Young women’s Christian Association, 43 Crawford Street.
Last evening the addresses were given by young men of the north-west branch of the Young Men’s Christian Association and was simple but earnest. The gospel was stated in its plainness and much prayer of faith that not one soul might leave unsaved had been offered. In the course of about three quarters of an hour we sang twice, three prayers were offered and six addresses were delivered and the meeting closed. Immediately there were signs of distress, one and another began to weep, groups began to form about the room, many retired to an adjoining room into which I went and found eight or nine persons in deep concern, with young women kneeling about them almost inaudibly praying with them separately or whispering precious truth into their ears. The room in which the meeting had been held had become the scene of similar labour; many cases in this room were of touching interest. The sobbing in both rooms became most affecting, but soon cries of peace, peace! were heard from different parts; tears began to be wiped away and expressions of joy were upon many countenances which had been sad. I went down the broad staircase and upon the first landing was a group gathered around two or three in deep anguish, and presently most fervent prayer sounded through the house from this spot. In the hall below I found several other groups and the distress of a number here equalled that of those above. One young woman, finding herself surrounded by so many in dreadful anxiety, poured out a prayer of extraordinary fervency and power. Without noise or excitement, it more resembled an attempt to take heaven by force and violence than anything that I have heard. All were transfixed and wondered and adored. Till between 11 and 12 o’clock this quiet, solemn and effective work continued. Several ladies of rank and some gentlemen were present and remained until the end, unable to tear themselves away from a place so consecrated with God’s manifested presence and a work so Holy and so blessed. With regard to the number of persons under impression, it is scarcely possible for me to speak. Probably nearly 30 might be said to have been awakened. Most of these left with rejoicing, others weeping. We all felt that it was a point in our pilgrim way never to be forgotten, but to be eternally remembered.
From, 'The Revival', June 16th, 1860.