Fund, and
very little during the last ten days. I have had just now again a long
season for prayer respecting this object. Through the support which I
receive from the Lord, I am not cast down, though only so little as yet
has come in. The work is His, and not mine; therefore am I able quietly
to leave it in His hands. Were I to look at what has come in hitherto,
much though it is, in one sense, it would take, after this rate, about
ten years, before I should have the sum needed; but this does not cast
me down; for, when the Lord's time is come I expect larger sums.
Further, there are peculiar natural obstacles in the way to my receiving
donations for this object; for it has now been for several months
reported that I have already Thirty Thousand Pounds in hand for the
Building Fund, though this day it is actually only 1,139l. 19s. 2 1/2 d.
Again and again this has been told me, and therefore, were I to look at
things naturally, I should have much reason to be cast down, as the
spread of such reports is calculated, humanly speaking, to keep persons
from contributing towards this object. Another class of persons, true
Christians, and liberal persons too, may be thinking, that the sum
required is so large that it is not likely I shall obtain it, and that
therefore their contributing towards this object would be useless. But
none of these things discourage me. God knows that I have not Thirty
Thousand Pounds in hand. God can influence the minds of His dear
children towards this intended Orphan-House, whatever their thoughts may
have been hitherto on the subject. I therefore seek to "let patience
have her perfect work," and go on in prayer, being fully assured, that
the Lord will not suffer me to be confounded. I am day by day looking
out for help, yea for large sums; and I know I shall have them, after
the Lord has exercised my faith and patience. Lord wilt Thou mercifully
continue to give unto Thy servant faith and patience!

Oct. 3. From the Forest of Dean 1l.

Oct. 4. From Old Aberdeen 5l.--From Dublin the work for an ottoman
and a piece of crochet work.

Oct. 5. Through Bethesda boxes 10s.--From Clifton 7s.--From H. S.
4d.

Oct. 7. From Wellington in Salop 5s. Evening. The trial of my faith and
patience continues still. Again very little has come in during the last
four days for the Building Fund. But my hope in God, by His help,
continues steadfast. I had just now again a long season for prayer,
having spent the