Phillis Wheatley is recognized as the first African American poet published in America, among many other titles. When she was only seven years old she was taken to America and sold into slavery. Luckily her owners didn't abuse her; instead they really cared for her and educated her. Although much of his work has been lost forever, some of his published pieces still remain, including “On Being Brought from Africa to America” and “To the University of Cambridge, in New England.” The first work is a short poem describing two of her most life-changing experiences: being sold into slavery and being redeemed by God. Wheatley, however, sees them as a major transformation. The latter work is a poem written to students at Cambridge University, urging them to learn all they are capable of. However, he also warns them to be careful not to forget their Creator. In these two works, Wheatley portrays three key elements of his identity: his social position, racial identity, and religious affiliation. Wheatley was a slave. In terms of social status, there is nothing lower. Yet neither in “On Being Brought from Africa to America” nor in “At Cambridge University, New England” does Wheatley speak openly about his social slavery. “It is not long since I left my native shore / The land of errors and the darkness of Egypt: / Father of mercy, it was Thy gentle hand / Brought me safe from those dark abodes.” ("University" 421). Rather, she recognizes that slavery is what helped her find God. If she had remained in Africa, she would have lived an evil life in the eyes of God and would have burned in Hell for eternity. In this way, her imprisonment saved her. However, this is in no way an endorsement of the institution of slavery…at the heart of the card…honoring God and guarding against the devil. She warns: "Suppress the mortal serpent in its egg. / Ye flowering plants of the divine human race, / An Ethiopian tells you he is your greatest enemy; / His transitory sweetness turns into infinite pain, / And in the immense perdition sinks the soul." ("University" 421). Wheatley adds these last lines to remind students that their mortal souls are in a fragile state; therefore they, like all Christians, must be careful to escape temptation before it overwhelms them. Wheatley was an African slave who became a dedicated Christian. Each of these seemingly independent characteristics is intricately woven together to deliver the refined poet Phillis Wheatley. The trials and tribulations of slavery, combined with the educational opportunities afforded to Wheatley, provide a glimpse into a slave's mentality unmatched by anything else of the time..