one afternoon, in the way of bravado, and once
also much wine at one time, without remorse of conscience, I could now
take only two or three glasses before the wickedness of my conduct was
brought before me; and my conscience told me that I drank merely for the
sake of drinking, and thus I gave it up.

It was about this time that I formed the plan of exchanging the
University of Halle for that of Berlin, on account of there being a
greater number of believing professors and students in the latter place.
But the whole plan was formed without prayer, or at least without earnest
prayer. When, however, the morning came on which I had to take decided
steps concerning it, and to apply for the university-testimonials, the
Lord graciously stirred me up, prayerfully to consider the matter; and
finding that I bad no sufficient reason for leaving Halle, I gave up the
plan, and have never had reason to regret having done so.

In the vacations, Michaelmas, 1826, and Easter, 1827, and at other times,
I visited a Moravian settlement, called Gnadau, which was only about three
miles distant from the place where my father then resided. Through the
instrumentality of the brethren, whom I met there, my spirit was often
refreshed.

The public means of grace by which I could be benefited were very few.
Though I went regularly to church when I did not preach myself, yet I
scarcely ever heard the truth; for there was no enlightened clergyman in
the town. And when it so happened that I could bear Dr. Tholuck, or any
other godly minister, the prospect of it beforehand, and the looking back
upon it afterwards, served to fill me with joy. Now and then I walked ten
or fifteen miles to enjoy this privilege. May those who enjoy the faithful
ministry of the Word feel exceedingly thankful for it. There are few
blessings on earth greater for a believer; and yet the Lord is frequently
obliged to teach us the value of this blessing by depriving us of it for a
season.

Another means of grace which I attended, besides the Saturday evening
meetings in brother Wagner's house, was a meeting every Lord's day evening
with the believing students, which consisted of six or more in number, and
increased, before I left Halle, to about 20; and which, after the Easter
vacation of 1827, was held in my room till I left Halle. In these meetings
one, or two, or more of the brethren prayed, and we read the Scriptures,
sang hymns, and sometimes also one or another of the