*In Spring we were again reduced to about one penny, and expected a bill of two or three pounds to be brought in every hour. We looked to the Lord, and found him again to be a present help. For while we were consulting what to do, a basket came which one had sent us from London, with some provisions, and a little parcel, in which were four pounds, three shillings and ninepence.
In August we had an hour of trial again. The children being increased to ten, we were in great want of linen; but how to procure it for them we could not tell. I was unwilling to run farther in debt, having already spent the two next quarters before they came in, nor was that enough to pay what was owing. And I had nothing in the house. So we agreed to lay it before the Lord together. While I was alone, it was violently suggested, “there is so much of self in all you do, that God is rather dishonoured than glorified thereby.” I said, “Lord, I am the purchase of thy blood. I plead that only. And I believe thou wilt not leave me, nor forsake me.” Afterwards I felt much peace. Rising from my knees, I opened the bible on the following words. Acquaint thyself now with him, and be at peace; thereby shall good come unto thee. Then—the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver—thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established, and the light shall shine on thy ways.
I felt my soul instantly strengthened. And every word was so opened and applied, that to this day it seems new whenever I read it: particularly that promise, Thou shall decree a thing, and it shall be established, and the light shall shine on thy ways. Indeed the whole appeared more full and strong than I have words to express.
Two or three days after we received five guineas; the same day three more, and two from another hand. In a little while we received four more, with a promise of the same yearly. O my God, who would not trust thee? Who would not take thee at thy word?
Perhaps some will wonder, how one who has so great an income as I, can ever experience want. But you know what I have. You know likewise, that before I took any children, I every year spent more than my income, trusting that God would supply what was lacking. Others may wonder at my present imprudent way of proceeding; but I know in whom I have believed. Indeed had I sought the praise of men, I should have taken care of myself rather than of others. For I know, so long as thou dost well unto thyself, men will speak well of thee. But we have chose the cross for our portion, and we cannot give it up.
A few days since having paid the week’s bill, my friend said, “We have but a few shillings left.” The Tuesday following I received two letters. Opening one of them I was a little surprised, to find a guinea inclosed, with the following lines from one I had never conversed with.
November 5, 1764.
“My dear child,
With much pleasure I heard your charitable design, which I pray God to bless and succeed. Be never discouraged, though divine wisdom should exercise you at times, even with many, great and alarming difficulties: for this is frequently the way in which God leads his children, in order to improve their faith and patience. But even supposing he should not succeed this affair, according to your present plan, yet he will never fail to bless those, who sincerely endeavour to promote his honour, the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, and the good of souls.
“I desire that you would accept of the inclosed, and that you would set me down as an annual contributor of the same sum. May the Lord Jesus Christ be with all of us: forget us not in your prayers. I am, with much respect and regard.