nced that I
ought to seek by earnest prayer soon to be able to begin the building.
In addition to this I had also especially besought the Lord to give me
means for missionary brethren, and also for brethren who labour in the
word in various parts of England and Ireland; as all my means for them
were now gone. I had also been waiting upon God for means to order a
fresh stock of tracts. I had lastly again and again besought the Lord to
give me means for the poor saints in Bristol, of whom there are many,
and whose need is now particularly great. Now today the Lord has granted
me precious answers to my requests concerning these various objects, for
I received this morning one Thousand Pounds with these words: "I send
you some money, part of which you can apply to the Orphans and the other
objects of your Institution, according to their need, and the rest you
can put to the Building Fund. At the present price of provisions your
expenses must be large for the Orphans. Please also take 25l. for your
own need." As I have about 80l. in hand for the Orphans, I took nothing
for present use for them, but took 175l. for the other objects, in order
thus to be able to send some help to Home and Foreign labourers, and to
order a fresh stock of tracts; and 800l. I took for the Building Fund. I
should have taken less for the Building Fund, and more for present use,
did it not appear to me the will of God, that with my might I ought to
give myself to this part of the work.

Jan. 5, 1847. We have just now much sickness in the four Orphan-Houses,
on account of which we are much tried for want of room, and for want of
proper ventilation, the houses having been originally built for private
families. This has again most practically shown me the desirableness of
having the Orphans, as soon as possible, removed to a house built on
purpose for them and my heart says, "Lord, how long?" and importunes Him
the more, yet, by His grace, without being impatient, but willing to
wait His time, which in the end is always found to be the best.

Jan. 9. From a professional Christian gentleman 10l., which I received
from him in paying him his account today.

Jan. 10. From a brother in the Lord 80l.--From C. C. 8s. 2 1/2 d.

Jan. 11. From a lady at Bedminster 3l. 10s.

Jan. 25. The season of the year is now approaching, when building may be
begun. Therefore with increased earnestness I have given myself unto
prayer, importuning the Lord that He would be