CHAPTEE m.
 

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- Foe sixty or seventy years after its completion, the
North Church was crowded with worshippers. Its
position, its venerable appearance, the pure Gospel
which never failed to resound within its walls, and
especially the piety and gifts of the illustrious line of
ministers who in turn or in succession occupied its
pulpit, all contributed to render it a favourite place of
worship, not only with people of Dutch descent, but
with many others of very difi'erent origin and associ¬
ations. There was a time not very remote when
every seat was occupied at any ordinary service on
the Lord's day.

But of late years the tendency has been quite the
other way. The rapid and constant growth of the
city demanded ever increasing accomodations for its
trade and commerce. Streets once filled with the
families of substantial and opulent citizens were
invaded by shops and warehouses,  and in  a short