Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/97

Rh requested me, by a written message, to give him a meeting at the house of his aunt, a lady who resided next door to his grandfather. I obeyed the summons, when, to my great astonishment, he informed me, it was his sister's wish, I would think of her no more; that there were many young ladies, with whom I might form a connexion, abundantly more advantageous; and that for herself, she was weary of contending with her grandfather. During the whole of this studied harangue, the torture of my soul was scarcely to be endured. After a most distressing pause, I tremblingly interrogated: Tell me, sir, has Miss Neale really empowered you to act in her behalf? "If you doubt it, here is a letter, written with her own hand, furnished me upon a presumption, that I might not obtain a speedy opportunity of seeing you;" and he put the letter into my hand. Mr. Neale knew not, that I was in possession of many of his sister's letters; he knew not, that she had ever written to me; if he had, he would hardly have exhibited this scrawl, as hers. The anguish of my soul was no more; yet I assayed to conceal my emotions, and contented myself with solemnly declaring, that it was only from the lips of Miss Neale I would accept my dismission. "You may," said he, "rest assured, you will never, with her own consent, again see that young lady." Thus spake, thus acted the man, whom, the very next morning, I met at Mr. Whitefield's communion. Leaving Mr. Neale, I returned to my lodgings, sat down and related to Eliza the whole business, inclosing the letter I had received as hers. The ensuing day gave me an assurance, under her own hand, that the whole procedure was unknown to her; requesting, that I would remain perfectly easy; that I would keep my mind entirely to myself, making application only to the wonderful Counsellor, and resting in full assurance of her fidelity. This was enough, and my full soul rejoiced in the consolation, thus seasonably afforded me. Mr. Neale, supposing his arts had succeeded, brought forward proposals in favour of a gentleman, educated by his grandfather, who had long loved my Eliza; but who, fearful of a rejection, had not disclosed his passion. Common fame soon wafted to my ear the report of these new pretensions; the gentleman was, in every respect, my superior, and he was declared a successful rival. I met the object of my soul's affection at Mrs. Allen's; I communicated the lacerating intelligence I had received; she smiled, tacitly assured me I had not much to apprehend, and according to custom, added, Let us improve our opportunity in the best possible manner, let us devote it to prayer, and to praise. Thus revolved days, weeks, and months; hoping, and fearing, joying, and sorrowing,