Lewis Revival

The Rev. Alex. M'Leod commenced his exertions as Minister of Uig in 1824. The people attended public worship tolerably well from the time of his admission; but he describes his painful conviction that the fixed gaze with which they beheld him was not an intelligent but what Wesley used to call " a stupid attention." This lasted but one month, when he began to observe one and another melt into tears, and a tender wistful listening, a "living ear'' substituted for the former stupid one. Presently enquirers came to obtain private instruction, and the exigencies of the people led to the extension of religious opportunities—such as a lecture on Thursdays and many regular prayer meetings, which still exist, and are attended with avidity. In 1827, upwards of 600 pupils, of various ages, attended the schools—and in 1834, mention is made of 13 Sabbath schools in that one parish. Auxiliaries were required to aid the teachers and catechists, and every thing seemed to be in a state of lively movement. When Mr M'L. first entered on his office all the people of a certain age were accustomed to flock to the table of communion. He had reason to apprehend that few of them discerned the Lord in the feast, and preached to them carefully for a year, before he ventured to celebrate that solemn ordinance; and so much had their light increased, that but a small portion of the old communicants presented themselves, and they with silent tears.—It is very remarkable, that in the course of years wherein he has acted as their pastor, he has scarcely been obliged to reject or keep back any one from this feast of love. Indeed there are many whom their pastor would be glad to admit, who keep back, perhaps from some erroneous apprehension of the nature of the ordinance. This is the case in several other Highland parishes. At the communion services of 1828, the island seemed to be moved with one emotion, for 9000 people flocked to Uig on that occasion.