, no doubt, many trials connected with this
enlargement of the field of labour (for if with 130 Orphans there has
been so much trial of faith, what is to be expected when the number is
300); and therefore I desire to see as clearly as daylight that God
Himself is leading me onward.

Dec.29. This is the 56th day since I came to the conclusion to build,
and the 55th since I have been day by day waiting upon God concerning
it. Only that one donation had come in till this evening, when I
received 50l. This donation is exceedingly precious to me,
not only because I am sure it is most cheerfully given, nor even
because of its largeness, but because it is another precious proof
that God will bring about the matter, else He would not give me these
earnest. All my business therefore is: to continue in faith and patience
to wait upon God. My assurance has been more and more increasing that
God will build for Himself a large Orphan-House in this city, to show
to the inhabitants, and to all who may read and hear about it, what a
blessed thing it is to trust in Him.--Of late I have seen, by God's
grace, more and more, how entirely unworthy I am of being used by God
for this glorious and honourable service, and I can only say, "Lord
here is thy servant, if thou art pleased to use such a one as I am."

Dec. 30, 1845. This morning I came, in course of my reading, to the
commencement of the book of Ezra. I was particularly refreshed by the
two following points contained in the first chapter, in applying them to
the building of the Orphan-House: 1. Cyrus, an idolatrous king, was used
by God to provide the means for building the temple at Jerusalem: how
easy therefore for God to provide Ten Thousand Pounds for the
Orphan-House, or even Twenty or Thirty Thousand Pounds, if needed. 2.
The people were stirred up by God to help those who went up to
Jerusalem. Thus it is a small matter for Him to put it into the hearts
of His children to help me, in desiring to build this house of mercy
unto His name.--This meditation I had before breakfast. After family
prayer in the morning I had again my usual season for prayer about the
building, and at this time it was particularly coupled with thanksgiving
for the 50l. received last evening, and with entreating blessings on the
donor. I was now looking out for more, as I am doing day by day, when
this afternoon I received from a person at Clevedon 2s. 6d., from her
grandson 6d., and from the sister in t