We have had a season of special blessing here lately. The way of the Lord had been prepared by means of some very delightful services which were held during the week of prayer in January, the establishment of a united prayer meeting, a week of prayer and effort on behalf of young men, which was succeeded by another week of evangelistic services in March, together with much private and family prayer on the part of God'speople. Towards the end of April, we invited Messrs Smith and Riddle, of the Scottish Evangelistic Association, to labour among us for two weeks. These devoted brethren began their work on May 3rd and concluded on the 22nd. The meetings were held in the Free Church and in the Congregational and Wesleyan chapels, - the respective ministers of which presided each evening, and the attendance and interest grew almost from the first. A few facts and incidents may best indicate the nature and amount of the good which has been accomplished.
In a senior class of girls connected with the Free Church Sabbath school, fourteen out of sixteen state that they have decided for Christ; and Mr Watt, the teacher, says that he must adopt a new course of instruction altogether.
On the night of the feeing market, a meeting for prayer was held in the Market Hall which was conducted by twenty-four young men who profess to have found the Saviour during this time of blessing.
A girl recently brought to Christ was observed in one of the after-meetings weeping bitterly, who, on being asked the cause of her distress, replied, "It is because my mother is not saved! When the Christian friend who spoke to her said that he would pray for her mother, another weeping girl sitting beside her said, "And pray for my mother."
Many special services were held for children. These were largely attended, and from time to time at the close many remained to be spoken with about their souls. There is ground to hope that a considerable number has been gathered into the fold of the Good Shepherd; one proof of which in the case of some would seem to be, that immediately after receiving the blessing themselves, they sent in requests for prayer on behalf of their unsaved companions.
Several aged persons also appear to have passed from "death to life."
Some individuals walked three or four and even six miles to be present at the meetings.
Several open-air services were held in the Market and in Market Square when many young men and others heard the word whom it would have been difficult to reach in any other manner.
A week of noon-day prayer meetings was held in the Congregational chapel which were felt to be a means of refreshing to all who attended.
It would be premature to speak of permanent results, but there can be no doubt that our brethren's searching and solemn gospel addresses, as well as their faithful and affectionate personal dealing with the anxious in the after-meetings, have been blessed to many. In addition to the work among the unsaved, not a few of God's people have been quickened into newness of life. Denominationalism did not once crop up during our meetings, but a spirit of love and harmony prevailed throughout, and members of the different Churches have come to know each other better and to live and labour as brethren. We thank and praise the Lord for what He has done, while we feel encouraged to hope that greater things are in store; and while we seek to gather up the fruit and spread the blessing, we would pray and look up for the more copious effusion of the Holy Ghost
J. B. JOHNSTONE.
"Times of Blessings," June 4th, 1874.
We can now only trace its course in the neighbouring parishes, in order to give some idea of its breadth. Commencing at Portsoy (where a good work is at present being done), on the Moray Frith, not far from the mouth of the Deveron, and moving inland nearly along its course, there is, contiguous to Portsoy, Cornhill; to Cornhill, Marnoch; to Marnoch, Rothiemay. Following, then, the course of the Bogie upwards from its entrance into the Deveron, contiguous to Rothiemay, there is Drumblade; to Drumblade, Gartly; to Drumblade and Gartly eastward, Culsalmond; near the source of the Ury to Gartly southward (following the course of the Bogie), Kinnethmont; to Kinnethmont, Premnay; to Premnay, Oyne; to Oyne, Garioch; to Garioch, Old meldrum and Inverurie. And now we are on the banks of the Don, sixteen miles from Aberdeen. And thus in
thirteen contiguous parishes, which, following the course indicated above, extend at least fifty miles in length by many in breadth along the banks of these rivers, the God of our salvation has been graciously sending streams of blessing from that river of life the streams whereof make glad the city of our God.
26th June, 1874.
"Times of Blessing," July 9th, 1874.
This building was built as a result of the revival. I cannot find out where the former building used to be.