ening of their people. In January, 1860, there was a conference on a
still larger scale, twenty-four ministers staying at the Lodge, whilst
others found hospitality elsewhere. There was an unmistakable quickening
on all sides. It was suggested to the duchess by Mr. Duncan Matheson,
who had been her missionary in the district for some years, that a great
assembly might be gathered together for two or three days in one of her
parks. The matter was carefully weighed by one who shrunk from anything
like undue novelty or unsound sensationalism. But when once she was
convinced that it was God's way she hesitated no longer. What the world
would think was a light consideration with her. Invitations were sent by
the duchess to ministers and laymen of all denominations in England
and Scotland.

The spot chosen was the Castle Park; the date, the Wednesday and
Thursday of the third week in July. There was provision made for
accommodating the expected guests in the Lodge itself and all the
adjoining houses. The duchess filled her schools with stores for the
ministers and their families, and all whom they might choose to invite.
No expense of thought or labour was spared. But there was one thing that
might have rendered all the careful arrangements of no avail. The rain
had been falling for weeks, and there seemed no prospect of its
cessation. Happily the fears were disappointed. From the time the people
began to assemble until after the forenoon train on the last day had
carried away the last of those who had lingered to the close of the
assembly, there was not a drop of rain. The great day of the gathering
was especially bright. It seemed as if God the great Creator were
specially smiling on this effort for His glory and the everlasting
welfare of His creatures. The place chosen for the gathering was most
suitable, there being two or three places like amphitheatres on which
the hearers could sit. Everything had been arranged so carefully by
those whose hearts were thoroughly in the work that the duchess was able
to note after the great gathering was over--"Truly there was not one
thing out of place or unseemly." Eternity will unfold the results. The
assembly was characterised "by much freedom and power in the speakers,
by refreshing and lively joy and thanksgiving in the Lord's people, by
the awakening of many of the dead, and by holy liberty granted to those
that were bound." The number at this meeting in 1860 was about 7000.
Meet