LangworthyIsaac18780524_003

urging them to defer it for a few weeks, at
least, on account of the peculiar religious work there
in progress. The reply was to the effect that the
deeper the religious ^interest^ the more favorable for
the proposed series of meetings. They commenced
[crossed out] at the appointed time. At the first a few
of the best workers in the revival, who were ar-
dent abolitionists staid away from the meet-
ings, but were soon drawn in, & a complete
extinguisher was put upon the revival. It is
not known that there was a single conversion
after the first days of these sad, but exciting
meetings. At their close the academical
students, in sympathy with them, held especial
meetings in their own rooms, & wished to form
an anti-slavery society & hold meetings in the
Academy. This could not be done without per-
mission of the Faculty which was not granted.
In the then state of the public mind on this
subject, it was deeply felt that any such organ-
ization would be highly prejudicial to the lead
-ing objects for which the young men & lads
were sent there; & in this decision of the Faculty
much the larger part of the students heartily acquiesced.