Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/176

166 my horse: it was brought to the door. I took the bridle in my hand. Prudence again was ready with her expostulations: "Well, and what are you to do now? you have been thus far brought on by an obliging friend; you have fifty miles more to ride, through a country, not an individual in which you have ever seen, and you have not a penny in your pocket." Again, I say, am I not here, as in Philadelphia, under the care of that beneficent Being, who holds the universe in His hand? I will go on. Just as I raised my foot to the stirrup, the master of the house appeared. "One word, sir, if you please, step in for a moment." I once more entered the hospitable dwelling. "You will, I hope, excuse me, sir; but, ever since I left my bed this morning, I have been strongly excited to do, what however I am afraid to mention, and what I had concluded I would not venture to do. But when I saw you in the act of mounting your horse, I could no longer withstand an irresistible impression, which impels me to ask your acceptance of this trifle:"—putting into my hands abundantly sufficient to bring me to the end of my journey. "You may not want this, sir; but you may meet with some individual, who does." Could my spirit, at this moment, forbear ecstatic prostration before the throne of my God, my Father? This was manifestly another instance of the interposition of my Divine Master. It was He, who has the hearts of all in His hand, that had thus disposed the heart of this man. I could not forbear felicitating him on being appointed to distribute. I communicated to him my real circumstances, while tears of pleasure gushed into his eyes. He would then have made an addition to the gratuity; but this I resolutely refused: I had enough for my present purpose, and more than enough would have been burdensome. I went on from this place, with inexpressible delight, my soul warmly disposed to magnify the Lord, and to trust Him at all times, not being afraid. My faith, by these manifestations thus invigorated and renewed, I rejoiced in the good pleasure of my God; my way was made clear before me, and I nothing doubted, that my journey would be crowned with success. This day was indeed a happy day, I shall certainly never, so long as memory shall continue its office, recur to it without the most pleasurable emotions.

Upon the evening of this memorable day, I arrived at the end of my journey, and I was received by the physician, whose letter of earnest solicitation had brought me thus far, with many demonstrations of joy. I was, however, greatly surprised, to find a person, who I understood was master of a large fortune, plain, if not penurious, both in his house, furniture, and apparel; but, if I was disappointed by the appearance of the