Paddington Green (1860)



.PADDINGTON-GREEN.—Of all agencies now at work here none seems so manifestly owned of God as the open-air services held on Paddington-green and the neighbouring streets, both on week-days as well as the Sabbath. For nearly two months one has been held on the green every Monday and Wednesday evening, and those engaged in it have been struck with the remarkable attention and concern manifested by many who have stayed nearly or quite the whole service, though ap­parently but passers-by. Many anxious ones have been conversed with at the close, and many are now rejoicing who before were strangers to such peace.

I suppose there could scarcely have been less than 2,000 people assembled on the green last Sunday evening. These were divided into about fifty groups, the largest gathering being that which was addressed by some dear boys about thirteen or fourteen years of age. The sweetness and power with which they spoke seemed, by the Lord's blessing, to be irresistible, and many were evidently awakened.

After preaching, they adjourned with some young men who had been preaching near, to the Church-place Ragged-school, where the anxious were invited to accompany them. The two large rooms were nearly full in a very short time. After four or five brief prayers and singing, conversation commenced, and then it was apparent how many had been wrought upon by the Lord. Several were weeping in the deepest concern for their souls, whilst the Christians present were engaged in pointing them to Jesus. Nor was there wounding only, but the power to heal was likewise granted, and several went away rejoicing; one amongst the rest was a poor girl, whose anguish of soul was such as I scarcely remember ever witnessing in any case before. She had for some time thought herself a Christian, but now the terrible consciousness of being still unsaved pressed upon her. And for some time she wept bitterly, but before leaving her joy was equally as great. And never have I seen one a more blessed assurance of acceptance than was given her: "I know I am saved now;” “Christ is mine;” Oh, I do believe!” Another young girl also, who could not refrain from weeping and sobbing in her anxiety, went away rejoicing. Other cases occurred which I did not come under my own notice. I may mention another that did. It was that of a fine, intelligent young man, who appeared to be a sailor. Taking his hand as he left the room I asked respecting his state of soul. With a reality of expression and a depth of feeling which no one could mistake, he exclaimed, “I found Christ at your rooms this afternoon, sir.” I afterwards learnt that he had just arrived from America, and before leaving, had made some profession of religion, but had given it up when on board.

From the 'Revival Newspaper', Volume III, page 20.


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