Feb. 3, Saw the land. It is the most desirable of all I have seen.-- There was anonymously put into an Orphan-box at my house a sovereign, in a piece of paper, on which was written, "The New Orphan-House."
Feb. 4. This evening I called on the owner of the land on Ashley Down, about which I had heard on the 2nd, but he was not at borne. As I, however, had been informed that I should find him at his house of business, I went there, but did not find him there either, as he had just before left. I might have called again at his residence, at a later hour, having been informed by one of the servants that he would be sure to be at home about eight o'clock; but I did not do so, judging that there was the hand of God in my not finding him at either place: and I judged it best therefore not to force the matter, but to "let patience have her perfect work."
Feb. 5. Saw this morning the owner of the land. He told me that he awoke at three o'clock this morning and could not sleep again till five. While he was thus lying awake, his mind was all the time occupied about the piece of land, respecting which inquiry had been made of him for the building of an Orphan-House, at my request; and he determined, that if I should apply for it, he would not only let me have it, but for 120l. per acre, instead of 200l., the price which he had previously asked for it. How good is the Lord! The agreement was made this morning, and I purchased a field of nearly seven acres, at 120l. per acre.
Observe the hand of God in my not finding the owner at home last evening! The Lord meant to speak to His servant first about this matter, during a sleepless night, and to lead him fully to decide, before I had seen him.
Feb. 6. Two dolls were given for sale, and one of them was sold for 3s.
Feb. 7. Received from two of the Orphans 8d. and 4d. Also, one of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 10s, and a poor man 3d.
Feb. 8. I wrote the day before yesterday to the architect, who has offered his help gratuitously.
Feb. 11. Received from a sister in the Lord 5l. Received also from the architect the following reply to my letter:
"My dear Sir,
"It will afford me a gratification, beyond what I can communicate by letter, to lend you a helping hand in the labour of love you are engaged in, and I shall esteem it a very great privilege being allowed to exercise my abilities as an architect and surveyor in the erection of the building you propose to erect for the Orphans. I really do mean what I say, and, if all is well, by the blessing of God, I will gratuitously furnish you with plans, elevations, and sections; with specification of the work, so that the cost may be accurately estimated. I will also make you an estimate and superintend the works for you gratuitously, &c."
Feb. 12. This afternoon a little parcel was brought to my house, containing ten sovereigns and a little slip of paper, on which was written:
"Dear Sir, I have sent you ten pounds for the New Orphan-House. It is the Lord's doing. Seek not to know my name."
Feb. 14. There came in 8s. 6d. by sale of articles.
Feb. 15. Received the promise that on March 25th should be paid to me 500l. for the building of the Orphan-House.
Feb. 18. Received 1l. from Sunderland.
Feb. 19. The architect kindly came from London. He considers the ground to be most suitable as to situation, drainage, water, &c. I received also today from a sister 5l.
Feb. 20. Received from a sister 10s., and from a brother 5l. The brother told me that never in his life does he remember to have given any donation with so much real pleasure as this 5l. This is of God. I own God's hand in this. He it is that inclines the hearts of His dear children towards this service. May He only be pleased to continue to give me faith amid patience, and I shall most assuredly see this building erected to the praise of His name!
Feb. 28. Two of the labourers in the Orphan-Houses gave 1s. eachToday the 500l. which had been promised on the 15th, was paid 25 days sooner than promised. I rejoiced in this speed; for I remembered that word:
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest."
March 2. Received 2 rings, 6 brooches, 2 mourning brooches, 3 old silver thimbles, a silver guard, a small gold chain, 4 pairs of earrings, 3 polished stones, a bracelet, 3 waist buckles, a silver mounting of a horn, and 2 candlestick ornaments.
March 3. From a brother in the Lord 10l.
March 8. From Clevedon 1s., and from London 6d.
March 13. From a young sister in the Lord 13s. From a little girl at Bath 2s. 6d.--Also 2 babies' pinafores for sale.--4 little frocks, a pair of socks, and 4 pincushions (also for sale).--Likewise a dozen doilies.