Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/179

Rh went so far, as to assure those, who had the care of the house, that he would put it in complete repair, if he might be indulged with the pleasure of hearing who he pleased in the pulpit, when it was not otherwise occupied. But the Presbytery had given orders, that no person should be admitted, into any of their meetings, without a letter of licence, first had and obtained from that body. "So," said the Doctor, "let God send, by whom He will send, the sent of God can obtain no admission; but those, whom the Presbytery think proper to send, must be admitted every where! Is not this rank priestcraft?" But although the doors of every house of worship, in that neighbourhood, were shut against us, many private houses were devoted to us, and the Doctor was indefatigable in striving to spread abroad the savour of the Redeemer's name. His soul was so highly wrought, by the discoveries he had made, that he most ardently desired to make all men acquainted with the grace, in which they stood.

The Doctor was a man of uncommon abilities; his mind was highly cultivated; I never knew a finer speaker. He was well acquainted with the religion of the world, and, possessing a happy facility of manifesting his knowledge, when it pleased God to show him his salvation,—when he had power given him to believe with his heart the word of God, which giveth life unto all men,—from the abundance of his believing heart, his mouth became full of the praises of his God; and wherever he went, so often as opportunity offered, he delighted to magnify the name of the Redeemer: spreading far, and wide, to the utmost of his abilities, the truth as it is in Jesus, the glad tidings of the gospel. Every body, who knew the man, was astonished; for, strange to tell, he became liberal; liberal of that, with which he had heretofore found it so difficult to part; he could part with his money; and, among numerous instances of his generosity, I myself was an example. He saw my vestments were rather worn, they could not last always, and he ordered me a complete suit of superfine broadcloth. I looked at the Doctor, at his garments, much worse than mine. I am really astonished, said I. "Not more than I am myself, sir. I have for a whole year been perfectly aware, that I wanted raiment, yet I could not find it in my heart to purchase even those articles of which I stood in most need; but, sir, I do indeed behold my former self with detestation. I continued with the Doctor for several weeks; he accompanied me from place to place, enjoying abundantly more, than the world could give, or take away; and his numerous connexions were partakers of his felicity. For myself I had rich opportunities of preaching the