Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/90

80 home after service, in season for breakfast. One of the society kept a house near the chapel, where individuals thus circumstanced were accommodated. There we often collected, and our opportunities were delightful. Being remarkable for a humble demeanour, I was, on this account, much noticed and caressed; and I rarely quitted the assembly without a heart overflowing with love, and gratitude, toward God and His dear children. I was not confined to any particular place of worship; I was accustomed to present myself, at the stated times, in various congregations; wherever I heard of a great man, I made a point of attending upon his labours. Among the many places of public worship, to which I resorted, there was a Baptist meeting, where I obtained great satisfaction. The minister was a warm, animated preacher, and the people uncommonly serious. To this house many of the Tabernacle adherents resorted; for, at this time, there was no service at that place, except in the morning, and evening. In a vestry, attached to the Baptist meeting, many of the congregation met, before the commencement of divine service, and some of them alternately sang and prayed. By those persons, I was received with great kindness; this affected me exceedingly; and perceiving that it did, they loved me yet more for the value I evidently set upon their affection, till, at length, I became an object of general attention. United plans were laid to draw me out, and I had pressing invitations to their religious societies, and afterwards to their houses. The minister distinguished me; solicited me to visit him; and delighted to speak peace to me, both publicly, and privately. I was entreated to pray in the society, which, as a timid, and unpatronized stranger, I had so recently entered! I complied, and every one seemed affected; I myself was greatly moved, deeply penetrated by reflection, upon what I had been, and what I then was, and my soul was transported by the consideration, that I was re-admitted into the society of the people of God. My presence was now anxiously expected in the congregation, and at the houses of many individuals; I was marked by those, who attended at the tabernacle, and many other places of worship; and I was so much caressed, by serious people of sundry persuasions, that, when I have been asked, what denomination I was of, I have replied, an independent Baptist, Methodist, Churchman. I hardly knew which of those I liked best, or loved most; and Mr. Whitefield, upon whom they all occasionally attended, strove, both by precept and example, to convince us, that a difference, respecting non-essentials, was utterly inconsistent with the Christian character.