visiting the saints. 10. Lastly, in
my own case, no small part of my time is taken up by attending to the
affairs of the Orphan-Houses, Schools, the circulation of the
Scriptures, the aiding Missionary efforts, and other work connected
with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution.

III. What is to be done under these circumstances? 1. In the days of
the Apostles there would have been more brethren to take the
oversight of so large a body as we are. The Lord has not laid upon us
a burden which is too heavy for us; He is not a hard master. It is
evident that He does not mean us even to attempt to visit all the
saints as much as is absolutely needful, and much less as frequently
as it would be desirable. We mention this, to prevent uncomfortable
feelings on the part of the dear saints under our pastoral care, who
find themselves not as much visited as they used to be when we came
to Bristol, when the number of them was not 70, and now it is about
400, and when in many other respects the work in our hands was not
half so much, as it is now, and when we had much more bodily
strength. 2. it is therefore evident that there are other pastors
needed; not nominal pastors, but such as the Lord has called, to whom
He has given a pastor's heart, and pastoral gifts. 3. Such may be
raised up by the Lord from our own number, or the Lord may send them
from elsewhere. 4. But in the meantime we should at least see whether
there are not helpers among us. 5. As to the work itself, in order
that time may be saved, it appears desirable that the two churches,
Bethesda and Gideon, should be united into one, that the breaking of
bread should be alternately, and that the number of weekly meetings
should be reduced.

Oct. 21. A few weeks since I had rented a very large and a very cheap
house for the Boys' Orphan-House; but as the persons who lived in
that neighbourhood threatened the landlord with an action, on account
of letting his house for a charitable institution, I, at once, gave
up all claim. That which led me to do so, was the word of the Lord;
"As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." I was quite
sure when I gave up the agreement, that the Lord would provide other
premises. On the same morning when this took place, Oct. 5, the Lord,
to show His continued approbation of the work, sent 50l. by a sister,
who is far from being rich, for the furnishing of the Boys'
Orphan-House. Now, today, the Lord has given me another house for