I would add, that on inquiry of the pious slaves engaged in these mines, I found that the blind old man had a fair reputation for piety, and that it was not till the loss of his eyes that he was led to the Saviour. It may be that the destruction of his natural vision was the necessary means of opening the eye of faith within his soul. And though we should shudder at the thought of exchanging conditions with him on earth, yet who can say but his peculiar and deep tribulation here may prepare his soul for a distinction in glory which we might covet. Oh, how much better to endure even his deep degradation and privations, sustained by his hopes, than to partake of their fortune who live in luxury and pleasure, or riot in wealth! The scene which I have now described affords a most animating lesson of encouragement to the tried and the afflicted, and of reproof to the complaining and discontented. Suppose health does fail us, and poverty oppress us, and our friends forsake us, and our best laid plans prove abortive, so that a dark cloud settles upon our worldly prospects--who of us is reduced so low as to be willing to change places with this poor slave? And yet he is able to keep his spirits buoyant by the single hope of future glory. He thinks of a morning that is to come, when even his deep and dreadful darkness shall pass away; and the thought has a magic power to sustain him. If we are Christians, shall not that same hope chase away our despondency, and nerve us to bear cheerfully those trials which are far inferior to his? THE AFRICAN SERVANT'S PRAYER. I was a helpless negro boy, And wandered on the shore; Men took me from my parents' arms, I never saw them more. But yet my lot, which seemed so hard, Quite otherwise did prove; For I was carried far from home, To learn a Saviour's love. Poor and despiséd though I was, Yet Thou, O God, wast nigh; And when Thy mercy first I saw, Sure none so glad as I. And if Thy Son hath made me free, Then am I free indeed; My soul is rescued from its chains; For this did Jesus bleed. Oh, send Thy word to that far land Where none but negroes live; Teach them the way, the truth, the life; Thy grace, Thy blessing give. Oh, that my father, mother, dear, Might there Thy mercy see; Tell them what Christ has done for them, What Christ has done for me. Whose God is like the Christian's God? Who can with Him compare? He has compassion on my soul, And hears a negro's prayer. ANECDOTE.