This was so unexpected, that the aged bondman was completely overcome.  For a few moments, he remained in profound silence; then, with a sudden impulse, he fell on his knees, and poured forth a short and fervent prayer of thanksgiving to his Heavenly Father, for prolonging his life till he had the happiness to feel himself a free man.

The master and his adviser were both surprised and affected by this eloquent outburst of grateful feeling.  The poor old servant had seemed so comfortable and contented, that no one supposed freedom was of great importance to him.  But, as honest Isaac Jackson observed, he alone was competent to decide that question.

Quakers consider “the inward light” as a guide not merely in cases involving moral principles, but also in the regulation of external affairs; and in the annals of their Society, are some remarkable instances of dangers avoided by the help of this internal monitor.

Friend Hopper used to mention a case where a strong impression had been made on his own mind, without his being able to assign any adequate reason for it.  A young man, descended from a highly respectable Quaker family in New-Jersey, went to South Carolina and entered into business.  He married there, and as his wife did not belong to the Society of Friends, he was of course disowned.  After some years of commercial success, he failed, and went to Philadelphia, where Friend Hopper became acquainted with him, and formed an opinion not unfavorable.  When he had been in that city some time, he mentioned that his wife owned land in Carolina, which he was very desirous to cultivate, but was prevented by conscientious scruples concerning slave-labor.  He said if he could induce some colored people from Philadelphia to go there and work for him as free laborers, it would be an advantage to him, and a benefit to them.  He urged Friend Hopper to exert his influence over them to convince them that such precautions could be taken, as would prevent any danger of their being reduced to slavery; saying that if he would consent to do so, he doubtless could obtain as many laborers as he wanted.  The plan appeared feasible, and Friend Hopper was inclined to assist him in carrying it into execution.  Soon after, two colored men called upon him, and said they were ready to go, provided he thought well of the project.  Nothing had occurred to change his opinion of the man, or to excite distrust concerning his agricultural scheme.  But an impression came upon his mind that the laborers had better not go; an impression so strong, that he thought it right to be influenced by it.  He accordingly told them he had thought well of the plan, but his views had changed, and he advised them to remain where they were.  This greatly surprised the man who wished to employ them, and he called to expostulate on the subject; repeating his statement concerning the great advantage they would derive from entering into his service.