The only possible opening seemed to be to get himself made agent to
negotiate a charter for Harvard; and therefore he soon had "angelical"
suggestions that God needed him in England to glorify his name.
"1693. September 3d. As I was riding to preach at Cambridge, I prayed to
God,--begged that my labors might be blessed to the souls of the students;
at the which I was much melted. Also saying to the Lord, that some
workings of his Providence seemed to intimate, that I must be returned to
England again; ... I was inexpressibly melted, and that for a considerable
time, and a stirring suggestion, that to England I must go. In this there
was something extraordinary, either divine or angelical."
"December 30th. Meltings before the Lord this day when praying, desiring
being returned to England again, there to do service to his name, and
persuasions that the Lord will appear therein."
"1694. January 27th. Prayers and supplications that tidings may come from
England, that may be some direction to me, as to my returning thither or
otherwise, as shall be most for his glory."
"March 13th. This morning with prayers and tears I begged of God that I
might hear from my friends and acquaintance in England something that
should encourage and comfort me. Such tidings are coming, but I know not
what it is. God has heard me.
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