A very interesting time has been experienced at Smailholm in the present month. Robert Steel, Esq., a gentleman from Peeblesshire, who has been a good deal engaged in this work in various parts of the land, was invited here. The interest was very great, the large schoolroom where the meetings were generally held, was too small for the crowds that at last assembled, and for more room they were compelled to meet in a large granary, as wide as a church. There were no seats and the people had to stand, yet that proved no obstacle for their assembling, even although many of them had several miles to walk. At some of these meetings tears flowed in abundance from the beginning to the close; sometimes the weeping was so loud it was with difficulty that the speaker could be heard, and the singing of hymns was resorted to soothe the feelings of the people. On his way home one evening, crowds were in the distance singing a simple hymn. They were standing still, and one poor soul he noticed in their midst in intense agony of soul, praying, "Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus, have mercy on me! Oh Jesus come quickly!" This was repeated over and over again. For a few minutes Mr S. lifted up his voice and heart in prayer. A hymn was again sung, and when about to part, a wailing voice was heard crying, "Oh! pray again." And again they prayed in the dark and cloudy night. It has been a sweet and precious visit this to Smailholm and will be remembered by the simple but kind-hearted people.
Mr Stodart, one of Dr Bonar's missionaries, has been labouring at Stitchell with great success. It is another hamlet in Berwickshire, where the Lord is at present giving tokens of his presence in the awakening of the careless.
The whole district round Kelso seems more or less awakened. A resolute effort has been made there by the Rev Dr Bonar and his excellent missionaries, Messrs Stodart and Murray, and now the Rev Donald Grant who has lately joined them. This effort has been crowned with success. The Lord has graciously smiled upon it and there at abundant tokens of a blessing. Would that there was the same determined effort made all over the land. Greater blessings might be experienced than we
have yet seen in these late years.
"The Revival," January 22nd, 1863.
Location unknown.