ful for dinner; but there is no money to take in
bread nor milk for one of the houses. We met for prayer. Our hope is
in God, trusting that He who has so often helped us in poverty, will
still do so. If I write any more I shall be too late to post this
letter."

[On my return to Bristol I found, which is not mentioned in the next
letter, that the milk was purchased with the money of one of the
sisters in the Orphan-Houses.]

On July 4th I received the following letter from Bristol, dated July
3rd.

"My dear Brother,--The last account I sent you left us in the greatest
poverty. We had sufficient, it is true, for the time then present;
but there was no money to take in bread with. In the afternoon there
was an old riding habit sent for the Orphans, which I sold this
morning for 7s. I also sold a few books for 5s., two old silver
thimbles and a ring for 1s. 6d.; besides this, 1s. 6d. was sent for
Reports; making in all 15s. This purchased dinner for the three
houses. At twelve o'clock we met for prayer. We were indeed in great
need. There was no money either for bread or milk. The coals in all
the three houses were used, and in every other respect the stores
were in a low state. We had really wanted nothing, but there was
scarcely any thing left. Well, while we were in prayer to God, your
letter came. One of the sisters opened the door and received it, and
after prayer it was given to me. You will be able to conceive the
greatness of our joy, on opening it, and finding it to contain 5l. I
cannot express how much I felt. During the trial I had been much
comforted by the Lord's sending a little token of his love every day.
It just proved that He was mindful of us in our poverty, and that
when His time was come, He would send us an abundance. I think we all
felt your absence a little, although not cast down on that account.
Money is very precious to those who, like us, so evidently see the
HAND and HEART of our Heavenly Father in bestowing it, The sisters
send their love to you.

"Your affectionate brother,

"R. B."

On July 6th I received the following account from Bristol, dated July
5th. "You are, I am sure, often praying for us, and therefore see, in
the help we receive, God's gracious answers to your prayers, and
therefore you will be refreshed by hearing the account of how matters
are with us. On Saturday there was again a little money needed in the
Girls'-Orphan-House, for butter and such little articles;