FRIENDS, IN CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.--REMOVAL TO NEW YORK--BECOMES A
CONVERT TO RELIGION--BECOMES A TEACHER.


On leaving W.W., I wended my way in deep sorrow and melancholy, onward
towards Philadelphia, and after travelling two days and a night, I found
shelter and employ in the family of J.K., another member of the Society of
Friends, a farmer.

The religious atmosphere in this family was excellent. Mrs. K. gave me the
first copy of the Holy Scriptures I ever possessed, she also gave me much
excellent counsel. She was a preacher in the Society of Friends; this
occasioned her with her husband to be much of their time from home. This
left the charge of the farm upon me, and besides put it out of their power
to render me that aid in my studies which my former friend had. I,
however, kept myself closely concealed, by confining myself to the limits
of the farm, and using all my leisure time in study. This place was more
secluded, and I felt less of dread and fear of discovery than I had
before, and although seriously embarrassed for want of an instructor, I
realized some pleasure and profit in my studies. I often employed myself
in drawing rude maps of the solar system, and diagrams illustrating the
theory of solar eclipses. I felt also a fondness for reading the Bible,
and committing chapters, and verses of hymns to memory. Often on the
Sabbath when alone in the barn, I would break the monotony of the hours by
endeavouring to speak, as if I was addressing an audience. My mind was
constantly struggling for thoughts, and I was still more grieved and
alarmed at its barrenness; I found it gradually freed from the darkness
entailed by slavery, but I was deeply and anxiously concerned how I should
fill it with useful knowledge. I had a few books, and no tutor.