have no regular
subscribers or donors upon whom we could depend; as we never ask help
from man but God alone; and as, finally, we never did go into debt for
this work, nor do we now: why is it not now a work of faith as formerly?
Will those, who say it is not, place themselves in my position, when, at
the close of the year 1852, I had not two pounds left, and about 330
persons were day by day to be provided for, with all they need, and
prove whether it is now anything else than a work of faith? Every one,
except those who are determined not to see, will have no difficulty in
perceiving that now, as formerly, one could only be kept from being
overwhelmed in such a position by looking day by day to the Lord, and
that not merely for pecuniary supplies, but for help under the
numberless difficulties, which continually are met with in such a work.

On account of the abundance which came in at the beginning of the year,
together with what was received afterwards, there was not the least
difficulty felt, in the way of means, for many weeks afterwards. Of the
donations that came in from Jan. 5 to April 20, and which amounted
altogether to 648l. 8s. 8 1/4 d., in 314 different sums, large and small,
I will only mention the following: Jan. 25. From an aged Christian
merchant at Clifton 50l.--From a Christian merchant in London 20l.,
on Feb. 11.

April 20. In the prospect of having to pay away yet about 500l, before
the accounts are closed on May 26th, and having only 236l. in hand, I
asked the Lord especially this evening, that He would be pleased to help
me with means for the current expenses for the Orphans, for which I
might have far more in hand had I not with all my might given myself to
the Building Fund, in order to be soon able to commence the building of
this second Orphan House. Now, this evening, I found that a donation of
100l. had come in at my house during my absence, the disposal of which
was entirely left to me. I took not the whole of this donation for the
current expenses for the Orphans, but only one half, and the other half
for the Building Fund. The funds for the various Schools, for the
circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and for missionary
objects, need nothing for at least six weeks to come. This donation has
greatly refreshed my spirit, especially as it came from a most
unexpected quarter.

Before the accounts were closed, I received, between April 20th and May
26th, 1853, in just One Hundre