"I have received a little money from ----. Have you any _present_ need for the Institution under your care? I know you do not _ask_, except indeed of Him whose work you are doing; but to _answer when asked_ seems another thing, and a right thing. I have a reason for desiring to know the present state of your means towards the objects you are laboring to serve, viz. should you _not have_ need, other departments of the Lord's work, or other people of the Lord, _may have_ need. Kindly then inform me, and to what amount, _i. e._ what amount you at this present time need, or can profitably lay out." At the time when this letter came we were indeed in need. Nevertheless, I considered that, as I have hitherto acted (_i. e._ telling the Lord alone about our need), I ought to continue to do, as otherwise the principal object of the work, to be a help to the saints generally, by seeking to lead them to increased dependence upon God _alone_, through this Institution, would be frustrated. I answered therefore the letter in substance as follows:-- "Whilst I thank you for your love, and whilst I agree with you, that, in general, there is a difference between _asking for money_ and _answering when asked_, nevertheless in our case I feel not at liberty to speak about the state of our funds, as the primary object of the work in my hands is to lead those who are weak in faith to see that there is _reality_ in dealing with God _alone_." After having sent off the answer, I was again and again led to pray to the Lord in this way: "Lord, thou knowest that for thy sake I did not tell this brother about our need. Now, Lord, show afresh that there is _reality_ in speaking to thee _only_ about our need, and speak therefore to this brother, so that he may help us." To-day, in answer to this my request, this brother sent one hundred pounds. Thus I have means for establishing the infant school, and for ordering more Bibles. Also the orphans are again supplied for a week; for when the money came in, there was _not one penny_ in hand for them. April 7. This evening I received information from my little half brother that my dear father died on March 30. During no period did I pray more frequently or more earnestly for the conversion of my dear aged parent than during the last year of his life; but, at all events, it did not please the Lord to let me _see_ the answer to my prayers. April 9. We are on the point of sending some money to the East Indies for missionary objects. _Whilst I was on my knees_ respecting this object, five pounds was brought for it.