on the plantation who claimed to be called to do service for God, by teaching their fellow men the principles of religion.  God certainly must have revealed himself to these poor souls, for they were very ignorant—­they did not know a letter of the Bible.  But when they opened their mouths they were filled, and the plan of Salvation was explained in a way that all could receive it.  It was always a mystery to the white brethren how the slaves could line out hymns, preach Christ and redemption, yet have no knowledge even of how the name of Christ was spelled.  They were illiterate to the last degree, so there is but one theory, they were inspired.  God revealed unto them just what they should teach their flock, the same as he did to Moses.  I remember very well that there was always a solemnity about the services—­a certain harmony, which had a peculiar effect—­a certain pathetic tone which quickened the emotions as they sang those old plantation hymns.  It mattered not what their troubles had been during the week—­how much they had been lashed, the prayer-meeting on Saturday evening never failed to be held.  Their faith was tried and true.  On Sunday afternoons, they would all congregate again to praise God, and the congregation was enthusiastic.  It was pathetic to hear them pray, from the depths of their hearts, for them who “despitefully used them and persecuted them.”  This injunction of our Saviour was strictly adhered to.  The words that came from the minister were always of a consolatory kind.  He knew the crosses of his fellow slaves and their hardships, for he had shared them himself.  I was always touched in hearing him give out the hymns.  I can hear old Uncle Ben now, as he solemnly worded out the following lines: 

     Must I be carried to the skies,
       On flowery beds of ease,
     While others fought to win the prize,
       And sailed through bloody seas?

After singing he would always speak to them of the necessity for patience in bearing the crosses, urging them to endure “as good soldiers.”  Many tears were shed, and many glad shouts of praise would burst forth during the sermon.  A hymn usually followed the sermon, then all retired.  Their faces seemed to shine with a happy light—­their very countenance showed that their souls had been refreshed and that it had been “good for them to be there.”  These meetings were the joy and comfort of the slaves, and even those who did not profess Christianity were calm and thoughtful while in attendance.

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A NEIGHBORHOOD QUARREL