Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/175

Rh circumstances?" said cold-hearted Prudence. I certainly will. "But how are you to get through a strange country, in which you have no acquaintance?" For shame, is this a time for these remarks? Do you not know, that God Almighty can, at all times, and in every place, open the heart; and that, if He be disposed to do any thing with me, or by me, he will most assuredly bring me on my way? "But had you not better let your friends in this city know your circumstances? They will unquestionably make provision for you." But this would be leaning upon an arm of flesh; it would be making provision for myself. "What will you do at the first stage? you will not be able to purchase any thing, either for yourself, or your horse." If I meet with no support, I will return immediately; by this I shall know, if it be the will of God I should proceed. "And will you really go on in this way?" Most assuredly, and I was on the point of mounting my horse, when a gentleman crossed the street. "Are you going out of town, sir?" Yes, sir. "How far, pray, and which way?" To Maryland, sir, to visit a place, which, as I am told, is eighty miles from this city. "Are you going alone, sir?" I am, sir. "I wish I had known of your determination one hour since, I would certainly have accompanied you part of the way." Well sir, you can do that now; if you please, I will wait an hour. "Will you? then I will get ready as soon as possible." The gentleman was punctual; in less than an hour he was on horseback; and we commenced our journey together. We passed on to Chester, delighted with our ride, and dined luxuriantly, at one of the best inns in the country. Here I expected my fellow traveller would quit me; and prudence again questioned: "Will you not either return, or make known your situation?" I will do neither; I will trust in the Lord, and stay upon the God of my salvation. Our horses were ordered out, again we proceeded together, and our conversation was interesting, animated, delightful. In the middle of the afternoon, we made a second stage; here, said my companion, I had determined to leave you, but I find I am not able, I must proceed. We went on until evening, when we put up at the house of a friend of my fellow traveller, in Newark. This town contained an academy, in the hall of which I afterwards preached. We spent the night most agreeably, and although I expected to pursue the residue of my journey alone, my slumbers were unbroken through the night, and I arose happy in the thought, that I was enabled to cast my care upon God.

Here my friend, after commending me to the protection of Heaven, bade me adieu. I tarried until breakfast was over, when I requested