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44 CAPTAIN PAUL CUFFEE

17.  Such was his reputation for wisdom and integrity, that his neighbors consulted him in all their important concerns ; and what an honor to the son of a poor African slave!  And the most respectable men in Great Britain and America were not ashamed to seek him for counsel and advice.
18.  Thus we see how his perservering industry and economy, with the blessing of Providence, procured him wealth ; his wisdom, sobriety, integrity, and good conduct made him many friends ; his zealous labors for the honor of his Maker, and for the benefit of his fellow-men, gave him a peaceful conscience ; and an unshaken belief in the mercies and condescending love of his heavenly Father, afforded, in his dying moments, that calmness, serenity, and peaceful joy, which are a foretaste of immortal bliss.
19.  The following is an extract from his address to his brethern at Sierra Leone:--Beloved friends and fellow-countrymen, I earnestly recommend to you the propriety of assembling yourselves together to worship the Lord your God. God is a spirit, and they that worship him acceptably, must worship in spirit and in truth.
20.  "Come, my African brethren, let us walk in the light of the Lord ; in that pure light which bringeth salvation into the world.  I recommend sobriety and steadfastness, that so professors may be good examples in all things.  I recommend that early care be taken to instruct the youth while

CAPTAIN PAUL CUFFEE.  45

their minds are tender, that so they may be preserved from the corruptions of the world, from profanity, intemperance, and bad company.
21.  "May servants be encouraged to discharge their duty with faithfulness : may they be brought up to industry : and may their minds be cultivated for the reception of the good seed which is promised to all who seek it.  I want that we should be faithful in all things, that so we may become a people giving satisfaction to those who have borne the burden and heat of the day in liberating us from a state of slavery.
22.  "I leave you in the hands of him who is able to preserve you through time, and crown you with a blessing which is prepared for all who are faithful to the end."  This appears to be the simple expression of his feelings, and the language of his heart.
23.  When you have read this account of your brother Paul Cuffee, pause and reflect.  Do not think because you cannot be as extensively useful as he was, that you cannot do any good.  There are very few people, if any, in the world who cannot be useful in some way or other.  If you have health, you may, by your industry, sobriety, and economy, make yourselves and your families comfortadle.
24.  By your honesty and good conduct, you may set them and your neighbors a good example.  If you have aged parents, you may soothe and

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-06-19 12:05:50