"True," observed Newton; "and the time may not be far distant."
"That it is impossible to calculate upon. He worketh by His own means, which are inscrutable. It was not the cause of virtue, but a desire that vice might be less trammelled, which introduced the Reformation in England. The more we attempt to interfere with the arrangements of the Almighty, the more we shall make evident our own folly and blindness, and His unsearchable and immutable wisdom.—Good-night, my boy."
Chapter XV
"Lucy—Are all these wretches slaves?
Stanley—All sold, they and their posterity, all slaves.
Lucy—O! miserable fortune!
Bland—Most of them know no better, but were
Born so, and only change their masters."
Oroonoko
The party were up at an early hour on the ensuing morning, that they might enjoy the delightful freshness of the air, which so soon evaporates before the scorching rays of the tropical sun. They were joined at breakfast by the doctor who attended the estate, and who had called in to announce the birth of a little negro boy in the early part of the night.
"Who did you say, doctor?" answered the planter, "Mattee Sally? Why, I thought Jane Ascension was in advance of her."
"They were running it neck and neck, sir," replied the surgeon.
"How is she—quite hearty?"
"Quite, sir; but very anxious about the child's name, and requests to speak with you as soon as you have breakfasted."
"We will go to her. You have no idea," observed the planter to Mr Berecroft and Newton, "what importance these people attach to the naming of their children. Nothing but a fine long name will satisfy them. I really believe, that if I refused her, or called the boy Tom, she would eat dirt. I believe we have all done: Boy Jack, bring the sangoree. Doctor, I daresay that your clay wants moistening, so take the first pull."