record to the praise of the Lord that truly He has answered this request; for, considering all things, at no period has there been more manifestation of grace and truth, and spiritual power among us, than there is now while I am writing this for the press (1845). Not that we have attained to what we might; we are far, very far from it; but the Lord has been very, very good to us, and we have most abundant cause for thanksgiving. II. The state of the church with reference to numbers, etc. 68 brethren and sisters brother Craik and I found in communion, when we came to Bristol. 775 have been admitted into communion since we came to Bristol. 843 would be, therefore, the total number of those in communion with us, had there been no changes. But, 101 have left Bristol. 55 have left us, but are still in Bristol 48 are under church discipline. 67 have fallen asleep. 271 are therefore to be deducted from 843, so that there are only 572 at present in communion. 88 have been added during the past year, of whom 30 have been brought to the knowledge of the Lord among us. III. The Lord’s goodness as to my temporal supplies during this year. 1. The Lord has been pleased to give me by means of the anonymous freewill offerings of the saints, put into the boxes at our meeting places £116 2s. 4 3/4d. 2. By presents in money from the brethren among whom I labour in Bristol £43 9s. 9d. 3. By presents in money from children of God not living in Bristol £53 19s. 0d. 4. By presents in provisions, clothes, furniture, etc., from the saints among whom I labour, worth to us at least £15 0s. 0d. 5. By presents in clothes, &c., from believers not living in Bristol, worth to us at least £10 0s. 0d. Altogether £238 11s. 1 3/4d. Thus during this year also, without asking any one but the Lord for help, with regard to ray temporal necessities, I have been richly supplied with all I needed; yea, I have had much more than I needed. January 1, 1842. Last night we had our usual prayer-meeting at the close of the year, which this time lasted from seven in the evening till half-past twelve. Jan. 3. This evening we had a most precious public prayer-meeting. When the usual time for closing the meeting came, it appeared to me that there was a desire to continue to wait upon the Lord. I therefore proposed to the brethren that those who had bodily strength, time, and a desire for waiting still longer upon the Lord, would do so. At least thirty remained, and we continued till after ten in prayer, whilst several brethren prayed. I never knew prayer more really in the Spirit. I experienced for myself unusual nearness to the Lord, and was enabled to ask in faith, nothing doubting.