may have_ need. Kindly then inform
me, and to what amount, _i. e._ what amount you at this present time
need, or can profitably lay out."

At the time when this letter came we were indeed in need. Nevertheless,
I considered that, as I have hitherto acted (_i. e._ telling the Lord
alone about our need), I ought to continue to do, as otherwise the
principal object of the work, to be a help to the saints generally, by
seeking to lead them to increased dependence upon God _alone_, through
this Institution, would be frustrated. I answered therefore the letter
in substance as follows:--

"Whilst I thank you for your love, and whilst I agree with you, that, in
general, there is a difference between _asking for money_ and _answering
when asked_, nevertheless in our case I feel not at liberty to speak
about the state of our funds, as the primary object of the work in my
hands is to lead those who are weak in faith to see that there is
_reality_ in dealing with God _alone_."

After having sent off the answer, I was again and again led to pray to
the Lord in this way: "Lord, thou knowest that for thy sake I did not
tell this brother about our need. Now, Lord, show afresh that there is
_reality_ in speaking to thee _only_ about our need, and speak therefore
to this brother, so that he may help us."

To-day, in answer to this my request, this brother sent one hundred
pounds. Thus I have means for establishing the infant school, and for
ordering more Bibles. Also the orphans are again supplied for a week;
for when the money came in, there was _not one penny_ in hand for them.

April 7. This evening I received information from my little half brother
that my dear father died on March 30. During no period did I pray more
frequently or more earnestly for the conversion of my dear aged parent
than during the last year of his life; but, at all events, it did not
please the Lord to let me _see_ the answer to my prayers.

April 9. We are on the point of sending some money to the East Indies
for missionary objects. _Whilst I was on my knees_ respecting this
object, five pounds was brought for it.

May 2. Nothing having come in for five days, we were to-day again
penniless. In answer to prayer five shillings sixpence came in, and some
trinkets were sent, the names of which the donor does not wish to be
known. Thus we were helped through this day. Observe here how the Lord
allowed five days to pass away without influencing the hearts of