INTRODUCTION.

Ever since the GOD of truth was pleased to open my blind eyes, and Lead me to the knowledge of the truth, I have often meditated upon my Life past, and how the divine providence of GOD, has delivered, and preserved, such a worthless creature as I out of divers dangers: I therefore think it proper and useful to take my pen, and give a short account of my Life, and my calling to the knowledge of the true and living GOD, hoping that by the Blessing of the Eternal JEHOVAH, it may be made useful to those who Love to meditate upon the mysterious ways of the wonder working GOD.

I was born in the once proud and haughty Island of St. Domingo, in the Parish of St. Rose, of Ancient and respectable parents. My Father and Mother, were the most accomplished union according to their Religion and ways of worshiping; they were equal in fortune, for they had each a plantation, when united together made them an exceeding good livelihood.

But I have not taken my pen for to write my parents History, but my own: here then my narration shall begin. In the year one thousand seven-hundred and eighty-three, the Sixth of September, betwixt eight and nine o'Clock in the morning I was brought forth into a World of troubles, and was baptised the twenty-fourth of November in the same year, by Father Julien Capuchin Missionary Curate; and had for God-father my Mother's Brother, and for God-mother my Father's Sister.

From the day that I was born, I never enjoyed a good state of health; for I was so weak and Sickly, that I looked more like a Spectre than a human creature; for my Death was daily and Hourly expected, in me was seen the very picture of Death: I was in that situation till I attained my seventh year; when I was forced to leave a Mother by whom I was dearly loved, and a Father that cherished me above all earthly creatures.

For one Morning I yet very well remember, (though I did not expect it,) my Father called me and my two eldest Brothers also, and lead us into my Mother's chamber, where I saw her weeping bitterly: when there I could not help asking her what was the matter that she was crying so; she made no reply but by sighs and tears; when in a sympathetic manner she took me up in her arms and pressed me with tenderness to her bosom and bedewed my innocent face with tears; it was with great difficulty that she consented to let me go; and then she kissed my Brothers in the like manner, when we left her to sooth her sorrows, and to console herself to the loss: in the mean time my Father handed us into our coach, and gave orders to drive away to Town.

I was some time silent, effected by this sudden change; when looking through the window of the coach, I saw both my little Sisters stretching out their arms as if it were to bid me the last Adieu; the scene was so affecting, that I could not restrain myself but to ask my Father where we were going to; (for I did not know any thing about that sudden journey.) He satisfied me, by saying, that he was sending us into France for our education, and that he would spare no expence to give us a good one.

In the afternoon we reached the Town, and alighted at the Crown-Hotel: my Father being not well in health, we were obliged to delay our voyage for the space of three weeks; and when the appointed time was come to separate us from a Father dear and tender, I was taken very ill, in which state I remained for some days; at the same time the Captain of the Ship came to let my Father know that he could not wait any longer, and that he was to weigh Anchor the next day. My Father, though very ill, said, "well, they shall be ready to go with you to-morrow." (I was then but indifferent in health.)

The most affecting parting took place, he took us by the hand and led us to the Sea-side where we were to embark, and said, in the most pathetic manner.—"My most beloved Children! the time is now come that you must be parted from a Father, by whom you are dearly loved; receive for the last time from my almost dead lips, the pledge and tenderness of my love towards you; for I know I shall never live to see you again, so take the last parting of your Father, for you shall never see him any more; to day is the last time that you will behold the Author of your days: my duty forced me to send you into France, and your education will be a friend to you when in distress."