Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/211

Rh innocence, he could not fear the face of man. The following account of the extraordinary proceeding which ensued, is from the minutes of a gentleman, who was an ear witness of the scene. The chairman of the committee opened the business. "We have sent for you, to know who you are, and from whence you came?" "Your question is rather difficult, sir, I hardly know how to answer you, do you mean where did I come from last?" "I say where did you come from." "I have been in various places in this country sir." "I say where did you come from when you came into this country?" "From England." "From what part of England?" "London." "What business had you to come to this country?" "Business, sir! I felt disposed to come, and came—" "What business have you in this town?" "The same as I have in every town where I happen to sojourn." Here one of the committee, arose, and requesting leave to speak, which was granted, said: "I conceive we have sent for this man to know from whence he came, who he is, and what business he has here; this is a time of difficulty, we are at variance with England, he calls himself an Englishman, we do not know what he is. He associates with a great many, whom we look upon as enemies to this country, and they go to hear him, converse—I think—I cannot call it preaching." Here Mr. Murray would have spoken, but he was imperiously, not to say impudently commanded to be silent, and his accuser proceeded, until at length the chairman again resumed: "Where did you come from? We want to know where you were born, and brought up?" Mr. Murray answered. "Gentlemen, it is not my wish to give you unnecessary trouble. I was born in England, shortly after I had attained my eleventh year, I accompanied my father to Ireland, where I continued many years under his care; when I was between 19 and 20, I returned to England, where I abode, living generally in London, until I quitted it for this country. Since I came into this country, my residence has been in Maryland, Pennsylvania, the Jerseys, New-York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New-Hampshire." "What did you come into this country for?" "In pursuit of retirement, but concurrent circumstances rendered me a preacher." "Have you any credentials?" "Yes sir." "Show them." I have none present, there are many in this town who have heard me, and received my testimony; they are my credentials. "Ay, that is nothing—you see he has no authority. How could you think of preaching without authority?" "When I came into this country there was no war, I believed it to be a land of civil, and religious liberty—every charter,