Scotia had not yet arrived, as he was only a stripling at his
father's home in Amherst, and was still a stranger to the grace of
God.

The introduction of Methodism into Nova Scotia was not the
establishment of a sect or a party in dogmatic theology, but it was
the revival of spiritual Christianity, exempt from the trammels of
ecclesiasticism and the exclusiveness of dogmatism. As such it became
a strong and elevating factor in the social life of the people,
imparting lofty ideals, which were wrought out in moral strength,
making loyal citizens and men and women of power and gentleness.

There was something lacking to secure unity and strength in the
scattered forces of the new movement. Prayer meetings and preaching
services were held, and souls were won to the faith, still there was
no organization and there could not be until a leader should come
forth, who would command by his genius and concentrated effort unity
of administration.

Though not the original founder of Methodism in Eastern British
America, the man who in the providence of God was destined to unite
the scattered forces and to give birth to the new movement, and who,
by his intrepid spirit and enthusiastic and incessant labours as a
great evangelist, was to spread the doctrines which were so full of
power in the revival in England, throughout that portion of territory
now known as the Maritime Provinces, was William Black, a man of faith
and power, whose memory is revered by thousands, and whose descendants
still abide with us.

II.

MAKING THE MAN.

William Black was well born. The time was auspicious. The date of his
birth is 1760, and with that date as a centre, despite the fact that
the tone of public morality was low, there are names belonging to the
period which suggest genius and influence. Edward Young had just
published his "Night Thoughts," Thomson, the poet and author of "The
Seasons," and Isaac Watts had just passed away, Lord Littleton had
written "The Conversion of St. Paul," Gray's "Elegy in a Country
Churchyard" was being eagerly read by the people, Blackstone's famous
"Commentaries on the Laws of England," had made a profound impression,
Johnson had completed his "Dictionary" and Oliver Goldsmith was
writing his immortal works. There were others who were in the heat of
the literary battle. This period saw the beginning of the modern novel
in the writings of Richardson, Fielding and Smollett, then too was
published Adam