Labourers’ Conference Book from January 1st, 1745 to January 1st 1750

1744/5 January 1 Conferences

Bro Martin Dober, Rogers, L. Marshall, Watson and Wife, Sisters Claggett senior, Ann Odell

Sung Page 112, V. 3

Orders and Labourers may be made in Bedford*1. The first point of great Weight, because Labourers are to be appointed in many, chiefly in preaching places. Propos’d in London Bro. Hughes to come here, and if more are wanted Bro John Wade can come here, who is to go here and there.

These set down should be able to give some Account of the Souls, and if possible that they should come Every Week here or write. The beginning to be made on Saturday, when they are appointed to Come in the Morning. A Marry’d Sister wanted in the Bedford Plan, to care for the whole. Because Bro Woodham being the only Labourer among the Single Brethren will perhaps go to Germany therefore B. Pell is approv’d by our Saviour to be brought up for a Labourer.

The Single Brethren shall have a House of Farming, because here in Bedford they cannot have Employment.

There shall be here Hours of Intercession. The Members to be Consider’d

About Sr Cambers the Circumstances are alter’d by her Contradiction.

It will be good to keep a particular Quarter of hour, in the Single Sisters House Morning and Evening.

A Quarter Hour between 5 & 6 in the Evening, for the Members Every Day.

All Letters sent to the Congregation for Reception, to be read in this Conference, and sent as approv’d to London. [73] A Conference in Bedford of Br Rogers, Sr Ann Odell, Sr Okely, Br Wade & Hughes & Negus Eston.

In this Conference must always be nam’d those Souls that write to be receiv’d, and all Circumstances of the Souls to be Consider’d.

The hourly Intercessors to be appointed to come here in the Afternoon o’ Saturday.

The best Time for the Prayer Day is next Sunday. The Preaching to be put off for it; and we can have Time for the Quarter hours with the Choirs.

A Little Matter belonging to our Conference, That the Brethren stay till the Sisters are gon out.