20 ANOTHER REMARKABLE PRESERVATION. 



of the more reckless rioters were proceeding to treat it in the 

 same manner, when suddenly there was a murmur amongst 

 the crowd, and rushing to the front a number of men, 

 amongst whom were several of the ringleaders, drove back 

 their fellow rioters and formed a barrier before the shop. 

 Thus checked, the people had time to reflect, and they 

 acknowledged their true friend by leaving his shop 

 unmolested. His goodness to the poor shone forth as a 

 beacon of salvation over the tempest of human passion. 



When we remember the nature of the riot, it is evident 

 that the work of the philanthropist had been "thorough," 

 and had won its way to the very hearts of the masses. It 

 was the practical philanthropy of substantial benefits con- 

 ferred not the miserable cant of empty words and it was 

 understood. 



Another instance of his remarkable preservation from 

 danger, or perhaps death, occurred at Paisley, where he went 

 to deliver a lecture illustrated by the oxy-hydrogen light. 

 Before the doors of the church were opened, in accordance 

 with his usual custom he proceeded to test the light, to do 

 which he had occasion to sit with his legs over the front of 

 the gallery, the gas bags being immediately behind him. 

 Instantly, on applying the light, a violent explosion took 

 place, which partially destroyed the roof, and blew out 

 every window and door in the building. The gas bags had 



