Nov. 10. From Oakhill 5s.—By sale of Reports 15s. 10d.—From
Swansea 10s., 4s., and 6s.—From Anglesey 5s. and 2s. 6d.—From
Bath 2l.
Nov. 11. Anonymously from Banbury 1l.
Nov. 12. From Bideford 1l.—From Perth 1l. This evening, while praying for means, came a little parcel, containing Ten Sovereigns, from a Christian lady, living not far frown the New Orphan House. This was a very great refreshment to my spirit. Also from Clydach 10s. and 1s.
Nov. 13. Further precious help. Received this morning through Bankers in London, an anonymous donation of 50l. in a Bank Post Bill, with the words: "To be applied to general purposes; to be used as you may judge best." I took therefore the whole of this donation for the current expenses of the Orphans. A most welcome and refreshing donation, the fruit of many prayers, as just now the expenses are very great, and there were no means in hand to meet them! From Clifton 16s. 5d. From Easton 5l.
Nov. 14. From Melton Mowbray 2s. By sale of Reports 1s.—From Norwich 2s. 6d. Ditto 2s. 6d.—From Kingsbridge two brooches—Through the boxes at Bethesda 1s.—From Clevedon 1l.—From F. E. B. 2s. 6d.
Nov. 15. Anonymously from Nottingham 10s.—From Cheltenham 5l.— From the Isle of Wight 10s.—This evening I received from a Christian lady a brooch set with amethysts, another brooch set with eight brilliants and six other small diamonds, and a small gold necklace. My heart was exceedingly refreshed by this donation, not only because we arc still in need of supplies on account of our heavy daily expenses just now; but also because this valuable donation consists of articles which the Christian donor can spare, without the slightest inconvenience.
Nov. 16. Anonymously in postages 3s. 6d.—From London 10l., with 5l. for my own expenses.—By sale of Reports 7s.—Left by a visitor from Aberdeen, at the New Orphan House 10s. Through the boxes at the New Orphan House 2l. 11s. 6 ½ d.—From South Brent 1s. 6d.
I have thus given, minutely, the manner in which the Lord was pleased, for 24 days in succession to supply us with means for the Orphans, from which the spiritual reader may easily perceive our position. Thus it was with us not merely during the 24 days of which I have now given the history, but also to a greater or less degree at other times during this year. But I refrain from giving minutely the account of every day, for the sake of brevity.
The particular end, why I have been so minute, is to show that the work is now, as much as ever, a work carried on entirely in dependence upon the Living God, who alone is our hope, and to whom alone we look for help, and who never has forsaken us in the hour of need. There is, however, one thing different with reference to this year, when compared with former years, and that is, that, while our trials of faith during this year were just as great as in previous years, the amount needed in former times was never so great as during this year, especially as the bread during the greater part of this year was about twice as dear as for several years before.
But then, it may be said, if you have had this trial of faith, with these 300 Orphans, why do you seek to build another Orphan House for 700 more, and thus have a thousand to care for? Will you not have still greater trials of faith?