The young Englishman seemed surprised at such a show of talent. He
saw the humble position of the old man, his want of early
instruction, and his anxiety to be enlightened. "How singular!" he
ejaculated, "to hear property preach, and know so much of the Bible,
too! People in my country would open their eyes with surprise." The
young man had been educated in an atmosphere where religion was
prized-where it was held as a sacred element for the good of man.
His feelings were tenderly susceptible; the scene before him
awakened his better nature, struck deep into his mind. He viewed it
as a cruel mockery of Christianity, a torture of innocent nature,
for which man had no shame. He saw the struggling spirit of the old
negro contending against wrong,--his yearnings for the teachings of
Christianity, his solicitude for Marston's good. And he saw how man
had cut down the unoffending image of himself-how Christian
ministers had become the tyrant's hand-fellow in the work of
oppression. It incited him to resolution; a project sprung up in his
mind, which, from that day forward, as if it had been a new
discovery in the rights of man, he determined to carry out in
future, for the freedom of his fellows.

Harry, in accordance with Bob's advice, chose the latter text. For
some minutes he expounded the power of divine inspiration, in his
simple but impressive manner, being several times interrupted by the
Deacon, who assumed the right of correcting his philosophy. At
length, Marston interrupted, reminding him that he had lost the
"plantation gauge." "You must preach according to the Elder's rule,"
said he.

With a submissive stare, Harry replied: "Mas'r, a man what lives