Starter concerns???

I just bought an 88 Bronco (5.8l. auto, 236000 miles). I drove it today for about an hour. When i came out of a store after a 10 minute stop, I restarted the vehicle and it made a cracking and popping noise while the engin was running. I shut the key off (and took it out of the ignition) but it sounded like the starter was still turning over. It took few minutes before I could disconnect the battery. I went to start it back up about an hour later(after tapping the starter and starter solenoid like a friend suggested) and the same thing occurred. I drove it about 3 blocks to park it in a better spot. I went to try it again about 4 hours later and now the vehicle only click and wont start. Any sugestions???
p.s. I am not the most mechanically inclined but can follow simple instruction

dont be to worried about the starter, they come and go on broncos. if it is your starter, i would suggest you buying a high quality one, the ones that i have tried from pepboys are crappy. to replace the starter it is only 2 bolts and one screw.