about four o'clock in the
afternoon
Nothing worthy of remark occurred during the remainder of the passage . The ship arrived at Plymouth , and Newton took leave of his friendly shipmates , Captain Carrington requesting that Newton would command any interest that he had , if ever it should be required . It was with a throbbing heart that Newton descended from the outside of the coach which conveyed him to Liverpool , and hastened towards the obscure street in which he left his father residing . It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when Newton arrived at his father 's door . To his delight , he perceived through the shop-window that his father was sitting at his bench ; but his joy was checked when he perceived his haggard countenance . The old man appeared to be absorbed in deep thought , his cheek resting upon his hand , and his eyes cast down upon the little bench , to which the vice used to be fixed , but from which it was now removed . The door was ajar , and Newton entered with his portmanteau in his hand ; but whatever noise he might have made was not sufficient to rouse Nicholas , who continued in the same position .