MR Spiers having now concluded his mission and left us, we look back on his work with deep gratitude to God for sending
him among us, and for all the gracious work that he has done here by his servant. The mission continued for two weeks and a half and was conducted every evening except two, in Free St. John's Church. The other two evenings were given to Newhaven, where most interesting meetings were held.
A novel and attractive sight was presented to the eye as one passed along Charlotte-street, Tolbooth Wynd, or Kirkgate on
those evenings, from a quarter to seven and onwards. Children of various ages were hurrying forward in groups, or singly,
the hasty walk often passing into a run lest they should be too late. Then the sea of upturned faces, girls on the right and boys on the left, with teachers scattered among them, was a sight never to be forgotten. The galleries also were thronged with an eager audience, adults largely mingling with the children there.
After the first few nights, the attention was all that could be desired. The prevalent expression on these young faces
was pleasure; it was evident they enjoyed the meeting. In many cases this pleasure deepened into tearful interest; the
word was eagerly listened to, and the subdued singing of the beautiful hymns testified to the depth of feeling, while it
greatly tended to increase it.
Mr Spiers wins the attention and gains access to the understandings of the children in a remarkable manner; he does not bide the evil of sin and the certainty of ruin apart from Christ, but he chiefly seeks to draw by love. He interests the children,
and then teaches them, often taking parts of Scripture that one would think beyond the depth of little ones, but so explaining and illustrating them that the truth may be clearly seen and firmly grasped.
The first service being over, all who desired conversation with Christian friends were invited to remain, and many did so; and it was in these second meetings that the power accompanying the word was most apparent. The greatest stillness prevailed; the second meeting was begun with silent prayer and then quiet earnest conversation followed, some workers speaking to single individuals, and some to a small group. In many cases the same inquirers came night after night to the same worker, and so got continued instruction and guidance.
Many who had before believed got their views cleared and their hopes brightened. Many professed to receive Jesus as
their Saviour and their King. How glad and grateful did the workers feel as one after another apprehended the way of
salvation, and professed to enter into covenant with God through Christ.
If it were prudent, many most touching cases could be given. The true believers are known to God, and will be upheld and
kept by Him. This we can unhesitatingly say - that we have been privileged to see much fair and promising blossom, and
the fruit is sure to follow. The workers joined together with ever-growing gladness and Christian sympathy. They joyed with the joy of the harvest and felt a foretaste of the time when around their Father's throne they that sow and they that reap shall rejoice together. To God be all the Glory!
"The Christian," March 7th, 1878.
I do not know where the church was in Queen Charlotte Street