Jan. 13. Half-a-crown was given today.
Jan. 16. From Bideford 1l. 15s.
Jan. 24. The produce of a knitted handkerchief, sold for 2s, was given today; also 4s. 6d. by sale of two dolls; and some brethren at Barnstaple sent 12l. as a token of their loving interest in this work.
Jan. 26. A sister in the Lord gave 2s. 6d.
Jan. 31. It is now 89 days since I have been daily waiting upon G.o.d about the building of an Orphan-House. The time seems to me now near when the Lord will give us a piece of ground, and I told the brethren and sisters so this evening, after our usual Sat.u.r.day evening prayer meeting at the Orphan-Houses.
Feb. 1. A poor widow sent today 10s.
Feb. 2. Today I heard of suitable and cheap land on Ashley Down.
Feb. 3, Saw the land. It is the most desirable of all I have seen.-- There was anonymously put into an Orphan-box at my house a sovereign, in a piece of paper, on which was written, "The New Orphan-House."
Feb. 4. This evening I called on the owner of the land on Ashley Down, about which I had heard on the 2nd, but he was not at borne. As I, however, had been informed that I should find him at his house of business, I went there, but did not find him there either, as he had just before left. I might have called again at his residence, at a later hour, having been informed by one of the servants that he would be sure to be at home about eight o"clock; but I did not do so, judging that there was the hand of G.o.d in my not finding him at either place: and I judged it best therefore not to force the matter, but to "let patience have her perfect work."
Feb. 5. Saw this morning the owner of the land. He told me that he awoke at three o"clock this morning and could not sleep again till five.
While he was thus lying awake, his mind was all the time occupied about the piece of land, respecting which inquiry had been made of him for the building of an Orphan-House, at my request; and he determined, that if I should apply for it, he would not only let me have it, but for 120l. per acre, instead of 200l., the price which he had previously asked for it.
How good is the Lord! The agreement was made this morning, and I purchased a field of nearly seven acres, at 120l. per acre.
Observe the hand of G.o.d in my not finding the owner at home last evening! The Lord meant to speak to His servant first about this matter, during a sleepless night, and to lead him fully to decide, before I had seen him.
Feb. 6. Two dolls were given for sale, and one of them was sold for 3s.
Feb. 7. Received from two of the Orphans 8d. and 4d. Also, one of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 10s, and a poor man 3d.
Feb. 8. I wrote the day before yesterday to the architect, who has offered his help gratuitously.
Feb. 11. Received from a sister in the Lord 5l. Received also from the architect the following reply to my letter:
"My dear Sir,
"It will afford me a gratification, beyond what I can communicate by letter, to lend you a helping hand in the labour of love you are engaged in, and I shall esteem it a very great privilege being allowed to exercise my abilities as an architect and surveyor in the erection of the building you propose to erect for the Orphans. I really do mean what I say, and, if all is well, by the blessing of G.o.d, I will gratuitously furnish you with plans, elevations, and sections; with specification of the work, so that the cost may be accurately estimated. I will also make you an estimate and superintend the works for you gratuitously, &c."
Feb. 12. This afternoon a little parcel was brought to my house, containing ten sovereigns and a little slip of paper, on which was written:
"Dear Sir, ?I have sent you ten pounds for the New Orphan-House. It is the Lord"s doing. Seek not to know my name."
Feb. 14. There came in 8s. 6d. by sale of articles.
Feb. 15. Received the promise that on March 25th should be paid to me 500l. for the building of the Orphan-House.
Feb. 18. Received 1l. from Sunderland.
Feb. 19. The architect kindly came from London. He considers the ground to be most suitable as to situation, drainage, water, &c. ?I received also today from a sister 5l.
Feb. 20. Received from a sister 10s., and from a brother 5l. The brother told me that never in his life does he remember to have given any donation with so much real pleasure as this 5l. This is of G.o.d. I own G.o.d"s hand in this. He it is that inclines the hearts of His dear children towards this service. May He only be pleased to continue to give me faith amid patience, and I shall most a.s.suredly see this building erected to the praise of His name!
Feb. 28. Two of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 1s. each?Today the 500l. which had been promised on the 15th, was paid 25 days sooner than promised. I rejoiced in this speed; for I remembered that word:
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest."
March 2. Received 2 rings, 6 brooches, 2 mourning brooches, 3 old silver thimbles, a silver guard, a small gold chain, 4 pairs of earrings, 3 polished stones, a bracelet, 3 waist buckles, a silver mounting of a horn, and 2 candlestick ornaments.
March 3. From a brother in the Lord 10l.
March 8. From Clevedon 1s., and from London 6d.
March 13. From a young sister in the Lord 13s. From a little girl at Bath 2s. 6d.--Also 2 babies" pinafores for sale.--4 little frocks, a pair of socks, and 4 pincushions (also for sale).--Likewise a dozen doilies.
March 15. Anonymously 2l. with these lines written in the paper: "Wishing for the privilege of raising a few stones towards erecting the New Orphan-House, the enclosed trifle is sent for that purpose.-- There will doubtless be a conspiracy from beneath, to fight against and to hinder the work; nevertheless let us make our prayer unto our G.o.d, and set a watch against them day and night."
March 19. By sale of some articles 1l. 5s 4 d.
March 22. From a sister in the Lord 10s.
March 25. A pair of knitted cuffs for sale.
March 28. A lady at Clifton gave 2l.
March 31. A brother, having unexpectedly received a sum of money as a dividend from a Bankruptcy, gave 10l. towards the Building-Fund, as "A thank-offering to the Lord."
April 5. Anonymously 1l.
April 7. Four pairs of knitted socks were given for sale; and by a sister in the Lord 10l., as "A thank-offering for mercies received."
This 10l. comes at a season of a very great trial of faith, on account of a multiplicity of difficulties in which I am just now, and it is another precious earnest to me from G.o.d, that He will give me in every way what I need, after He has sufficiently tried my faith and patience.?There were also given 5 stuffed birds and a pincushion. Also 2 cups, 2 sh.e.l.ls, a book-mark, and a watch guard. Also a knitted cloth.
April 27. Anonymously 4s., and by sale of articles 3s. 9d. I received also the following letter from Sunderland:
"Sunderland, April 24, 1846.
"Beloved Brother,
"A year having now elapsed since our chapel was opened, and our G.o.d having signally blessed us in all things, the saints here have been stirred up to present a thank-offering to our Father, and to give it for the New Orphan-Houses. I therefore send you in their name, the sum of 17l. Etc."
May 3. From a sister at Bath 10s.
May 9. By sale of articles 1s. "A widow"s mite" 1l.
May 11. From a brother 50l.
May 21. From Oxford 1l.
May 27. From a sister in Bristol 1l.
June 2. Through a sister 1s. 3d.