CHAPTEE VI.
 

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DuEiNG the closing months of the year 185T, this
was slow but sure. The general interruption of
business in consequence of the financial disasters of
the season, gave to many an opportunity of regularly
attending the meeting, of which a more prosperous
season would perhaps have deprived them. Others
were drawn by curiosity, and before they were
aware, became interested in the service, and were
induced to attend again and again. But it can
scarcely be doubted that the main cause of the
general popularity of the meeting was the gracious
purpose of the Lord, making use, in His adorable
sovereignty, of this means to alleviate the gloom of
temporal calamities, and lead the minds of the
cliildren of men to higher ends than " The meat that
perisheth." In no other way can we account for the
eagerness with which multitudes of men would flock
together at an unusual,  and to many most  incon-