' We took our places upon the
bench, and the catechiser, when bade to begin, opened, after a little
hesitation, as follows:--
_Q_. Who he be de fuss man?--_A_. Adam.
_Q_. Who he be de fuss woman?--_A_. Ebe.
_Q_. Whar de Lord put 'em?--_A_. In de garden.
_Q_. What he be de garden?--_A_. Eden.
_Q_. What else he be dere?--_A_. De sarpint.
_Q_. What he be de sarpint?--_A_. De snake.
_Q_. Heigh! What, de snake he 'peak?--_A_. No, him be debbil.
And so forth. The reading was much in the same style. The whole scene
reminded me of a naive narrative [Footnote: _The Gospel to the Africans:
Narrative of the Life and Labours of the Rev. William Jameson._ London:
Hamilton, Adams, & Co., 1861.] which gives the 'following account of the
fall of our First Parents from the lips of an aged negro at the
examination of candidates:'--
'Massa (God) said Adam must nyamee (eat) all de fruit ob de garden, but
(be out, except) de tree of knowledge. And he said to Adam, "Adam! you no
muss nyamee dis fruit, else you dead." De serpent come to say to Mammy
Eve, "Dis fruit berry good; he make you too wise." Mammy she take lillee
(little) bit, and bring de oder harf gib Daddy Adam.
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