Thus I have given some instances to show how the Lord was pleased to supply me during another year.
Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from
May 26, 1851, to May 26, 1852.
When this period commenced, I had in hand for the current expenses for the Orphans 970l. 13s. 11 ¾ d. We had never had so large a balance for the other objects at the commencement of any new period, as was the case at the commencement of this, and so it was also with regard to the Orphan work. This arose from the fact, that, only a little more than four months before the accounts were closed, a donation of 3000l. had been given, which, being equally divided between the Orphan Fund and the Fund for the other objects, had left so large a balance in hand. But though there was this large balance to begin with, dependence upon God was still required day by day, as the pecuniary help is only a very small part of that which is needed; and even as to means, this sum would not have lasted long, had the Lord not sent in further supplies. This, however, He did; and thus it was, that, while there were other trials, varied and many, yet, as to means, we experienced for a long time scarcely any difficulty at all. I will now very briefly notice some cases in which God helped us with means for the support of the Orphans, in answer to prayer.
May 27, 1851. The first donation of this new period came from an aged Godly clergyman, whom, up to that time, I had never seen, but to whom my heart had been much knit through correspondence. The donation consisted of 5l. from himself, and 1s. 6d. from three poor persons through him.
July 3. A brother and sister, having had a legacy left to them, though very far from being rich, sent 50l. out of it for the Orphans, as they desire to use the money with which the Lord may intrust them for Him.
Oct. 2. From the ladies who constitute the Bristol Dorcas Society, the value of 215l. in flannel and unbleached calico.
Feb. 10, 1852. When the accounts were closed, there was in hand 970l. 13s. 11 ¾ d., and there has come in since then 1242l. 19s. 8d. Up to this time, I had had an abundance of means, to meet all the current expenses of the New Orphan-House, and there was still 126l. 3s. 8 ½ d. in hand. But though I had this, the certain expenses of this week alone were. 102l. 0s. 4d., besides what might be otherwise needed. Under these circumstances, a Godly merchant at Clifton gave me this evening, through his son, a Fifty Pound Note for the benefit of the Orphans. This donation has greatly refreshed my spirit; for though we were not in actual need, there being 126l. 3s. 8 ½ d. in hand, to meet the expenses of 102l. 0s. 4d., which I expected to come upon me this week, yet there would then only have been left 24l. 3s. 4 ½ d. towards meeting the current expenses of an establishment with more than 300 inmates. There had not been so little in hand since the New Orphan-House was first opened. How kind, therefore, of the Lord, to put it into the heart of this donor, who is not personally known to me, to contribute this sum!
March 16. From Feb. 10th up to March 8th the income had been comparatively small, only about 130l. altogether having been received for the current expenses for the Orphans. This, with what was in hand on Feb. 10th, was, therefore, so reduced, that on March 8th I had only been able to advance 15l. for house-keeping expenses, instead of 30l., which I had for a long time been in the habit of doing. After having paid away this 15l., I had only about 5l. left. Before this 15l., however, was quite spent, I had received so much, that on the 12th I could advance. 10l. more for house-keeping. Now this money was all gone, and today, March 16th, more money was needed, but there was none in hand, except the balance which was last year left from the Building Fund, which I was most reluctant to use, and concerning which I asked the Lord that there might be no need for using it, as I wished to take it for the intended Orphan-House, the number of destitute Orphans who are waiting for admission being so great. Now observe how God helped me! Just before I was called on for more money, I received this morning from a noble Lady as her own gift and that of two of her friends 15l., and also 4s. 1 ½ d. was given to me as the contents of an Orphan-box. Thus I was able to advance again 15l. for house-keeping.
March 17. For about six weeks past the Lord has been pleased to exercise my faith and patience much. Very little, comparatively, has come in for the Building Fund and the current expenses for the various objects; but now He has this day greatly refreshed my spirit by the donation of 999l. 13s. 5d., referred to under the Building Fund, which, being left to me for the Lord's work, to be used as I think best, I took of it for the current expenses for the Orphans 200l.; so that again, before the money, which came in yesterday, is expended, fresh supplies are received. I have been particularly also refreshed by this donation, in that I am not obliged to use the balance of the former Building Fund, but can let that remain for the present Building Fund.
May 26, 1852. Since March 17th no further difficulties have been experienced with regard to means; for though the expenses have amounted since then to about 700l., the Lord has bountifully supplied me with all I needed; for I received another donation of 200l., one of 75l. 18s. 9d., one of 50l., two of 10l., eighteen of between 5l. and 10l., besides many between 6d. and 5l.—Thus I am helped to the close of another year, during which the Lord has enabled me, through waiting upon Him, and looking to Him for help, to supply all the current expenses of the New Orphan-House with its 300 Orphans and all their overseers, teachers, nurses, etc.; the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts has been going on as before; the various schools have been supported; the same amount as during the past year, or rather more, has been expended for missionary objects; and yet, over and above all this, I have been enabled to gather a goodly sum for the Building Fund of the intended Orphan-House.