he seats free, and receiving the free-will offerings through a box, a
matter which was not quite settled on their part, as brother Craik and I
had thought; we found that the Lord had so graciously ordered this matter
for us, that there was not the least objection on the part of these
brethren.

June 4. For several days we have been looking about for lodgings, but
finding none plain and cheap enough, we were led to make this also a
subject of earnest prayer; and now, immediately afterwards, the Lord has
given us such as are suitable. They are the plainest and cheapest we can
find, but still too good for servants of Jesus, as our Master had not
where to lay His head. We pay only 18s. a week for two sitting-rooms and
three bedrooms, coals and attendance. It was particularly difficult to
find cheap furnished lodgings, having five rooms in the same house, which
we need, as brother Craik and we live together. How good is the Lord to
have thus appeared for us, in answer to prayer, and what an encouragement
to commit every thing to Him in prayer!

June 5. Today we had already a testimony of a sinner having been
converted by brother Craik's instrumentality, on the first Lord's day in
April, simply through hearing the text read. [This aged sister lived
eleven years afterwards, during which time her walk was according to the
profession she made. She fell asleep in 1843.] June 7. We have daily fresh
encouragements, and fresh proofs that our being here is of God. June 16.
We saw another instance of conversion through brother Craik's
instrumentality.

June 25. Today it was finally settled to take Bethesda chapel for a
twelvemonth, on condition that a brother at once paid the rent, with the
understanding, that, if the Lord shall bless our labours in that place, so
that believers are gathered together in fellowship, he expects them to
help him; but, if not, that he will pay all. This was the only way in
which we could take the chapel; for we could not think it to be of God to
have had this chapel, though there should have been every prospect of
usefulness, if it had made us in any way debtors. We had tried to obtain a
cheaper meeting-place, but could find none large enough to accommodate the
hearers.

July 6. Today we commenced preaching at Bethesda Chapel. It was a good
day. July 13. Today we heard of the first cases of cholera in Bristol.
July 16. This evening, from six to nine o'clock, we had appointed for
conversing at the vest