again for means a few days since, to be
able more extensively to assist the poor saints in communion with us,
as just now many of them are not merely tried by the usual temporal
difficulties arising from its being winter, but especially from the
high price of bread. And now this evening the Lord has given me the
answer to my prayer. When I came home from the meeting, I found a
brother at my house who offered to give me 10l. a week, for twelve
weeks, towards providing the poor saints with coals and needful
articles of clothing, but chiefly with bread. [Accordingly this
brother sent me two days afterwards 120l.,--whereby very many,
especially poor widows, were greatly assisted, chiefly with flour and
bread. This money just lasted till the price of bread was reduced
from 9 1/2d. to 7 1/2d. Thus, for several weeks, about 150 quarterns
of bread were distributed weekly, besides what was given in flour,
coals, and clothes. I have mentioned this circumstance as an
encouragement to those who either have little or nothing at all to
give to poor persons, and who yet have a desire to give; and to those
who have means, but whose means are not adequate to relieve all the
demands made upon them. Had we more grace to plead the words of our
Lord, above referred to, we should receive far more from Him to meet
the necessities around us.]

Jan. 22. A brother formerly an officer in the navy, Who for Jesus'
sake has given up his rank and pay, gave three silver table spoons,
three silver forks, and two teaspoons, to be sold for the benefit of
the Orphans. The produce of them, with 1l. 5s. which has come in
besides, enabled us to meet the expenses of today and tomorrow.

Jan. 26. Saturday. The need of the 24th, 25th, and of today was
supplied, partly, by the little that had been left on the 23rd; and
partly, by five small donations, by 9s. for the children's
needlework, and by 12s. which had come in by the sale of two old silk
dresses, which had been given for sale. Now, when we were again
penniless, 6s. was given me, just after I had been praying for means.

Jan. 28. Monday morning. We are now quite reduced as to means for the
Orphans. The little which is in hand has been put by for rent. How
the Lord will help us through this day, I know not; but I have faith
in God. He will help us, though I know not how. By God's help I
purpose not to take a single penny of what is in hand, because it is
due for rent.--This morning and afternoon came in