after the communion there, 1630, when, under the preaching of Mr. John Livingstone, a native of Kilsyth, five hundred were converted,* that the emotions of the audience became too strong to be sup. pressed. 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 xxxiv. "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 immediate 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 emotions of the audience were most overpoweringly expressed. A scene which scarcely can be described took place. I have no doubt, from the effects 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 converting 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 individuals 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 I 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 sessionhouse, 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 persons believed to be Christians, but who were not before this rejoicing in hope. Others continued for days in

• See the Narrative of this Revival in No. IV. of this series.

great anxiety, and came again and again; but are now, generally speaking, in a peaceful 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 parable of the prodigal son, and Mr. William C. Burns preached from Matthew xviii. 3, "Except ye be converted," &c. The impression was deepened; but there was no great excitement, the aim of the preacher being 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 favourable, 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 more than three thousand from Psalm lxxi. 16, “I will go in the strength of the Lord God." The emotions of the audience were powerful, 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 orphans, came next day bathed in tears, and seeking Christ. The scene was deeply affecting. This day (26th) many conversations were held by Mr. W. C. Burns in the sessionhouse; by myself and my other son (on trial for licence) in the manse. Upon Sabbath, the 28th, the church was crowded, and with the unusual appearance of not a few females without bonnets, and men and children in week-day and working dresses. I preached from Heb. iv. 16. In the after. noon we meet 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; but after the 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 fre. quently repeated, which led to great melt

• Mr. W. C. Burns found it impossible to leave a scene so interesting, and Mr. Lyon went to Dundee to supply his place.

ings 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 until 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 rang at half-past six. The church being before that filled, and as great a number pressing forward, it was found necessary to adjourn to the Marketsquare. Mr. Somerville, of Anderston, addressed a very large assemblage of most 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 subsided 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, with 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 6th of 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 there appears to this day to be much of the spirit of love diffused among us. The state of society is completely 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 subject. The influence is so generally diffused, that a stranger going at hazard into any house would find himself in the midst of it.

The awakening in the newly-erected parish of Banton has of late become most intensely interesting. At a prayer meeting in the school there, the whole present, above one hundred men and women, not a few of them hardened sinners and colliers, were melted. Every night since this day week there have been meetings in the church of Banton, and many earnest inquirers. The missionary, Mr. Lyon, whose 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 their ready and efficient services. I may just mention Mr. Duncan, of Glasgow; Mr. Macnaughtan, 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 teachers who are likely to sow divisions, some of them, no doubt, much safer in doctrine than others. Strangers 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 description, 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 the praises of God, which every visitor 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 tumults 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

⚫ W. S., in presence of an elder and several witnesses, with his own hand took down some books of this description, and put them in the fire.

the large catalogue of new intending communicants 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 colliers,* 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 surprising and delightful revival.

The case of D. S., collier, may be mentioned as interesting. He had for some time been thoughtful, and had given up entirely taking any intoxicating liquor, and might be characterised 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 August, he had a meeting with several of his praying companions, and spent the night in prayer, 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 escaped 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 going on and increasing. The limits of Satan's domains 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 provision 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 accounts 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 the most Scriptural and intelligible accounts of their convictions, and of the grounds on which they rest their peace.

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.

VOL. XVII.

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 foundation, Christ in the promise, and Christ formed in them. The question naturally occurs, and has been put, "Is there any thing peculiar in the subjects 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 exhibition of the fulness and freeness of the gospel, eminently calculated to convey to the hearers the conviction and feeling of the sincerity of the preacher, 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 in the prayers of the preacher who has been honoured to begin this work, and which, perhaps, even more than the sermons, have made way to the heart. We have 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 supported by their co-operation, and the Presbyterial notice taken of the subject, we cherish the pleasing hope, that, under the special and continuing blessing 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 intellectual knowledge will never accomplish.

WILLIAM BURNS,
Minister of Kilsyth.

Manse, Kilsyth, Sept. 16, 1839.

N.B. On the 20th of January this year, there was held a meeting of a newly-organised missionary society, addressed 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 meetings, and to give weekly offerings to the collection; and this is referred to by not a few as a time of refreshing.

Account of the Communion, Sept. 22, 1839.

About three weeks after this remarkable work commenced, it was considered most desirable and obligatory to have another communion season. The Session met for special prayer for direction as to the matter, and afterward as to the time most suitable.

3 B

The number of new communicants amounts to nearly ninety. A few who spoke on the subject seem to have had scruples, and did not come forward. With the exception of a very few, the account given of their views and spiritual condition has been very pleasing and satisfying. They vary in regard to age from twelve to threescore and ten; a good many are from fifteen to eighteen years of age. The work of examining

66

has been of a different character from that of former years, wherein we have seen evil." No 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 Catechism, and the earnest, close, and prayerful study of the Scriptures. We solicit the prayers of

Christian friends and ministers, that we may have the great joy of seeing our children "walking in the truth," and established with grace.

The number of communicants would doubtless have been greater had we deferred 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 Kilsyth upon the Lord's day; at the Tent the number is estimated at about ten or twelve thousand. 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.

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. Macnaughtan, 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 even

The friends of the good cause are requested to remember that very interesting new parish, and to assist us with the means of having our very useful missionary ordained as soon as possible. It would be truly interesting to have, in the course of a few months, a communion season there for the first time. Subscriptions in aid of Banton will be received by myself and by Mr. Robert Moody, writer, Glasgow.

ing the Rev. Mr. Middleton, of Strathmiglo, preached from Jer. viii. 22, "Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there?" Saturday, Mr. W. C. Burns preached in the tent to a large assembly from Rom. x. 4, "Christ is the end of the law," &c. In the evening, Mr. Somerville, of Anderston, preached to a crowded audience from John xvi. on the work of the Spirit. This was a remarkable night of prayer, secret and social; probably there was not an hour or watch of the night altogether silent. The beds were not much occupied: many, like the Psalmist, prevented the dawning of the morning. The morning béll rung at nine o'clock, and worship began at fully twenty minutes 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 100; 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 urgency of studied brevity. There were eight services as follows:-The Minister, 1st; Mr. Martin, of Bathgate, 2nd; Mr. Dempster, of Denny, 3rd; Mr. Brown, 4th; Mr. Somerville, 5th; Mr. Rose, 6th; Mr. Duncan, Kirkintilloch, 7th; and Dr. Dewar, Stb.

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 assembly, from "The mountains may depart," &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 deeply impressed; and of one or two who could not get away, but remained over Monday. Besides the vast crowd at the tent, Messrs. Martin, Dempster, Brown, and Harper (of Bannockburn) severally addressed groups of people near the church, waiting for entrance to the tables.* After public service, a great number of the godly

• The communion proceeded in the ordinary way in the Relief church, with the asistance of Mr. Frew from St. Ninians.

strangers, and of our younger members, and of persons concerned about salvation, remained. The younger ministers present continued in exhortation, prayer, and psalms successively, for a considerable time in a most solemn affectionate manuer, feeling unusual enlargement in their own spirits, with much of the felt gracious presence of God.

On Monday, at a quarter past eleven, probably from two to three thousand assembled around the tent. * Dr. Dewar preached from John xvi. 5, "He," the Spirit of truth, "will convince the world of sin," &c. Mr. W. C. Burns preached from Ezek. xxxvi. 23-26, "A new heart will I give you," &c. The 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 than others?" Similar exercises were engaged in also on the Monday night as on Sabbath night; which the ungodly jeer at, the formal 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 applied. We have been drawing up a large draught, and the nets 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, accompanied, 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 Zaccheuslike to see what it was, who have been pierced in heart and have gone away new men. Our own people of Christian 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 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

. Many ministers were present that day. Besides those already mentioned we noticed Mr. Laurie, of Gargunnock; Mr. Leitch, Stirling; Mr. Hetherington, of Torpichen; Mr. Cochran, Cumbernauld; Mr. J. Willis, Mr. Bonar, and Mr. Morison, of Larbert; and Mr. Jeffrey, of Paisley. Mr. Lee, of Campsie, was present upon Saturday, and on the Sabbath, Mr. Forman, of Kirkintilloch, and Mr. Cochran, Many excellent elders also were present assisting us, as Mr. R. Brown, of Fairley; Dr. Russell, of Edinburgh; Mr. R. Moody, Mr. H. Knox, Mr. John Robertson, Mr. Ilay Burns, of Glasgow; Mr. Simpson, of Port Glasgow; Mr. M⚫Donald, of Cochno; Bailie Shaw, of Rutherglen; and Ballie M Kenzie, of Inverness.

which can justly cause regret. We are anxious (we trust that we have a good conscience) that nothing should be done against, but every thing for the truth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The solemn appearance of the communion tables, and the delightful manner in which they were exhorted, the presence of not a few unusually 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 delivered: 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 is doubtless busy now, 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 hath been the chief worker is most undoubted, for "the Son of God was manifested 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 scoff, nay, some we hear around us, or passing by, have brought upon themselves the great guilt of speaking evil 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 impression, 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 expressed about the duration of the good promised. we be satisfied that we preach, and are heard, and no one showing any concern, but just

Shall

A coal master here bears witness, that the colliers who were formerly drunk ten days in the month, are now sober, and that instead of swearing, they have prayer meetings below ground, and are orderly. And why should colliers not be numbered among saints, and be kings and priests to God? Pious colliers and miners, what a treasure!