Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/190

180 had learned of the Father, they would have come unto Jesus, and he would in no wise have cast them out. But did God attempt to teach them, and, finding it beyond his power, did he finally give them up? But is not God almighty? Yes, but he did not choose to stretch forth his Omnipotent arm. Why? Because if he had, they must be saved, and he would leave them to the freedom of their own will. Did He not know the consequence would be their eternal damnation? O yes; but this is perfectly right; for, when he called, they would not hear. Did he intend they should hear? We have nothing to do with that. Merciful God! lift up the light of thy irradiating countenance upon the benighted family of man.

Upon the evening of October 30th, 1773, I preached for the first time in Boston, in the hall of the Factory. My hearers were attentive, and, after I had closed, several individuals addressed me, and with apparent kindness invited me to visit them at their houses. On the succeeding evening, (Sunday,) I again preached at the hall; the congregation was too large for the place. My subject was Zechariah ix. 9. The people were more affectionate, than the preceding evening; many solicited me to tarry, and assured me, that a better place should be provided for my accommodation. On Monday evening, November 1st, I preached to a select number at Mr. Peck's, who seemed to have the power of God among them. In consequence of a pressing solicitation from this gentleman, I took up my lodging in his hospitable mansion; thus goodness and mercy continually followed me. From my beloved friend Binney, I received repeated and affectionate letters, and I trusted this young gentleman would become an able advocate for the Redeemer.

A Mr. Little, of Newburyport, united his earnest solicitations with a number of gentlemen, who importunately urged me to visit that place. I dared not refuse; and, parting with my affectionate friends in Boston, I accompanied Mr. Little and others in the stage for Newburyport. On our arrival, inquiries were made at the coach-side, if I were there; and on being answered in the affirmative, a crowd collected. Mr. Parsons, the Presbyterian minister, a venerable looking gentleman, immediately visited me, and asked me many questions. Where I came from? what clergymen I was acquainted with? and what credentials I could produce? During his inquiries he discovered, as it appeared to me, some uneasiness at the idea of my preaching in his pulpit: I therefore hastened to inform him, that I was no priest, nor approved of by gentlemen of that order; that I professed myself somewhat acquainted with the salvation, wrought out by Jesus Christ, and that, wherever his