The stranger might view this
forest bivouac as a picture of humble life pleasantly domiciled; but
it is one of those unfortunate scenes, fruitful of evil, which beset
the planter when he is least able to contend against them. Such
events develope the sin of an unrighteous institution, bring its
supporters to the portals of poverty, consign harmless hundreds to
the slave-marts.
In this instance, however, we must give Marston credit for all that
was good in his intentions, and separate him from the system.
Repentance, however produced, is valuable for its example, and if
too late for present utility, seldom fails to have an ultimate
influence. Thus it was with Marston; and now that all these
inevitable disasters were upon him, he resolved to be a father to
Annette and Nicholas,--those unfortunates whom law and custom had
hitherto compelled him to disown.
Drawing his chair close to Maxwell, he lighted a cigar, and resumed
the disclosure his feelings had apparently interrupted a few minutes
before. "Now, my good friend, all these things are upon me; there is
no escaping the issue. My people will soon be separated from me; my
old, faithful servants, Bob and Harry, will regret me, and if they
fall into the hands of a knave, will die thinking of the old
plantation. As for Harry, I have made him a preacher,--his knowledge
is wonderfully up on Scripture; he has demonstrated to me that
niggers are more than mortal, or transitory things. My conscience
was touched while listening to one of his sermons; and then, to
think how I had leased him to preach upon a neighbouring plantation,
just as a man would an ox to do a day's work! Planters paid me so
much per sermon, as if the gospel were merchandise, and he a mere
thing falsifying all my arguments against his knowledge of the Word
of God.
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