“Yes: they hate a black man worse than pizen,” said he.
“Have you any colored family in your neighborhood?” I inquired.
“We have,” said he, “a family about, four miles from here.”
“Are they very black?” I asked.
“Yes: as black as tar,” said he.
“Now,” said I, “my friend, I can put you in the way of selling your pew, and for its worth, or near what it cost you.”
“If you can, I’ll give you half I get,” he replied.
“Get that colored family, every one of them, take them to church, don’t miss a single Sunday; and, my word for it, in less than four weeks, they, the church-folks, will make you an offer,” said I.
An arrangement was made with Mr. Spencer, the black man, by which himself, wife, and two sons, were to attend church four successive Sabbaths; for which, they were to receive in payment a hog. The following Sunday, Mason’s pew was the centre of attraction. From the moment that the Spencer Family arrived at the church, till the close of the afternoon service, the eyes of the entire congregation were turned towards “the niggers.” Early on Monday, Mr. Mason was called upon by the “pillar,” who said, “I’ve concluded to give you ten dollars’ worth of manure for your pew, Mr. Mason.”
“I can’t sell it for that,” was the reply. “I ask fifty dollars for my pew; and I guess Mr. Spencer will take it, if he likes the preaching,” continued the abolitionist.