he had lived; for which reason I resolved upon going to Holland, and
informed my dear friend Mr. Whitefield of my intention; he was much
averse to my going at first, but after I gave him my reasons appeared
very well satisfied. I likewise informed my Betty (the good woman that I
have mentioned above) of my determination to go to Holland and I told
her that I believed she was to be my Wife: that if it was the LORD's
Will I desired it, but not else.--She made me very little answer, but
has since told me, she did not think it at that time.

I embarked at Tower-wharf at four o'clock in the morning, and arriv'd at
Amsterdam the next day by three o'clock in the afternoon. I had several
letters of recommendation to my old master's friends, who receiv'd me
very graciously. Indeed, one of the chief Ministers was particularly
good to me; he kept me at his house a long while, and took great
pleasure in asking questions, which I answer'd with delight, being
always ready to say, _"Come unto me all ye that fear GOD, and I will
tell what he hath done for my Soul."_ I cannot but admire the footsteps
of Providence; astonish'd that I should be so wonderfully preserved!
Though the Grandson of a King, I have wanted bread, and should have been
glad of the hardest crust I ever saw. I who, at home, was surrounded and
guarded by slaves, so that no indifferent person might approach me, and
clothed with gold, have been inhumanly threatened with death; and
frequently wanted clothing to defend me from the inclemency of the
weather; yet I never murmured, nor was I discontented.--I am willing,
and even desirous to be counted as nothing, a stranger in the world,
and a pilgrim here; for _"I know that my Redeemer liveth,"_ and I'm
thankful for every trial and trouble that I've met with, as I am not
without hope that they have been all sanctified to me.

The Calvinist Ministers desired to hear my Experience from myself, which