Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/216

206 office in the Church, a right to which he had obtained by previous election, which, together with his voluntary acceptance of such election, became a legitimate base, upon which was founded the relationship between pastor and flock. Thus, as the word signifies no more than to, they conceived that the election, and not the laying on of hands, completed the ordination. Reposing upon the second and third article in the declaration of rights, the Gloucesterians exultingly said: "No subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner, and season, most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments, provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship. All religious societies shall, at all times, have the exclusive right of electing their public teachers, and of contracting with them for their support and maintenance. And all monies paid by the subject to the support of public worship, shall, if he require it, be uniformly applied to the support of the public teacher, or teachers, of his own religious sect or denomination, provided there be any on whose instruction he attends." But while the Gloucesterians were confidingly singing a requiem to their cares, they beheld, to their great astonishment, and no small dismay, their goods seized by an officer, and sold at auction, for the purpose of answering the demands of the established minister. Articles of plate from one, English goods from another, and, from a third, the anchor of a vessel, on the point of sailing.

It was, as we believe, in the autumn of 1782, that this act of violence took place. An action was instituted by the independent church of Christ in Gloucester. Mr. Murray was urged to allow the prosecution to proceed in his name. His reluctance to this step was decided and affecting. He had passed through the country without even allowing, or accepting, contributions; and, to be considered a prosecutor for monies, said to be due to him, for preaching the gospel, which he had determined to promulgate free as the light of heaven! the very idea was a stab to his long cherished feelings: it appeared to him like prostrating the integrity of his character, and stripping him of those honours, which he had fondly hoped would remain forever unshorn. The situation of his mind, upon this occasion, may be gathered from two extracts of letters, addressed to him by a respectable gentleman: "You know the inducement I had to engage in this cause was to be emancipated from the shackles of a pontificate; and my aversion was ever determined, from having the suit brought in your name, as well from your