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 I THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, | 
 Princeton, N. J. .^ % 
 
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 BV 3770 .N234 1842 
 
 Narratives of revivals of 
 religion in Scotland, 
 
 J 
 
 
/ • 
 
NARRATIVES 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION 
 
 SCOTLAND, IRELAND, AND WALES. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION. 
 
 PAUL T. JONES, PDBLISHINO AGENT. 
 
 1842. 
 
Printed by 
 
 WILLIAM S. MARTIEN. 
 
1^ 
 CONllN'ts. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Page 
 
 Cambuslang, 1742 5 
 
 PART II. 
 Kilsyth, 1742-3 22 
 
 PART III. 
 Baldernock, Kirkintilloch, &,c., 1742-3 39 
 
 PART IV. 
 Stewarton, 1625; Shotts, 1630 56 
 
 PART V. 
 Island of Arran, 1804, 1812-13 74 
 
 PART VI. 
 Moulin, 1798-1800 85 
 
 PART VII. 
 Ulster, 1623-1641 102 
 
4 CONTENTS. * 
 
 Page 
 
 PART VIII. 
 Island of Lewis, 1824-1835 122 
 
 PART IX. 
 Wales, 1640-1794 139 
 
 PART X. 
 Skye, 1812-14 159 
 
 PART XL 
 Kilsyth, 1839 185 
 
NARRATIVES^-&C 
 
 PARTL-.^niSOLOGI 
 
 CAMBUSLANG, 1742. ^•^'•W^rh^ 
 
 Every Christian is aware of the descent of the 
 Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and the 
 amazing success which accompanied the preaching 
 of the gospel immediately thereafter; but very 
 many are ignorant that God has since, from time 
 to time, refreshed his heritage, and extended the 
 kingdom of his Son, in a manner almost equally 
 remarkable. This ignorance induces a belief that 
 Zion is to be enlarged only in the silent and gra- 
 dual manner of our own day : and it is to be feared 
 that Christians, in pleading for the outpouring of 
 the Holy Ghost, have so litde expectation of ob- 
 taining their request, that they would be astonished 
 beyond measure were their prayers answered. 
 They pray for the outpouring of the Spirit because 
 the word of God teaches them to do so, and yet 
 they are hopeless of succeeding in their suit, al- 
 though the same word engages that the prayer of 
 faith shall not be in vain. The inconsistency is 
 striking, and it is melancholy ; for so long as it 
 obtains, we cannot look for those displays of Divine 
 power in the conversion of sinners, which we 
 2 
 
6 BEVIVALS OP RELIGION 
 
 might otherwise warrantably anticipate. As a 
 means of leading to a better state of mind, it is 
 well to be acquainted with what God has already 
 done in answer to prayer ; and that we may the 
 more readily expect the fulfilment of what he has 
 engaged yet to do, the following narrative has been 
 drawn up. The work of which it treats attracted 
 the attention and greatly rejoiced the hearts of 
 Christians at the time, and it may, through the di- 
 vine blessing, encourage the hopes and stimulate 
 the prayers of Christians at the present day. 
 
 Cambuslang is a parish about four miles south- 
 east of Glasgow, and at the time of this revival, 
 was under the pastoral care of Mr. McCuUoch, 
 a man of decided piety and anxiously desirous of 
 the spiritual welfare of his people. In his ordinary 
 course of sermons for nearly a year before the 
 work began, he had been preaching on those sub- 
 jects which tend most directly to explain the nature 
 and prove the necessity of regeneration; and for 
 for some months before the remarkable events now 
 about to be mentioned, a more than ordinary con- 
 cern about religion appeared among his flock ; as 
 an evidence of which, a petition was given in to 
 him, subscribed by about ninety heads of families, 
 desiring a weekly lecture, which was readily grant- 
 ed. This was in the beginning of February 1742. 
 On the 15th of that month, the different prayer 
 meetings in the parish assembled at his house, and 
 next day they again met for solemn prayer, relative 
 to the interests of the gospel. Although this se- 
 cond meeting M'^as of a more private description, 
 others getting notice of it, desired to join, and were 
 admitted : and on the day following they met a 
 third time for the same purpose. At this period, 
 though several persons had come to the minister 
 under deep concern about their salvation, there had 
 
CAMBUSLANG. 
 
 been no great number; but on Thursday the 18th, 
 after sermon, about fifty came to him under alarm- 
 ing apprehensions about the state of their souls; 
 and such was their anxiety, that he had to pass the 
 night in conversing with them. 
 
 After thi#^e desire of the people for religious 
 instruction was so great, that Mr. McCulloch found 
 himself obliged to provide them a sermon almost 
 daily; and after sermon, he had generally to spend 
 some time with them in exhortation and prayer ; 
 and the blessing of God on these ordinances was 
 so great, that by the beginning of May, the num- 
 ber of persons awakened to a deep concern about 
 salvation exceeded three hundred. 
 
 About this time, (June, 1742,) Mr. Whitefield 
 revisited Scotland, and in consequence of earnest 
 invitations, he came to the west country, and to 
 Cambuslang amongst other places, where, with his 
 customary zeal, he preached three times on the 
 very day of his arrival, to a vast body of people, 
 although he had preached the same morning at 
 Glasgow. The last of these exercises began at 
 nine in the evening, and continued till eleven; and 
 such was the relish for the word of life, that Mr. 
 McCulloch preached after him till past one in the 
 morning, and even then the people could hardly 
 be persuaded to depart. All night, in the fields, 
 the voice of prayer and praise was to be heard. 
 
 The sacrament of the supper was dispensed on 
 the 11th of July, and the solemnity was so remark- 
 ably blessed that it was speedily repeated. The 
 following extract of a letter written by Mr. McCul- 
 loch, giving an account of the proceedings at this 
 period, will be read with interest: — 
 
 " The dispensation of the sacrament was such a 
 sweet and agreeable time to many, that a motion 
 
8 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 was made by Mr. Webster, and immediately se- 
 conded by Mr. Whitefield, that we should have 
 another such occasion in this place very soon. The 
 motion ^^s very agreeable to me, but I thought it 
 needful to deliberate before coming to a resolution. 
 The thing proposed was extraordinajf, but so had 
 the work been for several month^ Care was 
 therefore taken to acquaint the several meetings for 
 prayer, who relished the motion well, and prayed 
 for direction to those concerned to determine this 
 matter. The session met next Lord's day, and 
 taking into consideration the Divine command to 
 celebrate the ordinance often, joined with the ex- 
 traordinary work that had been here for some time 
 past; and understanding that many who had met 
 with much benefit to their souls at the last solemni- 
 ty, had expressed an earnest desire of seeing an- 
 other in this place shortly ; and hearing that there 
 were many who intended to have joined at the last 
 occasion, but were kept back through inward dis- 
 couragements, or outward obstructions, and were 
 wishing soon to see another opportunity of that 
 kind here, to which they might have access ; — it 
 was therefore resolved, God willing, that the sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper should be again dis- 
 pensed in this parish, on the third Sabbath of Au- 
 gust: and there was first one day, and then another, 
 appointed for a general meeting of the several so- 
 cieties for prayer in the parish, at the manse; but 
 as the manse could not conveniently hold them, 
 they went to the church, and when light failed 
 them there, a good many, of their own free motion, 
 returned to the manse, and continued at prayer and 
 praise till about one o'clock next morning. One 
 design of these meetings was, to ask that the Lord 
 would continue and increase the blessed work of 
 
CAMBUSLANG. \f 
 
 conviction and conversion, and eminently counte- 
 nance the dispensing of the holy sacrament of the 
 supper a second time in this place, and thereby 
 make the glory of this latter solemnity to exceed 
 that of the former. 
 
 *' This second sacrament did, indeed, much ex- 
 cel the former, not only in the number of minis- 
 ters, people, and communicants, but, which is 
 the main thing, in a much greater measure of the 
 power and special presence of God, in the observa- 
 tion and experience of multitudes who were at- 
 tending. 
 
 " The ministers who assisted at this solemnity, 
 were Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Webster from Edinburgh, 
 Mr. McLaurin and Mr. Gillies from Glasgow, Mr. 
 Robe from Kilsyth, Mr. Currie from Kinglassie, 
 Mr. McKnight from Irvine, Mr. Bonner from Tor- 
 phichen, Mr. Hamilton from Douglas, Mr. Hen- 
 derson from Blantyre, Mr. Maxwell from Rutlier- 
 glen, and Mr. Adam from Cathcart. All of them 
 appeared to be very much assisted in their work. 
 Four of them preached on the fast day; four on 
 Saturday ; on Sabbath I cannot well tell how many; 
 and five on Monday; on which last day it was 
 computed that above twenty-four ministers and 
 preachers were present. Old Mr. Bonner, though 
 so frail that he took three days to ride eighteen 
 miles from Torphichen to Cambuslang, was so set 
 upon coming here, that he could by no means stay 
 away ; and when he was helped up to the tent, 
 preached three times with great life ; and returned 
 with much satisfaction and joy. Mr. Whiiefield's 
 sermons on Saturday and Sabbath were attended 
 with much power, particularly on Sabbath night 
 about ten, and that on Monday, several crying out, 
 and a very great but devout weeping and mourning 
 
10 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 was observable through the auditory. On Sabbath 
 evening-, while he was serving some tables, he ap- 
 peared to be so filled with the love of God, as to 
 be in a kind of ecstacy or transport, and commu- 
 nicated with much of that blessed frame. 
 
 " The number of people that were there on 
 Saturday and jNIonday was very considerable : but 
 the number present, at the three tents, on the Lord's 
 day, was so great, that, so far as I can hear, none 
 ever saw the like since the Revolution in Scotland; 
 nor even any where else, at any sacrament occa- 
 sion: some have called them fifty thousand — some 
 forty thousand. The lowest estimate I hear of, 
 with which Mr. Whitefield agrees, who has been 
 much used to great multitudes, makes them to have 
 been upwards of thirty thousand. 
 
 " The number of communicants appears to have 
 been about three thousand. The tables were doubled, 
 and the double table was reckoned to contain one 
 hundred and fourteen, one hundred and sixteen, or 
 one hundred and twenty communicants. The num- 
 ber of tables I reckoned had been about twenty-four, 
 but I have been since informed, that a man who 
 sat near the tables, and kept a pen in his hand, and 
 carefully marked each service, said that there twen- 
 ty-five double tables, the last wanting only five or 
 six sitters to fill it up. And this account seems the 
 most probable, as agreeing nearly with the number 
 of tokens distributed, which was about three thou- 
 sand. And some worthy of credit, and that had 
 proper opportunities to know, gave it as their opin- 
 ion, that there was such a blessed frame upon the 
 people, that if there had been access to tokens, 
 there would have been a thousand more commu- 
 nicants. 
 
 " This vast concourse of people, you may easily 
 
CAMBUSLANG. 11 
 
 imagine, came not only from the city of Glasgow 
 and other places near by, but from many places at 
 a considerable distance. It was reckoned there 
 were two hundred communicants from Edinburgh, 
 two hundred from Kilmarnock, one hundred from 
 Irvine, and one hundred from Stewarton. It was 
 observed that there were some from England and 
 Ireland at this occasion ; a considerable number of 
 Quakers were hearers, and some that had formerly 
 been Seceders were communicants. 
 
 " There was a great deal of outward decency and 
 regularity about the tables. Public worsliip began 
 on the Lord's day just at half-past eight in the 
 morning. My action sermon, I think, was reason- 
 ably short. The third or fourth table was a-serv- 
 ing at twelve o'clcok, and the last table about sun- 
 set. When that was done, the work was closed 
 with a few words of exhortation, prayer, and praise, 
 the precentor having so much daylight as to let 
 him read four lines of a psalm. The passes to 
 and from the tables were, with great care kept clear 
 for the communicants. The tables filled so quickly, 
 that often there was no more time between one 
 table and another, than to sing four lines of a psalm. 
 The tables were all served in the open air, beside 
 the tent below the brae ; the day was temperate ; no 
 rain nor wind in the least to disturb. Several per- 
 sons of considerable rank and distinction, who were 
 elders, most cheerfully assisted our elders in serv- 
 ing tables ; such as the honourable Charles Ers- 
 kine Bruce of Kennet, Gillon of Wallhouse, and 
 others. 
 
 "But what was most remarkable, was the spi- 
 ritual glory of this solemnity ; I mean the gracious 
 and sensible presence of God. Not a few were 
 awakened to a sense of sin, and their lost and per- 
 
12 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 ishing condition without a Saviour. Others had 
 their bands loosed, and were brought into the 
 glorious liberty of the sons of God. Many of God's 
 dear children have declared, that it was a happy 
 time to their souls, wherein they were abundantly 
 satisfied with the goodness of God in his ordi- 
 nances, and filled with joy and peace in believing. 
 I have seen a letter from Edinburgh, the writer of 
 which says, that having talked with many Chris- 
 tians from that city, who had been here at this 
 sacrament, they all owned that God had dealt 
 bountifully with their souls. Some declared that 
 they would not for the world have been absent 
 from this solemnity. Others cried out, ' Now let 
 thy servants depart in peace from this place, since 
 our eyes have seen thy salvation here.' Others 
 wishing, if it were the will of God, to die where 
 they were, attending God in his ordinances, with- 
 out returning to the world or their friends, that they 
 might be with Christ in heaven, as that which is 
 incomparably best of all." 
 
 Such is the substance of Mr. McCulloch's ac- 
 count of this remarkable period ; and as Mr. AVhite- 
 field was frequently at Cambuslang about this time, 
 the following observations, given nearly in his own 
 words, will be interesting. " Persons from all 
 parts flocked to see, and many from many parts 
 went home convinced and converted unto God. A 
 brae, or hill, near the manse at Cambuslang, seemed 
 to be formed by Providence for containing a large 
 congregation. People sat unwearied till two in the 
 morning to hear sermons, disregarding the weather. 
 You could scarce walk a yard but you roust tread 
 upon some, either rejoicing in God for mercies re- 
 ceived, or crying out for more. Thousands and 
 thousands have I seen, before it was possible to catch 
 
CAMBUSLANG. 
 
 13 
 
 it by symphalhy, melled down under the word and 
 power of God. At the celebration of the holy 
 communion, their joy was so great, that, at the de- 
 sire of many, both ministers and people, in imita- 
 tion of Hezekiah's passover, they had, a month or 
 two afterwards, a second, which was a general 
 rendezvous for the people of God. The commu- 
 nion-table was in the field; three tents at proper 
 distances, all surrounded by a multitude of hearers; 
 above twenty ministers (among whom was good 
 old Mr. Bonner) attending to preach and assist, 
 all enlivening and enlivened by one another." 
 
 Amongst the multitudes that flocked to Cambus- 
 lang at this interesting period, there were persons 
 who went with a design to find matter of diversion ; 
 and while the bands of such mockers were, no 
 doubt, generally made stronger, others were made 
 happy monuments of Divine grace. . The case of 
 two young men may be mentioned, as affording a 
 striking example of sovereign mercy. They were 
 very profane, and had gone over to be amused with 
 " the falling" at Cambuslang, as they jestingly 
 termed it; but in place of being amused, they were 
 both impressed the same day; and so deep were 
 their convictions, that they were glad to get into a 
 stable hard by, for the purpose of supplicating that 
 grace which they had hitherto despised, and their 
 subsequent conduct afforded reason to conclude, 
 that the word they had that day heard had proved 
 the savour of life to their souls. 
 
 As to what these young men termed " the fall- 
 ing," it was a way of speaking among scofTers at 
 the time, occasioned by the bodily distress which, 
 in many instances, accompanied conviction. The 
 work was much objected to in consequence; but 
 when the intimate connexion of soul and body is 
 
14 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 considered, it will not appear surprising that great 
 outward agitation should mark the emotions of a 
 soul fully awakened to the dread realities of judg- 
 ment and eternity. The loss of a dear relative, 
 and many of the other painful vicissitudes of life, 
 when suddenly forced upon the mind, affect the 
 bodily constitution so powerfully as, in some in- 
 stances, to occasion even death. And if such is 
 sometimes the effect of things merely temporal, 
 need we wonder that a vivid sense of the sinner's 
 situation out of Christ, with nothing but the britde 
 thread of life between him and everlasting destruc- 
 tion, should overpower the body? The wonder 
 rather is, that the preaching of the solemn truths of 
 God's word is so rarely followed by such conse- 
 quences ; and we can account for this only by sup- 
 posing, that the Spirit of God does not make the 
 sinner at once alive to all the terrors of his condi- 
 tion. With regard to the revival at Cambuslang, 
 the greater number of the subjects of it vv-ere not 
 observably under bodily distress, and as for those 
 who were, their lives proved that ithey had been 
 made partakers of Divine grace : which is a proof 
 that such agitation is, at least, not inconsistent with 
 a work of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 The narrative now given has been fully attested 
 by the most able and pious ministers of the time, 
 and their attestations might be transcribed here did 
 space permit. Amongst others who have borne 
 testimony to this glorious display of Divine power, 
 are Mr. McLaurin, of the Northwest Church of 
 Glasgow, (now St. David's) well known by his 
 remarkable sermon on the Cross of Christ; Mr. 
 Hamilton, of the Barony Parish; Mr. Hamilton, 
 ofBothwell; Mr. Hamilton, of Douglas ; and Mr. 
 Connell, of Kilbride. Mr. Willison, of Dundee, 
 
CAMBUSLAN6. 
 
 15 
 
 also, has recorded his opinion, and the following 
 extract shows what were his sentiments : — " See- 
 ing some are desirous to know my thoughts of the 
 work at Cambuslang, I am willing to own that I 
 have travelled a good way to inquire and get satis- 
 faction about it. And having resided several days 
 in Mr. McCulloch's house, I had occasion to con- 
 verse with many who had been awakened and 
 under convictions there ; I found severals in dark- 
 ness and great distress about their souls' condition, 
 and with many tears bewailing their sins and' 
 original corruption, and especially the sin of un- 
 belief, and slighting of precious Christ. Others I 
 found in a most desirable frame, overcome with a 
 sense of the wonderful love and loveliness of Jesus 
 Christ, even sick of love, and jnviting all about 
 them to help them to praise him. I spoke also 
 with many who had got relief from their soul 
 trouble, and in whom the gracious work of the 
 Spirit of God appeared in the fruiis and effects of 
 it, according to my apprehension; such as their 
 ingenuous confessing of their former evil ways, 
 and professing a hatred to sin; very low and abas- 
 ing thoughts of themselves ; renouncing the vani- 
 ties of the world, and all their own doings and 
 righteousness, and relying wholly upon Christ for 
 righteousness and strength; and expressing great 
 love to Christ, to the Bible, to secret prayer, to the 
 people of God, and to his image, in whomsoever 
 it was, without respect of persons or parties ; and 
 also love to their enemies. I conversed with some 
 who had been very wicked and scandalous, but 
 now wonderfully changed ; though some were rude 
 and boisterous before, they now had the meekness 
 and mildness of the lamb about them, and though 
 I conversed with a great number, both men and 
 
16 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 women, old and young, I could observe nothing 
 visionary or enthusiastic about them, for their dis- 
 courses were solid, and experiences scriptural; I 
 had heard much of this surprising work by letters, 
 and by eye-witnesses, before I came, but all that 
 made slight impressions on me when compared 
 with what I was eye and ear-witness to myself. 
 Upon the whole, I look upon the work at Cara- 
 buslang, to be a most singular and marvellous out- 
 pouring of the Holy Spirit, which Christ hath 
 promised ; and I pray it may be a happy forerun- 
 ner of a general reviving of the work of God in this 
 poor decayed Church, and a blessed means of union 
 among all the lovers of our dear Jesus." 
 
 We have likewise the testimony of Mr. McCul- 
 loch himself, who, in a letter written about nine 
 years after the revival, and when ample time had 
 been afforded to test the sincerity of the professions 
 then made, writes nearly as follows: — " Setting 
 aside all those that appeared under awakenings 
 here in 1742, who have since remarkably back- 
 slidden, there is a considerable number of the then 
 awakened that appear to bring forth good fruits. I 
 do not talk of them at random, nor speak of their 
 number in a loose, general, and confused way, but 
 have now before me, at the writing of this, April 
 27th, 1751, a list of about four hundred persons 
 awakened here, at Cambuslang, in 1742, who from 
 that time to the time of their death, or to this, that 
 is, for these nine years past, have been all enabled 
 to behave, in a good measure, as becometh the 
 gospel, by any thing I could ever s6e, and by the 
 best information I could get concerning them." 
 While this letter furnishes such satisfactory evi- 
 dence of the reality of the work, the following 
 paragraph, from the sarne communication, affords 
 
CAMBUSLANG. 17 
 
 a beautiful proof of the humility of him who was 
 a main instrument in promoting it. " When I 
 mention such comfortable abiding effects of this 
 work, I would not have it ascribed to any creature, 
 but that the entire glory of it should be given to 
 God, whose work it was. It is true, there were 
 many ministers here, from places near and more 
 remote; and some of them men of great eminence, 
 w^ho preached here at my desire, and who also 
 joined with me in exhortation to souls appearing 
 in spiritual distress, who resorted to the manse. 
 But what could all these avail without the Divine 
 power and blessing] Whoever plant and water, 
 it is God that gives the increase. Ministers are 
 but instruments in his hands. No praise was due 
 to the rams' horns, though Jericho's walls fell 
 down at their blast: if God will vouchsafe that 
 his word shall breathe through ministers, it is God, 
 and not the means, must have the praise. It is 
 very fit and reasonable that he that builds the tem- 
 ple should bear the glory: and Christ is both the 
 foundation and founder of the Church, and there- 
 fore let all the glory be ascribed to him." 
 
 The period which elapsed between 1740 and 
 1750, forms an important era in the religious his- 
 tory, not of the little village of Cambuslang only, 
 but it may almost be said of Scotland, as revivals 
 were then very general. During these ten years a 
 great multitude of souls were added to the Church; 
 and it is important to remark, that a spirit of prayer 
 was extensively prevalent. In illustration of this, 
 the substance of a letter, written at Edinburgh in 
 1743, by Mr. George Muir, afterwards one of the 
 ministers of Paisley, may be quoted: 
 
 " The praying societies in this place are, as near 
 as we can guess, between twenty-four and thirty; 
 
18 REVIVALS OF KELIGION. 
 
 some of which will be obliged to divide, by reason 
 of too many meeting together, which will increase 
 the number. Amongst them are several meetings 
 of boys and girls, who, in general, seem to be 
 growing in grace, and increasing in knowledge. 
 The little lambs appear to be unwilling to rest upon 
 duties, or any thing short of Christ. There are 
 several meetings of young women, who, I am in- 
 formed, hold on very well ; and there are numbers 
 of young men, who meet for the excellent purpose 
 of glorifying God, and promoting Christian know- 
 ledge. A good many old men, substantial, stand- 
 ing Christians, meet for edification, (the glory of 
 their God being always their chief end,) and are 
 thereby often revived and very much refreshed. 
 This is not all ; for several country people are be- 
 ginning to assemble together, in little meetings, to 
 worship God ; and I am informed, that, about two 
 miles from this place, several ploughmen, and 
 other illiterate persons, meet, and are going sweet- 
 ly on, having some added to their number daily. 
 In the east country, also, near Dunbar, many are 
 now meeting for social prayer and conversation 
 upon religious matters, having the Lord with them, 
 of a truth ; and in that place, there is a more eager 
 thirsting for the word, and the ministers are learn- 
 ing to speak with new tongues." 
 
 Such remarkable manifestations of the Holy Spi- 
 rit have been so long withheld from the churches 
 of Scotland, that many who bear the name of Chris- 
 tian are tempted to think, that his affecting opera- 
 tions on the souls of men, through the preaching 
 of the gospel, belonged only to the extraordinary 
 ministrations of the apostles; and that now no 
 more is necesary, in order to make men good Chris- 
 ians, butamere rational conviction of the deformi- 
 
CAMBUSLANG. 
 
 19 
 
 ty of vice, and of the beauty and excellency of 
 virtue. An external profession of religion, with a 
 general assent to the truths of revelation, and a 
 life unblamable in the eye of human laws, are all 
 that is considered needful, though, at the same 
 time, the person be an absolute stranger to the faith 
 of God's elect, and to the indwelling of the Spirit 
 of Christ, having made no particular application of 
 Jesus Christ to himself, nor having been brought 
 to rest upon him alone for the whole of his salva- 
 tion ; and yet it is as certain as God's word is true, 
 that unless the most moral man in the world is 
 " born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of 
 God;" and that "if any man have not the Spirit 
 of Christ," be he otherwise what he will, "he is 
 none of his." Great, and, alas ! too successful en- 
 deavours have been made to bring men to rest upon 
 a ministry and ordinances without the Spirit. 
 
 By nature we love not God, nor the things of 
 God. The Sabbath is a weariness — the Scriptures 
 are without interest, and the ordinances of God's 
 house possess no attraction. In this state we are 
 obviously unfit for the eternal Sabbath, and for the 
 blessed employments of the upper sanctuary; We 
 must be changed if we would ever enjoy these. 
 This change the Spirit of God accomplishes on 
 every soul that comes to Christ. Our tastes, there- 
 fore, aflJ'ord a plain test by which our state may be 
 ascertained. Reader, have you any relish for these 
 things? Have you any sympathy with the hun- 
 gering and thirsting after God which was so re- 
 markably displayed at Cambuslang? If you have 
 not — if conscience tells you that religion is unsa- 
 voury — it is certain that you are without Christ, 
 and consequently without hope. Up then, and 
 flee to Christ: delay not, for " now is the accepted 
 
20 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 time." The needful change the Holy Spirit will 
 accomplish in you, " to-day, if you will hear his 
 voice." " God now commandeth all men every 
 where to repent." This command is laid as a 
 terror across your path ; you cannot proceed one 
 step further in an irreligious course without tramp- 
 ling it under foot; without practically saying, ' God 
 commands me to repent, but I will not repent : the 
 Holy Ghost saith, hear his voice to-day, but to-day 
 I will not hear it.' If to-morrow's rising sun find 
 you out of the narrow way of life, it will find you 
 where God forbids you to be on pain of his severest 
 displeasure. — Remember eternity is at hand. Time 
 speeds away. 
 
 " No winds along the hills can flee 
 So swiftly or so smooth as he; 
 Like fiery steed — from stage to stage, 
 He bears us on from youth to age, 
 Then plunges in the fearftil sea 
 Of fathomless eternity." 
 
 Let the faithful in Christ Jesus, into whose hands 
 this narrative may come, be stirred up to earnest, 
 persevering prayer, that the Lord's work may be 
 successfully carried on in Scotland, even the great 
 work of quickening the dead, justifying the guil- 
 ty, and sanctifying the ungodly. Let Christians 
 throughout the land unite for this purpose. Let 
 congregations unite to implore the Divine bless- 
 ing on the labours of their pastors. It is in this 
 manner that the arm of the Lord must be avyaken- 
 ed ; and when societies for prayer are multiplied, 
 we may be assured that a day of power is at hand. 
 The showers which have before refreshed our 
 land will refresh it yet again, and the gospel will 
 
CAMBUSLANG. 21 
 
 anew be preached with the Spirit sent down from 
 above, making ministers divinely wise to win souls 
 to Christ, and sending them forth in all corners and 
 churches of this land, with as full a blessing of the 
 gospel of Christ as Scotland or America has ever 
 before experienced. 
 
[ 22 ] 
 
 PART II 
 
 KILSYTH, 1742—3. 
 
 When the Saviour had nearly " finished the work" 
 the Father had given him to do, and when about 
 to be invested as Mediator with the glory which he 
 had with the Father before the world was, he com- 
 forted his disconsolate followers by telling them, 
 that when he went away, he would send the Com- 
 forter, who would lead them into all Truth, and 
 who would abide with them for ever. And, after his 
 resurrection, before he bade them a final adieu, he 
 left with them, and through them to all his follow- 
 ers in every age, this animating promise — " Lo, I 
 am with you alway, even unto the end of the 
 world." Every Christian is aware how remark- 
 ably these promises were accomplished, in the ex- 
 perience of the primitive church. " Jesus Christ 
 is the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever." 
 Since the memorable day of Pentecost he has re- 
 peatedly, and sometimes not less remarkably ful- 
 filled his gracious promise of " the gift of the Holy 
 Ghost." Perhaps no country in the world since 
 the days of the Apostles, has been so signally 
 blessed, in this respect, as Scotland. Many are 
 the instances in which Divine influence has de- 
 
KILSYTH, 
 
 23 
 
 scended *' as dew upon the tender herb, and as the 
 showers upon the grass," on this hitherto privi- 
 leged and happy land. If the Jews of old, when 
 they reached " the other side Jordan," were re- 
 quired frequently to recount " the acts of the Lord," 
 and the way by which their fathers had been led, 
 surely it is most befitting that the spiritual seed of 
 Jacob should recollect and commemorate the mani- 
 festations of Divine grace, in past ages, towards 
 the true Israel of God. The remembering of God's 
 dealings with his ancient people was intended to 
 benefit the descendants of those who had been the 
 subjects of them ; so, perhaps, the present attempt 
 to record " God's mighty acts," towards His spir- 
 itual Israel in this land, may, by the blessing of 
 the Spirit, stir up some of the present generation 
 in faith and in fervency to desire even " greater 
 things than these." 
 
 It was early in the year 1742, when the Spirit 
 of God remarkably visited the parish of Cambus- 
 lang, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. 
 McCuUoch. It was computed that, by his instru- 
 mentality, aided by many pious ministers, about 
 four hundred individuals were brought to the know- 
 ledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. This remarkable 
 display of the Mediator's power awakened great 
 joy in the hearts of God's people, and stirred up 
 many pious ministers and people in other parishes 
 to earnest persevering prayer that the Lord would 
 carry on His work, and refresh his weary heritage 
 over the land. Among the many godly ministers 
 who frequently visited Cambuslang on this memo- 
 rable occasion was the Rev. Mr. Robe, minister of 
 the neighbouring parish of Kilsyth. Like Mr. 
 McCulloch, he was a man of prayer, deeply aware 
 of the responsibility attending his office, and anxious- 
 
24 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 ly solicitous for the eternal welfare of his people. 
 Every time he visited Cambuslang he seems to 
 have returned to his own charge as if " anointed 
 with fresh oil," resolutely determined to know 
 nothing among them but " Jesus Christ, and him 
 crucified." By this time he had laboured in the pa- 
 rish of Kilsyth for the space of thirty years, with- 
 out being aware of any remarkable success having 
 accompanied his ministrations. During that period, 
 the parish had been visited with a severe fever, by 
 which many, particularly of the godly, were sud- 
 denly cut off. That visitation was followed by a 
 famine, and shortly after, in the summer of 1733, 
 great loss was sustained by a destructive storm of 
 thunder and lightning; but, instead of these judg- 
 ments leading the people to think of God, whose 
 displeasure they had incurred, and to seek Him 
 " with weeping and with supplication," wicked- 
 ness seemed to increase. Mr. Robe, in his narra- 
 tive, testifies that no one appeared to be affected 
 with sin, the cause of all the evils that were com- 
 plained of. On the contrary, the societies for 
 prayer declined, the love of many waxed cold, 
 the spirit of formality seemed to prevail, and open 
 transgression greatly abounded. In these painful 
 circumstances the good man betook himself to 
 prayer in behalf of his people, and continued still 
 most faithfully to set before them " life and death — 
 the blessing and the curse." In the year 1740, he 
 commenced a series of practical discourses on the 
 doctrine of regeneration. He explained and ap- 
 plied, with ail faithfulness and scriptural simplicity, 
 the nature, the importance, the necessity, the evi- 
 dences of this spiritual transformation, and although 
 these discourses were listened to with apparent se- 
 riousness, yet no visible effects followed at the 
 
KILSYTH. 25 
 
 time. When Cambuslanrr and other parishes were 
 sharing so copiously of the Divine influence, it 
 was matter of grief and discouragement to Mr. 
 Robe that not one of his people seemed as yet at 
 all to be awakened. He continued to wrestle much 
 in prayer, and still with affectionate earnestness to 
 exhibit to his people a full and free salvation. " The 
 effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth 
 much." Like Jacob, he wrestled, and, like Israel, 
 he prevailed — The Lord did in due time send a 
 *' plenteous rain." The first symptoms were the 
 reviving of many of the meetings for prayer, the 
 institution of some new similar associations, and 
 particularly of one composed exclusively of females, 
 from ten to sixteen years of age. These move- 
 ments were hailed as the harbingers of brighter 
 days. 
 
 Mr. Willison of Dundee, " whose praise is in 
 the gospel throughout all the churches," being on 
 a visit to Cambuslang, spent a few days at Kilsyth, 
 on his way home. Being requested to preach, he 
 did so, and delivered " a distinct, plain, and mov- 
 ing sermon," from these words: — *' He brought 
 me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry 
 clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established 
 my goings." Many of those who were afterwards 
 effectually awakened dated their first serious con- 
 cern about their souls, from hearing that sermon. 
 On the Sabbath following, 18th April, 1742, Mr. 
 Robe preached from these words : — " My little 
 children, of whom 1 travail in birth again until 
 Christ be formed in you." He experienced more 
 than usual tenderness in reading the text, and could 
 not refrain from tears. On the Sabbath immediate- 
 ly following, one woman was awakened to a very 
 distressing sight of her sinfidness and consequent 
 
26 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 exposure to misery. She was observed by some 
 in the congregation to be under great uneasiness. 
 "When the congregation dismissed, she was not 
 able to proceed on her way home, and soon after 
 was found in a field, crying out like the jailer, 
 " what shall I do to be saved?" She was brought 
 back to the minister, who conversed with her for a 
 considerable time. She said that in hearing the 
 sermon she was made to see that she was unlike 
 Jesus Christ, and like the Devil, and altogether in 
 a state of unregeneracy. She had strong impres- 
 sions of the greatness of the wrath of God, to 
 which, on account of sin, she felt herself liable. 
 She parted with Mr. Robe considerably composed. 
 She continued for some time to endure occasionally, 
 very great mental anguish, but soon after obtained 
 sensible relief, by an "apprehension of the mercy 
 of God in Christ." On Sabbath, the 9th of May, 
 following, five persons were awakened to a dis- 
 tressing sight of their sinful and lost estate. Mr. 
 Robe, and the praying people around, fondly cher- 
 ished the hope that this might be but as a few 
 drops before the plentiful rain. 
 
 And now the period of peculiar favour to this 
 parish was come — the time that God had set. Mr. 
 Robe in his Narrative states, — " On May 16, I 
 preached, as I have done for some time, on Gal. 
 iv. 19: 'My little children, of whom I travail in 
 birth until Christ be formed in you.' While press- 
 ing all the unregenerate to seek to have Christ 
 formed in them, an extraordinary power of the 
 Divine Spirit accompanied the word preached. 
 There was a great mourning in the congregation, 
 as for an only son. Many cried out, and these not 
 women, but some strong and stout-hearted young 
 men. After the congregation was dismissed," 
 
KILSYTH. 27 
 
 continues Mr. Robe, " an attempt was made to get 
 the distressed into my barn, but their number be- 
 ing so great this was impossible, and I was obliged 
 to convene them in the kirk. J sung a psalm and 
 prayed with them, but when I essayed to speak to 
 them I could not be heard, so great were their bit- 
 ter cries, groans, and the voice of their weeping. 
 After this, I requested that they might come into 
 my closet, one by one. I sent for the Rev. Mr. 
 John Oughterson, minister of Cumbernauld, who 
 immediately came to assist me in dealing with the 
 distressed. In the meantime, I appointed psalms 
 to be sung with those in the kirk, and that the pre- 
 centor and two or three of the elders should pray 
 with them. The noise of the distressed was heard 
 from afar. It was pleasant to hear those who had 
 been in a state of enmity with God, despisers of 
 Jesus Christ, and Satan's contented slaves, crying 
 out for mercy ; — some, that they were lost and" un- 
 done: — others, 'what shall we do to be saved ?' 
 others, praising God for this day, and for awaken- 
 ing them; and not a few, not only weeping and 
 crying for themselves, but for their graceless rela- 
 tions. And yet it would have moved the hardest 
 heart, that many of them, like the Israehtes under 
 Pharaoh's oppression, hearkened not when I spoke 
 unto them, they were so overwhelmed with an- 
 guish of spirit, because of the spiritual bondage 
 they felt they were under. — There appeared about 
 thirty awakened this day, belonging to this and the 
 neighbouring congregations. About twenty of 
 them belonged to this parish. Some few to the 
 parish of Campsie, and the remainder to that of 
 Kirkintilloch. But I have found since, in conver- 
 sing with the distressed, that the number of the 
 awakened far exceeds thirty." 
 
28- 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 " On the Wednesday immediately following this 
 day of the Redeemer's power, there was a sermon 
 for the first time on a week day. Mr. Warden, 
 minister of Campsie, and Mr. McLaurin, one of 
 the ministers of Glasgow, preached on the occa- 
 sion. The number of the awakened this day was 
 as great as on the Lord's day. The greater num- 
 ber was from the parish of Kirkintilloch ; there 
 were also some from the parishes of Campsie and 
 Cumbernauld. Nor did this movement of Divine 
 grace soon terminate. The blessed work of con- 
 viction and conversion went on. The Redeemer 
 did " ride prosperously because of truth, and meek- 
 ness, and righteousness," — His "arrows were 
 sharp in the heart of the King's enemies. The 
 number of the awakened, belonging to this parish, 
 amounted this week to forty." 
 
 When the Revival commenced, such was the 
 desire of the people to hear the word of God, that, 
 as has been just stated, it was found necessary to 
 institute a week-day lecture. W^ednesday was the 
 day selected for that purpose ; and on that day 
 there were sometimes two and even three dis- 
 courses. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fri- 
 day, were appropriated for conversing with the 
 spiritually distressed. Notwithstanding such abun- 
 dant labours, Mr. Robe was enabled to persevere — 
 his bodily health suffered not, and his inward man 
 prospered day by day. His friends sometimes, 
 tried to persuade him to relax his excessive labours, 
 but growing love to Jesus, intense compassion for 
 perishing souls, ardent zeal for the promotion of 
 God's glory, constrained him to persevere in his 
 arduous but interesting duties. " It soon became," 
 says he, " the pleasantest work in which I ever 
 engaged. Though I was wearied when I went to 
 
KILSYTH. 29 
 
 bed, yet, like the labouring man, my rest was sweet 
 to me. The Lord gave me the sleep of his be- 
 loved, and I was fresh by the morning. The way 
 of the Lord hath been my life and my strength." 
 
 The ordinance of the Supper was as usual, dis- 
 pensed on the second Sabbath of June, and was 
 attended by the happiest results in the experience 
 of many. The blessed work of conviction and 
 conversion continued greatly to increase after that 
 solemn communion service, and it was intimated 
 to the minister in the middle of September follow- 
 ing, that a general desire existed among the people 
 for another and an early opportunity of observing 
 that ordinance. After much prayer and conference 
 on the part both of the minister and the people, it 
 was resolved that the death of our Lord should be 
 a second time celebrated that year ; which was 
 accordingly done on the third Sabbath of October. 
 The account given by Mr. Robe of that interesting 
 solemnity is truly heart stirring. " I was assisted 
 on the occasion by the Rev. Mr. McLaurin of 
 Glasgow, Mr. James Warden of Calder, Mr. John 
 Warden of Campsie, Mr. James Burnside of Kirk- 
 intilloch, Mr. James Mackie of St. Ninians, Mr. 
 John Smith of Larbert, Mr. Spiers of Linlithgow, 
 Mr. Thomas Gillespie of Carnock, Mr. Hunter of 
 Saline, Mr. McCuUoch of Cambuslang, and Mr. 
 Porteous of Monivaird. Upon the Fast-day, ser- 
 mon was in the fields to a very numerous and 
 attentive audience, by three ministers, without any 
 intermission, because of the shortness of the day. 
 Upon the Friday evening there was sermon in the 
 kirk, and there was a good deal of concern among 
 the people. Upon Saturday there was sermon both 
 in the kirk and in the fields. Upon the Lord's 
 day the public service began about half-past eight 
 4 
 
30 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 in the morning, and continued without intermission 
 till half-past eight in the evening. I preached the 
 action sermon, by the divine direction and assis- 
 tance, from Eph. ii. 7. * That in the ages to come 
 he might show the exceeding riches of his grace, 
 in his kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus.' 
 There were about twenty-two services each con- 
 sisting of about seventy persons. The evening 
 sermon began immediately after the last table-ser- 
 vice. And though I desired that the congregation 
 in the fields should be dismissed after the last ser- 
 vice, yet they chose rather to continue together till 
 all was over. During all the services there was 
 the most desirable frame and observable concern 
 among the people, that had ever been any where 
 seen. It began to be considerable, when Mr. 
 Warden of Campsie preached, and it continued 
 and greatly increased while Mr. Spiers preached, 
 who concluded the public w^ork of the day in the 
 fields. On Monday there were sermons both in 
 the kirk and in the fields. There was a good deal 
 of observable concern; and several were brought 
 under spiritual distress in the fields. In the even- 
 ing, two ministers preached to the numerous dis- 
 tressed convened in the kirk. On Tuesday morn- 
 ing there was a sermon preached, and a discourse 
 by another minister, containing suitable instructions 
 and directions both to the awakened, and to those 
 who had never attained to any sight or sense of 
 their sin and danger. The spiritual fruits of this 
 solemn and extraordinary dispensation of Word 
 and Sacrament were truly animating. Many secure 
 sinners were awakened. Zion's mighty King 
 brought the wheel of the law over them, and sent 
 them home with broken and contrite hearts. Some 
 who came hither in a state of spiritual distress and 
 
KILSYTH. 
 
 31 
 
 law-work, felt such a time of the Mediator's power 
 as enabled them to embrace Jesus Christ with such 
 distinctness, as to know that they had done it. 
 Many had the love of Christ so shed abroad in 
 their hearts by the Holy Ghost, that they could 
 not contain, but were constrained to break forth in 
 floods of tears in the most significant expressions 
 of their own vileness and unworlhiness, and of 
 the deep sense they had of the exceeding riches of 
 God's grace, in his kindness towards them by 
 Christ Jesus." 
 
 It is delightful to contemplate the solid nature of 
 this work of Revival. It was far removed from 
 enthusiastic fanaticism on the one hand, and pre- 
 sumptuous Antinomianism on the other- Although 
 some who seemed to be awakened ultimately fell 
 away, yet the experience of many made it une- 
 quivocally manifest, that "the Lord himself had 
 given the word." Deep humility, hatred of all 
 sin, love of holiness, aspirations after conformity 
 to the image of God, fervent prayers and endea- 
 vours that others might be brought to the same 
 views and the same enjoyments, characterized the 
 greater number of the individuals with whom Mr. 
 Robe was called to converse. Indeed, the views 
 of sin, and of the way of salvation, entertained by 
 the individuals brought under the power of this 
 blessed work of the Spirit, were, generally speak- 
 ing, of the most scriptural and enlightened descrip- 
 tion. One man being asked " what he took closing 
 with Christ to be;" made this most intelligent 
 reply: — " I take closing with Christ to be a receiv- 
 ing of Him as a Prophet, to teach me the way ol 
 salvation ; as a Priest, to atone for me, and to be 
 my righteousness in the sight of God; and, as a 
 King, to rule over me, and to subdue sin and cor- 
 
32 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 ruption in me ; and that without Christ's righteous- 
 ness imputed, I can never be accepted in the sight 
 of God." One woman, after she was brought 
 distincdy to receive, and rest alone upon Christ 
 for salvation, thus expressed herself: — "Worldly 
 thoughts are away from me now, and oh that they 
 would never return again ! Ten thousand worlds 
 could not give me the love and joy with which 
 Christ now fills me." When asked some ques- 
 tions by Mr. Robe, she said, "Sir, though you 
 put questions to me, as was done to Peter, Christ, 
 who knows my heart, knows that I do love Him, 
 and I am resolved, in the strength of imparted 
 promised grace, to show my love to Him by keep- 
 ing His commandments." She sometimes gave 
 utterance to such words as these — " He is my sure 
 portion, whom I have chosen for ever. Oh, what 
 hath he done for me ! I desire to have all the world 
 brought to Him, that they too may partake of His 
 rich and sovereign grace." 
 
 Although the greater number, like the awakened 
 at the day of Pentecost, or like the convicted jailer 
 at Phihppi, were made to cry out, under a sense of 
 sin and apprehension of coming wrath, and could 
 not conceal their distress, yet many were brought 
 to Jesus in a more gentle and silent manner, whose 
 cases were not made known to Mr. Robe till they 
 had obtained peace in believing. Two or three 
 instances of this kind may be given, nearly in Mr. 
 Robe's own words, from among the many that 
 might be quoted : — A woman who was brought to 
 concern on 16th May, waited upon Mr. Robe the 
 following week, manifesting great anxiety for the 
 salvation of her soul. " I was," says he, " much 
 pleased with the character of her convictions, with 
 her knowledge, and the longing desires she ex- 
 
KILSYTH. 
 
 33 
 
 pressed after Jesus Christ. I said to her, ' essay- 
 to accept of Christ, bestir yourself, rise up at his 
 call, and invite Him to enter into your heart, into 
 your soul.' Although I did not intend or mean 
 this, she arose with great composure, stood and 
 prayed in a most scriptural style. She acknow- 
 ledged sin, original and actual, her utter want of 
 righteousness, the wonderfulness of God's patience 
 to her. She prayed for mercy to be drawn to 
 Jesus Christ, and that she might be'clothed with 
 His white raiment. Sometimes in her address, 
 she would say — ' Sweet Jesus ;' ' He is precious ;' 
 ' He is altogether lovely.' She first came to sensi- 
 ble relief from a sermon I preached on John xvi. 
 10, * Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, 
 and ye see me no more.' In her return home that 
 day, these words were strongly impressed on her 
 mind — ' My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is 
 fixed; I will sing and give praise.' She fell down 
 upon her knees; her heart being filled with joy 
 in the Lord, and her mouth with His praise." — 
 
 — " C. D. came first under convictions by hear- 
 ing the doctrine of regeneration stated, as it is the 
 writing of God's law upon the sinner's heart, from 
 Heb. viii. 10. He was made distinctly to see that 
 it was not as yet written upon his heart, and that 
 if he would be happy hereafter, it was indispensa- 
 bly necessary that it should be so. Upon the 
 evening of the day when he received his first im- 
 pressions, he conversed with a friend concerning 
 the resurrection, the general judgment, and the sad 
 state in which impenitent sinners must be through- 
 out eternity. By such converse his impressions 
 were deepened. Every sermon and every awaken- 
 ing experienced by his neighbours was blessed for 
 the same end. He told me that he could apply to 
 
34 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 himself the greater part of a sermon he heard from 
 me concerning the Spirit's convincing the world of 
 sin : such as, that he usually begins with one sin, 
 and after that proceeds to convince of particular 
 sins. He was convinced of the sins of his heart, 
 and of the evil nature of sin. He was not so much 
 distressed about sin, as exposing him to hell, but 
 he felt particularly grieved as it was an insult offer- 
 ed to a holy God. He got such a sight of the 
 filthiness of sin, as to loathe himself on account of 
 it. He was also convinced of the great sin of un- 
 belief, of the sinfulness of the least thought of 
 iniquity, though not consented thereto; of the evil 
 of self-conceit, a sense of the sinfulness of which 
 stuck as long with him, as he termed it, as any 
 thing else. He was also sensible of his inability 
 to help himself, of his own want of righteousness, 
 and that he could not work out a righteousness for 
 himself. He was brought to see the sufficiency of 
 Christ's rigliteousness, and that He, to use his own 
 words, was always ready, if he would but trust in 
 Him. Seeing that he had not informed any one 
 of his spiritual distress till he got relief by believ- 
 ing in Christ, I asked what it was that kept up his 
 spirit under fear and trouble of mind, continuing 
 so long. He told me that when his heart was like 
 to burst in prayer, that word came constantly in 
 his mind, and encouraged him to wait for the Lord 
 with patience and hope : * I waited patiently for 
 the Lord, and He inchned unto me, and heard my 
 cry.' His first relief came in this manner. In 
 the Society for Prayer of which he had become 
 a member, he inquired, ' What was the most pro- 
 per exercise for a person under convictions?' to 
 which it was replied by a very judicious Christian, 
 * That it was to behold the Lamb of God,' which 
 
KILSYTH. 
 
 35 
 
 he essayed to do. When I gave, in a public dis- 
 course, the marks of tliose who had Christ formed 
 in them, he said that by the help of the Spirit he 
 could apply them all to himself, and that during 
 prayer and after sermon he was in a frame sur- 
 prising to himself ; that his whole heart and affec- 
 tions went out in closing with Jesus Christ, and 
 that he was filled with rejoicing and wonder at His 
 love." 
 
 *' R. S. was first touched with convictions on the 
 Lord's day, May 16. He heard sermons upon the 
 Wednesday at Kilsyth, and upon Thursday at 
 Kirkintilloch. He spent the greater part of the 
 last mentioned evening in the fields, crying out 
 under a deep sense of sin. He came to me on the 
 following day in great mental distress. He had a 
 distressing sight of particular sins, such as Sabbath 
 breaking, cursing, swearing, evil thoughts, &c. He 
 was grieved for sin as an offence against God ; and 
 said with great earnestness, he would give a thou- 
 sand worlds for Christ. He saw that he had a vile 
 corrupt nature, and mourned over the sin of so long 
 despising Christ through unbelief. I endeavoured 
 to instruct him in the nature of faith and the way 
 of salvation through Jesus Christ. On a subse- 
 quent occasion, when conversing with him, he said 
 he had endeavoured to close with a whole Christ 
 in all his offices, and counts all things but loss 
 and dung, for the excellency of the knowledge of 
 Jesus Christ, and that he may win him. He said 
 that he had now an inclination to Christ, and that 
 his heart flutters in him like a bird when he thinks 
 of him." 
 
 It is emphatically said by an inspired writer, 
 that " the grace of God which bringeth salvation, 
 teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and 
 
36 REVIVALS OP RELIGION. 
 
 to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this pre- 
 sent evil world." This declaration of holy Scrip- 
 ture, received remarkable illustration at Kilsyth. 
 The number of individuals who were awakened 
 in the parish, and who afterwards publicly profess- 
 ed the faith of Christ, was upwards of three hun- 
 dred; and by various authentic documents, record- 
 ed in Mr. Robe's Narrative, it is ascertained that 
 the life and conversation of these, with fewer ex- 
 ceptions than might have been expected, were such 
 as became the gospel. The moral influence on the 
 parish generally, was remarkable. 
 
 Mr. Robe thus writes — " Among the instances 
 of the good fruits of this work upon the people, 
 may be mentioned visible reformation from many 
 open sins, particularly cursing, swearing, and drink- 
 ing. In social meetings, edifying conversation 
 has taken place of what was frothy, foolish, or 
 censorious. Instead of worldly and common dis- 
 course on the Lord's day, there is that w^hich is 
 spiritual and good to the use of edifying. There 
 is little of what was formerly common, strollmg 
 about the fields, or sitting idle at the doors of their 
 houses on that holy day. There is a general de- 
 sire after public ordinances. Before this, I could 
 never prevail with the best to attend the preaching 
 of the Word during the week, and therefore could 
 have no stated weekly meeting for expounding; 
 now, however, they desire it, and the generality of 
 the people attend as regularly as upon the Lord's 
 day. The worship of God is set up and maintain- 
 ed in many families who formerly neglected it. 
 There are many new societies for prayer, com- 
 posed of individuals of all ages, and not only of 
 those who have been lately aw^akened, but of those 
 who before had a character for seriousness. For- 
 
KILJYTH. 37 
 
 mer feuds and animosities are in a great measure 
 laid aside and forgot, and this hath been the most 
 peaceable summer amongst neighbours that was 
 ever known in this parish. I have heard little or 
 nothing of that pilfering and stealing that was so 
 frequent before this work began. Yea, there have 
 been several instances of restitution, and some of 
 these showing consciences of more than ordinary 
 tenderness. The change on the face of our public 
 meetings for worship is visible : there was never 
 such attention and seriousness seen in them as now. 
 The change is observed by every one who former- 
 ly knew the parish. One observing person said to 
 me, that if there was no more gained by this won- 
 derful work of the Spirit, there was at least a great 
 increase of morality." 
 
 Such is a short sketch of the remarkable out- 
 pouring of the Spirit of God at Kilsyth during the 
 year 1742 — 3. It furnishes one among the many 
 emblems of that more " plentiful rain" with which 
 the millennial glory shall be ushered in. When 
 the past history of the world and of the church 
 is contemplated, it is refreshing to find such ver- 
 dant spots amidst the spiritual sterility that every 
 where abounds. And when viewing the present 
 aspect of society, so lukewarm and so secure, it 
 is delightful to anticipate with certainty the pre- 
 dicted period, when, in the metaphoric language 
 of Scripture, " the wilderness and the solitary 
 place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and 
 blossom as the rose." The outpouring of the 
 Holy Spirit, by which alone this change can be 
 effected, is matter of promise, and matter of pro- 
 phecy. The prayer of faith works wonders. The 
 plea of the finished work of Emmanuel is irresisti- 
 ble. Encouraged then by the promises, the pre- 
 
38 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 dictions, and the arguments, of Scripture, let every 
 true wrestler at the throne of grace adopt the reso- 
 lution of the Prophet — " For Zion's sake will I 
 not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will 
 not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as 
 brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that 
 burneth." 
 
 While secret prayer for the descent of the Holy 
 Spirit is thus earnestly pressed, small concerts for 
 prayer are at the same time no less urgently re- 
 commended. Such meetings preceded, accompa- 
 nied, and followed the Revival of 1742. Jesus 
 still reigns " a Prince and Saviour" — " a Priest 
 upon his throne" — ready to subdue the rebellious 
 heart of man by the efficacy of his own sacrifice. 
 The love of Jehovah is still overflowing. The re- 
 sources of the Spirit are still equal to the conver- 
 sion of a world; one breathing from Him would 
 make our people live. O then let God's people 
 unite together — let them speak often one to another: 
 He will hearken and hear! Let them give Him 
 no rest till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem 
 a praise in the earth ! 
 
39 
 
 PART III. 
 
 BALDERNOCH, KIRKINTILLOCH, MUTHILL, &c. 
 1742-3. 
 
 An attempt has been made, in the two preceding 
 numbers of this series, to give a sketch of the 
 state of religion in Cambuslang and Kilsyth, during 
 the years 1742-3 ; and in the present it is proposed 
 to give a brief account of the progress of the truth 
 in other partjj^of Scodand during the same period; 
 for the work of religion, revived in these parishes, 
 could not but excite great interest in the districts 
 and congregations around them. Multitudes flocked 
 from all quarters ; some attracted by curiosity, 
 others to gain spiritual refreshment, and not a few 
 to mock and to ridicule. At the memorable dis- 
 pensation of the Lord's supper at Cambuslang, for 
 instance, on the third Sabbath of August, 1742, 
 there were present many individuals from Irvine, 
 Kilmarnock, Dreghorn, and other parishes in that 
 neighbourhood; and it was afterwards ascertained 
 that about sixty of these returned home seriously 
 impressed with a sense of their sinfulness and 
 misery, and not a few rejoicing in the grace of the 
 gospel. These individuals were instrumental in 
 awakening others. Prayer meetings were estab- 
 lished ; and then, by the preaching of the gospel, 
 
40 REVIVALS OF RELIGION, 
 
 many other converts were added to those who had 
 been awakened at Cambuslang. 
 
 In the parishes eastward of Kilsyth the revival 
 was little felt. The people were keenly engaged 
 in discussing the externals of Christianity, and 
 were thereby prevented from studying very mi- 
 nutely the doctrines of vital religion. It has been 
 found that keen party spirit almost necessarily des- 
 troys spirituality of mind. An anxious desire to 
 obtain connexion with a sect, is too frequently sub- 
 stituted for earnest solicitude to gain union with 
 Jesus, the Saviour. Nevertheless, there were a 
 few witnesses for God raised up even in these 
 parishes. In Denny and Larbert, particularly, this 
 was the case. The Almighty Spirit triumphed over 
 the carnality of many nominal professors, and ren- 
 dered them the living members of Christ. Not a 
 few gainsayers w^ere reclaimed, whose lives after- 
 wards furnished a practical and cj^lar demon- 
 stration, that the work was of Goo^and not of 
 man. 
 
 In the parish of Torphichen, to the eastward of 
 Linlithgow, at that time under the ministry of Mr. 
 Bonar, seven persons were awakened at the dis- 
 pensation of the Supper of the Lord, on the first 
 Sabbath of August, 1742, who afterwards were 
 enabled to give scriptural evidence of being in 
 Christ by a living faith. 
 
 The case of the parish of Baldernock deserves 
 to be particularly noticed. Few of the people had 
 visited those places in which the revivals had 
 originated ; and although for some years there had 
 been no regular pastor, yet about ninety individuals 
 were brought under the quickening influence of 
 the Spirit of promise. Mr. Wallace, who had 
 previously laboured amongst them in holy things 
 
BALDEKNOGH, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 41 
 
 for about fifty years, had been faithful and zealous ; 
 and perhaps the many conversions that now took 
 place, might be remotely traced to his ministrations. 
 The seed which lies long concealed may spring up 
 in an abundant harvest. But in the absence of a 
 regular ministry, God, who can accomplish His 
 purposes of mercy with weak as well as with power- 
 ful means, raised up and qualified Mr. James 
 Forsyth, who occupied the humble but honourable 
 station of parochial schoolmaster, as the instrument 
 of carrying foward in that parish, the good work 
 that had made such advances in the surrounding 
 country. He was evidently a good man. He had 
 been long distinguished for godliness. His experi- 
 ence of the preciousness of Christ, could not but 
 prompt him to embrace the opportunity, which his 
 profession furnished, of diffusing the knowledge 
 of that Name, and of that Salvation, which he 
 knew to be essential to the true happiness of the 
 people with whom he was brought in contact. He 
 partook of the joy with which the news of God's 
 dealings with his church was received by such as 
 had themselves tasted that the Lord is gracious; 
 and in the peculiar circumstances of the parish, he 
 endeavoured, by every means in his power, to 
 infuse the same spiriuial life among the people. 
 He spoke, more especially to the young, with ear- 
 nestness and affection about their lost condition by 
 nature and practice, about the love of God mani- 
 fested in the gift of his Son for the salvation of sin- 
 ners ready to perish; and the Holy Spirit was 
 pleased to convey these simple but impressive 
 truths to the hearts of his interesting charge, who, 
 in their turn^ were enabled to leave a testimony to 
 the truth, in the consciences of the adult popula- 
 tion. Would there were many such teachers of 
 
42 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 youth ! Would that they felt that they and their 
 youthful charge shall stand together in the judg- 
 ment, and must render an account of their important 
 stewardship! Religious instruction was made to 
 hold a prominent place in the school under the 
 charge of Mr. Forsyth; and for the encouragement 
 of all in like circumstances, these instructions were 
 rendered instrumental for the conversion of many. 
 God countenanced his feeble endeavours, and made 
 him the honoured instrument of winning many souls 
 to Christ. His own account of the matter is 
 detailed in letters to Mr. Robe, and will be felt 
 deeply interesting and animating by all who have 
 any love for ardent piety or disinterested zeal. In 
 a letter dated 17th July, 1742, he thus writes — 
 " Since the first of February last, I endeavoured, 
 to the utmost of my power, to instruct the children 
 under my charge in the first principles of religion — 
 that they were born in a state of sin and misery, 
 and strangers to God by nature. I pressed them, 
 with every argument I could think of, to give up 
 their sinful ways, and flee to Jesus Christ by faith 
 and repentance ; and by the blessing of God, my 
 eiforls were not made in vain. Glory to His holy 
 name, that which was spoken in much weakness, 
 was accompanied by the power of His Holy Spirit. 
 I hkewise warned them against the commission of 
 known sin. I told them the danger of persisting 
 contrary to the voice of conscience, and the plain 
 dictates of the word of God; assuring them, that 
 if they did so, their sin would one day find them 
 out. These exhortations, frequently repeated, 
 made at last some impression on their young hearts. 
 This was used as a means in God's hand for bring- 
 ing the elder sort to a more serious concern, and a 
 greater diligence in religious duties. One of the 
 
BALDERNOCH, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 43 
 
 school boys, who went to Cambuslang in March, 
 was the first awakened. He, in a sliort time there- 
 after, asked permission to meet with two or three 
 of the other boys in the school-room, for the pur- 
 pose of praying and singing psalms. I had great 
 pleasure in granting this request. Very soon after, 
 a few more of the boys manifested deep concern 
 for their souls; and in fourteen days after the open- 
 ing of this youthful prayer meeting, ten or twelve 
 were hopefully awakened; none of them were 
 above thirteen years of age — a few of them were 
 so young as eight or nine. These associated 
 together for devotional duties. Their love for 
 these services increased; so much so, that they 
 sometimes met three times a-day — early in the 
 morning — at noon, during the interval of school 
 hours — and in the evening. These soon forsook 
 all their childish fancies and plays, and w^ere known 
 to their school companions by their general ap- 
 pearance, by their walk and conversation. All this 
 had a happy effect upon the other children. Many 
 were awakened through their means. They be- 
 came remarkable for tenderness of conscience. A 
 word of terror occurring in their lessons would 
 sometimes make them cry out and weep bitterly. 
 Some of them could give a most intelligent account 
 of their experience of divine truth. They were 
 sensible of the sin of their nature, of their actual 
 transgressions, and even of the sin of unbelief; for 
 when I would exhort them to believe in Christ 
 who was both able and willing to save them to the 
 the uttermost, they would reply, in the most affect- 
 ing terms, that they knew He was both able and 
 willing, but their hearts were so hard that they 
 could not believe aright of themselves, till God 
 
44 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 gave them the new heart— that they could do noth- 
 ing for their hard hearts." 
 
 It }ias been often illustrated, that <' out of the 
 mouths of babes and sucklings God perfects praise." 
 What heart that reads this narrative can feel un- 
 moved at the striking illustration thus furnished of 
 this Scripture saying, in the case of the youth of 
 the parish of Baldernoch, under the care of Mr. 
 Forsyth ! Who would not pray that all teachers of 
 youth were blessed with piety like his, with zeal 
 like his, with success like his ! 
 
 Respecting the people in general, Mr. F. thus 
 writes—" Some were awakened at Cambuslang, 
 others at Calder and Kirkintilloch, but the greater 
 number at the private meetings for prayer held in 
 the parish. These meetings were held twice a- 
 week, and all were admitted who chose to attend." 
 — These meetings were eminently countenanced. 
 Many who attended were blessed with the com- 
 munications of Divine grace, and made to experi- 
 ence the image and the earnest of the fellowship 
 that is above. " Two young women," says Mr. 
 Forsyth, " who had been at Cambuslang, and who 
 brought back an evil report, saying, that they 
 wondered what made the people cry out, on the 
 22d of June, came to one of these meetings in Bal- 
 dernoch, as was supposed, with no good design. 
 Before a quarter of an hour had elapsed, they were 
 brought under serious convictions, and continued 
 in distress during the remaining exercises of the 
 evening." 
 
 These details of the awakening in Baldernoch 
 furnish an impressive commentary on these words 
 of Scripture—-" Not by might, nor by power, but 
 by my Spirit, saith the Lord :" "I will have mercy 
 
BALDERNOCH, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 
 
 45 
 
 on whom I will have merey, and I will have com- 
 passion on whom I will have compassion:" — and 
 sliould stimulate every Christian, in his own sphere, 
 to labour for Christ, trusting that the Divine Spirit 
 -will come " and leave a blessing behind Him." 
 
 Respecting the case of Baldernoch, Mr. Robe 
 has the following judicious remarks; — "I have 
 been the more particular, that we who are ministers 
 of the gospel may learn not to be lifted up by any 
 success we may have in our ministrations; though 
 the Lord maketh especially the preaching of the 
 word an effectual means of convincing and con- 
 verting sinners, and of building up them who are 
 converted, yet he also blesseth the reading of the 
 word. Christian communion, and religious educa- 
 tion, by parents, schoolmasters, and others, for the 
 same blessed ends, and, also that he sometimes 
 makes use of weak and inconsiderable instruments 
 for beginning and carrying on a good work upon 
 the souls of men, while men of great gifts are not 
 so successful. The people are not the less careful 
 to attend upon public ordinances; their meetings 
 do not interfere with the public means of grace in 
 their own congregation, nor with the same privi- 
 leges in the neighbouring congregations, when de- 
 prived of them in their own church, in consequence 
 of there being at present no regular minister." 
 
 At the parish of Killearn, about sixteen miles north 
 from Glasgow, at that time under the pastoral in- 
 spection of Mr. James Bain, there was a consider- 
 able awakening at the dispensation of the Lord's 
 supper on the third Sabbath of July, 1742. This 
 was particularly the case on the Monday, when 
 sermons were delivered by Mr. Michael Potter, 
 professor of divinity in the University of Glasgow, 
 and Mr. Mackie, minister of St. Ninians. 
 5 
 
46 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 There were about a hundred awakened in the 
 parish of Campsie ; and about the same number in 
 the parish of Calder, in the immediate neighbour- 
 hood. The circumstances connected with the re- 
 vival at Calder are somewhat remarkable. Mr. 
 Warden, the minister, was accustomed to give a 
 weekly lecture in a small village at some distance 
 from the church. The attendance had become so 
 very inconsiderable, that he had resolved to discon- 
 tinue it. The evening he went to make this an- 
 nouncement, to his great amazement he found the 
 room crowded. Dismayed at such a multitude, 
 and as he had prepared no subject of exposition, 
 he retired into a wood at a little distance, earnestly 
 imploring Divine direction and blessing. Imme- 
 diately he returned to the people, and preached 
 from these words which had been suggested to 
 his mind while in the wood — " Unto you, O 
 men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men," 
 Prov. viii. 4. From this text he opened up the 
 fulness, the freeness, the grace of the gospel pro- 
 clamation. The Holy {Spirit accompanied the 
 word spoken with power. Many were brought 
 under His humbling influence, and ultimately made 
 to bow to the sceptre of Jesus. On a subsequent 
 occasion there were about fourteen persons brought 
 under great concern and anxiety about their spi- 
 ritual and eternal state. 
 
 About this time about sixteen young people in 
 the town of Kirkintilloch were observed to meet in 
 a barn for prayer. This took place at the sugges- 
 tion of one of the older boys, and was cordially 
 acceded to by the rest. This incident coming to 
 be known, seemed to make deep impressions both 
 upon old and young. The minister of the parish 
 was rejoiced by this movement, inquired after the 
 
BALDERNOCH, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 47 
 
 little prayer meeting, and frequently joined the 
 society, for giving direction and instruction. At the 
 dispensatidsn of the Lord's supper, in May follow- 
 ing, Mr. McLaurin of Glasgow, and Mr. Robe of 
 Kilsyth, preached on the fast-day preparatory to 
 the celebration of that solemnity. Mr. Burnside, 
 the minister of the parish, preached in the evening 
 of the same day. The work of conviction was 
 general and powerful. In the words of Mr. Robe, 
 " Zion's mighty King did appear in His glory and 
 majesty, and his arrows were sharp in the heart of 
 His enemies." About a hundred and twenty ap- 
 plied to the minister, anxiously seeking the way to 
 Zion evidendy with their faces thitherward. About 
 the same time there were fourteen or fifteen awa- 
 kened at Cumbernauld, under the preaching of Mr. 
 Whitefield ; and about eighty individuals by the 
 ordinary ministrations of their own pastor Mr. 
 Oughterson. 
 
 At the dispensation of the supper, in St. Ninians, 
 on the first ISabbath of August of the same year, 
 there were several awakened by means of the ser- 
 mons on the Saturday, many more on Sabbath, and 
 a far greater number on the Monday, which was, 
 on the tesUmony of Mr. Robe, *' one of the great- 
 est days of the Mediator's power ever beheld." 
 On Thursday immediately following, at the usual 
 week-day lecture, a considerable number more 
 were awakened. Mr. Mackie, the minister of the 
 parish, was instrumental in leading many of the 
 inquirers to the Lamb of God, who taketh away 
 the sin of the world. Some time after, Mr. Mackie 
 states, " that impressions upon the people are far 
 from wearing off". Their behaviour is such that 
 their enemies themselves cannot find fault with. 
 It gives me great pleasure to hear them pray and 
 
48 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 converse. Our audience is most attentive to the 
 preaching of the word." 
 
 In the parish of Gargunnoch there were about 
 a hundred awakened, the greater number of whom 
 Avere brought to a state of concern for their souls, 
 while attending the dispensation of the supper at 
 Kilsyth, on the second Sabbath of July, or the dis- 
 pensation of that ordinance at Campsie, on the last 
 Sabbath of that month, or at St. Ninians, on the 
 first Sabbath of August. At the week-day lecture 
 on the 5th of August, there were eighteen awaken- 
 ed; and in the week following many more. In a 
 letter of date 17th March, the following year, Mr. 
 Warden, the minister of the parish, writes — "The 
 concern in a ^reat measure continues; fellowship 
 meetings increase; and even the meetings for pray- 
 er among the children. The impression among 
 the people, in general, is still apparent, by a dili- 
 gent attendance upon ordinances, love to our God 
 and Redeemer, and to all the children of our Lord's 
 family ; crying to Christ, and rejoicing in Him; and 
 all this associated with a sober and blameless walk 
 and conversation. A few are under spiritual con- 
 cern in the parish of Kippen, and there is some 
 stir in the parish of Monivaird." 
 
 About the same time, this wondrous work of the 
 Lord extended to the parish of JVIuthill, in Perth- 
 shire. Mr. Halley, the minister, gives the follow- 
 ing account, in a letter, addressed to Mr. Robe, 
 dated March, 1743. " The work of God is going 
 forward in this parish. Many seem truly awakened 
 to a sense of their condition, as connected with 
 eternity. All those with whom I have conversed, 
 appeared to be touched to the very quick, the ar- 
 rows of the Almighty shot to their very hearts; 
 trembling like the jailer, crying out against sin, 
 
BALDERNOCII, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 49 
 
 and breathing and thirsting after a Saviour. My 
 bowels were moved for them, and, I hope the 
 bowels of a compassionate Redeemer were yearn- 
 ing over them when they were with Ephraim be- 
 moaning themselves. As a token for future good, 
 a praying disposition among the people, not only 
 contmues, but is upon the increase. Thirteen so- 
 cieties for prayer, have been recently instituted, 
 and a new one is about to be established. I cannot 
 express how much I am charmed with the young 
 people. They have now three prayer societies. 
 The members of one of these made me a most 
 agreeable visit upon the first Monday of the year, 
 a day which young people especially, usually spend 
 in mirth and folly. Upwards of forty attended, 
 and continued in prayer and other exercises, till 
 about ten at night. And oh ! to hear the young 
 lambs crying after the great Shepherd, to hear them 
 pouring out their souls with such fervour, with 
 such beautiful expressions, with such copiousness 
 and fulness, did not only strike me with admiration, 
 but melted me into tears. I wished in my heart 
 that all contradicters, gainsayers, and blasphemers 
 of this work of God, had been where I was that 
 night." In a subsequent letter, Mr. Halley thus 
 writes — " The concern in hearing the word, still 
 continues, though not with such a noise and outcry- 
 ing as formerly. And though the public awaken- 
 ings are not so discernible as they were sometime 
 since, yet few Sabbaths pass, but there are some 
 pricked in their hearts, and with great anguish of 
 spirit, crying, What shall we do ! A law-work is 
 still severe and of long continuance with many, 
 but the Lord is supporting, helping to wait, and 
 keeping them thirsting after relief in Christ." 
 In the parish of Grief, then under the pastoral 
 
50 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 care of the Rev. Mr. Drummond, there were many 
 awakened, and ultimately made happy, in knowing 
 and believing the truth. Several praying societies 
 were formed. 
 
 In all the parishes in which this revival made 
 any progress, a corresponding increase of practi- 
 cal godliness immediately became apparent. Fel- 
 lowship Meetings were instituted, family religion 
 every where revived, Sabbath desecration was dis- 
 countenanced, open profanity, for the most part, 
 disappeared. The virtues of honesty, industry, 
 and sobriety, characterized the people, and amongst 
 the peculiar subjects of the revivals, instances of 
 restitution not unfrequentiy occurred. These fruits 
 of holiness must have tended to remove ihe cavils 
 of the " enemy and the avenger," during that in- 
 teresting period, and to this day, attested as they 
 are by irrefragable evidence, furnish the most satis- 
 fying proof, that the work was of God, and not of 
 man. " Godly sorrow for sin, universal hatred of 
 it, renouncing their own righteousness, and em- 
 bracing the righteousness of God, by faith in Jesus 
 Christ, embracing him in all his ofiices, universal 
 reformation of life, a superlative love to the blessed 
 Redeemer, love to all who bear his image, love to- 
 wards all men, even to enemies, earnest desires 
 and prayers for the conversion of all others:" — 
 " These," says Mr. Robe, " are the happy fruits 
 of this blessed work, and sufficiently demonstrate 
 that it is of the operation of the Spirit of God." 
 
 This may be better illustrated by one or two 
 examples of individual experience, taken from Mr. 
 Robe's narrative. " L. M., aged about twenty- 
 eight years, and formerly of a blameless life, was 
 awakened by conversing with his brother under 
 spiritual distress. On that night he was so deeply 
 
BALDERNOCH, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 51 
 
 affected that he could not sleep. Next morning, 
 his distress was increased by reading that passage 
 of 'Alleine's Alarm,' in which he discourseth of 
 God's being an enemy to unconverted sinners, 
 which passage he met with at the first opening of 
 the book." iMr. Robe continues — " he was brought 
 to me the following day, and though he was a very 
 strong man, I found his mental disquiet had greatly 
 affected his body. 1 observed that his reason was 
 clear and undisturbed, as he was able to give a 
 distinct account of himself. He was impressed 
 with particular sins, and in a lively manner felt 
 himself to be a guilty, condemned sinner. He had 
 a deep impression of original sin and corruption, 
 as rendering him liable to eternal wrath, even 
 though he had not been guilty of actual sin. He 
 had also a deep sense of the hatefulness of sin, as 
 committed against God, and the sin of unbelief, as 
 hardening his heart against the voice of Christ, in 
 the reading or hearing of His Word. He was 
 struck with dreadful fears of falling into the state of 
 torment, and saw the great goodness and long suf- 
 fering of God, in not cutting him off in the midst 
 of his iniquity. He was supported sometimes by 
 views of the remedy, Christ Jesus, that He had 
 come into the world to save sinners, which he 
 desired to lay hold of, for the ground of his hope. 
 He soon attained to some composure of mind, in 
 essaying to close with Jesus Christ." Conversing 
 with L. M. again, eight days after, Mr. Robe writes 
 — " He declared that when engaged in prayer, he 
 felt his soul going out in the acceptance of a whole 
 Christ as his only Saviour; his Prophet to teach 
 him by his Word and Spirit; his Priest to recon- 
 cile him to God by his sacrifice ; his King to sub- 
 due his sin, sanctify, and rule him. He disclaimed 
 
52 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 all confidence in his duties, and desired to rely on 
 Him alone for salvation; withal, giving himself to 
 the Lord to be saved, upon his own terms, to live 
 unto him, and to serve him in newness of life — 
 resolving also, in the strength of Jesus Christ, to 
 live a holy life to his glory, and yet not to rest on 
 it as a ground of peace and acceptance. He said, 
 he was greatly afraid lest he should fall back unto 
 sin, and be a scandal to religion, after what God 
 had done for him. He was exercised with the fears 
 of hypocrisy and presumption in receiving Christ, 
 against which it relieved him to look unto Christ 
 anew who came to save the chief of sinners, and 
 who is offered to him, in common with all others." 
 
 "L. M.," says Mr. Robe, "who was before 
 this blameless in his life, is now spiritual, edifying, 
 and exemplary in his ordinary conversation and 
 deportment." 
 
 One other instance may be quoted from the nar- 
 rative of Mr. Robe; — 
 
 "After a sermon preached on the Monday of 
 the sacrament, by Mr. Webster of Edinburgh, a 
 young woman was brought to Mr. Robe, who found 
 her so filled with a sense of the love of God to her 
 soul, and with love to .Tesus Christ, that she was 
 all in tears, and could not refrain from weeping 
 with joy. She had been awakened at Kilsyth 
 about the beginning of July, but had obtained no 
 sensible relief till she heard Mr. Webster. Before 
 her awakening, she was of a blameless life, but 
 when brought to feel the spirituality of God's law, 
 she was filled with alarm on account of the coming 
 wrath. Sometime after, hearing Mr. Webster, she 
 Avas enabled to state distinctly the consolation she 
 experienced in taking hold of Christ in all his 
 offices. Her subsequent conduct in life was of 
 
BALDERNOCH, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 53 
 
 such a kind as to make it manifest that she was 
 now born from above." 
 
 These examples are produced from among the 
 many that might be selected, and furnish decisive 
 evidence that the instructions delivered by the Pas- 
 tors, and the experience of the people, were of the 
 most scriptural kind; but it may be interesting to 
 state, in Mr. Robe's own words, what was the 
 doctrine that was so zealously propagated, and 
 which God's Holy Spirit honoured so much: — " I 
 feared to daub or deal slightly with my people, but 
 told great and small that they were by nature the 
 children of the Devil, while they were in the state 
 of unbelief; and, that if they continued so to the 
 end, I told them, in our Lord's plain terms, they 
 would be damned. I resolved that I would cry 
 aloud, and not spare, and preach with the serious- 
 ness and fervour of one that knew that my hearers 
 must either be prevailed with or be damned ; and 
 so that they might discern I was in good sadness 
 with them, and really meant as I spoke. Aware 
 that the greater part of every public audience is 
 secure, unconcerned, and fearless, I preached the 
 terrors of the law in the strongest terms I could, 
 that is to say, in express Scripture terms. Yet I 
 ever delighted to follow up such statements with a 
 declaration of the gospel of the grace of God. After 
 the law had done its office, I have seen the con- 
 gregation in tears of joy when the law of grace 
 from Mount Zion was proclaimed." Such state- 
 ments as these, full of earnestness and faithfulness, 
 and Scripture simplicity, joined with believing 
 prayer, are ever accompanied more or less with 
 Divine power, and in the instances now related, 
 were so abundantly blessed, as to make it manifest 
 that they are not the doctrines which man's wisdom 
 6 
 
54 
 
 EEVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; — 
 the true sayings of God. 
 
 The preaching of the other ministers was in 
 perfect agreement with this outhne, and the very 
 names of many of them are a sufficient guarantee 
 for the soundness of their doctrines. — Mr. McLau- 
 rin, Mr. Gilhes of Glasgow, Mr. WilUson of Dun- 
 dee, Mr. Bonar of Torphichen, Mr. Whitefield, 
 and many others, were severally engaged in pro- 
 moting the work, and have severally attested the 
 truth of the facts that have been related. They are 
 still well known to the Church by their able and 
 judicious writings. These men acknowledged that 
 the work was of God. They had the means of 
 examining the experience and character of those 
 who were its subjects. They laboured and prayed 
 that the good work might spread over the land, that 
 it might fill the whole earth. And besides, there 
 is the evidence of Dr. Erskine of Edinburgh, who 
 was ordained in the parish of Kirkintilloch, in the 
 year 1744, and continued there till 1754. During 
 that period he must have had sufficient opportunity 
 of knowing the doctrines that had been preached, 
 and the views and character of those who had been 
 awakened, and he has given his recorded testimony 
 to the reality of this work ; and to the fact that the 
 subjects of it in that parish lived as became the 
 followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. — " The 
 memory of the just is blessed." The men who 
 were honoured of God to edify the church during 
 this interesting period of Scottish history, have 
 long since gone the way of all the earth. " They 
 rest from their labours, and their works do follow 
 Ihem." As they that have turned many to right- 
 eousness, they now shine as the stars for ever and 
 ever. 
 
BALDERNOCH, KIRKINTILLOCH, ETC. 55 
 
 It is now nearly a century since the Revival, 
 which has just been related, took place; but the 
 traces of it still remain — many prayer meetings 
 exist, and not a few of them in Glasgow, that can 
 date their institution from the period now referred 
 to. The work of the Lord has been going on, 
 though silently, in Scotland ever since. Many 
 have been the faithful pastors that have been instru- 
 mental in gathering strayed sheep, in feeding " the 
 flock of God, which He has purchased with his 
 own blood." It is the earnest and increasing prayer 
 of the friends who issue these Tracts, that the num- 
 ber of such faithful men may be greatly increased, 
 that the zeal of church rulers may be extended, 
 that the exertions and prayers of the Christian peo- 
 ple may be rendered more abundant, and more 
 fervent ; that so the church in this land may be 
 revived, and may yet appear "fair as the moon, 
 clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with ban- 
 ners." -^ 
 
 Let every one into whose hand this tract may 
 come, be assured, that he is by nature dead in tres- 
 passes and sins, and that without the experience of 
 the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, he must 
 tor ever perish. Let him know that there is "a 
 fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness ;" let 
 him understand that that fountain is the Redeemer's 
 blood. Let him, without delay, repair to it. Let 
 him "wash and be clean." Then, being freed 
 from the curse of the law, invested with the Re- 
 deemer's "robe of righteousness," dwelt in by 
 "the Spirit of promise," he will look abroad over 
 the earth, and earnestly breathe out the simple, yet 
 sublime prayer of the Saviour—" Thy kingdom 
 come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in 
 heaven." 
 
56 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 STEWARTON, 1625— SHOTTS, 1630. 
 
 The blessed promise of God to his ancient church, 
 that, " when the enemy shoukl come in Uke a flood, 
 the Spirit of the Lord would lift up a standard 
 against him," has often been fulfilled in the expe- 
 rience of the Church of Scotland throughout the 
 many eventful periods of her history. Soon after 
 the death of Knox, attempts were made by the 
 enemies of the truth to overturn that church order 
 and discipline which, under the blessing of God, 
 had been established in this country by the great 
 Reformer; but these attempts were not permitted 
 for the time to be successful. Andrew Melville 
 was raised up to catch as it were the mantle of the 
 departed Reformer, and, like him, in the strength 
 of God, nobly to assert and defend the liberty of 
 the church and her exclusive subjection to her Di- 
 vine Head. Nor was he left to fight the battle 
 alone. Welch of Ayr, the son-in-law^ of Knox, 
 James Melville, and others who might be named, 
 aided him in contending earnestly for the faith once 
 delivered to the saints. They were eminently men 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 57 
 
 of prayer, as the history of Welch sufficiently tes- 
 tifies, and like the patriarch, had power with God 
 and prevailed ; and for a time they were enabled 
 to defeat all the wiles of the adversary, and carry 
 forward the church to a measure of purity and 
 efficiency, beyond what she had formerly attained. 
 This state of things continued with slight inter- 
 ruptions till about the period of the ascension of 
 James to the throne of England, when the church 
 was again brought into the furnace of affliction. 
 
 Melville and Welch, for their faithful contending, 
 were first imprisoned, and afterw^ards banished 
 their native country, while those ministers who 
 were permitted to remain were forbidden to preach, 
 and grievously harassed by the infliction of heavy 
 fines and occasional imprisonment. This state of 
 matters continued till the death of James, and dur- 
 ing the early part of the reign of Charles the first. 
 But, though the powers that then were, had banish- 
 ed and otherwise removed the ministers, they could 
 not destroy the efl^ects of their labours ; for being 
 faithful men, they had been much honoured by the 
 great Head of the Church, in the conversion of 
 souls. A spirit of prayer and supplication was 
 poured out upon their bereaved flocks, and they 
 were wonderfully enabled in patience to possess 
 their souls, so that no suff'erings, however great, 
 could induce them to abandon those principles 
 which they firmly believed to be the truth and 
 cause of God, neither did they ever give themselves 
 entirely to despair. "Nay," says Guthrie, in his me- 
 moirs, in reference to this period, " when the dark- 
 ness was at the greatest, and when to the eye of 
 reason there seemed scarcely a ray of hope, the 
 Presbyterians declared that utter desolation shall 
 yet be to the haters of the virgin daughter of Scot- 
 
58 KEVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 land. The bride shall yet sing as in the days of 
 her youth. The dry olive tree shall again bud, 
 and the dry dead bones shall live; for the Lord 
 shall prophesy to the dry bones, and the Spirit 
 shall come upon them, and they shall live." " On- 
 waiting," says Rutherford, " has ever a blessed 
 issue; and to keep the word of God's patience, 
 keepeth still the saints dry in the water, cold in 
 the fire, and breathing blood-hot in the grave." 
 
 Though their efforts were as yet unavailing to 
 free the Church from the bondage under which she 
 groaned, let it not be imagined that they prayed 
 and fasted altogether in vain. Many faithful minis- 
 ters, such as Dickson, Livingstone, and Hender- 
 son, had great boldness given them to preach the 
 glorious gospel, v/hile standing forward amidst 
 much opposition to witness for the cause of truth. 
 The remarkable revivals which took place at Stew- 
 arton, and at the communion at the Kirk of Shotts 
 — narratives of which form the subject of this tract 
 — tended not a little to revive their drooping spirits, 
 and increase their hope and confidence in their 
 heavenly Father, who, having thus *' appeared to 
 water his heritage when it was weary," would in 
 his own good time and way work out their com- 
 plete deliverance. Nor were they disappointed. 
 The deliverance of the Church was ultimately ac- 
 complished, and she came out of the furnace purer 
 and fairer than ever — so much so, that the state of 
 the Church after the glorious second Reformation 
 in 1638 is still looked back to as one of the bright- 
 est periods of her history. 
 
 The awakening at Stewarton having occurred 
 first in the order of time, we shall proceed to give 
 a detailed account of the circumstances connected 
 with it, as they are to be found in the history of 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 
 
 59 
 
 those times. The parish of Stewarton, at the 
 period referred to, had for its minister the Rev. Mr. 
 Castlelaw, who appears from the sequel to have 
 had the spiritual welfare of his flock very much at 
 heart; but the principal instrument employed by the 
 great Head of the Church in originating and car- 
 rying on this Revival, was the Rev. David Dick- 
 son, minister of the neighbouring parish of Irvine. 
 Mr. Dickson had been formerly Professor of 
 Moral Philosophy in tlie University of Glasgow ; 
 but on receiving a call from the town of Irvine to 
 be their minister, he resigned his chair in the col- 
 lege, and was ordained to the pastoral office in that 
 town in the year 1618. For four years he con- 
 tinued to labour there with great acceptance ; but 
 Satan becoming alarmed at the inroads that were 
 making upon his kingdom, through means of Mr. 
 Dickson's ministry, stirred up the persecuting par- 
 ty against him, who summoned him to appear 
 before the High Commission Court at Edinburgh, 
 on the 9th of January, 1622. On his appearance 
 before the court, he was urged to submit to those 
 arbitrary measures they were at this time forcing 
 on the Church. Upon his refusal, he was not only 
 subjected to the most insulting and contemptuous 
 treatment, but sentenced to be ejected from the 
 parish of Irvine, and banished to TurrefF, in the 
 north of Scotland, during the pleasure of the court. 
 To all this Mr. Dickson meekly replied, "The 
 will of the Lord be done; though ye cast me off, 
 the Lord will take me up. Send me whither you 
 will, I hope my Master will go with me ; and as 
 he has been with me heretofore, he will be wdlh me 
 still, as being his own weak servant." The Mas- 
 ter whom he so dearly loved and so faithfully 
 served having much people in Irvine and its vicini- 
 
60 REVIVALS OF EELIGION. 
 
 ty, who were to be to Him for a name and a praise, 
 did not permit him to remain long in banishment. 
 Having the hearts of all men in his hand, turning 
 them whithersoever he will, He stirred up the Earl 
 of Eglinton, the magistrates and others of the town 
 of Irvine, to petition for his release from the sen- 
 tence of banishment; and through the overruling 
 providence of God, their request was granted, and 
 about the end of June, 1623, Mr. Dickson was 
 permitted to return to his flock without any con- 
 dition whatever being imposed upon him. 
 
 After his return, his ministry was singularly 
 countenanced and honoured of God for the convic- 
 tion and conversion of multitudes. Few ministers 
 in his day were more useful in opening up the way 
 of salvation, and leading souls to Christ as their 
 only refuge; so that persons under deep exercise 
 and soul concern came from all the parishes round 
 about Irvine to attend his preaching, and not a few 
 even came from distant parts of the country to 
 settle at Irvine, in order that they might statedly 
 enjoy the benefit of his ministry. The commu- 
 nion seasons, especially, were times of great re- 
 freshing from the presence of the Lord and the 
 glory of his power. The enjoyment of such a 
 privilege in other parts of the country being rare, 
 caused these seasons at Stewarton to be attended by 
 the most eminent Christians from all corners of the 
 land ; and so great was the power accompanying 
 the preaching of the gospel, that few Sabbaths 
 passed without some convincing proofs being given 
 of the Holy Spirit's carrying home the word spoken 
 to the hearts and consciences of the hearers. Many 
 who afterwards became solid and lively Christians, 
 were so tilled with a sense of the awful evil of sin, 
 and a view of their own vileness and unworthiness. 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 61 
 
 that they were quite overpowered, and had to be 
 carried out of the church. 
 
 On the Sabbath evenings after sermon, many- 
 persons under soul distress came to Mr. Dickson 
 at his house, with whom he usually spent an hour 
 or two in hearing their cases, and in comforting 
 and directing such as were in doubt or despondency. 
 Indeed for this department of his ministerial work 
 he was remarkably fitted ; for his Divine Master 
 had given him in a very special manner " the 
 tongue of the learned, that he might know how to 
 speak a word in season to him that was weary." 
 
 Encouraged by these visible tokens of the power 
 of the blessed Spirit, Mr. Dickson began a weekly 
 lecture on the Mondays. That being the market 
 day in Irvine, the town was usually thronged by 
 people from the country ; but so wisely did he 
 arrange the time when the congregation assembled, 
 that the lecture was usually over before the market 
 began. The people from the parish of Stewarton, 
 especially, availed themselves of this privilege; and 
 as many of them as v/ere able to travel, regularly 
 attended Irvine market with some little commodi- 
 ties for sale, their chief design being to hear the 
 Monday lecture. To this they were greatly en- 
 couraged by their minister, who strongly urged his 
 parishioners to avail themselves of the privilege of 
 hearing Mr. Dickson, and their example stirred up 
 others in their own and other parishes, who also 
 attended ; so that the power of religion was felt 
 throughout that part of the country. 
 
 Nor was this all. In a large hall in the manse, 
 there would often be assembled upwards of a hun- 
 dred serious Christians, waiting to converse with 
 him, after the lecture, as to the state of their souls, 
 and join with him in devotional exercises. And 
 
62 EEVIVALS OF BELIGION. 
 
 it was by means of these v\^eek-day discourses and 
 meetings that the famous Stewarton Revival began, 
 and spread afterwards from house to house for many 
 miles along the valley through which the Stewarton 
 water runs. Many, who had been well known as 
 most abandoned characters, and mockers of every 
 thing bearing the semblance of religion, being 
 drawn by motives of curiosity to attend these lec- 
 tures, afterwards became completely changed, 
 showing by their life and conversation that the 
 Lord had opened their hearts " to attend unto the 
 things spoken by his servant." 
 
 The great enemy of souls, when he found that 
 he could not hinder the progress of this Revival, 
 endeavoured to bring reproach upon it, by leading 
 some who seemed to be under serious concern 
 about their souls into great extravagances, both in 
 the church under sermon, and at private meetings; 
 but the Lord enabled Mr. Dickson, and others who 
 conversed with them, to act so prudently, that 
 Satan's design was in a great measure frustrated, 
 and solid, serious, practical religion, flourished 
 greatly — illustrating in a remarkable manner what 
 is said of God's ancient people in a similar situa- 
 tion, "That the more they were afflicted, then^ore 
 they multiplied and grew." 
 
 The pious Mr. Robert Blair, who was at this 
 lime a professor in the College of Glasgow, often 
 visited Stewarton during the vacation, for the pur- 
 pose of assisting in the work, and conversing with 
 the people. When there, he resided with the Lady 
 Robertland, a person well known in those times 
 for her piety and the interest she took in the spirit- 
 ual welfare of others. Mr. Blair preached fre- 
 quently to the people of Stewarton, and was very 
 useful in assisting in carrying forward the work 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 
 
 63 
 
 of revival. Many of the people were at first under 
 great terror and deep exercise of conscience, aris- 
 ing from the views they obtained of the exceeding 
 sinfulness of sin, who afterwards, through the 
 Spirit's teaching, attained to sweet peace and strong 
 consolation by believing in Jesus Christ; thus 
 illustrating the promise of the Saviour, that when 
 the Spirit would come into the hearts of sinners to 
 make them willing in the day of his power, he 
 would not speak of himself, but take of the things 
 of Christ, and show them to their souls, that look- 
 ing to the finished work of Christ they might see 
 how completely all the demands of the broken 
 covenant had been met and answered by the blessed 
 Redeemer, and that through this new and living 
 way the chief of sinners may now have access by 
 one Spirit unto the Father, and so be filled with 
 joy and peace in believing. 
 
 Mr. Blair modestly observes, " that in these 
 conferences with the people of Ste warton he thought 
 that he profited more by conversing with them, 
 than they did with him." Although formalists 
 and men not knowing the gospel brought against 
 them the charge that was once made against the 
 great apostle of the Gentiles, when he replied, I 
 am not mad, but speak forth the words of truth and 
 soberness — I bless the Lord, says Mr. Blair, that 
 ever I was acquainted with them, and for the help I 
 received by interchanging letters with Mr. Dickson, 
 whereby I was greatly assisted, according to my 
 ability, to relieve them that were in spiritual dis- 
 tress, and to sympathize tenderly with such as I 
 knew to be tempted, and lying under heavy pres- 
 sure of conscience, so that I still learned more of 
 the wicked wiles of Satan, and of the blessed way 
 of God. 
 
64 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 The venerable Principal Boyd of Glasgow, who 
 was at this time living in retirement on his own 
 estate in Carrick, came also to visit this parish; 
 and having conversed with many of the people, he 
 heartily blessed God for the rich display of his 
 mercy towards them, and for the manifestations of 
 his grace in them. Anna, Countess of Eglinton, 
 although bred in her youth amid the splendour of a 
 court, was an humble and eminent Christian, and 
 exerted all her influence for the promotion of the 
 interests of religion. Eglinton Castle being often 
 a shelter for the persecuted ministers of the gospel, 
 she took a deep and lively interest in the work at 
 Stewarton, and persuaded her noble husband to 
 give up for a few days the sports of the field to 
 converse with some of the people she had invited 
 to the castle for that purpose. His lordship de- 
 clared, after conferring with them, "that he never 
 spoke with the like of them, and wondered at the 
 wisdom they manifested in their conversation." 
 
 This great spring- tide of the gospel, says Flem- 
 ing in his work on the Fulfilling of the Scriptures, 
 did not last for a short time merely, but continued 
 many years — commencing about 1 625, and ending 
 about 1630, and, like a spreading stream, increas- 
 ing as it flows, and fertilizing all within its reach, 
 so did the power of godliness advance from one 
 place to another, increasing in its progress, and 
 throwing a marvellous lustre over those parts of 
 the country. The fame of this Revival brought 
 many from distant parts of the country, who, when 
 they came and witnessed the gladdening sight of 
 so many turned from darkness to light, and walking 
 in the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy 
 Ghost, thanked God and took courage, and became 
 more earnest in prayer than ever for the descent of 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 65 
 
 the Spirit on other parts of the Church. The 
 remembrance of the gracious promise, that "for all 
 these things I will be inquired of by the House of 
 Israel to do it for them," would quicken their 
 importunities at a throne of grace — that God for 
 Christ's sake would come and visit that vine which 
 his own right hand had planted, and make it fruitful 
 and fill the whole land. 
 
 This brings us to the Narrative of the Revival 
 at Shotts. This Parish is situated in the Upper 
 Ward of Lanarkshire, and seems to have enjoyed 
 in these troublous times the rare privilege of having 
 a stated minister amongst them disposed to promote 
 the interests of religion. Of his pastoral labours 
 nothing is now known, except in connection with 
 this remarkable Revival. The manse, says Gillies 
 in his Collections, was at this time situated where 
 the public inn now stands, and being far from any 
 place of entertainment, was often resorted to by 
 strangers. Some ladies of rank, who had occasion 
 often to travel that way, received at different times 
 civilities from the minister, particularly on one 
 occasion, whcnt heir carriage broke down near to 
 the manse, he kindly invited them to alight and 
 remain at his house till it could be repaired, so as 
 to enable them to proceed on their journey. During 
 their stay in the house, they noticed that it had 
 litde accommodation, and was much out of repair. 
 In gratitude for his kind attention to them, they got 
 a new manse built for the minister, and in a better 
 situation. Mr. Hance, on receiving so substantial 
 a favour, waited on the ladies to thank them for 
 their kindness, and wished to know if there was 
 any thing in his power he could do to testify his 
 gratitude. The ladies loved the gospel, and the 
 persecuted ministers who were faithfully witness- 
 
66 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 ing for its purity. They therefore gladly seized 
 the opportunity of asking Mr. Hance to invite such 
 of them as they named to assist at the sacrament, 
 in order that they might enjoy the benefit of their 
 ministrations, and also give an opportunity to others 
 to partake of so precious a privilege, at this time 
 rarely enjoyed. To this the minister gladly con- 
 sented; and information of it spreading abroad, 
 brought together an immense number of choice 
 Christians, from all parts of the country, to attend 
 the dispensation of the ordinance, which was fixed 
 for Sabbath, the 20th June, 1630. 
 
 Nothing is now known of the names of the min- 
 isters who conducted the preparatory exercises, 
 nor of the subjects to which they directed the atten- 
 tion of the people, but this, that the venerable Mr. 
 Robert Bruce was one of their number, and that 
 the Holy Spirit was evidently at work in the hearts 
 of the worshippers, much of their time being spent 
 in social prayer and spiritual conference. Their 
 prayers for the ministers were heard in their own 
 happy experience; for with great power were they 
 enabled to witness of the resurrection of the Lord 
 Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Much 
 of the Spirit of light and love was imparted on the 
 Sabbath of communion; and so filled were they 
 with joy and peace in believing, that instead of 
 retiring to rest on the evening of the communion 
 Sabbath, they joined together in little companies, 
 and spent the whole of the night in devotional 
 exercises. And there is no doubt that while their 
 hearts were thus filled with the love of Christ, they 
 would be touched with the tenderest pity for the 
 situation of those perishing around them strangers 
 to this love, and that many fervent petitions would 
 be presented in their behalf at a throne of grace. 
 
'STEWARTON SHOTTS. 67 
 
 It had not been nsual in those times to have ser- 
 mon on the Monday after the dispensation of the 
 Lord's supper; but God had given so much of his 
 gracious presence on this occasion, and afforded 
 his people so much communion with himself, on 
 the preceding days, that they knew not how to part 
 on the Monday without thanksgiving and praise. 
 And while their hearts were thus warm with the 
 love of God, some expressed their desire of a ser- 
 mon on the Monday, and were /joined by others, 
 till in a little the desire became general. Mr. John 
 Livingstone, chaplain to the Countess of Wigton, 
 (at that time only a preacher, not an ordained minis- 
 ter, and about twenty-seven years of age,) was with 
 difficulty prevailed on to consent to give the ser- 
 mon. The night before had been spent by him, 
 and most of the Christians present, in prayer and 
 conference ; but when he was alone in the fields in 
 the morning, there came upon him such a misgiv- 
 ing, under a sense of unworthiness and unfitness to 
 speak before so many aged and worthy ministers, 
 and eminent and experienced Christians, that he was 
 thinking of stealing away, and had actually gone 
 to some distance, and was just about to lose sight 
 of the kirk, when these words, '' Was I ever a 
 barren wilderness, or a land of darkness ?" were 
 brought into his mind with such an overcoming 
 power, as constrained him to think it his duty to 
 return and comply with the call to preach. He 
 accordingly preached, with much assistance, for 
 about an hour and a half, on the points he had 
 meditated, from Ezekiel xxxvi. 25, 26 — "Then 
 will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall 
 be clean ; form all your filthiness, and from all 
 your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also 
 will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within 
 
68 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of 
 your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." 
 
 As he was about to close the discourse, a heavy 
 shower came suddenly on, which made the people 
 hastily take to their cloaks and mantles, and he 
 proceeded to speak to the following purpose : — " If 
 a few drops of rain so discompose you, how dis- 
 composed would you be — how full of horror and 
 despair, if God should deal with you as you de- 
 serve? and thus he will deal with all the finally 
 impenitent. God might jusdy rain fire and brim- 
 stone upon you, as he did upon Sodom and Go- 
 morrah, and the other cities of the plain. But, for 
 ever blessed be his name! the door of mercy still 
 stands open for such as you are. The Lord Jesus 
 Christ, by tabernacling in our nature, and obeying 
 that law which we have wickedly and wilfully 
 broken, and suffering that punishment we have so 
 richly deserved, has now become a refuge from the 
 storm, and a covert from the tempest of Divine 
 wrath, due to us for sin. His merits and media- 
 tion are the alone defence from that storm, and none 
 but those who come to Christ just as they are, 
 empty of every thing, and take the offered mercy 
 at his hand, will have the benefit of this shelter." 
 In such expressions, and ir.any others, was he led 
 on for about an hour, (after he had finished what 
 he had premeditated,) in a strain of exhortation and 
 warning, with great enlargement and melting of 
 heart, and with such visible impressions on his 
 audience, as made it evident that the power of God 
 was present with them. And, indeed, so great 
 was the power of God manifested on the occasion, 
 that about five hundred persons were converted, 
 principally by means of this sermon. 
 
 Of this day's exercises Mr. Livingstone has 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 69 
 
 himself left the following memorandum: — " The 
 day in all my life wherein I found most of the 
 presence of God in preaching, was on a Monday 
 after the communion, in the churchyard of Sholts, 
 June 21, 1630. The night before, I had been in 
 company with some Christians, who spent the 
 night in prayer and conference. When I was alone 
 in the fields in the morning, before the time of ser- 
 mon, there came such a misgiving of spirit upon 
 me, considering my own unworihiness and weak- 
 ness, and the multitude and expectation of the 
 people, that I was consulting with myself to have 
 stolen away and declined preaching; but I thought 
 I durst not so distrust God, and so went to sermon, 
 and got good assistance about one hour and a half 
 upon the points which I had meditated on. And 
 in the end, offering to close with some words of 
 exhortation, I was led on about an hour's time in a 
 strain of exhortation and warning, with such liber- 
 ty and melting of heart, as I never had the like in 
 public all my lifetime. Some litde of that stamp 
 remained on the Thursday after, when I preached 
 at Kilmarnock; but the very Monday following, 
 preaching at Irvine, I was so deserted, that the 
 points I had meditated and written, and which I 
 had fully in my memory, I was not able to get pro- 
 nounced — so it pleased the Lord to counterbalance 
 his dealings, and to hide pride from man." 
 
 Of the effects of this work, Mr. Fleming, then 
 minister of Cambuslang, writes — " I can speak on 
 sure grounds, that about five hundred had at that 
 time a discernible change wrought in them, of 
 whom most proved lively Christians. It was the 
 sowing of a seed through Clydesdale, so as many 
 of the most eminent Christians in that country could 
 date either their conversion, or some remarkable 
 7 
 
70 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 confirmation from it: and this was the more re- 
 markable, that one, after much reluctance, by a 
 special and unexpected providence, was called upon 
 to preach that sermon on the Monday, which was 
 not usually practised. And the night before being 
 spent in prayer, the Monday's work might be dis- 
 cerned as a convincing return of prayer." 
 
 The following particular instance of the mercy 
 of God on this occasion is well attested: — On that 
 remarkable Monday, three young gentlemen be- 
 longing to Glasgow, had made an appointment to 
 go to Edinburgh, to attend the public amusements. 
 Having alighted at Shotts to take breakfast, one of 
 their number proposed to go and hear sermon, pro- 
 bably more from curiosity than any other motive. 
 And for greater expedition, they arranged to come 
 away just at the end of the sermon, before the last 
 prayer. But the power of God was so felt by 
 them, accompanying the sermon, that they could 
 not come away till all was over. When they re- 
 turned to take their horses, they called for some 
 refreshment before they mounted ; but when it was 
 set upon the table, they all looked to one another, 
 none of them daring to touch it till a blessing was 
 asked ; and as they were not accustomed formerly 
 to attend to such things, one of them at last re- 
 marked, " I think we should ask a blessing." The 
 others assented at once to this proposal, and put it 
 on one of their number to do it, to which he readi- 
 ly consented. And when they had done, they 
 could not rise until another should return thanks. 
 They went on their way more sedately than they 
 used to do, but none of them mentioned their in- 
 ward concern to the others — only now and then 
 one would say, " Was it not a great sermon we 
 heard?" Another would answer, " I never heard 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 
 
 71 
 
 the like of it." They went to Edinburgh : but 
 instead of attending the amusements, they kept 
 their rooms the greater part of the time they were 
 there, which was only about two days, when they 
 were all quite weary of Edinburgh, and proposed 
 to return home. Upon the way home, they did 
 not discover the state of their minds to one another; 
 and after arriving in Glasgow, they kept their 
 rooms very much, coming seldom out. At last 
 one of them made a visit to another, and declared 
 to him what God had done for him at Sholts. The 
 other frankly owned the concern that he had been 
 brought under at the same time ; and both of them 
 proceeding to the third, and finding him in the 
 same state of mind, they all three agreed imme- 
 diately to begin a fellowship meeting. They con- 
 tinued to have a practice suitable to their profes- 
 sion for the remainder of their lives, and became 
 eminently useful in their day and generation. 
 
 Another instance, equally well authenticated, is 
 related of a poor man, a coachman in Glasgow, 
 employed by a lady to drive her conveyance to the 
 Shotts. During the sermon, he had taken out his 
 horse to feed at a small distance from the tents; 
 and when the pov/er of God was so much felt 
 during the latter part of the sermon, he apprehend- 
 ed that there was a more than ordinary concern 
 among the people. He felt something strike him 
 in such a way as he could not account for. He 
 hastily rose up and ran into the congregation, where 
 he was made a sharer of what God was distributing 
 among them that day. 
 
 The following important testimony to the after 
 life and conversation of many of the persons brought 
 under the power of religion on this remarkable 
 occasion is given by Mr. Andrew Gray of Chrys- 
 
72 
 
 EEVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 ton, an eminently pious old gentleman, in a letter 
 embodied in Gillies' Collection: — 
 
 " Notwithstanding the blessed Reformation from 
 popery, which God brought about by the endea- 
 vours of a few, the bulk of the country continued 
 in much ignorance and immorality. But two springs 
 of the revival of religion in this corner, were the 
 famous sermon at the Kirk of Shotts, and the 
 labours of Mr. Robert Bruce. At the sermon at 
 Shotts, a good number of people were by grace 
 made acquainted with the life and power of reli- 
 gion — many of them became eminently good men, 
 and remarkable not only for a pious, inoffensive 
 behaviour, but also for abounding in all the good 
 fruits which pure and undefiled religion enables its 
 sincere followers to perform. Among other good 
 fruits, you cannot doubt a strong inclination to 
 promote the spiritual good of others was a princi- 
 pal one. As the labourers were then few in this 
 part of God's vineyard, he seemed to have inspired 
 these private Christians with an uncommon degree 
 of love to the souls of men — inciting them to la- 
 bour, by all proper methods, to bring others to the 
 knowledge of that grace which had produced such 
 blessed effects on themselves: and their labours 
 were not without a considerable effect. They were 
 called the Puritans of the Muir of Bothwell, per- 
 haps by way of reproach, by those who were ill 
 affected towards them. Some relations of mine 
 were much the belter for having conversed with 
 them. I have seen some of those people myself, 
 who lived to a great age, and have conversed with 
 many good people at this house, who had been 
 very well acquainted with them." 
 
 In conclusion, it is very worthy of notice, that, 
 previous to the revival at Shotts, there had been 
 
STEWARTON SHOTTS. 73 
 
 much fervent prayer on the part of the preacher, 
 and prolonged social prayer on the part of the 
 people. And it has been well remarked by a late 
 writer, that while God sometimes works without 
 his people, he never refuses to work with them. 
 Certain it is, that when the hearts of his children 
 are united and enlarged in prayer for a blessing on 
 the ministrations of their pastors, the blessing will 
 not be withheld. God is more ready to give than 
 we are to ask. And it may truly be said, that if we 
 have not now such glorious displays of God's pow- 
 er, it is simply "because we ask not," or asking, 
 we ♦' ask not in faith," forgetting the Saviour's 
 solemn promise, "Verily, verily I say unto you, 
 Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name 
 he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked no- 
 thing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that 
 your joy may be full." 
 
 Reader! are you a stranger to the exercise of 
 believing prayer? Remain not a moment longer, 
 we beseech you, in such an awful condition. Know 
 that to you 7iow is the word of salvation sent; and 
 for your encouragement we tell you from the Bible 
 — God so loved the world that he gave his only 
 begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in hira 
 should not perish but have everlasting life. This 
 is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 
 that Christ Jesus came into the world to save 
 sinners. 
 
74 
 
 PART V. 
 
 ISLAND OF ARRAN, 
 
 IKTBIUG THE TEAKS 1804, &CC. BOI ESPECIALLY IN 1812, 1813 
 
 By the Rev, Angus McMillan, Minister of Kilraorie. 
 
 Thirty years ago, the state of religion in this island 
 was exceedingly low. "Darkness covered the 
 land, and gross darkness the people." But, through 
 the tender mercy of God, the day-spring from on 
 high visited it. Divine light arose on them that 
 sat in darkness, and the cause of Christ has gained 
 much ground in this part of his vineyard, since the 
 year 1804. In that year, and the year following, 
 many were awakened at the north end of the island, 
 especially about the farms of Sannox and their 
 neighbourhood. And although this awakening, as 
 to its power and progress, w^as not of long con- 
 tinuance, yet a considerable number of the subjects 
 of it testified, by their after lives and conversation, 
 that they had undergone a gracious change. This 
 day of small things was the commencement of the 
 revival which followed. From this time, a change 
 for the better might be observed in the religious 
 sentiments and conduct of many among the people. 
 
ISLAND OF ARRAN. 
 
 75 
 
 Many seemed now to be awakened from the slum- 
 ber of spiritual death ; being disposed to attend to 
 the things which belong to their everlasting peace. 
 Their eyes were now opened to see the evil of 
 their former wicked ways, their perishing condition 
 as sinners, and their need of Christ as a Saviour. 
 They now began also to distingmshhetween truth 
 and error; to relish evangelical doctrine ; to attend 
 with diligence on the means of grace; and, in 
 general, to set up the worship of God, morning 
 and evening, in their families. Religious meet- 
 ings were also set up in many places; and, in the 
 course of a few years, a kind of reformation was 
 thus visible throughout many parts of the island. 
 This was the case more especially, though not 
 exclusively, in the parish of Kilmorie, which was 
 at this time favoured with the ministry of the late 
 pious and laborious Mr. McBride. It may be 
 remarked, respecting his usual style of preaching, 
 that he was by no means what might be called an 
 alarming preacher, but rather the opposite. His 
 sermons were frequently close and searching; but 
 he dwelt more on the consolations of the gospel 
 than on the terrors of the law; and the excitement 
 seemed to be, in general, greater under the ser- 
 mons in which the riches of Divine grace and the 
 consolations of the gospel were exhibited, than 
 under such as were more awful, and apparently 
 better fitted to awaken. Mr. McBride's manner of 
 preaching was very much distinguished for seri- 
 ousness, fervour, and great zeal for the salvation of 
 sinners ; and this often led him to make very close 
 appeals to the conscience. But the revival itself 
 was not of a sudden. It was gradual, and spread 
 from one place to another. Neither was it in all 
 cases saving as to its effects. Many under it 
 assumed a form of godliness, who were altogether 
 
76 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 destitute of its power. In other cases, however, 
 there was something more deep and precious-^ 
 even the quickening, saving, and soul-transforming 
 influence of the Holy Spirit. During its progress, 
 a considerable number were accordingly brought 
 under deep convictions of their guilt and unworlhi- 
 ness as sinners, of their liability to eternal misery, 
 and of their utter helplessness as concerned them- 
 selves. Now, they began in earnest to say, 
 " What shall we do to be saved ?" — and to count 
 all things but loss for the excellency of the know- 
 ledge of Christ Jesus ; for an interest in him. And 
 the God of all grace, who thus visited them with 
 the awakening influences of his Spirit, was pleased 
 also to enlighten their minds as to the way of sal- 
 vation ; and thus to lead them by faith for peace 
 and rest to the only Saviour of Sinners. And being 
 thus quickened, enlightened, and comforted, by the 
 teaching of the same Spirit, they were also united 
 together in the bonds of love and Christian fellow- 
 ship, while they travelled together Zionward. 
 
 The subjects of these spiritual influences were, 
 however, only as a Hide flock, when compared 
 with the multitude who remained yet stout-hearted 
 and far from righteousness. And these, becoming 
 impatient under the restraints which the late refor- 
 mation had laid upon them, with regard to unholy 
 practices, began to break out anew with greater 
 violence; so that, in 1810 and 1811, many were 
 bolder in sin, and more abandoned to wickedness, 
 than they had been at any former period. The 
 enemy of souls now came in as a flood and threat- 
 ened to carry all before him. It is right, however, 
 to observe, that this was in no respect true of pro- 
 fessors, or of such as there was reason to believe 
 had been the subjects of Divine grace. These 
 were for the most part remarkably consistent in 
 
ISLAND OF ARRAN. 
 
 77 
 
 their walk and conversation. The breaking out of 
 sin, here referred to, was among the bulk of the 
 people, who made no particular profession of reli- 
 gion, and especially among the young, who had 
 been brought under temporary restraint. 
 
 These circumstances, however, affected the ten- 
 der-hearted, and stirred up the pious zeal of Mr. 
 McBride, and led him to be even more earnest in 
 his warnings and remonstrances from the pulpit, 
 and otherwise, against abounding iniquity. The 
 little flock of tender-hearted Christians, scattered 
 throughout his parish, were, at the same time 
 moved with a sense of the prevalence of sin, and the 
 desolations of Zion. They felt an increased concern 
 for the conversion and salvation of sinners, and a 
 deeper interest in the prosperity and enlargement 
 of the kingdom of Christ. They began to be more 
 frequent and earnest in their supplications at a 
 throne of grace for a time of revival — of refreshing 
 from the presence of the Lord. Several litde par- 
 ties of them by mutual consent, set apart some 
 days for private fasting and prayer, sending up their 
 united supplications to the Hearer of prayer, for 
 the down-pouring of the Spirit in his awakening 
 and converting influences on sinners around them. 
 They kept several such days for nearly a twelve- 
 month before the commencement of what is gene- 
 rally called, " The Revival of Religion in Arran." 
 In these devotional exercises, some of them enjoyed 
 uncommon nearness to God, and great freedom at 
 a throne of grace, when pouring out their hearts, 
 in earnest supplication, for the manifestation of 
 Divine power and glory in the sanctuary, especially 
 in the congregation with which they were them- 
 selves connected. Their minds were much stirred 
 up to press after these things in secret, and at their 
 8 
 
78 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 fellowship meetings, and also when attending pub- 
 lic ordinances. They seemed to be animated by 
 the spirit of him who said, "For Zion's sake I 
 will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake 
 I wmII not rest, until the righteousness thereof go 
 forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a 
 lamp that burneth." 
 
 While this little flock of Christ, and their pastor 
 at their head, w^ere thus engaged, and about the 
 beginning of March, 1812, the Lord began to work 
 in an unusual way among them, in a way of which 
 they had not till this time any expectation, and 
 which, accordingly, caused some surprise. It was 
 at this time that the outcrying commenced, which 
 was afterwards so common for a considerable time. 
 It began at first in some private meetings, but after- 
 wards extended to the public assembly under Mr. 
 McBride's ministry. What made the thing the 
 more remarkable was, that if made its first ap- 
 pearance among the people of God. Yea, the 
 most tender, humble, and spiritually minded among 
 them, were the first affected in this manner, and it 
 continued for a short time among them only. But 
 the influence which appeared first moving on them, 
 in this unusual way was soon extended to others ; 
 and the next subjects of it were those who had 
 been before seriously disposed, or who had been 
 at one time or other under serious impressions. 
 But, soon after, it was extended to the gay and 
 thoughdess, the moral, and the openly wdcked. 
 Persons of almost every description and age, from 
 nine years or under, to that of sixty or upwards, 
 were affected; but the number of old people was 
 small compared with that of the young. The cry- 
 ing at first, and while confined to the people of 
 God, was attended w^ith very litde bodily agitation ; 
 
ISLAND OF ARRAN. 79 
 
 but after others were affected, it was generally 
 attended with these — such as panting, trembling, 
 and other convulsive appearances. 
 
 The writer of these pages did not reside in Arran 
 till about six months after the commencement of 
 this revival ; but he inquired particularly concern- 
 ing the beginning of it, from such as were best 
 able to inform him, and is satisfied, in his own 
 mind, that the Spirit of the Lord was at work in 
 preparing for it — that his mighty power was reveal- 
 ed in the commencement of it — and that he had a 
 gracious and merciful design in ordering the cir- 
 cumstances of it. Although this revival did in 
 some measure degenerate latterly through the weak- 
 ness and folly of men, yet the beginning of it Vv'as 
 truly the doing of the Lord, and marvellous in our 
 eyes. Some, who were among the first afifected, 
 told the v^riter, that they had not the most remote 
 idea of crying out, before they were constrained to 
 do so. So much was this the case, that they said 
 they could not have refrained, even if they had been 
 threatened with instant death. They added, that 
 their outcry ings and bodily agitations arose entirely 
 from the state of their minds, when powerfully 
 impressed and affected with a sense .of divine truth. 
 But it is proper to observe, that the writer is here 
 speaking only of such as were lively, exercised 
 Christians previous to this revival. On examining 
 others, who knew nothing of Christian experience 
 before the beginning of this work, he found that 
 the first impressions of many of them were accom- 
 panied with deep convictions of sin, with a painful 
 sense of their helplessness and misery as sinners, 
 and also with earnest desires after an interest in 
 Christ; which it is to be hoped many of them 
 attained. But it must be acknowledged, that the 
 
80 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 accounts given by all were not alike satisfactory. 
 Many were deeply affected externally, who could 
 give little account of the matter. Their affections 
 were moved, but convictions of sin did not take 
 any deep hold on their hearts and consciences, and 
 so their awakenings soon passed away; at least, 
 it was so with some. But if there be joy in heaven 
 over even one sinner that repenteth, we have reason 
 to think that there must have been much joy, in 
 that world of light and love, over many that were 
 brought to true repentance, in this place, during 
 the progress of that work. 
 
 About the beginning of 1812, the awakening be- 
 came general, and continued to make progress about 
 three months. After this, it seemed to be at a stand, 
 till the beginning of the following December, when 
 it again revived, and continued to spread consider- 
 ably for about three months more; durijig which 
 period it extended over a great part of the parish of 
 Kilmorie, which is nearly thirty miles long, and it 
 extended also to some parts of the parish of Kil- 
 bride. The writer cannot pretend to give the exact 
 number of the subjects of this awakening; but the 
 number, from first to last, was very considerable. 
 It must have amounted to two or three hundred 
 persons, old and young taken together. He may 
 state them at two hundred and fifty ; which is ra- 
 ther below than above the real number. But he 
 does not mean to insinuate that the whole of these 
 proved true believers. This will appear from the 
 statements already made. 
 
 For some months after the commencement of the 
 awakening, the subjects of it manifested an uncom- 
 mon thirst after the means of grace. Both old and 
 young flocked in multitudes to hear the word of 
 God. His house, and the place employed for pri- 
 
ISLAND OF ARRAN. 
 
 81 
 
 vate meetings, were frequently so crowded, that 
 the people, as it were, trod one on another. To 
 travel ten or fifteen miles to hear sermon, was con- 
 sidered as a very small matter ; and after sermon 
 was over, it was no uncommon thing for many of 
 them to meet together in private houses, or in 
 barns, and to spend several hours in religious exer- 
 cises. Some of them spent even whole nights in 
 this way. They also longed for the return of the 
 Sabbath. They rejoiced when it was said unto 
 them, " Let us go into the house of the Lord." 
 They eagerly sought after renewed opportunities of 
 receiving spiritual instruction. Their desire was 
 so great as not to be easily satisfied. In our reli- 
 gious assemblies, at this time, some might be seen 
 filled with divine love, others with fear; some re- 
 joicing in hope of the glory of God, and others 
 trembling lest they should come short of it; some 
 crying out in accents of praise, and others indicat- 
 ing, by their cries, their dread of everlasting wrath. 
 At this time, our meetings were frequent, and well 
 attended ; and almost every sermon seemed to be 
 efl^ective in awakening, quickening, or refreshing. 
 Satan and his agents, indeed, made strong efforts 
 to counteract the designs and operations of the Spi- 
 rit of God, by throwing all manner of stumbling- 
 blocks in the way of his people ; but, notwithstand- 
 ing all the opposition of earth and hell, the word of 
 the Lord grew and multiplied. Some who were live- 
 ly Christians before, enjoyed at this time much of the 
 refreshing influences of the Spirit, and were often 
 filled, in an extraordinary measure, with peace and 
 joy in believing. As illustrative of this, I may 
 mention, that, in the spring of 1813, I was cate- 
 chizing one day at a particular farm, in the district 
 of , and when speaking of the character of 
 
82 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 Christ as the Redeemer of God's elect, and attempt- 
 ing to describe the preciousness of his blood, and 
 the riches of his grace, an excellent Christian, who 
 is now in the world of spirits, cried out, in an ele- 
 vated tone of voice, " O the infinite virtue of the 
 blood of Christ — the preciousness of his blood! 
 What am I, what am I, that he should ever spend 
 one thought concerning me! O my nothingness, 
 my nothingness, my nothingness !" And, soon 
 after, she exclaimed, " I shall soon be with thee, 
 I shall soon be with thee — be for ever with 
 the Lord !" I have seen others, also, on va- 
 rious occasions, affected much in the same way. 
 And these ecstasies of spiritual joy, among the 
 people of God, were generally accompanied vnth 
 great humility and tenderness of spirit. In- 
 stead of being pufled up, they were, on the con- 
 trary, bowed down to the very dust, under a 
 sense of their privileges. When the glory of the 
 King of Zion was manifested to their souls, in the 
 light of the Spirit, they were ready to exclaim, 
 with Job, " Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent 
 in dust and ashes." I have heard others, under 
 awakenings of conscience, cry out, " O what shall 
 we do? what shall we do? Wash us from sin; 
 let us not deceive ourselves, for we cannot deceive 
 thee." It was pleasing thus to see many of them 
 really afraid of self-deception, and earnest in their 
 inquiries after the only sure foundation, the only 
 hope set before them in the gospel. 
 
 In the spring of 1813, this awakening, however, 
 began to decline, and ceased very soon after; but 
 those who were truly Christians, continued to en- 
 joy, both in secret duties and at public ordinances, 
 renewed and manifest tokens of the Divine pre- 
 sence and favour. This was especially the case 
 
ISLAND OF AERAN. 83 
 
 on sacramental occasions ; at which they were 
 favoured with the assistance of some of the most 
 pious ministers of the clay. Most of these having now 
 departed this life, I am enabled to name the greater 
 part of them, without making any reference to the 
 living. The late Rev. Messrs. Bayne of Greenock, 
 and Robertson of Kingussie, formerly of the Chapel 
 at Rothsay, assisted here constantly for many years. 
 The late Rev. Dr. Love of Anderston assisted here 
 occasionally, about the time of the revival; and the 
 late Rev. Mr. McKenzie of Gorbals, formerly of 
 the Gaelic Chapel, Duke Street, Glasgow, assisted 
 also occasionally, but chiefly before the commence- 
 ment of this work. These, along with the late 
 Mr. McBride himself, were considered, and I be- 
 lieve justly, among the most pious ministers of 
 their day ; but they have ceased from their labours, 
 and their works do follow them. The more regu- 
 lar or occasional labours of these men, were often 
 blessed as seasons of refreshing from the presence 
 of the Lord. It is doubtless true, that, as the 
 awakening declined, some of those who appeared 
 at one time much affected, and much engaged in 
 religious pursuits, began to grow cold and remiss 
 in spiritual duties, to fall into divers temptations, 
 and to slide back into conformity with the world. 
 Like the stony-ground hearers, the religious impres- 
 sions of many were slight and transitory — their 
 convictions were not of a spiritual or abiding na- 
 ture; and, having no root in their hearts, they soon 
 withered away, without bringing forward any fruit 
 to perfection. But although many did thus turn, 
 as the dog to his vomit, and soon got rid of their 
 religious impressions, a considerable number of the 
 subjects of this work continue, to the present day, 
 bringing forth fruit meet for repentance, and mani- 
 festing their faith by their works. It is due, how- 
 
84 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGIOX. 
 
 ever, to acknowledge, that, even in respect of the 
 best of us, the zeal, fervour, and liveliness, mani- 
 fest during the lime of our revival, have suffered 
 some decay ; and that, instead of these, coldness, 
 deadness, and formality in religion, are now too 
 prevalent among us. We have, therefore, much 
 need to be earnest in our supplications for another 
 season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord 
 — to pray, with the devout Psalmist — " Turn us, 
 God of our salvation, and cause thine anger to- 
 ward us to cease. — Wilt thou not revive us again, 
 that thy people may rejoice in ihee? Show us thy 
 mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation." 
 
 The above narrative of what is usually called 
 *' the Arran Revival," was drawn up by the Rev. 
 A. McMillan, minister of the Parish of Kilmorie, 
 during the summer of 1830. This was done at 
 the request of the Glasgow Evangelical Corres- 
 ponding Society^ for which the undersigned acted, 
 at that time, as secretary; and it is now published 
 with permission from the author. We are per- 
 suaded, that the pious reader will feel not a liide 
 indebted to Mr. McMillan, for the pains he has 
 taken in detailing and discriminating the facts here 
 narrated. And such as either know him personal- 
 ly, or have taken the trouble of inquiring about 
 him, will not fail to put the fullest confidence in all 
 his statements, as literally and exactly true. These 
 are circumstances of much importance, in a matter 
 of this kind, as it is not so much opinion, how- 
 ever judicious, which enhances such a document, 
 as its being a simple and faithful narration of facts. 
 And being fully satisfied as to this, we very wil- 
 lingly commend the whole to the prayerful consid- 
 eration of the Lord's people. 
 
 D. MACFARLAN. 
 Renfrew Manse, Jan. 29th, 1834. 
 
85 
 
 PART VI. 
 
 MOULIN, 1798—1800. 
 
 Extracted from a letter by the Rev. Alexander Stew- 
 art, late Minister of the Parish of Moulin, afterwards 
 of Canongate, Edinburgh, to the Rev. David Black, 
 Minister of Lady Tester's Church, Edinburgh. 
 
 Moulin, 1st September, 1800. 
 My Dear Sir, 
 
 As you have signified to me the opinion of Dr. 
 Erskine, Dr. Hunter, and other respected friends, 
 that the happy revival of religion amongst us ought 
 to be more generally known, and that it might be 
 useful to publish an account of it, I shall now en- 
 deavour to give a circumstantial detail of its com- 
 mencement and progress. I am able to do this 
 with tolerable correctness, as my memory is as- 
 sisted by written notes. I have no doubt that the 
 concern about religion, which has been lately 
 awakened in this place, is already the ground of 
 much rejoicing among the angels before the throne. 
 Pity it should not also engage, as extensively as 
 may be, the praises of our Christian brethren on 
 earth. 
 
 The inhabitants of the Highlands have, as you 
 know, the Scriptures in Gaehc, their native tongue: 
 the Xew Testament, the book of Psalms, and the 
 Assembly's Shorter Catechism, have been long 
 
86 
 
 REVIVALS OF EELIGION. 
 
 read in the schools. By these means, the people 
 in this part of the country had some knowledge of 
 the principal events in tlie history of the creation 
 and fall of man, and of our Saviour's life, death, 
 resurrection, and ascension ; they knew also some 
 of the great outlines of Christian doctrine; but, in 
 general, their knowledge of the principles of Chris- 
 tianity was superficial and confused, and their re- 
 ligious opinions were in many important points 
 erroneous. Very few, indeed, knew the way in 
 w^hich the gospel informs us a sinner may be re- 
 conciled to God. The opinion of their own works 
 recommending them to the favour of God, and pro- 
 curing them a reward from his bounty was almost 
 universal. It discovered itself in their ordinary 
 speech, in their common remarks on more solemn 
 occasions, and in almost every religious sentiment 
 that was uttered. Their apprehensions of the 
 demerit and consequences of sin were exceedingly 
 defective. I have heard many on a sick bed, after 
 acknowledging, in common form, that they were 
 sinners, deny that they ever did any ill. And in 
 the view of death, they have derived their hopes 
 of future happiness from the reflection, that they 
 had never wronged any person. Very few seemed 
 to annex any meaning to their words, when they 
 said that they expected pardon for Christ's sake. 
 Being without the true knowledge of God, of 
 Christ, of the gospel, of their own character and 
 state, they lived, as might be expected, to them- 
 selves and to the world. They were not, indeed, 
 addicted to open vice, if we except lying and 
 swearing. They were rather distinguished for 
 sobriety, industry, and peaceable behaviour. But 
 they were destitute of religious principle. They 
 attended church, and partook of the sacrament, and 
 
MOULIN. 87 
 
 rested from their work on the Sabbath. But these 
 outward observances were ahiiost the only appear- 
 ance of religion. There was little reading of the 
 Scriptures at home; little religious instruction of 
 children ; hardly any family worship ; no religious 
 conversation; no labouring, in any manner, for the 
 meat which endureth unto everlasting life. Even 
 on the Lord's day, most of the time was spent in 
 loitering, visiting, and worldly talk; and on other 
 days religion was scarcely thought of. 
 
 In narrating the means by which the people 
 were brought to pay a more serious attention to 
 their eternal interests, it is necessary to say some- 
 thing of my own case. I was settled minister of 
 this parish in 1786, at the age of twenty-two. Al- 
 though I was not a " despiser" of what was sacred, 
 yet I felt nothing of the power of religion on my 
 soul. I had no relish for its exercises, nor any 
 enjoyment in the duties of my office, public or pri- 
 vate. A regard to character, and a desire of being 
 acceptable to my people, if not the only motives, 
 were certainly the principal motives, that prompt- 
 ed me to any measure of diligence or exertion. 
 My public addresses and prayers were, for the 
 most part, cold and formal. They were little re- 
 garded by the hearers at the time, and as little re- 
 collected afterwards. I preached against particular 
 vices, and inculcated particular virtues. But I 
 had no notion of the necessity of a radical change 
 of principle ; for I had not learned to know the 
 import of those assertions of Scripture, that " the 
 carnal mind is enmity against God; " that if any 
 man be in Christ he is a new creature;" and, that 
 *' except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 
 he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." I spoke 
 of making the fruit good ; but I was not aware that 
 
88 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 the tree was corrupt, and must first be itself made 
 good, before it could bear good fruit. The people, 
 however, were satisfied willi what they heard, and 
 neither they nor I looked further. 
 
 If there were any persons in the parish at the 
 time who lived a life of faith, under the influence 
 of pure, evangelical principles, I did not know 
 them, nor was I qualified to discern and under- 
 stand what spirit they were of. I have since had 
 reason to believe that there were a very few spi- 
 ritually-minded persons ; but their life was hid, 
 and they had left this world, all but one or two, 
 before they could acknowledge me as a brother. 
 
 While I was yet ignorant of the truth, and un- 
 acquainted with Christian experience, two persons, 
 under conviction of sin and terrors of conscience, 
 applied to me for advice. They supposed that 
 one in the office of the ministry must, of course, 
 be a man of God, and skilled in administering 
 remedies for the diseases of the soul. They M^ere 
 widely mistaken in their judgment of me ; for I 
 had learned less of the practice than of the theory 
 of pastoral duly. I said something to them in the 
 way of advice; but it afTorded them no relief. 
 They were, however, under the care of the good 
 Physician. He applied his own balm to their 
 wounded spirits, and " healed, and bade them live." 
 Being progressively and effectually taught of God, 
 they are both now established, judicious Christians. 
 These are the first that appear to have been con- 
 verted since my incumbency; but they cannot be 
 reckoned the fruits of my ministry. 
 
 The Lord was now preparing to gather to him- 
 self a fuller harvest in this place. He might have 
 removed me, as a useless encumbrance, or rather 
 an intervening obstacle, out of the way, and sub- 
 
MOULIN. 89 
 
 jected me to the doom of the unprofitable servant; 
 but he was graciously pleased to spare me, and 
 visit me in mercy, and even to employ me as one 
 of his instruments in carrying on his own work. 
 Glory to his name who commanded light to shine 
 out of darkness ! The writings of pious men, 
 which were put into my hands by one or another 
 Christian friend, were made the means of bringing 
 me acquainted with the truths of the gospel. 
 Among these I may mention the works of the 
 Rev. John Newton and Thomas Scott, as emi- 
 nently useful to me. I was slow in receiving and 
 embracing the doctrines maintained by these wri- 
 ters. By degrees, however, I was persuaded that 
 they were agreeable to Scripture, and that no doubt 
 they must be admitted as true. I therefore durst 
 not preach any thing which I conceived to be di- 
 rectly contrary to these doctrines ; but I brought 
 them forward rarely, incorrectly, and with awk- 
 ward hesitation. The trumpet was sounded, but 
 it gave an "uncertain sound." 
 
 The biographical sketches in the Evangelical 
 Magazine were principal means of impressing my 
 heart, of opening my eyes to perceive the truth, of 
 exciting a love to godliness, and a desire after use- 
 fulness. The conversation and example of some 
 persons of a truly spiritual mind, to whose acquain- 
 tance I was admitted, and who exhibited to my 
 view what I found only described in written me- 
 moirs, conduced also much to impress on my mind 
 the truths with which I was gradually becoming 
 more acquainted. I cannot omit mentioning, in 
 this connection, the blessings I enjoyed in the 
 preaching, the prayers, and the conversation, of 
 that much favoured servant of Christ, the Rev. 
 Charles Simeon, of King's College, Cambridge. 
 
90 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 He was a man sent from God to me; was my 
 guest for two days in June 1796, preached in my 
 church, and left a savour of the things of God, 
 which has remained with us ever since. 
 
 From that time, I began to teach and to preach 
 Jesus Christ with some degree of knowledge and 
 confidence. From August 1797, to January 1798, 
 I preached a course of sermons on the fundamental 
 doctrines of Christianity, following, for the most 
 part, the selection and order of texts in the tract 
 entitled, "Short Sermons." 
 
 The novelty of the matter, and some change in 
 the manner of preaching, excited attention. Peo- 
 ple began to think more, and sometimes to talk 
 together, of religious subjects, and of the sermons 
 they heard. But 1 did not yet know of any deep 
 or lasting impressions having been made. The 
 two persons before mentioned as earliest converted, 
 had by this time got clearer views of the gospel, 
 were enabled to derive comfort from the word of 
 salvation, and began to bear their testimony to the 
 grace of God their Saviour. They were in use 
 occasionally of visiting a poor infirm woman, who 
 had long walked v.'ith God, and who now lived 
 alone in a mean cottage in the neighbouring vil- 
 lage. It was proposed that they should come 
 together to her house at a time appointed, and that 
 I and some of my family should join them, and 
 spend an evening hour or two in reading, conver- 
 sation, and prayer. In process of time, different 
 persons who were inquiring after the one thing 
 needful, hearing how we were employed, and be- 
 lieving that God was with us, were, at their own 
 request, admitted of our party. In this poor wo- 
 man's little smoky hovel, we continued to hold 
 our weekly meetings to August 1799, when she 
 
MOULIX, 
 
 91 
 
 was called away to join the general assembly of 
 the first-born above. Her growth in grace had 
 been very conspicuous, and her death was tri- 
 umphant. 
 
 In summer, 1798, the Lord's supper was dis- 
 pensed in our congregation, at the usual time of the 
 year. For some weeks before, I endeavoured, in 
 preaching, to explain more fully, and with more 
 application to the conscience, the nature of the 
 ordinance, and the character of those who, under 
 the denomination of disciples, were commanded to 
 keep it. The exhortations and warnings then 
 given appeared to be accompanied with a divine 
 blessing. Some of the ordinary communicants, 
 judging themselves to be in an unconverted state, 
 kept back of their own accord from partaking of 
 the sacrament. Others, after conversing with me 
 privately on the subject, took the same resolution. 
 And many of those who might otherwise have ap- 
 plied for admission, forbore to apply, there being 
 a much smaller number of applicants than in previ- 
 ous years. 
 
 Although the number of communicants was thus 
 for the time diminished, yet the number of those 
 who were brought under concern about their eternal 
 interests was increasing. This concern showed 
 itself chiefly among the younger people under 
 twenty-five or thirty. Their knowledge was yet 
 imperfect. A natural shyness often hindered them 
 long from discovering to others what they thought 
 or felt. They had as yet no friend or intimate 
 whom they judged able, from experience, to under- 
 stand their situation, or to give them counsel. 
 Some of them began to visit one of the two earlier 
 converts formerly mentioned, from whose reading 
 and conversation they derived considerable benefit. 
 
92 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 By means of this common friend, they were brought 
 more acquainted with each other. One might now 
 observe at church, after divine service, two or three 
 small groups forming themselves round our few 
 more advanced believers, and withdrawing from 
 the crowd into the adjacent fields, to exchange 
 Christian salutations, and hold Christian converse 
 together; while a little cousin, or other young rela- 
 tive, followed as a silent attendant on the party, 
 and listened earnestly to their religious discourse. 
 As the sacrament of the Lord's Supper had been 
 much abused, by admitting, without strict exami- 
 nation or special instruction, all candidates who 
 could give a tolerable answer to common questions, 
 and who were free from grosser immoralities, so 
 it must be confessed that the sacrament of baptism 
 had been still more profaned. Nothing but one 
 kind of scandal was understood to preclude a man 
 from admission to this ordinance. Gross ignorance 
 or immoral behaviour, only laid a man open to 
 some admonition or reproof, or, at most, laid him 
 under the necessity of procuring another sponsor, 
 but hardly ever hindered the baptism of his child. 
 Nothing subjects a man to greater disgrace and 
 obloquy among us, than to have his child remain 
 unbaptized. The dominion of custom in this mat- 
 ter is so despotic, that most parents would choose 
 rather to carry their children a hundred miles to 
 be baptized by a popish priest, than to be refused 
 baptism when they demand it. The superstitious 
 notions, and other abuses, attending our celebra- 
 tion of this sacrament, called loudly for reforma- 
 tion. Last year, I preached a short course of ser- 
 mons on baptism ; at the same time, agreeably to a 
 recent resolution and recommendation of the pres- 
 bytery to which I belong, I revived the laws of 
 
MOULIN. 93 
 
 the church, which had fallen into disuse, relative 
 to this ordinance, particularly that which prohibits 
 private baptism. 
 
 In February, 1799, it pleased God to call home 
 my dear wife after we had been married little more 
 than five years. She, too, had been growing in 
 grace during the last two years of her life. She 
 laboured for some months under a gradual decline, 
 which impaired her strength, and occasioned some- 
 times a languor of spirits ; but her faith and trust 
 in her Redeemer were, on the whole, uniform and 
 steady. Her dismission from the body was gen- 
 tle, without pain or struggle. Her meek and 
 humble behaviour, her growing love to her Sa- 
 viour, and the joy she expressed at the prospect 
 of being soon with him, were blessed to the edifi- 
 cation of our pious neighbours, who often called to 
 visit her. 
 
 The following month, March, 1799, I began a 
 course of practical sermons on Regeneration, which 
 I continued to the beginning of July folloAving. 
 These were attended with a more general awaken- 
 ing than had yet appeared among us. Seldom a 
 week passed in which we did not see or hear of 
 one, two, or three persons, brought under deep 
 concern about their souls, accompanied with strong 
 convictions of sin, and earnest inquiry after a Sa- 
 viour. It was a great advantage to these that there 
 were others on the road beibre them; for they 
 were seldom at a loss now to find an acquaintance 
 to whom they could freely communicate their 
 anxious thoughts. The house of one of our most 
 established Christians became the chief resort of 
 all who wished to spend an hour in reading or 
 conversing about spiritual subjects. Some who 
 had but newly begun to entertain serious thoughts 
 9 
 
94 
 
 BEVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 about religion, and who had not yet come so far as 
 to speak out their mind, would contrive an errand 
 to this person's house, and listen to her talk. She 
 was visited at other times by those who were 
 drawn only by curiosity or a cTisputatious spirit, 
 who wanted to cavil at her words, or draw her 
 into controversy. Such visitors she did not avoid, 
 and at last they ceased to visit her. 
 
 Other experienced Christians among us have 
 been extremely useful to their younger brethren 
 or sisters. Their conversation and example have 
 been principal means of turning the attention of 
 the young to religion, and of edifying those who 
 have been already awakened. Such persons I find 
 most serviceable auxiliaries. If they be neither 
 prophets, nor apostles, nor teachers, yet their use- 
 fulness in the church entides them to the appella- 
 tion of helps: 1 Cor. xii. 28. Nor do I think an 
 aposde would hesitate to acknowledge them, both 
 men and women, in the relation o^ fellow -labour- 
 ers: Phil. iv. 3. Nor has success in this divine 
 work been confined to instruments raised up among 
 ourselves. The same happy effects have, in a 
 certain measure, attended the preaching, the pray- 
 ers, or conversation, of pious brethren, who have 
 assisted at the celebration of the Lord's Supper, or 
 made us other occasional visits. 
 
 It is observable that the work of conversion has 
 been begun and carried on among this people in a 
 quiet manner, without any confusion, and without 
 those ungovernable agitations of mind, or convul- 
 sions of the body, or shrieking or fainting, which 
 have often accompanied a general awakening in 
 other places. One young woman was so much 
 moved in church, in March, 1799, that she wept 
 bitterly, and her friends thouglit it prudent to con- 
 
MOULIN. 95 
 
 vey her out a little before the congregation was 
 dismissed. She was for five or six days unfit for 
 going about her usual work. In June following, 
 at the time of our sacrament, she felt emotions of 
 joy, for a few days, to such a degree as to with- 
 draw her regard in a great measure from sensible 
 objects. Spiritual aflfectiona were unusually strong 
 in her, and spiritual objects appeared visible and 
 near; but her sentiments were quite correct and 
 scriptural. A few days afterwards, when her 
 emotions had subsided, she told me that she was 
 at the time sensible that her mind was somewhat 
 unsettled, but that she found comfort in recollect- 
 ing the apostle's words, " If we are beside our- 
 selves, k is to God." This was exactly her case. 
 She continues an humble, lively Christian, and, 
 except these two short intervals, she has regularly 
 performed her ordinary work as a maid-servant, to 
 the satisfaction of her master and mistress, in whose 
 service she still remains. Another woman, the 
 mother of a family, in April last, was so much 
 moved in hearing sermon, that of her own accord 
 she left the church. Excepting these two instances, 
 I know of none whose emotions, under the preach- 
 ing of the word, discovered themselves in any 
 other manner than by silent tears. 
 
 Having lately made an enumeration of those of 
 our congregation, whom, to the best of my judg- 
 ment, I trust I can reckon truly enlightened with 
 the saving knowledge of Christ, I find their num- 
 ber about seventy. The greater part of these are 
 under thirty years of age ; several are above forty ; 
 six or seven above fifty ; one sixty-six ; and one 
 above seventy. Of children, under twelve or four- 
 teen, there are a good many who seem to have a 
 liking to rehgion; but we find it difficult to form a 
 
96 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 decided opinion of their case. Of persons who 
 have died within these twelve months, three we 
 are persuaded, and we hope two or three others, 
 have slept in Jesus. 
 
 A very considerable number are friendly to re- 
 ligion, and countenance and defend ihe truth, even 
 while they do not as yet appear to live under its 
 power. A few among ourselves did for a while 
 jeer and deride the godly; but such persons are 
 left in so very small a minority, that they have 
 ceased to be troublesome. The Scriptures, too, 
 are so generally read and referred to, that the truth 
 itself serves to stop the mouth of scoffers. We are 
 sometimes told that the sentiments and language 
 of our people are much misrepresented, and are 
 the objects of much wonder, and ridicule, and in- 
 vective, in other places. But we only hear of such 
 things ; they are hardly permitted to come nigh 
 us. The chief opposition arises from those who 
 possess superior scholarship and acquaintance with 
 the Scriptures. These contend that there can be 
 nothing substantial or necessary in that experimen- 
 tal knowledge which illiterate persons may pretend 
 to have attained; and that it is mere ignorance in 
 them to imagine that they can have a larger share 
 of saving knowledge than men who are greater 
 scholars and better versed in the Scriptures. "Are 
 we blind also?" has ever been the indignant lan- 
 guage of carnal wisdom, of literary pride, and of 
 self-righteous presumption. 
 
 It is evident that the Scriptures represent all 
 mankind as divided into two classes. These are 
 distinguished from each other in the most explicit 
 manner; and the distinction is marked by the 
 strongest language, and the most significant com- 
 parisons. They are called the children of God, 
 
MOULIN. 97 
 
 and the children of the devil, (1 John iii. 10;) the 
 children of the kingdom, and the children of the 
 wicked one, (Matt. xiii. 38;) the just and the 
 wicked, (Matt. xiii. 49 ;) they who are dead in 
 trespasses and sins, and they who are quickened 
 together with Christ, (Eph. ii. 1 — 6.) They are 
 compared to wheat and tares, (Matt. xiii. 25;) to 
 good and bad fishes, (Matt. xiii. 47, 48;) to sheep 
 and goats, (Matt. xxv. 32.) In the general tenor 
 of my preaching, especially in discussing the im- 
 portant doctrine of regeneration, 1 have endeavour- 
 ed to keep in view this distinction, and to exhibit 
 it clearly to the notice of my hearers. Many have 
 been not a little offended at such a discrimination ; 
 have found fault with the preacher; have complain- 
 ed of uncharitable judgment ; pleading that it was 
 God's prerogative to judge the heart; that they 
 hoped theirs was good, though they did not make 
 such a parading profession of religion, &c. The 
 truth has prevailed, however; and some have con- 
 fessed to me, that their first serious thoughts about 
 the state of their souls, arose from the surprise and 
 resentment they felt on being classed under the 
 character of unbelievers, along with murderers and 
 idolaters: Rev. xxi. 8. But in giving such offen- 
 sive, though necessary warnings, I had much need 
 of the Spirit of Christ, to repress all asperity of 
 language and manner, to awaken tender compassion 
 for those whom I addressed, and to enable me to 
 speak the truth in love. 
 
 I observe amono^ our younff converts a considera- 
 me variety of frames, but a striking uniformity of 
 character. They are dejected or elevated, according 
 as their regard is more fixed on their own deficiencies 
 and corruptions, or on the glorious sufficiency of 
 Christ. But all of them are characterized bv low- 
 
98 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 liness of mind, by a warm attachment to each other, 
 and to all who love the Lord Jesus, and by the 
 affections set on things above. I know no instances 
 among them of persons trusting for comfort or di- 
 rection to dreams or visions, impulses or impres- 
 sions ; and hardly an instance of seeking comfort 
 from external signs or tokens, arbitrarily assumed 
 by the inquirer, after the example of Abraham's 
 servant, (Gen. xxiv. 14,) and of Gideon, (Judges 
 vi. 36—40.) 
 
 We have not yet to lament any great falling ofi' 
 in those who appeared to have once undergone a 
 saving change. There may be persons who were 
 for a time inquiring, with some apparent earnest- 
 ness, and afterwards fell back to their former un- 
 concern. I have reason to suspect tliat there may 
 be several in this situation, though I have not ac- 
 cess to know the exact state of their minds. May 
 the Lord discover it to themselves in time ! But 
 all, so far as I know, who seemed to have been 
 once truly humbled for their sins, and made to feel 
 in their hearts the grace of God in the gospel, con- 
 tinue thus far to maintain an humble, spiritual, 
 conscientious walk. They have a constant appe- 
 tite for the sincere milk of the word, and for Chris- 
 tian fellowship with one another. The younger 
 son have lost their former levity of speech and be- 
 haviour, and are become devout and sober-minded ; 
 those more advanced in life have laid aside their 
 selfishness and worldly-mindedness, and are grown 
 humble, contented, and thankful. 
 
 The external effects of a general concern about 
 religion, have appeared in the behaviour even of 
 those who do not seem to have experienced a 
 change of heart. While the younger people at- 
 tended a Sabbath school, those who were grown 
 
MOULIN. 99 
 
 up, used to spend the evening of that day in saun- 
 tering about the fields and woods in gossiping 
 parties, or visiting their acquaintance at a distance, 
 without improving their time by any profitable ex- 
 ercise. Now, there is hardly a lounger to be seen, 
 nor any person walking abroad, except going to 
 some house, or meeting, where he may hear the 
 Scriptures read. Swearing, profane talking, fool- 
 ish and indecent jesting, have in a great measure 
 ceased. At late wakes, where people assemble to 
 watch by the body of a deceased neighbour, the 
 whole night used to be spent in childish, noisy 
 sports and pastimes. Even the apartment where 
 the corpse lay was the scene of their revelry. This 
 unnatural custom, which is still pretty general over 
 a great part of the Highlands, is almost wholly 
 discontinued in this part of the country. They 
 still assemble on such occasions; but they pass the 
 time in reading the Bible, or some religious book, 
 and in sober conversation. 
 
 I have mentioned, that almost all our converts 
 have been brought to serious concern and inquiry, 
 in a quiet, gradual manner. To an intelligent ob- 
 server, the change in the conversation, temper, de- 
 portment, and the very countenance of individuals, 
 is striking; the change, too, on the general aspect 
 of the manners of the people, is conspicuous. The 
 effect is thus, on the whole, obvious ; yet there are 
 few particulars in the case of each person, which, 
 taken singly, will appear uncommon. We have 
 no instances of persons remarkable for profligacy 
 of manners, or profaneness of speech, who have 
 been reclaimed from such enormities ; because there 
 were none of that description to be found in our 
 society. The change has been from ignorance and 
 indifference, and disrelish of divine things, (o know- 
 
100 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 ledge, and concern, and spiritual enjoyment. Nei- 
 ther are there among us examples of persons sud- 
 denly struck and impressed by some alarming 
 event, or singular interposition of Providence. 
 The word of truth, proclaimed in public, or spoken 
 in private, has been almost the only outward means 
 of producing conviction of sin, and confidence in 
 the Saviour. In every single case, the power of 
 God is visible in the effect produced ; but there is 
 little "diversity of operation." Instead of endea- 
 vouring to paint the beauties of holiness in the 
 scene around me, I rather wish to prevail with you 
 and other friends, who know how to enjoy such a 
 spectacle, to " come and see." 
 
 We still have the happiness to find, from week 
 to week, that the same concern and awakening is 
 spreading around, and extending to some neigh- 
 bouring congregations. Within these few weeks, 
 persons from six or seven miles distance, have 
 called here on a Sabbath morning, under evident 
 concern about their souls. On a succeeding Sab- 
 bath, the same persons have called again, intro- 
 ducing a relation, or fellow-servant, under similar 
 concern. All of these, so far as can be judged 
 from present appearances, are in a hopeful way. 
 Such is the manifold grace and loving kindness 
 with which it has pleased the Lord to visit this 
 corner of his vineyard. I trust that all our Chris- 
 tian brethren, who may receive the joyful intelli- 
 gence, will join us in praying, that God may con- 
 tinue to water, with showers of blessings, " this 
 vine which his own right hand hath planted;" and 
 that no boar from the wood may be allowed to 
 waste it, nor worm at the root to smite it that it 
 wither. I am, (fee. 
 
MOULIN. 101 
 
 In the preceding most interesting narrative, as 
 in others of a similar kind, the connection between 
 the PRAYERS of the people of God, and the remark- 
 able visitation of mercy recorded, is one of the 
 most striking features. Mr. Stewart had known 
 the truth in its power, and preached it for a con- 
 siderable time before it was attended with any visi- 
 ble success ; and it is not till he has informed us of 
 his weekly meetings for prayer, with three pious 
 persons in the parish, that he proceeds to give an 
 account of the general awakening which followed. 
 Thus it ever has been, and will continue to be. Them 
 that honour God in prayer, he will honour with his 
 blessing. Let those, then, who now desire to see 
 *' times of refreshing," such as were experienced at 
 Moulin, be stirred up to imitate the example of these 
 three humble, but Christian individuals, who, in " a 
 mean and smoky hovel," assembled from week to 
 week with their minister, to supplicate the blessing 
 of the Spirit, and who, doubtless, in secret, poured 
 out many a fervent " breathing" into the bosom of 
 their gracious and loving Father, on behalf of their 
 ungodly neighbours. And praying in the Spirit, 
 they may expect to be favoured with similar re- 
 sults. God will not turn away their prayer. The 
 present is a season when there is a peculiar call to 
 prayer, and when these encouraging words in the 
 Prophecy of Hosea should be engraven on every 
 heart, and their spirit infused into every soul — " It 
 
 IS TIME TO SEEK THE LoRD, TILL HE COME AND 
 RAIN RIGHTEOUSNESS UPON YOU." 
 
 10 
 
102 
 
 PART VII. 
 
 ULSTER, 1623—1641. 
 
 The success of the Reformation from the first was 
 much slower in Ireland than in either of the sister 
 kingdoms. Few Protestant ministers were settled 
 in the country, and these for the most part very ill 
 qualified for tlie discharge of their duties ; while 
 the government, bent upon a favourite scheme of 
 discontinuing the native Irish language, prohibited 
 its use in the service of the church — permitted no 
 books to be printed in that language, and even di- 
 rected that in those parisiies where the English 
 was not understood by the readers, the church ser- 
 vice should be conducted in Latin. With means 
 so exceedingly inadeq^uate, it is not surprising that 
 few of the people should have embraced the re- 
 formed doctrines, and that the country should have 
 continued essentially popish. 
 
 The province of Ulster, in the early period of 
 the Reformation, was in a condition still worse 
 than the other parts of the country. Those intes- 
 tine wars which raged during the latter part of the 
 reign of Elizabeth had their chief seat here, and 
 had reduced the province almost to a state of de- 
 population: most of the towns were destroyed; 
 cultivation had nearly ceased; and the few pro- 
 
ULSTER. 103 
 
 prietors who remained, supported themselves on 
 plunder, and lived in a condition little better than 
 barbarism. In circumstances so very unfavourable 
 the spread of Protestant principles could hardly 
 be otherwise than small, and in fact they were 
 scarcely known beyond a few of the principal 
 towns, insomuch that in the beginning of the reign 
 of James I., Du Pin, a Roman Catholic historian, 
 describes the province of Ulster as " the most con- 
 stant in maintaining its liberty and in preservinor the 
 Catholic religion." The greater part of the bishops 
 and ministers were still Roman Catholics, and of 
 the few Protestant ministers, who were scattered 
 over the country, many were shamefully ignorant, 
 and even scandalous in their lives. In many pa- 
 rishes there was no minister, and except in some 
 of the principal towns and cities, divine service 
 had not been performed in a single parish church 
 throughout the province for years together. 
 
 To provide a remedy for this unhappy state of 
 the country, king James projected a plan for plant- 
 ing it with settlers from England and Scotland. 
 Great part of the province had been forfeited to 
 the crown during the rebellions, and from the for- 
 feited estates liberal distribution was made for the 
 encouragement of settlers ; the king taking espe- 
 cial care, at the same time, to provide for the 
 spread of religion, by repairing the churches and 
 providing glebes for the ministers, as well as re- 
 storing the ecclesiastical possessions and endowing 
 free schools for the revival of learning. 
 
 Soon after this plan was set on foot, the province 
 began to assume a new aspect. The deserted 
 cities were filled with inhabitants, towns were built 
 and incorporated, the lands gradually cleared of 
 woods, cultivation was resumed, and peace and 
 
104 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 industry were generally restored. The sees were 
 now all filled with Protestant bishops, and a scriptu- 
 ral confession of faith, in which the intolerant spirit 
 of the church of England was avoided, was drawn 
 up by Dr. (afterwards archbishop) Usher, and 
 adopted by the clergy ; so that in the bosom of 
 the church of Ireland many of the Puritans of Eng- 
 land and Scotland, who had been driven, by perse- 
 cution, from their native country, found a secure 
 retreat, and were promoted to situations of honour 
 and usefulness. Among the most eminent of these 
 were Mr. Edward Brice, formerly minister of 
 Stirling, who was settled at Broadisland in the year 
 1613; Mr. Hubbard, an English Puritan minister, 
 settled at Carrickfergus about the year 1621 ; Mr. 
 John Ridge, a native of England, presented in 
 1619 to the vicarage of Antrim ; Mr. Robert Blair, 
 formerly one of the regents or teachers in the Col- 
 lege of Glasgow, who came to Bangor in 1623; 
 and Mr. James Hamilton, who was educated for 
 the ministry in Scotland, and ordained at Bally- 
 water about the year 1625. 
 
 Before the arrival of these godly ministers the 
 character of the settlers was far from being such 
 as to encourage them in their labours, and indeed 
 they were very generally openly immoral and pro- 
 fane. " From Scotland," says Mr. Stewart, who 
 was minister of Donaghadee in 1645,* — "from 
 Scotland came many, and from England not a few; 
 yet all of them generally the scum of both nations, 
 who, from debt, or breaking and fleeing from jus- 
 
 * For this and the subsequent extracts from a manu- 
 script of M r. Stewart, as well as for the preceding account 
 of the state of Ireland, and much of what follows, we are 
 indebted to the excellent History of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Ireland, by Dr. Reid of Carrickfergus. 
 
ULSTER. 1 05 
 
 tice, or seeking shelter, came hither, hoping to be 
 without fear of man's justice, in aland where there 
 was nothing or but little as yet, of the fear of God. 
 And in a few years there flocked such a multitude 
 of people from Scotland, that these northern coun- 
 ties of Down, Antrim, Londonderry, &c., were in 
 a good measure planted, which had been waste be- 
 fore. Yet most of the people were all void of 
 godliness, who seemed rather to flee from God in 
 this enterprise, than to follow their own mercy. 
 Yet God followed them when they fled from him. 
 Albeit at first it must be remembered, that as they 
 cared little for any church, so God seemed to care 
 as little for them. For these strangers were no 
 better entertained than with the relics of popery, 
 served up in a ceremonial service of God, under a 
 sort of antichristian hierarchy, and committed to 
 the care of a number of careless men, who were 
 only zealous to call for their gain from their quar- 
 ter ; men who said " come ye, I will bring wine, 
 let us drink, for to-morrow shall be as this day, and 
 much more abundant." Thus on all hands atheism 
 increased, and disregard of God, iniquity abounded 
 with contention, fighting, murder, adultery, &c. 
 as among people who, as they had nothing within 
 them to overawe them, so their ministers' example 
 was worse than nothing, for, from the prophets 
 of Israel profaneness went forth to the whole land. 
 And verily at this time the whole body of this 
 people seemed ripe for the manifestation, in a great 
 degree, either of God's judgments or mercy. For 
 their carriage made them to be abhorred at home 
 in their native land, insomuch that going for Ire- 
 land was looked on as a miserable mark of a de- 
 plorable person. Yea, it was turned into a pro- 
 verb, and one of the worst expressions of disdain 
 that could be invented was, to tell a man that " Ire- 
 
106 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION, 
 
 land would be his hinder end !" The labours by 
 which the English and Scottish ministers above 
 named endeavoured to establish the gospel among 
 this ungodly people, were most zealous and unre- 
 mitting. Some idea of them may be formed from 
 the account given by Mr. Blair of his own labours 
 in the parish of Bangor. " My charge," says he, 
 " was very great, consisting of about six miles in 
 length, and containing above twelve hundred per- 
 sons come to age, besides children, who stood 
 greatly in need of instruction. This being the 
 case, I preached twice every week, besides the 
 Lord's day. But finding still that this fell short 
 of reaching the design of a gospel ministry, and 
 that the most part continued vastly ignorant, I saw 
 the necessity of trying a more plain and familiar 
 way of instructing them ; and therefore, besides 
 my public preaching, I spent as much time every 
 week, as my bodily strength could hold out with, 
 in exhorting and catechizing them. Not long after 
 I fell upon this method, the Lord visited me with 
 a fever; on which, some who hated my painfulness 
 in the ministry, said scoffingly, that they knew I 
 could not hold out as 1 began. But in a little space 
 it pleased the Lord to raise me up again, and he 
 enabled me to continue that method the whole lime 
 I was at Bangor." 
 
 To these labours, Mr. Blair and his brethren 
 joined much fervent prayer. Mr. Blair's acquaint- 
 ance, with Mr. Cunningham of Holyvvood was 
 comfortable to them both, and they frequently 
 visited one another, and spent many days and 
 hours together in prayer and godly conference. 
 
 The effects were soon apparent. A spirit of re- 
 ligious inquiry was excited among the people, igno- 
 rance began to be dispelled, careless and secure 
 persons were aroused to a sense of their danger, 
 
ULSTER, 107 
 
 the immoral were reclaimed to habits of decency, 
 and the general aspect of the country became mar- 
 vellously changed. At Bangor a considerable re- 
 formation was effected, and, a short time after- 
 wards, a more general awakening appeared in the 
 neighbourhood of Oldstone, where James Glend- 
 inning, a native of Scotland, and formerly Lecturer 
 at Carrickfergus, had lately settled as minister. 
 
 Of the origin and progress of this awakening Mr. 
 Stewart has preserved the following account. 
 *'Mr. Blair," says he, "coming over from Bangor 
 to Carrickfergus on some business, and occasion- 
 ally hearing Mr. Glendinning preach, perceived 
 some sparkles of good inclination in him, yet found 
 him not solid but weak, and not fitted for a public 
 place, and among the English. On Avhich Mr. 
 Blair did call him, and using freedom with him, 
 advised him to go to some place in the country 
 among his countrymen; whereupon he Avent to 
 Oldstone (near the town of Antrim) and was there 
 placed. He was a man who would never have 
 been chosen by a wise assembly of ministers, nor 
 sent to begin a reformation in this land. For he 
 was little better than distracted; yea, afterwards, 
 did actually become so. Yet this was the Lord's 
 choice, to begin with him the admirable work of 
 God; which I mention on purpose that all men 
 may see how the glory is only the Lord's in mak- 
 ing a holy nation in this profane land and that it 
 was 'not by might nor by power, nor by man's 
 wisdom, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.' At 
 Oldstone, God made use of him to awaken the 
 consciences of a lewd and secure people there- 
 abouts. For seeing the great lewdness and ungodly 
 sinfulness of the people, he preached to them noth- 
 ing but law-wrath, and the terrors of God for sin. 
 
108 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 And in very deed for this only was he fitted, for 
 hardly could he preach any other thing. But be- 
 hold the success! For the hearers finding them- 
 selves condemned by the mouth of God speaking 
 in his word, fell into such anxiety and terror of 
 conscience that they looked on themselves as alto- 
 gether lost and damned; and this work appeared 
 not in one single person or two, but multitudes 
 were brought to understand their way, and to cry 
 out, men and brethren, what shall we do to be 
 saved ! 1 have seen them myself stricken into a 
 swoon with the word; yea, a dozen in one day 
 carried out of doors as dead, so marvellous was the 
 power of God smiling their hearts for sin, condemn- 
 ing and killing. And of these were none of the 
 weaker sex or spirit, but indeed some of the boldest 
 spirits \vho formerly feared not with their swords 
 to put a whole market town in a fray ; yet in de- 
 fence of their stubbornness cared not to lie in prison 
 and in the stocks ; and being incorrigible, were as 
 ready to do the like the next day. I have heard 
 one of them, then a mighty strong man, now a 
 mighty Christian, say that his end in coming to 
 church was to consult with his companions how 
 to work some mischief. And yet at one of those 
 sermons he was so catched, that he was fully sub- 
 dued. But why do I speak of him ? We knew 
 and yet know, multitudes of such men who sinned 
 and still gloried in it because they feared no man, 
 yet are now patterns of sobriety, fearing to sin be- 
 cause they fear God. And this spread through the 
 country to admiration, especially to that river, com- 
 monly called the Six-mile-water, for there this work 
 began at first. At this time of people's gathering 
 to Christ, it pleased the Lord to visit mercifully 
 the honourable familv in Antrim, so as Sir John 
 
ULSTER. 109 
 
 Clotworthy, and my lady his mother, and his own 
 precious lady, did shine in an eminent manner in 
 receiving the gospel, and offering themselves to the 
 Lord; whose example instantly other gendemen 
 followed, such as Captain Norton, of whom the 
 gospel made a clear and cleanly conquest. 
 
 " When, therefore, the multitude of wounded 
 consciences were healed, they began to draw into 
 holy communion and meeting together privately 
 for edification, a thing which in a lifeless genera- 
 tion is both neglected and reproved. But the new 
 life forced it among the people, who desired to 
 know what God was doing -with the souls of their 
 neighbours, who, they perceived, were wrought on 
 in spirit, as they had been. There was a man in 
 the parish of Oldstone, called Hugh Campbell, 
 who had fled from Scotland ; him God caught in 
 Ireland, and made him an eminent and exemplary 
 Christian until this day. He was a gentleman of 
 the house of Dukethall. After this man was healed 
 of the wound given to his soul by the Almighty, he 
 became very refreshful to others who had less learn- 
 ing and judgment than himself. He therefore in- 
 vited some of his honest neighbours who fought 
 the same fight of faith, to meet him at his house 
 on the last Friday of the month; where and when, 
 beginning with a few, they spent their time in 
 prayer, mutual edification, and conference on what 
 they found within them, nothing like the superficial 
 superfluous meetings of some cold-hearted profes- 
 sors, who afterwards made this work a snare to 
 many. But these new beginners were more filled 
 with heart exercise than head notions, and with 
 fervent prayer rather than conceity gifts to fill the 
 head. As these truly increased so did this meet- 
 ing for private edification increase too; and still at 
 
110 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 Hugh Campbell's house, on the last Friday of the 
 month. At last they grew so numerous, that the 
 ministers who had begotten them again to Christ, 
 thought fit that some of them should be still with 
 them to prevent what hurt might follow." Ac- 
 cordingly, adds Mr. Blair, " Mr. John Ridge the 
 judicious and gracious minister of Antrim, perceiv- 
 ing many people on both sides of the Six-mile- 
 water awakened out of their security, made an 
 overture that a monthly meeting might be set up 
 at Antrim, which was within a mile of Oldstone, 
 and lay centrical for the awakened persons to resort 
 to, and he invited Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Hamilton, 
 and myself, to take part in that work, who were all 
 glad of the motion, and heartily embraced it. This 
 meeting was continued for many years. In the 
 summer days four did preach; and when the day 
 grew shorter, only three: And through the Lord's 
 blessing on our labours, religion was spread through- 
 out that whole county, and into the borders of 
 some others. Mr. Glendinning was at the first 
 glad of the confluence of people, but we not having 
 invited him to bear a part in the monthly meeting 
 he became so emulous, that, to preserve popular 
 applause, he watched and fasted wonderfully. Af- 
 terwards he was smitten with a number of errone- 
 ous and enthusiastic opinions, and at last he set out 
 on a visit to the seven churches of vVsia." 
 
 Having lost this instrument, others more worthy 
 were afterwards through the good providence of 
 God, added to the ministry. " From Scotland," 
 says Mr. Blair, " came over Mr. Josiah Welsh, 
 son of the famous Mr. John Welsh, who both 
 in Scotland and France was instrumental in con- 
 verting and confirming many. A great measure 
 of that spirit which wrought in and by the father, 
 
ULSTER. 
 
 Ill 
 
 rested also' upon the son. The last time I had 
 been in Scotland, I met with him, and fmding 
 of how zealous a spirit he was, I exhorted him to 
 hasten over to Ireland, where he would find work 
 enough, and I hoped success too. And so it came 
 to pass : For Mr. Welsh having been settled at 
 Temple-Patrick, became a great blessing to that 
 people. Next Mr. Henry Colvert, an English- 
 man, helper to Mr. Edward Bryce at Broadisland, 
 was settled at Oldstone. This able minister hav- 
 ing been of a fervent spirit, and vehement de- 
 livery in preaching, and withal very diligent, was a 
 blessing to that people. And after these two the 
 Lord brought over to Lochlarne old Mr. George 
 Dunbar, after he had been deposed from his min- 
 istry at Ayr by the High Commission, and ban- 
 ished by the Privy Council. At Larne the Lord 
 did greatly bless his ministry, and he and the other 
 two having joined the monthly meeting, the word 
 of God grew mightily, and his gracious work pros- 
 pered in our hands." 
 
 About the year 1630, Mr. John Livingston assist- 
 ant at Torphichen, having been oppressed by the 
 bishops, went over to Ireland, where he was or- 
 dained at Killinchie. " Being a man of a gracious 
 melting spirit he did much good, and the Lord was 
 pleased greatly to bless his ministry." iVIuch 
 about the same time Mr. Andrew Stuart, " a learned 
 gentleman and fervent in spirit," was settled at 
 Dunagor, where his ministry was successful during 
 the short time he lived. 
 
 The blessed work of conversion, which was of 
 several years' continuance, had now spread beyond 
 the bounds of Antrim and Down, to the skirts of 
 neighbouring counties ; and the resort of people to 
 the monthly meeting and communion occasions, 
 
112 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 and the appetite of the people, were become so 
 great, that the ministers were sometimes constrain- 
 ed in sympathy to the people to venture beyond 
 any preparation they had made for the season. 
 *' And indeed preaching and praying were so plea- 
 sant in those days, and hearers so eager and greedy, 
 that no day was long enough nor no room great 
 enough to answer their strong desires and large 
 expectations." 
 
 The following very interesting particulars are 
 given by Mr. Livingston, in his Memoirs. Refer- 
 ring to his settlement at Killinchie, he says, " Al- 
 though the people were very tractable, yet they 
 w^ere generally very ignorant, and I saw no appear- 
 ance of doing any good among them ; yet it pleased 
 the Lord that in a short time some of them began 
 to understsnd somewhat of their condition. Not 
 only had we public worsliip free of any inventions 
 of man, but we had also a tolerable discipline; for 
 after I had been some while among them, by the 
 advice of heads of famiHes, some ablest for that 
 charge were chosen elders to oversee the manners 
 of the rest, and some deacons to gather and distri- 
 bute the collections. We met every week, and 
 such as fell into notorious public scandals, we de- 
 sired to come before us. Such as came were dealt 
 with both in public and private to confess their 
 scandal, in presence of the congregation, at the 
 Saturday's sermon, before the communion, which 
 was celebrated twice in the year — such as would 
 not come before us, or coming would not be con- 
 vinced to acknowledge their fault before the con- 
 gregation, upon the Saturday preceding the com- 
 munion, their names, scandals, and impenitency, 
 were read out before the congregation, and they 
 debarred from the communion, which proved such 
 
ULSTER. 113 
 
 a terror that we found very few of that sort. We 
 needed not to have the communion oftener, for 
 there were nine or ten parishes within the bounds 
 of twenty miles, or little more, wherein there were 
 godly and able ministers, that kept a society toge- 
 ther, and every one of these had the communion 
 twice a-year, at different times, and had two or 
 three of the neighbouring ministers to help thereat; 
 and most part of the religious people used to resort 
 to the communions of the rest of the parishes. 
 Most of all these ministers used ordinarily to meet 
 the first Friday of every month at Antrim, where 
 was a great and good congregation, and that day 
 was spent in fasting and prayer, and public preach- 
 ing. Commonly two preached every forenoon and 
 in the afternoon. We used to come together the 
 Thursday night before, and staid the Friday night 
 after, and consulted about such things as concerned 
 the carrying on of the work of God ; and these 
 meetings amongst ourselves were sometimes as 
 profitable as either presbyteries or synods. And 
 out of these parishes now mentioned, and some 
 others also, such as laid religion to heart, used to 
 convene to these meetings, especially out of the 
 Six-mile-water, which was nearest hand, and 
 where was the greatest number of religious peo- 
 ple. And frequendy the Sabbath after the Friday's 
 meeting, the communion was celebrated in one 
 or other of these parishes. Among all these 
 ministers, there was never any jar or jealousy, 
 yea, nor amongst the professors, the greatest part 
 of them being Scots, and some good number of 
 very gracious English ; all whose contention was 
 to prefer others to themselves. And although the 
 gifts of the ministers were much difl'erent, yet it 
 was not observed that the people followed any to 
 
114 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 the undervaluing of others. Many of these reli- 
 gious professors had been both ignorant and pro- 
 fane, and for debt, and want, and worse causes, 
 had left Scotland, yet the Lord was pleased by his 
 word to work such a change, I do not think there 
 were more lively and experienced Christians any 
 where, than were these at that time in Ireland, and 
 that ill good numbers, and several of them, per- 
 sons of good outward condition in the world; but 
 being lately brought in, the lively edge was not 
 yet gone off them, and the perpetual fear that the 
 bishops would put away their ministers, made them 
 with great hunger wait on the ordinances. I have 
 known them come several miles from their own 
 houses, to communions, to the Saturday's sermon, 
 and spend the whole Saturday night in several 
 companies, sometimes a minister being with them, 
 sometimes themselves alone, in conference and 
 prayer, and then they have waited on the public 
 ordinances the whole Sabbath, and spent the Sab- 
 bath night likewise, and yet at the Monday's ser- 
 mon they were not troubled with sleepiness, and 
 so have not slept till they went home. Because of 
 their holy and righteous carriage, they were gene- 
 rally reverenced even by the graceless multitude 
 among whom they lived. Some of them had at- 
 tained such dexterity at expressing religious pur- 
 poses, by the resemblance of worldly things, that 
 being at feasts and meals in common inns, where 
 were some ignorant and profane persons, they 
 would among themselves entertain a spiritual dis- 
 course for a long time, and the others professed 
 that although they spoke good English, they could 
 not understand what they said. In those days it 
 was no great difficulty for a minister to preach or 
 pray in public or private, such was the hunger of 
 
ULSTER. 
 
 115 
 
 the hearers, and it was hard to judge whether there 
 was more of the Lord's presence in the public or 
 private meetings." 
 
 The system of discipline referred to by Mr. 
 Livingston, was the same as that observed in Mr. 
 Blair's congregation, of the beneficial influence of 
 which, in connexion widi the faithful preaching of 
 the word, Mr. Blair narrates the following instance. 
 " A cunning adulterer who had continued long in 
 that sin before I went to Bangor, and by bribing 
 the bishop's official had concealed his wickedness, 
 having been present at a sermon which I had on 
 the parable of the sower, it pleased the Lord so to 
 reach his conscience, that he made confession of 
 his great sin with many tears, and sought to be 
 admitted to the public profession of his repentance. 
 This the session readily agreed to, and he appear- 
 ed pubHcly for several days, under very deep con- 
 viction, to the great affecting of the congregation, 
 and lived ever afterward a reformed man so far as 
 could be perceived." 
 
 There were now many converts in all the con- 
 gregations which have been mentioned, and Satan 
 observing the prosperity of the gospel amongst 
 them set himself to perplex them by discrediting 
 the work of God in their hearts. 'This he did by 
 a counterfeit of the operation of the Holy Spirit on 
 several persons at Lochlarne, whom he caused to 
 cry out during public worship, and some of them 
 were affected with convulsive pangs. The num- 
 ber of persons thus affected increased daily, and at 
 first the ministers and people pitied them, hoping 
 that the Holy Spirit was at work with them. But 
 when they had conversed with them, and found 
 that they did not discover any sense of their sinful 
 state or any longing after a Saviour, the minister of 
 
116 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 the place wrote to his brethren, inviting them to 
 come and examine the matter, who when they had 
 spoken with them saw that it was a mere delusion 
 of the destroyer. The next Sabbath, an ignorant 
 person in Mr. Blair's congregation made a noise, 
 but immediately, says Mr. B., " I was assisted to 
 rebuke that lying spirit which disturbed the wor- 
 ship of God, and I charged the same in the name 
 and authority of Jesus Christ, not to molest that 
 congregation; and through God's mercy we met 
 with no more of that sort." 
 
 Having thus been foiled in this attempt, Satan 
 now made a handle of his own device to stir up 
 enemies against the faithful ministers. Archbishop 
 Usher's Confession of Faith had by this time been 
 laid aside, and the ritual and ceremonies of the 
 English Church having been adopted in its stead, 
 the former moderation of the bishops was no longer 
 continued. The ministers who had been most 
 successful in promoting the work of reformation 
 were accused to them of teaching that bodily con- 
 vulsions were necessary to the new birth, and the 
 bishop of the diocese at first suspended four of 
 them from their labours ; and then, after a short 
 relaxation, obtained for them by Archbishop Usher, 
 he deposed all the four from their sacred office. 
 The conduct of the people on this occasion striking- 
 ly illustrates the spirit of prayer which abounded 
 among them. Mr. Blair having set out to London, 
 with the view of obtaining a trial for himself and his 
 brethren, " left many holy persons, wrestling with 
 God for a comfortable issue. And indeed," says 
 he, " they were a praying people for whom I un- 
 dertook this journey. At my house two nights 
 were spent every week in prayer; and though 
 those who did bear chief burden therein were not 
 
ULSTER. 117 
 
 above the rank of husbandmen, yet they abounded 
 in the grace and spirit of prayer. Other places 
 were not short of, but rather excelled in that duty, 
 and even in congregations who yet enjoyed their 
 own pastors, many prayers were put up on our ac- 
 count, as I learned at my return." 
 
 When Mr. Blair returned, with a favourable an- 
 swer from the king, the trial was still delayed, but 
 the ministers continued to meet and pray with their 
 people, until at the end of a twelvemonth they 
 obtained a license to preach publicly for six months. 
 So great was Mr. Blair's astonishment at the news 
 of this unlooked for liberty, that he did not sleep 
 for three nights afterwards. The first, he says, 
 was wholly spent in admiring the goodness of God; 
 the second in thanksgiving with his people, who 
 solemnly prayed with him ; and the third he spent 
 in preparation for his stated lecture, which occurred 
 on the succeeding day. When he resumed this 
 lecture be found a large congregation, not only of 
 his own flock, but of many from neighbouring con- 
 gregations ; who, on hearing the gospel again pub- 
 licly preached, were melted down into tears of joy. 
 The monthly meeting at Antrim was also resumed, 
 to the inexpressible joy of the people, and public 
 worship being now freely permitted, they made 
 more progress in the ways of the Lord than ever 
 before. This liberty was however of short con- 
 tinuance. Mr. Blair and Mr. Dunbar, were soon 
 deposed a second time from their office, and they 
 concluded their ministry by celebrating the Lord's 
 supper, and solemnly delivering up their flocks to 
 the great Bishop of souls from whom they had re- 
 ceived their sacred office. Five of the other ministers 
 were afterwards deposed, and the work of revival 
 was for a time much impeded. The number of 
 11 
 
118 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 the godly was, however, very considerable, many 
 of whom, along with some of their ministers, came 
 over to Scotland to escape the violence of the per- 
 secution which followed. 
 
 This persecution proceeded from the adherents 
 of Episcopacy, who, headed by the haughty and 
 cruel Earl of Strafford, imposed such heavy fines, 
 and inflicted so severe itnprisonments upon the 
 Presbyterians, for refusing to take the oaths pre- 
 scribed to them by government, that while many 
 of the ministers were forced to leave the country, 
 those who remained dared not preach publicly. 
 They still however continued to meet privately 
 with their people, and usually in the night time, 
 for religious worship. And even when most of the 
 ministers had fled to Scotland, and the more timid 
 of those who still remained were afraid to attend 
 these proscribed assemblies, such laymen as were 
 most distinguished for their knowledge and piety 
 conducted the worship of the people, and expound- 
 ed the Scriptures for their mutual edification and 
 comfort. By these means the knowledge and love 
 of the truth were preserved among multitudes, until 
 they again had an opportunity of statedly hearing 
 the gospel from the lips of their ministers, while 
 others held the ministers in so great veneration 
 that many of them removed to Scotland for the sole 
 purpose of enjoying their ministry, and of those who 
 remained large numbers came over from Ireland to 
 attend the stated dispensation of the Lord's supper 
 in the parishes where they were settled. On one 
 occasion no fewer than five hundred persons visited 
 Stranraer, that they might receive ordinances from 
 the hands of Mr. Livingston. 
 
 This first persecution was soon foflowed by a 
 second of a more bloody and disastrous character, 
 
ULSTER. 
 
 119 
 
 at the Rebellion of 1641— of which all classes of 
 Protestants were the subjects, so violent, that in a 
 small part of Ulster alone about thirty ministers 
 were cruelly massacred by the papists. 
 
 These disasters pui a check for the present to the 
 progress of the Revival. In Scotland the minis- 
 ters and people who had fled thither for refuge, 
 were kindly treated by the people of God, and hid 
 as it were in the hollow of His hand, until the 
 times of slaughter and persecution had in some 
 measure passed away. After a few years most of 
 them returned to their adopted land; and along 
 with the chaplains of the Scottish army, and many 
 of the ministers, who had formerly adhered to 
 Episcopacy, were the means of planting in Ulster 
 the Presbyterian Church, which to the present day 
 continues to flourish in that province. 
 
 Among the means by which this extensive work 
 of grace was promoted, the Christian character of 
 the ministers, and their faithful and diligent preach- 
 ing, hold a prominent place. The following par- 
 ticulars of their style of preaching may be added to 
 what has already been said. — Of Mr. Brice, Mr. 
 Livingston informs us, " that in all his preaching 
 he insisted most on the life of Christ in the heart, 
 and the light of his word and Spirit on the mind, 
 which was his own continual exercise." " Mr. 
 Ridge," he says/' used not to have many points in 
 his sermon, but he so enlarged those he had, that 
 it was scarcely possible for any hearer to forget his 
 preaching. He was a great urger of charitable works, 
 and a very humble man." Mr. Blair's labours 
 have already been particularly referred to. " He 
 was a man," says Livingston, "of notable consti- 
 tution both of body and mind ; of a majestic, awful, 
 yet affable and amiable countenance and carriage. 
 
120 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 thoroughly learned, of strong parts, deep invention 
 and judgment, and of a most public spirit for God. 
 His gift of preaching v/as such, that seldom could 
 any observe withdrawing of assistance in public, 
 which in others is frequent. He seldom ever 
 wanted assurance of his salvation. He spent many 
 days and nights in prayer alone and with others, 
 and was vouchsafed great intimacy with God." Of 
 Mr. Welsh, we are informed by the same writer, 
 that '* he was much exercised in his own spirit, 
 and therefore much of his preaching was an exer- 
 cise of conscience;" and Mr. Blair adds, " He did 
 with great eagerness convince the secure, and 
 sweetly comfort those who were dejected." " Mr. 
 Stuart," says Livingston, " was a man very straight 
 in the cause of God." Of Mr. Colvert, he says, 
 " He very pertinently cited much scripture in his 
 sermons, and frequently urged private fasting and 
 prayer." Mr. Livingston himself was the minister 
 who was honoured when a young man to preach 
 the famous sermon at the Kirk of Shotts, which 
 was followed with so rich a blessing. He was 
 one of the most learned and laborious among the 
 brethren. 
 
 Connected with the preaching of the gospel, it 
 appears from the foregoing narrative, that the strict 
 and impartial exercise of discipline — the frequent 
 practice of public and private fasting — the fellow- 
 ship and godly conferences of Christians — and 
 above all, a spirit of earnest prayer, hold a promi- 
 nent place among the means of promoting this 
 revival. 
 
 These means were all of the most scriptural kind, 
 and without them it would be presumptuous to 
 expect an extensive revival of religion. Let then 
 those amongst us who desire to obtain a similar 
 
ULSTER. 121 
 
 out-pouring of the Spirit of grace, imitate the ex- 
 ample of these followers of Christ — let the gospel 
 be preached, with application to the consciences of 
 men as sinners, and let it be adorned by the lives 
 of those who profess to receive it — let the disci- 
 pline of the Church be impartially and vigorously 
 administered — the practice of fasting and social 
 prayer revived, and a spirit of enlarged intercession 
 and supplication cherished — and then indeed may 
 we hope to see the windows of heaven opened, and 
 a blessing poured out " till there shall not be room 
 enough to hold it." Surely this is a blessing 
 worthy of being asked, and if sought for, the result 
 is not doubtful. The Saviour himself has assured 
 us that if we "being evil know how to give good 
 gifts to our children, much more will our heavenly 
 Father give his Holy Spirit to them that ask 
 Him." *' Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye 
 shall find ; knock, and it^shall be opened unto you: 
 for I say unto you that every one that asketh re- 
 ceiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him 
 that knocketh it shall be opened." " For as the 
 earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden 
 causeth the things that are sown in it to spring 
 forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness 
 and praise to spring forth before all the nations," 
 
122 
 
 PART VIII. 
 
 ISLAND OF LEWIS, 1824—1835. 
 
 Extracted from a work entitled, ^^ History of Revivals of 
 Religion in the British Isles, especially in Scotland''"' — 
 a volume which ought to he perused by every Christian. 
 
 The following narrative relates chiefly to the parish 
 of Uig, and gives a most interesting sketch of a 
 work of Divine grace which has been in progress 
 there for the last eleven years, and which is still 
 going on : and it plainly demonstrates that the gos- 
 pel is " thepovrer of God" in renewing the soul of 
 fallen man, for to no other means can the happy 
 results which have taken place there be ascribed. 
 
 Very soon after the setdement of the present 
 minister of Uig, an awakening took place amongst 
 the people who had previously been mere formal- 
 ists. Presently inquirers came to obtain private 
 instruction, and the exigencies of the people led to 
 the extension of religious opportunities — such as a 
 lecture on Thursdays, and many regular prayer 
 meetings, which still exist, and are attended with 
 avidity. When Mr. M'Leod first entered on his 
 office, all the people of a certain age were accus- 
 tomed to flock to the table of communion, but as 
 
ISLAND OF LEWIS. 123 
 
 he had reason to apprehend that few of them dis- 
 cerned the Lord in the feast, he preached to them 
 carefully for a year, before he ventured to celebrate 
 that solemn ordinance. And so much had their 
 light increased, that only a small portion of the old 
 communicants presented themselves, and they with 
 silent tears. It is very remarkable, that in the 
 course of years wherein he acted as their pastor, 
 he has scarcely been obUged to reject or keep back 
 any one from this feast of love. Indeed there are 
 many whom their pastor would be glad to admit, 
 who keep back, perhaps from some erroneous ap- 
 prehension of the nature of the ordinance. This 
 is the case in several other Highland parishes. At 
 the communion services of 1828, the island seemed 
 to be moved with one emotion, for nine thousand 
 people flocked to Uig on that occasion. Then and 
 subsequently, the days and nights, from the fast to 
 the thanksgiving days, have been occupied in ex- 
 hortation and prayer, by the various ministers and 
 elders, amongst whom the name of John Mac- 
 donald of Farintosh or Urquhart, stands pre-emi- 
 nent. In 1834, an immense concourse of persons 
 attended, following and seeking the truth, from the 
 Isles of Harris and Uist, as they had done for a 
 year or two before ; and the cautious pastor, speak- 
 ing of this and similar occasions, describes to a 
 Christian friend the "deep impression" which was 
 then made, the " deepening work," the "new and 
 old converts," the " liberty of the ministers in 
 preaching," the " refreshment of the people in 
 hearing," and the " fervent longing for another such 
 season." He also speaks of " the knowledge and 
 experience of the people," of the " Gospel pros- 
 pering in Lewis," and of "many new converts 
 being brought in during the solemnities." 
 
124 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 It is not in our power to give much particular 
 detail, the honourable and judicious caution of the 
 faithful pastor, for the present, declining to bring 
 into public view the cases of individuals in whose 
 real devotion to God he has much comfort. Gene- 
 ral results, however, are in the possession of the 
 public, and may be thankfully and humbly stated, 
 to the praise of that blessed Spirit who has wrought 
 such changes. 
 
 In proof of the minister's own enjoyment of his 
 scene of labour, it is pleasing to state, that he re- 
 marks in 1834,: " Ten winters have I passed here, 
 all wonderfully short, pleasant, and delightful ;" and 
 his teachers are all so much interested in their oc- 
 cupation, that they would rather expend their lives 
 in that retired region than remove to wealthier and 
 more southern districts. We hope the faithful 
 records preserved by him who watches for their 
 souls, as one who must give account, will, at no 
 distant day, be published to revive the drooping 
 Church. In the mean time, all that we are about 
 to relate of the general aspect of society there, we 
 mention as detailed by witnesses much interested 
 in stating the truth correctly. 
 
 1. The pray erfidness of the people. — One gentle- 
 man, who annually visits the Lewis, mentions that 
 he has often walked forth at eventide, to have his 
 spirit refreshed by observing the devotional temper 
 of the people of Uig — and that, at all hours, from 
 eight o'clock at night till one in the morning, he 
 has passed by and overheard persons engaged in 
 prayer. Many a bush formed a shelter for a soul 
 communing with its God; and along the brown 
 ridges of the fallow, by stooping, so as to cast the 
 figures between the eye and the clear margin of the 
 horizon, dim forms might be discerned, either alone, 
 
ISLAND OF LEWIS. 125 
 
 or two and three together, kneeling and pouring 
 out their wants at the footstool of mercy. The 
 captain of a king's ship, which lay for a consider- 
 able time off the island, who, in pursuing his sports, 
 had crossed and recrossed the lands in all direc- 
 tions, bears witness that he never met any intoxi- 
 cation — any profanity, nor indeed a single person 
 engaged in any occupation which might tempt him 
 to wish to shrink from public inspection, except 
 during their frequent retirements for prayer. He 
 mentioned, in particular, his having entered a wood- 
 yard in the town of Stornoway, to inquire into^the 
 progress of some repairs making on his boat, when 
 he saw two men retire behind the logs to pray 
 together; and, though their Gaelic was unintelligi- 
 ble to him, their occupation, and obvious abstrac- 
 tion from the world, and solemn impression of the 
 divine presence, softened and subdued the man of 
 the sea, though not given to the melting mood. 
 He said, " they are extraordinary people here ; 
 one cannot but be struck with their honesty, kind- 
 ness, and sobriety. I am told they make a good 
 deal of whiskey for sale. It cannot be for home 
 consumption, for I think I never met a drunk per- 
 son out of the town. One hears of religion else- 
 where, but one sees it here in every thing." 
 
 We have pleasure in mentioning as another 
 example of the devotional habits of these people, 
 what a friend who was rowed up the Loch Roag 
 witnessed. The way being long, it is customary 
 to stop to rest and refresh the oarsmen. When 
 they had drawn their boat up into the little bay, 
 and ceased from their toil, the men, before they 
 tasted of their food, raised their blue bonnets, and 
 united in prayer. 
 
 It may be proper to state, that the cabins of the 
 12 
 
126 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 inhabitants, consisting of but one apartment, fur- 
 nish no opportunity of retirement ; and this ex- 
 plains, in part, the custom of praying -in the open 
 air. There is, however, another and more affect- 
 ing reason. The people want to repair far more 
 frequently to the footstool of Mercy than at morn- 
 ing and evening; and as their occupations are in 
 general out of doors, or on the waves, so also are 
 their prayers. 
 
 There are five natives of the parish of Uig who 
 were enlisted when a regiment was raised on the 
 island, and having gone with the army to Egypt, 
 lost their sight by ophthalmy, and after their return 
 have become acquainted with the doctrines of the 
 gospel. It is common with them to bless God for 
 having taken away their bodily eyes, since they 
 regard that as one of the instruments in his hand 
 for opening the mental sight, which was before in 
 a state of darkness. Three of them are active fel- 
 low-helpers in the extension of Christian truth and 
 consolation. One is a most efficient and zealous 
 elder in the parish of Uig ; of another we shall 
 have occasion to relate a curious circumstance un- 
 der the head of liberality. 
 
 2. The icprightness of the people. — On occasion 
 of a year of famine, the natives were put to great 
 straits, and in danger of perishing for want. A 
 vessel, laden with meal, was driven upon their 
 shores by stress of weather. Did the famine-stricken 
 natives seize on the ship, and lawlessly apply her 
 cargo to the supply of their necessities? If they 
 had, hunger would have formed for them a plausi- 
 ble excuse. Twenty years before they would 
 doubtless have done so, and held themselves guilt- 
 less. Bat now it was not so. Every portion was 
 accurately weighed or divided ; and, as their neces- 
 
ISLA^"» OF LEWIS. 
 
 127 
 
 sities were so great that they had nothing then to 
 pay, their affectionate minister gave a promissory 
 note for it, knowing well that the excellent lady 
 whose property the lands are, would not suffer 
 him to be impoverished. The people knew this 
 also, but none took advantage of it, all were occu- 
 pied in economizing to the utmost, till one after 
 another they had repaid their debt. Thus they 
 obtained not only the great blessing of necessary 
 food, but preserved the still greater blessing of in- 
 tegrity, and a spirit free from covetousness. 
 
 It is a rule in this and the other isles of the He- 
 brides, that when a man meets a stray sheep on 
 the moor, he is entitled to carry it home as his 
 own, and obliged to make an equivalent offering in 
 the collection for the poor on the Sabbath day. 
 After the commencement of the revival in the 
 Lewis, many came to confess to their minister the 
 trouble of conscience they experienced by reason 
 of having what they called a black sheep in their 
 flocks — some having had them for several winters. 
 The minister always directed them to make resti- 
 tution now in the appointed way ; and in one sea- 
 son, the sum ot sixteen pounds was deposited in 
 the plate. The number of sheep annually lost has 
 wonderfully diminished since the commencement 
 of the revival, leading to the conclusion, that the 
 loss imputed to accident arose from dishonesty. 
 
 3. The Christian liberality of the people. — It 
 has long been the custom to make a collection at 
 the Thursday lecture, for the most necessiious 
 persons in the district where the lecture is held — 
 and thus, without poor rates, these people support 
 their own poor. For many years they have con- 
 tributed thirteen pounds or upwards to the Gaelic 
 School Society, sometimes sixteen pounds, and one 
 
128 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 year, when the society was in difficulty, the con- 
 tribution amounted to twenty pounds. On trans- 
 mitting sixteen pounds, which was the sum col- 
 lected in Uig in 1830, Mr. McLeod remarks — 
 " Considering the circumstances of the people, I 
 bear testimony, that their liberality and zeal in this 
 case have cause to provoke very many to similar 
 duties. It was most delightful to see the hoary 
 head, and the young scholar of eight or nine years, 
 joining in this contribution. The will preponder- 
 ates over our purse, so that we cannot do exactly 
 what we would." In 1831, Mr. McLeod, while 
 he petitions that a teacher may not be removed 
 from his present station for another year, says, "a 
 poor man in that station declared to me lately, that 
 should the directors demand one of his cows, he 
 would readily give one before he would part with 
 the teacher." 
 
 The journal of the superintendent, in stating the 
 examination of one of the schools in Uig, mentions 
 the case of a man, named Norman McLeod, who 
 is one of the many hundreds of souls on the isle 
 of Lewis, that have come out of gross darkness, 
 into the sweet and blessed light of the knowledge 
 of God, partly by means of the GeeUc schools, and 
 partly by the ministration of the truth. " Norman 
 McLeod is a native of this parish, and at an early 
 age enlisted into the army, went abroad, and was 
 in several engagements." " Balls," say he, "whiz- 
 zed about me in numbers, but the Lord directed 
 them so that they did me no harm." He was in 
 Egypt, and there lived in drunkenness and profli- 
 gacy. " There," says he in his native Gaslic, 
 " the Lord took from me my bodily sight. I came 
 home, and on the way was wonderfully preserved. 
 At length I found myself in my native land. Here 
 
ISLAND OF LEWIS. 129 
 
 I found things not as I left tbem. I found the 
 Bible of God, of which I was totally ignorant, 
 among my friends; and schools amongst them for 
 teaching the knowledge of that blessed book. I 
 found such a work among them with Bibles and 
 schools as was altogether new to me. Nay the 
 very children would correct and reprove me, though 
 an old man. In one of these schools the Bible 
 caught my ear; it sunk into my heart; it there 
 opened an eye that sin had ever kept sealed ; it 
 read to me my deeds ; it led me to trace my former 
 ways ; yea, times, places, and deeds that were quite 
 banished from my memory, were recalled into full 
 view. It recorded a black cataloo^ue aojainst me, 
 and seemed to fix my portion amongst the damned. 
 I thought my case altogether a hopeless one, but 
 the same Bible brought to my ears tidings of un- 
 utterable worth — salvation through a crucified Sa- 
 viour." 
 
 The superintendent mentions this as a preface 
 to a little story, " which, were the honesty and 
 simplicity of the old man known to the reader, 
 would be considered more interesting still." 
 
 " I began," said Norman to his minister, " to 
 think how these Gaelic schools came to be planted 
 in my country. I thought on the state of my coun- 
 try when I knew it before in my youth, and on the 
 blessed fruits of these schools among my kindred. 
 I contrasted both, and wondered, and thought, and 
 wondered again. Said I, what is this? What a change 
 of things ! Blessed God ! Blessed Bible ! Blessed 
 people, that sent these schools ! and blessed schools, 
 that teach the Bible of God to perishing^sinners ! and 
 blessed teachers, men of Christ! I thought what 
 would my poor country be, but for the Bible and 
 these schools. I was led into their history, and traced 
 
130 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 them to a Society in Edinburgh. They engrossed 
 my attention, and I thought them really the schools 
 of Christ. I thought I would pray for them, and so 
 I did; but this, thought I, is not enough. When 
 the Lord took away my eyesight, he gave me a 
 pension ; I thought I should give some of that to 
 help his schools. A public collection was pro- 
 posed by you. I felt happy at this, and prayed 
 that the Lord might open na sporain dhubba (that 
 is, the black purses, an appellation given to the 
 purses of greedy worldlings,) and I myself gave 
 two shillings. When a collection was proposed 
 this year, ' I think,' said I to myself, 'I shall give 
 this year four shillings — double what I gave last.' 
 ' It is enough for you,' said something within me, 
 ' to give what you gave last year — two shillings.' " 
 Here follows a long and most original debate be- 
 tween Norman with the enlarged and melted heart, 
 and the old worldly-wise Norman. Sometimes he 
 would give double, then five, then ten, then back 
 to five. During all this debate he was in great 
 agitation, having, as he felt, lifted up his hand to 
 the Lord that he would give so much. He thought 
 of Ananias and Sapphira, and dared not go back; 
 while the same inward voice asked him, ' Ah ! Nor- 
 man, what are you about? you are now going crazy 
 altogether; you are a poor blind man, you cannot 
 work, you have a family of seven to support, and 
 the money God gave you as a provision for your 
 family, you should apply to the object for which 
 it was given, which will be most acceptable to 
 Him, &c.' 
 
 " I then began to ruminate on the whole process, 
 and at length I thought my opposition might be the 
 suggestion of Satan, to keep me from giving so 
 much to the cause of Christ. On reflecting on this 
 
ISLAND OF LEWIS. 
 
 131 
 
 for a while, I felt convinced it was he. I started 
 upon my legs, and, lifting up my hand with de- 
 fiance, 1 said 'Ah! you devil, I will give a score 
 of them. I will give a pound note every year I 
 live, so the farther you follow me, the more you 
 shall lose.' From that moment the temptation 
 ceased." 
 
 In 1835, when in addition to all their usual col- 
 lections, they in one day at church gathered £20 
 for church extension, they were favoured with such 
 a successful fishing season, as enabled them to sup- 
 ply all the wants of the winter. The fishing had 
 for many years failed; and the people observed 
 that, by means of this wealth bestowed on them 
 from the sea in 1835, they were amply repaid for 
 all they had been enabled to give. This is another 
 of those facts which we note to the glory of Him 
 who is nigh unto all them that fear him. He 
 knoweth what we have need of, and they who scat- 
 ter in faith shall still increase. Let not any of 
 those contributors shrink from this mention of the 
 gracious dealing of God with them. The effort of 
 their liberality was known to those interested in 
 the Church Extension Scheme, and the plentiful 
 fishing was told in the newspapers. May those 
 who see the divine hand give Him the praise ! 
 
 One feature of this revival peculiarly interesting, 
 is that souls of all ages have been aff"ected, from 
 the infant of three years to the man verging on a 
 hundred. We present a notice of the youngest, 
 and one of the oldest within our knowledge. 
 
 Catherine Smith was a native of Pabay, a small 
 island in Loch Roag, where dwell seven families. 
 From their insular situation and poverty, it has not 
 been in the power of the parents to educate their 
 children; but little Kitty is an example of the 
 
132 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 truth, that all God's children are taught of him ; 
 for, when only two years old, she was observed to 
 lay aside her playthings, and clasp her litde hands 
 with reverence during family worship; and at the 
 age of three she was in the habit of repeating the 
 23d Psalm, with such relish and fervour as showed 
 that she looked to the good Shepherd in the charac- 
 ter of a lamb of his flock. Her parents taught her 
 also the Lord's Prayer, which she repeated duly, 
 not only at her stated times, but often in the silence 
 of the night. She frequendy pressed the duty of 
 prayc, not only on the other children, but on her 
 parents ; and she told her father that, in their ab- 
 sence, when she would ask a blessing on the food 
 left for the children, her brothers and sisters would 
 mock at and beat her for doing so. 
 
 The Rev. J. Macdonald of Farintosh having 
 preached in the parish of Uig, Kitty's parents were 
 among the many who went to hear him. On their 
 return they mentioned what he had said about the 
 formality of much that is called prayer, and the 
 ignorance of many as to its spirituality ; they stated, 
 according to their recollection of the sermon, that 
 many had old useless prayers, and greatly needed 
 to learn to pray with the Spirit. The child ob- 
 served this, and two days after, said to her mother, 
 " it is time for me to give over my old form of 
 prayer." Her mother replied, " neither you nor 
 your prayers are old;" but she rejoined, " I must 
 give them over, and use the prayers which the 
 Lord will teach me." After this she withdrew to 
 retired spots for prayer. At one time her younger 
 sister returned without her, and on being asked 
 where she had left Kitty, she said, " I left her pray- 
 ing." Her father says that he has often sat up in 
 the bed listening to her sweet young voice, pre- 
 
ISLAND OF LEWIS. 
 
 133 
 
 senling this petition with heartfelt earnestness, 
 " Oh, redeem me from spiritual and eternal death." 
 
 From the remoteness of her dwelling-, Kilty had 
 never attended any place of public worship, — but 
 the Sabbath was her delight, — and often would she 
 call her brothers and sisters from the play in which 
 they were thoughtlessly engaged, asking them to 
 join in prayer and other devout exercises, and warn- 
 ing them, that if they profaned the day, and disliked 
 God's worship, they must perish. Her mother 
 observing the intent gaze with which she looked on 
 a large fire, inquired what she saw in that fire? 
 She replied, " I am seeing that my state would be 
 awful if I were to fall into that fire, even though I 
 should be immediately taken out; but woe is me, 
 those who are cast into hell fire will never come 
 out thence." Another day, when walking by the 
 side of a precipice, and looking down, she exclaim- 
 ed to her mother, "how fearful would our state be 
 if we were to fall down this rock, even though we 
 should be lifted up again ; but they that are cast 
 into the depths of hell will never be raised there- 
 from'." 
 
 One day her mother found her lying on a bench 
 with a sad countenance, and addressed some jocu- 
 lar words to her with a view to cheer lier. But the 
 child's heart was occupied with solemn thoughts of 
 eternity ; and instead of smiling, she answered 
 gravely, " Oh, mother, you are vexing my spirit, 
 I would rather hear you praying." In truth eternity 
 was very near her, and the Spirit of God was pre- 
 paring her for it. As she got up one morning, she 
 said, " Oh, are we not wicked creatures who have 
 put Christ to death?" Her mother, curious to hear 
 what one so young could say on such a subject, 
 replied, " Christ was put to death, Kitty, long be- 
 
134 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 fore we were born." The child, speaking with an 
 understanding heart, said, " Mother, I am younger 
 than you, but my sins were crucifying him." 
 After a pause, she added, " what a wonder that 
 Christ could be put to death when he himself was 
 God, and had power to kill every one, indeed they 
 only put him to death as man, for it is impossible 
 to kill God." She used often to repeat passages 
 from Peter Grant's spiritual songs, such as, " It is 
 the blood of the Lamb that precious is." When 
 she came to the conclusion of the verse, " It is not 
 valued according to its worth," she would, in touch- 
 ing terms, lament the sad truth, that His blood is 
 so lightly thought of. Being present when some 
 pious persons spoke of those in Rev. vii, who 
 have washed their robes and made them white in 
 the blood of the Lamb, she said, " Is it not wonder- 
 ful that, while other blood stains what is dipt in it, 
 this cleanses and makes while?" 
 
 Murdoch McLeod being engaged in the valu- 
 able duties of a Scottish elder in the liitle island of 
 Pabay, Kitty wished to hear him, but from bash- 
 fulness was ashamed to enter the house where he 
 was employed in worship; she therefore climbed 
 up to the window and sat there till all was over. 
 Being asked what she had heard, she said she was 
 amazed to hear that Christ offered himself as a 
 Saviour to many in our land who rejected him, and 
 that he was now going to other and more remote 
 quarters to win souls. She then added with the 
 pathos of a full heart, "Oh, who knows but he 
 may return here again !" 
 
 Soon after she had completed her seventh year, 
 she was attacked by that sickness which opened 
 her way to the kingdom of Heaven, and in Decem- 
 ber, 1829, this lowly child was carried from her 
 
ISLAND OF LEWIS. 
 
 135 
 
 poor native island to the blessed region where the 
 redeemed of the Lord find their home ; and her 
 name has left a sweet perfume behind it. 
 
 From this most satisfactory and authentic ac- 
 count of the blessed state of one of the youngest 
 souls brought to Christ, during the revival at the 
 Lewis, which strongly reminds us of the narrative 
 of a child of equally tender years detailed by Jona- 
 than Edwards, we turn to an aged man named 
 Malcolm McLeod. Malcolm had reached the great 
 age of ninety-five, without experiencing repentance 
 unto life. Infirmity had for some time prevented 
 him from attending public worship, and as far as 
 man might judge, his decaying faculties were fast 
 shutting up the avenues to the soul, and he was 
 less likely than many to become the subject of 
 converting grace. But the Lord saw it not so. In 
 October or November, 1834, his pious daughter 
 brought home notes of a sermon she had been hear- 
 ing, which were made the means of serious im- 
 pression to her father, and he is going on in a very 
 promising progress in the divine life. Though he 
 is becoming blind with age, his mental faculties 
 are entire, and the whole man is enlivened, having 
 received a stimulus which arouses his attention, 
 sharpens his understanding, and interests his heart. 
 Instead of dozing away his hours, he now sleeps 
 very litde; prayer and praise have also become his 
 principal food. His gladpastor says of him, "He 
 is a most interesting sight, caught at the eleventh 
 hour; how wonderful are the ways of sovereign 
 grace!" With his usual faithfulness, Mr. McLeod 
 ministers to him in private, and lately preached at 
 his bedside, on the man who was thirty-eight years 
 at the pool. And at the last season of communion 
 the venerable man was borne by four friends and 
 
136 REVIVALS OP RELIGION. 
 
 placed at the table of his Lord, with tears of sor- 
 row for past profanation of that privilege, coursing 
 each other over his furrow^ed cheeks, and of grate- 
 ful love for present blessings. The whole multi- 
 tude were moved, every eye glistening in sweet 
 sympathy with his feelings. When we hear such 
 things, may we not justly exclaim, " what has God 
 wrought!" 
 
 In 1835, the Rev. A. McLeod visited some of 
 the other western isles to ascertain their state, and 
 was much moved to see the isle of Tyree in parti- 
 cular, fortified against gospel truth, by the opposi- 
 tion of those having influence, and the natural ig- 
 norance and corruption of the people. His heart 
 has not found rest without suggesting means to 
 *' assault the ancient garrison," so that they may 
 in the Lord's good time subdue and *' drive the 
 Canaanite out of the land." But that which brings 
 the visit to Tyree under our peculiar notice, is the 
 efTect produced on the people of Uig, when their 
 pastor again reached home, and related to them 
 v;hat he had witnessed. He frequendy had occa- 
 sion to observe, that after a short absence, not only 
 was the love of his people increased, but their zeal 
 to run their Christian course also. On hearing of 
 the deplorable ignorance and wickedness to be met 
 with in the isle of Tyree, several of Mr. McLeod's 
 people who were then as careless as they, were 
 brought under concern; and when they heard of 
 the religious views entertained by some of these 
 islanders, they were convicted with having secret- 
 ly cherished similar opinions, although they were 
 daily favoured with gospel ordinances. Since No- 
 vember in particular, there has been much religious 
 impression amongst the people, silent tears, in 
 general, pervading the whole congregation. This 
 
ISLAND OF LEWIS. 
 
 137 
 
 used to be the case during the long time that wor- 
 ship was held in the field, while the church was 
 building, but had subsided in a degree since ihey 
 occupied the new church, till this fresh awakening 
 has melted many new hearts, and refreshed many 
 who had been previously awakened. It is a fact 
 worthy of observation, that during ten years in 
 which this work of grace has made a steady pro- 
 gress, there has not been one outbreaking of en- 
 thusiasm, or delusion, or false doctrine, so that their 
 minister expressed great astonishment and thank- 
 fulness, after reading Dr. Sprague's work on Ame- 
 rican Revivals, that they have been so graciously 
 preserved from the extravagance and error which 
 has in some few instances broken in to injure the 
 integrity of the work in America. 
 
 In considering the state of things in the parish 
 of Uig, we are disposed to rejoice over it more 
 than over any other Scottish Revival. Its calm, and 
 deep, and prolonged flow, and its sincerity, may 
 be imputed to some natural and obvious causes. 
 God has vouchsafed to them for ten years the minis- 
 trations of a man, whose method is consistent, and 
 now well understood by them. He has been pre- 
 served in prayerful humility as their watchman, 
 and saved from in any way casting a stumbling- 
 block in their way. The ministers who have been 
 placed in the neighbouring churches (two of which 
 are government churches that have within a few 
 years been opened on the island) are men who 
 greatly strengthen his hands by preaching not " an- 
 other gospel" but the same doctrine with himself, 
 thus avoiding distraction and perplexity. Though 
 Uig be the most enlivened spot, the revival is by 
 no means limited to that parish. There has been 
 no variety of sects introducing controversy and 
 
138 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 Strife, or withdrawing men's minds from the essen- 
 tials that concern their own souls, to fix them on 
 the less weighty forms of church government, or 
 questions of no profit. In this respect, truth has 
 had a fairer entrance to the mind, and prayer has 
 not been hindered. At Arran there seemed to be a 
 tendency in some to yield to bodily excitement and 
 nervous emotions, which their results proved not 
 to have been genuine workings of the renewed 
 heart. In Glenlyon, the spirit of controversy met 
 and drove back the spirit of contrition. At Mou- 
 lin, the removal of the faithful instructor left the 
 sheep to be scattered. But in Lewis, hitherto the 
 Lord hath upheld and sheltered his flock from such 
 dangers, and the spirit of faith and prayer, and a 
 sound mind, is preserved amongst them. May it 
 never die away, but from this distant spot may the 
 blessed wave of salvation swell and rise, till it shall 
 overflow the land, and gather in every county, 
 every parish, and every soul to the kingdom of 
 our God and of his Christ! 
 
139 
 
 PART IX 
 
 WALES, 1649—1794. 
 
 While the efforts of the Reformers from Popery- 
 were exerted to spread abroad the blessed light of 
 the Reformation throughout England and Scotland, 
 the principality of Wales seems to have been com- 
 paratively neglected. This may have been owing 
 to the difference of language and the difficulty of 
 access to a population scattered over a mountainous 
 country. 
 
 Shortly after the meeting of the famous West- 
 minster Assembly, public attention was directed to 
 the spiritual condition of Wales. It was found on 
 inquiry that the inhabitants were in a most desti- 
 tute state as regarded the means of religious instruc- 
 tion: the few clergymen they had were ignorant 
 and idle, and the people had neither bibles nor 
 catechisms in their own language. Tlie Parlia- 
 ment, taking their case into consideration, on the 
 22d of February, 1649, passed an act for the better 
 propagation of the Gospel in Wales ; and, for car- 
 rying the act into effect, appointed commissioners 
 to visit the country, and ascertain the destitution, 
 and apply an immediate remedy. Such was the 
 
140 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 diligence of the commissioners in this good work, 
 that in the short space of three years they settled 
 one hundred and fifty pious ministers in the thir- 
 teen Welsh counties ; and in every market town 
 they had placed one schoolmaster, and in the larger 
 towns two, all of them men who had received a 
 university education. In the prosecution of their 
 work, the commissioners found great difficulty in 
 procuring a succession of ministers able to preach 
 in the Welsh language. And in order to meet the 
 exigency of the case, they appointed thirty preach- 
 ers to itinerate over the country; these, however, 
 were found insufficient for overtaking the destitu- 
 tion, and to supply the deficiency, they permitted 
 persons of approved piety to go amongst the peo- 
 ple to read to them the Bible, and converse with 
 them about those things that pertained to their ever- 
 lasting peace. 
 
 These exertions on the part of the government 
 ended with the restoration of Charles the Second ; 
 and the further improvement of Wales was left 
 very much to the individual exertions of persons 
 specially raised up by Providence for the work. 
 One of those instruments was Mr. Hugh Owen. 
 He was a candidate for the ministry when the Act 
 of Uniformity came forth, and not feeling himself 
 at liberty to comply with its terms, he settled down 
 in Merionethshire, upon an estate of his own in 
 that country, and occupied his time in preaching 
 the gospel to the poor ignorant people : his manner 
 was affectionate and moving, and many were much 
 benefitted by his preaching. He went about de- 
 claring the gospel of salvation throughout Merion- 
 ethshire, and the neighbouring counties of Mont- 
 gomery and Caernarvon. He had stations in all 
 these places, some of them twenty and thirty miles 
 
WALES. 
 
 141 
 
 from his own residence. He performed liis cir- 
 cuit in about three months, and then began again. 
 Great numbers attended his ministry. He laboured 
 indefatigably, and impaired liis health by riding 
 often during the night, and in cold stormy weather, 
 over the mountains. He was a primitive aposto- 
 lical Christian, meek and humble; and would often 
 style himself less than the least of all the ministers 
 of Jesus Christ. He died, after a life of much use- 
 fulness, in 1697, aged sixty-two. Another bene- 
 factor to Wales was Mr. Thomas Gouge. He was 
 ejected from St. Sepulchre's, London, by the Act 
 of Uniformity. Prevented by this odious enact- 
 ment from exercising his ministry, Providence di- 
 rected his attention to Wales; and at the advanced 
 age of between sixty and seventy years, he began 
 itinerating through that country, preaching the gos- 
 pel; and although much opposed, he remembered 
 the injunction of his Master, " when they perse- 
 cute you in this city, flee ye into another." Not 
 content with preaching to the old, he set about 
 providing means of instruction for the young, and 
 was instrumental in establishing free schools in 
 many of the towns he visited. He also got print- 
 ed an edition of eight thousand copies of the Scrip- 
 tures in the Welsh language; one thousand of 
 which he gave gratis to those who were unable to 
 pay, and the rest were sold at a reduced price. In 
 addition to this, he got printed for the schools, a 
 catechism and several other useful books, all in 
 the native tongue. From an account published in 
 1675, of his labours, we find that he had estab- 
 lished schools in fifty-one of the chief towns in 
 Wales, and that in these schools there were up- 
 wards of one thousand children under instruction. 
 To support these schools, Mr. Gouge was much 
 13 
 
142 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 assisted with funds by the friends of religion in 
 London and elsewhere. In this good work he 
 employed all his time, and engaged in it with his 
 whole heart; and though in his seventy-fiflh year, 
 he still, once a-year, and sometimes even oftener, 
 travelled over the greater part of Wales. Such 
 was his love and zeal for the salvation of souls, 
 and diligence and activity in the prosecution of his 
 work, that all the pains and difficulties he had to 
 encounter seemed nothing, if he could only follow 
 the example of his Master in going about doing 
 good. 
 
 Nothing particular occurred in the way of exer- 
 tion to promote religion in Wales, till the begin- 
 ning of the last century, when it pleased God to 
 raise up and qualify the Rev. Griffith Jones of 
 Llandower, Carmarthenshire, who at this period 
 showed himself a true friend to his countrymen, 
 by the faithfulness of his preaching, and unboun- 
 ded charity and benevolence. He was instrumental 
 in procuring for Wales, two editions of the Bible, 
 and in establishing Free Schools for the children 
 of the poor in many parts of the principality. 
 From the year 1737 to 1760, he published an 
 annual account of their progress, and in the last 
 mentioned year, their number had amounted to 
 two hundred and fifteen Schools, attended by eight 
 thousand six hundred and eighty-seven Scholars. 
 Mr. Jones was an animated, faithful, and laborious 
 minister, well versed in the Scriptures, and was 
 honoured with much success. He did not confine 
 his labours to his own flock, but frequently itine- 
 rated throughout the neighbouring parishes. It has 
 been said that Mr. Howel Harris was one of the 
 fruits of his ministry. This gentleman was a na- 
 tive of Trevecca, in Brecknockshire. He intended 
 
WALES. 143 
 
 to enter the ministry in connection with the Estab- 
 lished Church, and with this view entered himself 
 a Student in one of the colleges at Oxford. He 
 soon became disgusted at the conduct he wit- 
 nessed there, and returned to his friends in Wales. 
 He was not long at home before he ventured to go 
 from house to house in his native parish, to speak 
 to the people about their everlasting interests. He 
 gradually extended his labours to the adjoining 
 parishes : his fame soon spread over the whole 
 country, and great multitudes attended his meetings. 
 It is said that such was the power and authority 
 with which he delivered his exhortations, that many 
 could not refrain from crying out aloud, being over- 
 powered by a sense of their own sinfulness in the 
 sight of a holy God. Family worship was now 
 set up in many a house which hitherto had never 
 heard the voice of prayer. The enemy could no 
 longer remain inactive, and offered every opposi- 
 tion in his power by means of mocking, derision, 
 and threatening. Nothing daunted by these annoy- 
 ances, Mr. Harris persevered in his labours of love. 
 About the year 1736, he established a school at 
 Trevecca, to which many of the youth came to be 
 more largely instructed in the things which con- 
 cerned their souls. The success which attended 
 liis labours among the young in Trevecca, encour- 
 aged Mr. Harris to establish in several other places, 
 regular meetings of serious persons for prayer and 
 religious conversation. This was the commence- 
 ment of the private societies which have ever since 
 formed a principal feature by which the Welsh 
 Calvinistic Methodists may be distinguished from 
 other denominations of professing Christians in that 
 country. The number of these meetings rapidly 
 increased; for in the short space of three years 
 
144 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 there vrere no less than tiiree hundred Societies in 
 South Wales, all of them owing their origin to Mr. 
 Harris's exertions. Referring to this period in a 
 letter to the Rev. George Whiteneld, Mr. Harris 
 thus writes. " I have most glorious news to send 
 you from Wales of the success attending brother 
 Rowlands and many others. They are wounded 
 by scores, and flock to hear the word by thousands. 
 There is another clergyman coming out sweetly 
 and united to us, and another young curate not far 
 from Mr. Griffith Jones under strong drawings 
 and convictions. There are now in Wales ten 
 clergymen who are wonderfully owned of, by ihe 
 Lord Jesus Christ — five beneficed and five settled 
 in curacies." The first minister of the Establish- 
 ment who ventured to assist Mr. Harris in promo- 
 ting the spread of religion in Wales, was the Rev- 
 erend and justly renowned Daniel Rowlands of 
 Llangeitho. Such was this minister's popularity 
 and eloquence, that persons have been known to 
 come the distance of one hundred miles to hear 
 him preach, and attend the dispensation of the 
 Lord's Supper. Under his ministry there were 
 several awakenings to a considerable extent. The 
 first took place when he was at prayer in the 
 church; the effect was astonishing: the people 
 were melted into tears and wept loudly. This 
 awakening spread throughout the three parishes 
 under his pastoral care, and many were savingly 
 impressed. The next commenced at a prayer 
 meeting in Llangeitho chapel. Six or seven of 
 these Revivals took place during the life-time of 
 Mr. Rowlands, some of them occurring at intervals 
 of seven years. Speaking of this period, White- 
 field remarks, in his own warm energetic language, 
 " Blessed be God, there seems to be a noble spirit 
 
WALES. 145 
 
 gone out into Wales. People make nothing of com- 
 ing twenty miles to hear a sermon, and great num- 
 bers there are who have not only been hearers but 
 doers also of the word, so that there is a most com- 
 fortable prospect of the spreading of the Gospel in 
 Wales." At one of these awakenings it is said 
 many hundreds, and even thousands were under- 
 stood to be savingly impressed. One of the happy 
 fruits of Mr. Rowlands' ministry was the Rev. 
 Thomas Charles, afterwards of Bala, a memoir of 
 whom has been published by the Rev. Edward 
 Morgan, and to which we are indebted for the nar- 
 rative of the revival of religion at Bala under Mr. 
 Charles's ministry. We shall give the narrative 
 of Mr. Charles's reception of the truth in his own 
 words : 
 
 " On January 20, 1773, (in his eighteenth year,) 
 1 went to hear Mr. Rowlands preach at Newchapel ; 
 his text was Heb. iv. 15. This is a day much to 
 be remembered by me as long as I live. Ever 
 since that happy day I have lived in a new heaven 
 and a new earth. The change which a blind man 
 who receives his sight experiences, does not exceed 
 the change which at this time I experienced in my 
 jnind. It was then I was first convinced of the sin 
 of unbelief, or of entertaining narrow, contracted, 
 and hard thoughts of the Almighty. I had such a 
 view of Christ as our High Priest, of his love, 
 compassion, power, and all-sufficiency, as filled my 
 soul with astonishment, with joy unspeakable, and 
 full of glory ; my mind was overwhelmed and filled 
 with amazement, 'i'he truths exhibited to my 
 view appeared for a time too wonderfully gracious 
 to be believed; I could not believe for very joy; I 
 had before some ideas of the Gospel work floating 
 in my head, but they never powerfully and with 
 
146 REVIVALS OF RELIGIOiV. 
 
 divine energy penetrated my heart till now." Two 
 years after this remarkable event in Mr. Charles's 
 history, Providence very unexpectedly opened a 
 Avay for his being educated for the ministry at Ox- 
 ford, where he remained till 1778, when he was 
 ordained to preach the everlasting Gospel. Few 
 men have entered into the ministry more deeply 
 impressed with the solemn responsibility attached 
 to the right performance of its duties; and here we 
 cannot resist quoting from the memoir formerly 
 referred to, Mr. Charles's views and feelings on 
 this interesting occasion ; " I felt an earnest desire 
 that the Lord would enable me to devote myself 
 wholly to his service during the remainder of my 
 days on earth, and was not a little impressed with 
 the sense of the great importance of the charge I 
 had taken upon me, and of my inability to dis- 
 charge it faithfully. That solemn exhortation and 
 charge in Acts xx. 28, sounds in my ears day and 
 night. Is the church so dear and precious to 
 Christ, that he purchased it with his most precious 
 blood ? What bowels of compassion and mercy 
 then should I exercise towards every one, even the 
 meanest individual in it! How solicitous should I 
 be about their welfare, how anxious about their 
 salvation I May God of his infinite goodness ena- 
 ble me to be faithful, and may the Spirit of Jehovah 
 rest upon me for evermore." Acting under such 
 views, Mr. Charles entered upon the performance 
 of his duties, and officiated as curate in several 
 parishes, till 1764. Such, hov/ever, w^as the haired 
 at this time manifested to the doctrines he preached, 
 by those in power in the church, that he was forced 
 to resign his charges one after another, and was at 
 last literally driven to exercise his ministry beyond 
 her communion. The detail of his life during this 
 
WALES. 147 
 
 trying period is deeply interesting, and will amply 
 repay an attentive perusal. His active mind would 
 not allow him to be wholly unemployed. The 
 ignorance which prevailed among the young people 
 at Bala, Merionethshire, where he had now fixed 
 his residence, excited his sympathy. He invited 
 them to his house on the Sabbath evenings to cate- 
 chize them, and give them religious instruction. 
 His manner was peculiarly kind and atfeclionate, 
 and the love and tenderness with which he ad- 
 dressed them, melted them into tears. His house 
 soon became too small to contain those who atten- 
 ded, and he was oflered the use of their chapel by 
 the Calvinislic Methodists, who were then, and for 
 a long time after, connected with the Established 
 Church. This offer he gladly accepted, and in- 
 structed and catechized the large number of children 
 who attended. This work was the delight of his 
 heart, and was the commencement of Sabbath 
 school instruction in that part of the country. 
 Shortly after this, Mr. Charles began preaching 
 regularly in connection with the Whitefield or Cal- 
 vinistic Methodists, and it was at this time that his 
 active labours in Wales commenced. He was 
 now about thirty years of age, and not a novice 
 either in religion or in the ministry. Twelve 
 years had elapsed since the time at which he dates 
 the beginning of his acquaintance with the true na- 
 ture of the Gospel, and he had now been more than 
 seven years in the ministry. He had passed 
 through a series of mental conflicts with the evil of 
 his own heart not often experienced, and had also 
 been favoured with comforting views of divine 
 things not commonly enjoyed. The field of labour 
 on which Mr. Charles now entered was very un- 
 promising. True religion, says his biographer. 
 
148 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 had, for the mo5t part, forsaken the country. Those 
 who possessed a knowledge of the Gospel were 
 few, when compared with the mass of the people 
 around them, who were sunk to the lowest depths 
 of ignorance and immorality. The Bible was al- 
 most an unknown book, and in many parislies, not 
 even ten persons could be found capable of reading 
 it. In the summer of 1785, Mr. Charles attended 
 the Annual Association at Llangeilho, then the 
 principal place of resort to all the religious people 
 throughout the principality. He preached before 
 the Association, and the great and venerable Row- 
 lands formerly mentioned was one of his hearers. 
 This aged servant of Christ had great penetration, 
 and instantly perceived that Mr. Charles was no 
 common man. His remark on the occasion was, 
 " Charles is a gift from the Lord to North Wales ;" 
 and had he been a prophet, he could not have ut- 
 tered a more correct prediction. God soon began 
 to follow with a remarkable blessing, the labours of 
 Mr. Charles. In September of the same year he 
 preached atLoufudr, Caernarvonshire. Many were 
 deeply impressed during the discourse. No less 
 apparent was the power which accompanied his 
 preaching soon after, at an association held at Bon- 
 tuchel, near Ruthin, Denbighshire. A divine unc- 
 tion seemed to accompany the word. Convictions 
 of the strongest kind were produced. The most 
 hardened sinners were broken down, and made to 
 weep loudly, and to abhor themselves in dust and 
 ashes." Many, depressed under a sense of their 
 sinfulness, were made to rejoice in the salvation of 
 their God, being filled "with joy unspeakable, and 
 full of glory." The scene at times was most in- 
 teresting and affecting : hundreds melted into tears ; 
 some mourning with a godly sorrow for sin ; others 
 
WALES. ] 49 
 
 weeping for joy, and exulting in a glorious Saviour; 
 some with their countenances betraying the deepest 
 grief, becoming those who were crying out, " what 
 must we do to be saved?" The faces of others 
 again, though bedewed with tears, were glistening 
 with expressions of joy and thankfulness. These 
 effects were produced, not by any fanciful or ex- 
 aggerated statement, but by the words of truth and 
 soberness; and, no doubt, accompanied by the 
 power and demonstration of the Spirit of God. 
 
 Mr. C. had an active and inquisitive mind, always 
 planning and contriving something to forward the 
 interests of true religion. The present manner of 
 exercising his ministry, afforded him opportunities 
 of becoming acquainted with the condition of the 
 country; and the result of his inquiries disclosed 
 a state of things most appalling. Ignorance of re- 
 ligion prevailed to an extent scarcely conceivable 
 in a country professedly Christian. Having thus 
 acquired a knowledge of the religious state of the 
 country, he felt anxious to provide a remedy, and 
 the plan he thought of, was the establishment of 
 circulating schools, movable from one place to 
 another as circumstances required ; but Mr. Charles 
 had two difficulties to surmount in the prosecution 
 of his design — to raise money to support the 
 schools, and to procure teachers. We shall give 
 the account of the commencement and prosecution 
 of this benevolent undertaking in Mr. Charles's 
 own words in writing to some friends on the sub- 
 ject:— 
 
 " In my travels through different parts of North 
 Wales, about twenty-three years ago, I perceived 
 that the state of the poor of the country in general 
 was so low as to religious knowledge, that in many 
 parts not one person in twenty was capable of read- 
 14 
 
150 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 ing the Scriptures, and in some districts hardly an 
 individual could be found who had received any 
 instruction in reading. This discovery pained me 
 beyond what I can express, and made me think seri- 
 ously of some remedy, effectual and speedy, for the 
 redress of this grievance. I accordingly proposed to 
 a few friends to set a subscription on foot to pay the 
 wages of a teacher, who was to be moved circuit- 
 ously from one place to another; to instruct the 
 poor in reading, and in the first principles of Chris- 
 tianity by catechizing them. This work began in 
 the year 1785. At first only one teacher was em- 
 ployed. As the funds increased, so in proportion 
 the number of teachers was enlarged, till they 
 amounted to twenty. Some of the first teachers 
 I was obliged to instruct myself; and these after- 
 wards instructed others sent them to learn to be 
 schoolmasters." 
 
 Not content with imparting instruction to the 
 young, Mr. Charles urged upon all of every age 
 the duty of being able to read for themselves the 
 word of God, and he had the gratification of seeing 
 parents sitting down with their children in the 
 same school, and learning to read that blessed book 
 which maketh wise unto salvation. As to the 
 progress of the schools, and the effects produced 
 by them, we give the following quotation: — "The 
 spirit of learning has rapidly spread among young 
 people and children in large populous districts, 
 where hitherto it had been wholly neglected. Their 
 usual profanation of the Sabbath, in meeting for 
 play, or in public houses, has been forsaken, and 
 the Sabbaths are now spent in the schools, or in 
 religious exercises. We have also this year held 
 associations of the different schools. They meet 
 in some central place to be publicly catechized. 
 
WALES. 
 
 151 
 
 On one occasion, the efTect tlmt followed an exami- 
 nation of these schools was very remarkable. In 
 a town, which seemed to grow worse and worse, 
 increasing daily in all kinds of wickedness, the peo- 
 ple, young and old, running into all manner of exces- 
 ses, especially at the annual wakes, Mr. Charles, 
 lamenting this state of things, made up his mind to 
 attempt to storm this stronghold of Satan. About 
 two monihs before the wakes, he sent to the teach- 
 ers of the Sabbath schools, requesting them to get 
 the children to search the Bible for texts which 
 prohibit directly or indirectly such evil practices as 
 dancing, drunkenness, sensual indulgences, &c., 
 and to commit them to memory, saying, that they 
 might expect him there at the feast to catechize the 
 children. The young people set to work, and 
 there was a great deal of talk in the town and 
 neighbourhood about the subject. When the time 
 arrived, Mr. Charles went there, and most of the 
 people of the place, led by curiosity in a great 
 measure, went to hear what the children had to say 
 on these subjects. The meeting began, as usual, 
 with singing and prayer. Then Mr. C. began to 
 ask them questions on the points given them to 
 learn. Is drunkenness set forth as bad and sinful 
 in Scripture? Yes, said one, and repeated these 
 words, " Woe unto them that follow strong drink, 
 that continue until night, until wine inflame them, 
 and the harp and the viol, the tabret and the pipe, 
 are in their feasts; but they regard not the work 
 of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his 
 hands." Isaiah v. 11, 12. In this way he pro- 
 ceeded with them concerning the other sins, and 
 the answers were given with great propriety and 
 seriousness. The people began to hold down their 
 
152 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 heads, and appeared to be much affected. Observ- 
 ing this, he addressed them in the kindest manner, 
 and exhorted them by all means to leave off their 
 sinful practices, to relinquish the works of dark- 
 ness, to come to Christ, who was waiting to be 
 gracious, to learn the word of God, after the exam- 
 ple of their children, and to try to seek superior 
 pleasures, and a better world. The effect was so 
 great that all went home, and the houses of revel- 
 ling were completely forsaken. The following 
 day the harper was met going home by a person 
 on the road, who, surprised to see him leaving the 
 place so soon, asked him, what was the reason. 
 ' Some minister, ' said he, ' has been catechizing 
 there, and persuaded the young people not to at- 
 tend the feast.' " Such are some of the effects of 
 these interesting schools, which, along with the 
 faithful preaching of the Gospel, prepared the way 
 for the great revival of religion which took place 
 in North Wales, beginning in the year 1791, for 
 the particulars of which, we again quote from Mr. 
 Charles's Letters :— 
 
 " You inquire about the state of the churches in 
 Wales. I have nothing but what is favourable to 
 communicate. We had lately a very comfortable 
 association at Pwllheli. Some thousands attended; 
 more than ever was seen before. And here, at Bala, 
 we have had a very great, powerful and glorious 
 outpouring of the Spirit on the people in general, 
 especially on the children and young people. 
 Scores of the wildest and most inconsiderate of 
 young people of both sexes have been awaken- 
 ed. Their convictions have been very clear and 
 powerful; and in some instances so deep as to 
 bring them to the brink of despair. Their conso- 
 lations have also been equally strong. If the Lord 
 
WALES. 153 
 
 should be graciously pleased lo continue the work, 
 as it has prevailed some weeks past, the devil's 
 kingdom will be in ruins in this neighourhood. 
 Ride on, ride on, thou King of glory, is ihe fervent 
 cry of my soul, day and night. I verily believe 
 that the Lord means to give the kingdom of dark- 
 ness a dreadful shake ; for he takes off its pillars. 
 Those that were foremost in the service of Satan 
 and rebellion against God, are now the foremost in 
 seeking salvation through the blood of the Lamb. 
 It is an easy work to preach the gospel of the king- 
 dom here at this time. Divine truths have their 
 own infinite weight and importance on the minds 
 of the people. Beams of Divine light, together 
 with Divine irresistible energy, accompany every 
 truth delivered. It is glorious to see how the stout- 
 est hearts are bowed down and the hardest melted. 
 I would not have been without seeing what I have 
 lately seen, no, not for the world. 
 
 " These are the blessed things I have to relate 
 to you, my dear brother, respecting poor Wales. 
 The charity schools here are abundantly blessed. 
 Children that were aforelime like jewels buried in 
 rubbish, now appear with Divine lustre and trans- 
 cendent beauty. Little children from six to twelve 
 years of age, are affected, astonished, and over- 
 powered. Their young minds, day and night, are 
 filled with nothing but soul-concerns. All 1 say is 
 matter of fact. I have not exaggerated in the least 
 degree, nor related more than a small part of the 
 whole. The Lord hath done great things for us, 
 and to him be all the praise." 
 
 One of the ministers of Edmburgh having seen 
 this letter, wrote Mr. Charles in March, 1792, 
 mentioning the revivals which took place in Scot- 
 land in 1742, and requesting further information, 
 
154 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 to which Mr. Charles, in May of the. same year, 
 sent the following reply: — 
 
 " That it was tlie work of God I am not left to 
 doubt in the least degree. It carries along with it 
 every scriptural, satisfactory evidence that we can 
 possibly desire ; such as deep conviction of sin, 
 of righteousness, and of judgment — great reforma- 
 tion of manners — great love for, and delight in, the 
 word of God, in prayer, in spiritual conversation, 
 and Divine ordinances. These, even in young 
 persons, occupy the place and employ the time 
 that was spent in vain diversions and amusements. 
 No harps, but the golden harps, of which St. John 
 speaks, have been played on in this neighbourhood 
 for some months past. The craft is not only in 
 danger, but entirely destroyed and abolished. The 
 little stone has broken in pieces, and wholly des- 
 troyed these ensnaring hinderances. 
 
 " But I am far from expecting that all those who 
 have experienced these impressions are savingly 
 wrought upon and really converted. If that were 
 the case, all the country must have been converted; 
 for at one time tliere were but very few who had 
 not felt awful impressions on their minds, pro- 
 ducing foreboding fears respecting their future ex- 
 istence in another world. It was a most solemn 
 lime indeed ! I never saw a livelier picture of the 
 state of men's minds at the day of judgment, ac- 
 cording to their respective conditions. That awful 
 dispensation lasted but for a iew weeks. But the 
 ministration of the word is still lively and power- 
 ful ; and fresh awakenings take place, though not 
 so numerous as at first. Perhaps it will not be 
 known till the day of judgment how many of these 
 new converts are actually brought into a state of 
 salvation, nor who they are. But hitherto we 
 have every reason to be thankful for the good pro- 
 
WALES. 
 
 155 
 
 gress they continue to make. Among so many 
 there must be great variety ; and we may have 
 better hopes of some than others ; but hitherto 
 none have turned away from feeding beside the 
 Shepherd's tents. 
 
 " As to the further spread of the work, the pros- 
 pect in our country is in general very pleasing. In 
 Caernarvonshire and Anglesea, the congregations 
 are very numerous. Thousands flock together at 
 the sound of the Gospel trumpet, and hear with 
 great earnestness and attention. Awakenings also 
 are frequent. The report of what had been going 
 on in this place awakened the attention of the whole 
 country, and filled the churches every where with 
 the spirit of thanksgiving and prayer. The begin- 
 ning was so glorious that I cannot think but that it 
 precedes great things. The churches every where 
 are prepared; they are praying; they are waiting 
 and longing for His coming. He has indeed done 
 already great things in this principality. Within 
 these fifty years there have been five or six very 
 great awakenings. 
 
 " Your saying that a similar work took place in 
 your country about fifty years ago, has enkindled 
 a spirit of prayer in me for the return of your jubi- 
 lee. I am persuaded, that except we are favoured 
 with frequent revivals, and a strong and powerful 
 work of the Spirit, we shall in a great degree dege- 
 nerate, and have only a 'name to live;' religion 
 will lose its vigour; the ministry will hardly retain 
 its lustre and glory, and iniquity will of course 
 abound. I am far from supposing this to be the 
 case in your country. 1 am only speaking of the 
 thing itself. Scotland, I know, in ages past, has 
 been a highly-favoured country. I hope it still 
 continues so; but I ara perfectly ignorant of the 
 
156 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 present state of religion in it. May the good Lord 
 hasten that blessed time, when the kingdoms of 
 tlie world shall become the kingdoms of the Lord 
 and his Christ." 
 
 In January, 1794, in writing to the same clergy- 
 man, whose name we regret his biographer has not 
 given, he thus further details the progress of the 
 work. " In the course of last year, the almighty 
 power of the Gospel has been most gloriously 
 manifested in different parts of our country. There 
 was 3 very general awakening through a very large 
 and populous district of Caernarvonshire. In the 
 space of three months, some hundreds were brought 
 under concern about their souls. Oh ! my dear 
 Sir, it is a melodious sound, yes, in the ears of 
 God himself, to hear poor perishing sinners crying 
 out, 'what must we do to be saved?' The effects 
 on the country at large are a general reformation of 
 manners, the most diligent attention to the means 
 of grace, private and public, and thirst after divine 
 knowledge. Here at Bala, through mercy, we go 
 on well, and have much cause for thankfulness, 
 though not favoured with the wonderful scenes with 
 which we were gratified two years ago. There is 
 a work going on among us still, though not so 
 powerfully as at the period alluded to. In some 
 of the Schools we have had general awakenings 
 among all the children. We take great care that the 
 teachers be men of piety and of zeal, for the con- 
 version of sinners. We have but one point in view 
 in these institutions, that is the salvation of souls. 
 We endeavour to set this point before them in all 
 its infinite importance, as far surpassing all other 
 matters whatever. This is what we aim to do; 
 but ah! how little would all avail were it not for 
 the powerful agency of the Holy Spirit. Blessed 
 
WALES. 
 
 157 
 
 be God, we see him evidently and gloriously at 
 work among us, never more so than at the present 
 time, taking the country at large. Bless the Lord 
 on our behalf, and pray for a continuance of his 
 loving kindness." 
 
 The sentiments of the late Rev. .lohn Newton 
 of St. Mary, Wooinolh, London, respecting this 
 revival, are very pleasing, bearing as they do, on 
 revivals generally. It is contained in a Letter to 
 the Edinburgh minister, so often referred to, and 
 dated London, 20ih February, 1792. " The re- 
 vival at Bala demands thankfulness; the Lord, 
 according to his sovereign pleasure, now and then 
 vouchsafes such seasons of refreshment, as draw 
 the attention of many. But hitherto tbey have 
 been local and temporary. I remember one in 
 Scodand, about fifty years ago; the most extensive 
 I think took place in America, about the same time, 
 and was first observed under Dr. Edwards's minis- 
 try at Northampton. There is generally much 
 good done on such occasions of power, but we 
 must not expect that every appearance will answer 
 our wishes. There are many more blossoms in 
 spring than apples in the autumn; yet we are glad 
 to see blossoms, because we know that if there be 
 no blossoms, there can be no fruit. Yet when 
 sudden and general awakenings take place among 
 people who are ignorant and unacquainted with 
 Scripture, they are more or less attended with 
 blemishes and misguided zeal. The enemy is 
 watchful to sow tares among the wheat. Thus it 
 has always been. It was so in the Apostles' days ; 
 offences arise, and they who watch to find some- 
 thing at which they may stumble and cavil by the 
 righteous judgment of God, have what they wish 
 for. But they who love the Lord and have a re- 
 
158 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 gard for precious souls, will rejoice in the good that 
 is really done, and can account for the occasional 
 mixture from the present state of our nature. That 
 the good work at Bala may flourish and extend to 
 London and Edinburgh if the Lord pleases, is my 
 sincere prayer, and I doubt not it is yours." 
 
 Mr. Charles continued his most useful labours 
 in the vineyard for twenty years longer with great 
 success. He established and conducted for several 
 years a religious magazine for diffusing intelligence 
 respecting the state of religion at home, and mis- 
 sionary operations abroad. He also assisted in the 
 formation of the Bible Society, and in preparing a 
 new edition of the Welsh Bible published by that 
 Society. He closed a most laborious life in pro- 
 moting the best interests of his countrymen, on the 
 5th October, 1814, in the 59lh year of his age. 
 
 Thus we have given a brief but imperfect sketch 
 of several of the instruments raised up by the great 
 Head of the Church, for advancing ilie interests of 
 vital religion in Wales ; and although for the most 
 part the statements have been more general in their 
 character than could be wished, yet enough has 
 been said to encourage Christians to the continued 
 exercise of believing prayer " that God would arise 
 and have mercy upon Zion, that the time to favour 
 her, yea, the set time, may come." 
 
159 
 
 PART X. 
 
 SKYE, 1812--14. 
 
 The " spirit of slumber," which pervaded Scotland 
 in the latter portion of the last century, exerted its 
 most powerful 'influence over the whole of the 
 north-west Highlands. Indeed the Reformation, 
 in those districts, was nothing more than a change 
 from the profession of one creed to that of another, 
 according to the views of the proprietors of the 
 soil. It was purely political and partook of none 
 of the intelligence, and preference of truth in oppo- 
 sition to papal ignorance and superstition, which 
 distinguished that blessed era in the southern and 
 north-eastern counties. Had a pious clergy suc- 
 ceeded their ghostly predecessors, the knowledge 
 of the '-letter" of the truth would, no doubt, have 
 been imparted to the population of the interesting 
 districts in question; and although they might, 
 notwithstanding, have been left without any re- 
 markable revivals of religion, the " gross darkness" 
 which for so long a time prevailed would, in part 
 at least, have been done away. This, however, 
 was not the case: and there are parishes which, 
 even up to the present date, have never, perhaps 
 since the Gospel was first propagated, had the 
 benefit of the pure preaching of the " glad tidings 
 
160 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 of salvation." Bibles, until very recently there 
 were none; and the power to read them, had they 
 existed, was possessed by few of the common peo- 
 ple, until the Gtelic School Society commenced its 
 operations. The instruction communicated by the 
 parochial schools, was rigidly confined to English — 
 in which course they were too long followed by those 
 of the venerable Society for propagating Ciiristian 
 Knowledge, w^hose influence, however, was but 
 partially extended to the region alluded to — and 
 thus their united efforts are not much to be taken 
 into account as affecting the moral character of the 
 people — a fact well known to those who have come 
 in contact with them, in the way of spiritual super- 
 intendence. 
 
 The more remote the Highland districts from the 
 counties above referred to, the deeper the darkness ; 
 and of these none perhaps, exceeded the northern 
 portions of Skye — indeed the whole of that island. 
 Many illustrations of this might be given if neces- 
 sary ; we only remark, that what the common peo- 
 ple were in point of intelligence", maybe conceived 
 when it is true, that after religion began to make 
 some liille progress, it was no uncommon thing for 
 the better educated of the community gravely to 
 maintain, that the Bible in use then was quite dif- 
 ferent from the one they had been accustomed to. 
 When God therefore visited this island with the 
 remarkable revival with which it was blessed, soon 
 after the commencement of the present century, the 
 sovereignty, as well as the power of divine grace, 
 was thereby signally displayed. " He will have 
 mercy on whom he will have mercy — and he will 
 have compassion on whom he will have compas- 
 sion." 
 
 Many years ago, and long before any awakening 
 
SKYE. 
 
 161 
 
 took place in Skye, a young girl, of little more 
 than childish years, residing in a glen which, during 
 the revival, was distinguished by much of divine 
 power, became deeply impressed with the idea that 
 God was not in her native isle. At the same time^ 
 she was overcome by the feeling, that she must 
 go in pursuit of him where he was to be found, 
 She accordingly stole away from her parents, and 
 travelled across the country to the usual outlet by 
 the ferry to the mainland. As she proceeded, she 
 made no secret of the errand on which she had 
 departed, and as her relations had taken up the 
 opinion that she had become unsound in her mind, 
 little attempt was made to recall her. So soon as 
 she was out of Skye, she began to ask every pas- 
 senger with whom she met, where she might find 
 God, for that he was not in her country. She 
 called at houses too by the way, asking direction in 
 her uncommon inquiry. Pity and kind treatment 
 marked the conduct of all towards her. Her ques- 
 tion excited surprise; but as her manner expressed 
 sincerity and deep earnestness, every one answered 
 her soothingly, and as unwilling to interfere with 
 the hallucination under which they conceived she 
 laboured. In this way she journeyed for days and 
 weeks ; but, though disappointed in every applica- 
 tion for the knowledge which she sought, she did 
 not desis-t. At length she reached the town of 
 Inverness — often heard of, and which her youthful 
 imagination had long pictured the centre of all that 
 was good and valuable, as well as great. The first 
 person whom she there met, and to whom she made 
 application, was a pious lady addressed by her on 
 the street. She stopped her, and said in Gaelic: 
 " I am come from Skye, where God is not — can 
 you tell me where I shall find himl" The lady 
 
162 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 was struck not more with the unusual nature of the 
 address, than the deep-toned earnestness and solem- 
 nity of her manner. Her first impression was that 
 of all the others to whom the poor child had spoken 
 by the way ; but she engaged in conversation with 
 her, and became satisfied of her sanity. " Come 
 with me," at last she said, " perhaps I can bring 
 you to where you shall find God." She took her to 
 her home. Next day was Sabbath. The wanderer 
 accompained her kind protector to the house of 
 God. For the first time the Gospel was proclaim- 
 ed in her hearing — it came " in demonstration of 
 the Spirit and of power" to her soul. She was 
 an awakened sinner, and soon became a happy con- 
 vert — lived for many years in the lady's family — 
 never again returned to Skye — married and settled 
 in the parish of Croy, near Inverness, and was one 
 of the most eminent Christians of her day. She 
 lived long, and was greatly distinguished for her 
 devotedness and fervency as a follower of the Lamb. 
 Often have the pious in Skye said to each other : 
 " Who can tell but the prayers of her who was 
 led by a way which she knew not, to the know- 
 ledge of the God of Abraham, may be receiving 
 their answer in the great work which in this dark 
 place, he has been pleased to produce ?" And who 
 can tell ? If the Lord prepares by his grace, those 
 who plead with him — those who lay hold on his 
 strength — will he not, in due time, answer them, 
 and declare his faithfulness? Often, doubtless, 
 were this good woman's earnest supplications of- 
 fered up for her native isle ; and if, though after a 
 long time, the dayspring from on high did visit it 
 — and the light which beams from Zion's hill, did 
 shine into the vale where first she drew breath, 
 who will say, but in granting this blessing, the 
 
SKYE. 
 
 163 
 
 hearer of prayer bad regard to her request, and ful- 
 filled the word of his promise, that the seed of Jacob 
 seek him not in vain? No one can estimate how 
 o^rcat a blessing it is to have a friend — a child of 
 God — to pray for him: and no one can tell how 
 valuable and important was the result, connected 
 with the simple event now related, which separated 
 an insignificant individual from* her country and 
 kindred that, far from her home, she might learn to 
 pray to the living God, and that a long life should 
 be passed in seeking light for those who sat in 
 darkness, and times of refreshing for those who 
 were perishing in a dry and barren wilderness. 
 
 In 1805, Mr. Farquharson, an itinerant preacher 
 in the Independent connexion, first appeared in 
 Skye. He was from Perthshire, where his minis- 
 trations had been much acknowledged; as indeed, 
 they were wherever he proceeded in his labour of 
 love. It is probable, that the " truth as it is in 
 Jesus," iiad never before been publicly proclaimed 
 in the island which he now visited. From the 
 parochial pulpits, there is too much reason to fear 
 it did not go forth ; and the remoteness of the dis- 
 trict had hitherto precluded the visits of those not 
 connected with the Church, who, towards the close 
 of last century and beginning of the present, tra- 
 velled over the country promulgating sound doc- 
 trine, and, we believe, sincerely seeking the salva- 
 tion of souls. 
 
 When Mr. Farquharson appearediin Skye, there 
 is reason to believe, the state of religion was as un- 
 favourable as it had ever been. The novelty of 
 field-preaching on week days, as well as Sabbaths, 
 by one who held no communion with the clergy, 
 attracted the notice of the people, and they flocked 
 in crowds to hear him. His sermons consisted of 
 
164 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 powerful and faithful testimonies against the abound- 
 ing sins of the country, clear and energetic illustra- 
 tion of evangelical truth, solemn protests against 
 the soul-destroying doctrine of justification by hu- 
 man merit, with affectionate and solemn warnings 
 and invitations addressed to his hearers as lost 
 sinners. His appeals excited great attention and 
 produced no smart inquiry among the people. But 
 their external disadvantages were many — few could 
 read, and scarely any copies of the sacred volume 
 were in their possession. In a population of many 
 thousands, not above five or six New Testaments 
 could be numbered, and their value had never been 
 appreciated. Still the preaching of the gospel 
 continued. In Portree and Snizort, Kilmuir, Diur- 
 nish, and Bracadale, Mr. Farquharson itinerated 
 for a considerable time — the people heard, and 
 deep seriousness marked their whole demeanour 
 under the word of life. 
 
 At this time, there lived in the parish of Portree, 
 a person named Donald Munro. In childhood he 
 had been the victim of small pox, by which he 
 had lost his sight. To gain a livelihood he had 
 learned to play the violin ; and being naturally of 
 a pleasant disposition, this quality, with his musi- 
 cal talent, made him a general favourite. The 
 calamity of his blindness engaged the sympathy of 
 all, and his other qualifications secured their pa- 
 tronage. It was thought that the office of Catechist 
 in the parish, to which a small salary was attached, 
 might be superadded to his professional character 
 with advantage to his circumstances. The incon- 
 sistency, if observed, was overlooked, and the be- 
 nevolence implied in making a provision for Donald, 
 concealed the incongruity of a blind fiddler being 
 also a parochial catechist. The minister favoured 
 
SKYE. 165 
 
 him — the people were pleased witli the arrange- 
 ment, and a retentive memory enabling him to 
 master the questions of the Shorter Catechism, 
 and a few chapters in the New Testament, his 
 qualifications for the office to which he was pro- 
 moted were held to be complete. How often are 
 we made to know, as the sequel of this man's his- 
 tory will illustrate, that " God's ways are not our 
 ways" — that they are " past finding out:" " for he 
 giveth not account of any of his matters." 
 
 Donald's official character led him to hear Mr. 
 Farquharson — for where religious exercises, extra- 
 ministerial, were held, tliere he conceived it his 
 duty to be. Hundreds and hundreds had come to 
 listen to the word of salvation; but, although se- 
 rious attention was given, the preacher seemed to 
 have " run in vain, and laboured in vain." The 
 Spirit was not poured out from on high, and no 
 I' blade" of heavenly growth was yet discoverable 
 in that dry place. Nevertheless, God had sent 
 him ; and, although he was not, himself, to be the 
 direct instrument of an abundant harvest, like the 
 prophets of old, he was made the medium of the 
 *' unction from the Holy One," to another who was 
 raised up to show how " the weak things of the 
 world are made to confound the mighty — and base 
 things of the world and things that are despised, 
 yea, and things which are not, chosen to bring to 
 nought things that are, that no flesh should glory 
 in his presence." " To me he was a messenger 
 from God," declared Donald Munro many years 
 after; and although in his Christian charity he ex- 
 pressed an opinion, that one or two besides were 
 converted by his means, no evidence exists that 
 faithful Farquharson's mission had any other direct 
 fruit than that of the conversion of this remarkable 
 15 
 
166 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 man. He soon after emigrated to America, and 
 his ministrations- had no further connexion with 
 the revival which took place in Skye. 
 
 The Catechist of Portree was no longer a plu- 
 ralist. He had " got new views," to use his own 
 language, of " Scripture truths, of himself, and of 
 the practices of the inhabitants of his island;" and 
 the light which had been given to him he did not 
 put " under a bushel." His official situation afTord- 
 ed him opportunities of speaking in the name of 
 Jesus; and, before he had been himself a convert 
 for a year, he was made the instrument of turning 
 three or four from the error of their ways to the 
 faith and obedience of the glorious gospel. 
 
 But the great awakening did not take place now, 
 nor for a few years after this ; nevertheless as the 
 events which follow were connected with that 
 manifestation of Divine grace and power, and as 
 they illustrate the ways of God's providence in 
 promoting his purposes of love towards sinners, 
 they are here recorded. 
 
 In the first place, a prayer meeting was estab- 
 lished. This was in Snizort, the neighbouring 
 parish to Portree. A very few only attended at its 
 establishment; but, in course of time, the numbers 
 increased. The prejudice against it was strong; 
 for nothing of the kind had ever before been heard 
 of in the country, and an innovation of so marked 
 a character was not readily tolerated. But it grew 
 in popularity; and by its means many were induced 
 to attempt to call on the name of the Lord. For 
 two years it flourished. At the end of that time a 
 Baptist preacher appeared in the country. The 
 members of the meeting heard, and some were 
 drawn after him. Eleven were baptized by him — 
 
SKYE. 
 
 16^ 
 
 division ensued, and the prayer meeting was in a 
 short lime finally dissolved. 
 
 In the next place, soon after the institution of 
 this meeting, it pleased the Lord to bring " out of 
 darkness into marvellous light" one of the minis- 
 ters in the neighourhood. 'i'he gentleman referred 
 to was the late Mr. Martin, then of Kilmuir. and 
 latterly of the parish of Abernethy. The change 
 in his doctrine, as well as life and conversation, 
 soon attracted notice, and he was sought unto by 
 those in the country who, by this time, had them- 
 selves tasted that the Lord is gracious. The cause 
 of the prayer meeting was espoused by him; and 
 as, even men who knew not the saving power of 
 the gospel in their own experience, esteemed him 
 for his virtues, his countenance given it, secured 
 either their neutrality or favour. As a minister, 
 he was instant in season and out of season; re- 
 proving, rebuking, exhorting with all long-suffering 
 and doctrine. The usual result followed — a desire 
 among his parishioners to search the Scriptures, to 
 see that the things which he declared were so. 
 But the sacred volume was wanting — and no sup- 
 ply was at hand to meet the demand which the 
 preaching of Christ crucified by this good man had 
 produced. What might have followed so prosper- 
 ous a state of outward privilege no one can say. 
 A very few, it is believed, were during the short 
 period of Mr. Martin's living ministry, savingly 
 impressed; but as he removed from the island in 
 about two years after the change in his own charac- 
 ter, and the gospel ceased to be proclaimed — 
 although he left a pious Catechist behind him — no 
 further additions of such as were " ordained to 
 eternal life," were at that time made to the " church 
 of the living God." 
 
168 
 
 REVIVALS OF KELIGION. 
 
 And here we may be permitted to remark, how 
 serious a consideration it may be for a minister of 
 the gospel to remove, under whatever solicitations, 
 from a sphere where indications may be perceived 
 of an incipient work of grace, such as a few years 
 after distinguished this part of Skye. That Mr. 
 Martin should be exposed to much that might ha- 
 rass his spirit, under his change of views and char- 
 acter, in the place where his lot was cast — that 
 *' living godly in Christ Jesus" he should suffer 
 persecution — may be readily believed, as the ex- 
 perience of another, but more undaunted " fellow 
 servant" subsequently attested; but surely here 
 was an opportunity to "endure the cross, and 
 despise the shame," connected with the prospect 
 of honouring his Master and promoting his cause, 
 such as does not often occur, and which, not being 
 embraced, is seldom a second time offered to any 
 man. It cannot be wondered that Mr. Martin, as 
 we have heard, should in after years have felt and 
 lamented his error. 
 
 It has been stated, that he left behind him, in 
 the parish of Kilmuir, a pious Catechist. This 
 individual also acted as schoolmaster. But besides 
 his services, the parish now enjoyed the benefit of 
 those of Donald Munro, who had been discharged 
 from his office in Portree, and was therefore not 
 confined in his labours to that locality. Under 
 their direction and conduct, meetings, subsequent- 
 ly to the dissolution of the prayer meeting, were 
 regularly held in the parish, attended by large 
 multitudes ; and much interest, apparently, was 
 taken in the things which belonged to their souls. 
 This state of matters, however, lasted not long. 
 The new incumbent did not walk in the steps of 
 his predecessor. The Catechist, disgusted with 
 
SKYE. 169 
 
 the new order of things, left the country; and Do- 
 nald Munro stood single-handed without ev^n the 
 weight which his former official name afforded. 
 He did not, however, cease his efforts ; and, though 
 under many inconveniences, this good man perse- 
 vered in holding the meetings, encouraged by the 
 great numbers who came desirous to listen to the 
 word of life. 
 
 But the Lord raised up a new friend to the cause 
 in the person of the late Mr. John Shaw, who, 
 about this time, was appointed minister of Braca- 
 dale, a parish in the neighbourhood, and situated 
 in the same district of country. He had previously 
 been the assistant of the minister of Diurnish, a 
 parish also in this district; but, acting there in an 
 inferior capacity, his influence, until nov/, had not 
 been efficiently exerted. He was a holy and hum- 
 ble man — little acquainted with the ways of the 
 world, and naturally little qualified to withstand its 
 opposition, directed, whether insidiously or in open 
 violence, against the interests of Sion. But, what- 
 ever his failing in this, his heart trembled for the 
 ark of the Lord — its safety was the object of his 
 deepest solicitude, and the theme of his importunate 
 and constant prayers. He was consequently the 
 friend of the friends of Christ, and, few and des- 
 pised as they were in Skye, he constituted a rally- 
 ing point and counsellor, whose unwavering faith- 
 fulness, at least, seldom failed them in whatever 
 emergency. 
 
 Mr. Shaw secured for his parish the benefit of 
 Society teachers, all of whom were godlv men — 
 one from the Society for propagating Cl.ristian 
 Knowledge — another' from the Geelic School So- 
 ciety — and a third from the Inverness Education 
 Society; by whose means a knowledge of the 
 
170 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 truths of the Scripture was extensively communi- 
 cated. And not least in importance, as preparing 
 the way for the work which the Lord was about to 
 perform in this hitherto dark corner of the Church, 
 the minister of Bracadale introduced to the country 
 Mr. McDonald of Urquhart, " whose praise is in 
 the gospel throughout all the churches," and whose 
 rousing appeals to the assembled multitudes who 
 congregated to hear him, caused ''no small stir 
 about that way." 
 
 It was about the year 1812 that the awakening, 
 properly so called, had its commencement — about 
 seven years after Mr. Farquharson first preached 
 in Skye. It began in the parish of Kilmuir, of 
 which Mr. Martin had been minister ; and where 
 Donald Munro's services had been most uniformly 
 bestowed and best appreciated. As there can be 
 no doubt that the meetings held under his manage- 
 ment were the means especially employed in the 
 Avork, it may be proper to state the mode in which 
 the services on those occasions were conducted. 
 We are not here to defend the regularity of these 
 meetings, if this be impugned. It pleased the Lord 
 to bless them; and, considering the circumstances 
 which gave them birth and caused their continu- 
 ance, lie will be a bold man v/ho maintains that 
 they ought to have been suppressed or that they 
 are nov/ to be condemned. 
 
 The services, on the solemn and happy occa- 
 sions of which we speak, began v/ith praise and 
 prayer ; which were sometimes repeated in course 
 of the occasion, and always concluded the duties 
 for the time. The reading of the Scripture fol- 
 lowed the opening of the meeting— large portions 
 of which were read aloud without note or comment. 
 The works of such authors as were to be had in 
 
SKYE. 
 
 171 
 
 Gaelic came next— viz., translations of Alleine's 
 Alarm, Boston's Fourfold State, Baxter's Call, Buu- 
 yan, Willison, Gray and Edwards. Then a pas- 
 sage of the word of God was selected for exposi- 
 tion. Munro, unsually, had this part of the service 
 allotted to him: but aUhouofh few, when he wrs 
 present, were willing to occupy the place which 
 became him so well, others also, at times, opened 
 up the truths contained in the passage thus com- 
 mented on. It has already been noted that Donald 
 was a blind man : but, he required the aid of no 
 reader. His memory was stored with the Scrip- 
 lures ; and he had become, literally, a living con- 
 cordance. Whole chapters could be recited by 
 him without the commission of the slightest error. 
 References, for illustration, were made with a pre- 
 cision which never betrayed, in a single instance, 
 those who followed him in his exposition by turn- 
 ing to the passages. His style of address was 
 solemn and deeply impressive — the effect being not 
 a little heightened by the visitation of Providence 
 which had'^made him an object of sympathy to all, 
 connected with the evidence in him of the riches 
 of His grace who had come 
 
 "To clear the inward sight; 
 
 And on the eyeballs of the blind 
 To pour celestial light." 
 
 He spoke as one " scarcely saved" — " a brand 
 plucked out of the burning" — lately " dead in tres- 
 passes and in sins ;" but to whom " the grace of 
 the Lord had been exceeding abundant," and w-ho 
 now stood among those of his own country and 
 kindred who knew his " manner of life from his 
 youth," apparently by divine commission, to warn 
 them to flee from the wralh to come ; and to pro- 
 
172 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 daim the truth, worthy of all acceptation, that 
 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, 
 of whom he had been chief. A holy unction 
 characterized — as a sound judgment ruled — all that 
 he said : for his words were weighed in the balance 
 of the sanctuary and were not found wanting. To 
 witness his appearance on the occasions alluded to 
 — if tlie heart were not melted — was sure to disarm 
 prejudice; and even bitter enemies, whilst they 
 condemned the proceedings, acknowledged that 
 Donald was a good man — honest and sincere in the 
 cause in which he was embarked. 
 
 Three times, every sabbath day, the meetings 
 were held — in the open fields — in barns — or under 
 such shelter as circumstances required and as at 
 the time could be commanded. But not on the 
 Lord's-day only : one stated meeting was held, 
 weekly, at Donald's residence, on another day ; and 
 besides this, he travelled to other points in the 
 country round, so that he was rarely disengaged. 
 
 Great power followed. When this came, the 
 effects were striking in the highest degree; and 
 filled Munro and the other leaders with adoring 
 wonder. That it was the Lord's doing, not man's, 
 soon became so evident that they were made to 
 feel, and exulted to acknowledge, that they were 
 not to be accounted of, and not wordiy to be named 
 in connection with the glorious manifestation which 
 it pleased the Most High to vouchsafe of his redeem- 
 ing love. " What are we and what is our Father's 
 house !" was the language of their hearts while 
 they contemplated the effects of the irresistible 
 power now savingly exerted. It was a common 
 thing, as soon as the Bible was opened, after the 
 preliminary services, and just as the reader began, 
 for great meltings to come upon the hearers. The 
 
SKYE. 173 
 
 deepest attention was paid to every word as the 
 sacred verses were slowly and solemnly enunciated. 
 Then the silent tear might be seen stealing down 
 the rugged, but expressive, countenances turned 
 upon the reader — ihe convulsive and half-sup- 
 pressed sigh might next be heard — female sobbings 
 followed — and, after a little, every breast was heav- 
 ing under the unaccountable agitation which moved 
 the spirits of the assembled multitudes. "The 
 wind bloweth where it listelh, and thou hearest the 
 sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh 
 or whither it goeth; so is every one who is born of 
 the Spirit." 
 
 Sometimes those affected cried aloud; but this 
 was not common: at other times they threw them- 
 selves upon the grass, in the utmost distress, and 
 " wept bitterly." A spirit of prayer and supplica- 
 tion was granted, in a remarkable degree, both 
 upon the leaders of the meetings and upon the peo- 
 ple. After the services for the occasion, at any 
 time, were concluded, they were to be seen, in all 
 directions, on their knees, or stretched along upon 
 the ground, calling upon His name with whom is 
 " the residue of the Spirit." An insatiable desire 
 to hear the Scriptures read and opened prevailed ; 
 and no length of service fatigued during those days 
 of life and pov/er. Hours passed insensibly and 
 the night was often " far spent" ere " note was 
 made of time." The usual seasons for food were 
 forgotten ; and even necessary nourishment was 
 sometimes neglected. The redemption of the soul 
 is indeed precious. When the eyes are enlightened 
 to perceive this truth, and the conscience is awak- 
 ened, under the operation of the Holy Spirit, to 
 testify the fearfulness of coming short of the great 
 salvation ; and when this occurs, not to an isolated 
 16 
 
174 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 individual, but to a multitude circumstanced, in all 
 respects, as those of whom we now speak, who 
 can wonder that such appearances, as have been 
 described, should be exhibited — that such results 
 should follow ; nay, who that knows the word of 
 God and the mind of man, but might expect that 
 such occurrences should take place? 
 
 We have called those occasions happy. They 
 were truly so; for there is no joy like that which 
 is felt when a sinner, melted under a sense of sin 
 and of the mercy of God, learns to weep from 
 " godly sorrow" and a blessed persuasion that ever- 
 lasting love is manifested towards him in the deal- 
 ings with his soul which he experiences — when at 
 one and the same time "repentance towards God 
 and faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ" are pro- 
 duced within him by a power w'hich he knows is 
 divine. One striking trait, accordingly, in the 
 character of the meetings was the life felt and mani- 
 fested in singing the praises of God. The assem- 
 bled multitudes engaged in the duty as with "one 
 heart and one soul;" and often seemed as if they 
 knew not how to stop. The utmost cordiality and 
 brotherly love prevailed — every man feeling his 
 heart more tenderly drawn out to his neighbour — 
 and such as were savingly affected experiencing a 
 holy influence leading them to testify for Christ, in 
 the house, and by the way, in private conversation 
 and by a devoted public profession. 
 
 For about two years the awakening was o-eneral. 
 As already stated, it began in the parish of Kilmuir. 
 Snizort next enjoyed the life-giving influence — 
 then Bracadale, and finally Diurnish — all contigu- 
 ous parishes. AVherever Donald Munro proceeded, 
 the effects described followed ; and for a time it 
 was estimated, three or four individuals were sa- 
 
SKYE. 175 
 
 vingly converted at every meeting where he pre- 
 sided. Not only so; but when these converts 
 engaged in spiritual exercises throughout the coun- 
 try — for they often came from a distance, and 
 returned to their remote homes laden with the 
 *' unsearchable riches of Christ" — great power ac- 
 companied their services. It was a *' time of 
 refreshing from the presence of the Lord" and by 
 every event connected with it he forcibly announc- 
 •ed to all : " Not by might nor by power but by my 
 Spirit." 
 
 The effects were two-fold — of a primary or 
 direct, and of a secondary or indirect, character. 
 
 The primary effects were the genuine conver- 
 sion of many sinners to the knowledge and obe- 
 dience of the truth as it is in Jesus. In such a 
 matter it is difficult, and may be dangerous, to 
 speak of numbers: but it is well known, that dur- 
 ing the general awakening, several hundreds were 
 brought "from darkness to light and from the 
 power of Satan to God." Tiie genuineness of 
 their conversion was evidenced by the change of 
 life which accompanied their profession. Persons 
 who had openly served sin, with their whole heart, 
 did truly abandon it, embraced the cause of godh- 
 ness, and walked, as those of them who still sur- 
 vive do, so as to " adorn the doctrine of God their 
 Saviour by a life and conversation becoming it in all 
 things. Some who had been noted for wickedness 
 became eminent as Christians; and until this day 
 they labour in the vineyard, in their various sta- 
 tions, as " servants who need not be ashamed." 
 Those are not, in any case, the results of a vain 
 enthusiasm, any more than the fruits of the day of 
 Pentecost were the eflTect of " new wine :" but 
 "mockers" now judge by the same rule, as they 
 did then, being blinded by the same evil influence. 
 
176 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 Among the secondary effects may be stated, 
 first, the suppression of the openly smful practices 
 common in the country. As the image of Dagon 
 fell mutilated before the ark of the Lord, so did 
 they before the Divine power now present in the 
 district where they had prevailed. Those prac- 
 tices were no longer in repute, but discarded and 
 abandoned by such, even, as were still secretly 
 "joined to their idols." Whilst the devil was 
 certainly cast out of many " by the finger of God," 
 so that he should never return to find a resting 
 place in them again — he also went out of many 
 more; and, for a time, the " house vv^as swept and 
 garnished." 
 
 In the next place, a large body was formed whose 
 religion, instead of being a reflection of the image 
 of Christ, was no more than a reflection of that of 
 his people — the work in whom was not of God but 
 of man. They constituted the tares among the 
 wheat — the chaff among the true grain — the growth 
 of the rocky ground contrasted with that of the 
 good soil. They attached themselves to the others 
 — appeared under the same circumstances, and 
 thus, as in all revivals which have occurred in the 
 various periods of the Church's history, offences, 
 in course of time, came. These we believe were 
 less nurnerous and momentous than the hatred of 
 enemies represented them; and probably might 
 have been made less of, but for the anxiety of the 
 real friends of Christ to vindicate his holy work 
 from the imputation thrown on it from such a cause. 
 They might have remembered that the existence 
 of such offences most truly declared the genuine- 
 ness of the work of God among them ; for where 
 the good seed is made to take root, there the enemy 
 will come and sow the evil. 
 
SKYE. 
 
 177 
 
 In the third place, there followed from this 
 awakening that abandonment of ordinances, as ad- 
 ministered by the parochial clergy, which at pre- 
 sent attracts the eyes of the supreme Church court 
 at Skye and the adjacent districts. All the profes- 
 sors of religion — both real converts and others — 
 remained devotedly attached to the national estab- 
 lishment, and resisted efforts made to draw them 
 aside — in which mind they continue. But the 
 evident and striking countenance granted to the 
 meetings attracted the people to them, and secured 
 their reverence for their services. The churches 
 were, in consequence, very much forsaken. In 
 these circumstances, the clergy began to refuse 
 sealing ordinances to those who did not hear them ; 
 and, on the other hand, the " professors" lifted 
 their protest against the clergy by refusing to ac- 
 cept ordinances as by them administered — Mr. 
 Shaw being the only minister excepted, at that 
 time, from the application of this rule. Hence, 
 especially from this latter cause, it soon ceased to 
 be matter of reproach to live in the non-enjoyment 
 of the ordinances. More than this, it came to be 
 counted an evidence of seriousness not to apply to 
 the clergy — or a mark of carelessness and irreligion 
 when application was made. And thus have we, 
 in the bosom of the Church, the anomalous stale of 
 things of a large body of professing Christians, dis- 
 tinguished for the fervency of their piety, the pu- 
 rity of their lives, and the warmth of their altach- 
 meni to her constitution, still maintaining their 
 union with us under the deprivation of ordmances 
 which they earnestly long for — receiving them, 
 when permitted to do so, from ministers whom 
 they approve, and with whom they conceive, they 
 can hold Christian communion and justifying 
 
178 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 separation, not from the Church, but from her or- 
 dinances, on the ground of their alleged pros- 
 titution by those who ought to be the guardians 
 of their purity! Tliis is not the place to discuss 
 a question beset with many difficulties ; but those 
 who seek the true reformation of our national Sion, 
 throughout her whole extent, will do well to pause 
 ere they condemn so many of the " excellent of 
 the earth" who, under much obloquy, have never 
 let down their solemn protest, raised against abuses 
 which they declare exist — whether more in Skye 
 than elsewhere they know not — nor abandoned their 
 pledged attachment to the Church of their fathers. 
 
 A few additional particulars must conclude this 
 narrative. The good work related above w^as not 
 hindered by any divisions. Enemies attempted to 
 take advantage of the offences alluded to ; which, 
 however, but the more closely united the friends of 
 truth: and as all were of one mind on the question 
 regarding the ordinances, neither did this oppose 
 any obstacle to the progress of the word of life. 
 
 We have stated tlial the parish of Diurnish was 
 the most lately visited by the Divine influence. 
 The awakening there took place a few years after 
 the general revival in the country, and also by 
 means of the meetings already described. The 
 same effects, both as to external appearances and 
 permanent good, followed in the one as in the 
 other; and a great number, for the extent of the 
 population were turned unto the Lord. The desire 
 to hear, and be benefited by, the word of salvation 
 equalled now what existed in the earlier revival ; 
 and it was often a stirring sight to witness the mul- 
 titudes assembling during the dark winter evenings 
 — to trace their progress, as they came in all direc- 
 tions across moors and mountains, by the blazing 
 
SKVE. 
 
 179 
 
 torches which they carried to light their way to the 
 places of meeting. The word of the Lord was 
 precious in those days; and personal inconvenience 
 was little thought of when the hungering soul 
 sought to be satisfied. 
 
 The awakening now, as during the period of the 
 greater eflfusion of the Spirit, was principally con- 
 fined to those not much advanced in life — of the 
 age oi fifteen, and under, to thirly, both married 
 and unmarried. But there were some striking ex- 
 ceptions to this rule on both occasions. One man, 
 eighty years of age, was brought under great con- 
 cern, lived a few years as a professed Christian, 
 and died, it is believed, in the Lord. A still more 
 wonderful instance of the power of Divine grace 
 was afforded in the case of a poor man, residing 
 in the parish of Bracadale, above one hundred years 
 old, who, in the judgment of charity, passed from 
 death to life ; having, from being ignorant and un- 
 holy, renounced his dependence on a covenant of 
 works, and embraced the faith which purifies the 
 heart and overcomes the world. The conversion 
 of an idiot, or rather half-witted person, who after- 
 wards emigrated with his relations to America, 
 constituted another triumph of that grace which 
 was so bountifully communicated in this hitherto 
 barren wilderness. But lime would fail to enu- 
 merate all the instances of this kind which occurred 
 — including some, of persons little known, during 
 their life, to be more than mere professors, who 
 on their death-bed evinced tlie reality of the change 
 that had been wrought on their souls. These are 
 mentioned as illustrative of the sovereignty of God 
 in the communications of his grace ; and to en- 
 courage all who plead for them to remember that 
 with him nothing is impossible — that he doth 
 
180 EEVIVALS OP RELIGION. 
 
 '* wonderful things," and that his " counsels of old 
 are faithfulness and truth." 
 
 In 1823, Mr. Shaw died ; but the Lord had pre- 
 pared one to do more than fill his place, in the per- 
 son of Mr. Roderick McLeod, wHo was appointed 
 to succeed him in Bracadale. As a missionary in 
 the neighbourhood, he had for a few years filled 
 the office, without possessing the spirit or doing 
 the work of an evangelist ; but when thus " far off," 
 it pleased God to " call him by his grace, and to 
 reveal his Son in him" — so preparing and qualify- 
 ing him to preach the " glorious gospel." With 
 his change of views and practice, as a minister of 
 the New Testament, he adopted the sentiments, 
 prevalent among the religious in the country, on 
 the question regarding the ordinances. His un- 
 flinching adherence to these, and a consequently 
 unusual strictness in the rule of admission, soon 
 involved him in troubles in the church courts, 
 whilst it endeared him to all those in the country 
 who had turned from their idols to serve the living 
 God. If any one thing could have succeeded in 
 separating for ever from our church this valuable 
 body of devoted adherents, it would have been the 
 deposition of this estimable man. Let us hope 
 that the days have gone by when such a risk might 
 exist, nay, let us hope that the time has come for 
 the calm discussion of the principle of such vital 
 importance to the interests of true religion, for 
 which he has so long contended. 
 
 Under Mr. McLeod's ministry the good work 
 was prolonged, and, from time to time, through 
 his instrumentality, many were "added to the 
 church of such as should be saved." A door was 
 still kept open for Mr. McDonald of Urquhart, 
 whose apostolic visits continued to be regularly 
 
SKYE. 
 
 181 
 
 paid, and whose faithful ministrations, during the 
 whole progress of the work, had been evidently 
 acknowledged. Still more recently, another door 
 was opened for him in Snizort, where Mr. McLach- 
 lan, now of Cawdor, during a short ministerial 
 course, zealously preached the doctrine of the cross, 
 and did not run in vain. 
 
 In 1830, Donald Munro died — a man highly 
 honoured of the Lord, and whose memory will be 
 had in everlasting remembrance. It is impossible 
 to reflect on his career without being impressed 
 with the truth that God is " no respecter of per- 
 sons," and that the distinctions, of which men are 
 apt to make so much, are often lightly set by of 
 him. He can choose his instruments from the 
 most unlikely materials, and, in performing his 
 works of wonder, strikingly prove that " the ex- 
 cellency of the power is of himself." He once 
 selected a child of tender years, through whom to 
 speak to his people, passing by a regularly appoint- 
 ed and aged servant ; and not more forcibly did he 
 then announce, than he has done among us, by the 
 history of Donald Munro: " Them that honour 
 me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be 
 lightly esteemed." 
 
 This good man's services, although principally 
 confined to Skye, were not exclusively so. He 
 sometimes visited the mainland, especially on sacra- 
 mental occasions ; but wherever he proceeded the 
 same holy influence was made to accompany him, 
 and the Lord honoured him as the means of pro- 
 moting his cause. A little anecdote, well known, 
 will illustrate his zeal and manner of proceeding 
 during such solemn occasions as we refer to. In 
 this district of the Highlands, immense numbers 
 from incredibly remote points assemble to the ordi- 
 
182 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 nance of the Supper, where faitliful preaching or 
 esteemed ministers are expected. They are usually 
 accommodated at night in barns or large outhouses 
 — the males occupying one department of the build- 
 ing, the females the other. A stranj^er who had 
 never heard of Donald came to attend, on an occa- 
 sion, at Lochcarron, during the ministry of the late 
 Mr. Lachlan M'Kenzie, a man most eminent 
 among his own people in his day and generation. 
 The stranger had his bed allotted him in a large 
 barn with a multitude accommodated in the same 
 way. During the darkness of the night, he was 
 aroused from his slumbers by a voice calling aloud 
 " awake, awake !" The summons seemed to be 
 obeyed, as if expected, judging by the movement 
 which he perceived all around him. He then heard: 
 "Let us sing to the praise of God," pronounced 
 by the same voice. Several verses were distincdy 
 enunciated amidst the darkness and the stillness of 
 the night. They were sung, each line being regu- 
 larly announced, with thrilling effect. Prayer was 
 then offered up, the stranger perceiving all his fel- 
 low lodgers on their knees, and instinctively fol- 
 lowing their example. This duty ended, and a 
 long portion of Scripture was distinctly pro- 
 nounced. He was amazed : but much more was 
 this the case when he listened to a striking and 
 powerful exposition, with references to other Scrip- 
 tures, in proof or in illustration of doctrine, conclud- 
 ing with an irresistible appeal to the consciences of 
 all who were present, it is not said that the stranger 
 had " come to scoff," — but it is to be feared an 
 idle curiosity, which too often guides many to such 
 places, had led him thither: there is reason to be- 
 lieve, however, that he "remained to pray." The 
 Lord had conducted him by a way which he knew 
 
SKYE. 
 
 183 
 
 not, when He directed his steps to the place to 
 which he had come — He had touched his heart — 
 and, from that day forth, this wanderer on ihe 
 mountains of vanity, sought Sion with his face 
 thitherward. 
 
 It only remains to be added that the meetings are 
 still maintained in Skye, and that they prosper, 
 through the blessing of God. Donald Munro has 
 several worthy successors — places of assembly 
 have been erected, and, from time to time, the 
 "good Shepherd," by means of the services there 
 engaged in, brings home some lost sheep, and feeds 
 those who are already in the fold. In any parish 
 in which the privilege of faithful and acceptable 
 preaching in the church is enjoyed, the meetings 
 are not held on the Sabbath, except in districts so 
 remote as to preclude the possibility of attending 
 there. But in all the parishes which enjoyed the 
 divine influence they are maintained on week days ; 
 the Sabbath being likewise appropriated in cases 
 where the views of the ministers do not accord with 
 those of the large body who adhere to the meetings. 
 The attachment to the established church, on the 
 part of this body, remains unaltered, whilst they 
 continue to long for the time when the Lord will 
 again beautify his Sion by reviving his work in 
 midst of the years, and by sending times of refresh- 
 ing from his presence throughout her whole ex- 
 tent. 
 
 The preceding narrative may well encourage all 
 who pray for Jerusalem to continue instant in that 
 duty — to wait patiently for Him, who will come 
 and not tarry, and who is to be inquired of to do 
 for Israel the good thing which he has purposed. 
 It forcibly teaches also that we are not to despise 
 the day of small things. To the eye of sense how 
 
184 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 hopeless was the cause of religion in Skye, when 
 Munro stood alone there, friends as yet being few, 
 and opponents many. Yet how striking at last 
 was the testimony given to the persevering faithful- 
 ness of that humble man, who went out without 
 the camp, bearing the reproach of Christ, and 
 though he had little to lose, willingly suffered the 
 loss of what he had, to follow Him. May every 
 one who loves the Lord Jesus hear and obey the 
 commandment: " Go thou and do likewise." 
 
 The divine sovereignty, manifested in the work 
 in Skye, ought to give encouragement to those who 
 long for such manifestations of grace as were there 
 afforded. No circumstances can be so hopeless as 
 to justify a cessation of diligence in the use of such 
 means as are ordinarily employed by the eternal 
 Spirit, in his work, or to warrant us in saying that 
 his day of power is not to come with its many 
 blessings. On the contrary there is every thing in 
 the word and in his dealings with the church as the 
 foregoing narrative illustrates, to animate us in the 
 exercise of increased faith, and a more lively hope, 
 even as to situations where the darkness is deepest 
 and the " spirit of slumber," the most profound. 
 Let us therefore " gird up the loins of our mind, 
 and hope to the end for the grace that is to be 
 brouorht unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 
 
185 
 
 PART XI 
 
 KILSYTH, 1839. 
 
 Being the Sahstance of a Statement by the Rev. Mr. Burns, 
 Minister of the Parish, drawn up at the request of the 
 Presbytery of Glasgow, with additions. 
 
 I WAS admitted to the charge of this parish on the 
 19th April, 1821, on which I entered "in weak- 
 ness, and in fear, and in much trembling."* I 
 saw a beautiful valley before me, like that of Sodom, 
 rich and well watered ; but, alas ! it bore too close 
 a resemblance to it also in its spiritual and moral 
 aspect. Yet there were several Lots, yea Jacobs, 
 among them, who prayed and wrestled for the 
 return of the time of revival. This was often re- 
 ferred to in the prayers of my predecessor, and 
 familiar to the ears of our people, who seemed to 
 think it an honour to have their father's names 
 and sepulchres thus built up and honoured, while 
 they, alas ! followed not their example. 
 
 A visitation of every family in a parish, after a 
 minister's induction, is generally an important event 
 in its history. Nothing could have been more 
 kind than the reception I received from all classes 
 
 * 1 Cor. ii. 3— -my first text on Sabbath, the 21st April. 
 
186 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 and denominations, and which has met me ever 
 since in ray annual rounds. The appearance, too, 
 at church, and the solemnity and prayers at fune- 
 rals, struck me as indicative of more of a spirit of 
 religion than I had anticipated: but these good 
 symptoms were overbalanced by the appalling num- 
 ber who attended no place of worship, and by the 
 woful prevalence of intemperance, and the lightness 
 with which that vice seemed to be regarded, even 
 by religious professors. I was struck with the 
 meaning of our Saviour's words, " Because iniquity 
 shall abound, the love of many waxeth cold," 
 
 There were four or five prayer meetings at that 
 time in the ivhole parish : one of these, composed 
 of the session members, had continued ever since the 
 days of Robe. In 1823, classes on week-day even- 
 ings, for youth of both sexes from fourteen to twenty 
 years, were opened by myself. Four of the elders, 
 who are now so active in the cause of revival, were 
 members of the young men's class. Of late years 
 a great increase in numbers and efficiency has taken 
 place in the Sabbath schools; and in 1826, a most 
 important improvement took place in the mode of 
 parochial teaching. The mind and heart were 
 daily plied with the lessons of heavenly as well as 
 secular wisdom. In 1829, however there were 
 frightful outbreakings of wickedness, arising out of 
 drunken quarrels. A day was set apart (January, 
 1830) for fasting and prayer on this account, and 
 the reasons thereof set forth by a memorial from 
 the Kirk Session. It was very solemnly observed, 
 and was followed by an evident blessing. In 1832, 
 the cholera visited this country. We saw a dark 
 cloud discharging itself on the neighbouring town 
 of Kirkintilloch; and our people seemed to reason 
 with themselves, "whether this comes from east or 
 
KILSYTH. 
 
 187 
 
 west, whether from natural or moral causes 7/'e may- 
 be assured of a visit of this dire calamity." (Yet 
 it never actually came to us !) We had prayer 
 meetings weekly in town and the two Baronies, 
 which were flocked to by many, anxious that they 
 might not die unprepared. The panic soon subsid- 
 ed, and the prayer meetings were thiimed. I see 
 it n\arked in my day-book, May 13, 1832, " Inti- 
 mated prayer meetings for revival of religion.''^ 
 Several lectures were given on the subject; at the 
 same time commenced the monthly tract distribu- 
 tion, and exertions to arrest the tide of intempe- 
 rance, and the conducting of funerals without any 
 other service excepting a prayer. In March, 1836, 
 after the communion, a prayer meeting was held in 
 the church, especially for revival, addressed by the 
 Rev. Mr. Walker of Muthil, who had preached on 
 the subject on the Friday before, after which the 
 prayer meetings in dwelling-houses were consider- 
 ably increased in number, and in attendance — all 
 in connexion with the Church. The Methodists 
 had been for some years more or less active, both 
 in the town and the East Barony, and had roused 
 not a few careless individuals ; and the members of 
 the Relief set about similar meetings. Sabbath 
 evening lectures, of a very plain and familiar char- 
 acter, have been more or less resorted to, but regu- 
 larly for three seasons ; and have been mentioned 
 by several individuals as the means of first impres- 
 sing their hearts. A goodly number of poor peo- 
 ple came out to these evening sermons, who could 
 not be brought to attend on the ordinary services. 
 Prayer meetings have been referred to by many as 
 the means of their first serious thought ; and ser- 
 mons delivered in the church-yard last summer, by 
 Mr. Somerville of Anderslon, and by myself, have 
 
188 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 been often menlioned as having been blessed to 
 awakening- and enlivening. Nine months ago, a 
 new missionary meeting began, which interested 
 many of our people. Still, after all these and other 
 symptoms of good, it was not till Tuesday, the 
 23d July, that a decided and unquestionable religi- 
 ous revival took place. We may well say of the 
 amazing scene we iiave witnessed, " When the 
 Lord turned our captivity we were as men that 
 dreamed/' We have, as it were, been awakened 
 from a dream of a hundred years. 
 
 The communion had been, as usual, upon the 
 third Sabbath, and 21st day. Intimation had been 
 made upon the Saturday, that the minister would 
 wish to converse with such persons as were under 
 religious concern, inasmuch as two or three had 
 previously called upon that errand. The effect 
 was that several other individuals did come to con- 
 verse. The Monday evening was the half-yearly 
 general meeting of our Missionary Society, when 
 a sermon was delivered by Dr. Burns of Paisly — 
 text, Isaiah, lii, 1: "Awake," &c. It was inti- 
 mated that Mr. William C. Burns, who had preach- 
 ed several times with much power during the 
 solemnity, would address the people of Kilsyth 
 next day, if the weather proved favourable, in the 
 open air, the object being to get those to hear the 
 word who could not be brought out in the ordinary 
 way. It was known too, that he was very shortly 
 to leave this place for Dundee, and probably soon 
 to engage in missionary labours in a distant land. 
 The day was cloudy and rainy. The crowd, how- 
 ever, in the Market Place was great ; and, on being 
 invited to repair to the church, it was soon crowded 
 to an overflow — the stairs, passages, and porches, 
 being filled with a large assemblage of all descrip- 
 
KILSYTH. 189 
 
 tions of persons in their ordinary clothes. The 
 prayer was solemn and affecting; the chapter read 
 without any comment was Acts ii. The sermon 
 proceeded from Psalm ex. 3, " Thy people shall 
 be willing in the day of thy power." Throughout 
 the whole sermon there was more than usual seri- 
 ousness and tenderness pervading the hearers ; but 
 it was towards the close, when depicting the re- 
 markable scene at Kirk of Shotts, on the Monday 
 after the communion there, 1630, when, under the 
 preaching of Mr. John Livingstone, a native of Kil- 
 syth, five hundred were converted,* that the emotions 
 of the audience became too strong to be suppressed. 
 The eyes of most of the audience were in tears ; 
 and those who could observe the countenances of 
 the hearers expected half an hour before, the scene 
 which followed. After reciting Mr. Livingstone's 
 text, Ezekiel xxxvi. " A new heart will I give," 
 &c., and when pressing upon his hearers the all- 
 important concern of salvation, while, with very 
 uncommon pathos and tenderness, he pressed im- 
 mediate acceptance of Christ, each for himself — 
 when referring to the affecting and awful state, in 
 which he dreaded the thought of leaving so many 
 of them whom he now saw probably for the last 
 time — when, again and again, as he saw his words 
 telling on the audience, beseeching sinners, old and 
 young, to embrace Christ and be saved — when he 
 was at the height of his appeal, with the words, 
 »' no cross no crown,'^ — then it was that the emo- 
 tions of the audience were most overpoweringly 
 expressed. A scene which scarcely can be describ- 
 ed took place. I have no doubt, from the effects 
 
 * See the Narrative of this Revival in Part IV. of this 
 Series. 
 
 17 
 
190 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 which have followed, and from the very numerous 
 references to this day's service, as the immediate 
 cause of their remarkable change of heart and life, 
 that the convincing and convening influence of the 
 Holy Spirit was at that time most unusually and 
 remarkably conveyed. For a time the preacher's 
 voice was quite inaudible; a psalm was sung 
 tremulously by the precentor, and by a portion of 
 the audience, most of whom were in tears. I was 
 called by one of the elders to come to a woman 
 who was praying in deep distress ; several indivi- 
 duals were removed to the session-house, and a 
 prayer meeting was immediately commenced. Dr. 
 Burns, of Paisley, spoke to the people in church, 
 in the way of caution and of direction, that the 
 genuine, deep, inward working of the Spirit might 
 go on, not encouraging animal excitement. 
 
 The church was dismissed after 1 had intimated 
 that we were ready to converse with all who were 
 distressed and anxious, and that there would be a 
 meeting again in the evening for worship at six 
 o'clock. We then adjourned to the vestry and 
 session-house, which were completely filled with 
 the spiritually-afflicted, and a considerable time 
 was occupied with them. Several of the distressed 
 were relieved before we parted. These were per- 
 sons believed to be Christians, but who were not 
 before this rejoicing in hope. Others continued 
 for days in great anxiety, and came again and 
 again ; but are now, generally speaking, in a peace- 
 ful and hopeful state, and have been conversing 
 with a view to admission to the Lord's table. 
 
 In the evening the church was again crowded to 
 excess. Mr. Lyon of Banton lectured on the para- 
 ble of the prodigal son, and Mr. William C. Burns 
 preached from Matth. xviii. 3, " Except ye be con- 
 
KILSYTH. 
 
 191 
 
 verted," &c. The impression was deepened ; but 
 there was no great excitement, the aim of the 
 preacher bein^ to forward a genuine work of the 
 Spirit.* A great many came to the manse to speak 
 about their souls. Evening meetings in the church 
 were continued without intermission, and even in 
 the mornings occasionally. Our hands were full, 
 but the work was precious, and often delightful. 
 Our elders and praying men were, and still are, very 
 useful in aiding us. He who was honoured as the 
 chief instrument of the awakening was earnestly 
 sought out, and our part in it became comparatively 
 small till the work had made progress. 
 
 On Thursday, the 25th, the day proving favour- 
 able, the meeting was called in the Market Square, 
 where an immense crowd assembled at half-past 
 six. From the top of a stair Mr. W. C. Burns 
 addressed upwards of three thousand from Psal. 
 Ixxi. 10, "I will go in the strength of the Lord 
 God." The emotions of the audience were power- 
 ful, but for the most part silent, though now and 
 then there might be the utterance of feeling, and, 
 in countenances beyond numbering, expressions 
 of earnest and serious concern. Six young girls, 
 from fourteen to sixteen years, two of them or- 
 phans, came next day bathed in tears, and seeking 
 Christ. The scene was deeply affecting. This 
 day (26ih) many conversations were held by Mr. 
 VV. C. Burns in the session-house; by myself and 
 my other son (on trial for license) in the manse. 
 Upon Sabbath, the 28ih, the church was crowded, 
 and with the unusual appearance of not a few 
 females without bonnets and men and children in 
 
 * Mr. W. C. Burns found it impossible to leave a scent 
 so interesting, and Mr. Lyon went to Dundee to supply his 
 place. 
 
192 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 week-day and working dresses. I preached from 
 Heb. iv. 16. In the afternoon we met at three in 
 the churchyard, where there assembled not fewer 
 than four thousand. The sermon by Mr. W. C. Burns 
 was solid and impressive, from Rom. viii. 1. He 
 finished about five o'clock; butafterthe blessing was 
 pronounced, about a third part either remained or 
 soon returned, of various ages, but especially young, 
 which led to various questionings, at first, and then 
 remarks, and appeals frequently repeated, which 
 led to great meltings of heart in many, and, in a 
 few cases, to considerable agitation; so much so, 
 that my son and I continued to address the hearers 
 in various ways-, and to sing and pray over and 
 over again, the people still unwilling to depart. 
 Four of our pious men, two of whom were elders, 
 were called to pray at intervals, which they did in 
 a most appropriate and affecting manner. Even 
 at half-past eight it was with difficulty we got to a 
 close, proposing to have a meeting next morning 
 at seven in the church. A great many still pressed 
 around as we left the churchyard for the manse, 
 and several remained till eleven or twelve o'clock. 
 Next morning I went to the church at seven, after 
 calling on an aged woman on the way, whose cries 
 of distress arrested me. Even at that early hour 
 there were from two to three hundred met in solemn 
 silence, joining with me in prayer and praise, and 
 listening to a short exposition of Song, ii. 10—14. 
 Through the whole day conversations were held 
 in the manse, and in the vestry and session-house. 
 In the evening the bell rung at half-past six. The 
 church being before that filled, and as great a num- 
 ber pressing forward, it was found necessary to 
 adjourn to the Market Square. Mr. Somerville of 
 Anderston addressed a very large assembly of most 
 
KILSYTH. 193 
 
 attentive hearers, from John xvi. 14. At the close 
 I was called to see three or four very affecting 
 cases of mental distress, and there was still a desire 
 to get more of the word and prayer. There was 
 an adjournment to the church, where at first, as I 
 understand (for I was engaged as above stated,) 
 there was considerable excitement, but which sub- 
 sided into solemn and deep emotion, while Mr. W. 
 C. Burns and Mr. Somerville addressed the people, 
 and joined in prayer and praise. Next day at 
 eleven a. m. Mr. Somerville again addressed a full 
 congregation in the church. 
 
 Ever since the date to which I have brought this 
 imperfect narrative, widi the exception of one 
 evening, we have had meetings every evening 
 for prayer, for the most part along with preaching 
 of the word. On the evening referred to (the 6ih 
 August,) there was held a meeting in the Relief 
 church, which, was crowded by various classes, 
 the work expressly approved of by the ministers 
 present, Mr. W. Anderson of Glasgow, and Mr. 
 Banks of Paisley. From the first the people of 
 the Relief congregation seemed interested in the 
 work equally with our own people, and thiere ap- 
 pears to this day to be much of the spirit of love 
 diffused among us. The state of society is com- 
 pletely changed. Politics are quite over with us. 
 Religion is the only topic of interest. They who 
 passed each other before, are now seen shaking 
 hands, and conversing about the all-engrossing sub- 
 ject. The influence is so generally diffused, that 
 a stranger going at hazard into any house would 
 find himself in tlie midst of it. 
 
 The awakening in the newly-erected parish of 
 Banton has of late become most intensely interest- 
 ing. At a prayer meeting in the school there, the 
 
194 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 whole present, above one hundred men and women, 
 not a few of them hardened miners and colliers, 
 were mehed. Every night since this day week 
 there have been meeiings in the church of I3anton, 
 and many earnest inquirers. The missionary, Mr. 
 Lyon, wliose labours have been for upwards of a 
 year greatly blessed, has been aided, as I have been, 
 by many excellent friends in the ministry, and the 
 work goes on there in a manner fully as surprising 
 as here. I am under obligations to my brethren 
 for iheir ready and efficient services. I may just 
 mention Mr. Duncan of Glasgow, Mr. Macnaugh- 
 tan of Paisley, Mr. Moody of Edinburgh, Mr. 
 M'Donald of Urquhart, and Mr. Jamieson Willis, as 
 having been longest with us, and given valuable 
 assistance ; with Mr. Salmon, our former teacher. 
 
 We are tried by the intrusion among us of teach- 
 ers who are likely to sow divisions, some of them, 
 Stranoubt, much safer in doctrine than others, 
 no dgers also who come among us, from good 
 motives, are in danger of injuring our converts by 
 over-kindness, and bringing them too much into 
 notice. Enemies are waiting for occasion of 
 triumph ; and professors of religion, of a cold des- 
 cription, are doubting and waiting a long time ere 
 they trust that any good is doing. Meantime the 
 work proceeds most certainly ; and from day to 
 day there are additions to the " Church of such as 
 shall be saved." The sermons preached are none 
 of them eccentric or imaginative, but sound and 
 scriptural ; and there is not, as formerly, a tendency 
 to compare the merits of preachers, but a hearing 
 in earnest, and for life and death. 
 
 The waiting on of young and older people at 
 the close of each meeting, and the anxious asking 
 of so many " what to do" — the lively singing of 
 
KILSYTH. 195 
 
 the praises of God, which every visiter remarks — 
 the complete desuetude of swearing and foolish 
 talking in our streets — the order and solemnity at 
 all hours pervading ; the song of praise and prayer 
 almost in every house — the cessation of the tu- 
 mults of the people — the consignment to the flames 
 of volumes of infidelity and impurity* — the coming 
 together for Divine worship and heavenly teaching 
 of such a multitude of our population day after 
 day — the large catalogue of new intending commu- 
 nicants giving in their names, and conversing in 
 the most interesting manner on the most important 
 subjects — not a few of the old, careless sinners, 
 and other frozen formalists, awakened, and made 
 alive to God — the conversion of several poor col- 
 liers,! who have come to me, and given the most 
 satisfactory account of their change of mind and 
 heart, are truly wonderful proofs of a most sur- 
 prising and delightful revival. 
 
 The case of D. S., collier, may be mentioned 
 as interesting. He had for some lime been thought- 
 ful, and had given up entirely taking any intoxi- 
 cating liquor and might be characterized as one of 
 the more hopeful description. Since the present 
 awakening, he was deeply convinced of his sin and 
 misery, and for a month was deeply exercised, and 
 spending much time in secret prayer and reading 
 the Scriptures. On the evening of the 21st of 
 August, he had a meeting with several of his pray- 
 ing companions, and spent the night in prayer, 
 
 * W. S. in presence of an elder and several witnesses, 
 with his own hand took down some books of this descrip- 
 tion, and put them in the fire. 
 
 t A. B., T. A., J. S., W. P., and A. M., colliers, all 
 joined at the communion, after giving very satisfactory 
 accounts of their conversion. 
 
196 
 
 REVIVALS OF KELIGION. 
 
 praise, and converse. He appears to have obtained 
 peace during that night, and came home to his 
 house in a very happy state of mind. After taking 
 two hours' rest, he worshipped with his family, 
 and proceeded to his work. Being the foreman, 
 it was his lot to descend first into the pit, which he 
 did with unusual alacrity and with prayer. On 
 reaching the bottom, the air instantly exploded, and 
 in a moment he was ushered into eternity ! How 
 soothing and cheering the thought that he has es- 
 caped the everlasting burnings, and has passed 
 literally through the fire to the regions of glory ! 
 
 But the bounds of this communication will not 
 permit enlargement. The work I consider as on- 
 going and increasing. The limits of Satan's do- 
 mains here are diminishing daily. The account 
 not a few give of their conversion is, that they 
 could not think of being left a prey when others 
 were making their escape. There is thus a pro- 
 vision made for the increase of the kingdom of 
 Christ by a kind of laudable jealousy — a pressing 
 in ere the door be shut. 
 
 I have been engaged, and still continue to be 
 engaged, in conversing with new communicants ; 
 and never before now have I had such pleasant 
 work in listening to, and marking down, the ac- 
 counts which the youngest to the oldest give of the 
 state of their minds. While some, who seem to 
 be savingly impressed, have given a somewhat 
 figurative account of their feeling, yet, in by far 
 the greater number of instances, they give most 
 Scriptural and intelligible accounts of their convic- 
 tions, and of the grounds on which they rest their 
 peace. Their experiences are evidently so various, 
 as not to be in any degree copies of each other. 
 Yet they all end in building upon the sure founda- 
 
KILSYTH. 197 
 
 tion, Christ in the promise, and Christ formed in 
 them. The question naturally occurs, and has 
 been put, *' Is there any thing peculiar in the sub- 
 jects and mode of address of the sermons which 
 have been so remarkably successful?" I answer, 
 that upon a groundwork of solid, clear, and simply 
 expressed views of Divine truth, there was a great 
 measure of affectionate, earnest pleading, rich ex- 
 hibition of the fulness and freeness of the Gospel, 
 eminently calculated to convey to the hearers the 
 conviction and feeling of the sincerity of the preach- 
 er, and of the rich grace of the Lord Jesus. It 
 has also been a matter of general remark, that there 
 is an unction and deep solemnity inihe prayers of 
 the preacher who has been honoured to begin this 
 work, and which, perhaps, even more tlian the 
 sermons, have made way to the heart. We have had 
 much precious truth presented to us by my much 
 beloved brethren, to whom it must be gratifying to 
 be assured, that in conversations with my people, 
 there have been references, I may say, to each of 
 their discourses, as having been profitable, as well 
 as acceptable ; and that having been so well sup- 
 ported by their co-operation, and the Presbyterial 
 notice taken of the subject, we cherish the pleasing 
 hope, that, under the special and continuing bless- 
 ing of the great Head of the Church, this will 
 prove not only a genuine, but an extensive and a 
 permanent revival — the only means of arresting 
 our downward course, and effecting that blessed 
 consummation, which the diffusion of merely intel- 
 lectual knowledge will never accomplish. 
 
 WILLIAM BURNS, 
 
 Minister of Kilsyth. 
 Manse, Kilsyth, Sept. 16, 1839. 
 18 
 
198 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 N. B. On the 20th January this year, there was held a 
 meeting of a newly. organized Missionary Society, address- 
 ed by myself, Mr. Lyon, Mr. W. C. Burns, and Mr. John 
 Adam, student in divinity, which forms an era in this 
 parish. A good many who had taken no interest formerly 
 in religious concerns, began from this date to attend meet- 
 ings, and to give weekly offerings to the collection ; and 
 this is referred to by not a few as a time of refreshing. 
 
199 
 
 ACCOUNT OF THE COMMUNION 
 
 SEPTEMBER 22, 1839. 
 
 About three weeks after this remarkable work commenced, it 
 was considered most desirable and obbgatory to have another 
 communion season. The Session met lor special prayer for 
 direction as to the matter, and afterwards as to the time most 
 suitable. 
 
 The number of new communicants amounts nearly to ninety. 
 A few who spoke on the subject seem to have had scruples, and 
 did not come Ibrward With the exception of a very lew, the 
 account given of their views and spiritual condition has been 
 very pleasing and satisfying. They vary in regard to age from 
 twelve to three score and ten; a good many are from fifteen 
 to eighteen years of age. The work of examining, has been of 
 a different character from that of former years, wherein '• tt-e 
 have seen evil." JNo doubt the systematic knowledge of not a 
 few of them is deficient, and much pains must be taken by 
 themselves and by us in this matter. I have urged on the young 
 converts especially a very careful study of the Shorter Cate- 
 chism, and the earnest, close, and prayerful study of the Scrip- 
 tures. We solicit the prayers of Christian friends and ministers, 
 that we may have the great joy of seeing our children " walk- 
 ing in the truth," and established with grace. 
 
 The number of communicants would doubtless have been 
 greater had we defisrred the communion for a few weeks, as 
 the Banton revival is not so far advanced as to have furnished 
 a large addition. 
 
 A great concourse of people, including not a few genuine 
 friends of the Lord Jesus, assembled to our communion. It is 
 thought that not fewer than from twelve to fifteen thousand 
 were in and about the town of Ivilsyth upon the Lord's day ; at 
 the Tent the number is estimated at about ten or twelve thou- 
 .sand. The day was uncommonly favourable; and indeed during 
 the whole interesting season external circumstances were most 
 propitious, and having been made the matter of special prayer, 
 the answer should be marked and remembered. 
 
200 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 On the Fast day (Thursday) public worship began at the 
 usual hour, the minister commencing with praise and prayer, 
 and reading Psalms cxxvi. and cxxx. The Rev. C. J. Brown of 
 Edinburgh preached from Rom. vii. 9, "I was alive without the 
 law once," &c The Rev. Dr. Malan of Geneva preached 
 in the afternoon, from John xiv. 29, " Peace I leave with 
 you," &c. Mr. McXaughten of Paisley in the evening from 
 Isaiah xlii. 3, " A bruised reed shall he not break," &c. He 
 preached also at Banton, and Mr. Cunningham of Edinburgh 
 from the words in Rom. v. 8, "God commendeth his love to us." 
 Friday evening the Rev. Mr. Middleton of Strathmiglo preached 
 from Jer. viii. 22, " Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no phy- 
 sician there V Saturday Mr. W. C. Burns preached in the tent 
 to a large assembly from Rom. x. 4, " Christ is the end of the 
 law," <fec. In the evening Mr. Somerville of Anderston preach- 
 ed to a crowded audience from John xvi. on the work of the 
 Spirit. This was a remarkable night of prayer, secret and so- 
 cial ; probably there was not an hour or watch of the night alto- 
 gether silent. The beds were not much occupied : many, like 
 the Psalmist, prevented the dawning of the morning. The 
 morning bell rung at nine o'clock, and worship began at fully 
 twenty mmutes to ten, both in church and at the tent. The 
 action sermon was from John vi. 35, " I am the bread of life," 
 &c. Mr. Brown of Edinburgh fenced the tables. Mr. Rose of 
 Glasgow preached in the Tent and fenced the tables. 
 
 The first table, as usual, contained about one hundred; but 
 to prevent confusion and undue protraction of the services, 
 arising from so unusual a number of communicants, the second 
 was composed of those already seated in the body of the church; 
 after this the third was composed of those in the usual bounds, 
 with a few seats additional, and the remainder were served in 
 the usual tables, so that the great accession was not felt as any 
 obstruction to order or comfort. The ministers were at full 
 liberty to address the communicants without the constant urgen- 
 cy of studied brevity. There were eight services as follows: — 
 The Minister, first ; Mr. Martin of Bathgate, second ; Mr. Demp- 
 ster of Denny, third; Mr. Brown, fourth; Mr. Somerville, fifth; 
 Mr. Rose, sixth; Mr. Duncan, Kirkintilloch, seventh; and Dr. 
 Dewar, eighth. 
 
 Mr. Rose preached in the evening from Isaiah xlii. 3. All over 
 by nine, without interval. In the tent, after Mr. Rose, Mr. W. C. 
 Burns, Mr. Middleton, Mr. Somerville, and Dr. Dewar preached. 
 Mr. W. C. Burns preached again, by moonlight, to a great assem- 
 bly, from " The mountains may depart," d:c. All was most orderly 
 and decorous, and in many cases there were symptoms of deep 
 emotion. We have heard of several well authenticated cases 
 of persons who came with levity of mind and went away deep- 
 ly impressed; and of one or two who could not get away; but 
 remained over Monday. Besides the vast crowd at the tent, 
 
KILSYTH. 201 
 
 Messrs. Martin, Dempster, Brown, and Harper (of Bannockburn) 
 severally addressed groups of" people near the church, waiting 
 for entrance to the tables.* Alter public service, a great num- 
 ber of the godly strangers, and of our younger members, and of 
 persons concerned about salvation, remained. The younger 
 ministers present continued in exhortation, prayer, and psalms 
 successivel}^ for a considerable time in a most solemn, affec- 
 tionate manner, fieeling unusual enlargement in their own spi- 
 rits, with much of the felt gracious presence oi'God. 
 
 On Monday, at a quarter past eleven, probably from two to 
 three thousand assembled around the tent.t Dr. Devvar preached 
 from John xvi. 5, " He (the Spirit of truth) will convince the 
 world of sin," &c. Mr. W. C. Burns preached from Kzek. xxxvi. 
 23 — 26, " A new heart will I give you," 6:c. 'J"he hour of five 
 struck ere all was over, and very few withdrew previously. 
 The sensation was deep and solemn. In the evening Mr. Brown 
 preached in the church from "What do ye more more than 
 others?" Similar exercises were engaged in also on the Monday 
 night as on Sabbath night ; which the ungodly jeer at, the for 
 mal wonder at and censure, and which many good Christians 
 would at first pronounce rather carrying it too far. But the fact 
 is, that this is a spring-tide, a very uncommon season, in which 
 a rigid adherence to the rules of ordinary times must not be ap- 
 plied. We have been drawing up a large draught, and ihenels 
 cannot be kept and laid by so orderly and silently as usual. 
 
 This precious season of communion is now over and gone, 
 but the remembrance is sweet. Having been preceded, accom- 
 panied, and followed by a very unusual copiousness of prayer, 
 the showers in answer have been very copious and refreshing. 
 We are daily hearing of good done to strangers, who came 
 Zaccheus-like to see what it was, who have been pierced in 
 heart and have gone away new men. Our own people of Chris- 
 tian spirit have been greatly enlivened and strengthened, and 
 some very hopeful cases of apparently real beginnings of new 
 life have been brought to our knowledge. I feel grateful to the 
 God of grace and God of order in the churches, that there has 
 
 * The communion proceeded in the ordinary way in the Relief 
 church, with the assistance of Mr. Frew from St. Ninians. 
 
 t Many ministers were present that day. Besides those already 
 mentioned, we noticed Mr. Laurie of Gargunnock, Mr. Leitch, Stir- 
 ling, Mr. Hetherington of Torpichen, Mr. Cochran, Cumbernauld, 
 Mr. J. Willis, Mr. Bonar, and Mr. Morison of Larbert ; and Mr. Jef- 
 frey, Paisley. Mr. Lee of Campsie was present upon Saturday, and 
 on the Sai)bath Mr. Forman of Kirkintilloch and IVIr. Cochran. Many 
 excellent elders also were preser.t assistin;^ us, as Mr. II. Brown, 
 Fairley, Dr. Russell, Edinburgh, .Mr. R. Moody, Mr. II. Knox, Mr. 
 John Robertson, Mr. Hay Burns, 3Ir. Penney, Glasgow, Mr. Simpson, 
 Port Glasgow, Mr. McDonald, Cochno, Bailie Shaw, Rutherglen, and 
 Bailie McKenzic, Inverness. 
 
202 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 been such a concurrence of what is true, venerable, pure, just, 
 lovely, and of good report, and that little indeed has escaped 
 from any of us which can justly cause regret. We are anxious 
 (we trust we have a good conscience) that nothing should be 
 done against, but every thing /or the truth, that God in all 
 things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The solemn ap- 
 pearance of the communion tables, and the delightful manner 
 in which they were exhorted — the presence of not a few un- 
 usually young disciples at the tables — the seriousness of aspect 
 in all, and the softening and melting look of others, made upon 
 every rightly disposed witness a very delightful impression. 
 May the Lord give abundant increase. 
 
 For ninety years, doubtless, there has not been in this parish 
 such a season of prayer and holy communings and conferences 
 — nor at any period such a number of precious sermons deliver- 
 ed: the spiritual awakening and the genuine conversions at 
 this time are not few, and it is hoped will come forth to victory. 
 But the annals of eternity only will divulge the whole! 
 The enemy, the Devil, has been also among us, and isdoubtless 
 busy riow— more so than at the time of this dispensation. We 
 are not ignorant of his devices. 
 
 Yet upon the whole, there is much cause indeed to give God 
 the glory for what he hath wrought. That he halh been the 
 chief worker is most undoubted, for *' the Son of God was mani- 
 fested to destroy the works of the Devil," and his works have 
 been much damaged and brought down among us. The public 
 houses, the coalpits,* the harvest reaping fields, the weaving 
 loom-steads, the recesses of our glens, and the sequestered 
 haughs around, all may be called to witness, that there is a 
 mighty change in this place for the better. 
 
 The wicked sooff— nay,some we hear around us, or passing by, 
 have brought upon themselves thegreat guiltofspeakingevil of 
 this work. We pray for them. "They know not what they do!" 
 Some decent professors and moral people, are opposed to this 
 whole work, and say, "If it continue, it may do good," but they do 
 nothing to make it continue, and others throw cold water upon 
 it. It is strange, that when sermons seem to make no impres- 
 sion, these persons should feel no anxiety about the permanency 
 of the good expected — but when there is really appearance of 
 good impressions, their doubt should be e.xpressed about the 
 duration of the good promised. Shall we be satisfied that we 
 preach, and are heard, and no one showing any concern, but 
 just sitting, and it may be, sleeping out the hours, and return- 
 
 * A coal master here bears witness, that the colliers who were for- 
 merly drunk ten days in the month, are now sober, and that instead 
 of swearing, they have prayer-meetings below ground, and are order- 
 ly. And why should colliers not be numbered among saints, and be 
 kings and priests to God ? Pious colliers and miners, what a trea- 
 sure! 
 
KILSYTH. 203 
 
 ing home as they came? Surely, surely even a degree, yea, a 
 great deal of enthusiasm, is better than death-like insensibility. 
 
 Such godly fear has come upon the people, that scarcely a 
 single instance of intoxication, or any approach to it, has been 
 observed in the whole multitude assembled, vvherens formerly 
 the prevalence of this and the quarrels it engendered brought 
 dishonour on tent-preaching, and in fact extinguished it. 
 
 Special instances of good done are naturally called for. Many 
 memorable cases can be produced. Selection is difficult. A 
 woman from Airdrie was observed by a fiew around her to be 
 much impressed while Mr. VV. C. Burns preached. She at 
 length left the field and retired for prayer. After a little she 
 was followed by some praying people, who conversed with her. 
 She seems to have undergone a complete change, and went 
 away in a composed frame. A young gentleman from Glasgow, 
 with whom I and Mr. Brown conversed, who had come with 
 some indefinite notion of good or of being pleased, went home a 
 new man in Christ Jesus. I know several cases of whole 
 houses being really converted. Mrs. 11. has been converted in 
 a very wonderful way. She had been a very passionate regard- 
 less character, who with her husband and family spent the Sab- 
 bath day in drinking, and other tainted enormities; two pious 
 women, unknown to each other, had called upon her, telling 
 her that they could get no rest till they came to warn her of her 
 sin and danger. The poor woman thought with herself, if these 
 two are so concerned about me that mey cannot get rest, what 
 should be my concernment about myself? She attended a 
 prayer meeting, came home at midnight, and roused her family 
 to tell them of her change of mind. There seems a very re- 
 markable work of grace with the husband, and other branches 
 of the family. 
 
 A. B., collier, aged fifty, a month ago, w^asupon the road side 
 on the way from the church in great agony of mind when I 
 passed homewards. I at first thought he had been in drink: but 
 it turned out that he had Hannah-like been pouring out his 
 heart before the Lord, having got a sight of his sinfulness; he 
 went to his bible and prayed ; got heartening, as he expressed 
 it, from the thought that had come to him, ' Shall I be a cast- 
 away?' Enabled to lay hold on Christ as the Ransomer, and as 
 having paid the debt, he said, "Come life, come death, I will 
 depend on his merits and mercies:" resolving to be with Christ 
 henceforward. On receiving his token, he said, " I used to run 
 from you, but am now happy to meet. I served Satan fifty years: 
 I am now the Lord's." His two companions, J. S and T. A., gave 
 very satisfactory accounts of their change of heart, and are also 
 communicants. The accounts of other cases more detached and 
 interesting must be deferred. 
 
 I add a very few words in the way of inference. 
 
 Lst. Prayer united, as well as secret, for the bestowal of the 
 
204 
 
 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 
 
 Spirit's influence, is most important, and will sooner or latter be 
 heard. 
 
 2d. Extra means should be used to bring those without the 
 pale of any church to hear the Gospel. The preaching the for- 
 mer summer in the church-yard once and again, and the late 
 frequent addresses in the market and field, have most certainly 
 brought the word near to many who might have remained to 
 their dying day without hearing it. Assuredly these means 
 must be used, otherwise our newly provided churches will re- 
 main unoccupied, and in a great decree useless. 
 
 3d. There is a close connection betwixt Missionary work and 
 revivals. Our newly organized Missionary Society, in January 
 this year, has been marked by several people as an era. No 
 church can be in a lively state when nothing is done for the 
 heathen. 
 
 4th. The social nature of man is an important element in his 
 constitution, and exerts a powerful influence on the state of the 
 church and of the world. There are those who view the weav- 
 ers' shops as objects of unmingled aversion, as hotbeds of an- 
 archy; but when a good influence is made to bear upon the 
 minds of the operatives, the facilities for^oorf are proportional to 
 those for evil — the reviving interest spreads much quicker than 
 in a rural district. Let every minister of the Gospel, and every 
 Christian patriot keep this steadily in view, and ply the work- 
 shops with every good aad generous influence. jNever let us 
 cease in good times and bad, to essay to do good, in the morning 
 sowing seed, and in the evening wilholding not our hand : thus 
 are we to sow beside all waters. God give the increase ! 
 
 W. B. 
 
 Kilsyth, 30^A September, 1839. 
 
 THE END. 
 
DATE DUE