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the other hand, in many instances, the glitter and gayety of life, with its thousand attractions, prove too strong a current for many to resist. Especially is this so with the young, whose principles of Christianity have not been firmly fixed on Christ, as the rock from which they see things. There are other considerations that may be offered why a congregation may be reduced where there is no settled pastor. These that I have stated may be sufficient for the present, leaving the reader to reflect upon many others that may be adduced for this dwindling away of the church of which I am now writing, as well as if I had been careful to mention more, or describe instances in particular. However sadly the church was reduced in numbers, there was one singular feature always existing in it—there were those of its members who were so devotedly attached to their Zion, that no possible discouragement could shake their love for it. Minister or no minister, their affection for their church was deep and abiding, and though at times it appeared that to obtain a pastor seemed as hopeless and disheartening as can well be conceived, yet this small band of men and women remained like faithful soldiers at their post, and when through every effort of designing individuals, offers and inducements were held out, and every subterfuge resorted to in order to break up and destroy this branch of the church, there were those in it who, like the disciples of old, were determined, though all forsook this mother church, that they would not forsake her; and they did not, as the sequel of this history will show. It is to be regretted that there was such a waning of membership during this period, still the Master was not unmindful of his church. Now and then an application would be made by some to become members, and thus at times the Lord would
