pletely
altered, that he never again went to a public house, and was so happy in
the Lord afterwards that he often neglected his supper, from eagerness to
read the Scriptures, as his wife told me. He died about five months
afterwards.] This evening I was much instructed in hearing Brother Craik
preach. I am now fully persuaded that Bristol is the place where the Lord
will have me to labour.

April 23. This evening I preached again with much assistance at Gideon. I
was very happy. [The Lord made this testimony a blessing to several.] I
feel that Bristol is my place for a while. The Lord mercifully teach me!

April 27. It seems to Brother Craik and myself the Lord's will that we
should go home next week, in order that in quietness, without being
influenced by what we see here, we may more inquire into the Lord's will
concerning us. It especially appears to us much more likely that we should
come to a right conclusion among the brethren and sisters in Devonshire,
whose tears we shall have to witness, and whose entreaties to stay with
them we shall have to hear, than here in Bristol, where we see only those
who wish us to stay. Some asked me to stay with them while Brother Craik
goes home. But it seems better that we should both go. [I observe here, it
was evident that many preferred my beloved brother's gifts to my own; yet,
as he would not come, except I came with him: and as I knew that I also
had been called by the Lord for the ministry of the Word, I knew that I
also should find my work in Bristol, and that though it might be a
different one, yet I should fill up in some measure his lack, whilst he
supplied my deficiencies; and that thus we might both be a benefit to the
church and to the world in Bristol. The result has evidently confirmed
this. I am, moreover, by the grace of God, strengthened to rejoice in my
fellow-labourer's honour, instead of envying him; having, in some measure,
been enabled to enter into the meaning of that word: "A man can receive
nothing, except it be given him from above."]

April 28. It still seems to us the Lord's will that we should both leave
soon, to have quiet time for prayer concerning Bristol. This afternoon I
felt the want of retirement, finding afresh, that the society of brethren
cannot make up for communion with the Lord. I spent about three hours over
the Word and in prayer, this evening, which has been a great refreshment
to my inner man.

April 29. I preached this morning w