ing God, who alone is our hope, and to whom alone we look for
help, and who never has forsaken us in the hour of need. There is,
however, one thing different with reference to this year, when compared
with former years, and that is, that, while our trials of faith during
this year were just as great as in previous years, the amount needed in
former times was never so great as during this year, especially as the
bread during the greater part of this year was about twice as dear as
for several years before.

But then, it may be said, if you have had this trial of faith, with
these 300 Orphans, why do you seek to build another Orphan House for 700
more, and thus have a thousand to care for? Will you not have still
greater trials of faith?

My reply is: 1, God has never failed me all the 20 years of this my
service. 2, I am going on as easily now, with 300 Orphans, as with 30,
the number with which I commenced. Their number is ten times as large,
as it was at the first; but God has always helped me. 3, Trials of faith
were anticipated, yea were one chief end of the work, for the profit of
the Church of Christ at large. 4, I had courage given me to go forward,
solely in dependence upon God, being assured that He would help me; yet
I waited in secret upon Him for six months, before I made this my
intention known, in order that I might not take a hasty step; and have
never regretted having gone forward. 5, But it needs to be added, that
the very abundance which the Lord gave me at the time, when my mind was
exercised about this matter, was a great confirmation to me, that I had
not mistaken His mind. And even during this year, how great has been His
help; for the income for the work altogether has been 12,785l. 15s. 7 1/4
d. I am therefore assured that the Lord will, in His own time, not only
allow me to build another Orphan House, but that He will also, when He
shall have been pleased to fill it, find the means to provide for these
children.

I give now a brief reference to some of the more remarkable donations
which came in between Nov. 16, 1853, and May 26, 1854.

Jan. 1, 1854. Received three old guinea pieces, with the following
words: "The enclosed has been too long held in reserve, as an esteemed
memento from a dear departed parent (for which may the Lord grant a
pardon). A conviction of its wrong overpowers the natural desire, of its
being retained, and not expended to the glory of God: for which purpose
it is now s