Alfred H. Stone Collection
Volume: 50

8. The Praying Negro (Andover, MA: Flagg & Gould, 1818). (4 p.)

Account of a business man who came upon an old woman, a slave, praying by herself under a large oak tree as he traveled through a remote part of the state. “That part of her prayer, which I distinctly heard, was confined to herself and her master. For her master, she said, O Lord, bless my master. When he calls upon thee to damn his soul, do not hear him, do not hear him, but hear me—save him—make him know he is wicked, and he will pray to thee. For herself, she said, I am afraid, O Lord, I have wished him bad wishes in my heart—keep me from wishing him bad—though he whips me and beats me sore, tell me of my sins, and make me pray more to thee—make me more glad for what thou hast done for me, a poor negro.” The traveler was much impressed by the woman’s prayer and thought her humility inspirational. He concludes his reflections as follows. “When I survey my past life, and particularly my conduct towards those who have offended me, I tremble, notwithstanding all my hopes, lest when I come to be weighed in the balance of eternal truth, I shall be found wanting the meek and holy temper of this poor slave.”