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Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

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BECOMING AMERICA<br />

REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE<br />

To him that believeth, all things are possible, but <strong>to</strong> them that are unbelieving,<br />

nothing is pure,<br />

—Titus i. 15.<br />

During this period we remained at Cadiz until our ship got laden. We sailed<br />

about the 4th <strong>of</strong> November; and having a good passage, we arrived in London the<br />

month following, <strong>to</strong> my comfort, with heart-felt gratitude <strong>to</strong> God, for his rich and<br />

unspeakable mercies.<br />

On my return, I had but one text which puzzled me, or that the devil<br />

endeavoured <strong>to</strong> buet me with, viz. Rom. xi. 6. and as I had heard <strong>of</strong> the Rev. Mr.<br />

Romaine, and his great knowledge in the Scriptures, I wished <strong>to</strong> hear him preach.<br />

One day I went <strong>to</strong> Blackfriars church, and, <strong>to</strong> my great satisfaction and surprise,<br />

he preached <strong>from</strong> that very text. He very clearly shewed the dierence between<br />

human works and free election, which is according <strong>to</strong> God’s sovereign will and<br />

pleasure. These glad tidings set me entirely at liberty, and I went out <strong>of</strong> the church<br />

rejoicing, seeing my spots were those <strong>of</strong> God’s children. I went <strong>to</strong> Westminster<br />

chapel, and saw some <strong>of</strong> my old friends, who were glad when they perceived the<br />

wonderful change that the Lord had wrought in me, particularly Mr. G. Smith,<br />

my worthy acquaintance, who was a man <strong>of</strong> a choice spirit, and had great zeal for<br />

the Lord’s service. I enjoyed his correspondence till he died in the year 1784. I<br />

was again examined in that same chapel, and was received in<strong>to</strong> church-fellowship<br />

amongst them: I rejoiced in spirit, making melody in my heart <strong>to</strong> the God <strong>of</strong> all<br />

my mercies. Now my whole wish was <strong>to</strong> be dissolved, and <strong>to</strong> be with Christ—but,<br />

alas! I must wait mine appointed time.<br />

3.11.2 Reading and Review Questions<br />

1. How are Equiano’s experiences as a slave unique <strong>to</strong> him? Do these<br />

dierences qualify or diminish the signicance <strong>of</strong> his au<strong>to</strong>biography in<br />

terms <strong>of</strong> Abolitionist eorts? Why or why not?<br />

2. How, if at all, does Equiano accommodate himself <strong>to</strong> Western culture?<br />

What does he “gain” through this accommodation? What does he “lose?”<br />

3. How does Equiano distinguish the way that whites treat each other <strong>from</strong><br />

the way that whites treat blacks? What behaviors <strong>to</strong> whites repeat among<br />

both groups, and why? What behaviors are dierent, and why? What’s<br />

the eect <strong>of</strong> this dierence?<br />

4. What comments does Equiano make on Western institutions, such as<br />

the law and Christianity? Why?<br />

5. How, if at all, does life change for Equiano after he purchases his<br />

freedom? Why?<br />

Page | 556

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