to my mind that there were some new blankets in the Orphan-Houses,
which had been given some time since, but which are not needed, and
might therefore be sold. I was confirmed in this by finding that the
moth had got into one pair. I therefore sold ten pairs, having a good
opportunity to do so. Thus the Lord not only supplied again our
present need for the three houses, but I was also able to put by the
rent for this week and the next, acting out the light which He had
given us this day week. There came in 9s. 6d., besides 7l. for the
blankets. The School fund, also, was again completely exhausted, when
today and yesterday came in so much, that not only the weekly
salaries could be paid today, but also above 1l. could be put by for
rent.
Oct. 9. Through the last-mentioned supplies for the Orphans we were
helped up to this day; but today we were brought lower than ever. The
provisions would have lasted out only today, and the money for milk
in one of the houses could only be made up by one of the labourers
selling one of his books. The matron in the Boys-Orphan-House had
this morning two shillings left. When in doubt whether to buy bread
with it, or more meat, to make up the dinner with the meat which she
had in the house, the baker called, and left three quarterns of bread
as a present. In this great need, some money having been given to one
of the labourers, he gave 2l. of it, by which we were able to buy
meat, bread, and other provisions. Nevertheless even this day, low as
we had been brought, before this 2l. was given, there had been all in
the house that was needed.
Oct. 10. The Lord had sent in so much since yesterday afternoon, that
we were able at our meeting this morning to divide 2l. 0s. 2d.
between the three matrons, whereby we are helped through this day.
But now the coals in the Infant-Orphan-House are out, and nearly so
in the other two houses. Also the treacle casks in all the three
houses are nearly empty. On this account we have asked the Lord for
fresh supplies.
Oct. 11. The "Father of the fatherless" has again shown his care over
us. An Orphan from Devonshire arrived last evening. With her was sent
2l. 5s. 6d. The sister who brought her gave also a silver tea-pot,
sugar-basin, and cream jug (of the weight of 48 oz.), having found
true riches in Christ. There was also in the boxes 9s. One of the
labourers paid for a ton of coals. We obtained 16l. 16s. for the
silver articles.--Thus we were helped through the heavy expenses of
the following days.
Oct. 12. Today seven brethren and sisters were added to us in
fellowship, and eight were proposed. May the Lord send helpers for
the work!
Oct. 13. For three months past the Orphan fund has been low, yet
hitherto we have lacked nothing!
Oct. 15. I knew that there would be money needed this morning, for
many things in the Orphan-Houses, and my heart was therefore lifted
up to the Lord. Just when I was going to meet my fellow labourers for
prayer, I received from Trowbridge 4l. There had come in also at the
Orphan-Houses 7s. 3d. To this one of the labourers added 1l. Thus I
was enabled abundantly to supply all that was wanted, and to pay for
a cask of treacle and a ton of coals. We are now, however, cast again
on the love of our Lord for further supplies, as there is neither any
thing in hand, nor have the labourers any more of their own to give.
Oct. 16. The day commenced with mercies. I was looking up to the Lord
for help, early this morning, when, almost immediately afterwards,
brother T. came, and brought two silver table-spoons, and six
tea-spoons, which had been left, anonymously, yesterday afternoon, at
the Girls-Orphan-House. This afternoon I received 12l. from
Staffordshire. On the seal of the letter, which enclosed the money,
was "Ebenezer." How true in our case! Surely this instance is a fresh
"Ebenezer" to us; for hitherto the Lord has helped us.--There was also
found a half sovereign in the box at my house. Also a lady left 5s.
at the door of the Girls-Orphan-House, with about 200 pears for the
children; and a brother sent 2s., the first fruits of the increase of
his wages. Thus I was able to give a larger supply than usual to the
matrons.
Oct. 22. Today our funds were again quite low. In the
Infant-Orphan-House only 2d. was left, and very little in the other
two houses. But the Lord most manifestly again answered prayer. A
gentleman from London, who is greatly interested about destitute and
neglected children, came over from Bath with two of his sisters to
see the Orphan-Houses. He gave 1l. There was 2s. 6d. put into the box
at my house, and 6d. anonymously into the box at Gideon Chapel. With
this 1l. 3s. I went directly to the Orphan-Houses to relieve the
present need. Whilst I was there, the Lord gave still further
supplies; for being informed that in the morning some ladies had seen
the houses, and put money into the boxes, I opened them and found 3l.
0s. ld. Thus the Lord, by means of this 4l. 3s. 1d., helped us
through the necessities of this day.
Oct. 23. The Lord again sent above 2l., which supplied this days
necessities.
Oct. 24. Today the Lord sent from a most unexpected quarter 5l. The
money was given by a relative of two children in the Boys-Orphan-House.
Thus we are helped for two days, and are able to put by the rent
for this week.
Oct. 27. Saturday. This day we have been again mercifully helped,
though our need has been almost greater than ever. But, thanks to our
adorable Lord! this day also we have not been confounded; for there
was 6s. in the box at the Infant-Orphan-House, and 6s. came in for
things which had been given to be sold. To this one of the labourers
added 18s. By means of this 1l. 10s. we have been able to meet all
pressing demands, and to procure provisions for today and tomorrow.
Oct. 29. Monday. The Lord has again given us this day our daily
bread, though, in the morning, there was not the least natural
prospect of obtaining supplies. One of the labourers, who had
received some money for his own personal expenses, gave 2l. Some
things also, which had been given for sale, had been sold for 18s.;
and 6d. had been put into the box at Gideon Chapel This 2l. 18s. 6d.
enabled us to meet the expenses of this day. There were also many
articles of worn clothes sent.
Oct. 30. This has been again a day of peculiar mercies in reference
to the funds. Whilst I was in prayer respecting them, a brother
brought 2 1/4 yards of cloth. He had bought it for himself, but,
afterwards considering that he had sufficient clothes, he gave it to
be sold for the Orphans. This evening a sister gave me 20l., ten of
which were for the Orphans, and ten for the other objects. Thus we
are helped for this week.
Nov. 4. Lords day. There was given, by a stranger, last Wednesday
evening, at Bethesda Chapel, to one of the sisters, a sovereign for
the Orphans, which I received today. Thus the Lord has again begun
the week with mercy, and His love surely will help us through it,
though again many pounds will be needed.
Nov. 5. Monday. By means of the sovereign which had come in
yesterday, and several small donations today and on the past days,
together with 2l. 10s. which one of the labourers added of his own,
6l. 2s. 6d. was divided this day between the three matrons, which
will supply their need for two days at least.
Nov. 7. The funds are now again completely exhausted. Today I divided
1l. 3s. 8d., which had come in yesterday; thus the necessary wants
were supplied. The Lord be praised who has helped us hitherto! One of
the Orphans was sent today to service, and the Lord enabled us to
give her a suitable outfit.
Nov. 8. Last evening 1l. 4s. came in, which, being divided between
the three houses, helped us through this day.
Nov. 10. Saturday. All seemed to be dark, so far as regards natural
appearances, at the commencement of this day. But through this day
also the Lord has helped us, and enabled us to meet all demands. In
the course of the day came in 1l. 8s. 6d. To this two of the
labourers added 10s. each, and thus we were brought to the close of
one more week, having been able to supply the necessities of 97
persons in the Orphan-Houses, without owing any thing.
Nov. 12. Monday. Sixpence came in this morning, to which one of the
labourers added 10s. 6d., to meet the most pressing necessities. This
evening I found the 1l. was not enough to take in bread for the
Boys-Orphan-House. The Lord gave us, however, before the day was
over, enough to buy the usual quantity of bread; for there was found
in the boxes 5s. 9d. and a pair of small gold earrings.
Nov. 13. This morning our want was again great. I have 20l. in hand
which has been put by for rent, but, for the Lords honour, I would
not take of it. Nothing had come in, and the labourers had scarcely
any thing to give. I went, however, to the Orphan-Houses, to pray
with my fellow labourers, and, if it might be, to comfort them, and
see what could be done. When I came there, I found that 19s. 6d. had
come in this morning. On enquiry I heard that only 2s. 6d. more was
needed to carry us through the day. This one of the labourers was
able to add of his own. Thus the Lord has again helped us out of our
difficulty. One of the labourers gave some things which he could do
without, and another gave a workbox to be sold for the Orphans.--Before
this day has come to an end, the Lord has sent in 1l. 2s. 4d. more, so
that we have also a little for tomorrow.
Nov. 15. The money which had come in the day before yesterday,
supplied the necessities of yesterday also; but today we were brought
again very low. I went to the Orphan-Houses, to pray with my
fellow-labourers, not without hope that the Lord might have appeared,
and sent a little help. When I arrived I found that one of the
labourers had sold a few of his books, together with two which had
been given by another labourer on the 13th, for which he had received
7s. To this one of the labourers added 7s. 9d. This 14s. 9d. supplied
the most pressing necessities. When I came home I found 1s. in the
box at my house, and soon after received 5s. for a pair of fire
screens, which had been given for sale. There were also three baskets
of potatoes sent to the three different houses. A sack of potatoes
had been ordered, but the brother, who had been desired to bring
them, could not conveniently do so today, and thought, as this
present had been ordered from him, there would be no immediate need
of them; and Oh! how kind of the Lord to order it thus: for had he
brought them, the payment would have taken away the money which was
intended for the usual quantity of bread. But before the day was
over, the Lord helped still further. In the afternoon a gentleman
from Bath called at the Boys-Orphan-House, and gave a cheque for 3l.
There was also 1s. given; 2s. 6d. came in for needle-work, and 5s.
6d. for things sold. Thus altogether 4l. 4s. 9d. has been sent by the
Lord this day.
Nov. 17. Saturday. Today above 3l. was needed, and as only 15s. 6d.
had come in, we found it needful to determine to dispose of a few
articles of furniture which we conveniently could do without. One of
the labourers gave a good watch to be sold, which she had bought some
months since, there being then no time-piece in one of the houses. In
consideration of these articles to be sold, I took, for the present
necessities of the Orphans, 2l. 10s. of the money which had been put
by for the rent, to be replaced when these articles could be sold at
a suitable opportunity. Thus we were helped to the close of one more
week.
Nov. 19. Today we were again in great need. There had come in only
7s. 6d. for needle-work. The Lord had, however, given to one of the
labourers a little money, of which he gave 15s., by means of which we
were helped through this day also.
Nov. 20. Today our need was exceedingly great, but the Lords help
was great also. I went to meet with the brethren and sisters as
usual. I found that 1l. would be needed to supply the necessities of
today, but 3s. only had come in. Just when we were going to pray, one
of the labourers came in, who, after prayer, gave 10s. Whilst we were
praying, another labourer came in, who had received 1l. Thus we had
1l. 13s.; even more, therefore, than was absolutely needed.
Nov. 21. Never were we so reduced in funds as today. There was not a
single halfpenny in hand between the matrons of the three houses.
Nevertheless there was a good dinner, and, by managing so as to help
one another with bread, etc., there was a prospect of getting over
this day also; but for none of the houses had we the prospect of
being able to take in bread. When I left the brethren and sisters at
one oclock, after prayer, I told them that we must wait for help,
and see how the Lord would deliver us at this time. I was sure of
help, but we were indeed straitened. When I came to Kingsdown, I felt
that I needed more exercise, being very cold; wherefore I went not
the nearest way home, but round by Clarenceplace. About twenty yards
from my house, I met a brother who walked back with me, and after a
little conversation gave me 10l. to be handed over to the brethren,
the deacons, towards providing the poor saints with coals, blankets
and warm clothing; also 5l. for the Orphans, and 5l. for the other
objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. The brother had
called twice while I was gone to the Orphan-Houses, and had I now
been one half minute later, I should have missed him. But the Lord
knew our need, and therefore allowed me to meet him. I sent off the
5l. immediately to the matrons.
Nov. 23. The above-mentioned 5l., with an addition of 11s. 6d. which
had also come in, helped us through the expenses of yesterday and
today.
Nov. 24. This again has been a very remarkable day. We had as little
in hand this morning as at any time, and yet several pounds were
needed. But God, who is rich in mercy, and whose word so positively
declares that none who trust in Him shall be confounded, has helped
us through this day also. While I was in prayer, about ten in the
morning, respecting the funds, I was informed that a gentleman had
called to see me. He came to inform me that a lady had ordered three
sacks of potatoes to be sent to the Orphan Houses. Never could they
have come more seasonably. This was an encouragement to me, to
continue to expect help. When I came to the prayer meeting about 12
oclock, I heard that 2s. had come in, also 1l. for a guitar, which
had been given for sale. The payment for this guitar had been
expected for many weeks. It had been mentioned among us, repeatedly,
that it might come just at a time, when we most needed it: and oh!
how true. Also the watch which had been given was sold for 2l. 10s.
But with all this we could not have put by the rents for this week,
amounting to 30s. One of the labourers, therefore, gave his watch to
the Orphan-fund under this condition, that should the Lord not enable
us before Dec. 21st to make up this deficiency, it should be sold,
but not otherwise, as he needs it in the Lords service.--[A few days
after the Lord gave the means to put by the 30s., and 30s. besides
for the next weeks rent.] Thus the Lord helped us through this day,
and with it brought us to the close of one more week.
Nov. 25. Lords-day. The Lord kindly remembers us before there is
absolute need. A sister who is going to leave Bristol, called on me
to bid me farewell, and gave me, in parting, 1l. 10s. for the
Orphans. It is remarkable, that almost every donation given within
the last four months and thirteen days, since our funds have been
low, has come from unexpected quarters, to make the hand of God so
much the more manifest.
Nov. 26. Though there had come in yesterday 1l. 10s., yet that was
scarcely the half of what was needed this day. But the Lord knew our
circumstances, and, as He is wont to do, most unworthy as we are of
it, remembered our need. There was given 1l. this morning, and 1s.
had been put anonymously into the box at Gideon Chapel; and a lamp,
which had been given some time since, had been sold for 10s. Also 1s.
2d. came in for needlework. By means of these several little sums we
could meet all the demands of this day.
Nov. 27. Yesterday afternoon came in 10s., and this morning, by the
disposal of some articles, which had been given for sale, 12s. This
furnished us with means to procure, for this day also, the necessary
supplies.
Nov. 28. This is, perhaps, of all days the most remarkable as yet, so
far as it regards the funds. When I was in prayer this morning
respecting them, I was enabled firmly to believe that the Lord would
send help, though all seemed dark as to natural appearances. At 12
oclock I met as usual with the brethren and sisters for prayer.
There had come in only 1s., which was left last evening anonymously,
at the Infant Orphan-House, and which, except 2d., had already been
spent, on account of the great need. I heard also that an individual
had gratuitously cleaned the time-piece in the Infant Orphan-House,
and had offered to keep the timepieces of the three houses in repair.
Thus the Lord gave even in this a little encouragement, and a proof
that He is still mindful of us. On inquiry I found that there was
every thing needful for the dinner in all the three houses; but
neither in the Infant nor Boys Orphan-Houses was there bread enough
for tea, nor money to buy milk. Lower we had never been, and,
perhaps, never so low. We gave ourselves now unitedly to prayer,
laying the case in simplicity before the Lord. Whilst in prayer there
was a knock at the door, and one of the sisters went out. After the
two brethren, who labour in the Orphan-Houses, and I had prayed
aloud, we continued for a while silently in prayer. As to myself, I
was lifting up my heart to the Lord to make a way for our escape, and
in order to know, if there were any other thing which I could do with
a good conscience, besides waiting on Him, so that we might have food
for the children. At last we rose from our knees. I said, "God will
surely send help." The words had not quite passed over my lips, when
I perceived a letter lying on the table, which had been brought
whilst we were in prayer. It was from my wife, containing another
letter from a brother with 10l. for the Orphans. The evening before
last I was asked by a brother whether the balance in hand for the
Orphans would be as great this time, when the accounts would be made
up, as the last time. My answer was, that it would be as great as the
Lord pleased. The next morning this brother was moved to remember the
Orphans, and to send today 10l., which arrived after I had left my
house, and which on account of our need was forwarded immediately to
me. Thus I was enabled to give 6l. 10s. for housekeeping, and to put
by 3l. 10s. for rent.
The brother who sent the 10l. for the Orphans, sent likewise 10l. to
be divided between brother Craik and me, with the object of
purchasing new clothes for ourselves.
Nov. 29. The Lord has greatly blessed our meetings for prayer. They
have been instrumental in leading us to much prayer for the children
in the Orphan-Houses, in the Day-Schools, and in the Sunday-School.
They have led us to prayer for ourselves, for the Day-School
Teachers, and for the Sunday-School Teachers, that grace may be given
to us so to walk before the children, and so to deal with them, as
that the Lord may be glorified by us. We have also often been led to
intercede for the believers with whom we are in fellowship, and for
the Church at large. We have especially prayed, that our work may
lead the church generally to a more simple confidence and trust in
the Lord. That these meetings have not been in vain, as regards the
procuring of funds, has been already sufficiently seen by the many
instances which have been recorded in the foregoing pages. Today,
however, we have had another particular proof of this. When we met I
found that 10s. had come in yesterday afternoon. When I returned home
I found 1l. had come in, and shortly after I received another 1l. In
the evening I received 50l., which was sent from Suffolk by a sister
who had often expressed how gladly she would contribute more largely
to the work which is in our hands, had she the means, and who just
now, in this our time of need, has obtained the means to carry out
the desire of her heart. I rejoice in the last donation particularly,
not because of the largeness of the sum, but because it enables me to
pay to my brethren and sisters in the Orphan-Houses the salary which
is due to them. For though they are willing to labour without any
remuneration, nevertheless "the labourer is worthy of his reward."
This donation also proves, that the Lord is willing even now, as
formerly, to send large sums. But I expect still larger. The same
sister who sent the 50l. for the Orphans, sent, at the same time,
30l. to be divided between brother Craik and me for our personal
expenses. How abundantly does the Lord care for us! Truly we serve a
kind Master!
Dec. 5. Today there were again a few shillings needed, in the Boys
Orphan-House. That which remained of the £50l. had been divided for
housekeeping in the three houses, and was now all spent in the Boys
Orphan-House, and nearly also in the other two houses. The few
shillings which were needed in the Boys Orphan-House, the Lord,
however, had previously provided by the little which had come in on
December 3 and 4.
Dec. 6. This day our need was again as great as ever, but the
deliverance of the Lord was also as manifest as ever. No money had
come in, and I knew there would be some needed this morning in all
the three houses. That which was required to buy provisions for
today, was about 1l.; but there were also coals needed in two
houses, and two of the treacle-casks were empty. We gave ourselves,
as usual, to prayer. After prayer one of the labourers gave 1l. of
the salary which she had received a few days ago; another gave 6s.,
and 4s. 6d. was taken out of the boxes. Thus we had 1l. 10s. 6d. to
divide, and therefore more than was absolutely needed; also one of
the labourers had ordered half a ton of coals to be sent to the Boys
Orphan-House, for which he paid himself.
This afternoon I received 100l. from a sister; 50l. for the Orphans,
and 50l. for the SchoolBibleand Missionary-Fund. This same sister,
who earns her bread with her own hands, had given, on October 5,
1837, 50l. towards the Boys Orphan-House, and gave for the
necessities of the poor saints, in August, 1838, 100l. more; for she
had been made willing to act out those precious exhortations: "Having
food and raiment let us be therewith content." "Sell that ye have,
and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure
in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither
moth corrupteth." "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and
steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through
nor steal." Respecting the 50l. which has been given of this sum for
the SchoolBibleand Missionary-Fund, it is worthy of remark, that we
would not order Reference Bibles till we had the means. We had
repeatedly prayed respecting this want of Bibles, and particularly
again this morning. It had been also much laid on our hearts today,
to request that the Lord would enable us to have the Report printed,
which we could not do, unless He first sent the means. Lastly, we had
also repeatedly asked Him to supply us so largely, if it were His
will, as that at the time of the public meetings we might be able to
speak again of abundance. For though for some months past the time
has been fixed for the public meetings, without any reference to the
state of the funds, nevertheless, it might have had the appearance,
that we had convened the brethren for the sake of telling them about
our poverty, and thus to induce them to give.
Dec. 8, 1838. The Lord closes the third year of this part of the work
with blessings. Yesterday was sent 24 yards of flannel, and today
were taken out of the box in the Boys Orphan-House a 5l. note and
3d. Also 2s. was given, and 1l. besides.
Dec. 11, 12, and 13. On the evenings of these three days there were
public meetings, at which I gave an account of the Lords dealing
with us in reference to the Orphan-Houses and the other objects of
the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. As the work, and particularly
that of the Orphan-Houses, was begun for the benefit of the church at
large, it appeared well to us, that from time to time it should be
publicly stated how the Lord had dealt with us in reference to it;
and as on Dec. 9th the third year had been completed, since the
commencement of the Orphan work, this seemed to be a suitable time
for having these meetings.