Some background to this diary: In doing some research for another project I have been privileged to have in my possession the personal diary of Mrs. Emily Kelk. Emily was married in the Metropolitan Tabernacle in March 1882 to Thomas Kelk where they attended during the ministry of Rev. C. H. Spurgeon and where Thomas served as the assistant superintendent to Spurgeon’s Orphanage. There are some very interesting and never-before-seen insights into Mr. Spurgeon’s ministry which will appear in following excerpts from the diary (© 2011; published here with permission).

Prior to  her marriage Emily attended another little Strict Baptist Chapel outside London in addition to Metropolitan Tabernacle. She writes here of that Chapel.

Tuesday 29th Ded. 1881: Attended prayer meeting. Engaged in prayer as usual. Pastor read 46th Psalm, and spoke for a few minutes about the ‘cave of Adulum’ comparing David’s “ragged army” to awakened sinners who were distressed in mind, body and estate; in dept to God, with nothing to pay; and discontented with themselves, with Satan and his service. There were only twelve people present and our number is seldom more. Oh why do not Christians come more habitually to the Prayer Meeting; I find the weeknight services such grand stepping-stones!

And when I cannot get to one in the week I feel sensible of a loss of motive power. Our small congregations have of late brought to my mind comparisons between them and Gideon’s army. And when God deemed to bless so many of us last Sunday morning with sensible enjoyment in the preaching of His Word I thought he might intend to teach us the lesson “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” If we as a mere handful of Christian men and women are permitted to gain an abundant entrance into the kingdom of glory; if we at length gain the “victory through the blood of the lamb” we shall not be disposed to quarrel with our captain for his “regulations”; Oh no! “t’will be our joy to own, he hath done all things well.”