A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, as Related by HimselfGronniosaw, James Albert Ukawsaw
Religion
A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, as Related by Himself
Gronniosaw, James Albert Ukawsaw
Autobiographies; Christian biography; Gronniosaw, James Albert Ukawsaw
I began now to entertain a very different idea of the inhabitants of
England than what I had figur'd to myself before I came amongst
them.--Mr. Whitefield receiv'd me very friendly, was heartily glad to
see me, and directed me to a proper place to board and lodge in
Petticoat-Lane, till he could think of some way to settle me in, and
paid for my lodging, and all my expences. The morning after I came to my
new lodging, as I was at breakfast with the gentlewoman of the house, I
heard the noise of some looms over our heads: I enquir'd what it was;
she told me a person was weaving silk.--I express'd a great desire to
see it, and ask'd if I might: She told me she would go up with me; she
was sure I should be very welcome. She was as good as her word, and as
soon as we enter'd the room, the person that was weaving look'd about,
and smiled upon us, and I loved her from that moment.--She ask'd me many
questions, and I in turn talk'd a great deal to her. I found she was a
member of Mr. Allen's Meeting, and I begun to entertain a good opinion
of her, though I was almost afraid to indulge this inclination, least
she should prove like all the rest I had met with at Portsmouth, &c. and
which had almost given me a dislike to all white women.--But after a
short acquaintance I had the happiness to find she was very different,
and quite sincere, and I was not without hope that she entertain'd some
esteem for me. We often went together to hear Dr. Gifford, and as I had
always a propensity to relieve every object in distress as far as I was
able, I used to give to all that complain'd to me; sometimes half a
guinea at a time, as I did not understand the real value of it.--This
gracious, good woman took great pains to correct and advise me in that
and many other respects.
After I had been in London about six weeks I was recommended to the
notice of some of my late Master Mr. Freelandhouse's acquaintance, who
had heard him speak frequently of me. I was much persuaded by them to go
to Holland.--My Master lived there before he bought me, and used to
speak of me so respectfully among his friends there, that it raised in
them a curiosity to see me; particularly the Gentlemen engaged in the
Ministry, who expressed a desire to hear my experience and examine me. I
found that it was my good old Master's design that I should have gone if
he had lived; for which reason I resolved upon going to Holland, and
informed my dear friend Mr. Whitefield of my intention; he was much
averse to my going at first, but after I gave him my reasons appeared
very well satisfied. I likewise informed my Betty (the good woman that I
have mentioned above) of my determination to go to Holland and I told
her that I believed she was to be my Wife: that if it was the LORD's
Will I desired it, but not else.--She made me very little answer, but
has since told me, she did not think it at that time.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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