Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/53

Rh the estate in question properly belongs." I was then called upon for an explanation, and I boldly pledged myself to prove the truth of the testimony delivered by the tenant; adding that I could make such a statement, as would render the affair abundantly clear to their Honours. I was immediately silenced, by the lawyers upon the opposite side, who produced a deed of the contested property, signed, sealed, and delivered; I then requested the indulgence of the honourable court, while I observed, that, as I was not sufficiently opulent to procure council, I presumed to solicit permission to plead my own cause. Full consent was unhesitatingly granted; when I proved, to the satisfaction of the court, and jury, that this deed was signed, after the death of the husband of my grandmother; and further, that, had the man been living, the right of disposal was not vested in him. I consumed a full hour and a half, in unfolding a scene of wickedness, not to be defended; and I closed, by grateful acknowledgments to their honours, for the patience they had exercised. The jury retired, and speedily returned with a verdict in favour of the tenant. I immediately entered my claim, and a trial commenced, which terminated in my favour; and I not only obtained the house in question, but two others, in like circumstances, to the no small satisfaction of the public, and the mortification of the great man, and his lawyers. We immediately took possession of the house; and our utmost gratitude to that God, who had interposed for us, was most powerfully excited. Here I had a very large, and, in no long time, a very well improved garden; abounding with every thing useful, and beautiful; herbs, fruits, and flowers, in great abundance; and my situation was fully adequate to my wishes. Harmony presided in our family; but, alas! gradually, as by common consent, we grew more careless of our domestic duties, and more attentive to public affairs: deriving a kind of amusement from what was passing abroad, which we could not obtain at home. We had many visitors, and consequently we frequently visited; yet no individuals were so dear to us, as were Mr. Little, and his amiable family. I have repeatedly observed, that both Mr. Little, and his lady, had, from the death of their sons, regarded me even with parental affection; I was only not an inmate in their dwelling; and but for the charge, which the demise of my father had devolved upon me, they would not so long have delayed proposals, which, in a most serious manner, they ultimately made to my mother. Mr. Little was rather advanced in years; he commenced his career without property, but he was prudent, and