It was nothing short of a miracle.

I had no definite line ready, and had no time to get one.

I preached an old sermon at Melbourne, just because I must have something straight before me that I could shout out to that immense crowd, and I had a wonderful time; but last night God helped me in every way.

The power upon the people was really wonderful at times." Little did most of his own Soldiers guess the extreme strain of inward weight and struggle under which The General was often labouring just when in some great assembly he appeared to every one to be overflowing with youthful gaiety and self-confidence.
The following letter to his youngest daughter, and some entries in his diary, will give some idea of the inner victory he really gained on many such occasions.
Commissioner Lawley, mentioned in this letter, was The General's almost constant companion and helper in many years' travel in many lands, leading the singing, soloing, managing the Prayer Meetings, and generally aiding in every arrangement, a true armour-bearer and comrade at every turn:-- "Fair night; might have been better.

Plenty of weakness; still, better than it often is.
"Lawley just been in; he is not over well; says we have got the biggest theatre (The Empire).