed men at Port Royal, where so many fugitive slaves have +taken refuge during the war, and are now employed by Government, +and being educated by Christian teachers, which will make what I have +just said more apparent. Dr. French, who has labored among this people, +in a public address, drew a pleasing picture of the improvements +introduced into the home-life of the negroes,--how, as they began +to feel free, and earn an independent subsistence, their cabins +were whitewashed, swept clean, kept in order, and pictures and maps, +cut from illustrated newspapers, were pasted up on the walls +by the women as a decoration. He spoke of the rivalry in neatness +thus produced, and of the general elevating and refining effect. +On his representation, the commanding officers and the society +by whom he is employed permitted him to introduce into some +twenty-five of the cabins, on twenty-five different plantations, +what had never been known before,--a window with panes of glass. +To this luxury were added tables, good, strong, tin wash-basins, +and soap, stout bed-ticks, and a small looking-glass. The +effect of the father of the family, sitting at the head of his +new table, while his sable wife and children gathered around it, +and asking a blessing on the simple fare, was very touching. +Hitherto they had boiled their hominy in a common skillet, +and eaten it out of oyster-shells, when and wherever they could, +some in-doors and some outside, in every variety of attitude. +He said, also, that the ludicrous pranks of both old and young, +on eying themselves for the first time in the mirror, were quite amusing. + + +CHAPTER VII. + +FRANCES. + +QUITE a number of children were gathered in the vicinity +of the pump, performing their usual antics, under the direction +and leadership of a girl larger and older than the rest,-- +a genuine, coal-black, woolly-headed, thick-lipped young negro. +This was the daughter of Venus, the cook, and her appointment of service +was the kitchen. Full of fun, and nimble as an eel in every joint, +her various pranks and feats of skill were perfectly amazing, +and were received with boisterous applause by the rest of the group. + +As she saw Tidy advancing, however, she ceased her evolutions, and, +turning to the others with a comic grimace, she bade them hold off, +while she held discourse with the new-comer. + +"Her comes yer white nigger," she said, in a loud whisper, +"and I's boun' to gaffer de las' news;" and putting on a demure face, +she accosted the neatly-appareled child. + +"Specs ye're a stranger in dese yer parts. What's yer name?" + +"Tidy;--what's yourn?" was the ready response. + +"Dey calls me France. Dey don't stop to place fandangles on to +names here. Specs dey'll call YOU Ti." + +"I doesn't care; I's willin'," replied Tidy, good-naturedly. + +"What's de matter wid yer? Been sick?" proceeded France, with a +roguish twinkle of the eye. "Specs you's had measles or 'sumption,-- +yer's pale as deaf; and yer hair,--laws, sakes, it'll a'most stan' +alone! de kind's all done gone out of it." + +"Never had much," said Tidy, laughing. "It's most straight, see;" +and she pulled one of the short ringlets out with her fingers. +"And I isn't sick, neither; 'tis my 'plexion." + +"'Plexion!" repeated Frances, with a tone of derision; +"'tis white folks has 'plexion; niggers don't hab none. +Don't grow white skins in dese yer parts." + +"White's as good as black, I s'pose, a'n't it?" answered Tidy, +diverted by the droll manners of her new acquaintance. +"I don't see no odds nohow." + +"'Ta'n't 'spectable, dat's all. Brack's de fashion here on dis +yer plantation. 'Tis tough, b'ars whippin's and hard knocks. +Whew! Hi! Ke! Missus'll cut ye all up to slivers fust time." + +"Does missus whip?" + +"Reckon she does jest dat ting. Reckons you'll feel it right +smart 'fore you're much older. Hi! she whips like a driver,-- +cuts de skin all off de knuckles in little less dan no time at all. +Yer'll see; make yer curl all up." + +It was not a very pleasant prospect for Tidy, to be sure; +but, more amused than frightened, she went on with her inquiries. + +"What does she whip ye for?" + +"Laws, sake, for noffin at all; jest when she takes a notion; +jest for ex'cise, like. Owes me one, now," said the girl. +"I breaked de pitcher dis mornin', and, ho, ho, ho! how missus flied! +I runned and 'scaped her, though." + +"She'll catch ye some time." + +"No, she don't, not for dat score. Specs I'll dodge till she's +got suffin' else to tink about. Dat's de way dis chile fix it. +Shouldn't hab no skin leff, ef I didn't. Laws, now, ye ought +to seen toder day, when I's done stept on missus' toe. +Didn't do it a purpose, sartain true, ef ye do laugh," +said she, shaking her head at the tittering tribe at her heels. +"Dat are leetle Luce pushed, and missus jest had her hand up to gib +Luce an old-fashioned crack on the head wid dat big brack key of hern. +Hi! didn't she fly roun', and forgot all 'bout Luce, a tryin' +to hit dis nig--and dis nig scooted and runned, and when missus' +hand come down wid de big key, thar warn't no nigger's head +at all thar--and missus was gwine to lay it on so drefful hard, +dat she falled ober hersef right down into de kitchen, +and by de time she picked hersef up, bof de nigs war done gone. +Ho, ho, ho! I tells ye she was mad enough ter eat 'em. +'Pears as ef sparks comed right out of dem brack eyes." + +The girl's loud voice, as she grew animated in telling her exploits, +and the boisterous glee of her hearers, might have drawn the mistress +with whip in hand from the house, to inflict with double severity +the evaded punishment of the morning, but for the timely interference +of Venus, who, with her clean white apron and turbaned head, +majestically emerged from the kitchen, warning the young rebel +and her associates to clear the premises. + +"Along wid yer, and keep yer tongue tween yer teeth, chile, +or you'll cotch it." + +So Frances, drawing Tidy along with her, and followed by the whole troop, +turned into the lane that led down to the negro quarters, and as they +saunter along, I will tell you about her. + +She was a fair specimen of slave children, full of the merry humor, +the love of fun and frolic peculiar to her race, with not a little +admixture of art and cunning. She was wild, rough, and boisterous, +one of the sort always getting into disgrace. She couldn't step +without stumbling, nor hold anything in her hand without spilling. +She never had on a whole frock, except when it was new, and her +bare feet were seldom without a bandage. She considered herself +one of the most unfortunate of creatures, because she met with so +many accidents, and had, in consequence, to suffer so much punishment; +and it was of no use to try to do differently, she declared, +for she "couldn't help it, nohow." + +I have seen just such children who were not slaves, haven't you? +And I think I understand the cause of their misfortunes. +Shall I give you an inkling of it? It is because they are so +heedless and headlong in their ways, racing and romping about +with perfect recklessness. Don't you think now that I am right, +little reader, you who cried this very day, because you were always +getting into trouble, and getting scolded and punished for it? +You who are always tearing your frock and soiling your nice white apron, +spilling ink on your copy-book, and misplacing your geography, +forgetting your pencil and losing your sponge, and so getting +reproof upon reproof until you are heart-sick and discouraged? +I know what Jessie Smith's father told HER the other day. +"You wouldn't meet with so many mishaps, Jessie, if you didn't RUSH so." +Jessie tried, after that, to move round more gently and carefully, +and I think she got on better. + +Frances was just one of these "rushing" children, but she +was good-natured, and Tidy was quite fascinated with her. +It was so new to have an associate of her own age too; and so it +came to pass that almost immediately they were fast friends. +Now, as they strolled along in the starlight, under the great +spreading pines which stood as sentinels here and there along +their path, Tidy drank in eagerly all her companion said, +and in a little while had gathered all the interesting points +of information concerning the place and the people. Frances told +her how hard and mean the master and mistress were, and how poorly +the slaves fared down at the quarters. Up at the house they made +out very well, she said; but not half so well as she and her mother +did when they lived out east on Mr. Blackstone's plantation. +Then she described the busy summer season, when hundreds of +people came there to board and drink the water of the springs. +Mr. Lee had built two long rows of little brick houses, she said, +down by the springs, where the people lived while they were here, +and there was a great dining cabin with long tables and seats, +and a barbecue hall, where they had barbecues, and then danced +all night long, and had gay times. And there was plenty of money +going at such times, for the people had quantities of money and gave +it to the slaves. + +The negro quarters consisted of six log cabins, which had once +been whitewashed, but now were extremely wretched in appearance, +both without and within. It is customary on the plantations +of the South to have the houses of the negroes a little removed, +perhaps a quarter of a mile, from the family mansion. +Thus, with the exception of the house servants, who must be +within call, the slave portion of the family live by themselves, +and generally in a most uncivilized and miserable way. +In some cases their houses are quite neatly built and kept; +but it was not so on Mr. Lee's estate. + +In front of these old huts was a spring, the water bubbling up +and running through a dilapidated, moss-covered spout, into a tub +half sunk in the earth, which in the daytime served as a drinking +trough for the animals, and a bathing-pool for the babies. +Brushwood and logs were lying around in all directions, and here and there +a fire was burning, at which the negroes were cooking their supper. +Dogs and a few stray babies were roaming about, seeming lonely +for want of the pigs and chickens which kept company with them +all day, but had now gone to rest. Boys and girls of larger growth +were rollicking and careering over the place, dancing and singing +and entertaining themselves and the whole settlement with their +jollities and noise. + +Is it surprising, we must stop to ask, that the colored people are +a degraded class, when we consider the way in which the children live +from their very infancy. No work for them to do, nothing to learn, +nobody to care for them,--they are just left to grow and fatten +like swine, till they are in condition to be sold or to be broken +in to their tasks in the field. Utterly neglected, they contract, +of necessity, lazy and vicious habits, and it is no wonder they have +to be whipped and broken in to work as animals to the yoke or harness; +and no wonder that under such treatment for successive generations, +the race should become so reduced in mental and moral ability, +as to be thought by many incapable of ever reclaiming a position among +the enlightened nations of the earth. Oh, what a weight of guilt +have the people of our country incurred in allowing four millions +of those poor people to be so trodden down in the very midst of us! + +When the children reached home again they found Mammy Grace's +cabin quite full of men and women, shouting, singing, and talking +in a way quite unintelligible to our little stranger. +After she had dropped upon her cot for the night, she lifted her +head and ventured to ask what those people had been about. + +"Don' ye know, chile? We's had a praisin'-meetin'. We has 'em ebery week, +one week it's here, and one week it's ober to General Doolittle's, +ober de hill yonder. Ef ye's a good chile, honey, ye shall go wid +yer old mammy some time, ye shall." + +"What do you do?" asked Tidy. + +"We praises, chile,--praises de Lord, and den we prays too." + +"What's that?" + +"Laws, chile, ye don't know noffin. Whar's ye been fotched up +all yer days? Why, when we wants any ting we can't git oursef, +nohow, we ask de Lord to gib it to us--dat's what it is." + +That first day and evening in Tidy's new home was a memorable day +in her experience. It seemed as if she had been lifted up two +or three degrees in existence, so much had she heard and learned. +She had enough to think about as she lay down to rest, for the first +time away from Miss Matilda's sheltering presence. + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +PRAYER. + +As Tidy grew in stature she grew in favor also with those around her. +Spry but gentle in her movements, obedient, obliging, and apt +to learn, she secured the good-will of her master and mistress, +and the visitors that thronged to the place. If any little service +was to be performed which required more than usual care or expedition, +she was the one to be called upon to do it. It was no easy task +to please a person so fretful and impatient in spirit as Mrs. Lee, +yet Tidy, by her promptness and docility, succeeded admirably. +Still, with all her well-doing she was not able entirely to avoid +her harshness and cruelty. + +One day, when she had been several months in Mrs. Lee's family, +she was set to find a ball of yarn which had become detached +from her mistress's knitting-work. Diligently she hunted +for it every-where,--in Mammy Grace's cabin, on the veranda, +in the drawing-room, dining-room, and kitchen, up-stairs, down-stairs, +and in the lady's chamber, but no ball was to be found. +The mistress grew impatient, and the child searched again. +The mistress became unreasonable and threatened, and the child +really began to tremble for fear of undeserved chastisement. +What could she do? + +What do you think she did? I will tell you? + +Ever since that first night with Mammy Grace, when Tidy had asked +her what it was to pray, and had been told, "When we wants any ting +we can't git oursefs, nohow, we asks de Lord to gib it to us," +these words had been treasured in her memory; but as yet she had never +had an opportunity to put them to a practical use; for up to this +time she had not really wanted any thing. Her necessities were all +supplied even better than she had reason to expect; for in addition +to the plain but sufficient fare that was allowed her in the cabin, +she was never a day without luxuries from the table of the family. +Fruits, tarts, and many a choice bit of cake, found their way through +the children's hands to their little favorite, so that she had nothing +to wish for in the eating line. Her services with the children +were so much in accordance with her taste as to be almost pastime, +and the old nurse was as kind and good as a mother could be. +Never until this day had she been brought into a real strait; +and it was in this emergency that she thought to put Mammy Grace's +suggestion to the test. She had attended the weekly prayer +or "praisin'-meetin's" as they were called, and observed that +when the men and women prayed, they seemed to talk in a familiar +way with this invisible Lord; and she determined to do the same. +As she went out for the third time from the presence of her mistress, +downcast and unhappy, she thought that if she only had such eyes +as the Lord had, which Mammy Grace repeatedly told her were +in every place, considering every little thing in the earth, +she would know just where to go to find the missing ball. +At that thought something seemed to whisper, "Pray." + +She darted out of the door, ran across the yard, making her way +as speedily as possible to the only retired spot she knew of. +This was a deep gully at the back of the house, through which a tiny +stream of water crept, just moistening the roots of the wild +cherry and alder bushes which grew there in great abundance, +and keeping the grass fresh and green all the summer long. +No one ever came to this spot excepting now and then the laundress +with a piece of linen to bleach, or the children to play hide-and-seek +of a moonlight evening. Here she fell upon her knees, and lifting +up her hands as she had seen others do, she said,-- + +"Blessed Lord, I want to find missus' ball of yarn, and I can't. +You know whar 'tis. Show me, so I sha'n't get cracks over my head +with the big key. Hallelujah, amen." + +She didn't know, innocent child, what this "Hallelujah, amen," +meant; but she remembered that Uncle Simon always ended in that way, +and she supposed it had something important to do with the prayer. +So she uttered it with a feeling of great satisfaction, +as though that capped the climax of her duty, and put the seal +of acceptance on her petition; and then she got up and walked away, +as sure as could be that the ball would be forthcoming. +I dare say she expected to see it rolling out before her from some +unthought-of corner as she went along. + +Do not laugh at the poor little slave girl, children, or ridicule +the idea of her taking such a small thing to the Lord. If you, +and older people too, were in the habit of carrying all your +little troubles to the throne of grace, I am sure you would find +help that you little dream of. If the Lord in his greatness +regards the little sparrows, so that not one of them shall fall +to the ground without his notice, and if he numbers the hairs +of our heads, surely there is nothing that can give us uneasiness +of mind or sorrow of heart too small to commend to his notice. +I wish we might all follow Tidy's example, and I have no doubt +that our heavenly Father, who is quite willing to have his words +and his love tested, would answer us as he did her. + +She went directly to the house, carefully looking this way and that, +as if expecting, as I said, that the ball would suddenly appear +before her,--of course it did not,--and passing across the veranda, +entered the hall. A great, old-fashioned, eight-day clock, +like the pendulum that hung in the farmer's kitchen so long, +and got tired of ticking, I imagine, stood in one corner. +Just at the foot of this, Tidy saw a white string protruding. +She forgot for the moment what she was hunting after, +and stooped to pick up the string. She pulled at it, but it +seemed to catch in something and slipped through her fingers. +She pulled again, when lo and behold! out came the ball of yarn. +Didn't her eyes sparkle? Didn't her hands twitch with excitement, +as she picked it up and carried it to her mistress? +So much for praying, said she to herself; I shall know what to do +the next time I get into trouble. + +The next time the affair proved a more serious one. +It was no less than a search for Frances, who had again been guilty +of some misdemeanor, and had hidden herself away to escape punishment. +On the second day of her absence, Mrs. Lee called Tidy, +and instructed her to search for the girl, with the assurance +that if she didn't find her, she herself should get the whipping. +It was no very pleasant prospect for Tidy, but she set to her +task earnestly. A half-day she spent going over the premises,-- +the house, the out-buildings, the quarters, and the pine-woods opposite; +but the girl was not to be found. + +Afraid to come and report her want of success, for a while she +was quite in despair; until again she bethought herself of prayer, +and out she ran to the gully. There she cried,-- + +"Lord, I's very anxious to find France. I'll thank you to show +me whar she is, and make missus merciful, so she sha'n't lash +neither one of us. Oh, if I could only find France. Blessed Lord, +you can help me find her" ---- + +She was pleading very earnestly when a voice suddenly interrupted her, +and there, at her side, stood the girl. + +"Who's dat ar you's conbersin wid 'bout me, little goose?" asked Frances. + +"Oh, France," cried Tidy in delight, "whar was you? Missus set +me lookin' for yer, and she said she'd whip all the skin off me, +if I didn't find yer. Whar's you been?" + +"Laws, you nummy, ye don't specs now I's gwine to let all dis yer +plantation know dat secret. Ho, ho, ho! If I telled, I couldn't +go dar 'gin no way. I's comed here for my dinner, caus specs dis +chile can't starve nohow. See, my mudder knows whar to put de bones +for dis yer chile," and pushing aside the bushes, she displayed +an ample supply of eatables, which she fell to devouring greedily. +Tidy had to reason long and stoutly with the refractory +girl before she could persuade her to return to the house; +and when she accomplished her purpose, she was probably not aware +of the real motive that wrought in that dark, stupid negro mind. +It was not the fear of an increased punishment, if she remained +longer absent,--it was not the faint hope that Tidy held up, +that if she humbly asked her mistress's pardon, she might be forgiven,-- +but the thought that if she did not at once return, Tidy must suffer +in her stead, was too much for her. She was, notwithstanding her +black skin and rude nature, too generous to allow that. + +So the two wended their way to the kitchen in great trepidation, +and Tidy, stepping round to the sitting-room, timidly informed +her mistress of the arrival, adding in most beseeching manner, +"Please, Missus, don't whip her, 'caus she's so sorry." + +"You mind your own business, little sauce-box, or you'll catch it too. +When I want your advice, I'll come for it," and seizing her whip +which she kept on a shelf close by, she proceeded to the kitchen. +Miss Matilda followed, determined to see that justice was done +to one at least. + +The poor frightened girl fell on her knees. + +"Oh, Missus," she cried, "dear Missus, do 'scuse me. +I'll neber do dat ting over 'gin! I'll neber run away 'gin! +I'll neber do noffin! Oh, Missus, please don't, oh, dear,"-- +as notwithstanding the appeal, the angry blow fell. Before another +could descend, Miss Matilda laid her hand upon her sister's arm. + +"Excuse the girl, Susan," she said, gently, "excuse her just this once, +and give her a trial. See if she won't do better." + +It was very hard, for it was contrary to her nature, for Mrs. Lee +to show mercy. However, she did yield, and after a very severe +reprimand to the culprit, and a very unreasonable, angry speech +to Tidy, who, to to [sic] her thinking, had become implicated in Frances' +guilt, she dismissed them both from her presence,--the one chuckling +over her fortunate escape, and the other querying in her mind, +whether or no this unhoped-for mercy was another answer to prayer. +Miss Matilda made a remark as they retired, which Tidy heard, +whether it was designed for her ear or not. + +"I always have designed to give that child her liberty when she +is old enough; and if any thing prevents my doing so, I hope she +will take it herself." + +Take her liberty! What did that mean? Tidy laid up the saying, +and pondered it in her heart. + +Does any one of our little readers ask why Miss Matilda did +not free the child then? Tidy's services paid her owner's board +at her brother's house, and she couldn't afford to give away her +very subsistence; COULD SHE? + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THE FIRST LESSON. + +THE walk to school was a very delightful one, and as the trio +trudged over the road from day to day, chattering like magpies, +laughing, singing, shouting, and dancing in the exuberance +of childish glee, all seemed equally light-hearted and joyous. +Even the little slave who carried the books which she was unable to read, +and the basket of dinner of which she could not by right partake, +with a keen eye for the beautiful, and a sensitive heart to +appreciate nature, could not apparently have been more happy, +if her condition had been reversed, and she had been made the served +instead of the servant. + +The way for half a mile lay through a dense pine-wood,--the tall +trees rising like stately pillars in some vast temple filled with +balsamic incense, and floored with a clean, elastic fabric, smooth as +polished marble, over which the little feet lightly and gayly tripped. +In the central depths where the sun's rays never penetrated, +and the fallen leaves lay so thickly on the ground, no flowers +could grow, but on the outer edges spring lavished her treasures. +The trailing arbutus added new fragrance to the perfumed air, +frail anemones trembled in the wind, and violets flourished in the shade. +The blood-root lifted its lily-white blossoms to the light, and the +cream-tinted, fragile bells of the uvu-laria nestled by its side. +Passing the wood and its embroidered flowery border, a brook +ran across the road. The rippling waters were almost hidden +by the bushes which grew upon its banks, where the wild honeysuckle +and touch-me-not, laurels and eglantine, mingled their beautiful +blossoms, and wooed the bee and humming-bird to their gay bowers. +Over this stream a narrow bridge led directly to the school-house; +but the homeward side was so attractive, that the children +always tarried there until they saw the teacher on the step, +or heard the little bell tinkling from the door. Tidy remained +with them till the last minute, and there her bright face might +invariably be seen when school was dismissed in the afternoon. +A large flat rock between the woods and the flowery edges of Pine Run +was the place of rendezvous. + +One summer's morning they were earlier than usual, and emerging +from the woods, warm and weary with their long walk, they threw +themselves down upon the rock over which in the early day, +the shadows of the trees refreshingly fell. Amelia turned her face +toward the Run, and lulled by the gentle murmuring of the water, +and the humming of the insects, was soon quietly asleep; +Susie, with an apron full of burs, was making furniture for +the play-house which they were arranging in a cleft of the rock; +and Tidy, who carried the books, was busily turning over the leaves +and amusing herself with the pictures. + +"My sakes!" she exclaimed presently, "what a funny cretur! +See that great lump on his back!" and she pointed with her +finger to the picture of a camel. "Miss Susie! what IS that? +Is it a lame horse?" + +"Why no, Tidy, that's a camel; 'tisn't a horse at all. +I was reading that very place yesterday,--let me see," +and taking the book she read very intelligently a brief account +of the wonderful animal. + +"How queer!" said Tidy, deeply interested. "And is there something +in this book about all the pictures?" + +"Yes," answered Susie, "if you could only read now, you would +know about every one. See here, on the next page is an elephant; +see his great tusks and his monstrous + +[illustration omitted] long trunk," and the child read to her +attentive listener of another of the wonders of creation. + +"How I wish I could read,--why can't I?" asked Tidy; +and the little colored face was turned up full of animation. +"I don't b'lieve but I could learn as well as you." + +"Why of course you could," answered Amelia, who had risen +quite refreshed by her short nap. "I don't see why not. +You can't go to school you know, because mother wants you to work; +but I could teach you just as well as not." + +"Oh, could you? will you?--do begin!" cried the eager child. +"Oh, Miss Mely, if you only would, I'd do any thing for you." + +"Look here," said Amelia, seizing the book from her sister's hands, +and by virtue of superior age, constituting herself the teacher; +"do you see those lines?" and she pointed to the columns of letters +on the first page. + +"Yes," said the ready pupil, all attention. + +"Well, those are letters,--the alphabet, they call it. +Every one of them has got a name, and when you have learned to know +them all perfectly, so that you can call them all right wherever +you see 'em, why, then you can read any thing." + +"Any thing?" asked Tidy in amazement. + +"Yes, any thing,--all kinds of books and papers and the Bible +and every thing." + +"I can learn THEM, I's sure I can," said Tidy. "Le's begin now." + +"Well, you see that first one,--that's A. You see how it's made,-- +two lines go right up to a point, and then a straight one across. +Now say, what is it?" + +"A." + +"Yes; and now the next one,--that's B. There's a straight line +down and two curves on the front. What's that?" + +"B." + +"Now you must remember those two,--I sha'n't tell you any more +this morning, and I shall make you do just as Miss Agnes used to make me. +Miss Agnes was our governess at home before we came here to school. +She made me take a newspaper,--see, here's a piece,--and prick +the letters on it with a pin. Now you take this piece of paper, +and prick every A and every B that you can find on it, and to-morrow +I'll show you some more." + +Just then the bell sounded from the schoolhouse, and Amelia and Susan +went to their duties, but not with half so glad a heart as Tidy +set herself to hers. Down she squatted on the rock, and did not +leave the place till her first task was successfully accomplished, +and the precious piece of perforated paper safely stowed away +for Amelia's inspection. + +Day after day this process was repeated, until all the letters +great and small had been learned; and now for the more difficult +work of putting them together. There seemed to be but one step +between Tidy and perfect happiness. If she could only have a +hymn-book and know how to read it, she would ask nothing more. +She didn't care so much about the Bible. If she had known, as you do, +children, that it is God's word, no doubt she would have been anxious +to learn what it contained. But this truth she had never heard, +and therefore all her desires were centered in the hymn-book, +in which were stored so many of those precious and beautiful hymns +which she loved so much to hear Uncle Simon repeat and sing. +Would she ever be so happy as to be able to sing them from her own book? + + +CHAPTER X. + +LONY'S PETITION. + +BUT, ah! this is a world of disappointment, and it almost always +happens that if we attain any real good, we have to toil for it. +Tidy's path was not to continue as smooth and pleasant as it had been. + +Mr. and Mrs. Lee, by some untoward accident, found out what was +going on, and at once expounded the law and the necessities +of the case to their children, forbidding them in the most +peremptory manner, and on penalty of the severest chastisement, +ever to attempt again to give Tidy or any other slave a lesson. +What the punishment was with which they were threatened she never knew, +for the little girls never dared even to speak upon the subject; +but she knew it must be something very dreadful, and though this +was a most cruel blow to her expectations, she loved them too +well to bring them into the slightest danger on her own account. +So she never afterwards alluded to the subject. + +Her first impulse was to give up all for lost, and to sit down and weep +despairingly over her disappointment; but she was of too hopeful +a disposition to do so. + +"I knows the letters," said she to herself, "and I specs I can +learn myself. I can SCRAMBLE ALONG, some way." + +Scrambling indeed! I wonder if any of you, little folks, would be +willing to undertake it. + +In her trouble she did not forget the strong hold to which she +had learned to resort in trouble. She PRAYED about it every day, +morning, noon, and night. Indeed the words "Lord, help me learn +to read," were seldom out of her heart. Even when she did not +dare to utter them with her lips, they were mentally ejaculated. +Hers was indeed an unceasing prayer. + +"Come chile," said Mammy Grace, one evening in the cool, +frosty autumn, as Tidy was hovering over the embers, eating her +corn-bread, "put on de ole shawl, and we'll tote ober de hills to +Massa Bertram's. De meetin's dare dis yer night, and Si's gwine to go. +Come, honey, 'tis chill dis ebening, and de walk'll put the warmf +right smart inter ye;" and they started off at a quick pace, +over the hills, through the woods, down the lanes, and across +little brooks, the pale, cold moonlight streaming across their path, +and the warm sunlight of divine peace and favor enlivening +their hearts as they went on, making nothing at all of a walk +of three miles to sing and pray in company with Christian friends. +Would WE take as much pains to attend a prayer-meeting? + +It was not the customary place of meeting, and the people for the most +part were strangers. One party had come by special invitation, +to see a new PIECE OF PROPERTY which had just arrived upon the place,-- +a piece of property that thought, and felt, and moved, and walked, +like a thing of life; that loved and feared the Lord, and sung and +prayed like any Christian. What wonderful qualities slaveholders' +chattels possess! + +The woman, whose name was Apollonia, familiarly called Lony, +was a tall, gaunt, square-built negress, with a skin so black +and shining, and her limbs so rigid, that she might almost have been +mistaken for one of those massive statues we sometimes see carved +out of the solid anthracite. A bright yellow turban on her head rose +in shape like an Egyptian pyramid, adding to her extraordinary hight, +and strangely contrasting with her black, thick, African features. +Altogether her appearance would have been formidable and repelling, +but for a look in her eye like the clear shining after rain, +and a tranquil, peaceful expression which had over-spread her hard visage. +Tidy was overawed and fascinated by the gigantic figure, +and when, after a few minutes of sacred silence, the new comer, +who seemed accepted as the presiding spirit of the occasion, +commenced singing, she was more than usually interested and attentive. +The words were not familiar to the company, so that none could join, +and the deep monotone of the woman, at first low, and by degrees becoming +louder and more animated, made every word distinct and impressive. + + "I was but a youth when first I was called on, + To think of my soul and the state I was in; + I saw myself standing from God a great distance, + And betwixt me and him was a mountain of Sin. + + "Old Satan declared that I had been converted, + Old Satan persuaded me I was too young; + And before my days ended that I would grow tired, + And I'd wish that I'd never so early begun." + +"But, praise de Lord," exclaimed the woman, stopping short in her hymn, +and rising suddenly to her feet, "I habn't growed tired yet, +and I's been walkin in de ways of goodness forty years and more. +De Lord, he is good,--I knows he is, for I's tried him and found +him out, and I's neber tired o' praisin him. Bress de Lord! He's new +to me ebery mornin, and fresh as de coolin waters ebery ebening. +Praise de Lord! Hallelujah! When I was a chile, I use to make +massa's boys mad so's to hear 'em swar. It pleased dis wicked cretur +to hear de fierce swarrin'. One day I went to de garden behind de +house to git de water-melons for dinner, and I heerd a voice. +'Pears 'twas like a leetle, soft voice, but I couldn't see +nobody nowhar dat spoke, and it said, 'Lony, Lony, don't yer +make dem boys swar no more, ef ye do, ye'll lose yer soul.' +I looked all roun and roun, for I was skeered a'most to deff, +but I couldn't see nobody, and den I know'd 'twas a voice from heaben, +for I'd heerd o' sich, and I says, 'No, Lord, no, I won't.' +I didn't know den what de SOUL was, or what a drefful ting +'twas to lose it; but I knowd it mus mean suffin orful. +So I began to consider all de time 'bout de soul. Byme-by a Baptis' +min'ster comed to de place, and massa and missus was converted. +Den dey let us hab meetin's and de clersh'- man he comed and talked to us. +I didn't comperhend much he said, 'caus I was young and foolish; +but he telled a good many times 'bout dat ef we want to save +our souls we mus be babtize and git under de Lord's table. +Says I to my own sef, 'Specs now ef poor Lony could only find de table +of de bressed Lord, 'twould all be well, and she'd be pertected foreber.' +So I prayed and prayed, and one night de good Lord comed hissef, +and bringd his great, splendid table, and all de fair angels +dressed in white and gold and settin roun it, and I got under, +and I ate de crumbs dat fell down, and den 'pears I begun to live. +Oh, 'twas sich a peace dat came all ober me, and I wanted to sing +and shout all of de time. And dat's jess whar I been eber sence, +my friends, and I neber wants to come away till I dies; and den de +good Lord'll take me up to de great heabenly mansion, and gib me de +gold robes, and den I shall set up wid de rest and be like 'em all. +And I's willin to wait, 'caus I lubs de Lord and praises him ebery day. +He is de good Lord, and he lubs me and hearkens ebery time I speaks +to him; and I ha'n't 'bleeged to holler loud, nuther, for he's neber +far away, but he keeps close by dis poor soul so he can hear ebery +word and cry. And he'll hear all yer cries, my friends, when ye +prays for yersef or for yer chillen, or yer bredren and sisters. +Le's pray, now." + +Then kneeling down, this representative of a despised and untutored race, +with a faith that triumphed gloriously over her abject surroundings, +poured forth her supplications, talking with the Lord as a man +talks with his friend, as it were face to face. + +"O bressed Lord, dat's in de heaben and de earf and ebery whar; +you's heerd all de tings dat we's asked for. And you knows +all dat dese yer poor chillen wants dat dey hasn't axed for; +and if dere's any ob 'em here, dat doesn't dare to speak out loud, +and tell what dey does want, you can hear it jess as well, +ef it is way down deep buried up in de heart; and oh, bressed Lord, +do gib 'em de desires of de heart, 'less it's suffin dat'll hurt +'em, and den Lord don't gib it to 'em at all." + +This was enough for our little Tidy. Her heart swelled, +and the great tears ran down her cheeks, as she thought instantly +of the one dear, cherished petition that she dared not utter, +but which was uppermost in her heart continually; and as the woman +pleaded with the Lord to hear and answer the desires of every +soul present, she held that want of hers up before Him as a cup +to be filled, and the Lord verily did fill it up to the brim. +A quiet, restful feeling took the place of the burning, eager anxiety +she had hitherto felt, and from that moment she was sure, yes, +SURE that she would have her wish, and some day be able to read. +Nothing had ever encouraged and strengthened her so much +as the earnest words and prayers of this Christian woman. +How thankful she always felt that she had been brought to the +prayer-meeting at Massa Bertram's that night. + + +CHAPTER XI. + +ROUGH PLACES. + +To obtain possession of the hymn-book she desired, was not so very +difficult in Tidy's estimation. The numerous visitors at the house, +pleased with her bright face, her gentle manners, and ready attentions, +often dropped a coin into her hand, and these little moneys +were carefully treasured for the accomplishment of her purpose. +She calculated that by Christmas-time she should have enough money +to buy it, and Uncle Simon she knew would procure it for her. +Her greatest anxiety now was to be ready to use it. + +But how could she make herself ready? How was she to learn without +a teacher or a book? + +There had been an old primer for some time tossing about the play-room-- +its scarlet cover looking more gorgeous and tempting in Tidy's eyes, +as they fell upon it day after day, than any trinket or gewgaw she +could have seen; yet she dared not touch it. She was too honest +to appropriate it to herself without leave, and she was afraid +to allude to the forbidden lessons by asking Amelia or Susan for it. +Several times she tried to draw their attention to the neglected book, +and to give them some hint of her own longing for it,--but all +to no avail. One day, however, she had orders from the children +to clear up the room thoroughly. + +"Make every thing neat as a pin," said Amelia, "while we go +down to dinner, for we are going to have company this afternoon; +and if it looks right nice, I'll give you an orange." + +"What shall I do with dis yer book, then, Miss Mely?" hastily asked Tidy, +as she stooped to pick up the book, and felt herself trembling +all over that she had dared to put her fingers upon it. + +"That? Oh, that's no good; throw it away,--we never use it now,-- +or keep it yourself, if you want to," said she, after a second thought. + +It was done. The book was quickly deposited in a safe place, and the +clearing up proceeded rapidly. The orange was a small consideration; +for had she not got a book, her heart's desire, and now she could +learn to read. + +She could learn all alone; she would be her own teacher. +If she got into a very narrow place she would get Uncle Simon +to help her out. No one else on the estate knew how to read, +and he didn't know much, but no doubt he could be of some assistance. +Such was Tidy's inward plan. + +After this, the little girl might have been seen every evening +stretched at full length on the cabin floor, her head towards +the fireplace, where the choicest pine knots were kindled +into a cheerful blaze, with her spelling-book open before her. +She was "clambering" up the rough way of knowledge. + +Did she accomplish her purpose? To be sure she did. Little reader, +did you ever make up your mind to do any thing and fail? +There's an old proverb that says, "Where there's a will there's a way;" +and this is true. Resolution and energy, patience and perseverance, +will achieve nearly every thing you set about. Try it. +Try it when you have hard lessons to do, puzzling examples +in arithmetic to solve, that long stint in sewing to do, +that distasteful music to practice, those bad habits to conquer. +Try it faithfully, and when you grow up, you'll be able to say, +from your own experience, "Where there's a will there's a way." + +You must not expect, however, that Tidy learned very rapidly +or very perfectly under such discouragements. Think how it +would be with yourself, if you only knew your letters. +You might read quite easily m-a-n, but how do you think you could +find out that those letters spelled man? + +Tidy advanced much more expeditiously after she had obtained +possession of her hymn-book. Some of the hymns were quite familiar +to her from her having heard them sung so often at the meetings, +and she determined to study these first; and you may well imagine +how proud she felt,--not sinfully, but innocently proud,-- +when she seated herself one afternoon by Mammy Grace's side, +and pulling her hymn-book out of her bosom, asked if she might +read a hymn. + +"Yes, chile, 'deed ye may, ef ye can. Specs 'twill do yer ole +mammy's heart good to hear ye read de books like de white folks." + +And the child opened the book, and in a clear, pleasant, happy voice +she read slowly, but correctly,-- + + "My God, the spring of all my joys, + The life of my delights, + The glory of my brightest days, + And comfort of my nights. + + "In darkest shades if he appear, + My dawning is begun; + He is my soul's sweet morning star, + And he my rising sun." + +"Look dar, chile," cried the old nurse, springing to +her feet, "Massa George's jess a'most out ob de door. +Ef he SHOULD fall and break his neck, what WOULD 'come of us. +Dis yer chile 'd neber hab no more peace all de days of her life. +Yer reads raal pooty, honey; but ye mus'n't neglect duty for de books, +'caus ef ye do, ye isn't worthy of de prevelege." + +So Tidy had to forego her hymns till the children were put to bed. + +After this, in the long winter evenings, in Mammy Grace's snug cabin, +what harvests of enjoyment were gathered from that precious book. +Uncle Simon was the favored guest on such occasions, and always "bringed +his welcome wid hissef," he said, in the shape of pitch-pine fagots, +the richest to be found, by the light of which they read and sung +the songs of Zion, which they dearly loved; the pious old slave +in the mean time commending, congratulating, and encouraging Tidy +in her wonderful intellectual achievements. + + +CHAPTER XII. + +A GREAT UNDERTAKING. + +PERSONS of will and energy generally have some distinct +object before them which they are striving to reach,-- +something of importance to be gained or done. As fast as one +thing is attained, another plan is projected; and so they go on, +mounting up from one achievement to another all through life. +And this enterprising spirit begins to be developed at a very early +age in children. + +Tidy was one of these active little beings, full of business, +never unhappy for want of something to do; and besides the ordinary +and more trivial occupations of the outer life, her spirit or inner +life had ever a dear, cherished object before it, which engrossed +her thoughts, taxed her capabilities, and raised her above the degraded +level of her companions in servitude. + +Now that she had attained one grand point in learning to read, +she ventured on another and far more difficult enterprise. +What do you think it was? Why, nothing more or less than to +GET HER LIBERTY. + +She had heard Miss Matilda say in the kitchen, "If I don't give +the child her liberty, I hope she will take it." This was her warrant. +She perceived, by Miss Matilda's words and manner, in the first place, +that liberty was desirable, and, in the second, that she COULD take it. +But, ignorant child as she was, she little knew the difficulties +that stood in the way. + +She had now lived several years in Mr. Lee's family, and had +grown wiser in many respects. She began to realize more fully +what it was to be a slave, and what her probable prospects were, +if she did not escape. She learned that there was a place, +not a great way from her Virginian home, where people did not hold +her race in bondage; where she could go and come as she pleased, +choose her own employers and occupation, be paid for her labor, +provide for herself, and perhaps some day have a home of her own, +with husband and children whom she could hold and enjoy. +Do you think it strange that such a condition seemed attractive, +and that she was willing to make great efforts and run fearful +risks to reach it? + +She kept her intentions profoundly secret. Even Mammy Grace +and Uncle Simon, her best friends, were not in her confidence. +But she prayed about it constantly, and sought information from +every possible source with regard to this free land,--where it was, +and how it could be reached,--and at last formed her plan, +which she determined to carry out during the coming summer. + +She knew she must have money, if she was going to travel, and for a +long time she had been carefully saving up all she could command. +She constantly endeavored to make herself useful in various ways +in order to get it. The summer-time was her money harvest; +and this season she was delighted to find visitors thronging +to the Springs in greater numbers than she had ever seen before. +She knew if there was plenty of company, there would be plenty +of business, and consequently a plenty of money; for the class +of people who came there were for the most part wealthy, +and were quite willing to pay for the attentions they received. +The little brick houses in which they lodged were under the care +of the slave girls. Each one had two of these cabins, as they +were called, in charge, and were required to keep them in order, +to wait upon the ladies and children, and serve them at the table. +Tidy was unwearied in her efforts to please. She answered +promptly to every call, and kept her rooms in the neatest manner; +and for her pains she received many a bright coin, which was providently +stored away in a little bag, and concealed beneath her mattress. +Perhaps these conscientious people would not have bestowed +money so freely on their favorite young maid, if they had known +the purpose to which it was to be applied. For they say that slavery +is a Christian institution, a sort of missionary enterprise, +which has been divinely appointed for the good of the colored race; +and of course to get away from it is to run away from God and +the privileges and blessings he is so kind as to give. + +Tidy, however, thought differently, as the slaves generally do; +and as she had made up her mind that she should gain greater advantages +in a state of freedom, she determined to persevere in her attempt. +Her accumulations finally became so large, that she thought she +might venture to start on her journey. + +She knew, too, that she must have clothes quite different from those she +usually wore. And how was she to get these? Ah, she had had an eye +for a long while to this. She and Amelia were not only of the same age, +but of the same size. Tidy had grown in the last two years +very rapidly, and had now reached a womanly hight and figure. +She had watched the growth of Amelia with the keenest interest. +So far, it had corresponded with her own so exactly that she +could easily wear the clothes made for her young mistress. +In fact, Amelia often dressed Tidy up in her own garments that +she might get a better idea of how they looked upon herself. +This season, Amelia, for the first time, had a traveling suit complete, +for she was going a journey with her father; and when it was finished, +she was so pleased that she sent for Tidy at once to participate +in her joy, and insisted that she should immediately put it on, +that she might see how it fitted, and if every thing about it +was as it should be. The dress was a dark green merino, +made with a very long pelerine cape, which was the very pink of +the fashion, and was the especial admiration of all the children. +Tidy arrayed herself in these, and, putting the little jaunty cap +of the same color on her head, stood before the glass and surveyed +herself with as perfect satisfaction as the owner of the becoming +costume herself experienced. Indeed she could hardly keep her +eye from telling tales of the joy within, as she inwardly said, +"There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip, and may be, +Miss Amelia, I shall go traveling in this before you do." +She felt that nothing could have been provided more suitable +or timely than this charming suit. + +Are you shocked, little reader, that Tidy, the good, exemplary, +conscientious Tidy, should have thought of appropriating Amelia's +wardrobe to herself? I must stop a moment here to explain to you +the slaves' code of morals. They are so ignorant that we must +not expect them to have so high or correct a standard of conduct +as we have, or to be able to make such nice distinctions in questions +of right and wrong. + +Ever since Mammy Grace had made to her young pupil the first imperfect +revelation of God's character and government, declaring that he would +punish with eternal fire those who should lie, swear, or steal, +the child had held these sins in the greatest abhorrence, and was +scrupulously careful to avoid them. She would not have taken from +the baby-house a trinket, or an article of food from the kitchen, +without leave, on any account. At the same time, she had learned +the slave theory that as they are never paid for their labor, +they have a right to any thing which their labor has purchased, +OF WHICH THEY HAVE NEED. Consequently if a slave is not provided +with food sufficient for his wants, he supplies himself. +The pigs and chickens, vegetables and fruits, or any thing else +which he can handily obtain, he helps himself to, as though they were +his own, and never burdens his conscience with the sin of stealing. +A slave, who had obtained his freedom, once remarked in a public meeting, +that when he was a boy, he was OBLIGED to steal, or TAKE food, +as he called it, in order to live, because so little was provided for him. +"But now," said he, while his face shone with a consciousness +of honesty and honor, "I wouldn't take a cent's worth from any man; +no, not for my right hand." + +So, you see, that this principle of appropriating what the labor +of her own hands had earned, when necessity demanded it, +was that upon which Tidy was to act. She never needed to steal food, +nor even luxuries, for she always had enough; nor money, because, +for her limited wants, she always had enough of that. But now, +when she was going a journey, and wanted to look especially nice, +she felt very glad to have the dress prepared so fitting for the occasion; +and she did not feel a single misgiving of conscience about taking it +when she got ready to use it. Whether this was just right or not, +I shall leave an open question for you to decide in your own minds. +It will bear thought and discussion, and will be quite a profitable +subject for you to consider. + +When the preparations were all made, Mammy Grace and old Simon were let +into the secret. Whether they said any thing by way of discussion +I do not know--at any rate, it did not alter Tidy's determination. +I think, however, that she found her two aged friends very useful in aiding +her last movements; and when the eventful moment arrived, and Tidy, +attired in Miss Amelia's garments, with a traveling-bag in her hand, +containing her hymn-book, her money, and a few needed articles, +stood at the foot of the walk that led into the public road, Mammy Grace +stood with her in the starlight of the early summer's morning, +and bade her God-speed. + +"Ye looks like a lady for all de world, honey; I 'clare dese +yer old eyes neber would a thought 'twas you, in dis yer +fine dress--hi, hi, hi! Specs nobody'll tink ye's run away. +De old nuss hates to part wid her chile; but ef ye must go, ye must, +and de bressed Lord go wid ye, and keep ye safe." + +Then giving her a most affectionate hug, she put a paper of eatables +in her hand, and helped her to mount the horse before Uncle Simon, +who was already in the saddle. Where or how the old man procured +the horse and equipments, HE knew--but nobody else did. + +The animal was a fast trotter, and brought them speedily five +miles to the village, where Tidy was to take the stage-coach +to Baltimore. It was before railroads and steam-engines +were much talked of in Virginia. Alighting in the outskirts +of the town, Simon lifted the young girl to the ground, +and hastily commending her to "de bressed Lord of heaben and earf," +he bade her good-by, and went back to his bondage and toil. +They never saw each other again. + +The day was fine, and riding a novel occupation for Tidy, +but so full was her trembling heart of anxiety and fear that she +could not enjoy it. She was afraid to look out of the window +lest she might be recognized by some one; and she dared not look +at the two pleasant-faced gentlemen who were in the coach with her, +lest they might question her, and find out her true condition. +So she cuddled back as closely as possible in the corner, and when +they kindly offered her cakes and fruit, she just ventured to say, +"No, thank you." Her own food, which the dear old nurse had +taken so much pains to put up for her, lay untouched in her lap, +for her heart was so absorbed she could not eat. + +Night brought her to the hotel in Baltimore. The great city, +the large building, and busy servants running hither and thither quite +bewildered her, and she had to watch herself very closely lest she +should betray herself. The waiters looked at her rather suspiciously; +but she behaved with all propriety, called for her room and supper, +paid for what she had, and in the morning was ready to take her seat +in the northern stage, and no one ventured to molest or question her. +How her heart leaped when she found herself safely on her way +to Philadelphia. One day more, and she would be in a free city. +What she should do when she arrived there, how she was to support +herself in future, did not trouble her. That she might stand +on free soil, and lift up her eyes to the stars that shone on her +liberated body was all she thought of; and to-night this was to be. +With every step of the plodding horses, she grew bolder and more assured, +and her faith and hope and joyousness rose. But, alas! there was +a lion in the way of which she had not dreamed. + +"Your pass!" shouted a grim-looking man, as she stepped, bag in hand, +with gentle dignity on the boat that was to take her across the stream +which divided slave territory from our free States. "Where's your pass? +Don't stand there staring at me," said the official, as the frightened +girl looked up as if for an explanation. + +A pass! She had never once thought of that! No one had mentioned her +need of it. What was she to do? She looked confounded and terrified. + +"No pass?" inquired the man, sternly. "'Tis easy enough to see +what YOU are, then. A runaway!" said he, turning to a man at his +right hand, "make her fast." + +Frightened and trembling, Tidy tried to run, but it was of no use; +a strong hand seized her slender arm, and held her securely. +Then her sight seemed to fail her, she grew dizzy, +and fell fainting on the deck. A crowd gathered about her. +They remarked her light skin and delicate features, her ladylike +form and neat dress. Could she be a slave? they asked. +Would such a child as she appeared to be attempt to gain her liberty? +They dashed water on her head, and, as her consciousness returned, +she saw the faces of those two pleasant Scotch gentlemen, +who had rode with her the day before all the way from Virginia, +looking kindly and pitifully upon her. + +"If you had only told us," they said, "we could have helped you." + +But there was no friend or helper in that terrible hour, and poor Tidy, +weeping and almost heart-broken, was carried back to Baltimore, +and thrown into the SLAVE-JAIL. + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A LONG JOURNEY. + +IF I pronounce this disastrous event in Tidy's life another link +in the chain of loving-kindness by which God was leading her +to himself, perhaps you will wonder. But, my dear children, +adversities are designed for this very purpose, and are all directed +in infinite love and wisdom for our good. Tidy had prayed that she +might be free, and the Lord heard, and meant to answer her prayer. +He meant not only to give her the liberty she sought, but, more than that, +to make her soul free in Christ Jesus; but there were some things +she needed to learn first. She was not prepared yet to use her +personal liberty rightly, nor did she at all appreciate or desire +that other and better freedom. Therefore the Lord disappointed +her at this time, and turned the course of her life, as it were, +upside down, that by painful experiences and narrow straits she +might learn what an all-sufficient Friend he could be to her; +that she might learn too the sinfulness of her own heart, and his +free grace and mercy for her pardon and salvation. + +God "leads the blind in the way they know not." Tidy knew nothing +of the method by which he was guiding her, and when she found +her hopes crushed, and herself crouching, forlorn and friendless, +weary and half-famished, in a prison, she gave up all for lost. +She felt indeed cast off and forsaken. For hours she sat +and cried despairingly, the pretty dress crumpled and stained +with tears, and the hat which had been so much admired trampled +under foot. Shame, grief, and fear of what was to come drove her +almost to distraction. + +At the end of three days, Mr. Lee, acting as her master, +who had been apprised of her arrest, arrived at the prison. +But what a wretched object had he come to see! He could scarcely believe +that the miserable, dejected being before him was the once bright, +beautiful Tidy,--such a change had her disappointment and sorrow wrought. +He really pitied her, if a slaveholder ever can pity a slave, and yet +he reproached her severely. He told her she was a fool to run away; +that niggers never knew when they were well off; that if she had had a +thimble-full of sense she might have known she couldn't make her escape. +He said they had just been offered a thousand dollars for her,-- +which was then considered an enormous price,--by a gentleman in Virginia, +and they had been on the point of selling her. + +"I's Miss Matilda's," fiercely cried the poor girl at this, +"and SHE wouldn't a sold me; she said she never would." + +"Yes, she would, Miss," replied Mr. Lee; "we don't let her throw +away such a valuable piece of property for nothing, I can tell you. +A thousand dollars in the bank isn't a small thing. It wouldn't +find feet to walk off with very soon, that we know." + +"Miss Matilda TOLD me to take my liberty," said Tidy, disconsolately. + +"Miss Matilda is a fool, like you. But we shall look out she don't +cheat herself in such a fashion. Now you can have your choice, +little one; you can go home with me, and take a good flogging +for an example to the rest, and stay with us till another buyer +comes up,--for Mr. Nicholson won't take such an uncertain +piece of goods as you have showed yourself to be,--or you can +go South. There's a trader here ready to take you right off. +I'll give you till tomorrow morning to make up your mind." + +"I'll go South," said the poor girl, the next morning. +"I can't bear ever to see Miss Tilda again." And she settled herself +down to her fate. She knew her life of bondage would be hard there, +and she would not have much chance of getting her freedom. +But it was better than the mortification of going back. + +So she was sold to Mr. Pervis, the slave-trader. Mr. Pervis made +about fifty purchases in Baltimore and the vicinity, and then +organizing his gang he started for the South. Oh, what a different +journey from that which Tidy had intended when she left home. +A thousand miles South, into the very heart of slavery's dominions, +with a company of coarse, stupid, filthy, wretched creatures, +such as she never would have willingly associated with at home, +so much more delicately had she been reared. Many of these were +field-hands sold to go to the cotton plantations,--sold for "rascality." + +Do you know what that means? You think it is ugliness. +But no; it is a DISEASE. It is a droll sort of malady, +to which a learned Louisiana doctor has given a singular name, +which I can't spell, and which you wouldn't know how to pronounce; +but the symptoms I can describe. Where a slave is attacked +with this disease, he acts in a very stupid and careless manner, +and does a great deal of mischief, breaking, abusing, and wasting +every thing he can lay his hands on. He tears his clothes, +throws away food, cuts up plants in the field, breaks his tools, +hurts the horses and cattle, and does a vast amount of injury, +and in such a way that it seems as if it was all done on purpose. +He will neither work, nor eat the food offered him; quarrels with +the other slaves and fights with the drivers, and altogether acts +in such an ugly way that the overseer says he is "rascally." +If it was really ugliness, he would be whipped; but, of course, +whipping won't cure disease; so the masters consider it incurable, +and sell the slave to go South to work in the rice-swamps +and cotton-fields. They, perhaps, think a change of climate +will do more for the patient than any other means. +The Southern physicians don't have much success, to tell the truth, +in curing this difficulty, for they don't seem to understand it. +If they would only consult with some of their profession at the North, I +have no doubt they would get some valuable suggestions on the subject. +I really believe that the liberty-cure, practised by some judicious +money-pathic physician, would effectually cure this "rascality." +I wish I could see it tried. + +Tidy found herself, therefore, in very undesirable company on this +expedition to Georgia, and made up her mind very shortly that there +would not be much enjoyment in it. She did not have to drag +wearily along on foot all the way; for Mr. Lee was considerate +enough to suggest to Mr. Pervis, that, as she had been brought up +as a house-servant, and not accustomed to very hard work, she would +not be able to walk much, and if she was not allowed to ride, +there would be no Tidy left by the time they got to their journey's end, +and the thousand dollars which had just been paid for her would +have been thrown away. So Mr. Pervis gave her a permanent place +in one of the wagons, and the other women were taken up by turns, +whenever the poor creatures could step no longer. The men +dragged along, handcuffed in pairs, and their low, brutal, and profane +conversation was dreadful to Tidy. Oh, how often she wished she +had staid contentedly with Mammy Grace, and not tried to run away. +And yet her hope was not utterly gone, for she often caught herself saying, +with closed teeth, "Give me a chance, and I'll try it again." +Freedom looked too attractive to be entirely relinquished. + +The gang halted at night, put up their tents, lighted fires and cooked +their mean repast. Then they stretched themselves on the bare ground +to sleep. In the morning, after the wretched breakfast was eaten, +the tents were struck, the wagons loaded again, and they started for +another day's travel,--and so on till the long, wearisome march was over. +It took them many weeks before they arrived at their destination. + +There Tidy was soon resold, the trader making two hundred dollars +by the bargain, and she became the property of Mr. Turner, +who took her to Natchez, on the Mississippi River, where she became +waiting-maid to Mrs. Turner, his wife. + +The poor girl was never the same in appearance after she left her +Virginia home. A deep pall seemed to have been thrown over her spirit, +and her hopes and happiness lay buried beneath it. Her disposition +had lost its buoyancy, and her face wore a sad, pensive look. +She tried to do her duty here as before, and her skill and neatness made +her a favorite. But there was no one here to care for her and love +her as Mammy Grace had done; and she missed the children sadly. +Her hymn-book was neglected; for when she opened it such a flood +of recollections came over her that the tears blinded her eyes +and she could not see a word, and she never now heard a prayer. +She was again in an irreligious family, and among an ungodly set +of servants, and her faith, hope, and love began to grow dim. +A dull, heavy manner, and a careless, reckless state of mind was +growing upon her. + +It required deeper sorrow than she had yet experienced to wake +her up from this sluggish, unhappy condition. + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +CRUELTY. + +SHE was standing one beautiful evening at the front gate of the house, +leaning on the rail, and gazing listlessly up the street. +She was thinking, perhaps, of that starry night when first she had +heard of the name of God, or that other, when her faith had been +so wonderfully built up in listening to the striking experiences +and prayer of the memorable Lony. Perhaps she had wandered +farther back to the time, when, under old Rosa's protection, +she had fed the chickens and watered the flowers at Rosevale +with childish content. Whatever it was, the tears would come, +and several times she raised her hand and dashed them away. +Then she turned her head and gazed the other way. + +A large hotel stood nearly opposite the house, and across the narrow +street she watched the mingling, busy crowd of black and white, +young and old, coming and going, each intent on his own interests, +each holding in his heart the secret of his own history. +Who are they all? thought Tidy, what business are they all about? +I wonder if they are all happy? not one of them knows or cares for poor, +unhappy me,--when lo! there suddenly loomed up before her a familiar face. +She watched it eagerly as it moved up and down in the throng, +for she felt that she had seen it before. But it was some minutes +before she could tell exactly where. At last it all came to her. +It was Arthur Carroll, the son of the man who had owned her when a baby. +She had often seen and played with him in her visits to her mother. +Many years had passed since she last beheld him, and he had +grown to be a young gentleman; but she was sure it was he. +He stepped out of the hotel and came towards the house. +She uttered a little, quick cry, "Why, Mass Arthur!" He turned +and recognized her, and at once stopped to inquire into her +condition and circumstances. + +It was almost like a visit to old Virginia to see young Carroll; +and as cold water to a thirsty soul was the news he brought her from +that far country. Tidy drank in eagerly every word he could tell +her of the Lees, and others whom she knew, and they were enjoying +an animated conversation when Tidy's master passed that way. +He saw his slave engaged in familiar talk with a stranger, +and remembering the remark of the trader of whom he had bought her, +that she had tried "the running-away game" once, and must be watched +lest she should repeat the attempt, without waiting to inquire +into the circumstances of the case, he resolved to administer +a proper chastisement. Coming up behind, he struck her a violent +blow on the side of the head that sent the frail girl reeling +to the ground. + +For a few minutes Tidy lay stunned upon the earth. When she came +to herself, her head was smarting with pain and her heart burned +like fire with indignation, and in a perfect frenzy of distress and +mortification she rushed out of the gate and flew down the street. +Up and down, through the streets and lanes of the city, she ran +for hours, not knowing or caring whither she went, until finally, +exhausted and bewildered, she dropped down upon the ground. +Some one raised the panting girl and took her to the guard-house. +There she lay until morning before she could give any distinct +thought to what she had done, and what course she was now to pursue. + +When she began to think clearly, she felt that she had acted +very unwisely. For a slave to resist punishment, if it is ever +so undeserved, or to attempt to escape it by running away, +is only to provoke severer chastisement. That she well knew, +and that there was nothing to be done now, but to walk back +to her master's house and meet a fate she could not avoid. +She only hoped that, when she acknowledged her fault, and frankly told +her master that she did it under a wild and bewildering excitement, +he would pardon her and let it pass. + +She dragged her weary steps back to her master's house, fainting with +fatigue and hunger, and presented herself before her mistress. + +"I's right sorry I runned so," she said, "but I was kind o' +scared like, and didn't know jest what I did. I knows I's no business +to run away when massa cuffed me." + +Her mistress made no reply but an angry look; but nothing was said by any +one about what had happened, and Tidy felt that trouble was brewing. +What it would be she could not tell, but her heart was heavy within her. +Nothing occurred that day, but the next morning she was told to tie +up her clothes and be ready to go up the river at ten o'clock. +She knew what going up the river meant. Mr. Turner owned a large +cotton plantation about twenty miles from Natchez, and the severest +punishment dreaded by his servants in the city was to be sent there. + +Tom, the coachman, accompanied Tidy, bearing in his pocket a note +to the overseer of the plantation. Would you take a peep into +it before she, whom it most concerned, learned its contents? +It ran thus,-- + +"NATCHEZ, Wednesday, A. M. "DIOSSY,-- + +"Give this wench a hundred lashes with the long whip this afternoon. +Wash her down well, and when she is fit to work, put her into +the cotton field. "ABRAM TURNER." + +Oh, let us weep, dear children, for the poor girl, who, for no crime +at all, not even a misdeed, was made to bare her tender skin to such +shameless cruelty. No friend was there to help her, to plead for her, +to deliver her from the relentless, violent hand of the wicked oppressor. +She was left all alone to her terrible suffering. Can we wonder +that she felt that even the Lord had forgotten her? + +That night there was scarcely an inch of flesh from her neck +to her feet that was not torn, raw, and bleeding. The salt brine, +which is used to heal the wounds, although when first applied +it seems to aggravate the torture, was poured pitilessly +over her, and writhing with agony, fainting, and almost dead, +she was borne to a wretched hut, and laid on a hard pallet. +Three weeks she lay there, sick and helpless; but she cried unto +the Lord in her distress, and he heard her, and prepared to deliver her, +though the time of her deliverance was not yet fully come. +She had been brought low, but her eyes were not yet opened to her +true needs, and she had not yet learned the prayer God would have +her offer, "Be merciful to me, a SINNER." + +Children, when you pray, do not be discouraged, if God does not answer +you INSTANTLY. His way is not as our way; and though he hears us, +and means to answer us, he may see that we are not yet ready to receive +and appreciate the blessing we seek. Besides, there is no TIME with God +as we count time. WE reckon by days and weeks, by months and years, +but with him all is "one, eternal NOW;" and he goes steadily on, +executing his purposes of love and mercy, without regard to those +points and measures of time which seem so important to us. +We must remember, too, that it takes longer to do some things than others. +A praying woman whose faith was greatly tried, once asked her minister +what this verse meant,--Luke xviii. 8: "I tell you that he will +avenge them SPEEDILY." He replied, "If you make a loaf of bread +in ten minutes, you think you have done your work speedily. +Supposing a steam-engine is to be built. The pattern must be drafted, +the iron brought, the parts cast, fitted, polished, tried,-- +it will take months to complete it, and then you may consider it +SPEEDILY executed. So, when we ask God to do something for us, +he may see a good deal of preparation to be necessary,-- +obstacles are to be removed, stepping-stones to be laid,-- +in the words of the Bible, the rough places are to be made plain, +and the crooked ways straight, before the way of the Lord is prepared, +and he can come directly with the thing we have asked." + +It was thus with Tidy. She kept praying all the time to be free, +but the Lord, who meant to give her a larger and better freedom +than she asked, led her through such rough and crooked paths that she +was quite discouraged, and nearly gave up all for lost. + +This was her painful condition when she was driven, for the first time +in her life, with a gang of men and women to work in the cotton-field. + + +CHAPTER XV. + +COTTON. + +LET us look into a cotton-field; we will take this one of a hundred acres. +The cotton is planted in rows, and requires incessant tillage to secure +a good crop. The weeds and long grass grow so rankly in this warm +climate that great watchfulness and care are required to keep them down. +If there should be much rain during the season, they will spread +so rapidly as perhaps quite to outgrow and ruin the crop. + +Two gangs of laborers work in the field. The plough-gang +go first through the rows, turning up the soil, and are +followed by the hoe-gang, who break out the weeds, and lay +the soil carefully around the roots of the young plants. +This operation has to be repeated again and again; and so important +is it to have it done seasonably that the workers are urged on, +early and late, until the field is in a flourishing condition. +Hot or cold, wet or dry, day and night, sometimes, the poor +creatures have to toil through this busy season. Then there is +a little intermission of the severe labor until the picking time, +when again they are obliged to work incessantly. + +Most of the hoers are women and boys, some of whom do the whole +allotted task; others only a quarter, half, or three quarters, according to +their ability. When the children are first put into the field, +they are only put to quarter tasks, and some of the women are unable +to do more. The bell is rung for them at early dawn, when they rise, +prepare and eat their breakfast, and move down to the field. +Clad in coarse, filthy, and scanty clothing, they drag sullenly along, +and use their implements of labor with a slow, reluctant motion, +that says very plainly, "This work is not for ME. My toil will do ME +no good." Oh, how would freedom, kindness, and good wages spur up +those unwilling toilers! How would the bright faces, the cheerful +words and songs of independent, self-interested, intelligent laborers, +make those fields to rejoice, almost imparting vigor and growth +to the cotton itself! But, alas! it is a sad place, a valley +of sighs and groans and tears and blood, a realm of hate and malice, +of imprecation and wrath, and every fierce and wicked passion. + +A "water-toter" follows each gang with a pail and calabash; +and the negro-driver stands among them with a long whip in his hand, +which he snaps over their heads continually, and lets the lash fall, +with more or less severity, on one and another, shouting and yelling +meanwhile in a furious and brutal manner, as a boisterous teamster +would do to his unruly oxen. + +If the season is wet, the danger to the crop being greater, there is +more necessity for constant toil, and the poor slaves are whipped, +pushed, and driven to the very utmost, and allowed no time to rest. +It is no matter if the old are over-worked, or the young too +hardly pressed, or the feeble women faint under their burdens. +So that a good crop is produced, and the planter can enjoy his luxuries, +it is no consideration that tools are worn out, mules are destroyed, +or the slaves die; more can be bought for next year, and the slaveholder +says it pays to force a crop, though it be at the expense of life +among the hands. + +At noon, the dinner is brought to each gang in a cart. +The hoers stop work only long enough to eat their poor fare standing,-- +and poor fare indeed it is. The corn that is made into bread +is so filled with husks and ground so poorly that it is scarcely +better than the fodder given to the cattle; and the bacon, +if they have any, is badly cured and cooked. But they must eat +that or starve; there is no chance of getting any thing better. +The ploughmen take their dinners in the sheds where the mules are +allowed to rest; and since two hours is usually given these animals, +for rest and foddering, they, of course, must take the same. + +At sunset they leave off work, and, tired and hungry, they have +to prepare their own supper; and after hastily eating it, +at nine o'clock the bell is rung for them to go to bed. +Sundays they are not usually required to work, and some planters +give their slaves a portion of Saturday, in the more leisure season; +and this intermission of field labor is all the opportunity they +have to wash and mend their clothes, or for any enjoyment. +What a sorry life! sixteen hours out of the twenty-four, with a hoe +in the hand, or a heavy cotton sack or basket tied about the neck, +toiling on under the curses and lash of the driver and the overseer. + +Tidy dreaded it. Brought up as she had been, accustomed to comparatively +neat clothing, good food, cheerful associates, and light work, +how could she live here? She felt that she could not long endure it. +Her strength would fail, her task be unfinished, then she must +be punished, and before long, through hard fare, unwearied toil, +and ill usage, she felt that she should die. But there was no help. +Once she had ventured to send an entreaty to her master to take +her back to house service. But he was hardhearted and unrelenting, +and declared with an oath that made her ears tingle that she should +never leave the cotton-field till she died, and there was no power +in heaven or earth that could make him change his determination. +So she hopelessly plodded on, day after day, scorched beneath the hot sun, +and drenched with the pouring rain, weak, faint, and thirsty, +trembling before the coarse shouts, and shrinking from the tormenting + +[illustration omitted] lash of the pitiless driver, sure that her +fate was sealed. + +Was there no eye to pity, and no arm to rescue? Yes, the unseen God, +whose name is love, was leading her still. Through all the dark, +rough places of her life, his kind, invisible hand was laying link +to link in that wondrous chain which was finally to bring her safe +and happy into his own bosom. + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +RESCUE. + +THE slaves on Mr. Turner's plantation had no SABBATH. To be sure, +they were not driven to the field on Sunday, because it was considered +an economic provision to let man and beast rest one day out of the seven. +But they had no church to attend, and never had any meetings +among themselves. Indeed there were no pious ones among them. +The men took the day for sport; the women washed and ironed, +sewed and cooked, and did various necessary chores for themselves +and children, for which they were allowed no other opportunity; +and spent the rest of the day in rude singing, dancing, +and boisterous merriment. + +Tidy could not live as the rest did. She could not forget the instructions +and habits of the past. She preferred to sit up later on Saturday +evening to do the work which others did on Sunday, and when that +day came, she never entered into their coarse gayety and mirth. +She had no heart for it, and did not care though she was reviled +and scoffed at for her particular, pious ways. + +One Sunday afternoon, weary with the noise and rioting at the quarters, +homesick and sad, she wandered away from her hovel, and strolling +down the path which led to the cotton-field, she kept on through +bush and brake and wood until she reached the bank of the river. +Here, where the great Mississippi, the Father of Waters, seemed to +have broken his way through tangled and interminable forests, +she stood and looked out upon the broad stream. It lay like a vast +mirror reflecting the sunlight, its surface only now and then disturbed +by a passing boat or prowling king-fisher. Up and down the bank, +with folded arms and pensive countenance, the toil-worn, weary girl walked, +her soul in unison with the solitude and silence of the place. +Recollections of the past, which continually haunted her, +but which she had of late striven with all her might to banish +from her mind, now rushed like a mighty tide over her. She could +not help thinking of the pleasant Sabbath days in old Virginia, +when she and Mammy Grace were always permitted to go to church; +and of those sunset hours, when, seated in the door of the neat cabin, +she had joined with the old nurse and Uncle Simon in singing +those beautiful hymns they loved so well. How long it was since she +had tried to sing one! Before she was aware, she was humming, +in a low voice, the once familiar words:-- + + "Oh, when shall I see Jesus, + And reign with him above? + And from that flowing fountain + Drink everlasting love?" + +Then, suddenly jumping over all the intervening verses, as if she, +a poor shipwrecked soul, were springing to the cable suddenly thrown +out before her, she burst out in a loud strain,-- + + "Whene'er you meet with trouble + And trials on your way, + Oh, cast your care on Jesus, + And don't forget to pray." + +With what unction Uncle Simon used to pour forth that verse. +It was to him the grand cure-all, the panacea for every heart-trouble; +and over and over again he would sing it, always winding up in his +own peculiar fashion with a quick, jerked-out "Hallelujah! Amen." + +His image rose vividly before Tidy at that moment, and, as the tears +began to roll down her cheeks, she clasped her hands over her face, +and cried, "Oh, I has forgot that. I has forgot to pray." +Then, falling on her knees, she poured forth such an earnest prayer +as had never before, perhaps, been heard in that vast solitude. +Her heart was relieved by this outpouring of her griefs to God, +and she wondered that she had allowed herself, notwithstanding her +sufferings and discouragements, to neglect such a privilege. +It is so sometimes; grief is so overwhelming that it seems to shut +us away from God; but we can never find comfort or relief until we +have pierced through the clouds, and got near to his loving ear and +heart again. Tidy found this true. "And now," she said to herself, +"I WILL keep on praying until he hears me, and comes to help me,-- +I am determined I will." + +But perhaps, thought she, I haven't prayed the right prayer; +perhaps there's something about me that's wrong; and she cried with +a loud voice, that was echoed back again from those forest depths, +"O Lord, tell me just how to pray, that I mayn't make no mistake." + +No sooner had she uttered this petition than she thought she heard +a voice, and these were its words: "Say, 'O Lord, pluck me out +of the fiery brands, and take my feet out of the miry pit, and make +me stand on the everlasting rock; and, O Lord, save my soul.'" +Tidy had heard a great many of her people tell about dreams and visions +and voices, but she had never before had any such experiences. +But this came to her with a reality she could not doubt or resist. +It seemed like a voice from heaven, and she remarked that great stress +was laid upon the last words, "O Lord, SAVE MY SOUL." Hitherto she +had only sought temporal deliverance. She had never been fully +awakened to her condition as a sinner, and had, therefore, never asked +for the salvation of her soul. Now it was strongly impressed upon +her mind that there was something more to be delivered from than +the horrors of the cotton-field. She was a sinner, was not in favor +with God, and if she should die in her present condition, she would +go down to those everlasting burnings which she had always feared. +All this was conveyed to her mind by a sudden impression, in much +shorter time than I can relate it; and at once she accepted it, +and earnestly resolved that she would offer that twofold prayer every +day and hour, till the Lord should be pleased to come for her help. + +Perhaps some of my readers would like to ask if I believe she really +heard a voice. No, I do not. I think it was the Holy Spirit +of God that brought to her mind some of the Scripture expressions +she had formerly heard, and applied them to her heart with power. +This is the peculiar work of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was bidding +farewell to his disciples, he told them he should send the Comforter, +which is the Holy Ghost, who should teach them all things, +and BRING ALL THINGS TO THEIR REMEMBRANCE. I think that God, +in his tender love and pity for Tidy, sent the Holy Ghost to bring +to her remembrance those things which had long been buried in +her heart; and at that tranquil hour, in that still, lonely spot, +when her spirit was tender with sorrow, she was just in the condition +to receive his influences, and give attention to the thoughts +he had stirred up within her. And coming to her perception quickly, +like a flash of light, as truth often does, it seemed to her excited +imagination like an audible voice, and the words had all the effect +upon her of a direct revelation from heaven. + +This striking experience refreshed the poor girl, and nerved her anew +for her toils and trials. She felt hope again dawning within her; +and though she could see no way, she had faith to believe that the Lord +would appear for her rescue. She prayed the new prayer constantly. +It was her first thought in the morning, and her last at night, +and during every moment of the livelong day was in her heart +or on her lips. + +One forenoon, as she was drawing her weary length along with +the accustomed gang, picking the ripe, bursting cotton-bolls, +a messenger arrived to say that she was wanted by the master. +She almost fainted at the summons. What could he want her for? +Surely it was not for good. Was he going to inflict cruelty again +as unmerited as it had before been? She threw off her cotton-sack +from her neck, to obey the summons; but she trembled so that she +could scarcely walk. Her knees smote one against another, +her heart throbbed, and her tongue cleaved to the roof of her mouth +in her excitement and fright. As she drew near to the house, +she perceived her master with haughty strides walking up and down +the veranda, his hands behind him and his head thrown back, his whole +appearance bearing witness to the proud, imperious spirit within. +A gentleman of milder aspect was seated on a chair, intently eying +Tidy as she approached, and she heard him say,-- + +"Can you recommend her, Turner? Do you really think she is capable +of filling the place?" + +"Capable!" said the master. "Take off that bag, and dress her, +and you'll see. TOO smart, that's her fault. YOU'LL see." + +"I like her looks; I'll try her," was the reply; and this was all +the intimation Tidy had that she had been transferred to another master. +Her heart leaped within her at what she heard; but when peremptorily +told to get ready to follow Mr. Meesham, she hesitated. +What for, do you think? Her first impulse was to throw herself +at her master's feet, and ask what had induced him to sell her. +But she dared not. He cast upon her a glance of such spurning +contempt that she cringed before him. But she made up her mind +that God only could have moved that stern, proud man to change +a purpose which he had declared to be inflexible. She was right. +God, who controls all hearts, and can turn them withersoever he pleases, +in answer to prayer, had moved that stubborn heart. + +Thus the first part of Tidy's new prayer was answered. + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +TRUE LIBERTY. + +THE new home of Mr. Meesham was in Mobile. The master was an unmarried +man, who wanted a capable superintendent for his domestic concerns, +a neat, lady-like servant to wait upon his table, a trustworthy +keeper of his keys, a leader and director of his household slaves. +All this he found in Tidy, and when she was promoted to the head +of the establishment, dressed in becoming apparel, with plenty +of food at her command, pleasant, easy work to do, and leisure +enough for rest and enjoyment, perhaps you think she was happy. + +Ah, she was still a slave, and every day she was painfully reminded of it. +She could not exercise her own judgment, nor act according to her own +sense of right. She must walk in the way her master pointed out, +and do his bidding. Whatever comforts she could pick up as she +went along, she was welcome to; but she must have no choice or will +of her own. + +Perhaps you think her gratitude to God for his great deliverance +would make her happy. So it did for a time, and then she forgot +her deliverer, and the still greater blessing she needed to ask of him. +How many there are just like her, who cry to God for help in adversity, +and forget him when the help comes. How many who promise God, +when they are in trouble and danger, that if they are spared they will +serve him, and, when the danger is past, entirely forget their vows. + +Thus it was with Tidy. She had been brought out of the cotton-field, +and the misery that curtained it all round, into circumstances +of plenty and comparative ease; and, rejoicing that the first part +of her prayer was answered, she forgot all about the second and most +important petition, "O Lord, save my soul." + +But God was too faithful to forget it. He allowed her to go on in her own +course a few years longer, and then he laid his hand upon her again. +He prostrated her upon a bed of sickness, and brought her to look death +in the face. Then the Holy Spirit began to deal powerfully with her. +She realized that she was a great sinner. It seemed that she +was standing on the brink of a horrible precipice, and her sins, +like so many tormenting spirits, were ready to cast her headlong +into the abyss of destruction. Whither could she flee for safety? + +She found a Bible and tried to read; but it had been so long since she +had looked into a book that she had almost forgotten what she once knew. +It was impossible for her to read right on as we do; she could only pick +out here and there a word and a sentence. One day she opened the book +and her eye fell on the word "Come." She knew that word very well. +It made her think right away of the hymn, "Come, ye sinners, +poor and needy." She thought she would read on just there, and see +what it said; and imperfectly, and after long endeavors, she made out +this verse, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: +though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; +though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." +Then she glanced at a verse above, "Wash ye, make you clean: +put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; +learn to do well." + +These verses conveyed to her dark, unin-structed mind two very +clear ideas. One was that she was to forsake every thing that +appeared to her like sin, and to do right in future; and the other, +that she was permitted to reason with the Lord about the sins she +had committed; both which she at once resolved to do. + +Her prayer now was changed. Before she had begged, entreated the Lord +to forgive her sins; now she brought arguments. "Am I not a +poor slave, Lord," she cried, "that never has known nothing at all. +I never heard no preaching, I never had nobody to tell me how to be saved. +I have done a good many wicked things, but I didn't know they were +wicked then; and I have left undone many things, but I didn't know +I ought to be so particular to do them. And, Lord, out of your +own goodness and kindness won't you forgive this poor child. +You are so full of love, pity me, pity me, O Lord, and save my poor soul. +I will try to be good. I will try to do right. I'll never, +never dance no more. I'll try to bear all the hard knocks I get, +and I won't be hard on them that's beneath me, and I will pray, +and try to read the Bible, and I'll talk to the rest of the people; +only, Lord, forgive my sins, and take this load off that's breaking +my heart, and make me feel safe and happy, so I won't be afraid +when I die." + +Thus the sick girl prayed with clasped hands upon her bed of pain; +but still her mind was dark. There was no one to tell her of the way +of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Had she never heard +of Jesus? She had heard his name, had sung it in her hymns; +but she imagined it to be another name for the Lord, and had never +heard of the glorious salvation that blessed Name imparts. + +One night, while in this state of distress and perplexity, +Tidy dreamed a dream. She thought she saw the Lord, seated on +a majestic throne, with thousands and ten thousands of shining +angels about him, and she was brought a guilty criminal before him. +Convicted of sin, and not knowing what else to do, she again +commenced pleading in her own behalf, using every argument she +could think of to move the Lord to mercy. There was no answer, +but the great Judge to whom she appealed seemed turned aside +in earnest conversation with one who stood at his right hand, +wearing the human form, but more fair and beautiful than any person +she had ever seen. Then the Lord turned again and looked upon her,-- +and such a look, of pity, of love, of forgiveness and reconciliation! +A sweet peace distilled upon her soul, and joy, such as she +had never felt, sprang up in her bosom. "I am forgiven, +I am accepted!" she cried, "but not for any thing I have said. +This stranger has undertaken my case. He has interceded for me. +I know not what plea he has used, but it has been successful, +and my soul is saved." In this exultation of joy she awoke. + +Yes, her soul WAS free. The plan of salvation had been dimly revealed +to the weeping sinner in the visions of the night. What strange +ways the Lord sometimes takes to reveal his love to his creatures! +But his way is not as our way, and he has ALL means at his control. +Every soul will have an individual history to tell of the revelation +of God's mercy to it. + +Thus the second part of Tidy's long-offered prayer was answered. +From this time she rejoiced in the Lord, and gloried in her +unknown Saviour. Her prayers were changed to praises, and she forgot +that she was a slave in the happiness of her new-found soul-liberty. + + +She kept her Bible at hand, and every now and then picked +out some precious verse; but the long, sweet story of Calvary, +hidden between its covers, she had not yet read. And her voice +found delightful employment in singing the hymns of the olden time, +which came to her now with a meaning they had never had before. +The Lord sent her health of body, and as she returned to her duties, +she tried in all things to be faithful and worthy. + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +CROWNING MERCIES. + +THE Lord had not yet exhausted his love towards Tidy, but was +designing still greater mercies for her. He was going to deliver +her from the thralldom of oppression, and to send her to be further +instructed in his truth, and to bear testimony to his loving-kindness +in another home. + +The master's heart was moved to set her free; and, embarked in a +small vessel, with a New England captain, Tidy found herself at +twenty years of age sailing away from the land of cruel bondage, +to a home where she should know the blessings of freedom. +Her emancipation papers were put into the hands of the captain, +and money to provide for her comfort, with the assurance that while +her master lived she should never want. + +At first she was sick and almost broken-hearted at the change +in her condition. Much as she longed for freedom, she had formed +new ties in her Mobile home, which it was hard for her affectionate +nature to break. She was old enough now to look forward to some +of the difficulties to be encountered in a land of strangers, +seeking employment in unaccustomed ways. But she went to her Bible +as usual in her trouble, and the words which the Angel of the Covenant +addressed to Jacob, when, exiled from his father's house, he made +the stones of Bethel his pillow, came right home refreshingly to her,--"I +am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest." +The soreness at her heart was at once healed, and she cried out, +in deep emotion, "Enough, Lord! Now I have got something to hold +on by, and I will never let it go. When I get into trouble, I shall +come and say, Lord, you remember what you said to me on board ship, +and I know you will keep your promise." + +Thus fortified for her new life, Tidy arrived at New York. The sun +was just setting as she planted her foot on the soil of freedom; +and as his slanting rays fell upon her, she thought of her toiling, +suffering sisters, driven at this hour from labor to misery, +and her heart sickened at the thought. "O God," she cried, +"hasten the day when ALL shall be free." + +Tidy's first experience in this wilderness of delights, where was so +much to be seen, learned, and enjoyed, was a striking one, and proved +how the goodness of God followed her all the days of her life. +It was Saturday evening when she landed. The family with whom +the captain placed her were pious people, and were glad enough +of the opportunity on the morrow of taking an emancipated slave, +who had never been inside a church, to the house of God. It was +a humble, un-pretending edifice where the colored people worshiped, +but to her it was spacious and splendid. How neat and orderly every +thing appeared. Men, women, and children, in their Sunday attire, +walked quietly through the streets, and reverently seated themselves +in the place of worship. The minister ascended the pulpit, +and the singers took their places in the choir. It was communion Sunday, +and the table within the altar was spread for the holy feast. +All these strange and incomprehensible proceedings filled the mind +of Tidy with solemnity and awe. + +The services began. The prayer and reading of the Scripture +seemed to feed her hungry soul as with the bread of life. +Then the congregation arose and sang,-- + + "Alas, and did my Saviour bleed? + And did my Sovereign die? + Would he devote his sacred head + For such a worm as I? + Oh, the Lamb, the loving Lamb, + The Lamb on Calvary; + + The Lamb that was slain, + That liveth again, + To intercede for me." + +All through the hymn she was actually trembling with excitement. +Her whole being was thrilled, her eyes overflowed with tears, +and she could scarcely hold herself up, as verse after verse, +with the swelling chorus, convinced her that they sang the praises +of Him whom she had seen in her dream, who stood between her and +an offended God, and whom, though she knew him not, she loved and +cherished in her inmost soul. Oh, if she could know more about him! + +Her wish was to be gratified. As Paul said to the people +of Athens, "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare +I unto you," so might the preacher of righteousness have said +to this eager listener. He took for his text these words: +"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; +the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we +are healed." Then followed the whole story of the cross,--the reasons +why it was necessary for Jesus to give his life a ransom for many; +the divine love that prompted the sacrifice; the all-sufficiency +of the atonement; and the completeness of Christ's salvation. +He spoke of Jesus as the one accepted Intercessor, Advocate, +and Surety above, and urged his hearers to yield themselves with faith +and love to this faithful and merciful Saviour. + +Tidy sat with her eyes fixed on the speaker, her mouth open +with amazement, and her hands clasped tightly over her heart, +as if to quiet its feverish throbs; and when he had finished, and one +and another in the congregation added an earnest "Amen," "Hallelujah," +and "Praise the Lord," she could keep still no longer. +"'TIS HE," she cried, raising her hands, "'TIS HE; But I never heard +his name before." + +The closing hymn fell with sweet acceptance upon her ear, and calmed, +in some measure, the tumultuous rapture of her spirit:-- + + "Earth has engrossed my love too long! + 'Tis time I lift mine eyes + Upward, dear Father, to thy throne, + And to my native skies. + + "There the blest Man, my Saviour sits; + The God! how bright he shines! + And scatters infinite delights + On all the happy minds. + + *'Seraphs, with elevated strains, + Circle the throne around; + And move and charm the starry plains, + With an immortal sound. + + "Jesus, the Lord, their harps employs; + Jesus, my love, they sing! + Jesus, the life of all our joys, + Sounds sweet from every string. + + "Now let me mount and join their song, + And be an angel too; + My heart, my hand, my ear, my tongue, + Here's joyful work for you. + + "There ye that love my Saviour sit, + There I would fain have place, + Among your thrones, or at your feet, + So I might see his face." + +Is there any thing, dear children, that can penetrate the whole being +with such rapturous joy as the love of Christ? If you have never felt it, +learn to know him that you may experience those "infinite delights" +which he only can pour in upon the soul. + +And now we must take leave of Tidy. She lives still, a hearty, +humble, trusting Christian. She has been led to her true rest in God, +and in him she is secure and happy; "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; +having nothing, and yet possessing all things." + +"I have every thing I want," she says, as she sits beside me, "for God +is my Father, and his children, you know, Missus, inherits the earth." + +"How happens it, then, that you are so poor?" I ask. + +"My Father gives me every thing he sees best for me," is her +beautiful reply. "It wouldn't be good for me to have a great many things. +When I need any thing, I ask him, and he always gives it to me. +I AM PERFECTLY SATISFIED." + + +Dear children, upon this little story-tree two golden apples +of instruction hang, which I want you to pluck and enjoy. +One is, that if God so loved a humble slave-child, and took +such pains to bring her to himself, it is our privilege to feel +the same sympathy and love for this poor despised race. +And this love will draw us two ways: first, towards God, +admiring and praising his infinite goodness and compassion; +and, secondly, towards these prostrate, down-trodden people, +to do all we can, in God's name, and for his dear sake, for their +elevation and instruction. Remember, "Whosoever shall give +to drink unto one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only, +in the name of a disciple,"--that is, through this feeling of love, +of Christian kindness, "he shall in no wise lose his reward." + +The other,--if God so loved this humble slave-child, he has the same +love towards every one of you. Will you not yield yourselves +to his control, and let his various loving-kindnesses draw you +too to himself? + + + +OLD DINAH JOHNSON. + +ONE day little Henry Wallace came to his mother's side, as she was +sitting at her work, and, after standing thoughtfully a few moments, +he looked up in her face and said: + +"Ma, how many heavens are there?" + +"Only one, my child," replied his mother, looking up from her work +with surprise at such a question. "What made you ask me that?" + +"Isn't there but one?" inquired Henry, with a little sort of trouble +in his voice. "Then, will Dinah Johnson go to the same heaven we do?" + +"Certainly, my dear; for heaven is one glorious temple, and God +is the light of it; and into it will be gathered all those who love +the Lord Jesus Christ, to dwell in his presence, in fullness of joy, +for ever. But Henry, my darling, why did you ask such a question? +Don't you want poor old Dinah to go to the same heaven that we do?" + +"Oh, yes, mamma, I love Dinah, and I want her to go to our heaven; +but last Sunday papa told me that the angels were every one fair +and beautiful, and Jacob Sanders says Dinah is a homely old darkey. +Now, how can she change, mamma?" + +Henry's mother saw at once where the difficulty lay in her little +boy's mind; so, putting aside her work, she took the child up +on her knee, and explained the matter to him. + +"Henry," said she, "I am sorry to hear that Jacob Sanders calls +Dinah a darkey; for those who are so unfortunate as to have a +black skin don't like to be called that or any other bad name. +They have trouble enough without that, and I hope you will never, +never do it. They like best to be called colored persons, +and we should always try to please them. We should pity them, +and try to relieve their sorrows, and not increase them. +Don't you think so?" + +"Yes, ma, and I do love Dinah, and I don't care if she isn't white, +like you." + +"Neither does God, our heavenly Father, care, Henry, about the color +of the skin. The Bible says, 'God is no respecter of persons; +but in every nation, he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, +is accepted with him.' God looks at the soul more than at the body. +Nothing colors THE SOUL but sin. That stains and blackens it all over, +and only the blood of Jesus Christ can wash it pure and white again. +But every soul that has been washed and made white in the blood of +the Lamb will be welcomed into heaven, with songs of great rejoicing; +and all will dwell together in peace and purity, and love and great +happiness for ever. + +"Poor old Dinah is one of God's dear children. She loves the dear +Saviour very much, and tries in every way to please and honor him; +and she is looking forward with great pleasure to the time when she shall +drop that infirm, old, black body, and be clothed with light as an angel. +I shall be glad for her,--sha'n't you, darling?" + +"Yes, indeed, mamma,--so glad;" and the little boy's mind was +henceforth at rest on that point. + +But I must tell my readers who old Dinah Johnson was. +Once she was a slave; but when she had become so old that her busy +head and hands and feet could do no more service for her master, +he had set her free. Of course, she was glad to be free,-- +to feel that she could go where she liked, and do as she pleased, +and keep all the money she could earn for herself. +Precious little it was, though, for her sight was growing dim, +and her hands and feet were all distorted with rheumatism; and what +with pains and poverty and old age, her strength was fast wasting. +But she was happy, really happy. + +If you could have looked upon her, though, you wouldn't have supposed +she had any thing to be happy about. With a skin black as night, +hair gray and scanty, her face was as homely as homely could be, +and her limbs were weak and tottering. The old, unpainted house +she lived in shook and creaked with every blast of the wintry wind, +and the snow drifted in at every crack and crevice. Her furniture +was very poor, and her food mean. But it is not what we see outside +that makes people happy. Oh, no; happiness springs from the inside. +The fountain is in the heart, from which the streams of joy +and gladness flow. + +With all her homeliness and poverty, old Dinah was a jewel in +the sight of the Lord. He had graven her upon the palm of his hand, +and written her name in the book of life; and she was treasured +as a precious child in his loving heart. The name of the Lord was +precious to her, also; they were bound together in a covenant of love. +Of course, she was happy. + +Her heavenly Friend never forgot her. He sent many a one to bring +her work and money and fuel and clothes. She was never without +her bread and water,--you know the Lord has told his children +that their "BREAD and WATER shall be SURE,"--and almost always she +had a little tea and sugar in the cupboard. At Thanksgiving time, +many a good basket-full of pies and chickens found their way +to her humble door; and when she had received them, she would raise +her hands and eyes to heaven, and thank the Lord for his goodness, +and ask for a blessing upon the kind hearts that sent the gifts. +She did not always know who they were, but she was sure she should +see them and love them in heaven. + +The only thing that seemed to trouble old Dinah was that she couldn't +help others; that she couldn't do any thing for her Lord and Saviour. +"I am so black and ugly," she would say, "and so old and lame and poor, +that I a'n't fit to speak to any body; but I'll pray, I'll pray." +She managed to hobble to church; and there, from her high seat in +the gallery,--poor colored people must always have the highest seats +in the house of God,--she could look all around the congregation. +She took especial notice of the young men and women that came +into church; and what do you think she did? Why, she would select +this one and that one to pray for, that they might be converted. +She would find out their names, and something about them; and then +she would ask God, a great many times every day, that he would send +his Holy Spirit to them, and give them new hearts. They didn't know +any thing about her, of course, nor what she was doing. By and by, +she would hear the glad news that they had come to Christ. Then she +would choose others. These were converted, too; and by and by there +was a great revival in the church, and many sinners were saved. +After a time, there came a large crowd to join the church, +and number themselves among the Lord's people; and poor old Dinah +saw twelve young men, and several young women stand up in the aisle +that day, and give themselves publicly to God, whom she had picked +out and prayed for in this way. Oh, she was so happy, then! +Her old eyes overflowed with tears of joy, and she couldn't stop +thanking and praising God. + +Now this was the good old creature that Henry Wallace thought +might have to go to another heaven, because her skin was black. +Do YOU think God would need to make another heaven for her? +No, indeed. But I'll tell you, dear children, what I think. +If there is a place in heaven higher and nearer God than another, +that's the place where poor old Dinah will be found at last. +I think that those who love God most, whether they are black or white, +rich or poor, learned or ignorant, refined or rude, will stand +the nearest to him in heaven. I am sure there was such warm love +between her and the Saviour, that he will not want her to be far away +from him in that bright world. He will call her up close to his side, +and look upon her with sweet, affectionate smiles all the time. +And many a one will wonder, perhaps, who that can be, so favored, +so distinguished. They will never imagine it to be the glorified body +of a poor, old, black slave, from such a wretched home,--will they? + +If there are TWO heavens, I would like to be admitted to hers,-- +wouldn't you? + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Etext of Step by Step; or Tidy's Way to Freedom + diff --git a/old/old/tidys11.zip b/old/old/tidys11.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d4c664b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/old/tidys11.zip |