has now for some time been the only way, on account of
the multiplicity of engagements, to make sure of time for prayer, reading
the Word and meditation. July 19. I spent from half-past nine till one in
the vestry, and had real communion with the Lord. The Lord be praised, who
has put it into my mind to use the vestry for a place of retirement!

August 5. When all our money was gone today, the Lord again graciously
supplied our wants. August 6. This afternoon, from two till after six,
brother Craik and I spent in the vestry, to see the inquirers. We have had
again, in seeing several instances of blessing upon our labours, abundant
reason brought before us to praise the Lord for having sent us to Bristol.

August 13, 1832. This evening one brother and four sisters united with
brother Craik and me in church fellowship at Bethesda, without any rules,
desiring only to act as the Lord shall be pleased to give us light through
His word.

August 14. This day we set apart for prayer concerning the cholera, and
had three meetings.

August 17. This morning, from six to eight, we had a prayer meeting at
Gideon, on account of the cholera. Between two and three hundred people
were present. [We continued these meetings every morning, as long as the
cholera raged in Bristol, and afterwards changed them into prayer meetings
for the church at large, so that we had them for about four months.]

August 24. This morning a sister in the Lord, within fifty yards of our
lodging, was taken ill in the cholera, and died this afternoon. Her
husband, also a believer, has been attacked, and may be near death. The
ravages of this disease are becoming daily more and more fearful. We have
reason to believe that great numbers die daily in this city. Who may be
the next, God alone knows. I have never realised so much the nearness of
death. Except the Lord keep us this night, we shall be no more in the land
of the living tomorrow. Just now, ten in the evening, the funeral bell is
ringing, and has been ringing the greater part of this evening. It rings
almost all the day. Into Thine hands, O Lord, I commend myself! Here is
Thy poor worthless child! If this night I should be taken in the cholera,
my only hope and trust is in the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for the
remission of all my many sins. I have been thoroughly washed in it, and
the righteousness of God covers me.--As yet there have not been any of the
saints, among whom brother Craik and I labou