he combined the work of curing souls with the mending of umbrellas and
kitchen utensils, and his period of starvation was past. His business
was to preach the new vision and tinker for a living as he went along.

"September 12," reads the diary, "I found myself by the brook which
runs east of the mountain. I had a loaf of bread and some cheese, and
with a tin cup I helped myself to the water of the brook. The
fragments that remained I put in a bundle and tied to the branch of a
tree by the roadside. On the wrapper I pencilled these words:
'Friend--if you come across this food and you need it, do not hesitate
to eat it; but if you don't need it, leave it for I will return at the
close of the day. God bless you.'"

At eventime he returned and was surprised at the altered shape of the
bundle. He found that two beef sandwiches and two big apples had been
added, with this note: "Friend: accept these by way of variety. Peace
to thee!" This gives occasion for another address of prayer and
gratitude to God for His bountiful care. By the brookside he took
supper, and then began the ascent of the hill. After a few hours
fruitless search for the road, he "got stuck," in the words of the
diary. Finding himself in a helpless predicament, he gathered grass
and dry leaves around him and prepared himself for the night.

"Psalms IV. 8 came to my mind," he said, "and I took great comfort in
the words--'I said, I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for
Thou, Lord, makest me dwell in safety!'"

He woke next morning and found the earth covered with hoar frost,
which suggested to him: "Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean.
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."