Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/244

234 A London mob had assembled in great force, with the most destructive and murderous designs. Time-honoured edifices were to be demolished, and the weapons of death to be pointed at the most valuable lives. This scene of riot was exhibited during the troubles relative to Mr. Wilkes; all was tumult and tremendous uproar; an attempt at reasoning was stifled by outrageous clamour; the efforts of peace officers were fruitless, and the military was on the point of being called into action, when Mr. Murray, returning from some religious meeting to his peaceful home, found himself in the midst of the infuriated rioters, and instantly mounting a stand, which opportunely presented, he harangued the lawless multitude; and, by soothing their prejudices, addressing their passions, and pointing out the only legitimate steps for the purpose of obtaining redress, he first obtained silence, next softened and ameliorated their passions, and finally dispersed without mischief a most enraged populace. A nobleman, seizing him by the hand, impressively said, "Young man, I thank you; I am ignorant of your name, but I bear testimony to your wonderful abilities. By your exertions, much blood and treasure have this night been saved."

The second instance which we present is nearer home. A motion was made in the legislature of a sister state, then province, to raise a sum of money for the relief of the Bostonians, suffering from the severe decrees of a British ministry. Mr. Murray attended the debates; the motion was seconded, and supported, with spirit and judgment, and it was opposed with some violence, and little reason. It was put to vote, and lost by a majority of twelve persons; Mr. Murray's particular adherents voting against it. It happened he was, on that day, to dine at the house of a Doctor B, one of the triumphant majority, with several gentlemen on the same side of the question, when his powerful animadversions, and reasoning upon the subject, wrought so great a revolution, as to produce a reconsideration of the vote, and the motion for succouring the Bostonians, passed by a majority of nine persons.

Mr. Murray has been accused of licentious opinions and practices. His letters to his friends would fill many volumes; addressed to the private ear of those he best loved, they ought to decide upon his opinions; and, for his life, perhaps no man of abilities so stinted was ever a greater blessing to mankind. We indulge ourselves with giving one letter, written to the son of a most intimate friend:—

"You are placed at school for two purposes; the improvement of your understanding, and the formation of virtuous principles. It cannot be doubted that the improvement of the heart is esteemed by those to