Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/234

224 you, Gentlemen, that in mentioning my obligations, for the effusions of your benevolent wishes on my behalf, I feel animated with new zeal, that my conduct may ever be worthy of your good opinion, as well as such as shall, in every respect, best comport with the character of an intelligent and accountable being."



And now, a large number of Mr. Murray's first friends in Gloucester were numbered with the dead. He had himself again become the head of a family. The times were oppressive, and he considered it his duty to provide for those of whom he had taken charge. The Bostonians were solicitous to hail the Preacher, as their settled Pastor; and it was certain his usefulness would, in the Metropolis, be more extensive. A partial separation from the Gloucesterians was, by mutual consent, effectuated. It was however stipulated, that Mr. Murray should occasionally visit them, and that they should be allowed to command his presence, upon every distressing, or important exigence; and the distance being no more than an easy ride of a few hours, the adjustment was accomplished, without much difficulty. Yet did the Preacher continue dissatisfied, until the establishment of his successor, in the midst of his long loved, and early friends.

The Rev. Mr. Thomas Jones, a native of Wales, whom he had induced, by his representations, to unite with him in his American mission, is a gentleman of great respectability, of the purest morals, and high in the ranks of integrity. Mr. Jones was educated at the college, established by the Countess of Huntington; in which connexion he continued, until his attachment to the doctrines of the gospel, in their most unlimited import, became the signal for his exclusion. The installation of Mr. Jones, in Gloucester, gladdened the heart of the philanthropic preacher, and his satisfaction was complete. The Gloucesterians love and respect their pastor, and their unanimity is unbroken. They have erected a new and elegant house of worship. In Salem also, and in Portsmouth and Charlestown, in New-York, and in Philadelphia, commodious buildings are reared to the honour of.

On Wednesday, 23d of October, 1793, the installation of Mr.