aster in the
little town. Soon afterwards he began to hold meetings, which were
attended by the two or three who loved the Lord Jesus. These meetings
were for a long time suffered to go on quietly; but when the Lord
blessed them, and others were stirred up to care about their souls,
brother Kroll had to appear before the magistrates, and was forbidden
to hold them. When this was of no effect, (as he considered that he
ought only to obey earthly rulers in things in which he could do so
with a good conscience,) and they continued still to meet together,
the police came into one of their meetings, and forced them to
discontinue it. When even this availed nothing, the brethren were
finally threatened that every one who attended these meetings should
pay three thalers, and every one who read or spoke at them should pay
five, which is a large sum in Germany for poor people. But
notwithstanding all these obstacles, the few poor saints continue
their meetings, but in secret, to be unmolested by the police. They
have now neither a stated place nor a fixed time for their meetings.
On the second and third evenings, whilst I was at Sandersleben, I met
with them. On the second evening we were in the room of a poor
weaver. The dear brethren would have me sit on the only chair which
was in the room. It was a very small room, perhaps twice as large as
the loom, which was in it. There were about twenty-five or thirty
persons present, many of whom had seated themselves in and under the
loom, and the rest sat on two or three little forms. These meetings
were very precious. The very fact of going to them with the feeling
of having to pay the fine, or to suffer an adequate imprisonment,
should one be found there, makes them to be doubly valued; and I
believe that the Lord's double blessing rests upon them. I spoke long
both times; indeed, as long as I had strength, and the dear people
seemed to eat the Word.--I have so circumstantially related these
facts, that thereby the children of God in Great Britain may be led
more highly to value their religious privileges, and to make good use
of them whilst they are continued.

It is worthy of remark, that while the meeting at Sandersleben were
permitted to continue, there was no believing clergyman in the little
town; but about the time that they were forbidden, the Lord sent a
brother who truly preaches the gospel. I had for some hours refeshing
and most affectionate brotherly intercourse with H