(Sunday 4th Dec. 1881 cont.). “During the last three weeks I have learnt, “The Plum Cakes” by Hannah More “The Work and Contention of Heaven” by (Ralph) Erskine “Piece in Dec.” “Sd” and “Tl” by Thomas S. “The Starless Crowns” and “Dutchman’s Family.” The first of these I gave on Monday last at the Wesleyan Chapel. I feared up to that time (three weeks ago) that my power for committing poetry to memory had quite gone but I am quite thankful it is not so and now desire more than ever to devote this “talent” of mine to God’s service.”

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.