Dec. 30. At the beginning of this day our money was again reduced to 19l. 2s. 1 ½ d. for the current expenses for the Orphans, whilst I had before me the prospect of having to advance this day 30l. for house-keeping expenses, in order that we might go with ease through the work, and in order that all expenses might be met. Now see how the Lord helped us during this day. There came very early this morning, from the neighbourhood of Norwich, a box, containing the following articles. A prize medal, 2 salt cellars, 6 pencil cases, 5 thimbles, 2 fruit knives, a watch chain, 2 vinaigrettes (all of silver), a black necklace, a silver chain, 2 silver toothpicks, some pieces of silver, 2 pairs of gilt bracelets, a pincushion, 4 snaps, a pair of gold earrings, a tortoiseshell comb, a pocket comb, a reading glass, a box of paints, a bag of coral and other beads, 2 smelling bottles and 2 gilt chains. Likewise, from another donor, a silver stock buckle, 2 pairs of shoe buckles, 2 pencil cases, a piece of silver chain, 2 seals, a brooch pin, 2 small gold pins, 6 small silver coins, a metal coin, a small silver medal, a thimble, a pair of silver studs, 9 pairs ditto set with Bristol stone, and a gold earring. There was sent with these articles likewise. 1l., and from a poor woman 6d.--In the course of the day came in further: From Islington 6s.--From A. W. 2s.--From Islington 5s., with 8 chemises and 4 shirts.--Also from a great distance 100l., which being left at my disposal, I took one half for the Orphans, and the other half for the other Objects.--By sale of articles 2l.-- Also 2s. 6d., and 2s. 8 ½ d. from an Orphan-box.--Thus I was enabled to advance this evening 30l. for house-keeping as needed.
This was the last time, during this period of the Institution, that we were brought so low as to means; for the Lord sent in on Dec. 31 6l. 10s.; on Jan. 1, 1855, in twenty-eight different donations, 14l. 4s. 6d.; on Jan. 2nd 17l. 8s. 3d.; on Jan. 3rd 15l. 1s. 3d.; on Jan. 4th 34l. 11s. 8d., and so on, till the large donation was given of which, as has been stated, 900l. was taken for the current expenses for the Orphans. This, with what came in from Dec. 30th 1854, up to May 26th, 1855, for the support of the Orphans, enabled me to meet all the demands without any difficulty, during the remaining five months. Of all these donations, making, up the total of 2226l. 10s. 7 ¼ d., I refer only to the following.
Jan. 1, 1855. From a clergyman in South Africa 1l.
Jan. 4. From a Christian merchant at Clifton 30l. for the Orphans, with 10l. for myself, and 10l. for poor believers.