Letters and Reminiscences, 1840–1842

R. BURNS, after his successful labours in Perth, ae left that city to preach elsewhere. But, wherever he went, he kept up a correspondence with the places where he had been, either by private letter, or printed epistle. From Kilsyth, Aug. 11, 1840, he wrote to the ‘disciples’ in Perth a long and fervent communication, which was printed and widely circulated. Instead of counting this an ‘interference,’ Mr. Milne greatly rejoiced in it, and helped the circulation with all alacrity. In sending a copy to Mr. Bonar of Collace, on the 3oth of September (1840), he thus writes on the outside of the printed document, ‘ What, think you, is this official-looking document? It is on the A7zmg’s business.’ And on the inside blank page he thus speaks : —

‘My DEAR BROTHER, — I have just laid my hand upon the preceding, which I somehow overlooked on Monday. I advised its publication, because I thought it would do good. I was a little annoyed to find a blind man on the bridge the other day selling a republication at a penny. But it will give him a morsel of bread, and may give the better food to others. I met the other day, and had a tilting match upon the subject. He said the old gentleman had written from Kilsyth that William was an evangelist. “Now,” said, “when I look into Ephesians, I find evangelist placed higher than pastor. But not content with this superiority, he is now sending his apostolic letters.” However, our friend, I believe, will do good, whether it please or displease. He writes, asking me to make inquiry if the magistrates would allow him to preach to-morrow (the Fair day) on the Inch. I feel with you that if souls may be saved, I shall not be the man to hinder it. Nobody but himself could or would do it. I shall see the provost to-day and inquire. When Satan is busiest, Christ is most needed. A. C. has just left me. She says, the first thing that disturbed her was the earthquake; she could not sleep for three nights. Then she heard you in the East Church, when you asked whether our earthquake had brought any to Christ. Every word came home to her. I love to trace your footsteps, brother; and rejoice that the Lord makes love a duty. It isa pleasant yoke. I find the Lord gives me a word from time to time. He is the interpreter, one of a thousand. Oh for a closer, humbler walk !?

In a note from Mr. M. to Mr. Somerville, Mr. Burns is thus referred to: ‘I found our friend William Burns waiting for me. He is to continue for a few days with me. He has been preaching to-night in the open air, — rather cold work, you will say, but he prefers it; and I rejoice that he should do good in any way he likes best.’

Not Perth only, but many parts of Scotland shared the ‘blessing. There was an earnestness in various quarters which was at times most touching; one village, and another, and another sending Macedonian messages to men of God in other places, ‘ Come over and help us,’

In a letter from Mr. Burns to myself, dated, ‘ Lawers Manse, Breadalbane, Sept. 20, 1840,’ there is the following statement : —

“We have been wondrously visited in the upper parts of Perthshire during the past six weeks, During that time I have been at Lawers and Ardeonaig, in Breadalbane; saat Glenlyon and Fortingall; at Aberfeldy, Grandtully, and Logierait, in Strathtay; in Dowally, Moulin, and Tenandry in Athol; and at Kirkmichael and Percy; and in almost all these places there have been decided tokens of the presence and power of the Holy Ghost. Indeed, these weeks have been as remarkable as any that I ever spent since I began to preach the gospel. In some places, the people seem as if they were flying “like a cloud, and as doves to their windows.” The glory be the Lord’s, and the Lord’s alone! You will be surprised to hear that I have been in the pulpits of éhrce Moderate ministers in this quarter, and that they all, but especially two of them, seemed very friendly, and seriously disposed. To-morrow I am to be, D.V, at Fortingall; and the following Sabbath in Aberdeen. — I am, dear brother, yours in Immanuel, — W. C. B.’

On the 13th of June of the same year, he wrote to me from Kettle, thus : — ‘ There are good signs in some places here, especially at Strathmiglo a few days ago. I think there were unequivocal marks of the Lord’s power. The converts at Perth seem numerous and lively, and the public mind seems preparing for another great movement. I was there on Thursday, along with your dear brother from Collace.’

From Milnathort he writes, June 6, 1841 : — ‘ There are many openings here. We had, I think I may safely say, a great day here yesterday in the fields. The Lord was with us of a truth.’

From Grandtully, June 15, 1841, he writes : — * We had an amazing assembly here on Sabbath at the tent, and a solemn day. Hardly an individual among five thousand moved for five hours. Much seems to have been done here.’

The following letter from Mr. M‘Cheyne alludes to the wide-spread quickening over Scotland: —

‘ Dundee, 25th Dec. 1839. — My DEAR HORACE, — Come over and help us. A number of the best of my flock have petitioned the session to grant us another communion season, hoping that the Good Shepherd may visit us again, and cause us to rest atnoon. The spring of this movement was in the meetings for prayer; so that we may fairly hope that it is heaven-sent, and that it may issue in a full stream of living waters, The presence of the Comforter seems still to be felt in our assemblies, though the sound of His going is not heard as in days past. Still, let Him take His own way of gathering in souls, and we will rejoice. The sunbeams that call out all the beauty and fragrance of the flowers, do it without any noise. Come over and help us. The day fixed by the session is Sabbath, the 19th of January. The next day is to be devoted entirely to solemn and joyful thanksgiving. We propose to have sermons only on the evenings of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, that we may not. give cause of offence to any, as if we minded not the temporal benefit of the people. You will preach on the Sabbath evening, You will also have tables to serve. If there be many strangers, we may have service also in both the schoolrooms; and if the Lord send us a plentiful rain, you have more work to do than I can tell you of. As for myself, I must submit to be a weak, left-handed labourer. I hope for great grace to my own soul, and also to all that help me. Bid your people pray for us. I dare say Andrew and Mr. Cumming and R. M‘Donald may be induced to come also to help us. Tell me how God’s work is going on in

MIR. M‘CHEVYNE’S LETTERS. 33

Kelso, Oh, let us-pray that what is past may be but the beginning of days to our thirsty land! Let us stretch out our souls for more. Anderston, Kirkfield, and Wellpark are decidedly quickened from on high. I also visited a school in St. George’s parish, and preached to many weeping children. In Carmylie, it is said, several old people are awakened, and weep bitterly. I have also great hopes of Perth. It is a very dead place; but the people in Mr. Gray’s church are stilled as if waiting for something. The attendance at his week meeting has doubled. Andrew preached in the Middle Church to an immense assembly last Sabbath night. Tell me all you know. I rejoice to hear of Jedburgh. Tell me particulars that I may tell my people. Would it not be greatly for Immanuel’s honour to come and reveal Himself in such a way that no man could take any of the praise? Oh to be humble and believing and expecting! The cause of Israel is still advancing in the midst. Pray that the Lord would make it - sink deep into the hearts of His children. I am persuaded that much of the blessing from on high is connected with it. Pray for me, body, and soul, and flock.’

Again, on the 4th of February 1840, he writes to me : —

‘My DEAR H., — May we come to you in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ! You must not speak of rest to me as long as I have any strength remaining. The more I do, I find I am the more able. I shall gladly meet you.at the footstool of our Father’s throne. Oh to seek Him alone! My flesh and heart cry out for Thee. The Lord has great work for us here, if I had strength and faith to go through with it. I believe that souls are still being saved. But we must not give Him rest till all Scotland glow with the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, and till poor deserted Judah arise from the dust and sing. W. Burns is with me to-day. The Lord is doing great things in Perth. He is to feed my flock during my absence. Fare thee well, in soul and body. Ever yours, — R. M. M‘C’

€

Again he writes : —

‘ Dundee, 19th March 1840. — MyY DEAR H., — Grace, mercy, and peace be to thee and thine. I long to hear from you how the vine flourishes and the pomegranate buds in Kelso. Do you see increasing marks that Immanuel in His grace and beauty is with you, attracting souls by His loveliness and fitness, and transforming His own people into His own lovely image? - -. Meet with me as we did before your communion, every night for a little, about half-past ten, at our Father’s footstool, praying for a blessing from on high. Now I commend you to the God on whom you believe, Ever yours in firmest bonds, — R. M. M‘C’

Again, on 16th February 1841, he writes to me : —

‘My DEAR H., — If the Lord will, I shall be with you on Tuesday the 23d; and pray that I may receive something from above to enable me to preach with power. We have unspeakable cause to be ashamed of our coldness and unprofitableness in the Lord’s service. On the Sabbath I hope to spend a blessed day in the North Church of Kelso. May the Lord the Spirit direct our hearts into the love of God! May the word run and be glorified! Surely there is something wrong about us, or the Lord would make His mighty arm to light down with greater power among us. Patrick Miller comes with me. He is a true disciple. I shall try to remember you till we meet. Wednesday next, William Burns, P. Miller, and another have agreed to fast and humble ourselves before God, especially from 8 till 9, and 11 till 12 morning.’

Again, on the 27th March 1841 : —

‘I am better, but have not got my strength back. I am not to preach to-morrow. William Burns is to preach for me. This will be his last Sabbath in Dundee for a time. He goes to Breadalbane, where the Lord’s work is still going on. Have any souls been added to the church at your late communion?

Oh for drops from heaven! Soon our last sermon shall be ended.’

Again, on 29th December 1841 : —

‘This is a dark time; but it makes us keep our heads above the flood. Oh for the presence of Jesus with the soul!’

I have quoted more of these letters than is strictly applicable to the exact events before us. But I was unwilling to let these fragments lie buried, and it was easier to quote them all together. They bear very directly upon the contents both of this chapter and the following.

A letter of December 14, 1841, from a Christian frend, contains the following sentence : —

‘A, went this forenoon to Abernyte. In the evening he goes to Blairgowrie, and then next morning into the Highlands. A request from the poor people of Glenshee came, and was so urgent that he could not refuse. It is nearly twenty miles north of Blairgowrie. He promised to spend two days among them, and will not return till Saturday. I enclose a note from, from which you will see in what an interesting state these poor people are, and how irresistible was their request. One part was touching, in which they mention that they had set apart half a day for fasting and prayer for a blessing on his visit. He is also to be on Sabbath at Errol instead of Mr. M‘Cheyne, who could not be from home at present. Mr. Milne is to be out here (Collace) to-morrow, though I don’t know that he will stay. I go to Dundee next day, though I should more gladly have gone over, a fortnight later, to the communion, Mr. Milne is to have his quarterly communion on the same day. His Presbytery called him to account for having it without consulting his brethren; but

they did not prevent it.’

In October 1841 the first prayer union services took place.

ed

Zen days were arranged for special prayer; and those who remember that time can bear witness that they were remarkable days. There was a violent storm of wind during the whole time, which tended to lessen the gatherings; but in spite of this, the meetings, all over Scotland at least, were crowded. These seasons of prayer have been continued yearly, ever since, though the time was altered to January. Several ministers issued addresses to their people, which were widely circulated. Mr. M‘Cheyne thus writes to Mr. Milne : —

‘God has really given us a few drops of the spirit of unity, the precious ointment that comes down from the head of our Aaron to the skirts of his garments (Ps. cxxxiii.), uniting all in one sweet fragrance. I hope for some good fruit. Our first meeting was quite filled. We meet in St. Peter’s to-night. I enclose heads of prayer drawn up by myself. Unless the people be guided some way, they will lose interest. I am thinking of trying a meeting in the church every morning at eight; reading a few verses, and expounding for a quarter of an hour; praying and singing the rest. Kirkpatrick in Dublin is to do the same. In the evening I will get good men to conduct little meetings, and all will be enjoined to spend the time in secret who have places of retirement. Pray for us. There is a lull just now.’

After this prayer union, Mr. M‘Cheyne thus writes to Mr. Milne : —

‘ May the Lord the Spirit do much for you at this ensuing communion in answer to prayer! I think you had too much preaching during the concert for prayer; still, I trust your words were blessed to save and feed many. I trust you will come to me richly laden from your communion-table, Oh for more grace, and light, and love! I trust to see you face to face soon. I will pray for you next Sabbath.’

In reference to this time of prayer, as observed in Perth, the following sentence of a letter to myself may be added : —

‘The concert week was, I think, a time of refreshing. I was obliged for your address. The idea of finding time for so many things, but not for prayer, seemed to go home. I look forward with comfort to the commencing half-year. There are some stirrings among the people, and in the minister.’

Respecting this prayer union, Mr. M‘Cheyne writes
thus to myself : —

‘My DEAR H., — Have you a heart to come to us on the last Sabbath of October? My only reasons for asking you are these: Andrew was with me last communion, and I do not like to take him away another Sabbath. But far more. I expect a time of remarkable blessing. This concert for prayer has taken hold of the people, and I think God is opening the windows of heaven. I did not mean to ask you to come so far, but this latter determined me. Lay it before God, and, if He bids you, then come. We have met in the church every morning at eight, eight or nine hundred people, and on Sabbath about a thousand. We are waiting for an answer, and I believe it will come. Some drops have fallen. One soul, weary and heavy laden for four years, was brought, I trust, to saving rest in Jesus on the first evening during the hour of prayer, and in secret. Ever yours till He come, — RosrT. MurRrAY M‘CHEYNE.’

I may be allowed to quote a letter from my friend Mr. Somerville, of date Oct. 7, 1841, on the same subject : —

‘What a blessed thing this union is! Never has there been such a one. We may rest assured that good results will flow

ees from it. Our church has been open every evening since the concert began, and is to be so while it continues. I am enjoying the morning hour especially, spending it in devotional exercises of various kinds with my family, and feel the Lord drawing our souls after the glory of Christ Jesus, the precious Saviour whose name shall endure for ever?

In February 1842 Mr. Milne was with us in Kelso at our communion, remarkably full of energy, and dealing out largely to the people the gospel of God’s free love. He came to us on Tuesday the 22d, and remained till Wednesday, March 2, preaching every night, and on some occasions during the day. His Sabbath services were peculiarly striking. He spoke on the Monday some most memorable words. Referring to ministers beseeching men in Christ’s stead to be reconciled, he said :- —

‘Must I goupto heaven and ask the glorious Trinity, “Art Thou willing to be the covenant-God of the people of this church?” Do I need to ascend with this question, and stand before the throne to get it answered? Ah, I need not do that. God has answered it already. I am commissioned to tell you He is willing. Are there no hands stretched out to take hold of the covenant? Oh, what has not the Holy Spirit been doing to win you? This time and that time visiting you; whispering that all was not right; making you say to yourselves, I should not like to die thus; I should not like to die in the theatre, or at the card-table, or in the ball-room. And He invites all sinners freely. This is the last night of the feast, There are no Jasts in heaven; no last look at the Lamb. There are no Zasts in hell. All is for ever.’

On some of the above occasions, Mr. Milne’s sermons were long; much beyond an hour. Yet the power with which they came made all feel them short. As on a similar occasion at Collace, when he preached for nearly two hours on the three wells; the dry well, the halffilled well, and the overflowing well.- It was a time to be remembered. Noone moved. Every eye was fixed, and every heart melted. Many such seasons and sermons could be enumerated; so many, that time and space would fail.

Some reminiscences, chiefly of this period, may here be introduced. They are by Mr. Mackie of the Warrington Guardian, one who was attracted by Mr. Milne’s preaching, and heard him gladly : —

‘My remembrance of Mr. Milne dates to 1840, after the revivals had begun. Being then but fifteen, and connected with Dr. Thomson’s church, I had not many opportunities of knowing him personally. My first decided remembrance of him was noticing him cross George Street to talk and shake hands with a journeyman baker connected with St. Leonard’s, who was then carrying his bread-board on his head. I had never seen it on that fashion, and was much impressed. My second remembrance is hearing him, in a crowd who surrounded a new convert, say, “I shall be so glad to tell Mr. Gray that it was a sermon of his which first impressed you.” My third decided impression of him is hearing him in his own pulpit say that, though having our common infirmity and feelings, when he saw the crowds go to the church in which Mr. Burns was preaching, he had endeavoured to rejoice if the Lord’s work was done, whoever was the instrument.

‘My most decided and pleasant reminiscences of Mr. Milne are connected with his Bible class in the old vestry, where now stands the City Hall. He succeeded Mr. Lewis, on his call to St. David’s, Dundee, and at once a crowded class was the result. He commenced with the Book of Exodus, and got on but slowly, owing to the many illustrations he gave us with a

$$ view to making us mew as we grew up. I nearly always sat on a stool at his feet, being generally late, and was literally brought up at the feet of Mr. Milne.

‘I well remember his remarks on the career of Moses — forty years at court, forty years at school in the wilderness, and forty years at work as the Leader. The two first forties fitted him for the last. He was ready when wanted. Not being so was the common fault. Most men were unfit for the chance which, some time or other, came to make men of them.

‘ Deciston,. — I well remember him urging onusthis. Search into the grounds of your belief; take nothing on hearsay, and, when satisfied, put the question on the shelf, labelled, “Examined, and found correct.”

‘Although not a member of St. Leonard’s, I usually went there on Sundays, and have the most pleasing memories. Mr. Milne inaugurated a new style of preaching. There was no reading of a MS., and no perfunctory dividing every subject into three. Often would he seize an idea evidently on the moment, and extract from it beauties of which one never would have dreamt.

“His texts were often very original. Well do I remember him preaching on “Thy Maker is thy husband,” etc.; and, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, who send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.” In the latter text his knowledge of the original tongues, and eastern customs, was easily to be recognised.

‘Mr. Milne’s manner in prayer, and in the preaching, was most remarkable. He held up the right hand in prayer, and kept it somewhat in advance of him in preaching. His every tone was a tone of earnestness. How he used to emphasize the Master’s long-suffering, by quoting that “His locks were wet with the dews of the night!” In prayer, his power of using Scripture was most telling and remarkable. “O hope of Israel, and Saviour thereof in time of trouble, why,” etc.. It is said that Whitfield’s way of pronouncing “Mesopotamia” was as good as some sermons; and in Mr. Milne’s WHY, in

ee Ne the passage quoted, there was a depth and meaning we never saw when used by others. To some extent was this the same in his, “Come into my garden,” “Awake, O north wind, and come,” etc.

‘ The standing at the singing of the last psalm was, I think, introduced by Mr. Milne, as was also the quarterly sacraments.

‘It is difficult to say how far Mr. Milne’s preaching affected the people of Perth during the revivals, or how far it effected the wondrous changes then observed. His labours and those of Mr. Burns were so blended, that at that time they should not be divided in noticing results. To them, certainly, mainly is due the fact that some thirty to fifty prayer-meetings were commenced in private houses, and the Young Men’s Tract Society, still existing, as well as one in connection with Dr. Thomson and the Middle Church. I remember the meetings in connection with the latter, and the Doctor’s lamentation at the coldness of his people in not having gone their first round, and his joy when I was able to tell him I had been round and wellreceived. That fire in me had most certainly been kindled at St. Leonard’s.

‘The present generation can scarcely tell the excitement of the revival period in Perth. Revival, or even lively preaching, was little known. But Mr. Burns inaugurated a new era. His solemn, slow, and sober appeals told at once. The first man of note who fell under the word as preached by Mr. Burns was Mr. Campbell, predecessor to Mr. Peter Palmer. He publicly cried out in the church for mercy. Crowds began to attend St. Leonard’s every night in the week. Mr. Burns would preach until nine o’clock; then conclude in the usual way, and retire into the vestry. But he retired in vain. The people would sit still, and out the preacher would have to come, reascend the pulpit, and go on till ten or even eleven o’clock. The Perth papers bitterly opposed him, and in their columns of those days some facts and much fiction may be found worth looking at — say, 1839-40.

ac I a IE re La a TT
ase vopte aoe
42 LIFE OF REV. JOHN MILNE.

‘ Several ministers from neighbouring parishes came — I had almost said to mock, but remained to pray. During all the time Mr. Burns was, as it were, the leading man in the movement. Mr. Milne was doing the building up. In his parish, and out of it, he was ever at work. I remember obtaining almost my first donation to the Bridgend Tract Society from him, and his attendance at two prayer-meetings there, one of them more a family than a public one. The then minister of Kinnoul, after many importunities, refused either to attend our prayer-meetings, or have anything to do with our tract society.

‘ For some ten or fifteen years we were separated — Mr. Milne most of the time in India, I in England. I had never forgotten him; often preached from his favourite texts, and been encouraged by my remembrance of his humble mind, his zeal, and devotion. When he required to return home, it afforded me infinite pleasure to write about him to one of the local papers, and I often looked forward to enjoying his society when I became once more a resident of Perth. We met, in 1859,” most unexpectedly. It was at a narrow part of the footpath round the Great Orme’s Head. We recognised each other, and the meeting led to a written correspondence by which I much profited, and one or two visits to Perth. I can never forget the kind way in which he alluded to my lectures at Perth (and myself) in giving notice of it on the Sunday morning, and also his introduction of me to the audience, he being chairman. On returning home after the lecture, he spoke of it in a way which made my heart bound with joy. I was busy lecturing to the working men of Warrington at the time of our meetings, and had been so for some years, every Sunday evening. To Mr, Milne is due most of the preparation, and all the ambition, which moved and sustained me in the work. He took a deep interest in it, and sent me several donations in money.’ eee OEE ea? bie Seals A

1 Mr. Milne, in a private letter, dated 16th of September 1859, alludes to ‘a walk all round the Great Orme.’

Ha el cea Ca
tee

Such were the early years of his ministry; years of faith, and prayer, and work. They were earnests of the years to come. The following lines, written by him at a much later time, when toiling in India, may be introduced here, as utterances of his mind from the first to the last : —

‘T am thy Levite, Lord; Thou art my lot alone.

Give me a will in sweet accord with all that is thine own.

Great things I will not seek; they only prove a snare:

Enough if Thou my spirit keep, unhurt by sin and care.

Too long I’ve lived for time; too long have walked by sight.

Let me now leave this earthly slime, for things all great and bright. Give me that unction pure, which opes the blinded eye,

And let me see, right clear and sure, the things that are on high. Oh! clothe me with thy righteousness, and make me clean within, That I may see thy blessed face, thy grace and mercy win.

Lead me within the veil, where stands thy glorious throne,

And let my Saviour’s plea prevail, as if it were mine own.

Here I thy name will praise, thine anger’s turned away;

And Thou wilt magnify thy grace, and ail thy love display.

What wilt Thou, Lord, that I for Thee should do or bear?

My heart will joyfully comply to serve Thee everywhere.

To battle forth I go; Jehovah is my strength:

I will not fear though strong the foe; I shall prevail at length.”