or means for
these objects; and day by day I had been entreating him that he would be
pleased to enable me to accomplish during this period as much as during
the former one in the way of circulating the Holy Scriptures and tracts,
and in aiding missionary operations, though I had no natural prospect
whatever of being able to do so. My eyes were alone directed to the
living God, who year after year for many years past had allowed me to
increase the operations of these three objects, notwithstanding the
continual increase of expense in connection with the orphan work; and
thus I expected, fully expected, though all appearance was against it,
that during this period also I should be again helped by God, the living
God. Think, then, Christian reader, how great my spiritual refreshment,
when, by this one donation in a great measure, I saw these my daily
prayers being again answered. In like manner may you, in your sphere of
service, in your family affairs, in your business, in your profession,
in your various temporal or spiritual necessities, have your prayers
answered.

Dec. 9, 1859. To-day it is twenty-four years since the orphan work
commenced. What has God wrought! There have been received since then
altogether 1,129 orphans, and during the last two years and two months
alone 469, so greatly has the work increased of late. We have now 700
orphans under our care.

Dec. 10. The following letter was received to-day from an apprentice:--

MOST BELOVED SIR:

With feelings of gratitude and great thankfulness to you for all
the kindness I experienced whilst under your care, and for now
apprenticing me to a suitable trade whereby I can earn my own
living, I write you these few lines. I arrived at my destined
abode in safety, and was kindly received by my master and
mistress. Dear sir, I thank you for the education, food,
clothing, and for every comfort; but, above all, for the
instruction from God's word which I received when in that happy
Orphan House; for it was there I was brought to know Jesus as my
Saviour; and I hope to have him as my guide through all my
difficulties, temptations, and trials in this world; and, having
him for my guide, I hope to prosper in my trade, and thereby
show my gratitude to you for all the kindness I have received.
Please to accept my gratitude and thanks; and I hope you will be
spared many, many more years, to care for poor des