This title was first published in 1853. As such, it reflects the biographical style of the times -- somewhat more disjointed than would be found today. There is a certain rambling quality to the narrative that makes it sometimes difficult to ascertain, for example, who, exactly, is responsible for the various quotations the author incorporates into her text. Still, for any reader interested in the rise and early development of evangelical Christianity in 18th century England, the book offers numerous vignettes of many of the prominent figures of the time -- Isaac Watts, John Wesley, John Berridge, William Romaine, and George Whitefield, to name only some. Central to the story, of course, is Selina Shirley Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon (1707-1791), who used her vast wealth and social influence to further the cause of Christ, a figure all-but-forgotten today (more's the pity!). (The Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, a small society of some 20 evangelical congregations, still exists...) ( )