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A Narrative of Some of the Lord's Dealings with George Mueller - Written by Himself, Fourth Part
by George Mueller
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Oct. 8. Today 10s. more was required towards housekeeping expenses; but nothing had come in since the 6th. One of the labourers was able of his own means to give the amount required.

Oct. 9. Saturday. Yesterday, when there was nothing at all in hand, were given half-a-crown, 2 silk handkerchiefs, 3 pinafores, a baby's shirt, a frock, and 2 children's work-bags.—This morning I found in the boxes at my house 1s. I knew that several pounds would be needed today for provisions, and therefore my eyes were directed to the Lord for help. I received accordingly 13s. 6d. "from a London Postman," and from Cumberland 1l. Thus I had 1l. 17s., but as this was still not enough, one of the labourers added 1l. 3s. of his own, as 3l. was needed. Thus we have enough for house-keeping expenses till Monday morning.

Oct 11. Monday. Yesterday came in from a sister 10s., ditto 4s., anonymously 2s., through an Orphan-box 8s., and from a sister 2s. 6d. Thus we have enough for today's necessities, and 1s. 6d. left.

Oct. 12. There came in yesterday afternoon through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 5s. 0 1/2 d., and through those at my house 1s. Also by sale of Reports 2s. This morning I received through sister Ch. 1l. 5s. 5d. These donations were very refreshing to my spirit in this time of great need, and though not nearly enough for all we required today, they are nevertheless a precious earnest that the Lord will help us further. — By the first delivery this morning I received an anonymous letter, containing 5l., with these words:

"It is requested that half of the enclosed sum may be expended on Brother Mueller's own necessities, the other half as he thinks fit, in furtherance of his Christian schemes: and may the blessing of the 'Giver of all good' attend him! Oct. 7, 1847."

I put the half of this 5l. to the Orphan-Fund—There came in still further by sale of articles and Reports 1l. 12s. 6d. Thus we have all that is needed for the present moment.—Afternoon. This afternoon a person from the neighbourhood of Chepstow called and left a half-sovereign. There came in also through needlework, done by the Orphans, 2l. 5s. 4d. Thus we are still further helped for the present moment. But all this is not enough. Larger sums are needed, as oatmeal is to be ordered from Scotland, and several other heavy expenses, besides those for house-keeping, are to be met. Nevertheless the precious proofs, which I have had again today of our Father's loving care over the work, lead me to expect further help.—Evening. This evening at a quarter to ten o'clock I received 180l. Of this sum I put 100l. to the Missionary-Fund, 40l. to the School—Bible and Tract-Fund, and 40l. to the Orphan-Fund for present use. How good is the Lord! How precious this help! How much needed and how seasonable!

From the 13th to the 19th of October came in 8l 6s. 1 1/2 d.

On Oct. 19th I left Bristol with my dear wife, partly, because both of us much needed change of air, and partly, because I had a great desire to labour in the Word for a few weeks in Westmoreland and Cumberland. I was not able to leave more means than enough for about three days for house-keeping expenses. But I could not have stayed in Bristol, though there had been nothing at all in hand; my hope was that God would help during my absence. During all the time of my stay at Bowness in Westmoreland, from Oct. 20th to Nov. 20th, there was day by day, with the exception of the first three days, after my departure, need to wait upon God for daily supplies for the Orphans. In consequence of this, every donation, without exception, which was received daring my absence, came in most seasonably. Partly on account of my health, and partly on account of opportunities for service in Westmoreland and elsewhere, I did not feel it right to return to Bristol sooner than I did, though there was such great poverty; nor could I have done anything in Bristol which I could not do in Westmoreland, as it regards procuring means, since prayer and faith are all the means I make use of to obtain supplies when we are in need. For the encouragement of the reader, and also that those, whom God used at that time to enable us day by day to supply the Orphans with what they needed, may see how they were used by Him to help us, I mention here every one of the donations which came in during my absence, with the exception of the articles.

Oct. 21, 1847. From some poor sisters near Kingsbridge. 4s. 6d., in small donations through Brother F. in Bristol 7s. 5d.—Oct. 22. Anonymously from Walsall 5l., of which 2l. is intended for missions, 1l. for the Building Fund, and 2l. for present use for the Orphans.—From Bath anonymously 10s. with a lace cape.—Oct. 24th. I received while at Bowness 10s., also 1s. and 2s. This 13s. I forwarded at once to Bristol by an order. There was also received in Bristol from Droitwich 10s. and from London 2s. 6d.—Oct. 25th. By sale of articles and Reports 2l. From C. C. 1l. From Wolverhampton 10s.—Oct. 26th. Through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 1l. 14s. 6d., our need having caused them to be opened.—Oct. 28. By sale of Reports 2s. 4d. Orphan-box in my house 10s. From a Christian gentleman near Crediton 5l. —Oct. 30. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. By sale of an improved Rendering 9d. From London 10s.—Nov. 1. By sale of articles, stockings, and Reports 1l. 14s. 4d.—Nov. 2. Through a brother at Clevedon 5s. Through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 3l. 8s. 6d. By sale of a Report and Rendering 10d. From one of the labourers 3s.—Nov. 4. From a sister near Wotton-under-Edge 1l.—Nov. 5. From two donors in the neighborhood of Droitwich 5s. each.—Nov. 6. From sister B. in Bristol 4s. From C. C. 1l. 2s. 5 1/2 d.—Nov. 8. Anonymously by post 5l.—From sister H. C. 3s. —There was also given to me at Kendal, where I had been labouring, by a brother 10s., and by a poor sister 4d. This I sent at once to Bristol by an order.—Nov. 9. From a donor in Bristol 1l. From Switzerland 1l. 4s. 4d. From London 5s. By sale of articles 5l. 14s. 4 1/2 d.—Nov. 11. A lady from Ireland visited the Orphan-Houses and gave 1l. By sale of a Report 4d.—Proceeds of an Orphan-box from the neighbourhood of Launceston 1l. 3s. 9d.—Through an Orphan-box in my house 5s.—Nov. 13. Through the bonds in the Orphan-Houses 10s. 2d. Through Mrs. T.'s Orphan-box 2s, 1 1/2 d.— Nov. 14. From C. C. 5l.—Anonymously 2s. 6d.—Nov. 16. By sale of articles and stockings 2l. 11s. 6d.—Nov. 17. By sale of Reports 1s. Through a box in my house 2s. 6d. By needlework and knitting of the Orphans 1l. 6s. From sister C. 10s. From one of the labourers in the work 5l.—Nov. 19. From P. 2s. 6d.—On Nov. 20th we left Bowness for Keswick in Cumberland. The day before we left, I received at Bowness 5s., 5s., and 1l., also from Kendal 2s. 6d. This 1l. 12s. 6d. I sent off at once to Bristol by an order, knowing that it was needed.—Nov. 21. From C. C. 3l.—Nov. 22. Through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 7s.—Nov. 23. By sale of articles and stockings 2l. 5s. 9d. From one of the labourers 3l.—Nov. 24. By sale of Reports 3s. 3d. From F. L. in Ireland 1l. From Richmond 1l. 10s.— From Nov. 20th to 24th we stayed at Keswick. Whilst there I received 10s., 2s., and 1s. 6d. for the Orphans. This 13s. 6d. was at once sent off to Bristol, by an order, as we were still very poor, with regard to means for housekeeping expenses for the Orphan-Houses. But notwithstanding all this great poverty in Bristol, which required that we should day by day wait upon God, for our daily supplies, I did not feel at all led to return home, but had an especial drawing to go to Sunderland to labour there for a little while among the brethren assembling at "Bethesda Free Chapel." We therefore left Keswick on Nov. 24th for Sunderland.—Nov. 26th came in by sale of articles 2s., through the boxes at my house 1L. 2s. 6d., and from Dublin 1l.—Nov. 27. Through a box 8d., by sale of articles 7s., and 2l. from London.— Nov. 28th. From C. C. 10s. 8d., and by sale of Reports 8d.—Nov. 30. By sale of stockings and articles 1l. 13s. 6 1/2 d. From one of the labourers 1l. 10s. By sale of articles 1s. 11d. —Dec. 1. From one of the labourers in the work 10s.—Dec. 2. From sister F. 5s. By sale of articles 1l. From Newbury 10s. 6d.—Dec. 3. By sale of articles 5s. By profits from the sale of ladies' bags 1l. 19s. 6d. From Kingstown, Ireland, 1l. By sale of a Report 4d.—Dec. 5. From C. C. 1l. Through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 3s. 10d. By knitting of the Orphans 8s. 6d. From Glasgow 5s.—Dec. 7. By sale of articles and stockings 3l. 7s, 11d. From one of the labourers 2l. From Thornbury 4s.—Dec. 8. From a village near Keswick 10s., and by sale of articles 6d. From one of the labourers 10s. From a donor in Ayrshire 2l.—In the evening of Dec. 8th we returned to Bristol from Sunderland. Day by day while we were at Sunderland also, the Orphan-Fund was very low, but God helped day by day, by sending in the means which have been mentioned; and when we returned there was 1s. 11d, in hand, and 2l. came in that same evening from Plymouth.

Dec. 9. From the neighbourhood of Pershore came in this morning most seasonably 5l., as time need for house-keeping expenses today was 4l., and there was only 2l. 1s. 11d, in hand. This 5l. came in about an hour before the 4l. was needed. There was received further today from Bath, anonymously, 10s., and by sale of articles 2s. 6d.—Will you not, dear reader, unite with me in admiring and praising the Lord who so seasonably helped all the time that I was away from the work, engaged in His service in another way! Do you not see how precious it is to have God to go to, and to find Him ever willing to help those who trust in Him, wherever they be? Do you not also see again the hand of God so manifestly stretched out on our behalf this day Dec. 9th? 4l. was needed, but only 2l. 1s. 11d, in hand, and, an hour before the 4l. was called for from the Orphan-Houses for house-keeping expenses, the Lord sent that 5l. from Pershore.

Dec. 10. Today I received information, in answer to my inquiry, that 10s., which had been sent to me at Sunderland, were intended for the Orphans. These 10s., together with 3l. 14s. 5d. left in hand yesterday, are sufficient for this day, as the need of today is only 3l. 10s. for house-keeping.

Dec. 11. This morning came in 1l. from the neighbourhood of Cockermouth; thus we had, with the 14s. 5d. left yesterday, 1l. 14s. 5d., which is enough for today.

Dec. 13. Monday. Yesterday I received from C. C. 1l. 10s., from another person 2s., as profit from the sale of ladies' bags 1l., and this morning from Burford 2s. 6d. Thus we have again enough for the house-keeping expenses of today.

Dec. 14. Yesterday we had enough, but nothing over. When there was again nothing at all remaining in my hands, there was yesterday afternoon 1s. put into a box at my house. In the evening came in by sale of stockings and articles 2l. 6s. 6d., and by a donation 10s—In the evening also a sister from Norwich brought 10s., 2s. 6d., 6d., and 3s. She also brought the following articles, to be sold for the benefit of the Orphans: A bottle of extract of spring flowers, a small box of scent bottles, a smelling bottle, 8 common seals, a thimble case, a box of wafers; a china box containing two rings, a mourning brooch, and a bead watch-guard; a pin-cushion, a pair of little cuffs, and a little box. Another parcel containing a pair of worked slippers, 2 little bags, 2 books, 2 aprons, a knitted cloth, 3 pin-cushions, a Shetland shawl, and a pair of card-racks. Further: 2 pairs of cuffs and a necktie. Further: a child's silver rattle, 3 rings, 3 pairs of ear-rings, and 2 necklaces—There was also a parcel sent from Langport, containing two toilette cushions, a pair of worked slippers, 2 fans, 2 children's caps, some gold lace, a pair of silver clasps, 3 brooches, a silver thimble, a brass clasp, and some bits of gold. This morning I received a letter from the neighbourhood of Exeter containing a post-office order for 8s. with these words:

"I had hoped to have accumulated a larger sum in my box for the Orphans, than I have of late been enabled to obtain. I now, however, send it to you, though the amount is small, and should be thankful if it should prove useful for present need, it having been upon my mind for the last day or two that I ought to forward it to you without further delay. I therefore send an order for 8s., &c."

Thus we were supplied for the need of this day. This last 8s. was needed to make up the amount required.

Dec. 15. Yesterday afternoon I received 3l. more, of which 2l. was from Madeira, and 1l. from the brother through whom the 2l. was remitted. This 3l. was paid away at once, though not needed for house-keeping, so that I had still nothing for the need of today, when this day began.— My prayer last evening and this morning had been especially, that the Lord would not only be pleased to send me some money for the house-keeping expenses of today, but also enable me to give at least a little money to eight of the sisters who labour in the four Orphan-Houses, who have not had any money for their own personal necessities for several months. This desire was granted to me, for I received this morning a letter from Wakefield with 20l., in which the donor writes: "I hasten to enclose 20l., which I leave to your disposal; but if the varied funds are so situated as to give no material preponderance of need to any one, I should divide it as under, viz. 10l. to the Orphans, 5l. to yourself and colleague, and 5l. for the Bibles, &c." I took all this 20l. for the Orphans, and have thus the joy of being able to send at least 16l. to those eight sisters, and am also supplied with house-keeping money for today; and as for tomorrow, "my eyes are upon the Lord." The Lord be praised for this precious and seasonable help!

Dec. 16. Yesterday afternoon a brother in the Lord gave 5l. for the Orphans. By this money I was able to defray the expenses of today, and the rest I put away for the rent, so that again we have to look to the Lord for supplies for tomorrow. Yesterday also a person gave half-a-crown to one of the teachers of the Orphans, whilst she was walking out with the children.

Dec. 17. Yesterday afternoon came in 12s. and 5s.—Also a lady and gentleman called at the Girls' Orphan-House No. II. and gave 10s. for a copy of my Narrative. Thus we had a little towards the need of today, but not nearly enough. Before, however, I was called on for money, I received from Worcester 1l. 10s. Thus we were supplied for the need of today.

Dec. 18. Saturday. I had reason to believe that our need for house-keeping today would be about 5l., and I therefore waited upon God for means, and looked out for help. Yesterday afternoon, accordingly, came in by sale of trinkets 1l. 8s. This morning I received from Westmoreland 10l. Also a letter from Edinburgh, containing 15l., with the following lines without name.

"Dear brother in Christ, I enclose 'in the name of Jesus' 15l. 5l. for dear brother Craik, 5l. for dear brother and sister Mueller, for their personal or family expenses, 3l. for the Orphans, and 2l. for the Christian Knowledge Institution. May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ our Lord."

There came in also, at the same time, by sale of Reports 10s. Thus I was able to meet all the house-keeping expenses of today, being 4l. 15s. 0d., and the rest I was obliged to put by for the rent and the expenses connected with the apprentices, so that we have yet again to wait upon the Lord for further supplies for next Monday. However, we are brought to the close of another week in this service, and He who has helped us thus far will surely help us further.

Monday, Dec. 20. Only 9s. and a small gold pin and ring from Stowmarket having come in since Saturday morning, we had not enough for house-keeping expenses today, which are 2l.; but one of the labourers was able of his own to give 1l. 11s. 0d., to supply the deficiency.

Dec. 21. Yesterday afternoon a brother sent 2l. for the Orphans. In the evening a sister gave 2s, 6d. This morning came in through two Orphan-boxes 14s. 10d.; from Droitwich 10s; and by sale of articles, Reports and stockings 1l. 7s. 9d. Thus we have all that is needed for today, the demand being only 3l. 5s. The rest I put by for rent and the apprentices, and wait upon God for help for tomorrow.

Dec. 22. Yesterday evening came in by sale of Reports 8d., from Plymouth 1s., and from a sister 5s. Our need also led me to open the boxes in the Orphan-Houses, which contained 15s. 2 1/2 d. By sale of articles 2s. 6d. This was all I was able to send this morning to the Orphan-Houses, waiting upon the Lord for more.

Dec. 23. The need of today was 11l., having several expenses to meet besides those of house-keeping, which amounted to 4l. for today. This sum the Lord gave me thus: last evening I received 1l. together with a pair of trousers and gaiters, and a remnant of fustian for the Orphans. But as I knew how much there would be needed today, I waited further upon the Lord this morning for help, and, in ONE MINUTE, after I had risen from my knees, I received a letter from Liverpool with 10l. for the Orphans. The donor writes: "I have had the enclosed Ten Pound Note in my drawer for some time, intending to send it to you for the Orphans; but my time is so occupied, that, at a suitable time, when at my desk, I have overlooked it. I now however enclose it," &c,—How seasonable this help! How exactly to the very shilling what is needed today! How remarkable that just now this donor in Liverpool is led to send the Ten Pounds which had been, according to his own words, for some time in his drawer for the purpose of sending it! All this abundantly proves the most minute and particular providence of God and His readiness to answer the supplications of His children.—I am now looking out again for supplies for tomorrow.

Dec. 24. Last evening came in from Mrs. O. 1l., by knitting 1s. 10d., by sale of stockings 2l. 5s., by four half-sovereigns given to the matrons of the four Orphan-Houses, of which three of them gave their part to the funds, 30s, and by sale of trinkets 1l. 2s. Thus we are supplied till next Monday, i.e. for Christmas day (Saturday) and the Lord's day.

Dec. 27. Monday. Before I was called on for fresh supplies, the Lord, in His great kindness, had given me the means requisite for today. On Christmas Day was brought to me a parcel from Hereford in which I received from A. and Z. 3s., also a little box, a silver vinaigrette., and half-a-crown. Yesterday, Lord's Day. I received from Kendal 5l. 10s. Also from Stoke Bishop 10s.—Thus I have been again able to meet all the expenses of today.

Dec. 28. Yesterday came in by sale of Reports from Bath 2s. 6d., ditto from Street 1s., by the proceeds of an Orphan-box from Street 3s., and anonymously 5s.—Today I received by sale of articles and stockings 1l. 11s. 8d. As this was not quite enough for the necessities of today, the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, and 2l. 1s. 0 1/2 d. found in them. Thus we had again more than four pounds for house-keeping to day, and are supplied with all we need.

Dec. 29. Yesterday evening I met at our usual weekly prayer meeting with all the labourers in the Schools and Orphan-Houses, to seek the Lord's blessing upon the work, and upon the children under our care in particular. Among other points the state of the funds also was a subject for prayer, on account of the great need in every way. For we need money for the schools, as I shall not be able next week to pay to the teachers in the Day Schools their usual weekly salary, except means should come in for them. The stock of tracts and Bibles is also becoming very small. Also for eleven weeks I have scarcely at all been able to send help to home and foreign labourers. This especially we prayed about. And as to the Orphans, I had again only 9d. in hand for house-keeping expenses, which had come in at the meeting. However, my heart, by God's goodness, was at peace, and as I had now with my fellow-labourers been again able to bring all our necessities before the Lord I was looking out for help. After the meeting one of the teachers gave me 1s. 6d. for the Orphans, saying, the Lord will give you more tomorrow morning. This I expected myself; for we were in need for house-keeping expenses for today, and we had been waiting upon God for means. Accordingly this morning, when I had only 2s. 3d. in hand, I received from Devonshire 15l. for the Orphans.—How good is the Lord! How seasonable again this supply! I had been just again in prayer about the work, and about this day's necessities, and at the very moment that I rose from my knees this letter was given to me.—There was also another letter from Essex, containing 1l. 5s. for the Orphans. Thus I was again abundantly supplied for this day, and was able to put by the rest for rent and the expenses connected with the apprentices, trusting in the Lord for fresh supplies for tomorrow.

Dec. 30. When this day began, we were without any thing for the necessities of the day, though I had reason to believe that several pounds would again be required. I was therefore again looking out for fresh supplies. Accordingly, about ten o'clock this morning, a brother in the Lord, who had come last evening to stay for a night in my house, gave me 10l., to be used as it might be most needed. To be noticed in connexion with this donation is: 1, I had, not long since, received a donation from him. 2, This brother had generally stated how he wished his donations to be appropriated, and they had been chiefly for missionary purposes; but this time he left it to me to use this money as most needed, and therefore I could take of it what was needed for the Orphans. 3, We were now extremely poor also with regard to the funds for all the other objects, so that I was obliged to tell the teachers of the Day Schools last Tuesday evening, 28th, that if no fresh supplies came in, I should not be able to give them their weekly salaries, as usual, next Tuesday evening, being now poorer in this particular than I had been for years. How kind therefore of the Lord, not only to give me this money through this brother at this time, but also to dispose his heart to leave the application of it to me as most needed. I took half of it for this day's housekeeping expenses for the Orphans, and half for the School Fund, for the weekly salaries of the teachers next Tuesday.—I also received further this morning a half-sovereign from Droitwich.— The little that was left, after the house-keeping expenses were met, was put by for rent and the expenses for the apprentices, and I was again, without a penny, looking out for fresh supplies for tomorrow.

Dec. 31, 1847. The last day of another year had now come. Great and many had been the mercies of God to me this year in every way, particularly also in connexion with the Orphans; but now I had again nothing for today, except two shillings which are in one of the boxes in my house. I was, however, by God's grace, able to look out for supplies for this last day of another year also, being fully assured that the Lord would not confound me. And thus it has been, according to my expectation; for, before being called on for money, I received 100l., which was left to me to apply to any part of the Lord's service where there seemed the most need. At the same time I received 5l. for the Orphans from Teignmouth. Of the 100l. I took half for the Orphans and half for the other objects. It was indeed a moat seasonable help! I am thus able to meet all the expenses for house-keeping for today, all the present expenses connected with the apprentices, and am able to give 16l. to eight of the sisters who labour in the Orphan-Houses, for their own personal necessities. How good is the Lord! How can I sufficiently praise Him for this seasonable help! —Evening. Received still further 3s., and from Banbury 17s., and the proceeds of an Orphan-box, being 1l. 2s. 6d. Thus the year closes in blessing and under the manifest help of God.

Jan. 1, 1848. As the old year ended, so the new begins. Early this morning was sent to me 1l. 12s. 0d., being the proceeds of an Orphan-box.—A little later I received from Worcester 1l., and from Scotland 3l.

Jan. 6. On the second and three following days came in many pounds more; but though so much had been received during the last seven days, I sent again today the last money to the Orphan-Houses for house-keeping, as our expenses have been exceedingly heavy during the last few days; and I am therefore again penniless with regard to the necessities of tomorrow. — Evening. The Lord has been again exceedingly kind, and has again helped in His faithful love. This evening I received a check for 120l., of which 20l. is intended by the donor for missionary purposes, and the other 100l. is left to my disposal, either for the Orphans or the other part of the work. I took therefore 70l. for the Orphans, and 30l. for the Day Schools, and the circulation of Bibles and Tracts. I received likewise from D.D. 5l.

Jan. 25. Besides the seventy-five pounds that had come in on the 6th, the sum of 53l. 18s. 0 1/4 d. more came in up to this day.—Now, after having paid this evening for the house-keeping expenses for one week in advance, all the money in my hands for the Orphans is again gone; yet, by the Lord's goodness, we have our stores pretty well supplied, and besides this the matrons have the current house-keeping expenses for one week in hand. May the Lord in His faithful love send fresh supplies for the coming week!

Jan. 27. This afternoon when there was nothing in hand, 1 received from Guernsey 2l.

Jan. 28, Received from Plymouth 5l. Also 5s. 6d. from the neighbourhood of Exeter, and 2s. besides. From the neighbourhood of Nottingham 5s.

Jan. 30. By profits from the sale of ladies' baskets 2s.

Jan. 31. One of the labourers in the work gave 10l., and a brother on his way to Ireland 1l.

Feb. 1. By sale of articles and stockings 3l. 19s. 7 1/2 d., anonymously 2d., from sister F. 10s., proceeds of an Orphan-box 12s. 6 3/4 d., by sale of stockings 8s. 5d., and by the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 16s. 9d.—When I went this evening to the Orphan-Houses for our usual prayer meeting on Tuesday evenings, I found that altogether since last Tuesday evening 25l. 2s. 0 1/2 d. had come in; but as there had been many extra expenses to meet during the week, there was only actually in hand 8l. 8s. 4 1/4 d. Of this I gave to each of the matrons 2l. 2s. 1d, being only a part of what would be needed during the week, and had then one farthing left, "like the handful of meal in the barrel."

Feb. 2. This morning on my usual walk before breakfast I felt myself led out of my usual track, into a direction in which I had not gone for some months. In stepping over a stile I said to myself: "Perhaps God has a reason even in this." About five minutes afterwards I met a Christian gentleman who gave me two sovereigns for the Orphans, and then I knew the reason, why I had been led this way. Thus the farthing which remained last evening has been already multiplied.—Evening. This afternoon I received still further from a brother 1l. 1s., also a letter from Portsea containing 1l. 10s. The letter from Portsea contained these words: "Please accept it as another token of the Lord's watchful care for you and yours." How true! How exemplified in this very donation at this time!

Feb. 3. This morning I received by the first delivery three letters, each containing further supplies. The first, from Sherborne, enclosed a post-office order for 1l. 15s., of which 1l. is for missionary purposes, and 15s. for the Orphans. The second, from Yorkshire, contained two half Five Pound Notes, which 10l. is left to my disposal, yet it is requested that a part of it should go to the destitute Irish. I put therefore 5l. to the relief of the Irish, and 5l. to the Orphan Fund. The third letter, from Marlborough, contained 1l. for the Orphans.—Thus I have now all that is needed in the way of house-keeping money for the remainder of this week; but I am now waiting upon God for about 25l. to provide each of the 32 Orphan Boys above seven years old with a new suit of clothes.

The reader might say, "You are continually in need. No sooner is the one demand met, than another comes. Do you not find it a trying life, and are you not tired of it?" My reply is, It is true I am more or less continually in need in connexion with this work. And if I were to tell out all my heart to the reader concerning it, he would have still more reason to say that I am continually in need. For what I have here written is almost exclusively about the way in which God has been pleased to supply me with money for carrying on the work; but I do deliberately state that this, much as it might appear to one or the other, is by no means the chief thing that I stand in need of from day to day. I will just hint at a few other things. Sickness among the children, very difficult and tedious cases, in which, notwithstanding all the means which are used month after month, yea year after year, the children remain ill. Nothing remains but either to keep them, or to send them to the Parish Union to which they belong, as they have no relatives able to provide for them. The very fact of having cared for them and watched over them for years, only endears them the more to us, and would make it the more trying to send them back to their parish. This is a "need" which brings me to God. Here is prayer required, not only for means which such sick children call for, but for guidance and wisdom from on High.—Sometimes children are to be placed out as servants or apprentices. A suitable place is needed, or else they had better remain under our care. The obtaining of this suitable place is a "need" indeed. It is more difficult to be obtained than money. Sometimes for many weeks have I had to wait upon God, to have this "need" supplied; but He has always at last helped.—Sometimes great has been my "need" of wisdom and guidance in order to know how certain children ought to be treated under particular circumstances; and especially how to behave towards certain apprentices or servants who were formerly in the Orphan-Houses. A "need" in this respect is no small thing; though I have found that in this and in all other matters concerning which I was in "need," I have been helped, provided I was indeed able to wait patiently upon God. That word, "godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Tim. iv. 8), I have in times almost without number found to be true in my own experience. — Further, when one or the other of the labourers needed to leave the work on account of health, or for other reasons, I have been at such times in far greater "need" than when I required money for the various objects of the Institution. I could only have such "need" supplied by waiting upon God. I could do nothing but speak to my heavenly Father about this matter, and He has always helped. One of the greatest difficulties connected with this work is, to obtain suitable Godly persons for it. So many things are to be taken into the account. Suitable age, health, gift, experience, love for children, true godliness, a ready mind to serve God in the work and not themselves, a ready mind to bear with the many trials and difficulties connected with it, a manifest purpose to labour not for the sake of the remuneration, but to serve God in their work; surely, to obtain Godly persons, in whom these qualifications, even in some measure, are found combined, is not an easy matter. Not that any one will suppose me to mean that I am looking out for perfect fellow-labourers. Not that any one will suppose that my fellow-labourers are referred to by rue, as if they were without weaknesses, deficiencies, and failings. I am myself far, very far from being without weaknesses, deficiencies, and failings. Moreover, I never expect to find fellow-labourers for this work who have not their weaknesses; but this I do mean to say, that the work of God in my hands is of that character, and, by God's grace, is really carried on with such a true purpose to serve God thereby (however much I and my fellow-labourers may fail), that it is with me a matter of deep moment to find truly suitable individuals for it, in whom, as much as possible, the above qualifications should be found united. And, however much there may be wanting, this is more and more my aim, that I may obtain such helpers; and hence it can be easily perceived bow great my "need" must be again and again on this very account. I do here especially advise, that if any should apply in future for situations in connexion with this work, they would keep these remarks before them; for, by God's grace, it is my purpose never to give to any persons a situation in connexion with the Institution, if they are not suitable for it according to the light which God gives me.—Further, that the labourers work happily together among themselves, and that I go on happily in service with them; that I be their servant, on the one hand, and yet, on the other, maintain the place which God has given me in this work; surely, if any one carefully looks at this, he will at once see, that there is a difficulty and a "need" far greater than any that is connected with money. Oh, how these matters lead one to call upon God! How they continually make one sensible of one's "need!" Truly, I am in need, in continual need. Many more points might be referred to in connexion with this work, in which I am more or less continually in "need;" but I will only mention one it is now many years since I have made my boast in the living God in so public a manner by my publications. On this account Satan unquestionably is waiting for my halting, and, if left to myself, I should fall a prey to him. Pride, unbelief, or other sins would be my ruin, and lead me to bring a most awful disgrace upon the name of Jesus. Here is then a "need," a great "need." I do feel myself in "need," in great "need," even to be upheld by God; for I cannot stand for a moment, if left to myself. Oh, that none of my dear readers might admire me, and be astonished at my faith, and think of me as if I were beyond unbelief! Oh, that none of my dear readers might think, that I could not be puffed up by pride, or in other respects most awfully dishonour God, and thus at last, though God has used me in blessing hitherto to so many, become a beacon to the church of Christ! No, I am as weak as ever, and need as much as ever to be upheld as to faith, and every other grace. I am therefore in "need," in great "need;" and therefore help me, dear Christian reader, with your prayers.

I allow, then, moat fully that I am in continual "need." This is the case with regard to money matters, because the work is now so large. A few hundred pounds go but a little way. There have been often weeks, when my demands have been several hundred pounds a week, and it can therefore easily be supposed that even if large donations come in, they do not last long. But whilst I allow this, I desire that the Christian reader may keep in mind that there are other necessities, and even greater ones than those connected with money.—Should, however, the reader say that he thinks "I must find this a very trying life, and that I must be tired of it," I beg to state, that he is entirely mistaken. I do not find the life in connexion with this work a trying life, but a very happy one. It is impossible to describe the abundance of peace and heavenly joy that often has flowed into my soul by means of the fresh answers which I have obtained from God, after waiting upon Him for help and blessing; and the longer I have had to wait upon Him, or the greater my need was, the greater the enjoyment when at last the answer came, which has often been in a very remarkable way, in order to make the hand of God the more manifest. I therefore solemnly declare that I do not find this life a trying life, but a very happy one, and I am consequently not in the least tired of it. Straits and difficulties I expected from the very beginning. Before I began this service I expected them; nay, the chief object of it was, that the church at large might be strengthened in faith, and be led more simply, habitually, and unreservedly to trust in the living God, by seeing His hand stretched out in nay behalf in the hour of need. I did, therefore, expect trials, great trials and straits; but cheerfully, for the glory of God, and the profit of God's dear children, did I desire to pass through them, if only the saints might be benefited by the dealings of God with me. The longer I go on in this service, the greater the trials of one kind or another become; but, at the same time, the happier I am in this my service, and the more assured, that I am engaged as the Lord would have me to be. How then could I be tired of carrying on the work of God on such principles as I do?

I now return to the extracts from my journal.

Feb. 4, 1848. Yesterday came in still further: from Norwich 1l. and from Devonshire 1l.

Feb. S. From a brother at Hereford 5l.—Feb. 5. From "Friends to Orphans" 2l., and from D.D. 12s 2 1/2 d.—Feb. 5. By sale of articles 2l. 6s. 4d. Evening. Since this day week, when I had only one farthing left, the Lord has been pleased to send in for the Orphans 23l. 16s. 8 1/2 d; but as I have had to pay away more than 10l., besides making up the remainder of what was needed for house-keeping expenses for the past week, there was only 6l. 10s. 10 3/4 d. for the expenses of the coming week, whilst nearly three times as much was required by the four matrons. I divided this little, however, among them, in the full assurance, that, by the time it was consumed, the Lord would send more.

Feb. 9. Today only 2s. 4d. has come in. We are supplied for the present moment, and shall have enough till tomorrow evening for house-keeping expenses; but there is about 25l. needed for boys' clothes, and I greatly desire to give some money to the sisters who labour in the Orphan-Houses.

Feb. 10. This morning was given to me the sum of One Hundred Pounds, which being left entirely to my disposal, I took of it 50l. for the Orphans, and 50l. for the School—, Bible—, Tract—and Missionary Fund.—The Lord be praised for this most seasonable help! I am thus helped for the present for all the various parts of the work, and have especially two precious answers to my prayers concerning the Orphan work, in that I am able to get a new suit of clothes for all the boys, and to give some money to the sisters, who labour in the Orphan-Houses, for their own personal necessities.

From Feb. 10th to 22nd came in 21l. 0s. 1 1/2 d. more.

Feb. 25. All money was now again expended. This afternoon I had paid away the last. About an hour after, I received from a brother the contents of his Orphan-box, being 2s. 6d. and a gold watch-key. In the evening was given to me 10l., being the half-yearly profits arising from shares in a certain company. How kind of the Lord thus to help again so soon! As soon as the last money was disbursed, He sent more.

Feb. 29. 4l. 18s. 0d. more has come in since the 25th. This evening I paid away for house-keeping all the money I had, being 12l. 10s. 7d., and returned home with an empty purse, trusting in the Lord to give me again fresh supplies. I shall shortly need again many pounds.

March 1. This morning I received anonymously by post from P. L. A. ten shillings. Evening. This afternoon a check for 25l. was left at my house for the benefit of the Orphans.—Thus we are again supplied for a week for what we need for house-keeping, &c. Oh, how good it is to depend on the faithful love of our heavenly Father, who never forsakes His children who put their trust in Him!

March 17. Since the first of this month there has come in, besides the 25l. given on the 1st, altogether 36l. 0s. 3 1/2 d. Now today all means were again gone, when a brother in the Lord from Gloucestershire called at the Orphan-Houses and bought some tracts and an "Improved Rendering" for 2s. 6d., and gave 17s. 6d. for the Orphans. This afternoon came in further, by sale of articles, 2l. 12s. 9d.

March 18. This morning I received from Chelsea 4l., from Tewkesbury 10d., and this evening from D. D. 5s. 2d., and by sale of articles 5s. There was also 1l. left anonymously at my house.—Thus we are again supplied for 2 or 3 days.

March 21. Tuesday. As during the last three days only 1l. 15s. had come in, I had only 2l. this evening towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week; but finding that one of the teachers had 5l. in hand for knitting and needlework, done by the children, I added this to the 2l., and we are thus supplied for 2 or 3 days with provisions.

March 23. Evening. When there was now again no money at all in hand, and when I had the prospect of needing fresh supplies tomorrow or the day after, a brother from Switzerland arrived at my house, who brought me 4l., which some brethren at Vevey, in Switzerland, had contributed towards the support of the Orphans. He also was the bearer of 15s. from London. What a variety of ways the Lord uses to supply our need! How remarkable that these Swiss brethren, who are just now in so much trial, should be led to send help towards this work! A few minutes, after I had received this 4l. 15s, there came also to hand a letter from Stafford, containing 4l., of which the donor wished me to take one-half for the Orphans, and the other half for my own personal expenses.

March 24. This morning I received still further from the Swiss brother, who had arrived yesterday afternoon, 18 francs, being a donation from the pupils of a boarding school in Switzerland, and 10 francs from a German brother.—Also from Norwich 13s. 8d. and 2s. 4d.

March 25. This morning I received from O. W. a letter with 20l., which the donor wished me to apply to the help of those labouring in the Gospel, and to the Orphans, if in present need. I took half of this for time Orphans, and half for Home and Foreign labourers. We are thus supplied for the Orphans for about three days.

March 28. On the 26th came in anonymously 3s., ditto 10s., ditto 2s. 6d., ditto 1s. 10d.; and 2l. 7s. besides. This evening I had again to give to the matrons fresh supplies for the coming week, towards which I had only a few pounds, when I received this morning 20l. from a distance of about 200 miles.

Between March 28th and April 12th I received, besides the 20l. referred to, 24l. 0s. 7d.

April 13. Thursday. On Tuesday evening I had given out for house-keeping all the money in hand, being 11l. This was enough for three or four days. This morning I was now looking out for more, having requested the Lord to look upon our necessities; for tomorrow, or at the latest the day after tomorrow, fresh supplies will be needed. Now think, my dear reader, of the Lord's goodness, when I tell you that this very morning I received 90l. for the Lord's work in my hands, the disposal of which sum was entirely left with me. I took of this sum 40l. for the Orphans, and 50l. for the School-, Bible-, Missionary-and Tract Fund.

April 26. Only 18l. 19s. 8 1/2 d. had come in since the 13th. As the income during these thirteen days had been so small, our means were again reduced to 16s., after I had supplied the day before yesterday the means for the house-keeping expenses for this week. Today I received information, that to a sister in Switzerland had been given Fifty Francs for the Orphans. Thus the Lord is in every way showing that He is mindful of us.

April 29. Saturday. The expenses of today, in addition to those for house-keeping, which had been met last Tuesday evening for a whole week in advance, reduced our little stock of means to only a few shillings. In addition to this, Tuesday is approaching, when again about 20l. will be needed. And now see, dear reader, how seasonably the Lord helped us again, and that from most unexpected quarters. This morning I received One Hundred Pounds from a brother, who is himself depending upon God for daily supplies whilst labouring in word and doctrine, but who has lately come into the possession of this sum, and who does not think it right to lay up treasure upon earth. Of this 100l. he wishes me to take 10l. for my own personal necessities, to give to brother Craik 10l., and to take 80l. for the Orphans. Of this 80l. the sum of 50l. has been put to the Building Fund, and 30l. has been taken for present use for the Orphans. — But this was not all. There was paid to me today the legacy of 19l. 19s. left to me for the benefit of the Orphans by the late Mrs. B., an individual whom I do not remember ever to have seen in my life, and whom I only know by name. Observe this particular providence! At a time of need, of great need of means, this legacy comes in. The will may have been made years ago, and the testator has been dead several months; but just at this time, when not only the 20l. are needed next Tuesday for house-keeping, but other expenses of about 30l. more are to be met in a few days, this legacy comes in.—Today also I have received besides, 10l. from Wiltshire, 1l. 4s. from Cumberland, 10s. from Birmingham, and 1l. from a donor in Bristol. Thus in one day, in a time of great need, 62l. 13s. has come in, besides 50l. for the Building Fund.

May 11. 10l. 2s. has come in since April 29th. This morning I received from a lady at a considerable distance 16l., and from Wandsworth 5l. These two donations came in especially in answer to prayer, not so much for immediate need as it regards house-keeping, but on account of other heavy expenses which are shortly to be met. I have also repeatedly asked the Lord of late, if it may please Him to send in considerable means, before the accounts are closed on the 26th, so that there might not be even the appearance, as if I wrote another Report, because I could get on no longer without it.

May 26, 1848. On this day the accounts were closed. The total sum which has come in from the 12th to this day, is 40l, 3s. 7d. Thus the Lord closes this period under His manifest help! I have been able to meet all the expenses connected with the support of the four Orphan-Houses during the last two years, amounting to 3,228l. 5s. 11d., owe no one anything, and have on this 26th of May, 1848, 1l. 10s. 3 3/4 d. left in hand.

Further Account of the New Orphan-House, on Ashley Down, Bristol, from May 26, 1846, to May 26, 1848.

Those, who have read the former chapter on this subject, will remember, how I was obliged to think of building an Orphan-House, and how, when once led to this, I felt myself also led to build it large enough for Three Hundred Orphans; and how the Lord, in His great kindness, most manifestly in answer to prayer, gave me a field of about seven acres for the purpose; and how, by various donations, 2,710l. 3s. 5 1/2 d. had been already received on May 26, 1848. I shall now give a further account of the Lord's dealings with me, concerning the New Orphan-House, yet so, that, for the sake of brevity, only a few of the donations will be referred to, and chiefly those which seem more particularly to mark the finger of God.

July 4, 1846. For about three months my faith and patience have been exceedingly tried about the field, which I have purchased for the building of the Orphan-House, as the greatest difficulties arose about my possessing the land after all; but, by God's grace, my heart was kept in peace, being fully assured, that, if the Lord were to take this piece of land from me, it would be only for the purpose of giving me a still better one; for our Heavenly Father never takes any earthly thing from His children except He means to give them something better instead. But in the midst of all this great trial of faith, I could not but think, judging from the way in which God so manifestly had given me this piece of land, that the difficulties were only allowed for the trial of my faith and patience. And thus it was. Last evening I received a letter by which all the difficulties were removed, and now, with the blessing of God, in a few days the conveyance will be made out.

July 6. The reason why, for several months, there had come in so little for the Building Fund, appeared to me this, that we did not need the money at present; and that, when it was needed, and when my faith and patience had been sufficiently tried, the Lord would send more means. And thus it has proved; for today was given to me the sum of Two Thousand and Fifty Pounds, of which Two Thousand Pounds is for the Building Fund, and Fifty Pounds for present necessities, of which latter sum I took one half for present use for the Orphans, and the other half for the School—, Bible—,Tract— and Missionary Fund. This is the largest donation I have yet had at one time for the work; but I expect still larger ones, in order that more and more it may be manifest to the children of God, that there is no happier, no easier, and no better way for the obtaining of pecuniary means or anything else in connexion with the work of God, than to deal directly with the Lord Himself.

It is impossible to describe my joy in God when I received this donation. I was neither excited nor surprised; for I look out for answers to my prayers. I believe that God hears me. Yet my heart was so full of joy, that I could only sit before God, and admire him, like David in 2 Samuel vii. At last I cast myself flat down upon my face, and burst forth in thanksgiving to God, and in surrendering my heart afresh to Him for His blessed service.

There came in still further today 2s. 6d.

July 10. Received 120l., of which 100l. is intended by the donor for the Building Fund, and 20l. for present use in the work, as most needed. I took of this 20l. one half for the Orphans, and the other half for the other objects of the Institution.

July 11. By sale of articles, given for the Building Fund, came in 5s. 6d.

July 15. From a sister in the Lord 1l., from a Christian gentleman 5l., from a sister 3s., and from another sister an old silver pencil case and 2s.

July 17. From the neighbourhood of Oxford 1l.

July 21. This morning a gentleman from Devonshire, on his way to London, called on me. When he came I was in prayer, having, among other matters, brought also before the Lord the following points: 1, I had been asking Him for some supplies for my own temporal necessities, being in need. 2, 1 had asked Him for more means for the Building Fund, and besought Him to hasten the matter, on account of the inhabitants in Wilson Street, on account of the welfare of the children and those who have the oversight of them in the Orphan-Houses, and lastly, that I might be able to admit more Orphans, the number of applications being so great. 3, I had also asked the Lord for means for present use for the Orphans, as the outgoings are so great. 4, I had asked for means for the other objects. — When I saw this gentleman from Devonshire, he gave me 20l., of which 10l. is to be used for the Building Fund, 5l. for present use for the Orphans, 2l. for brother Craik and myself, and the remaining 3l. were left to my disposal, which I applied to the other objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. Thus I received, at the very moment that I had been asking God, FOUR answers to my prayers.

Sept. 7 From a friend, who has many times helped the Orphans almost from the commencement, I received 50l.

Sept. 9. "Let patience have her perfect work, &c.," must be still my motto concerning this service. Our position in Wilson Street, where the Orphan-Houses are now, remains as it was; I also see more and more the desirableness of commencing the building soon, both on account of the Orphans, and their teachers and overseers; particularly also, because so very many applications are made for the admission of very destitute Orphans, and I am unable at present, to receive all who are applied for; and yet the Lord is delaying to send the full amount of means required. I am also asked, when the Building is likely to commence, and can only answer, I do not know. Now this morning I had again, after family prayer, my usual season for prayer about this work, when I brought all these matters in simplicity before the Lord. Immediately, after I had risen from my knees, the following letter was handed to me, containing 60l.

* * * *, Sept. 8, 1846.

"My dear Brother,

I send Sixty Pounds out of the abundance which the Lord has given to me, and of which it seems to me that He has need in the work you are engaged. If you think proper, would you kindly take 25l. for the Building Fund of the Orphan Asylum, 25l. for missionary labourers, 5l. for the present use of the Orphans, and 5l. for your own purse; and may our good Lord bless your labours of love, and give the increase a hundred fold.

Your unworthy brother,

* * * *"

Thus the Lord encourages me, day by day, to continue to wait on Him. His time is not yet come; but, when it is, all that is needed will be given. By God's grace my faith is unshaken. I am as certain that I shall have every shilling needed for the work, as if I had the money already in actual possession; and I am as certain that this house of mercy will be built, as if it were already standing before me.

Oct. 18. Today the Lord has much refreshed my heart by sending from B. B. 5s., from a young sister 2s. 6d., and through an order on a Bristol Bank 120l.

Oct. 19. While I was this morning in the very act of praising the Lord for His goodness, in giving me yesterday the above mentioned donations, and whilst I was again bringing my arguments before Him, why He would be pleased soon to give me the whole sum which is requisite, I received an order for 200l., which was doubly precious, because it was accompanied by an affectionate and encouraging letter.

Oct. 29. This morning I had been again bringing the ease of the Building before the Lord in prayer, entreating Him to hasten the matter, if it might be, when, the very instant I rose from my knees, there was handed to me a letter with an order for 300l.—About an hour after, I received from a sister in the neighbourhood of Wotton-under-Edge 10s. 6d.—"From Saints in the neighbourhood of Kingsbridge" 1l. 5s.— From a sister an old silver thimble.

Nov. 14. By sale of articles 12s.—This evening I received a small morocco case, containing a gold chain, a pair of gold ear-rings, and a gold brooch (being a set), with the following letter enclosed:

"Beloved Brother in Jesus,

The contents of the accompanying casket being in my unconverted days a wedding gift from a very dear husband, has, as you may suppose, been hither-to preserved as beyond price. But since God, in His great mercy revealed to my soul His exceeding riches in Christ, and gave to it more (Oh, how much more!) than He has taken away, they seemed as the Babylonish garment or wedge of gold, which ought not to be in the Israelites' possession. I therefore give up that which the flesh would fain keep, and still prize; but which the spirit rejects, as unworthy a follower of Jesus. Accept then, dear Brother, those toys, once the pride of life, and the food of folly; and use them for the building of the Orphan-House, in which I feel it a privilege to lay one stone; and may the Lord recompense you a hundred fold, yea, a thousand fold, in this your great labour of love, is the prayer of yours affectionately in the best of bonds.

——November 1846. A Sister and a Widow."

The gift was precious to me as a proof of the continued readiness of my Heavenly Father to help me in this work; but doubly so, on account of the circumstances under which it was given, and on account of the state of mind in which the anonymous donor had given these ornaments.

Nov. 19. I am now led more and more to importune the Lord to send me the means, which are requisite in order that I may be able to commence the building. Because 1, It has been for some time past publicly stated in print, that I allow it is not without ground that some of the inhabitants of Wilson Street consider themselves inconvenienced by the Orphan-Houses being in that street, and I long therefore to be able to remove the Orphans from thence as soon as possible. 2, I become more and more convinced, that it would be greatly for the benefit of the children, both physically and morally, with God's blessing, to be in such a position as they are intended to occupy, when the New Orphan-House shall have been built. And 3, because the number of very poor and destitute Orphans, that are waiting for admission, is so great, and there are constantly fresh applications made.—Now whilst, by God's grace, I would not wish the building to be begun one single day sooner than is His will; and whilst I firmly believe, that He will give me, in His own time every shilling which I need; yet I also know, that He delights in being earnestly entreated, and that He takes pleasure in. the continuance in prayer, and in the importuning Him, which so clearly is to be seen from the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. Luke xviii. 1-8. For these reasons I gave myself again particularly to prayer last evening, that the Lord would send further means, being also especially led to do so, in addition to the above reasons, because there had come in but little comparatively, since the 29th of last month. This morning, between five and six o'clock I prayed again, among other points, about the Building Fund, and then had a long season for the reading of the word of God. In the course of my reading I came to Mark xi. 24, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." The importance of the truth contained in this portion I have often felt and spoken about; but this morning I felt it again most particularly, and, applying it to the New Orphan-House, said to the Lord: "Lord I believe that Thou wilt give me all I need for this work. I am sure that I shall have all, because I believe that I receive in answer to my prayer." Thus, with the heart full of peace concerning this work, I went on to the other part of the chapter, and to the next chapter. After family prayer I had again my usual season for prayer with regard to all the many parts of the work, and the various necessities thereof, asking also blessings upon my fellow-labourers, upon the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and upon the precious souls in the Adult School, the Sunday Schools, the Six Day Schools, and the four Orphan-Houses. Amidst all the many things I again made my requests about means for the Building. And now observe: About five minutes, after I had risen from my knees, there was given to me a registered letter, containing a check for 300l., of which 280l. are for the Building Fund, 10l. for my own personal expenses, and 10l. for Brother Craik. The Lord's holy name be praised for this precious encouragement, by which the Building Fund is now increased to more than six thousand pounds.

Dec. 9. It is now Four Hundred Days, since day after day, I have been waiting upon God for help with regard to the building of the Orphan-House; but as yet He keeps me still in the trial of faith and patience. He is still saying as it were, "Mine hour is not yet come." Yet He does sustain me in continuing to wait upon Him. By His grace my faith is not in the least shaken; but I am quite sure that He, in His own time, will give me everything which I need concerning this work. How I shall be supplied with the means which are yet requisite, and when, I know not; but I am sure that God will help me in His own time and way. In the mean time I have abundant reason to praise God, that I am not waiting on Him in vain; for since this day twelvemonth He has given me in answer to prayer, a most suitable piece of ground, and 6,304l. for the Building Fund, and about 2,700l. for present use for the work, so that altogether I have received, since this day twelvemonth, solely in answer to prayer, the sum of Nine Thousand Pounds. Surely, I am not waiting upon the Lord in vain! By His help, then, I am resolved to continue this course unto the end.

Dec. 22. Today I have again a precious proof that continuing to wait upon the Lord is not in vain. During this month, comparatively little had come in for the Building Fund; yet, by God's grace, I have been enabled, as before; yea, even with more earnestness perhaps than before to make known my requests unto God, being more and more convinced that I ought to seek by earnest prayer soon to be able to begin the building. In addition to this I had also especially besought the Lord to give me means for missionary brethren, and also for brethren who labour in the word in various parts of England and Ireland; as all my means for them were now gone. I had also been waiting upon God for means to order a fresh stock of tracts. I had lastly again and again besought the Lord to give me means for the poor saints in Bristol, of whom there are many, and whose need is now particularly great. Now today the Lord has granted me precious answers to my requests concerning these various objects, for I received this morning one Thousand Pounds with these words: "I send you some money, part of which you can apply to the Orphans and the other objects of your Institution, according to their need, and the rest you can put to the Building Fund. At the present price of provisions your expenses must be large for the Orphans. Please also take 25l. for your own need." As I have about 80l. in hand for the Orphans, I took nothing for present use for them, but took 175l. for the other objects, in order thus to be able to send some help to Home and Foreign labourers, and to order a fresh stock of tracts; and 800l. I took for the Building Fund. I should have taken less for the Building Fund, and more for present use, did it not appear to me the will of God, that with my might I ought to give myself to this part of the work.

Jan. 5, 1847. We have just now much sickness in the four Orphan-Houses, on account of which we are much tried for want of room, and for want of proper ventilation, the houses having been originally built for private families. This has again most practically shown me the desirableness of having the Orphans, as soon as possible, removed to a house built on purpose for them and my heart says, "Lord, how long?" and importunes Him the more, yet, by His grace, without being impatient, but willing to wait His time, which in the end is always found to be the best.

Jan. 9. From a professional Christian gentleman 10l., which I received from him in paying him his account today.

Jan. 10. From a brother in the Lord 80l.—From C. C. 8s. 2 1/2 d.

Jan. 11. From a lady at Bedminster 3l. 10s.

Jan. 25. The season of the year is now approaching, when building may be begun. Therefore with increased earnestness I have given myself unto prayer, importuning the Lord that He would be pleased to appear on our behalf, and speedily send the remainder of the amount which is required, and I have increasingly, of late, felt that the time is drawing near, when the Lord will give me all that which is requisite for commencing the Building. All the various arguments which I have often brought before God, I brought also again this morning before Him. It is now 14 months and 3 weeks since day by day I have uttered my petitions to God on behalf of this work. I rose from my knees this morning in full confidence, not only that God could, but also would, send the means, and that soon. Never, during all these 14 months and 3 weeks, have I had the least doubt, that I should have all that which is requisite.—And now, dear believing reader, rejoice and praise with me. About an hour, after I had prayed thus, there was given to me the sum of Two Thousand Pounds for the Building Fund. Thus I have received altogether 9,285l. 3s. 9 1/2 d. towards this work.—I cannot describe the joy I had in God when I received this donation. It must be known from experience, in order to be felt. 447 days I have had day by day to wait upon God, before the sum reached the above amount. How great is the blessing which the soul obtains by trusting in God, and by waiting patiently. Is it not manifest how precious it is to carry on God's work in this way, even with regard to the obtaining of means? From December 10, 1845, to January 25, 1847, being thirteen months and a half, I have received solely in answer to prayer, Nine Thousand Two Hundred and Eighty-five Pounds. Add to this what came in during that time for present use for the various objects of the Institution, and the total is about Twelve Thousand and Five Hundred Pounds, entirely the fruit of prayer to God. Can it be said, therefore, with good ground, that this way of carrying on the work of God may do very well in a limited and small way, but it would not do on a large scale? The fact brought out here contradicts such statements.

June 23. This day the Lord in His great goodness, by a donation of One Thousand Pounds for the Building Fund, has again encouraged my heart abundantly to trust in Him for all that which I shall yet need, to meet the remainder of the expenses connected with the fitting up and furnishing the New Orphan-House, &c.

Jan. 23, 1848. Today I received 350l., concerning which the donor expressed it as his especial wish that I should take 50l. for myself, 50l. should be for brother Craik, 50l., for the Employment Fund, and the remaining 200l. as I pleased. I put this 200l. to the Building Fund, as the donor had not given to this object before, having been prevented through circumstances, and I knew he would like to contribute towards it.

Jan. 30. I received from D. D. 35l., of which 30l. are intended for the Building Fund, and 5l. for the School—, Bible—, Tract and Missionary Fund.

March 19. From Scotland 10l.

March 21. From the neighbourhood of Dudley 9s. 8d.

March 28. "A thank-offering to the Lord from the Church assembling at Bethesda Free Chapel, Sunderland, for Church mercies during the past year." The amount is 21l. 10s. 10d.

April 29. From Cornwall 50l., from a most unexpected quarter, whereby the hand of God is the more abundantly made manifest.

In the Report, published in 1848, the following account was given respecting the New Orphan-House, which, except a few verbal alterations, is here reprinted.

1, The total amount, which I have received for the Building Fund, amounts to 11,062l. 4s. 11 1/2 d. This sum enables me to meet all the expenses connected with the purchase of the piece of land and with the erection of the house. I stated before that I did not mean to commence the Building until I had all the means requisite for it, and this intention was carried out. It was not until there was a sufficient amount of means to meet all the sums required for the various contractors, that a single thing was done; but when I once had as much as was required for them, I did not consider it right to delay any longer, though I saw then clearly, and have since seen still more clearly, that a considerable sum would yet be needed to complete the work. For whilst in every respect the Building will be most plain and inexpensive, yet it being intended to be the abode of Three Hundred Orphans, with all their teachers and overseers, it necessarily must be a very large Building, and was therefore found to be even somewhat more expensive than I had thought, as the whole (including fittings and furniture) cannot be accomplished for less than Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Pounds, towards which the Lord has already given me, as stated, Eleven Thousand and Sixty-two Pounds Four Shillings and Eleven Pence Halfpenny. The sum still needed is required for all the ordinary fittings, the heating apparatus, the gas fittings, the furnishing the whole house, making three large playgrounds and a small road, and for some additional work which could not be brought into the contracts. I did not think it needful to delay commencing the Building, though several thousand pounds more would be required, as all these expenses needed not to be met till many months after the beginning of the Building.

2, The work of the Building commenced on July 5, 1847, and has been going on steadily ever since, with the manifest blessing and help of God.—Six hundred and seven days I sought the help of God day by day, before we came so far as to be able to commence the Building; yet at last He gave me the desire of my heart.—The work is now so far advanced, with the blessing of God, that a considerable part of the Buildings has been already roofed in, and the remainder will be ready for being roofed in a few weeks, that is, in July, 1848.

3, The New Orphan-House has been placed in the hands of eleven trustees, brethren in the Lord well known to me, whom I have chosen, that they might watch over the work and care for it, should the Lord Jesus tarry and take me to Himself. The deeds have been enrolled in Chancery.

4, The New Orphan-House is intended to accommodate 140 Orphan Girls above seven years, 80 Orphan Boys above seven years, and 80 male and female Orphans from their earliest days, till they are seven or eight years of age, together with all the overseers, teachers and assistants that may be needed. The Infants, after having passed the age of seven or eight years, will be removed into the different departments for older boys and girls.

Miscellaneous points respecting the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 26, 1846 to May 26, 1848.

1, During the whole of this period six Day Schools, with 330 children, were supported by the funds of the Institution; two Sunday Schools were entirely supported by it, and a third was occasionally assisted. Again four from among the Sunday School children were during these two years received into Church Fellowship. The total number of the children who received instruction in the Day Schools of the Institution, from its commencement up to May 26, 1848, amounted to 4519. The number of the Adult Scholars, who were instructed during this period in the Adult School, which was supported by the funds of the Institution, amounted to 292; and the total number of adults who had instruction from March 5, 1834, to May 26, 1848, was 1438. The total of the expenses connected with all these schools, during these two years, amounted to 886l. 1s. 11 1/2 d.

2, During this period were circulated 649 Bibles and 232 New Testaments. There were circulated from March 5, 1834 up to May 26, 1848, 5746 Bibles and 3760 New Testaments. 74l. 9s. 10d. was expended of the Funds of the Institution, during this period, on this object.

3, From May 26, 1846 to May 26, 1848 was expended of the Funds of the Institution on Missionary objects, 1559l. 1l. 6d., whereby 43 labourers in the Gospel, at Rome and Abroad, were assisted.

4, During this period 64,021 Tracts were circulated, and the sum of 63l. 1s. 5d. was expended on this object of the funds of the Institution. The total number of Tracts circulated from Nov. 19, 1840 to May 26, 1848, amounted to 163,668.

5, There were received into the four Orphan-Houses, from May 26, 1846, to May 26, 1848, Fifty-one Orphans, who, together with those who were in the four Houses on May 26, 18413, made up 172 in all. Of these: 1. Five children died, two as decided believers, one not without some hope, and two as infants. This was the greatest number of deaths we had had for many years; and yet how small is even the number five out of 172 within two years, if it be remembered that we received children as young as two years old; and if it be further remembered that the very fact of such young children being bereaved of BOTH parents is, generally, a plain proof that their parents were very sickly and unhealthy persons, as indeed has generally been the case, since the greater part of the parents of these children died in consumption, which I learn from the certificates of their death. 2. One of the Orphans, who had been above ten years in the house, left the Institution without leave, and went to her friends for two or three days; and for an example to the other children was not taken back again, when her friends wished her to return. 3. Three of the elder girls, who had been several years in the house, were taken back to their relatives and not suffered to remain any longer, because of improper behaviour towards their teacher. All three, however, were of an age to go to service, and would have been shortly placed out, had they behaved better. 4. Four of the children were dismissed because of malignant skin or other diseases, remedies having failed: and in these cases, for the sake of the other children, we were obliged to send them back to their relatives till they might be cured. 5. Seven children were taken back by their relatives, who by that time were able to provide for them, after they had been for several years in the Orphan-Houses. Some of them were able to earn their own bread by that time, and were of use to their relatives. I always act on the principle of at once giving up the Orphans, to their relatives, if they say that they are able to provide for them; having continually a considerable number of very destitute Orphans waiting for admission. 6. Nine boys were apprenticed. 7. Twenty-one girls were sent out to service, eight of whom had been for some time believers.

There were on May 26, 1848, One Hundred and Twenty-two Orphans in the Four Houses. The number of the Orphans who were under our care from April 1836, to May 26, 1848, was 264. The total amount of expenditure in connexion with the support of the Orphans from May 26, 1846, to May 26, 1848, was 3228l. 5s. 11d.

I notice further the following points in connexion with the Orphan-Houses.

1. Without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me, the sum of 24,771l. 19s. 8 3/4 d. was given to me as the result of prayer to God from the commencement of the work up to May 26, 1848. This sum includes the 11,062l. 4s. 11 1/2 d, which up to May 26, 1848 had been given towards the Building Fund. (It may be interesting to the reader to know that the total amount which was given as free contributions, for the other objects, from the commencement of the work, up to May 26, 1848, was 7,060l. 14s. 1 3/4 d.; and that which came in by the sale of Bibles and Tracts, and by the payment of the children in the day-schools, amounted to 2,373l. 3s. 7 1/2 d.) 2. Besides this, also a great variety and number of articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, &c. were given for the use of the Orphans.

Matters connected with my own personal affairs, or the work of the Lord in my hands, not immediately connected with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, from May 26, 1846 to May 26, 1848.

July 21, 1846, In very great need respecting my own personal expenses, and immediately after I had prayed respecting it, I received from a Christian gentleman of Torquay 1l.

July 23. Immediately after prayer for my own personal expenses, being in need, I received from the neighbourhood of Leeds 2l.

July 25. While I was on my knees in prayer, asking the Lord for means for myself, 1l. came to me from Bath.

Aug. 5. Being still much in need, and having asked the Lord for means, I received yesterday evening 1l. 0s. 3d., being some money due to me, and today from Teignmouth 1l. as a present.

Dec. 31, 1846. During this year there have been received into Fellowship 66.

The Lord has been pleased to give me during this year

1, Through the boxes. . . . L165 15 1 1/2

2, Through believers in Bristol, not anonymously . . . . 81 13 1 1/2

3, Through believers not residing in Bristol . . . . . 136 14 8

4, Through presents in articles, worth at least . . . . 15 0 0

———

L399 2 11

To this is again to be added, what I have enlarged on in a former chapter, that during the whole of this year also my daughter was, free of all expenses, at a boarding school. This was worth about 50l.

In November, 1847, I had a most remarkable deliverance, which to the praise of the Lord is here recorded, as it is a further illustration of how the Lord watches over His children.

I was labouring for a little while at Bowness and Keswick in the ministry of the Word in October and November When at Keswick, I stayed with my dear wife in a large boarding-house, in which, however, we were then alone, except a single gentleman. Just before we left Keswick, on the morning of Nov. 24th, I heard that the gentleman, lodging in the same house, had shot himself during the night, but was not quite dead. We had not heard the report of the pistol, it being a very stormy night, and the house large. Two days after, I received from a Christian brother at Keswick the following information respecting the transaction.

Keswick, Nov. 25, 1847.

"Dear Mr. Mueller,

The tender and Almighty care of our loving Father was never more over you, and indeed over all of us, than in your stay at Mrs. . . . .'s. Mr. . . . . . was quite deranged for two or three days before you left. Without any control, he had been walking about his room for the last two days and nights, with loaded-pistols in his hands. Furthermore he had taken into his head that you were going to kill him. How gracious of God, that he spread His wings over you, and over dear Mrs. Mueller, so that Satan could not break through the fence, to hurt even a hair of your heads. Speaking after the manner of men, there was nothing to have hindered him coming into the room, where we were all at tea, 9 and firing amongst us; but the Lord was our refuge and fortress, and preserved us from danger, which we knew not of. He shot himself in the neck and the breast, but is not dead. He has a strait-waistcoat on. I assisted in cutting his clothes off, and in other little offices, needed at such a time, and told him of Christ's love in dying for poor sinners. 'I know it,' he said. He shot himself the first time about three o'clock in the morning, and again about seven. What a scene his room presented. Pistols lying in gore. Bloody knives, lancets, and razors strewed about the floor." Etc.

I add an extract from a second letter, written by the same Christian brother, because it shows still further, how very merciful the Lord was to us at that time, in protecting us.

"Mr. —— is still alive, and has been removed by his friends into Yorkshire. It appears, insanity is in his family, his father being at this time in an asylum. It is evident that he had the pistols in his pockets, but of this no one knew until after the occurrence took place. I do not know what time of night you went to bed; but I judge it was about ten. If so, it was at ten o'clock Mr.—came down from his bedroom, after having been there six hours. It was a mercy you did not meet him, as it is plain that he had loaded pistols on his person."

Dec. 31, 1847. There have been received into Fellowship, during this year, 39: and altogether, since Mr. Craik and I began labouring in Bristol, 1157, besides the 68 whom we found in Fellowship. Of these 1225, 143 have fallen asleep, 70 are under church discipline, 78 have left us, and 259 have left Bristol; so that there are only 675 actually in communion.

During this year the Lord has been pleased to give me.

1, Through the boxes. . . . L140 6 11 1/2

2, Through believers in Bristol, not anonymously . . . . . 57 3 6

3, Through believers, not residing in Bristol . . . . . 127 3 6

4, By a legacy of L100 Stock . . 73 4 9

5, Through presents in articles, worth to us at least . . . . 15 0 0

————

L412 18 84

To this is again to be added the free education of my dear daughter, at a boarding school, worth to us at least 50l.

In April, 1848, I was enabled, by the help of the Lord, to complete all the arrangements for the publication of the Narrative of the Lord's Dealings with me in the French language; and about September of the same year the book appeared under the following title: Expose de quelques-unes des dispensations de Dieu envers Georges Mueller. Paris, librairie Protestante, Rue Tronchet, 2.

Supplies for the School—Bible—-Missionary and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1848, to May 26, 1850.

When this period of the work commenced, I had for these various objects 5l. 19s. 7 1/4 d. in hand, a sum so small, that, without the help of God, I could not have gone on even for a few days; for during this period our average expenditure for one single day, merely for this part of the work, was as much as the whole balance left in hand. Now see how God carried me through, in meeting the expenditure of the thousands of pounds which were laid out for these objects, irrespective of the Orphan work, from May 26, 1848 to May 26, 1850.

On the very next day, after the accounts were closed, May 27, 1848, I received from Westmoreland 5l., being the first donation during this period towards this part of the work, of which sum one half was intended by the donor for the current expenses of the Orphans, and the other half for these objects. On the following day, May 28, was anonymously put into the Chapel boxes for missions 1s. 6d. and 2d. Now it happened that all the expenses, connected with these objects, during the first two days amounted only to about 3l., which I was able to meet by what had come in and the balance left in hand; and on May 29th I received 100l. As the application of this sum was left to me, I took one half of it for the Orphans, and the other half for these objects.—Thus I was supplied with means to meet the expenses which came on me the following day, May 30th, when I had to pay the weekly salaries of the teachers in the Day Schools.

June 9. Great has been my desire, and many have been my prayers to God, that He would be pleased to condescend to use me still further, in allowing me the privilege of helping brethren who labour in the word and doctrine, at home and abroad, without any salary, as I have been able to do but very little for them comparatively during the last four months. Now at last, in answer to my prayers, I have received this morning 160l. for home and foreign labourers.—The Lord may see it needful, for the trial of our faith, to seem for a season not to regard our supplications; yet, if we patiently and believingly continue to wait upon Him, it will be manifest in His own time and way, that we did not call upon Him in vain.

July 12. My soul has been longing for farther supplies for home and foreign labourers, to whom I have sent of late all I could. Almost all the letters received from the brethren, to whom I have sent money, have shown to me their great need. Some were in the greatest necessity when my remittances were received by them. Under these circumstances a donation of 117l. 2s. 7d. came in this morning, of which I took 50l. for these objects, and 67l. 2s. 7d. for the Orphans.

Aug. 19. Today all the means for home and foreign labourers were again gone. Also for the support of the various schools and the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, scarcely anything remained; 48l. were in hand, yet, considering the liabilities for rent, &c., not more than 5l. of this sum at most could be considered available. When I had, therefore, so little, there came in 267l. Thus my heart is made glad, for I am able to send help to many brethren in these days of peculiar distress.

Oct. 26. This evening there was given to me anonymously at Salem Chapel a sealed paper, which contained two sovereigns and these words: "For what most needs." I took this donation for these objects, as I have now scarcely any money left towards paying the weekly salaries of the teachers in the Day Schools next Tuesday. Oct. 31st. We have not been so poor with regard to these objects since the accounts were closed. But I hope in God.

Oct. 28. I received from Calne 2l.

Oct. 30. Received from Bath 1l.

Oct. 31. There having come in this 5l., and 1l. 10s. 9d. besides, by the sale of Tracts, I had enough to pay the weekly salaries of the teachers.

Nov. 4. Saturday. There were now again only a few shillings in hand towards paying next Tuesday the weekly salaries of the teachers in the Day Schools, when I received this morning from the neighbourhood of Leeds 5l.

Nov. 5. There was put into the boxes at Bethesda 2s. 6d.

Nov. 6. Received 1l. 0s. 6d.

No-v. 7. This evening I found, that, by what had come in during the 4th, 5th and 6th in the way of donations, and by the sale of Tracts during this week, there was more than enough to pay the weekly salaries.

Nov. 9. Only a few shillings were left in my hands on Tuesday evening, the 7th instant, towards the weekly salaries of the teachers, for the coming week. Also almost all the Tracts are again gone, and it is nearly four weeks, since I paid out the last money in hand for missionary objects. As to this latter point, my heart had been especially longing to be able to send again help to home and foreign labourers, knowing how very great the need of many is. Thus I was situated with regard to means when I received today 1000l., of which sum I took 300l. for these objects, 100l. for the support of the Orphans, and 600l. for the Building-Fund. The Lord be praised for this most precious help, which is doubly precious on account of the seasonable time in which it comes!

Nov. 16. Yesterday and today I have sent out more than one hundred pounds to brethren who labour at home and abroad, and the Lord has sent again further supplies; for I received today from C. W. 40l. for home and foreign labourers.

Jan. 15. 1849. The means for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and for all the various Schools, and for helping missionary efforts had now been reduced to 15l. It had been during the last days especially my prayer, that the Lord would be pleased to give me fresh supplies for brethren who labour in the word and doctrine at home and abroad, as I had not been able to do any thing for any of them during the last fortnight, for want of means. I desired also more means for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, as several thousands of Tracts had been going out during the last few days, and as also quite recently there had been many openings found for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures among very poor persons. Now the Lord has again given me a precious answer of prayer. I received this morning a donation of 200l., to be used as any of the objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution might need help. The donor, however, kindly wished me to take 25l. for myself. I took this 175l. for these objects, and thus I am again supplied with means for the various Schools, for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and have something for aiding brethren who labour in the word and doctrine, as I purpose to use 100l. for them. The Lord be praised for this precious help!

I have received still farther today for missions 23l. 5s.

Jan. 17. Today I have received still further help from the Lord in a donation of 125l. for these objects. How manifest it is by all these sums, large and small, received from God in answer to prayer, that He does not allow me to call upon Him in vain!

Feb. 19. A brother in the Lord, who had sold his earthly possession, for the purpose of spending the proceeds of it for the Lord, sent me 120l. as a part, of which he wished me to use 100l. for missions, 5l. for the Orphans, 10l. for another object not to be mentioned, to give 2l. 10s. to brother Craik, and to take 2l. 10s. for myself.

Feb. 20. Today I have received still further 200l. of which I took 100l. for these objects, and 100l. for the Orphans, as the disposal of this sum was entirely left to me.—I do especially rejoice in all these considerable donations, partly, because they enable me to assist so many faithful servants of Jesus Christ, who labour for Him in dependence upon Him for their temporal supplies; and, partly, because they prove that the work of God may be carried on in dependence upon Him alone for pecuniary means, not merely on a small but also on a large scale. See! dear Christian reader, without making any effort whatever, simply in answer to prayer, without personal application to any one, all these sums come in. And thus it has now been going on for more than sixteen years, [was written in 1850]. Persons said to me fifteen years ago, that it was impossible to carry on such a work for any length of time, without regular subscriptions; for the interest which was taken in it at first, would wear off. I never believed such statements. I was assured in my inmost soul that, if the work of God was carried on in God's way, that was the best pledge that it would be provided by God with pecuniary means. Thus I have found it ever since March 5, 1834, when this work commenced. For since that time I have received above Forty-four Thousand Pounds altogether, [up to May 26 1850 only]; and the Lord has so enlarged the work and helped me, that during the last three years I have had the privilege of paying away in His service, in connexion with this work, about Twenty-five Thousand Pounds; nor have 1 had during this period in any one instance to meet a payment, without being previously provided by the Lord with means for it. If it pleased the Lord to condescend to use me further in this way, He could so order it that even a still larger field of labour were intrusted to me, which would require still greater sums. Truly, it must be manifest to all simple hearted children of God, who will carefully read the accounts respecting this Institution, that He is most willing to attend to the supplications of His children, who in their need cry to Him; and to make this manifest is the great object I aim at, through the means of this Institution.

March 13. The same donor who sent me on Feb. 19th the donation of 120l., sent me today 100l. more for missions.

March 15. From C. W. for missions 30l.

April 1. Anonymously through Bethesda boxes 2d. for missions. Anonymously through Salem boxes 30l., with these words: "5l. for dear brother Mueller, 5l. for dear brother Craik, 5l. for the poor, 5l: for the rent, 5l. for missionary work, 5l. for the Scriptural Knowledge Institution." The last mentioned 5l. I took for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and for the various Schools.

April 15. Anonymously through Salem boxes 1d. for missions.

April 18. Received 250l., which, being entirely left at my disposal, I took 100l. for the current expenses for the Orphans, and 150l. for these objects. Thus I have especially the joy, in answer to my daily supplications, of being able to continue to assist many home and foreign labourers who labour in the word and doctrine.

May 13. Anonymously for foreign missions 1s.

May 23. Received 360l., of which the kind donor wished me to take 10l. for my own personal expenses, and the 350l. were left to my disposal, just as the work of the Lord in my hands might require it. I took therefore one half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and the other half for these objects, and I have thus the means to continue to send help to home and foreign labourers.

May 27. From the same donor, who gave on Feb. 19th 120l., and on March 13th 100l., 20l. more for missions.

Aug. 4. During the last month I had sent to home and foreign labourers about 150l., and many heavy extra expenses had been met for the Schools and the circulation of Tracts, on which account our means for these objects began to be reduced, when I received this morning 200l., which, being left entirely at my disposal as might be most needed, I took for these objects.

Aug. 9. Anonymously 5l. for home and foreign labourers in the Word.

Aug. 30. 50l. from the donor spoken of under May 27th. Half this sum lie intends for the Orphans and half for missions.

Sept. 18. I received 100l., to be used as might be most needed. This sum came after I had repeatedly asked the Lord for more means, as the money in hand for these objects was now less than it had been for several months. I took, therefore, the whole of this sum for these objects.

Nov. 3. The means were now again low, lower than they had been for many months, when I received 200l., which, being left at my disposal as most needed, I took entirely for these objects.

Dec. 7. Before our means were exhausted for these objects, when there. was yet 140l. in hand, I received today a donation of 150l., the disposal of which was left to me, to use it either for the Orphans or any part of the work of God in my hands. I took 100l. for these objects, and 50l. for the Orphans.

Jan. 2, 1850. The new year commences, even as to this part of the work, with new mercies. There was given to me 160l., to be used as might be most needed, of which sum I took 100l. for these objects, and 60l. for the Orphans. Thus, before all means are expended, while there is yet about 100l. in hand, the Lord sends me again a fresh supply, in answer to my daily supplications, whereby I am enabled to go on with the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, the meeting of all the expenses connected with the various Schools, and still further to help preachers of the Gospel at home and abroad.—I take this first donation from the Lord in this new year, as an earnest that He will help me during the whole of this year also in regard to means for these objects.

Jan. 30. During this month I had been especially led to send much assistance to home and foreign labourers. Also in other respects the expenses for these objects had been considerable. On this account the funds for them had been reduced to about 80l., when I received this evening 450l., of which the donor kindly wished me to take 50l. for my own personal expenses, to give to Brother Craik 50l., and to use the other as might be most needed. I took therefore 200l. for the Orphans, 50l. for foreign missions, 25l. for home missionaries, 25l. for the Day Schools for poor children and for the Adult School and the Sunday School, 25l. for the circulation of Gospel Tracts, and 25l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures.

Feb. 10. Received 180l., which the donor left to my disposal, as it might be most needed for the work of God in my hands; he only desired in his kindness that I should take 20l. of it for my own purse. As there is a considerable sum in hand at present for the supplies of the Orphans, I took the whole of this donation for tile other objects, whereby I am enabled to go on more and more in aiding missionary work, and in continuing the circulation of Bibles and Tracts.—I have great delight in showing also by this and other instances to which reference has been made, how the Lord is mindful of my own temporal necessities, whilst I endeavour to serve Him, in entire reliance on Him for what I need with regard to this life, without any salary or any regular income whatever, so that He not only gives me as much as I absolutely need, but most bountifully supplies me; for generally I receive from Him far more than 1 need for myself and family.

March 23. During the last six weeks has been paid out for the School—Bible—Tract and Missionary objects alone about 270l., and very little comparatively has been received. On this account came in most seasonably, and very manifestly in answer to prayer, a donation of 152l. 3s. 6d., which I received this morning, and which I took for these objects, to replenish our means for them.

March 30. From C. W. 30l. for foreign missions.

May 3. During the last month but very little was received for these objects, whilst, for missionary purposes alone, 113l. was paid out. Now this morning I received a registered letter, containing 60l. with these words:

"—— May 1, 1850.

"Dear Brother,

"I send you 50l, for the missionaries, and 10l. for the Orphans, having just sold out part of my property in the funds. It pleases me to find that your new Report will soon be out.

Believe me to be, dear brother,

Yours truly in Christ,

* * * *"

This donation came after many prayers to the Lord for supplies. The work is now large. The outgoings are great. During the last month were again expended about 500l. for the various objects of the Institution, nor have I any prospect that the expenses will decrease; yea, I have no desire that they should. I have as great satisfaction, as much joy, in writing checks for large amounts upon my bankers, as I have joy in paying over to them checks, or bank orders, or large notes, which I receive from the living God, by means of donors, for this work. For the money is of no more value to me than as I can use it for God; and the more I can pay out for the work of God, the more prospect I have of being again supplied by Him; and the larger the sum is, which I can obtain from Him, in answer to prayer only, the greater the proof of the blessedness and the reality of this mode of dealing directly with the living God, for what I need; therefore, I say, I have as much joy in giving out as in receiving. I have been devoting myself, for instance, with all my might, both of body and mind, but especially by labouring in spirit, to have the Orphan-House filled with children, not only that thus three hundred destitute Orphans, might be lodged, boarded, clothed, instructed, and in every way cared for, bodily, mentally, and spiritually; but also, in order that thus large sums might be needed and expended, and I might have a greater call than ever to draw largely upon the inexhaustible treasures of God. That I do not mean, in thus speaking, to say that money so obtained by prayer may be wasted, will scarcely need to be noticed; for if any one would obtain means from God by prayer only, and then waste them, he would soon find that he is not able to pray in faith for further supplies.

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