after the meeting was gathered, I soon found what poor creatures we are,
to judge of these things without waiting for best direction; for I think
it was the most extraordinary time I ever knew. My friend bore a long and
powerful testimony, to the tendering of many present. If I ever forget it
while in my natural senses, I fear I shall be near losing my habitation
the truth; for it was as if heaven opened, and the Most High poured down
his blessed Spirit in an unbounded degree.


All this time his business affairs went on more and more adversely; and
although he never failed punctually to meet all his money engagements, his
want of success led in this year to a change of residence to Bentham.

Three months before he left Barnsley he writes:--


"Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they
fine it." Pecuniary difficulties seem as if they would eat up every green
thing; but I hope and trust that He who has often said, Peace, be still,
will so regulate the heat of the furnace that I may be able to bear it
with becoming patience, until there be nothing left in me but what
resembles the pure gold fit for the Master's use. When I reflect on what
my poor mind has passed through for more than two years past, I am
convinced nothing short of that Arm which brought the Israelites through
the Red Sea could have supported me. And O, should he ever loose my hands,
that I may serve Him freely, may I never forget the many covenants made
with Him who has so often heard and answered my prayer when in deep
distress!