This sermon produced a powerful impression, particularly the following very simple illustrative argument:--"If a man, whose tongue is cleaving to the roof of his mouth, were to put this question to me--Will a draught of pure water quench my thirst? I should very naturally say--_Try it._ Or if a man, when standing on a wreck, should ask me--Will your life-boat take me in safety through this fearful storm? instead of philosophizing on the causes of storms, or on the art of boat-building, I should say--_Jump in, Sir, and try it._ And I have the same reply to make to you, who may feel disposed to ask me if coming to Jesus Christ to save you will make you happy--_Try it._ Thousands and millions have made the trial, and found it a successful one; and now I say to each one of you--_Try it._" This style of bold, yet simple address, was as novel amongst the people as it was impressive; it commanded and secured attention; and it was evident to all that the preacher was in earnest, for he spake as one having authority. Some were delighted with the sermon, and said that they had never seen the truth in such a clear light before, and that they had never before felt it operate so powerfully on their minds; and after the service was over, they lingered about the church, as though they were unwilling to leave the place in which they had been listening, with so much pleasure, to the glad tidings of salvation. But there were a few of the _more respectable part of the people_ who were offended, and who did not hesitate to say, that if morality was to be excluded from the pulpit, to admit of the introduction of this evangelical style of preaching, they should decline attending the church. In the course of the week Mr. Ingleby received a letter from Mr. Porteous, a county magistrate, of which I afterwards obtained a copy, and also of his reply. I here introduce them as curiosities:--