Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/223

Rh nuptial vows of as many among his adherents, as, furnished with the requisite certificates, made application to him for this purpose. A single instance was selected by his implacable foes, and a special verdict obtained, which condemned the Preacher to pay a fine of fifty pounds. But this was not all; he had frequently performed the marriage ceremony. Prosecution would most unquestionably succeed prosecution; and the sum total of multiplied amercements would involve difficulties not easily surmounted. Prudence whispered the persecuted man of God, that he ought to absent himself until the interference of the Legislature could be obtained; and inclination pointed his way over the pathless deep, for the purpose of once more visiting his native shores, holding sweet converse with a few select friends, and folding to his filial bosom his venerable mother. Assured of the propriety of a step so important to his numerous American connexions, on the 6th of January, 1788, he embarked for England. Noble provision was made for him by the Bostonians, and all the expenses of the voyage defrayed. Russell, the benevolent Russell, was his friend. Russell the philanthropist; who, like his God, delighted in speaking peace to the sons and daughters of adversity. Dear, sympathising friend of man! to the children of sorrow thy memory is right precious. Had thy stinted abilities been commensurate with thy will, the voice of gladness would have resounded in every dwelling. Nor Russell alone: many pressed forward, whose liberal hearts devised liberal things; and substantial manifestation of affection to the preacher were abundant and munificent.

During Mr. Murray's absence, the Legislature was addressed. We regret that we cannot exhibit a complete copy of the petitions which were presented, but such extracts, as we can command, we transcribe:

"To the Honourable Senate, and the House of Representatives of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, assembled in Boston, in February, 1788; John Murray, of Gloucester, in the county of Essex, would humbly represent to your Honours, that about seventeen years ago, he came into this country, which he considered as the asylum of religion and benevolence; that on his arrival he began to preach the gospel of peace, in doing which he met with many cordial friends; some of whom, namely, a society of Christians in Gloucester, distinguished themselves by their uniform attachment to the message, and the messenger; and after your Petitioner had occasionally laboured among them, for a considerable time, they associated together as an Independent Church, built a meeting-house, and invited your petitioner to reside