In the meantime I had secretly started helping other Blacks learn to read. And I had become acquainted with an old colored man, Uncle Lawson, who lived close to my master's house. He was very religious and could read a little. I began spending my Sundays and spare time with him. I would help him with the harder words as he read the Bible. Although I helped him learn the "letter" of the word, he helped me learn its "spirit."
He told me that the Lord had great work for me to do and that I must prepare for it. I said to him "I was a slave for life, how could I do anything?" He quietly answered, "The Lord can make you free…only have faith…'Ask and it shall be given'."