THE SINGLE BRETHREN’s CHOIR DIARY OF BEDFORD, January 1756 to February 1768

January 1756 the 1st Br Reinhard kept the Morning Blessing. We Breakfasted together by way of Love Feast (which Br Nottingham gave). The conversation thereat was Edifying and Agreeable (viz.) How this day is looked upon in the Congregation and what Benefits we as Single Brethren receive from the Circumsicion of our Saviour. Today being Congregation day we had not many meetings in Our House. Br Marshall read to the Brethren of all Choirs, an excellent Discourse kept by the Dear Disciple on the Circumsicion of Our Saviour which proved a real Blessing to many.

3d Br Parminter kept the Morning Blessing, in the Afternoon the Labourers had a Love Feast and Conference.

4th Br Parminter went to Risly and return’d soon again on account of the Burial of Br Held. At 3 o’Clock the Congregation assembled in the Chappel.1 Br Marshall sung several suitable Verses and mention’d the order to be observ’d in the Burying Ground, after the remains of Our happy departed Brother was Interrd, we met again in the Chappel to hear the Particulars of his life and happy departure which was very affecting, many Strangers was present and behav’d exceeding well.

5th In the Evening was Our Monthly House Conference wherein we laid all our outward affairs before the Brethren, and made up some Deffitiency in our accounts, occasion’d by some Necessary repairs in the Kitchen. In the Evening was the usual meeting and Choir Evening Blessing.

6th At the usual time was the Lords Supper Brethrens Class. Br Reinhard spoke particularly of the Necessity and Advantage of a Lords Supper Brethren Keeping often band with Our Saviour and laying before him in the most simple manner all his affairs both outward and Inward.

7th Br Parminter went with Br Marshall to Risely to keep the Quarterly Love Feast with that Society. Br Reinhard kept the Congregation and Choir opportunities here.

9th The Brn Marshall, Reinhard and Parminter kept a little Conference about Samy Hall and his Circumstances which at present is very precarious.