and openly avowed th

God.

"To add to the da most of the Churches 1 so that the doctrine that radical change of the evidence of pard

ignored or totally re

election and reproba

crees, were the them

rather confirmed than sition to reject revelat such doctrines a sland as his goodness, and afforded such views true." *

If, under these circu

*Rev. Jonathan Stampe

lull in the moral and religious atmosphere, we need express no surprise. Christianity was preparing for a mighty contest. The doctrines revealed in the word of God had been faithfully preached by our fathers in the ministry, as well as by pious men of other denominations, during the period we have just had under review. Occasionally manifestations of Divine power were seen and felt, under the preaching of the word, and at times remarkable revivals blessed the Church. Persons in different portions of the State, and of all classes of society, from the most humble to the most refined and enlightened, had become the subjects of converting grace, though, in the midst of the general apathy and vice, they were like scattered lights along the sky. A bright day, however, was just at hand.

The occasional revivals of religion in Tennessee and Kentucky, with which these States had been favored toward the close of the century, and which had resulted in so much good, not only in keeping alive the faith of the Church, but also in extending its borders, were the precursors of displays of Divine power, more signal than had been known in this country. Glorious as they were, and freighted with so many blessings, they were as the unpretending cloud preceding the abundant rain. The future was full of hope to the Church. Infidelity, that long had stood up with brazen front, must stand abashed; false and erroneous doctrines yield to the power of truth, and men who had spurned the Bible must recognize its authority and its claims.

Starting upon a preach River, they concluded to ing on Red River, in I the congregation of the ister in the Presbyter sermon was preached b than his usual liberty. by his brother William also a Presbyterian mi much animation and lib Although a deep rel assembly, there was no day, the last day of preaching of Mr. Hods common blessing," and God. The Rev. Mess Presbyterian ministers, Mr. Hodge, left the ho McGee sat still-the pe seats. John McGee w

a Divine power filled the house, and he could only exhort, and following his exhortation were cries from penitent hearts, and many passed "from death unto life."

The meeting on Muddy River, three miles east of Russellville, which was the next popular meeting held by the McGees, was attended by a large concourse of people from far and near. They came on foot, on horseback, and in wagons, and camped on the ground.

This meeting was the origin of camp-meetings in the United States. About forty souls were converted to God.

Their next appointment was ten miles west of Gallatin, Tennessee, in Sumner county, a little south-east of the Cumberland Ridge. The attendance at this meeting was more numerous than at either of those previously held. Ministers of the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches, as well as Methodists, in large numbers, were in attendance. The work generally met with opposition from the preachers of the Baptist Church. For intensity of feeling, for extraordinary displays of Divine power, for the amount of good accomplished, this meeting surpassed the former two.

The most remarkable meeting, however, that was held by these faithful ministers of Christ, was the one on Desha's Creek, near Cumberland River. Thousands attended. Under the preaching of the word, hundreds were convicted, and converted to God. All ranks of society, all classes of people— persons of every age, from gentle youth to those

of God in the Western c liam McGee is fallen al beloved Master. We w other from our infancy, both experienced the un I was the oldest, and by God, sought and experie great anxiety of mind, unsearchable riches of C joyed peace with God. he thought proper to re Presbyterian Church; a time in North Carolina a he came to Cumberlan about the year 1796 or 1

*Methodist Magazine,