Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/27

Rh abridged every enjoyment of this description. Yet I did form one dear connexion, with whom I held sweet converse. But of the society of this dear youth I was soon deprived. Recalled by his family, he was to leave town upon a Sunday morning, and instead of going to Church, I took my way to his lodgings, for the purpose of bidding him a last farewell. The ill health of my father prevented him from attending Church on that day, but tidings of my delinquency were conveyed to him by a gentleman of his acquaintance, and my punishment, as I then believed, was more than proportioned to my fault. Still, however, I had sufficient hardihood to run great hazards. A review of several regiments of soldiers was announced; I could not obtain leave to be present, yet, for the purpose of witnessing a sight so novel, I was determined to take the day to myself; I suffered much through the day from hunger, and I anticipated my reception at home. In the evening, I stopped at a little hut, where the homely supper smoked upon the frugal board; the cottagers had the goodness to press me to partake with them; my heart blessed them; I should, like Esau, have given my birthright, had it been mine to bestow, for this entertainment; but, blessings on the hospitable inhabitants of this island, they make no demands either upon friend, or stranger; every individual is welcome to whatever sustenance either their houses, or their huts, afford. I sat down, and I eat the sweetest meal I ever eat in my life, the pleasure of which I have never yet forgotten, although the paternal chastisement, which followed, was uncommonly severe.

The time now approached when it was judged necessary I should engage in some business, by which I might secure the necessaries of life. The conscience of my father had deprived me of an estate, and of a collegiate education, and it was incumbent upon him to make some provision for me. But what was to be done? If he sent me abroad, I should most unquestionably contract bad habits. Well then, he would bring me up himself; but this was very difficult. He had for some time thrown up business, and new expenses must be incurred. Finally, however, I commenced my new career, and under the eye of my pains-taking father. I did not however like it; yet I went on well, and, dividing my attention between my occupation and my garden, I had little leisure. It was at this period I began once more to experience the powerful operation of religion, and secret devotion became my choice. Perhaps no one of my age ever more potently felt the joys, and sorrows of Religion. The Methodists had followed us to our new