The fact that colored men born a few years later than himself were free, by the act of gradual emancipation, while he was compelled to remain in bondage, had long been a source of uneasiness; and increase of knowledge by no means increased his contentment.  Having come to the conclusion that slavery was utterly unjust, he resolved not to submit to it any longer.  In the year 1802, when he was about thirty-three years of age, he took occasion to inform his master that he could read the New Testament.  When he observed that he was glad to hear it, James replied, “But in the course of my reading I have discovered that it would be a sin for me to serve you as a slave any longer”.

“Aye?” said his master.  “Pray tell me how you made that discovery.”

“Why, the New Testament says we must do as we would be done by,” replied James.  “Now if I submit to let you do by me, as you would not be willing I should do by you, I am as bad as you are.  If you will give me a paper that will secure my freedom at the end of seven years, I will serve you faithfully during that time; but I cannot consent to be a slave any longer.”

His master refused to consent to this proposition.  James then asked permission to go to sea till he could earn money enough to buy his freedom; but this proposal was likewise promptly rejected.

“You will get nothing by trying to keep me in slavery,” said James; “for I am determined to be free.  I shall never make you another offer.”

He walked off, and his master applied for a warrant to arrest him, and commit him to prison, as a disobedient and refractory slave.  When he had been in jail a month, he called to see him, and inquired whether he were ready to return home and go to work.

“I am at home,” replied James.  “I expect to end my days here.  I never will serve you again as a slave, or pay you one single cent.  What do you come here for?  There is no use in your coming.”

The master was greatly provoked by this conduct, and requested the inspectors to have him put in the cells and kept on short allowance, till he learned to submit.  Isaac T. Hopper was one of the board; and as the question was concerning a colored man, they referred it to him.  Accordingly, the blacksmith sought an interview with him, and said, “Jim has been a faithful industrious fellow; but of late he has taken it into his head that he ought to be free.  He strolled off and refused to work, and I had him put in prison.  When I called to see him he insulted me grossly, and positively refused to return to his business.  I have been referred to you to obtain an order to confine him to the cells on short allowance, till he submits.”

Friend Hopper replied, “I have been long acquainted with Jim.  I was one of his teachers; and I have often admired his punctuality in attending school, and his patient industry in trying to learn.”

“It has done him no good to learn to read,” rejoined the master.  “On the contrary, it has made him worse.”