Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/213

Rh who are enemies to this country. I associate with Captain W. S., pray is he an enemy. During my residence in this place, I have never heard a syllable uttered, which this committee ought to consider as reprehensible. I am not acquainted with a single individual who appears to me an enemy to this country; two or three worthy characters I know, who do not perfectly approve every measure which has been adopted. I have recently endeavoured to recollect how many gentlemen, the circle of my connexions from Maryland to New Hampshire contained, who were suspected of being unfriendly to the present order of things, and I could number but five persons, not an individual of whom has ever been proved inimical to American prosperity. For myself, I rejoice in the reflection, that I am a staunch friend to liberty, genuine liberty. It is well known that I have laboured to promote the cause of this country, and I rejoice that I have not laboured in vain. I am so well known, and I have the happiness to be so well respected, that his Excellency, General Washington, appointed me to officiate as Chaplain to several Regiments. I should have imagined this fact would have been sufficient. I have injured no person in this town, I am invited to meet my friends, in the house of a friend, where they desire me to read the Bible, to comment thereon, and to unite with them in solemn prayer to Almighty God, for the continuance of his mercies to us, as a people, and not unto us only, but to a once lost, and now redeemed world." A member of the committee observed, that they could not be answerable for any thing that might be done by a, and, it was not in their power to prevent it, if he did not, without delay, leave the town. Mr. Murray laying his spread hand upon his breast, answered: "Sir, I feel such a consciousness of innocence here, that I know not what it is to fear. It is with perfect composure that I commit myself to God, and the Laws of this Commonwealth. If I have broken any law, let me be punished by law; but I bless God I am not a lawless person. Sir, I am a stranger to fear, I have committed no action worthy of punishment. Sir, I know not what it is to fear. No man can have any power over me, except it be given to him from above, no injury can be done me, but by the permission of my God. But I am not afraid: the worst this can do, is to deprive me of a life, which I have been many years quite willing to resign. Sir, I commit myself, and my cause to the Ruler of Heaven, and of Earth." One gentleman observed, that the rule upon Earth was delegated to them, or words to that effect—when Mr. Murray replied: "Sir, I conceive the God of Heaven is the only Ruler in Heaven above;