I had, for a considerable time, been accustomed to meet some serious persons once a week, in a cottage at no great distance from the house where he lived, for the purpose of religious conversation, instruction, and prayer. Having found these occasions remarkably useful and interesting to myself and others, I thought it would be very desirable to take the African there, in order that there might be many witnesses to the simplicity and sincerity of real Christianity, as exhibited in the character of this promising young convert. I hoped it might prove an eminent means of grace to excite and quicken the spirit of prayer and praise among some over whose spiritual progress I was anxiously watching. It was known that the African was to visit the little society this evening, and satisfaction beamed in every countenance as I took him by the hand and introduced him among them, saying, "I have brought a brother from Africa to see you, my friends. Bid him welcome in the name of the Lord." "Sir," said a humble and pious laborer, whose heart and tongue always overflowed with Christian kindness, "we are at all times glad to see our dear minister, but especially so to-day, in such company as you have brought with you. We have heard how gracious the Lord has been to him. Give me your hand, good friend," turning to the African; "God be with you here and everywhere; and blessed be His holy name for calling wicked sinners, as I hope He has done you and me, to love and serve Him for His mercy's sake." Each one greeted him as he came into the house, and some addressed him in very kind and impressive language. "Massa," said he, "I not know what to say to all these good friends; I think this looks like little heaven upon earth." He then, with tears in his eyes, which, almost before he spoke, brought responsive drops into those of all present, said: "Good friends and brethren in Christ Jesus, God bless you all, and bring you to heaven at last." After some time passed in more general conversation on the subject of the African's history, I said, "Let us now praise God for the rich and unspeakable gift of His grace, and sing the hymn of 'redeeming love,' "'Now begin the heavenly theme, Sing aloud in Jesus' name,'" etc. which was accordingly done. Whatever might be the merit of the natural voices, it was plain there was melody in all their hearts. The African was not much used to our way of singing, yet joined with great earnestness and affection, which showed how truly he felt what was uttered. When the fifth verse was ended-- "Nothing brought Him from above, Nothing but redeeming love"-- he repeated the words, almost unconscious where he was. "No, nothing, nothing but redeeming love bring Him down to poor William; nothing but redeeming love." The following verses were added, and sung by way of conclusion: