BEDFORD CONFERENCE July 20th 1757

Present - Br & Sr Traneker, Erasmus, Reinhard & Lorel.

Ockely’s visiting our People with an ill Intention was spoke of, and we who are to Speak with our Brethren and Sisters this week before the L.S. are to pry a little into their Sentiments concerning that matter.

The Children in all the Plans have been hitherto very much neglected, and we will soon keep a Conference about settling a visit among the Children, but before that Br Erasmus and Trancker intend to take an entire round in all the plans and places belonging to Bedford, as soon as possible.

It was exceedingly complain’d of, that the Brethren who go to Northampton to preach and to Culvart must at taking Leave receive the Expences for their Journey of those Brethren who in Northampton are so poor, that their own Want makes them give it with some Concern, this is too disrespectful to the matter of our Saviour and too disagreeable to the Brethren.

It was also observ’d, that it is too hard to make the Journeys to Northampton and Culvart in Winter on foot which is 80 miles forward and backward, the Roads being almost impassable. Br Erasmus goes tomorrow to preach at Risely and Br Symes to Littlington and Hawnes.

Aug. the 6th It was observ’d that Ockely has less Influence upon our People, than we thought.

John Daulton Single Brother writes a hearty Letter to Br Reinhard from Culvort, that he will return to Bedford, but intends only to stay about 6 Weeks in the Choir House, and then to return to Culvort to Br Boughton. He shall be treated heartily, and be told we think so too.

[2] It was spoke of that Ager’s Son in the Brethrens House shall soon be put apprentice to Br Thompson.

Braybrooks Son was proposed as apprentice to Br Baudish.

Sr Lorel goes next Monday to Cuckam to visit Miss Ettwin according to her repeated Desire.

Br Marshall and Traneker go next Tuesday on a Visit to Northampton and Culvort.

The 13th of Aug. there is to be a Love Feast for the whole Congregation, and a Liturgy.

The Sacrament is not to be brought often to Northampton.