5. At first we sometimes threw down the tracts to persons, out of the carriage, when they were not near enough to have them handed to them. This, however, we discontinued on the second or third day; for I judged, that, as we would not throw down Bibles, Testaments, or smaller portions of the Holy Scriptures, so these tracts also, filled with the truth of God, and written for the honour of God, should not be thrown down; and that we would rather not give them at all, than in this way. I purposely notice this, as many Christians are in the habit of throwing tracts out of a carriage, as I did at first. I might put them secretly in drawers, or on the table, or under the table-cover in inns, or elsewhere, where they afterwards might be found; but I could not feel any longer happy in not treating them with all reverence, because they contain the truth of God.
6. Perhaps the reader may ask: What has been the result of this labour in Germany? My reply is: God only knows. The day of Christ will declare it. Judging from the constant labour in prayer during 8 months before we went the second time, and day by day while we were on the Continent, and day by day for a long time after our return, I am warranted to expect fruit, and I do expect it. I expect abundant fruit in the day of Christ's appearing. In the meantime my comfort is, that 220,000 tracts have been circulated, many of which through the providence of God found their way not only into the darkest places of the Continent of Europe, but went also to America and Australia. Further, the 4000 copies of my Narrative in German, are almost all circulated. And again, the publishing of my Narrative in German, led me to do the same in French, which was accomplished about three years later. Further, these tracts were reprinted at Hamburg and at Cologne, and are circulated by other Christians; in addition to which, my having published them in Germany led me to get them stereotyped in England, and they continue to be circulated in many countries.
7. I only add, we continued our service in a similar way, after we had left Cassel, from whence I wrote the last letter to the church in Bristol; and in many respects it was the most interesting part of the service.
December 31, 1845. There have been received into communion 53 during this year, and 1055 since our coming to Bristol, which, with 68 whom we found in fellowship, makes 1123. Of these, 115 have fallen asleep, 65 have been excluded, 57 left us, and 193 left Bristol; so that there are only 693 brethren and sisters in fellowship at present.
During this year the Lord has been pleased to give to me:—
1. Through anonymous donations in money, put up in paper and directed to me, and placed in the boxes for the poor saints and the rent, at the two chapels £166 15 10 ¼
2. Through presents in money, from believers in Bristol, not given anonymously . . . . . . 102 18 11 ½
3. Through presents in money, from believers, not residing in Bristol . . 138 0 7
4. Through presents in provisions, clothes, etc., worth to us at least . . . 26 3 9
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