Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/165

Rh gentlemen of Connecticut; and I was requested to stop, and deliver my testimony in various places, along the road. I resumed my purpose of visiting Newport, determining to proceed thither with all possible dispatch. I had, however, promised to stop at a friend's house, in Milford, and at another's, in Guilford; at which places I preached to very large congregations; several strangers, having seen me elsewhere, recognised me, and entreated me to accompany them to their respective homes; but my object was Newport. Many individuals, from Norwich, departed from Guilford with me; they gave me to understand, that, having made part of my audience, on the preceding evening, they were extremely desirous I should proceed with them to Norwich. We passed the day very agreeably together, conversing with great freedom. About sunset, we reached New-London, where it was my resolution to bid my new associates adieu; but they so earnestly importuned me to go on, one gentleman in particular, that, accepting his proffered kindness, I was that night lodged in his hospitable dwelling. He soon became, and ever after continued, my steadfast friend. Many, in Norwich, received me with great kindness; a house of worship was provided; but it not being sufficiently spacious, the doors of the great meeting-house were thrown open, and never afterwards shut against me. Thus, in this instance, the zeal of the people has been sufficiently imposing, to prevail against ministerial opposition. The friends I obtained, in Norwich, were, in truth, inestimable; some individuals are not yet called home; they remain unwavering in the belief of the truth, as it is in Jesus; and in their affectionate attachment to its feeble advocate. At Norwich, I was solicited to preach in the meeting-house of Mr. Hart, of Preston; to which place many of my new friends accompanied me. Having passed the night at Preston, on the succeeding morning, I re-commenced my journey, with the Rev. Mr. H, of Newport. The distance was between 30 and 40 miles; but as Mr. H was going home, he would not stop to dine on the road. In the course of the day, Mr. H thus questioned me: "Well, sir, I suppose you will preach in Newport?" Very likely, sir. "You have friends there, I presume?" No, sir, I do not know a single soul. "You have letters of recommendation, perhaps?" Not a line, sir. "Where then do you intend to go, and what do you intend to do?" I have laid no plans, sir. "I promise you, you shall not preach in my