Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/206

196 many years an occasional visitor in Portsmouth, where his labours were greatly blessed, and when other pulpits were closed against him in that metropolis, the doors of the Episcopal Church was open for his reception. But after he had repeatedly lectured in that church, a few persons appeared in opposition, and we have this moment under our eye, an original writing, addressed to the Promulgator upon this occasion; we transcribe a verbatim copy.—"Whereas it is represented that some objections have been made by one, or more persons, belonging to the Church called Queen's Chapel, against the doors thereof being opened, for the admission of Mr. John Murray to preach the Gospel; Wherefore, we the subscribers, proprietors, and parishioners of the Church aforesaid, having taken the same into consideration—Do (in order to remove any difficulties that might arise in that gentleman's breast in consequence of such objections) hereby fully declare our free will, and consent, that the said Church be opened at, whenever it may be convenient for him to perform divine service in town, more especially during his present stay; and, instead of deeming it an indulgence granted him, we shall, on the contrary, acknowledge it a favour conferred on us, in his acceptance of this invitation. Portsmouth, May 24, 1781."—Signed by twenty-four of the leading members of the Church in Portsmouth.Our Preacher was also made the instrument of irradiating the mind of an exemplary Philanthropist, Mr. Noah Parker, now in regions of blessedness, who was so deeply penetrated, as to present himself a servant of the living God, a voluntary Preacher of the Gospel. A convenient house was raised for his use, by the brethren in Portsmouth, and he continued, until his departure out of time, a zealous and able minister of the Reconciliation.

Attached to the Gloucesterians, Mr. Murray once more believed he had found a permanent residence; yet, although he consented to consider that place as his home; he did not relinquish the persuasion that his commission obliged him to go forth a preacher of the Gospel, wherever, and whenever, the providence of God might seem to direct him. The inveteracy of his enemies in the town of Gloucester, was in full proportion to the attachment of his friends, and every mean of annoyance was in requisition. The spirit of liberty mounted very high in Gloucester, and for the purpose of influencing the ignorant, the teacher was proclaimed a, sent out by Lord North, to aid the purpose of an obnoxious ministry; anathemas, and sometimes stones, followed his steps as he passed the streets; a town-meeting was called, the aim of which (lest the friends of the promulgator should take the alarm) was