Father of Lights, and was, with Respect to him, the First-Fruit of the
Display of Gospel-Glory? His long and perilous Journey to the Coast of
Guinea, where he was sold for a Slave, and so brought into a Christian
Land; shall we consider this as the alone Effect of a curious and
inquisitive Disposition? Shall we in accounting for it refer to nothing
higher than mere Chance and accidental Circumstances? Whatever Infidels
and Deists may think; I trust the Christian Reader will easily discern
an All-wise and Omnipotent Appointment and Direction in these Movements.
He belong'd to the Redeemer of lost Sinners; he was the Purchase of his
Cross; and therefore the Lord undertook to bring him by a Way that he
knew not, out of Darkness into his marvellous Light, that he might lead
him to a saving Heart-Acquaintance and Union with the triune God in
Christ reconciling the World unto himself; and not imputing their
Trespasses. As his Call was very extraordinary, so there are certain
Particulars exceedingly remarkable in his Experience. God has put
singular Honour upon him in the Exercise of his Faith and Patience,
which in the most distressing and pitiable Trials and Calamities have
been found to the Praise and Glory of God. How deeply must it affect a
tender Heart, not only to be reduc'd to the last Extremity himself, but
to have his Wife and Children perishing for Want before his Eyes! Yet
his Faith did not fail him; he put his Trust in the Lord, and he was
delivered. And at this Instant, though born in an exalted Station of
Life, and now under the Pressure of various afflicting Providences, I am
persuaded (for I know the Man) he would rather embrace the Dung-hill,
having Christ in his Heart, than give up his spiritual Possessions and
Enjoyment, to fill the Throne of Princes. It perhaps may not be amiss to
observe that James Albert left his native Country, (as near as I can
guess from certain Circumstances) when he was about 15 Years old. He now
appears to be turn'd of Sixty; has a good natural Understanding; is well
acquainted with the Scriptures, and the Things of God, has an amiable