was absolutely
needful to tell the brethren and sisters about the state of the
funds, and to give necessary directions as to not going into debt,
etc. We prayed together, and had a very happy meeting. They all
seemed comfortable 12s. 6d. was taken out of the boxes in the three
houses, 12s. one of the labourers gave, and 1l. 1s. had come in for
needlework done by the children.
One of the sisters, who is engaged in the work, sent a message after
me, not to trouble myself about her salary, for she should not want
any for a twelvemonth. What a blessing to have such fellow-labourers!
Sept. 14. I met again this morning with the brethren and sisters for
prayer, as the Lord has not yet sent help. After prayer one of the
labourers gave me all the money he had, 16s., saying that it would
not be upright to pray, if he were not to give what he had. One of
the sisters told me, that in six days she would give 6l., which she
had in the Savings' Bank for such a time of need. God be praised for
such fellow-labourers!---Up to this day the matrons of the three
houses had been in the habit of paying the bakers and the milkman
weekly, because they had preferred to receive the payments in this
way, and sometimes it had thus been also with the butcher and grocer.
But now, as the Lord deals out to us by the day, we considered it
would be wrong to go on any longer in this way, as the week's payment
might become due, and we have no money to meet it; and thus those
with whom we deal might be inconvenienced by us, and we be found
acting against the commandment of the Lord, "Owe no man anything."
Rom. xiii. 8. From this day, and hence-forward, whilst the Lord gives
to us our supplies by the day, we purpose therefore to pay at once
for every article as it is purchased, and never to buy anything
except we can pay for it at once, however much it may seem to be
needed, and however much those with whom we deal may wish to be paid
only by the week. The little which was owed was paid off this day.--When
I came home I found a large parcel of new clothes, which had
been sent from Dublin for the Orphans, a proof that tire Lord
remembers us still. We met again in the evening for prayer. We were
of good cheer, and still BELIEVE that the Lord will supply our need.
Sept. 15. Saturday. We met again this morning for prayer. God
comforts our hearts. We are looking for help. I found that there were
provisions enough for today and tomorrow, but there was no mon
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