the consequences of his coming. But the younger and more zealous of the flock, who by the way, "rule both Parson and people," insisted on having a visit from the noted revivalist. A messenger was at length sent to Springfield, as we are informed, where Mr. Burchard was working off converts by scores, and, as report said, by hundreds even, and having heard the commissioned "legate from the world of wo,"he was highly edified, and conferred with him, tremblingly, (we presume) on the prospect of his coming to Woodstock. He received a "gracious answer,' and returned in due time with the glorious intelligence, that "the man of God" might be expected here during the winter. A new impulse was given to the already excited feelings of many. The Church commenced fasting and praying with redoubled energy and constancy. The name of "Burchard," "Burchard," was upon every lip, as the name "Cholera" was, a few years since. This was exactly suited to a contemplated imposition upon the people. Had it been announced upon "pretty good authority" that a Tecumseh was lurking in the vicinity, red with the spirit of revenge, and waiting only for a favorable opportunity to execute his vengeance upon the inhabitants of this place, it could hardly have excited more interest and eagerness in the conversations of the various circles of people. Nothing was heard but, "Burchard, Burchard, Burchard." Every person who came into the place on business, inquired "first of all," whether Burchard had arrived. This was the pass-word of the day.

Those who believed, or professed to believe, that he was sent of God, and would be attended by the special power of the Highest, manifested unusual gravity, and anxiety for the salvation of "precious immortal souls."Their love for souls, all at once, seemed to "wax hotter and hotter." And such as were at first rather opposed to Burchard's coming, but had reluctantly consented to it, "talked softly" upon the subject, and threw out intimations that would not be allowed to take the control of the Church here, as he had in some other places. A third class, consisting mostly of persons belonging to other meetings of limitarian creeds, thought it best to have Burchard come and wake the people up here, and inspire the ministers with new zeal and energy. They concluded very

justly that there must be something strikingly eccentric or remarkable in his manner of address and management of his exercises, to congregate such large audiences and protract the meetings to such inordinate lengths. They were wise in their generation, therefore, and determined upon turning the concern to the best account; and taking "the middle course," were prepared to say "beast" or "bird," just as circumstances might require.

There was a fourth party, whose opinions were openly expressed in opposition to af such high-pressure operations for getting up spasmodic revivals, though real friends to all regular measures among Christians of various denominations, for the dissemination of religious truth and the promotion of morality and good order.

These, of course, would be reckoned by the Burchardites as enemies of all religion, and be classed with such as boyishly "cracked their jokes" upon Burchardism, and laughingly turned the whole concern into merriment and burlesque. Yes, and this witch-word, if we may so call it, got into the mouths of the children in the streets, and they would "hurrah for Burchard," without knowing the why or wherefore.

Such was the excitement which took place even before the time was agreed upon, that the wonder-worker was to make his tremendous appearance in our midst. The publie mind was in wild commotion.

Well, after weeks and months of painful anxiety had passed away, and the place had been repeatedly inundated with marvellous reports of what Burchard was doing at Springfield, Perkinsville, Acworth, Grafton, Chester, &c. it was announced, "by authority," that he would make his appearance, on Tuesday, then next. This gave another new impulse to the already excited feelings of the multitude. Every nerve was put upon the stretch-every eye wide open, and the populace on tiptoe,-"some for fear, some for fun, and some, they knew not why." The wheels of old time moved, tardily, in these soul-ing days. But the memorable Tuesday came, and at the time appointed, the bell of "the White House," or rather, Hot House, began to announce the fact,-Burchard's come! come, come! Burchard's come! come, come! Immediately, the house was full: and some stood aghast as

if "the gods had come down in the likeness of men." Sleighs and cutters and pungs came pouring in, from all directions, as though another Godfrey was to be executed upon the Green. The congregation was a compound of all the people, principles and professions of the place.

At length Rev. Mr. SOUTHGATE, (Pastor of the Parish) entered the house, Mr. BURCHARD following him, with his cloak wrapped indifferently around him. On entering the desk, he took a sovereign glance of the congregation. His very look-his movements-his affected sighs, were enough to convince every unbiassed mind, that he was as heartless and artificial as a play-actor. I can say in truth that I read him through, in a moment; and I should not be afraid to incur any risk that I am capable of in all worlds, that my conclusions were correct. He may, for aught I know, think he is doing good by influencing people by fear-for I will not be censorious-but he no more believes that "the Holy Ghost comes pouring into his soul in torrents," than I do. When Mr. Burchard made his debut, his appearance was so different from what was expected by some, and feared by others, that they were taken by surprire. To the superficial observer his appearance was prepossessing. He has a good forehead, dark searching eyes, and a stern expression of countenance. He was dressed in dandy-like style, and presented a small gentlemanly form. All his movements were slow and studied, to theatrical exactness. He opened his Psalm Book wide to read, bringing the lids nearly in contact; and uttered his words generally, in a low, impressive voice. His first Prayer was singular in the extreme. It was delivered in a key barely above a whisper, as though he were afraid of disturbing the Object or objects of his devotion.

It was doctrinal to the core, including Calvanistic notions "of the fall of man"—"his sentence to eternal death" -the plan of mercy for the salvation of poor, miserable, hell-deserving sinners"the death of the bleeding God, the person in the Holy Trinity," &c. and the "confession that if we had had our deserts, we should all of us, this moment, be lifting up our eyes and unavailing prayers in eternal hell," &c. &c. Mr. Burchard prayed to three Gods, viz. "God the Father," "God the Son," and "God the Holy Ghost;" besides a "babe almighty,” a “bleeding

sively

lamb," "Jesus Master-Son of Mary," and several other characters which need not be named. His petition was intended for effect. That is all the apology which the case requires. We may add, however, that this holy Compound of Almighty Persons and Infinities, was solemnly reminded that He had "promised to do great things in WOODSTOCK, in these days, and that the Church had taken him at his word, and were now waiting for the mighty steam of the Holy Ghost, to assist in saving immortal souls from eternal perdition." The last part of the prayer was hurried and incoherent.

And yet, kind reader, this medley of unscriptural doctrines-this jargon of Calvanistic inconsistencies, this catalogue of absurd and childish phrases, was advanced with so much ostensible reverence-uttered in such half-whispering but emphatic tones, that some liberal minded people called it an excellent prayer! Mr. Burchard says, "Manner is matter," and so it would seem; for had the Rev. Mr. Southgate, in his smiling, good-natured way, uttered the same sentiments and phrases in prayer even, the absurdities would have been offensily apparent, to some who admired them in Mr. Burchard.

Then came on the Sermon, from Acts x. 29:—“I ask, therefore, for what intent ye have sent for me?" After having paraphrased most of the chapter, in a way suited to his purpose, Mr. Burchard went on with his preparatory discourse. I would premise by the way, however, that no adequate conception can be formed of the power and effect of the sermon, by this compendium, though it is correct. It must continually be borne in mind, that with Mr. Burchard, "manner is matter." He came here, fresh to the work, having rested and restored himself a week at Windsor. He spake with great emphasis, and made small words appear large as mountains. His discourses were perfectly familiar to him, having been preached hundreds of times. He knew exactly how to pronounce every sentence, so as to produce the greatest effect. He wheatrical" in the highest possible degree. He frequently struck his hands together, making a loud report. Every nerve and muscle was called into requisition, and though his action was unsuitable for the pulpit, it answered his purpose. The house at once became a theatre, and the

news went out as on wings of lightning that Mr. B. had performed in "twelve theatres," to universal acceptance, but "got religion" a few years since, and is now the greatest preacher in the world. This, and similar stories, took finely. Mr. B. was continually in motion, balancing about like a wire-dancer, or smiting the desk, or the Bible, most violently. He would frequently lean back, nearly to an angle of 45 degrees, stretch abroad and upward his open or fisted hands, and with his face looking directly into the heavens, exclaim and scream with varied modulations of voice; pronouncing the tremendous names of "God Almighty," "Jesus Christ, immortal God," "Holy Ghosteternal Almighty God," &c. with surprising effect upon weak and inexperienced minds, who regarded sounds more than sense. Then, bringing his hands together over his head and downward to his sides, Mr. Burchard would throw his coat to the right and left, making a very tasteful exhibition of the "white linen" in his open bosom, and under his arms. This was very attracting to a certain class, and with a little spiritualizing, would prove him to be one of "the saints." Then, pressing his sides violently, he declared, as with vollies of oaths, that the Holy Ghost was pouring into him in mighty streams. All this was done with such stage-effect, and in such a solemn and imposing manner, that those who did not look closely into the subject, were liable to be deceived, and take it for a reality.

Those who believe him divinely sent are completely over-awed and enraptured. It matters not how ridiculous and unbecoming his expressions and actions may be,-it is all the work of the Holy Ghost! Those who are mere hangers-on upon superstition, and think it necessary "to get religion," instead of being rationally religious, are startled and filled with amazement. Those again, who have been waiting for an excuse for making a profession of religion, to get "absolution" at the hand of a priest, and thereby cover over a multitude of sins, find this a grand opportunity to answer their purposes.

I meant to have given the outlines of the Sermon, in this section; but for convenience, and with the hope of its being better understood, will defer it to the next.

Let me close by observing, that some good will doubt