Dangers without and fears within?
Since we assembled last.
But out of all the Lord
Hath brought us by his love;
And still he doth his help afford,
And hides our lives above.”
While they were singing, the mighty power of God filled my frame like electricity, so that whereas I had before been hungry and weak, I now felt the strength of a giant; I could no longer restrain my feelings.
This was Sunday morning, and the family started soon after breakfast for the Methodist church, which was three miles distant, taking my friend and leaving me locked up in the house, for my limbs were so swollen that it was deemed advisable that I should rest during the day. Four others accompanied them on their return, towards one of whom my heart leaped for joy as soon as I saw him, for I felt that he was a servant of the Most High. He instantly grasped my hand, saying, “Have you faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?” I answered in the affirmative, when he continued, “Well, God has brought you thus far, and he will conduct you safely to the land of freedom.”
After dinner and a round of prayers, we started on our way, these friends accompanying us. We were supposed to be some of their neighbors, whom, having been with them to church, they were accompanying homeward. They continued with us until dark, taking us through fields and by-paths. When they left us, they said we were within two nights’ travel of the Pennsylvania line, but cautioned us against one dangerous place, which having passed, we should probably have little more to fear.
This was a large two storied white house standing near the road, about two rods from which stood a barn thatched with rye straw. The owner’s business was to catch slaves, for which purpose he kept well trained dogs, who having once got on our track, would follow for miles, and the master would shoot us if we did not surrender, therefore we should be careful to avoid this place, in particular.