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young serving-girl, whom her father had bought, about a year before, of the master of a Scotch vessel, and who had been sold to pay the cost of her passage, to come to her. She asked her if she had aught to complain of in her situation.
The poor girl looked surprised, but said she had not. ‘Are you content to live as a servant?’
asked Rebecca.
‘Would you leave me if you could?’
She here fell a-weeping, begging her mistress not to speak of her leaving.
‘But if I should tell you that you are free to go or stay, as you will, would you be glad or sorry?’
queried her mistress.
The poor girl was silent.
‘I do not wish you to leave me, Effie,’ said Rebecca, ‘but I wish you to know that you are from henceforth free, and that if you serve me hereafter, as I trust you will, it will be in love and good will, and for suitable wages.’
The bondswoman did not at the first comprehend the design of her mistress, but, on hearing it explained once more, she dropped down on her knees, and clasping Rebecca, poured forth her thanks after the manner of her people; whereupon Rebecca, greatly moved, bade her rise, as she had only done what the Scriptures did require, in giving to her servant that which is just and equal.
‘How easy it is to make others happy, and ourselves also!’
she said, turning to me, with the tears shining in her eyes.
August 8, 1678.
Elnathan Stone, who died two days ago, was buried this afternoon.
A very solemn funeral,— Mr. Richardson preaching a sermon from the 23d 