And God is seen by mortal eye."

CHAPTER XII.

"Plank Temporary Hedding Church"-Difficulties to -The Work completed in ten days-Dedicated by sey-Wanted one to cover an Acre of Ground-A by a coloured Man-Rich Members should remem in their Wills-Names given to our temporary Palmer-Gas-lights suddenly go out-Husbands, 1 -German Infidel wants to drag his Wife from the A Difficulty in Revival Work, with Men of Reasonon through Christmas Holidays-Nine Sermons at t Missionary Meeting-James Stewart " Crossing of the Eater came forth Meat, out of the Strong ca ness"-My first Donation to a Church-Saint Pe Reading-Bishop Ames.

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Plan of Plank Church proposed.

gregation had been meeting here from time to time, and as the revival work had been going on, the people: eagerly desired to worship with us. The new church would not be ready for use, as it related to the main part, under twelve months; and the little church only held about one hundred and fifty. What must be done? was the natural inquiry. It was in my heart "To build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel." My proposal to the brethren was to let the house be plank; in dimensions to be about forty by one hundred feet. A number of difficulties were presented; it was thought it would be burnt down. I told them we would have it insured, and, Phoenix-like, another would arise from its ashes. It was thought, as it was against the law to rear frame houses, we could not get a permit. We were soon relieved of this difficulty, as there were good men in the Board of Commissioners who took an interest in our welfare, and through their agency we had the privilege to proceed. It was thought those who owned the land would not allow us the privilege to locate this temporary house. Be it spoken to the credit of the "St. George's Board of Trustees," the request for the use of the ground was unanimously granted. Some members of the "Hedding Board of Trustees" thought they could not conscientiously go into this arrangement; supposing that the community would charge them with a foolish outlay of money. I told the brethren I did

teers to aid in the erection of the "Temp Methodist Episcopal Church." There we as many as forty employed, some with the chisels, some with their saws and planes. work was done gratuitously. Mr. Rifford was the supervisor of the work. This matte getically prosecuted, that in ten days, it was in a workmanlike manner. Gas and fixture duced, all things being ready, the arrangen to have it solemnly dedicated to the worshi God, on the 16th of October, 1853.

The dedication services were perfor John Hersey. We had a plain house, plain minister, who preached so plainly, tl faring men, though fools," could readil Brother Hersey was very happy in his lab His sermons proved him to be no novice

Plank Church crowded.

Many converted.

Scriptures. I never saw a more attentive audience. The meetings were very large, and, at the evening service, several were at the altar, and, at least, two professed to obtain religion. My poor heart was greatly cheered to see so many attend. No more attended, however, than I expected, as my readers will perceive from the following interview and conversation, that took place between myself and a brother in the ministry, while we were building the temporary house. Said he, "Brother Manship, what is the use of building the house so large? Do you suppose the people in Philadelphia will attend preaching in such a place as this?" I replied, "Most assuredly I expect them to fill the house. I deeply regret we have not more ground; we are, as you see, occupying every inch we can; and if we had an acre, and were to build a Methodist Church of this description to cover it entirely, it would be filled." He replied, "You have more faith and enthusiasm than I have." But what has the sequel proved? The reader will see by perusing this narrative.

Many interesting circumstances may be mentioned in connexion with this plain house, which stood exactly twelve months, and in which meetings were continued, with but little intermission, during the entire year; and during that year, memorable in the history of "Hedding Methodist Episcopal Church," at least five or six hundred souls were happily converted.

after his burial, his widow paid it in gold with her tears. We did not wish to tak insisted upon it, and said, "It was his last desired to carry it out." Has not this si coloured man set an example worthy o How comparatively few, of the many able the Methodist Episcopal Church, in makin think of that church, that has been, in ma means of making their estates; but give their property, which leads to its being " riotous living."

Among the thousands that attended thi church, as we might reasonably suppose, m that were disposed to apply hard names to worship. Some for sport called it the "Cry and others called it, while they saw per converted, "The Plank Road to heaven."