had gone astray that they were afflicted, and that their affliction
was designed to call them back to duty. They were at length persuaded
of their error, and praised God that he had loved them so much as to
chastise them. They now strove to serve God with all their hearts.
They listened to me when I told them that they should instruct their
children in religion on every proper occasion, both when they sat in
the house and when they walked by the way. The youth of that family
became at length distinguished throughout the island for every
virtuous and amiable quality.

But what did more to make religion respected in that house, was the
practice of family prayer. I was brought out night and morning, and
permitted to speak before all the family, which was seated around the
room in a respectful and attentive attitude. I seldom spoke with more
effect than on these occasions. I addressed every member of the family
in their turn. I commanded the parents to treat their children with
mildness, and the children to obey their parents. I told the little
ones that Christ took little children in his arms and blessed them;
and bade the servants do their duty to their master, and the master to
be kind to his servants. And when my instructions were finished, all
in the house united in singing a hymn to God; and I believe they
sometimes made melody in their hearts. When they had sung, my master
would kneel and offer up a humble prayer to God. These exercises
caused harmony to prevail throughout a numerous family. I observed
also that although the inhabitants of the island did not relish my
master's piety, yet he every day obtained more and more of their
respect, as his piety increased.

I have lived many years, and have seen all those children grown up (I
believe through my instructions) in the fear of the Lord. I was by the