Thus the Lord has already sent me a little help towards what may be
needed tomorrow. His name be praised! How true that word: "Only
believe."--Evening. This afternoon the Lord has shown afresh in my
experience the truth of that word: "Only believe." I received a letter
containing 40l., of which 10l. are for Brother Craik and myself, 10l.
for Home and Foreign labourers, and 20l. for present use for the
Orphans. Thus I am enabled to send the money required for house-keeping
for this week, till Tuesday the 8th. Oh, how kind of the Lord to help us
again and again!
June 8. There was only about 6l. in hand towards the house-keeping
expenses of the coming week, as comparatively little had come in since
June 2. In addition to the house-keeping, other expenses needed to be
met. Under these circumstances 50l. was given to me this morning to be
laid out as most needed, which I took for the support of the Orphans.
Thus we are again helped for the present moment.
June 17. Only 12l.16s. 0 ½ d. has come in during the last 9 days. After
having advanced on the 15th the money for one week's house-keeping
expenses, and paid also 13l. 10s. for apprentices, all our money was
again expended, except that which had been put by for rent and oatmeal,
which has been ordered. When we were thus once more quite poor, I
received today from a Christian gentleman at Edinburgh, whom God has
repeatedly used to help us in times of need, a bank-order for 35l. Of
this amount 5l. had been given to him by a lady for the Orphans, 25l.
were from himself for the Orphans, and 5l. he kindly intended for my own
personal necessities. Oh, how precious thus continually to see the hand
of God stretched out on our behalf! Will you not, dear reader, taste and
see that the Lord is good, and that it is a blessed thing to put our
trust in Him? Whatever your position in life, though you may not be
called by the Lord to establish Orphan-Houses and Day-Schools for poor
children, or to trust in Him for means for circulating Tracts and Copies
of His Holy Word; yet all children of God, whatever their position in
the world or in the church, ought to put their trust in God for every
thing connected with their body, their soul, their business, their
family, their church position, their service for God, &c. And it is
impossible to do so, without enjoying the blessedness which results from
it, even first that peace which keeps the heart and mind like a
garrison, and secondly true liberty with regard to circumstances, times,
places and persons.
June 29. Tuesday Evening. Having had nearly 50l. coming in since this
day fortnight, I have had the means of meeting all the expenses of these
two weeks; but now having paid out what was required for house-keeping
for the coming week, all is again gone.
June 30. This morning when, as stated, there was again nothing in hand,
I received from Devonshire 20l. for the Orphans.
July 1. This morning I received still further from a Bristol donor 10l.,
and 5l. from M.R. These three donations of yesterday and today came in
most seasonably, not only because they came when there was nothing in
hand, but also because the Lord willing, I am on the point of leaving
Bristol for a few weeks, and am thus able to leave some money behind.
I was absent from Bristol from July 1st to August 2nd. During this time
133l. 11s. 4 ½ d. was received, and the sums came in so seasonably,
that there was not ally difficulty at all experienced with regard to
means, because there was always a sufficient amount of money in hand, to
furnish the house-keeping expenses each week in advance, besides meeting
all other current expenses. At the same time I might say that almost
every one of the donations came in most seasonably to help us on, if not
from day to day, at least from week to week; and if it were not on
account of its taking up too much space, I should mention every one of
the donations which form the total amount referred to, but I shall only
refer to the following.
July 13. The proceeds of an Orphan-box from Stafford 4l. 7s. 6d. The
friend who sent the money wished to know whether it arrived in a time of
need. I have had many similar requests, to which I can reply nothing, or
say at the most that the answer may be learnt from the next Report. It
will be easily perceived, on reflection, that if I said, it came
seasonably, that would imply we had little or nothing at all in hand,
and what would that again mean but this, "As our expenses are so great,
that which you have now sent will be soon gone again, and therefore send
us some more, or get some friend to help us." But by this very thing the
chief object of this work, "To show how blessed it is to deal with God
alone, and how blessed to trust in Him in the darkest moments," would be
hindered. It is also for this very reason that I do not publish the
accounts very frequently, for instance quarterly, as I have been
requested to do; but I am delighted to wait a year, or eighteen months,
or two years, or more; and even then I do not publish them for the sake
of obtaining money (though unquestionably God has used the Reports as
instruments to procure us means), but for the benefit of the Church of
God, to refresh, encourage, exhort, and instruct my brethren in Christ;
and also because it is needful that from time to time. I should give a
public account of the way in which the considerable sums, with which I
have been intrusted, have been spent.
Of the donations which came in between Aug. 2nd and 14th (in amount 51l.
16s. 3 ½ d.), I only refer to the following.--Aug. 9th. A brother,
being some time ago, through a particular circumstance, in danger of
losing all his property, dedicated to the Lord 50l., if He would be
pleased to help him out of the difficulty. Now today I received from
that brother, with his explanation of this, 10l. for the Orphans and 5l.
for my own personal necessities, being a part of that 50l., as the Lord,
in answer to prayer, has delivered him out of the danger.
Aug. 14. Saturday evening. This evening I found that there was only as
much money in hand for present use for the Orphans (i.e. 44l.), as there
were liabilities upon me for rent, &c. On this account I gave myself
particularly to prayer for means for house-keeping expenses, as on
Tuesday evening I shall have to give fresh supplies to the matrons.
About one hour, after I had risen from my knees, two sovereigns were
given to me, which a sister had brought from Ilfracombe.
Aug. 15. Today came in further, from Barnstaple. 5s., anonymously 5l.,
from C. C. 5s. 4d., from a sister in Bristol 1l., from Clifton 4s., and
anonymously 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d.--Thus the Lord has been pleased to
give me already, within twenty-four hours, after I had sought more
especially His help for means, the sum of 9l. 0s. 4d. My eyes are now
looking to Him for more.
Aug. 16. By sale of articles came in 1l. 10s. 10d.
Aug. 17. Tuesday evening. No more having come in, I have not been able
to give to the matrons the housekeeping expenses for the whole week; I
hope, however, that the Lord will send more before all is expended which
I was able to give, and which will last about three or four days.
Aug. 18. This morning I received from Droitwich a half sovereign, and
from Yorkshire 3l. Thus the Lord has already given 3l. 10s.--There
was also left at my house this afternoon, anonymously, a pair of silver
spectacles; and at the Girls' Orphan-House. No. II were left 3 rings,
a brooch, and a pair of ear-rings.--There was also given 2s. 6d.
Aug. 21. Today more money was needed for housekeeping; but having
receive nothing yesterday, and having sent off what had come in on the
18th, I gave myself to prayer. And now see the precious answer. By the
first delivery this morning a letter came from Birmingham, signed W. R.,
which contained a half-sovereign, of which the anonymous donor wished
7s. 6d. to be used for the Orphans, and 2s. 6d. for Missions. I also
received through two Orphan-boxes 7s. 8d. There came also to hand, three
small parcels from Plymouth, one of which contained an old silver watch
for the benefit of the Orphans, from a blind Orphan; the other contained
two shillings and a franc piece; the third a pair of ear-rings, a
brooch, a fourpenny piece, half a franc piece, and an old sixpence.--
About half an hour, after I had received these three little parcels, a
gentleman, who did not give his name, left at my house two sovereigns
and one shilling. About half an hour after that, a lady called and
wished to put some money into the box at my house. I do not know her
name. But God knows her, and influenced her in answer to my
supplications. May His blessing rest upon her and the unknown gentleman
who left the 2l. 1s.! When the box was opened, it contained a paper with
half a sovereign. Thus the Lord so kindly in this remarkable manner has
helped us in this our time of need, and we have now again all we need
for the present.
Evening. Still further help. About two o'clock this afternoon a
lady from London, who about a year ago had read the Narrative of the
Lord's dealings with me, in passing through Bristol left a sovereign
at my house for the Orphans, feeling that she could not go on without
doing so.--This evening also I received a letter from Scarborough
with five pounds. Also 1l. came in by sale of articles this evening, and
2s. 6d. as a donation.
Aug. 22. I have received still further today from C. C. 2l. 3s. 3d.,
from Wolverhampton 10s., and from a brother in Bristol 1l. 1s. Thus
altogether 14l. 5s. 3d. has come in during these two days.
All, who have spiritual eyes to see, cannot but observe in reading these
facts--1st, the reality of dealing with God Himself directly; 2, the
blessedness of trusting in Him; and 3, His most particular providence.
Aug. 23. I prayed still further for means, as I shall need to give a
fresh supply to the matrons for house-keeping tomorrow evening, besides
meeting other expenses. This afternoon I received from a sister in the
Lord a sovereign, half of which she wished me to use for my own temporal
necessities, and half for the Orphans. Likewise. 10s. as profits from
the sale of ladies' baskets.
Aug. 24. Today came in by sale of articles and Reports 2l. 15s. 10 ½
d.
Aug. 25. Wednesday. Last evening I was able to advance only a part of
the week's house-keeping expenses to the matrons. Today, when I had
nothing in hand, a sister in the Lord brought her Orphan-box, which
contained 10s. 6 ¾ d. in donations, and likewise 9s. 4d. as the
proceeds from the sale of musk plants, reared and sold by her for the
benefit of the Orphans. The box contained also a Spanish silver coin.
Evening. Precious and encouraging as it was to receive those little sums
this afternoon, still, as they came in when no money was in hand, they
were only an encouragement to look to the Lord for further supplies, but
were not enough to supply our need. However the Lord, in His faithful,
loving care over the work, and in His readiness to answer prayer, helped
further this evening. There came in 150l., of which I took 30l. for the
Orphans, and 120l. for the other objects.
Sept. 6. Since August 25th only 20l. 17s. 0 ½ d. had come in. On this
account there was only 3l. 15s. 5 ¾ d. in hand, and tomorrow evening I
have again to supply the matrons with house-keeping expenses. In this
need, whilst walking in my little garden, I lifted up my heart to God
for means, when, in less than five minutes after, I received a letter
from Jersey, containing Five Pounds for the Orphans.--This evening I
received still further, from a little girl 3s., from Margate. 10d.,
anonymously 3s., and 3 dollars from a poor missionary brother in
Demerara.
Sept. 7. Further, by sale of articles 3l. 1s. 3d. through the boxes in
my house 2s. 6d., and through the boxes in the Orphan-houses, which our
need led me to open, 1l. 6s. and a medal. Thus I had for the need of the
coming week, at our usual prayer meeting this evening, 14l. 1s. 6 ¾ d.,
which I divided to the last farthing, with the firm persuasion and hope
in God, that, by the time it was expended, He would give more; for it
was not enough to meet all the demands of this week.
Sept. 8. the Lord has already sent in a little I received from Weymouth
2l. 10s.
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.
Sept. 24. Friday. After I had paid away on Tuesday evening to the last
penny what I had in hand for present use for the Orphans, there came in
a pair of ear-rings from Norwich; also 1s. 6d. besides. On Wednesday and
Thursday nothing came in; but it was needful that I should send more
means to the matrons today. Thus situated I received this morning from
Barnstaple. 19s. 4d. and 17s. About three hours after, came in by sale
of the 3 silver spoons (given on the 15th), an old silver punch ladle,
and a few trinkets lately given, 6l. 14s. 7d. Thus we are once more
helped, and I have been able to send all that which was yet needed for
house-keeping till Tuesday evening. The Lord be praised for His
seasonable help! Observe, dear reader, we may be poor, very poor; we
may have to wait upon God, even again and again we may have to make
known our requests to Him; but He helps, always helps.
Sept. 25. From C. C. 1l.--Sept. 27. From a Christian lady 1l.--
Sept. 28. 8s. 4d. came in, also 1l. from Scotland, and 1l. 6s. 4 ½ d.
by sale of articles. Also from Wellington an old half-crown, shilling,
and sixpence. 3s. 10d. came in besides. Evening. So little having come
in, I was able to give to the matrons only as much as would last for
about two days for provisions.
Sept. 29. A young man called this morning at my house and gave 2s. 6d. A
brother called and put 2s. 6d. into an Orphan-box in my house. Mrs. W.
C: gave 1l. Also Mrs. K. 5s. These donations came in today, after I had
twice given myself especially to prayer for means, as we are now in so
much need.
Sept. 30. Nothing more having come in, we were in great need today. On
this account the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, which contained
1l. 4s. 2d. This evening sister C. gave me 18s. 9 ½ d., being the
contents of her Orphan-box. Also 15s. 11d. came in by knitting of
stockings. Thus we were helped for the present.
Oct. 2, Saturday. As today more money was needed, and nothing had come
in, one of the labourers supplied the present need till Monday morning,
which took 3l.--Evening. This afternoon, when there was nothing at
all in my hands for the work, I received from a little boy 1s. This
evening a box arrived from Norwich, filled by the contributions of many
believers. It contained in money 1l. 10s., and the following articles: 6
brass and copper coins, a gold pin, 5 gold brooches, 3 pairs of
ear-rings, 3 pairs of silver clasps, a gold clasp, a gold locket, 2
rings, a pair of silver studs, a broken silver tooth-pick, 4 gilt
bracelets, a silver mounted eye-glass, 5 braid watch-guards, a silver
washed watch-guard, 4 waist buckles, a pair of gilt ear-rings, 3
mourning necklaces and a pair of ear-rings, a mourning ring set with
pearls, 2 brass brooches, a mother-o'-pearl cross and clasps, a silver
fruit knife, a pair of coral bracelets, 2 bead necklaces, a snuff-box, 2
little baskets, 12 worked mats, 24 ladies' bags of various kinds, 4
cephalines, 13 book-marks, 8 purses, 5 shells, 45 pin-cushions of
various kinds, 17 needle cases, 9 pairs of babies' shoes, 2 babies'
hoods, 3 neck ties, 2 knitted cloths, 2 netted mats, 4 pairs of watch
pockets, 3 pairs of cogs, 3 little scarfs, 2 collars, a pair of socks, a
nightcap, some knitted fringe, some work and lace, 2 silk winders, 3
waistbands, 5 handkerchiefs, ¼ lb. of tea, 2 pen-wipers, some little
playthings, 2 combs, some slate pencils, 3 chimney ornaments, 4
paintings, 3 books, 16 pamphlets, a fan, a little box, 13 chemises, 2
shirts, a frock and cape, a shawl border, 3 bodkin cases, 2 ½ yards of
print, a gown, and a few other little things.--Great indeed was my
joy in receiving this box, for it was a fresh proof to me, in this our
present great poverty, that the Lord hears our prayers and is mindful of
us.
Oct. 3. Lord's day. Today I received from C. C. 10s. 10d., from a
sister 3l., being the produce of a piece of work done for the Orphans,
and anonymously 2s. 6d. By these donations we are supplied till Tuesday
evening.
Oct. 4. From a Christian gentleman I received today 1l.; from a brother,
as the first fruits of his salary, 2l., of which 1l. is for the Orphans,
and 1l. for home and foreign labourers; from another brother 2s. 6d.;
from a sister 5s.
Oct. 5. By sale of articles 1l. 10s. 4 ½ d. This evening I had only
means enough to give to the matrons supplies for one or two days. When I
came home from our prayer meeting I found unexpectedly another demand
made upon me for 5l., in connexion with the house-keeping expenses,
towards which I had nothing, but which it was desirable to meet as soon
as possible.
Oct. 6. This morning I received the following letter from Kennington,
containing a post-office order for 5l.
* * * *, Kennington, Surrey.
"Beloved and honoured brother in our Lord,
I am permitted to be the unworthy instrument in the Lord's hand of
transmitting to you the enclosed post-office order for 5l., to be
applied either for the Orphans or your own use, as may be most required
at this time, &c.
Your affectionate sister in our Lord,