Dec. 20. As since Nov. 27 only about 200l. has come in, I found this evening that our means for the support of the Orphans were reduced to 10l. 9s. 8d, whilst our current expenses of late have been about 12l. daily, on account of the high price of provisions. This led to earnest prayer, that the Lord would be pleased to help us.
Dec. 21. The Lord has already sent a precious answer to the prayer of last evening. I received today from a noble Lady 10l.—From Devonshire 15l.—By sale of Reports 6s. 6d.—From Birmingham 2s. By sale of a few coins, etc. 19s. 1d.—From Monmouthshire 8s.— By sale of Reports 2s. 6d.—From Worksop 10s. 6d.—Returned on paying an account 3s. 3 ¾ d.
Dec. 23. From Cheltenham 2s. 6d.—From London 10s.—From Clondegad 10s.—By sale of articles 3l. 16s. 5d. By sale of a Report 6d.— From Edinburgh 5l.
Dec. 24. Anonymously 1l.—From Barking 6s.—From Blackheath Hill 6s.
Dec. 25. From B. S. 2s.—Through Bethesda and Salem boxes 7s.—
From P. 2s.
Dec. 26. From a brother in the Lord 6l.—From O. O. at Plymouth 10s.
Dec. 27. From two believers at Plymouth 10s.—From Kingsbridge 10s. From Falmouth 1s.—From a little girl 3d.—By sale of Reports 6s.—Through the boxes in the New Orphan-House 1l. 14s. 4d.
Dec. 28. From Adelaide, Australia, 5l.
Dec. 29. From Torquay 5s.—From Exmouth 10s.—From Fulbeck 5s.—
From Sherborne 2s.
Dec. 30. At the beginning of this day our money was again reduced to 19l. 2s. 1 ½ d. for the current expenses for the Orphans, whilst I had before me the prospect of having to advance this day 30l. for house-keeping expenses, in order that we might go with ease through the work, and in order that all expenses might be met. Now see how the Lord helped us during this day. There came very early this morning, from the neighbourhood of Norwich, a box, containing the following articles. A prize medal, 2 salt cellars, 6 pencil cases, 5 thimbles, 2 fruit knives, a watch chain, 2 vinaigrettes (all of silver), a black necklace, a silver chain, 2 silver toothpicks, some pieces of silver, 2 pairs of gilt bracelets, a pincushion, 4 snaps, a pair of gold earrings, a tortoiseshell comb, a pocket comb, a reading glass, a box of paints, a bag of coral and other beads, 2 smelling bottles and 2 gilt chains. Likewise, from another donor, a silver stock buckle, 2 pairs of shoe buckles, 2 pencil cases, a piece of silver chain, 2 seals, a brooch pin, 2 small gold pins, 6 small silver coins, a metal coin, a small silver medal, a thimble, a pair of silver studs, 9 pairs ditto set with Bristol stone, and a gold earring. There was sent with these articles likewise. 1l., and from a poor woman 6d.—In the course of the day came in further: From Islington 6s.—From A. W. 2s.—From Islington 5s., with 8 chemises and 4 shirts.—Also from a great distance 100l., which being left at my disposal, I took one half for the Orphans, and the other half for the other Objects.—By sale of articles 2l.— Also 2s. 6d., and 2s. 8 ½ d. from an Orphan-box.—Thus I was enabled to advance this evening 30l. for house-keeping as needed.