Each one greeted him as he came into the house, and some addressed him in very kind and impressive language.
"Massa," said he, "I not know what to say to all these good friends; I think this looks like little heaven upon earth."
He then, with tears in his eyes, which, almost before he spoke, brought responsive drops into those of all present, said:
"Good friends and brethren in Christ Jesus, God bless you all, and bring you to heaven at last."
After some time passed in more general conversation on the subject of the African's history, I said, "Let us now praise God for the rich and unspeakable gift of His grace, and sing the hymn of 'redeeming love,'
"'Now begin the heavenly theme,
Sing aloud in Jesus' name,'" etc.
which was accordingly done. Whatever might be the merit of the natural voices, it was plain there was melody in all their hearts.
The African was not much used to our way of singing, yet joined with great earnestness and affection, which showed how truly he felt what was uttered. When the fifth verse was ended—
"Nothing brought Him from above,