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above referred to, there was no increase of membership, at least, there was no falling off of members, and no waning of spirituality among them, and herein is a peculiarity in God's people evidenced under afflictions and distresses their faith and confidence become strongest; it appears to be the time when the people of the Most High are aroused up to a closer examination of themselves; it is then that every grace in the soul is fully drawn out, and from amid the clouds of distress and tribulations they look to God " as their only help in every time of need," and I do not venture too much when I say it appears to be an ordeal through which the Most High brings his people; at any rate, such is the view that His word holds out; if any doubt, they have but to turn to that highly interesting passage to be found in Revelations, chapter 7, 14th verse, where it is said to John, "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Impressed no doubt with the truth of this assertion, consequently resting upon it as the Lord's way in dealing with his children, and following as near as possible the example of their blessed Saviour the Lord Jesus, these brethren, in the midst of every discouragement, rose superior to them all, and held together, awaiting the Master's own time for some favorable change in their peculiar and trying case, of three years' "patient continuance in well doing." About this time, 1827, the Rev. Charles Gardner, a minister of the Methodist denomination, in deacon orders, came into Philadelphia, and, being a man of a large .heart and extensive liberality in his Christian principles, was solicited to preach for the congregation, and such was the effect upon the people, and their appreciation of his manner
