"Having been led, during the past year, to see the unscripturalness of life insurance, which I had been carrying on for some years previously, I now enclose you the sum which I received from the office, on returning to them my policy, viz. 22l. 8s., and the payment due about this time, eleven guineas, as a thank-offering to the Lord for having, chiefly by means of the work in which you are engaged in Bristol, opened my eyes in some little measure to His will with regard to His pilgrim people here. I ask your prayers on my behalf, dearest brother, amongst the many who must be on your heart, for singleness of eye, to walk with God by faith, that the whole body may be full of light,' and that I may not be permitted to darken the little light I have, by serving any other master.
I add also ten pounds, which you will kindly apply to the help of those who are labouring in the Gospel abroad, or if more urgent, at home. Also will you oblige me by accepting six pounds for your own use.
Of several Reports (which you sent me for distribution) I have received payment for three, for which I enclose one shilling. The first items please apply for the use of the Orphan-Houses, as you may see best." &c.
Thus the Lord has given by one donation 34l. for the Orphans.--I have also in this another answer, in receiving 10l. for missionary brethren, for whom I had of late been especially seeking help from the Lord.-- This evening I received still further from C. C. 1l. 10s. 0 ½ d.
Feb. 9. There was received today by sale of articles 3l. 9s. 8d. When I met again this evening with my fellow-labourers for prayer and conference at one of the Orphan-Houses, it was found that 48l. 12s. 6 ½ d. had come in for present use for the Orphans during the past week, which commenced with three half-farthings in my hands; so that there was enough for all the expenses connected with the house-keeping of the coming week, and the rest was put by for the rent, the apprentices, and the boys' clothes; and as to the necessities of this day week, when again fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons, I am looking to the Lord.
Feb. 10. This evening we hare received already a little towards the expenses of the coming week. A brother gave me 10l., of which 5l. are for the poor Irish and 5l. for the Orphans. Also 7s. 1d. from the Orphan-box of a sister.
Feb. 11. Anonymously 2s. 6d. From Nottingham 1l. 15s.
Feb. 12. Anonymously, from a lady, 2l. to buy coals for the four Orphan-houses.
Feb. 13. Anonymously from Islington a half-sovereign. By sale of Reports 8d.
Feb. 14. Through a sister 5s., from C. C. 8s. 3d., and anonymously 2s. 6d.
Feb. 15. From a Scotch sister 1l., by sale of stockings, Reports, and articles 7l. 0s. 4d., from an Orphan- box 3s. O ½ d., from Nice 1l., anonymously 10s., from Cork 5s. 2d., and several shillings besides in small donations, &c.--Thus there had come in again by this Tuesday evening, Feb. 16th, 21l. 4s. 2d. during the past week. As, however, I had to put by some money for the boys' clothes and rent, I could only leave 12l. 4s. with the matrons, quite sufficient for a few days; and my hope in God is, that He will send more, before this is gone.
Feb. 17. From the neighbourhood of Bridgewater 10s. 6d., and 1s. 1d. came in besides. On the 18th came in 1l. more.
Feb. 19. This morning I gave myself again to prayer, importuning the Lord that He would be pleased to send more means, as so little had come in during the last two days. Almost immediately, after rising from my knees, I received from Doncaster 3l. 3s. At the same tune I received from Bromyard 5s., and 4s. from Aberystwith. About an hour later came from a sister in the neighbourhood of Wotton-under-Edge 12s. 6d., a lady's bag, and a knitted bread-basket cloth. Thus, with the 12l. 4s. already given to the matrons, we are supplied till next Tuesday evening, the 23rd of February.
Feb. 20. Today came in from the neighbourhood of Castle Cary 10s., by sale of Reports 2l. 6d., and by sale of articles 10s. 6d. Also anonymously a parcel from Tetbury, containing 2 shillings, a gold coin, a silver coin, 2 copper coins, a brass coin, 4 gilt brooches, 2 silver brooches, 3 gold brooches, 5 collars, a waistcoat, a pair of boots, 2 cloaks, and a shawl.
Feb. 21. From C. C. 14s., and 5l. with these words: "Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things," and Philip iv. 19. How true! My Heavenly Father knew that we had need of this, and therefore put it into the heart of this donor to give this 5l. for in two days we shall again require many pounds more than I had this morning. Also how truly is again fulfilled in my experience at this time Philip iv. 19.
Feb. 22. From Westmoreland a half sovereign and 1s. in postages.