His most potent eloquence could not now be summoned to Cannon Mills, as formerly.

He whose voice was able to rend asunder and dash down the granite walls of the established church of Scotland, and to lead a host in solemn procession from it, as from a doomed city, was now old and enfeebled.
Besides, he had said his word on this very question; and his word had not silenced the clamor without, nor stilled{298} the anxious heavings within.

The occasion was momentous, and felt to be so.

The church was in a perilous condition.

A change of some sort must take place in her condition, or she must go to pieces.