Sept. 10. From a dentist in Bristol 10s.
Sept. 11. From a Christian brother, about 200 miles from Bristol, whom the Lord has repeatedly used to help us in time of need, I received 20l. What a precious help! We have now all we require for this week, and a little towards the expenses of the next.—There came in also from Droitwich 5s.
Sept. 12. Further: From C.C. 10s. 14d., from Clevedon 5s., from Clifton 5s., anonymously 2s., ditto 1s. 5 ½ d.
Sept. 13. Monday morning. As there will be again money needed for house-keeping tomorrow evening, and as I have not enough in hand to advance for the expenses of a whole week, which I generally now seek to do, I gave myself again to prayer for means, and, while I was on my knees in prayer, there came a letter from Yorkshire, containing 5l. for the Orphans. There was received also, by sale of stockings at the Boys' Orphan-house, 7s. 7d.
Sept. 14. By sale of articles and stockings came in 3l. 10s. 0 ½ d. From Norwich 1l., and also 2s. 6d. Evening. By these sums we have received altogether since last Tuesday evening 34l. 8s. 5 ½ d. Thus I have been able to supply the matrons this evening with what they need for the coming week, and that which was left I put by for the rent and current expenses connected with the apprentices, and am now looking out for fresh supplies, as I have again nothing left towards the need of the following week.
My dear reader, if you are tired of going on with this account of the Lord's gracious interpositions for us week after week, or day after day, I beseech you to lay it aside for the present. Take it up at another time. This Narrative is not of an ordinary character. It does not contain anecdotes for amusement; it relates no embellished tales; it gives facts in which the hand of God is seen stretched out on our behalf, as the result of prayer and faith. Seek to admire God, dear reader, in this simple Narrative of Facts, which are related to His praise, and to allure your heart more and more for Him, and which are brought before you in all simplicity to encourage you and to stir you up, if it may please God so to use His servant, to put your whole trust in Him. I judge that it will be the more profitable way to read this account by little and little.
Sept. 15. A brother, who is staying at my house, gave me a silver table spoon and two silver dessert spoons. This is the beginning of fresh supplies from God.
Sept. 16. From the neighbourhood of Glastonbury 5s. Also 5s. worth of postages from Derby.
Sept. 17. A. Christian lady at Richmond, having received a copy of my Narrative, read aloud in the hearing of another lady the account about A. L. (page 156 to 160 of part I.) The lady who heard it read was so touched by it, that she sent 10l. for the Orphans. God moved her heart to send me this donation at a time when I had only a few shillings in hand for the use of the Orphans!—There came in still further from Clifton 10s., and from Taunton 5s.
Sept. 19. From C. C. 19s.—Sept. 21. Anonymously from Barnstaple 5s. worth of postages. This anonymous donor has many times sent his donations thus. It may be that twenty or thirty times the same amount has been forwarded in the same way.—Also by sale of articles 1l. 8s. 8d. By the boxes in my house 1l. 0s. 6d. Evening: I was able to supply the matrons only with means for house-keeping for three or four days, being fully assured, that, by the time more is needed, the Lord will send further supplies.