Men of all parties and all sects were most eager to hear.
Something great was expected.

The occasion was great, the men great, and great speeches were expected from them.
In addition to the outside pressure upon Doctors Cunningham and Candlish, there was wavering in their own ranks.

The conscience of the church itself was not at ease.

A dissatisfaction with the position of the church touching slavery, was sensibly manifest among the members, and something must be done to counteract this untoward influence.

The great Dr.Chalmers was in feeble health, at the time.