"My dear sir, I send you something towards buying bread for the Orphans.
The dearness of food must be felt by many; but the Lord in judgment is nevertheless gracious He will sustain. I am your sincere friend and well-wisher.
From Maidenhead I received still further this evening 5s.
Jan. 21. Having had to pay out this morning 5l. 2s. 6d. for oatmeal for present use, before the arrival of the larger quant.i.ty of a ton and a half ordered from Scotland, there was again only 2s. 6d. left of the money which had come in yesterday. About 1 o"clock this afternoon I received 1l. through a Christian lady of Bristol from "a poor gardener."
There came in also-still further 1s. by sale of Reports and 1l. 2s. 6d.
from London.
Jan. 22. A brother from Devonshire came here on business, to obtain some money which was owed to him. He did not obtain it; but G.o.d used him as an instrument to bring me some money, for he gave me 10s. for the Orphans. There came in still further by sale of trinkets and old silver 12l. 8s. 5d.
Jan. 23. By sale of books and some music 2l. 10s.
Jan. 24. Profits from the sale of ladies" bags 1l.--During this period also two sisters kindly made some ladies" bags and baskets, and gave the profits arising from the sale for the benefit of the Orphans.
On the 25th and 26th came in still further 2l. 4s. 1 d., so that, when in the evening of the 26th at our usual weekly meeting for prayer and conference I met with the brethren and sisters, who labour in the various day schools and Orphan-Houses (then seventeen in number), I was again able, by means of the 26l. 1s. 0 d., which the Lord had sent in during the week, to give to the four matrons of the Orphan-Houses all the needful supplies for the coming week. That which remained was put by towards the rent of the houses. Our prayer now was, that the Lord would be pleased again to send in fresh supplies, that we might have at the next meeting all that might be needed for the week after.
Feb. 2, Tuesday. When we met this evening for prayer and conference, it was found, that, whilst there had been nothing left in hand after our meeting this day week (except money put by for oatmeal and rent), there had come in altogether during the week 29l. 18s. 18 d. The way in which the Lord supplied us with those means was as follows: On the 26th and 27th I received 10s., and 10s. as profits from the sale of ladies"
bags. On the 27th from London 3l., and also 5s. From C. C. 2l. From Braunton a purse with 6s. From Barnstaple 1l. On the 28th anonymously from London, from J. W. A., 5l. with these words: "From the giver of all, through one of His stewards." On the 29th from Sodbury 2s. 6d. On the 30th from Droitwich 5s. 6d. Also anonymously by post 5s. worth of postages with these words: "A sip of milk and a crust of bread for a poor Orphan." Also from C. C. 10s. On the 31st an old shilling and sixpence, a small silver pencil case, and a pair of small ear-drops.-- Feb. 1. Before breakfast I took a direction in my usual morning"s walk, in which I had not been for many weeks, feeling drawn in that direction, just as if G.o.d had an intention in leading me in that way.
Returning home I met a Christian gentleman whom formerly I used to meet almost every morning, but whom I had not met for many weeks, because I had not been walking in that direction. He stopped me and gave me 21.
for the Orphans. Then I knew why I bad been led thus; for there is not yet enough in hand, to supply the matrons tomorrow evening with the necessary means for housekeeping during another week.--There came in still further today for needlework done by the Orphans 1l. 17s. 7d. Also 4s. 5d., the contents of an Orphan box.--On Feb. 2nd came in 2l. 5s.
11d., by sale of a Report 4d., and by sale of stockings 9s. 3d.--On Jan. 30th a box came from London. It contained 4 brooches, a gold chain, 2 pairs of earrings, 2 gold watch hooks, a locket, a ring, 2 parts of gold chains, a rich silk dress, a silk cloak, a gla.s.s bottle, some music, 39 books, 18 knitted doilies, and a pair of knitting pins. Some of these articles were today, Feb. 2, sold for 8l. 2s. 3d.--There came in further by the sale of articles and Reports, 4s. 1d., by the boxes in the Orphan-Houses and at my house 1l. 2s., and anonymously was sent 5s. worth of postages. Here then, dear reader, you have a specimen how the Lord does week after week supply us--I said 29l. 18s. 10 d. had come in during the week. As, however, I was informed that the arrival of the oatmeal from Scotland had been announced, and that it was much dearer than I had expected, i.e. nearly three times as dear as formerly, I found that there had not been sufficient money put by, and took therefore in the first place what was yet needed for that. In consequence of this I had only 10l. 14s. left for housekeeping, which I divided among the matrons, being fully a.s.sured that the Lord would again send in means, before that was spent. I went home in great peace, though all the money I possessed for present use for the Orphans was only three half-farthings.
Feb. 4. Yesterday nothing had come in. This morning, just before I was going to give myself to prayer about the Orphans, a sister in the Lord sent a sovereign, winch she had received, as she writes, "From a friend who had met the Orphan Boys, and was particularly pleased with their neat and orderly appearance." After having received this 1l., I prayed for means for present use, though not confining my prayers to that.
About a quarter of an hour after I had risen from my knees, I received a letter, with an order for 5l. The donor writes, that it is "the proceeds of a strip of land, sold to the railway company." What various means does the Lord employ to send us help, in answer to our prayers!-- About half an hour after having received this 5l., there was sent 10s., being the profits from the sale of ladies" bags. This evening was received still further, by the sale of some trinkets, 1l. 18s. Thus I am able to send all the remainder of the money, which is yet needed for housekeeping up to Tuesday, Feb. 9th.
The Lord"s holy name be praised for this fresh precious help!
Feb. 5. 1l. 4s. 10d. has come in today.
Feb. 7. Lord"s day. Yesterday nothing had come in. In two days again about 20l. will be needed for housekeeping, and there was only about the tenth part in hand. But I was not in the least disturbed about this.
There are also new clothes to be found for the 32 Orphans in the Boys"
Orphan-House, which likewise will cost many pounds. That expense also, I believed, G.o.d would help me to meet. Now observe the Lord"s kindness!
On returning this morning from the meeting, I found the following letter containing 50l.
"* * * *, Feb. 6, 1847.
"Beloved Brother,
"Having been led, during the past year, to see the unscripturalness of life insurance, which I had been carrying on for some years previously, I now enclose you the sum which I received from the office, on returning to them my policy, viz. 22l. 8s., and the payment due about this time, eleven guineas, as a thank-offering to the Lord for having, chiefly by means of the work in which you are engaged in Bristol, opened my eyes in some little measure to His will with regard to His pilgrim people here.
I ask your prayers on my behalf, dearest brother, amongst the many who must be on your heart, for singleness of eye, to walk with G.o.d by faith, that ?the whole body may be full of light," and that I may not be permitted to darken the little light I have, by serving any other master.
I add also ten pounds, which you will kindly apply to the help of those who are labouring in the Gospel abroad, or if more urgent, at home. Also will you oblige me by accepting six pounds for your own use.
Of several Reports (which you sent me for distribution) I have received payment for three, for which I enclose one shilling. The first items please apply for the use of the Orphan-Houses, as you may see best."
&c.
Thus the Lord has given by one donation 34l. for the Orphans.--I have also in this another answer, in receiving 10l. for missionary brethren, for whom I had of late been especially seeking help from the Lord.-- This evening I received still further from C. C. 1l. 10s. 0 d.
Feb. 9. There was received today by sale of articles 3l. 9s. 8d. When I met again this evening with my fellow-labourers for prayer and conference at one of the Orphan-Houses, it was found that 48l. 12s. 6 d. had come in for present use for the Orphans during the past week, which commenced with three half-farthings in my hands; so that there was enough for all the expenses connected with the house-keeping of the coming week, and the rest was put by for the rent, the apprentices, and the boys" clothes; and as to the necessities of this day week, when again fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons, I am looking to the Lord.
Feb. 10. This evening we hare received already a little towards the expenses of the coming week. A brother gave me 10l., of which 5l. are for the poor Irish and 5l. for the Orphans. Also 7s. 1d. from the Orphan-box of a sister.
Feb. 11. Anonymously 2s. 6d. From Nottingham 1l. 15s.
Feb. 12. Anonymously, from a lady, 2l. to buy coals for the four Orphan-houses.
Feb. 13. Anonymously from Islington a half-sovereign. By sale of Reports 8d.
Feb. 14. Through a sister 5s., from C. C. 8s. 3d., and anonymously 2s.
6d.
Feb. 15. From a Scotch sister 1l., by sale of stockings, Reports, and articles 7l. 0s. 4d., from an Orphan- box 3s. O d., from Nice 1l., anonymously 10s., from Cork 5s. 2d., and several shillings besides in small donations, &c.--Thus there had come in again by this Tuesday evening, Feb. 16th, 21l. 4s. 2d. during the past week. As, however, I had to put by some money for the boys" clothes and rent, I could only leave 12l. 4s. with the matrons, quite sufficient for a few days; and my hope in G.o.d is, that He will send more, before this is gone.
Feb. 17. From the neighbourhood of Bridgewater 10s. 6d., and 1s. 1d.
came in besides. On the 18th came in 1l. more.
Feb. 19. This morning I gave myself again to prayer, importuning the Lord that He would be pleased to send more means, as so little had come in during the last two days. Almost immediately, after rising from my knees, I received from Doncaster 3l. 3s. At the same tune I received from Bromyard 5s., and 4s. from Aberystwith. About an hour later came from a sister in the neighbourhood of Wotton-under-Edge 12s. 6d., a lady"s bag, and a knitted bread-basket cloth. Thus, with the 12l. 4s.
already given to the matrons, we are supplied till next Tuesday evening, the 23rd of February.
Feb. 20. Today came in from the neighbourhood of Castle Cary 10s., by sale of Reports 2l. 6d., and by sale of articles 10s. 6d. Also anonymously a parcel from Tetbury, containing 2 shillings, a gold coin, a silver coin, 2 copper coins, a bra.s.s coin, 4 gilt brooches, 2 silver brooches, 3 gold brooches, 5 collars, a waistcoat, a pair of boots, 2 cloaks, and a shawl.
Feb. 21. From C. C. 14s., and 5l. with these words: "Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things," and Philip iv. 19.
How true! My Heavenly Father knew that we had need of this, and therefore put it into the heart of this donor to give this 5l. for in two days we shall again require many pounds more than I had this morning. Also how truly is again fulfilled in my experience at this time Philip iv. 19.
Feb. 22. From Westmoreland a half sovereign and 1s. in postages.
Feb. 23. Anonymously a half sovereign. By sale of articles and Reports 3l. 16s. 0 d., and through an Orphan-box in my house 2s. A lady who met the Orphans today in the fields, gave to one of the girls 2s.
Evening. Tuesday. By what the Lord has been pleased to send in during the past week, I have enough to supply the matrons with all which is needed during the coming week and 14s. left.
Feb. 24. From a poor brother 6s.; the produce of an Orphan-box 1s. 7 d. and a shilling bank token.--Feb. 26. From Bath 2s. 6d., and from Droitwich 9s. 4d.
Feb. 27. Sat.u.r.day evening. Only these few shillings have come in since Tuesday evening, so that, having had to pay away several small sums besides the housekeeping expenses, since Tuesday, nothing is in hand towards supplying the matrons with housekeeping money next Tuesday.-- Received this evening from C. C. 5l., 6s. 6d. and anonymously from Totness 1s. 6d. worth of postages.
Feb. 28. Today came in still further from the Hot-wells 3s. 6d., and 10l. as the profits of shares which the donor has in a certain concern.
How kind of the Lord to help us thus so seasonably in our poverty!
March 1. By work and knitting of the Orphans 1l. 4s. 8d. and from E. N.
10s.
March 2. By sale of articles 8l. 10s. 6d., and by sale of a Report 4d.
From H. C. as "A thank-offering to the Lord" 1l. From Manchester 1l.
From London 13s. From Staffordshire 1s.--Thus by this evening the Lord has again sent in during the past week 29l. 8s. 11 d., whereby I had enough to advance the house-keeping expenses to the matrons of the four Orphan-Houses for the coming week, and to meet some other expenses.
March 3. Received 6s. 7d.--March 4. 1l. from the neighbourhood of Stroud, as "a thank-offering to G.o.d for partial recovery from sickness."--Also from Bath 5l.--A gentleman gave anonymously to the governess of the Infant Orphans 2l.--I also received the following letter today: "Dear Sir, When my dear brother John died, he had one shilling and fourpence halfpenny owing to him which he intended for the Orphans. As I received it today, I now send it to you. He said ?Jesus will never forsake the Orphans." M. W." The paper contained 1s. 7 d. and a quarter of a gilder. This legacy came from a dear boy who I hear died in the faith.--March 5. From Clevedon 2s. 6d.--March 6.
The proceeds of an Orphan-box 7s. 1d.