This was the first time I ever attempted to escape and gain my freedom.Whether I was right or wrong I shall not say, only I ask you to putyourself in my place as I was then situated, and draw your ownconclusions. It is true I had formed dear and near associations, and theold neighborhood had been the scene of my trials and triumphs. My masterhad been uniformly kind, as much so at least as his disposition wouldallow, yet I felt, although my skin was yellow, I was entitled to anddeserved freedom to worship God according to the dictates of my ownconscience, and to teach others the way to everlasting life. I felt thatI was a man made after God's own image, and that no one had any right toa property in me as a mere chattel, all human laws to the contrarynotwithstanding. I did not deem that I was a criminal, and that I wasescaping from penal servitude; but that I was one of God's kidren,escaping from a worse than Egyptian bondage. I rightfully owedallegiance to God and my country only. So I run away.