Temperance > Autobiography and personal recollections of John B. Gough

RETURN HOME.
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preacned for us. The season was a most delightful one
to us. I entered the Sabbath-school as a teacher, and—
astonishing to relate—though I knew nothing of music, I
led the choir—that is, selected the tunes. I have always
looked back to that summer with delight. A revival took
place in the church, and many were added as members.
I remember well the day when Dr. Kirk preached from
the text: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great
salvation.” After the sermon, he said he would hold a
meeting in the evening, for he believed the Spirit of God
was there in power. At that meeting he requested all
who wished to speak to him on their soul’s interest, to
come into the vestry. As one after another rose, and fol¬
lowed him, we sat almost dumb with surprise. Tears
filled many eyes, and when the last had left the church
to follow Dr. Kirk, we were mute, till some one said, s
“Let us pray,” and we held a prayer-meeting in the|
church, while he was conversing with the persons in the I
vdstry. As we were separating, a lady said, “We ought
to have another prayer-meeting.” Some one asked,
“Wliere shall we have it?” She said, “In my house.”
I at once called their attention, and, without thought,
announced,“There will be a prayer-meeting on Tuesday
night at the house of Mrs. ”
No prayer-meeting had been held for some months.
On Tuesday evening, accompanied by our valued friend,
Mr. George C. Ripley, who was visiting us, I went with
others of our family to the house, and found the room r
filled, but not a male member of the church present. A *
table was set, with two lamps, a Bible, and hymn-book;
there was a Methodist and a Baptist friend present, but
I was requested to lead the meeting. "Very much embar¬
rassed, I took the seat by the table, and read the fifty-
first 1’salm, gave out a hymn, and tried to ask for help.