ming said that it was the opinion of some persons that there would be a tripartite division of the ten papal kingdoms, and that all Europe would be divided into three hostile camps. Tribulation would seem to be the mark of God’s people on earth, and those who were free from it might call in question their religion. We read that the Apostle saw a great multitude, which came out of great tribulation, and the lecturer believed that the great tribulation referred to had yet to be endured in these last days. Suppose then, he further observed, that the year 1859 was the beginning of great troubles, and that 1867 was to be a year of some grand change, it mattered not to what church we belonged if we were true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. His only fear was for them who were careless about their souls. When the thunder’s peal and the lightning’s flash warned that the time had arrived, those who were prepared would have it said of them “These are they who came out of great tribulation”.
The reverend Doctor concluded his lecture with a brief appeal on behalf of the Protestant Home Missions and resumed his seat amidst a burst of applause. The money collected at the door amounted to £20, which, added to the previous collection, made nearly £36.
Dr. Cumming’s lectures on prophecy were always well attended, as much, perhaps, for his quiet but fascinating style of oratory as for the particular topics themselves. One peculiarity of the present lecture was that the audience were more than ever numerous and attentive, and another peculiarity was one which arose from the first. The present writer, not expecting to find the large room and side-room crowded even before the lecturer commenced was unable to push his way to a table near the platform, and was constrained to ascend the stairs from the vestibule to the orchestra, to which other persons were also being admitted. There being no window in that gallery, the place was almost dark, and the front chairs even there being already occupied there seemed to be nothing for the disappointed reporter to do but to stand behind and listen or to pocket his note-book and walk away. To his surprise, however, in turning round with his face to the wall and his back to the lecturer (who was at the opposite end of the long room), every word was distinctly heard as though reflected by the said wall. In an instant the note-book was held against the wall, and notwithstanding that the place was in semi-darkness, a report was -
