Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/76

We walked on together, mutually delighted; I, with every thing I saw, and my companions with me, for my expressed satisfaction. We soon stopped at the door of a very neat house. This cannot, said my heart, be the dwelling of a hay-maker; it was, however, and opening the door, he said: "Here, Bess, I have brought thee home a young Methodist, I know thee wilt be glad to see him." I was then, by this rough, good-hearted man, presented to his wife: "Thou must find out his name thyself." I immediately told her my name, when, in a friendly manner, she requested me to be seated. She was a very different character from her husband, her manners were even polished; she entered into friendly conversation with me, and we derived much satisfaction therefrom, when her husband entering, inquired in his rough manner, "What the plague, Bess, hast got no supper for thy guest?" This was a matter to which we had neither of us recurred. The good man, however, was speedily obeyed, and an elegant repast was forthwith placed upon the table, of which I partook with appetite. We afterwards sang one of the Methodist hymns, and we united in solemn prayer; while my heart acknowledged all the fervour of devotion, even my host himself seemed affected and pleased, declaring he esteemed himself fortunate in meeting me. I was introduced to a handsome lodging room, and a good bed, but the fulness of my grateful heart would not, for some time, allow me to close my eyes; at length I sunk into the most refreshing slumbers, and I arose the next morning greatly exhilarated. I was received by my hospitable host, and hostess, with every mark of satisfaction; we breakfasted together, sang a hymn, and addressed the throne of grace, when the good man went forth to the labours of the field, requesting that I would not think of leaving them. In the course of the morning, the good lady informed me, that they had recently settled, in Bath, a Mr. Tucker, who had been a preacher in Ireland. My heart leaped at this intelligence; of all the preachers, with whom I had ever associated, this man possessed the greatest share of my affection. His tender, innocent, child-like disposition, not only endeared him to me, but to all who were acquainted with his worth. My hostess was charmed to learn, that I was known to Mr. Tucker: I solicited her to direct me to his residence, but when she informed me, that, by the death of his father, he had recently come into possession of thirty thousand pounds sterling, I became apprehensive I should not be recognised. But I had occasion to reproach myself for my suspicions, for no sooner was I conducted to his dwelling, than he caught me in his arms, and expressed the highest satisfaction.