were persecuted, but who ever heard of a citizen of the United States
being persecuted because he was a follower of Jesus! But slaves in the
South were persecuted and punished severely for preaching the gospel of
Christ, not on that very account probably, but because it would teach
the slaves obedience to a higher power than the inhuman laws of the
southern states as they then existed. Paul was persecuted for preaching
the redemption of mankind through the blood of the Savior, by pagans and
gentiles. I was persecuted for the same reasons by the slave-owners of
the South, and for endeavoring to lead the benighted blacks to Jesus.
There seems to be some likeness in the positions of Paul and myself. I
felt that was the case, at any rate.

My mind was distressed with the fear that I was being sent to Memphis
only to be sold to the highest bidder. After addressing the throne of
God for help and deliverance I felt relieved, and determined that, come
what would, I would use my best talents and exertions for my heavenly
Master wherever I might be. Relieved, I set about making preparations
for my trip to Memphis, with a prayerful heart. Two of us were going in
company, each with a load of cotton. We started on Monday morning, and
traveled along without unusual trouble or delay for three days over
hilly and rough roads, when we camped for the night within a mile of
Holly Springs, in Mississippi, and about fifty-five miles from home.

It will be remembered that uncle Ben was sold by Wilson to a man who
lived in and near Holly Springs. I was anxious to see uncle Ben, if
possible, and began making inquiries regarding his whereabouts. A
colored man came along the road, driving a team, of whom I inquired.
After a little time he said a preacher named Ben Harris lived in a house
close by, at the same time pointing to it. Upon further inquiries I
learned that Ben had taken another wife. This may seem rather criminal,