The following letter regarding the revival movement at Newton Green was read in the Religious Institution Rooms on Thursday: —
Ayr, 25th Jan., 1860.
DEAR SIR, —I am sure it will rejoice your heart and that of those associated with you in the prayer meetings, to know that God has graciously visited the moral wilderness in this neighbourhood with the outpouring of His Spirit. A good work has now manifestly been begun in Newton Green. It was at a meeting last Thursday evening, when I addressed the people from the words, "Prepare to meet thy God." Several were impressed and awakened. When the concluding hymn was singing (the 29th of serie for revival times), especially the closing lines -
"My Christ is first, my Christ is last,
My Christ is all in all."
One woman felt a great weakness coming over her limbs. She, along with other women and several young lads, remained after the meeting dismissed, for advice, consolation, and prayer. Before midnight, a Christian friend was called to visit the first woman referred to, who had been crying out for mercy and would not be comforted. I saw her and others next forenoon, when they were more composed.
On Saturday evening, I held a little meeting with the anxious and their friends, which meeting seems to have been blessed, as a female who attended formerly in a distressed state professed to have got peace early on Sabbath morning. The expression of her countenance when the hymns were sung on Saturday evening indicated the approach of a peaceful time.
On Sabbath evening, I was under the necessity of giving two addresses in two different houses, so anxious were the people to hear the Word. During the first a woman had to be removed, crying out—"O, pray for me;" another was awakened, and after the second meeting these were conversed with and prayed for, and, although somewhat lightened of their burden, are still in distress.
Last night (Tuesday) there were upwards of 80 individuals assembled to hear the Word. On this occasion I enjoyed the valuable assistance of the Rev. Mr Stevenson of Newton Free Church, who has been most assiduous in his labours amongst the anxious and inquiring. Deep, earnest attention was given, and the people sung with all their heart. A sailor boy gave an interesting account of his conversion; he is a native of this place. A good number remained for further advice. Some youths in the foundry are under serious impressions and a meeting is fixed for them on Saturday afternoon. I may say that during the past week six individuals have been awakened — three profess to have got peace, and the other three are yet in distress.
"Scottish Guardian," January 28th, 1860
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