the hands of Providence, to render, by his per- | sonal influence as a man and a soldier, no less signal service to the future advocate of Christianity in Rome, than by his writings as a historian of contemporary events, he has done to the general cause of Christianity in the world.

HOPE.

THERE is a thought can lift the soul

Above the narrow sphere that bounds it,

A Star, that sheds its mild control

Brightest when grief's dark cloud surrounds it;

And pours a soft, pervading ray,

Life's ills can never chase away.

When earthly joys have left the breast,

And ev'n the last fond hope it cherish'd
Of mortal bliss-too like the rest-

Beneath woe's with'ring touch has perished,
With fadeless lustre streams that light,
A halo on the brow of night.

And bitter were our sojourn here,

In this dark wilderness of sorrow,
Did not that rainbow beam appear,-
The herald of a brighter morrow;
A friendly beacon from on high,
To guide us to ETERNITY.

WATTS.

REVIVAL AT KILSYTH. STATEMENT BY THE REV. MR BURNS, MINISTER of THE PARISH.

Drawn up at the request of the Presbytery of Glasgow. AGREEABLY to the request of my brethren of the Presbytery, I will endeavour to give the substance of the communication I was called upon to make at last meeting, of the leading facts of the remarkable revival of religion which has taken place, and which, I am truly happy to say, is still proceeding in this parish. I would first refer to the judicious, and, generally speaking, faithful and accurate account given of the work in the last number of the Missionary Record.

There were, as is there stated, preparations for the work, and symptoms of a coming revival, particularly for two or three years past. Yet, after all, we may say of the amazing scene we have witnessed, and are daily witnessing, that "when the Lord turned our captivity, we were like men that dreamed." We have, as it were, awakened from a slumber of nearly a hundred years! I feel somewhat averse to revert to the communication which I made to the Presbytery, lest undue importance should be attached to the preliminary circumstances then stated; but I am not at liberty to keep back any part of the statement I made, while some things, then omitted, I am bound to bring into view.

I was admitted to the charge of this parish on the 19th April, 1821, on which I entered "in weakness, 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 referred 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 fathers' 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 mi. nister's induction, is generally an important event in its history. Nothing could have been more kind than the

1 Cor. 11, 3-my first text on Sablath the 21st April.

reception I received from all classes and denominations, and which has met me ever since in my annual rounds. The appearance, too, at church, and the solemnity and prayers at funerals, struck me as indicative of more of a spirit of religion than I had anticipated; but these good symptoms were overbalanced by the appalling number 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 whole parish: one of these, composed of the session members, had continued ever since the days of Robe. In 1823, classes on week-day evenings, for youth of both sexes, from fourteen to twenty years, were opened by myself. (Sabbath schools had been since 1809.) Four of the elders, who are now so active in the cause of revival, were members of the young men's class. In 1826, a most important improvement took place in the mode of parochial teaching, zealously prosecuted by one and another of these most useful auxiliaries, and pioneers of ministerial operations. The mind and the 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 (Janu ary 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 Kirkintulloch; and our people seemed to reason with themselves, "whe ther this comes from east or west, whether from natural or moral causes, we 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; and many consulted about the best preservative from the pestilence. The panic soon subsided, and the prayer meetings were thinned. I see it marked in my day-book, May 13, 1832, "Intimated prayer meeting for revival of religion." Several lectures were given on the subject: at the same time commenced the monthly tract distribution, and exertions to arrest the tide of intemperance, 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, especialy for revival (a sermon had been preached on the subject on Thurday before), after which the prayer meeting in dwelling-houses were considerably increased in num ber, and in attendance all in connection with the

Church. The Methodists had been for some year! more or less active, both in the town and in the East Barony, and roused not a few careless individuals; and the members of the Relief set about similar meetings Sabbath evening lectures, of a very plain and famil character, have been more or less resorted to, but re gularly for three seasons; and have been mentioned by several individuals as the means of first impressing ther hearts. A goodly number of poor people 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 sermons delivered in the church yard last summer, by Mr Somerville of Anderston, ard by myself, have been often mentioned as having been blessed to awakening and enlivening. Still, after al these and other symptoms of good doing and promising,

Mr Walker of Muthill addressed the meeting from the words Zech, x. 12," I will strengthen them in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord."

it was not till Tuesday, the 23d July, that a decided | and unquestionable religious revival took place.

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 converse. The Monday evening was the half-yearly general meeting of our Missionary Society, when a sermon was delivered by Dr Burns of Paisley-text, Isaiah lii. 1, “Awake," &c. It was intimated that Mr William C. Burns, who had preached 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 Mr W. Burns was about 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, however, 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 descriptions 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 cx. 3, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." Throughout the whole sermon there was more than usual seriousness and tenderness pervading the hearers; but it was towards the close, when depicting the remarkable scene at Kirk of Shotts, on the Monday 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 suppressed. The eyes of most of the audience were in tears; and those who could observe the countenances of the hearers more distinctly than I can do, expected-what did actually take place-half an hour before, the scene which followed. After reciting Mr Livingstone's text, Ezekiel xxxvi." A new heart will I give," 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 this 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 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 persons 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 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. The text of the sermon, which was preached by Mr W. C. Burns, was Matt. xviii. 3, Except ye be converted," &c., and the impression was deepened; but there was no great excitement, the aim of the preacher being to forward a genuine work of the Spirit. (He found it impossible to leave the scene so interesting, and Mr Lyon, missionary at Banton, went to Dundee to supply his place.) 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 upwards of three thousand from Psalm 1xxi. 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 next day bathed in tears, and seeking Christ. The scene was deeply affecting. This day (the 26th) many conversations were held by Mr William C. Burns, in the session-house; by myself and my other son (on trial for license) 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. 15. In the afternoon we met at three in the church-yard, 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 frequently repeated, which led to great meltings of heart in many, and, in a few cases, to considerable agitation; so much 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. 5-10.

So,

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 number pressing forward, it was found necessary to adjourn to the Market Square. Mr Somerville of Anderston addressed a very large assembly 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 words of 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. M. Lourd de la Place, a French Protestant minister, addressed a very impressive exhortation, and seemed much affected with the scene.

Ever since the date to which I have brought this imperfect narrative, with the exception of one evening, (viz., the 6th August, when my son left us, after a most affecting meeting with a great number of young persons who clung to him with intense affection,) 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 August,) there was held a meeting in the Relief church, which was crowded by various classes, and the work was 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. Since I addressed the Presbytery, the awakening in the newlyerected parish of Banton has 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 miners 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 suprising as here. I am under obligations to my brethren for their ready and efficient services.

I may just mention Mr Duncan of Milton Church, Glasgow, Mr Macnaught an of Paisley, Mr Moody of Edinburgh, and 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, who spent two days among a people he had known for thirteen years, and whose observations and notes will be peculiarly valuable.

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 eecentric nor imaginative, but sound and scriptural; and there is not, as formerly, a tendency to compare and to assert the merits of preachers but the 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 askings 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, 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 won derful 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 liquors, 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 spent 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! The poor widow and five little children, and a mother on the verge of one hundred years of age, mourn the sad bereavement; but O 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 an on-going and increasing work. The limits of Satan's domains here, and the number of his vassals, 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 s provision made for the increase of the kingdom of Christ by a kind of laudable jealousy, a pressing i 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 young est to the oldest give of the state of their minds. We cannot, with a due regard to consequences, give de tailed accounts of cases, and conversations with such as appear to us to be genuine. Suffice it meantime, to say, that while some, who seem to be savingly in pressed, have given a somewhat figurative account of their feelings, yet, in by far the greatest number of instances, they give most scriptural and intelligible counts of their convictions, 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.