Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-09-28
Miseellanu.
JOHN MURRAY.

The first public preacher OF OniVersal-
ism in this country was John Murray, to
whom the little company OF believers here
attached themselves with a constancy and
affection that remained unshaken until
death,
This preacher,-the first minister of the
Society of Universalsts in Gloucester,
which was called into existence by his
born in the town OF Al
ton, in Hampshire, England, Dec. 10,
174l. He was the oldest of large fam
lily of children. He appears to have pos
sessed, from early lite keen and sensitive
feelings, which rendered him peculiarly
susceptible of religious impressions. His
parents were both very rigid Calvinists;
and so strict was his father in his attention
to the concerns of religion that he was
regarded by his friends as person OF
eminent sanctity The parental discipline
to which the son was subjected was Of the
severest kind; and he often passed, he
says, "from the terror of the rod TO the
terrifying apprehensions OF the future and
never-ending misery" At the age of
eleven his family removed to Ireland.
Here his father joined the Methodists,
whose preacher (Mr. John Wesley) dis
tinguished him in a particular manner.
The social worship of this sect excited a
powerful influence on the son, and he
soon became class leader and preacher
in their connection.
Little is known of his early education.
Soon after the establishment of the family
in Ireland, an Episcopalian clergyman of
the neighborhood, who was strongly at
tached to the father, and who had charge
of an academy of high repute, generously
offered to take his son into his own family,
prepare him for the university, and pro-
cure him admission to it. The offer was
declined; and nothing further is known
concerning his early opportunities for ac-
quiring knowledge. A large portion of
his youth was passed in state of religious
excitement, with some intervals of mel
ancholy. Having lost his father by death,
he went to reside in the family of Il wealthy
friend, where he was much caressed, but
failed to find sufficient contentmcnt to ex-
tinguish the desire that now possessed
him, and the resolution he had formed to
go to London. His patron reluctantly
parted with him, but he generously sup
piled him with money and in a short time
the youth was intoxicated with the pleas
ures and gayety of Il London life. The
means of dissipation We're soon exhaust
His mind was aroused to the sin and folly
of his course, and his heart became affect
ed with deep and sincere repentance -
with the aid of friends he found employ
ment; but he was not designed for busi-
ness His former habits of religious de-
voton returned, and much of his time was
given to public worship and private pray
er. He became aconstant attendant upon
the preaching of Whitefeld, and visited
many other places of public worship.
AT one of the religious meetings he met
a young lady named Eliza Neale, with
whom he formed an acquaintance that
soon ripened successfully into intimacy,
love, and marriage.
SO high an opinion was entertained of
his talents that he was urged by his
friends to attempt the reclaiming of Il
young lady of remarkable piety who had
become convert to the doctrines of Mr..
Reilly His zeal in opposition to that
preacher led him to undertake with alac-
rity the task of bringing the young woman
back from her errors. But he found this
no easy matter. Her questions perplexed
him; he became embarrassed; and the
result OF the errand was a tacit admission
that she had gained the advantage.
A manuscript was shown to him about
this time, written by one of his religious
friends, with view to confute the Union,
| work in wich Rely had unfolded his pc
culiar religious views. But the argu
ments failed to convince him that RELY
was in error, and Il perusal of the Union.
itself and the preaching of Reilly, brought
him to the belief that "the testimony de-
livered by him was the truth of Cod
This led to his expulsion from Mr..
Whtetield's Society, and the loss of the
friendship of his religious associates. Sc
verer troubles soon followed. His wife
and infant son were removed by death.
He incurred debts which he was unable
to pay. for which was arrested and thrown
into prison. where he remained till releas-
ed by the interposition OF his wife's broth
er. BY the death of his wife, for whom
he telt the strongest love, he was thrown
into state of melancholy and despair
and acting under the Indictment of the nc.
counts of America which he had heart
from gentleman from this country, whom
he met at the house of Mr.. Reilly, he re
solved to enter upon new scenes in a dis
tant land where Il somewhat eventful anC
unexpected career was opened before him
1t does not appear that he came to
Alncllca Win tHc purpose Vi hlahiHS
public proclamation of the doctrine he
had embraced; but an acquaintance, com
menced under very pecucuiar circum'
stances, with a man named Thomas Pot
ter, led him to appear rs public preach
er. He made Potters house his home,
but travelled good deal, preaching il
many of the large cities and towns amids
great opposition and heavy prosecutions
He found many, however, by whom hi
was warmly welcomed. In Portsmouth
n. H., he received an invitation to settle
In November, IVA, being in Boston, h,
was visited by Mr.. Sargent of this town
and invited to come to Gloucester. l,
compliance with this invitation, he cam
down Immediately, and was received witt
much kindness and hospitality, and enter
tanned by the Sergeant family. Mr.
Chandler, the minister of ther parish, be
ing sick, the elders and deacons waited up
on Mr.. Murray, and conducted him to hi
house. He obtained permission to preacl
in his pulpit, and the sentiments he ad
vanced found a ready reception in man,
hearts.
After remaining in town nine days he re
turned to Boston where he continue,