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,
Oct. 5, 1847. * * * *"
I am now able to send off the 5l. about the need of which I was informed late last evening, and am again thus graciously helped at this time also by Him who hears the cries of His children. Do you not discern His hand, dear reader, in this instance?
Oct. 8. Today 10s. more was required towards housekeeping expenses; but nothing had come in since the 6th. One of the labourers was able of his own means to give the amount required.
Oct. 9. Saturday. Yesterday, when there was nothing at all in hand, were given half-a-crown, 2 silk handkerchiefs, 3 pinafores, a baby's shirt, a frock, and 2 children's work-bags.--This morning I found in the boxes at my house 1s. I knew that several pounds would be needed today for provisions, and therefore my eyes were directed to the Lord for help. I received accordingly 13s. 6d. "from a London Postman," and from Cumberland 1l. Thus I had 1l. 17s., but as this was still not enough, one of the labourers added 1l. 3s. of his own, as 3l. was needed. Thus we have enough for house-keeping expenses till Monday morning.
Oct 11. Monday. Yesterday came in from a sister 10s., ditto 4s., anonymously 2s., through an Orphan-box 8s., and from a sister 2s. 6d. Thus we have enough for today's necessities, and 1s. 6d. left.
Oct. 12. There came in yesterday afternoon through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 5s. 0 ½ d., and through those at my house 1s. Also by sale of Reports 2s. This morning I received through sister Ch. 1l. 5s. 5d. These donations were very refreshing to my spirit in this time of great need, and though not nearly enough for all we required today, they are nevertheless a precious earnest that the Lord will help us further. By the first delivery this morning I received an anonymous letter, containing 5l., with these words: