Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/230

220 preaching frequently. On his first lecture, he was solicited by a doctor Miller to accompany him to his habitation, where he abode until he departed from that town. The circle of his acquaintance soon became large, among whom he numbered very respectable friends. When the clergymen, with whom Mr. Murray associated, during his last residence in England, became ascertained of his full and comprehensive views of the magnitude and extent of the redeeming plan, although very few adopted his ideas, yet they still continued warmly attached to the preacher; and the letters they addressed to him, after his return to America, which are still in being, would fill a volume. A few of the Preacher's responses are contained in the volumes of Letters and Sketches of Sermons.

Mr. Murray proceeded to Cowes, upon the Isle of Wight, and from thence embarking for America, commenced his voyage with a fair wind, which soon changing, they were under the necessity of dropping anchor in Portland harbour, where they were long wind bound. His passage was uncommonly protracted; but, fortunately, the passengers united to give it every charm, of which society is susceptible; and, when we add, that our late respectable President, the Honourable John Adams and Lady, were of the number, the pleasures of the voyage will be nothing doubted. Books, music, and conversation, varied the tedium of the passing weeks; nor was the Preacher debarred the exercise of his sacred avocation; Mr. Adams requested he would officiate as their teacher, every Sunday, and accordingly the ship's company, and the passengers, were, upon this holy day, collected round him. His first subject was the third commandment. They united in their addresses to the throne of grace, and in hymning the praises of their God.

Again reaching the shores of this New World, the voice of exoneration and of bade him welcome; and the glad acclamations of joy resounded among his congratulating, and most affectionate friends. A summons from the Governour, to attend a select party at his house, met him on the day of his arrival, and every liberal mind partook the rational hilarity of the moment.

The Gloucesterians, determining no more to hazard invidious prosecution, and its train of evils, appointed a day, the Christmas of 1788, on which to renew, the ordination of their Pastor; and, after assembling, and effectuating their purpose, that they might bestow upon the solemn transaction all possible publicity, they procured its insertion in the Centinel of January 3d, 1789, from which paper we transcribe it verbatim:—