d, He will
in due time send suitable individuals, so that comparatively little of
my time will be taken up in this service.

This morning I asked the Lord especially, that He would be pleased to
teach me through the instrumentality of brother C.; and I went to him,
that he might have an opportunity of probing my heart. For as I desire
only the Lord's glory, I should be glad to be instructed through the
instrumentality of any brother, if the matter be not of Him. But brother
C., on the contrary, greatly encouraged me in it. Therefore I have this
day taken the first actual step in the matter, in having ordered bills to
be printed, announcing a public meeting on December 9th, at which I intend
to lay before the brethren my thoughts concerning the Orphan-House, as a
means of ascertaining more clearly the Lord's mind concerning the matter.
December 4. Brother Craik told me this morning, that his voice is getting
a little better. December 5. This evening I was struck, in reading the
Scriptures, with these words: "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."
Ps. lxxxi. 10. Up to this day I had not prayed at all concerning the means
or individuals needed for the Orphan-House. I was now led to apply this
scripture to the Orphan-House, and asked the Lord for premises, 1000l.,
and suitable individuals to take care of the children. December 7. Today I
received the first shilling for the Orphan-House. Afterwards I received
another shilling from a German brother.

December 9. This afternoon the first piece of furniture was given--a large
wardrobe. This afternoon and evening I was low in spirit as it regards the
Orphan-House, but as soon as I began to speak at the meeting, I received
peculiar assistance from God, felt great peace and joy, and the assurance
that the work is of God. After the meeting, 10s. was given to me. There
was purposely no collection, nor did any one speak besides myself; for it
was not in the least intended to work upon the feelings, for I sought to
be quite sure concerning the mind of God. After the meeting a sister
offered herself for the work. I went home happy in the Lord, and full of
confidence that the matter will come to pass, though but 10s. has been
given. December 10. This morning I have sent to the press a statement
which contains the substance of what I said at the meeting last evening.
[For the sake of those who have not read it before, it is given here.]

Proposal for the Establishment of an Orphan-Ho