cter.

While the province was issuing invitations for new settlers and
wishing to grant concessions to sturdy and loyal folks, a great
awakening was taking place in England, the influence of which was
destined to become a strong factor in making a new race on the Western
Continent, and to mould in a great measure the social and religious
life of the people of Nova Scotia. A revival of spiritual life was in
progress under the preaching of Wesley and Whitefield, which was
quickening the consciences of the people, imparting high ideals and
renovating the social and political life of the nation.

Methodism was doing greater things for the English speaking race than
Luther among the Germans, as it infused a spirit of joy and freedom
from ritual, with greater liberty of thought and action. It was an era
of great names beyond the pale of the national church. The passion for
souls became so intense in the hearts of many of the clergy that they
gladly espoused the hated name of "Methodist," while others no less
zealous stood aloof from the special movement because of its Arminian
doctrines.

Whitefield, the prince of orators, stalked through the land
proclaiming salvation for sinners, and not content with conquests won
in the sea-girt isles, he needs must cross the ocean to tell the story
of the ages to wondering thousands. John Berridge, the witty yet
zealous vicar of Everton, itinerated through the country and in one
year saw not less that four thousand awakened. William Grimshaw, the
eccentric curate of Haworth, superintended two Methodist circuits
while attending to his own parish, and Vincent Perronet, vicar of
Shoreham, who was so trusted a counsellor that Charles Wesley called
him the Archbishop of Methodism, gave two sons to the Methodist
ministry, and besides being the author of the hymn, "All Hail the
power of Jesus Name," Wesley dedicated to him the "Plain Account of
the People called Methodists."

The great revival brought into greater prominence Rowland Hill, the
eccentric preacher; Augustus Toplady, the author of the Hymn "Rock of
Ages;" Howell Harris, the famous Welsh orator, and the Countess of
Huntingdon. These and many others were brought into closer touch with
the great spiritual movement, at the period when Nova Scotia was
bidding for settlers, by the famous controversy on Calvinism, which
was full of spleen, and has shown us how good men may retain their
piety, and still say bitter and nasty things, and