Section 2
Dec. 22. During the last two months about 70l. more has come in, chiefly for Missionary purposes. Of these donations, about eighty in number, I only mention that there was given on Nov. 5, the sum of 6l. 14s., being the tenth part of profits arising from shares which a brother has in coal mines. —Now today, Dec. 22, I received 175l. more for these funds, which I took as a further precious answer to my supplications to God, for help for home and foreign labourers, and for means to procure a fresh stock of tracts.
March 7, 1847. Often of late have I besought the Lord that He would be pleased to give me more means for those objects. For more than nine months we have on the whole abounded more than at any time during the thirteen years since this work first began; but now there was only 15l. left for the support of six day schools, two Sunday schools, an adult school, and the circulation of Bibles and Tracts. Often also of late had I entreated the Lord that He would be pleased to condescend to use me still further as a steward, in allowing me to send help to the many dear brethren whom I know labouring at home and abroad without any salary, the need of many of whom I knew. Under these circumstances I received this morning 150l. with the following lines:
"Dear brother,
"I have pleasure in sending you 100l. on account of labourers in the Lord's vineyard at home and abroad, and 50l. for other work in your hands.
"Yours very affectionately,
"* *."
Thus my request was in a measure answered with regard to home and foreign labourers, and by taking half of the 50l. for the schools and the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, I had also something for these objects. The other 25l. I put to the Orphan Fund.
March 12. The 100l. for home and foreign labourers was soon portioned out. The difficulty was not to spend it, but how to make it do, so that all, who seemed to me to need, might get a little. On this account I prayed still further during the last four days for means for home and foreign labourers, and now this morning, when I arose from my knees, after having again asked the Lord about tills matter, I received a letter in which C. W. sent me 30l. for missionaries.
April 5. I have been praying day by day, ever since I was able during the last month to send about 130l. to home and foreign labourers, that the Lord would be pleased soon again to give me means for them, on account of their great need; indeed, all our means were so exhausted, that I had only just enough, for tomorrow evening, to meet the weekly expenses connected with the six day schools, when this morning I received 125l. for these objects. What a precious help! How is my heart refreshed by this seasonable answer to prayer!—Almost immediately after this donation had been given to me, I received a letter from Demerara about the great need among the brethren who labour there, by which intelligence the seasonable help, just received, has become still more precious to me.
Thirteen other small donations came in between April 5th and May 13th, and on May 13th I received 100l. for missionary purposes.
On June 8th was given 100l. for missionary purposes.
June 30. For the whole period, since the accounts were last closed, more than 13 months since, we have not been so poor with regard to these funds as today. Last evening I paid out the last money to the brethren who labour in the day schools, in giving them their weekly salary. Under these circumstances a brother in the Lord, who resides about 200 miles from this, and who had been staying in my house two days, gave me 30l. to dispose of as I thought best, only that missionary brethren should be remembered. I took therefore 15l. for Missions, and the other 15l. for the School—Bible and Tract Fund. What a seasonable help!
July 16. Today was given to me, when now again the money received on June 30th for the schools, &c., had been all but entirely expended (as only little had come in since), the sum of 110l. for these objects.
Aug. 25. Great had been my desire to send fresh supplies to the home and foreign labourers. Day by day had I been again praying for means for them since July 16th. Now also I had nothing in hand for the Bible and Tract Fund; and as to the schools, there was not nearly enough to pay the weekly salaries to the teachers next Tuesday evening, when I received this evening 120l. for these objects.
Aug. 26. This morning I received still further from C. W. 20l. for home and foreign labourers.
Sept. 14. Day by day I am bringing before the Lord the necessities of the home and foreign labourers, whom I seek to help, especially as I found in what great need some brethren were, when a short time since they received the help which the Lord allowed me to send them. Now this afternoon 1 received from Norwich 5l. 6s. for missionary purposes, and also 2 rings, a cornelian necklace., an amber necklace, and a pair of amber bracelets.
Oct. 4. I have now been again praying much for many days for means for home and foreign labourers as well as for means for the other objects, having very little in hand, and having reason to believe that several of the brethren whom I seek to help are in great need. This evening I received from a brother, as the first fruits of his salary, a sovereign for home and foreign labourers. I take this as an earnest out of the hands of God that He will soon send me more.—Received also 5s.
Oct. S. This morning I received the following letter, at the very moment while I was on my knees, waiting still further upon the Lord for help for the various objects, and especially also for means for home and foreign labourers.
"* * * *, Oct. 3, 1847.
"Beloved Brother,
"The enclosed sum of 30l. is in my hands, and it does not appear that the Lord has need of it here, either for my own wants, or others under my notice. It seems likely that He may have need of it for the help of missionary labourers, who are depending on Himself. Would you kindly dispense it, as you may see good, to any who are labouring in the Word at home and abroad; or if you see other pressing need for it among the saints or for the Orphans, use it rather for them, &c."
I took the whole of this donation for these objects, as evidently coming in answer to prayer for them.
Oct. 12. The very great need of some of the dear brethren who labour in the Word, and whom I seek to assist, had led me again day by day to bring their cases before God. I also needed help for the School—, Bible and Tract Fund. Now this evening the Lord has once more helped me by a donation of 180l., of which I took 40l. for the Orphans, 100l. for home and foreign labourers and 40l. for the School, Bible and Tract Fund. How seasonable and how precious this help! How precious to me as the fruit of many prayers, and how seasonable to many who are in need, and who will be thus assisted! Moreover, I am just now in deep sorrow and great trial, the cause of which I will not mention here; and thus God Himself cheers and refreshes my heart, and tells me by this fresh precious and manifest answer to prayer, that He is mindful of His poor unworthy servant, and of the work in which he is engaged. There came in five small donations besides today.
Dec. 30. When in the greatest need, so that I should not have been able to pay the weekly salaries of the teachers of the day schools next Tuesday, I received today from C. W. 10l., the disposal of which being left to me, I took half of it for the school fund and half for the Orphans.
Dec. 31. The year closes under the smiles of our Heavenly Father upon this work, in giving us another proof that He is indeed mindful of our need and attentive to our supplications. I received today 100l., to be used as most needed. I took of it 50l. for these objects and 50l. for the Orphans. I scarcely ever received a donation more seasonably; for there are only means enough for next week for the teachers, Bibles and tracts are needed, and I have been long waiting upon God for means for home and foreign labourers. But this donation only furnishes me with means for present necessities for the schools, and to order some tracts. As to ordering Bibles and sending help to foreign and home labourers, I must still further wait upon God.
Jan. 1, 1848. Today I received still further, for the benefit of the day schools, the sum of 10l.
Jan. 6. Only 1l. 5s. has come in since the first. This evening 120l. was given to me, of which the donor intends 20l. for home and foreign labourers. The other 100l. was left at my disposal. I took therefore of it 70l. for the Orphans, 10l. for the various schools, 10l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and 10l. for the circulation of tracts.
Feb. 10. There came in about 65l. more for missionary purposes during the month, of January, and today was given to me a donation of 100l., the disposal of which being left to me, I took half of it for these objects, and half for the Orphans, and thus I am able, after much waiting upon God for it, to send a little more help to brethren who labour in the Word.
April 13. This is only the second time, since May 26, 1846, that the means for these objects have been completely exhausted, though we have been two or three times besides brought very low in funds. The last money there was in hand was spent in paying the weekly salaries of the teachers the day before yesterday. There was therefore nothing for this purpose for next week, nor were there any means for the circulation of Bibles and tracts, and for aiding missionary efforts. Under these circumstances prayer and faith were again resorted to. For my universal remedy in need of any kind is, to make known my requests unto God, and then I seek to believe that God has heard me for His dear Son's sake, and I look out for answers to my petitions, and fully expect them. I had also particularly requested four brethren, masters of the boys' day schools, to help me with their prayers, as I should not be able to pay them their weekly salary, next week, except the Lord were pleased to send in means.—Thus situated, I received this morning, as the fruit of many supplications, the sum of 90l., which was a great refreshment to my spirit. It being left to me to use this money as needed, I put 50l. of it to the funds for these objects, and 40l. to the Orphan-Fund. Thus we are once more helped, and my heart is encouraged more and more to trust in God.
April 29. One of the labourers gave 10l. for missionary purposes, whereby at least one of the most needy among the brethren who labour in the Word could be helped.—It has pleased God not to allow me, during the last five months, to have the honour of helping the dear brethren, who labour in the Word, to the same extent as the eighteen months before. I confess that I am not worthy to be used any longer by the Lord as a steward, to assist these His servants; still my heart craves after it, and still prays that God would count me worthy for His dear Son's sake to supply me with means for them, as I know they are in great need, and many of them, through particular circumstances, in far greater need than ever.
May 26, 1848. By the Lord's faithful love I have been enabled to meet all the heavy expenses connected with these objects during the last two years, amounting to nearly Two Thousand Six Hundred Pounds, and at the same time owe no one anything, and have a balance of 5l. 19s. 7 1/4 d. left in hand.
Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from
May 26, 1846, to May, 26, 1848.
May 26, 1846. Scarcely ever had we so much in hand, and certainly not for the last eight years, when the accounts were closed, as at this time. This evening I received 100l. It being left to me to apply this sum as I felt led, and as it might be needed, I put half of it to the Orphan Fund, and the other half to the fund for the other objects.
June 4. Today I received 50l. for the Orphans together with 100l. for the other objects. This money came the instant after I had risen from my knees, to ask the Lord for more means, as, on account of needing about 75l. for the printing of the Report, 23l. for oatmeal, 19l. for fittings, 25l. for rent, and 26l. for the sisters who labour in the Orphan-Houses (which sums are shortly to be paid), we shall soon again need more.
Jan. 20, 1847. For the whole of this period since May 26, 1846, therefore nearly eight months, when the accounts were closed, we have had always an abundance of means, and for the greater part of the time about 200l. in hand. The sum of One Thousand Sixty-Five Pounds has come in for the Orphans in less than eight months, to which is to be added the balance of 85l. 4s. 9 3/4 d. in hand when the accounts were closed. Invariably I have thus been able to give to the Matrons of the four Orphan-Houses the money in advance, which was required for the necessities of one week. But now, after having paid away last evening 45l. 5s. for the house-keeping of a week in advance and for other expenses, the money which remains in hand is needed for rent, and oatmeal, which has been ordered from Scotland. This morning therefore I gave myself particularly to prayer with regard to means for present use for the Orphans. How blessed to have the living God to go to! Particularly precious to know Him in these days of widespread distress! Potatoes are too dear for food for the Orphans at this time. The rice, which we have substituted instead of them, is twice as dear as usual; the oatmeal more than twice as dear; and the bread one-half dearer than usual. But the riches of God are as great as ever. He knows that our expenses are great. He knows that a little will not do in these days, when provisions are so dear, as there are about 150 persons to be provided for, including teachers and apprentices. My soul is at peace. — Evening. About noon I received from a pious physician the following note, with a check for 5l.
"My dear sir, I send you something towards buying bread for the Orphans. The dearness of food must be felt by many; but the Lord in judgment is nevertheless gracious He will sustain. I am your sincere friend and well-wisher.
"* * * *"
From Maidenhead I received still further this evening 5s.
Jan. 21. Having had to pay out this morning 5l. 2s. 6d. for oatmeal for present use, before the arrival of the larger quantity of a ton and a half ordered from Scotland, there was again only 2s. 6d. left of the money which had come in yesterday. About 1 o'clock this afternoon I received 1l. through a Christian lady of Bristol from "a poor gardener." There came in also-still further 1s. by sale of Reports and 1l. 2s. 6d. from London.
Jan. 22. A brother from Devonshire came here on business, to obtain some money which was owed to him. He did not obtain it; but God used him as an instrument to bring me some money, for he gave me 10s. for the Orphans. There came in still further by sale of trinkets and old silver 12l. 8s. 5d.
Jan. 23. By sale of books and some music 2l. 10s.
Jan. 24. Profits from the sale of ladies' bags 1l.—During this period also two sisters kindly made some ladies' bags and baskets, and gave the profits arising from the sale for the benefit of the Orphans.
On the 25th and 26th came in still further 2l. 4s. 1 3/4 d., so that, when in the evening of the 26th at our usual weekly meeting for prayer and conference I met with the brethren and sisters, who labour in the various day schools and Orphan-Houses (then seventeen in number), I was again able, by means of the 26l. 1s. 0 3/4 d., which the Lord had sent in during the week, to give to the four matrons of the Orphan-Houses all the needful supplies for the coming week. That which remained was put by towards the rent of the houses. Our prayer now was, that the Lord would be pleased again to send in fresh supplies, that we might have at the next meeting all that might be needed for the week after.
Feb. 2, Tuesday. When we met this evening for prayer and conference, it was found, that, whilst there had been nothing left in hand after our meeting this day week (except money put by for oatmeal and rent), there had come in altogether during the week 29l. 18s. 18 1/2 d. The way in which the Lord supplied us with those means was as follows: On the 26th and 27th I received 10s., and 10s. as profits from the sale of ladies' bags. On the 27th from London 3l., and also 5s. From C. C. 2l. From Braunton a purse with 6s. From Barnstaple 1l. On the 28th anonymously from London, from J. W. A., 5l. with these words: "From the giver of all, through one of His stewards." On the 29th from Sodbury 2s. 6d. On the 30th from Droitwich 5s. 6d. Also anonymously by post 5s. worth of postages with these words: "A sip of milk and a crust of bread for a poor Orphan." Also from C. C. 10s. On the 31st an old shilling and sixpence, a small silver pencil case, and a pair of small ear-drops.— Feb. 1. Before breakfast I took a direction in my usual morning's walk, in which I had not been for many weeks, feeling drawn in that direction, just as if God had an intention in leading me in that way. Returning home I met a Christian gentleman whom formerly I used to meet almost every morning, but whom I had not met for many weeks, because I had not been walking in that direction. He stopped me and gave me 21. for the Orphans. Then I knew why I bad been led thus; for there is not yet enough in hand, to supply the matrons tomorrow evening with the necessary means for housekeeping during another week.—There came in still further today for needlework done by the Orphans 1l. 17s. 7d. Also 4s. 5d., the contents of an Orphan box.—On Feb. 2nd came in 2l. 5s. 11d., by sale of a Report 4d., and by sale of stockings 9s. 3d.—On Jan. 30th a box came from London. It contained 4 brooches, a gold chain, 2 pairs of earrings, 2 gold watch hooks, a locket, a ring, 2 parts of gold chains, a rich silk dress, a silk cloak, a glass bottle, some music, 39 books, 18 knitted doilies, and a pair of knitting pins. Some of these articles were today, Feb. 2, sold for 8l. 2s. 3d.—There came in further by the sale of articles and Reports, 4s. 1d., by the boxes in the Orphan-Houses and at my house 1l. 2s., and anonymously was sent 5s. worth of postages. Here then, dear reader, you have a specimen how the Lord does week after week supply us—I said 29l. 18s. 10 1/2 d. had come in during the week. As, however, I was informed that the arrival of the oatmeal from Scotland had been announced, and that it was much dearer than I had expected, i.e. nearly three times as dear as formerly, I found that there had not been sufficient money put by, and took therefore in the first place what was yet needed for that. In consequence of this I had only 10l. 14s. left for housekeeping, which I divided among the matrons, being fully assured that the Lord would again send in means, before that was spent. I went home in great peace, though all the money I possessed for present use for the Orphans was only three half-farthings.
Feb. 4. Yesterday nothing had come in. This morning, just before I was going to give myself to prayer about the Orphans, a sister in the Lord sent a sovereign, winch she had received, as she writes, "From a friend who had met the Orphan Boys, and was particularly pleased with their neat and orderly appearance." After having received this 1l., I prayed for means for present use, though not confining my prayers to that. About a quarter of an hour after I had risen from my knees, I received a letter, with an order for 5l. The donor writes, that it is "the proceeds of a strip of land, sold to the railway company." What various means does the Lord employ to send us help, in answer to our prayers!— About half an hour after having received this 5l., there was sent 10s., being the profits from the sale of ladies' bags. This evening was received still further, by the sale of some trinkets, 1l. 18s. Thus I am able to send all the remainder of the money, which is yet needed for housekeeping up to Tuesday, Feb. 9th.
The Lord's holy name be praised for this fresh precious help!
Feb. 5. 1l. 4s. 10d. has come in today.
Feb. 7. Lord's day. Yesterday nothing had come in. In two days again about 20l. will be needed for housekeeping, and there was only about the tenth part in hand. But I was not in the least disturbed about this. There are also new clothes to be found for the 32 Orphans in the Boys' Orphan-House, which likewise will cost many pounds. That expense also, I believed, God would help me to meet. Now observe the Lord's kindness! On returning this morning from the meeting, I found the following letter containing 50l.
"* * * *, Feb. 6, 1847.
"Beloved Brother,
"Having been led, during the past year, to see the unscripturalness of life insurance, which I had been carrying on for some years previously, I now enclose you the sum which I received from the office, on returning to them my policy, viz. 22l. 8s., and the payment due about this time, eleven guineas, as a thank-offering to the Lord for having, chiefly by means of the work in which you are engaged in Bristol, opened my eyes in some little measure to His will with regard to His pilgrim people here. I ask your prayers on my behalf, dearest brother, amongst the many who must be on your heart, for singleness of eye, to walk with God by faith, that 'the whole body may be full of light,' and that I may not be permitted to darken the little light I have, by serving any other master.
I add also ten pounds, which you will kindly apply to the help of those who are labouring in the Gospel abroad, or if more urgent, at home. Also will you oblige me by accepting six pounds for your own use.
Of several Reports (which you sent me for distribution) I have received payment for three, for which I enclose one shilling. The first items please apply for the use of the Orphan-Houses, as you may see best." &c.
Thus the Lord has given by one donation 34l. for the Orphans.—I have also in this another answer, in receiving 10l. for missionary brethren, for whom I had of late been especially seeking help from the Lord.— This evening I received still further from C. C. 1l. 10s. 0 1/2 d.
Feb. 9. There was received today by sale of articles 3l. 9s. 8d. When I met again this evening with my fellow-labourers for prayer and conference at one of the Orphan-Houses, it was found that 48l. 12s. 6 1/2 d. had come in for present use for the Orphans during the past week, which commenced with three half-farthings in my hands; so that there was enough for all the expenses connected with the house-keeping of the coming week, and the rest was put by for the rent, the apprentices, and the boys' clothes; and as to the necessities of this day week, when again fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons, I am looking to the Lord.
Feb. 10. This evening we hare received already a little towards the expenses of the coming week. A brother gave me 10l., of which 5l. are for the poor Irish and 5l. for the Orphans. Also 7s. 1d. from the Orphan-box of a sister.
Feb. 11. Anonymously 2s. 6d. From Nottingham 1l. 15s.
Feb. 12. Anonymously, from a lady, 2l. to buy coals for the four
Orphan-houses.
Feb. 13. Anonymously from Islington a half-sovereign. By sale of Reports 8d.
Feb. 14. Through a sister 5s., from C. C. 8s. 3d., and anonymously 2s. 6d.
Feb. 15. From a Scotch sister 1l., by sale of stockings, Reports, and articles 7l. 0s. 4d., from an Orphan- box 3s. O 1/2 d., from Nice 1l., anonymously 10s., from Cork 5s. 2d., and several shillings besides in small donations, &c.—Thus there had come in again by this Tuesday evening, Feb. 16th, 21l. 4s. 2d. during the past week. As, however, I had to put by some money for the boys' clothes and rent, I could only leave 12l. 4s. with the matrons, quite sufficient for a few days; and my hope in God is, that He will send more, before this is gone.
Feb. 17. From the neighbourhood of Bridgewater 10s. 6d., and 1s. 1d. came in besides. On the 18th came in 1l. more.
Feb. 19. This morning I gave myself again to prayer, importuning the Lord that He would be pleased to send more means, as so little had come in during the last two days. Almost immediately, after rising from my knees, I received from Doncaster 3l. 3s. At the same tune I received from Bromyard 5s., and 4s. from Aberystwith. About an hour later came from a sister in the neighbourhood of Wotton-under-Edge 12s. 6d., a lady's bag, and a knitted bread-basket cloth. Thus, with the 12l. 4s. already given to the matrons, we are supplied till next Tuesday evening, the 23rd of February.
Feb. 20. Today came in from the neighbourhood of Castle Cary 10s., by sale of Reports 2l. 6d., and by sale of articles 10s. 6d. Also anonymously a parcel from Tetbury, containing 2 shillings, a gold coin, a silver coin, 2 copper coins, a brass coin, 4 gilt brooches, 2 silver brooches, 3 gold brooches, 5 collars, a waistcoat, a pair of boots, 2 cloaks, and a shawl.
Feb. 21. From C. C. 14s., and 5l. with these words: "Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things," and Philip iv. 19. How true! My Heavenly Father knew that we had need of this, and therefore put it into the heart of this donor to give this 5l. for in two days we shall again require many pounds more than I had this morning. Also how truly is again fulfilled in my experience at this time Philip iv. 19.
Feb. 22. From Westmoreland a half sovereign and 1s. in postages.
Feb. 23. Anonymously a half sovereign. By sale of articles and Reports 3l. 16s. 0 1/2 d., and through an Orphan-box in my house 2s. A lady who met the Orphans today in the fields, gave to one of the girls 2s. Evening. Tuesday. By what the Lord has been pleased to send in during the past week, I have enough to supply the matrons with all which is needed during the coming week and 14s. left.
Feb. 24. From a poor brother 6s.; the produce of an Orphan-box 1s. 7 1/2 d. and a shilling bank token.—Feb. 26. From Bath 2s. 6d., and from Droitwich 9s. 4d.
Feb. 27. Saturday evening. Only these few shillings have come in since Tuesday evening, so that, having had to pay away several small sums besides the housekeeping expenses, since Tuesday, nothing is in hand towards supplying the matrons with housekeeping money next Tuesday.— Received this evening from C. C. 5l., 6s. 6d. and anonymously from Totness 1s. 6d. worth of postages.
Feb. 28. Today came in still further from the Hot-wells 3s. 6d., and 10l. as the profits of shares which the donor has in a certain concern. How kind of the Lord to help us thus so seasonably in our poverty!
March 1. By work and knitting of the Orphans 1l. 4s. 8d. and from E. N. 10s.
March 2. By sale of articles 8l. 10s. 6d., and by sale of a Report 4d. From H. C. as "A thank-offering to the Lord" 1l. From Manchester 1l. From London 13s. From Staffordshire 1s.—Thus by this evening the Lord has again sent in during the past week 29l. 8s. 11 1/2 d., whereby I had enough to advance the house-keeping expenses to the matrons of the four Orphan-Houses for the coming week, and to meet some other expenses.
March 3. Received 6s. 7d.—March 4. 1l. from the neighbourhood of Stroud, as "a thank-offering to God for partial recovery from sickness."—Also from Bath 5l.—A gentleman gave anonymously to the governess of the Infant Orphans 2l.—I also received the following letter today: "Dear Sir, When my dear brother John died, he had one shilling and fourpence halfpenny owing to him which he intended for the Orphans. As I received it today, I now send it to you. He said 'Jesus will never forsake the Orphans.' M. W." The paper contained 1s. 7 3/4 d. and a quarter of a gilder. This legacy came from a dear boy who I hear died in the faith.—March 5. From Clevedon 2s. 6d.—March 6. The proceeds of an Orphan-box 7s. 1d.
March 7. Only 8l. 17s. 9 3/4 d. had come in since the 2nd, and the day after tomorrow fresh supplies will need to be given to the matrons for house-keeping, Under these circumstances I received this morning 150l., of which the donor intends 100l. for labourers in the Lord's vineyard at home and abroad, and 50l. for other work in my hands. Of this 50l. I took 25l. for the Orphans, and 25l. for the School—Bible—and Tract Fund. Thus we are helped afresh.—There came in besides from C. C. 6s., from a lady 1l., and anonymously 1s. 4d.
March 8. This morning I received still further from Falmouth a bank order for 4l. from a brother "As a thank-offering to the Lord for bringing him safely back to his native land;" 2l. of this amount is for the Orphans, 1l. for Brother Craik, and 1l. for my own personal necessities. Also 10s. from an Orphan-box, and 10s. from a sister.
March 6. By sale of articles and Reports 4l. 13s. 2d., from a poor brother 6d., and through the boxes in my house 1l. 1s. 6d.—This evening, Tuesday, I find that since last Tuesday evening again 44l. 1s. 6 3/4 d. has come in. Thus I have the means to meet all the house-keeping expenses during the coming week, and something will be left to put by towards the rent, the current expenses for the apprentices, &c. How good is the Lord in helping us week after week through the heavy expenses, especially in this season of deep distress and dearness of provisions! To His praise I can say, we have lacked nothing all this winter.
Whilst preparing these extracts from my journal for the press, I remember to have heard the following remarks made with reference to the time about which I am just now writing, namely the season of dearth during the winter of 1846-7: "I wonder how it is now with the Orphans? If Mr. Miller is now able to provide for them as he has, we will say nothing." When I heard such remarks, I said nothing except this: "We lack nothing:" or, "God helps us." Should this fall into the hands of any who have had such thoughts, let them remember that it is the very time for faith to work, when sight ceases. The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith. As long as there remain certain natural prospects, faith does not get on even as easily (if I may say so), as when all natural prospects fail. It is true that during the time of the dearth our expenses were considerably greater than usual it is also true that many persons, who otherwise might have given, were unable to do so, or had their surplus directed into other channels, such as Ireland, &c.; but the gold and silver are the Lord's. To Him we made our prayer. In Him we put our trust. And He did not forsake us.' For we went as easily through that winter as through any winter since the work had been in existence. Nor could it be otherwise; for God had at this very time an especial opportunity of showing the blessedness of trusting in Him. Seek, dear reader, more and more to put your trust in Him for everything, and you will even concerning this life find it most precious so to do.
March 10. I was able, last evening, to meet most comfortably all the expenses for the coming week; yet we had then nothing left, as I put by the rest of the money, that we might not get into debt with regard to the rent, the expenses of the apprentices, &c. When now there was again nothing left for future house-keeping expenses, a Christian lady at a considerable distance informed me by this mornings post, that she has paid into the hands of Messrs. Stuckey and Co. of Bristol, my bankers, the sum of 100l. for my use, for the benefit of the Orphans. By the same post I have received also 10s. from Droitwich. The Lord's holy name be praised for this seasonable help! I have now all the rent for next quarter day, am able to purchase two pieces of calico which were needed, a fresh supply of rice and soap, and to meet other heavy expenses in the way of certain alterations and improvements to be made in the four houses, about which I had repeatedly asked the Lord.
May 1. From March 10th up to this day came in the sum of 132l. 10s. 5 3/4 d. Before the means in hand were expended, the Lord always gave a fresh supply. This evening, Saturday May 1st, I gave myself especially to prayer for means, as we were now again very poor, there being no means to meet the house-keeping expenses on next Tuesday evening, when fresh supplies are to be given to the matrons. About half an hour, after I had risen from my knees, I received from a Friend to the Institution a letter, containing 10l. Of this sum 8s. 5d. is from twenty poor Orphans under his care, who, having read one of my Reports, desired him to send to the Orphans in Bristol their little donations, each having contributed from 2d. to 8d., 5s. 6d. is from an aged Christian, 10s. from a servant of the donor, and 8l. 16s. 1d. from himself, to makeup the 10l.
May 2. There came in still further from C. C. 1l., from a Christian lady 10s., from a Christian servant 5s., and anonymously 10s.
May 4. Today was received for articles and Reports 1l. 16s. 1d., and through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 16s. 8 1/2 d. Thus I was able this evening, by what had come in since Saturday evening, May 1, to meet the house-keeping expenses of the coming week.
May 11. Another week is gone by. This evening also I have been able to meet all the expenses connected with house-keeping during the coming week, through what has come in since May 4th, but at the same time there is nothing left. Hitherto the children have lacked nothing. Never were provisions nearly so dear since the commencement of the work, as they are now. The bread is almost twice as much as eighteen months ago, the oatmeal nearly three times as much as formerly, the rice more than double the usual price, and no potatoes can be used, on account of their exceeding high price. But though I have now returned from the Orphan-Houses, without any means being left in my hands for further supplies, yet my heart is in peace, in great peace, being sure that the Lord will help.
May 12. The Lord is beginning to help already. This evening I have received 4l. from Scarborough.
May 13. This morning I received 6s. from the neighbourhood of Bideford. This afternoon was given to me 50l., being left to my disposal, as it might be most needed. Being so exceedingly poor as to means for the Orphans, and having heavy expenses to meet, I put this 50l. to the Orphan-Fund for present use. Thus I am able to order oatmeal from Scotland, which is nearly out, put by money for the rent, pay for medical attendance for the children, &c. How good is the Lord, in helping us so seasonably in this time of great dearness of provisions! — There came in still further today 5s.—On May 14th from O. 1s., "through walking a short distance instead of riding."—On May 16th from C. C. 13s. 1d. From O. 3s. being "the first fruits of increase of wages." From the Isle of Wight 17s. 9d., from Hayle 2l., from Plymouth 15s.—On May 17th from a Christian lady 5s., from E. A. B. 13s. 6d., and from C. B. 13s. 10 1/2 d.—On May 18th by sale of articles and Reports 2l. 6s. 4d. Though thus since last Tuesday evening, May 11th, about 63l. has come in, yet as there have been heavy extra expenses to meet in the course of the week, besides the usual amount required for housekeeping for the coming week, and as I need to put by about 20l. for oatmeal which has been ordered from Scotland, we are again without anything in hand.
May 19. This morning the Lord has again begun to send in a little. I received from Bath 1l., and from a Colonel in the Presidency of Madras 2l.—May 20th. From Worcester 1l., and from a sick little boy 6d.—May 23rd. From C. C. 5l. 2s. 4d. Also a stranger called at the infant Orphan-House, bought books to the amount of 8s. 1d., and gave a sovereign for them.
May 24. By sale of articles came in 3l. 10s. 2d.
May 25. From Shirehampton 2s.
The boxes in the Orphan-Houses contained 1l. 10s 1d. Also an individual from Taunton gave 10s. Lastly there came in by sale of Reports 6d. and from M. W. 6d.—Thus the Lord has again sent in since last Tuesday evening about 161l. This, however, not being nearly enough to meet the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, I could only give a part of what was needed, hoping in God to give me more, before that which is in the hands of the matrons shall have been spent.
May 26. A lady gave 10s.—May 27th. By sale of books, given for the purpose, came in 1l. 11s. 6d., and through an Orphan-box 8s. 6d. This 2l. 10s. received yesterday and today I sent off to the Orphan-Houses.
May 28. By sale of Reports 1s., the proceeds of an Orphan-box at Street 2s., from Guernsey 1l.—May 29th. The 1l. 3s., which came in yesterday, was enough for today, Saturday; for only the addition of 1l. was required to help us till Monday morning, and therefore the Lord had sent 3s. more than was needed. Evening. There has come in this day still further 1l. 9s. 7d. by sale of some little trinkets, almost all of which had been given some time since, and which now our poverty led me to pack up and send out for sale. This money likewise was divided among the matrons.
May 30. Lord's day morning. I have just now received, in this our great need, when there was not sufficient in hand to meet the necessities of tomorrow, 6l. 6s. from a Christian gentleman of title at Zurich in Switzerland, a distance of about one thousand miles. What a most seasonable help! Thus I am able to send all the remainder of the supplies, which are needed till Tuesday evening.
In these days of straitness, the question would naturally arise, If, when you have only to care for 130 Orphans, you are so poor, what will you do when there are 300, for whom you are just on the point of building a house? And further, Is it not an indication not to increase the work, seeing you are now so poor with only about one-third of the number of Orphans which you purpose to receive into the New Orphan-House?—I am not tried, however, with such thoughts; for I know that 1, Only for the trial of my faith, as heretofore the Lord allows me now again to be poor. Never at any time have the expenses been so great for the work, as from May 26, 1846, to May 26, 1847; but also never has so much come in in the same space of time during any other period of this work. 2, It is for the profit of the church at large, that we have now again to pass through these days of poverty. 3, I know that it is as easy for the Lord to supply us with all the means that the work will require when once the New Orphan-House is opened, as it is for Him to give us what we need now, though the expenses in all likelihood will then be Two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds a year more than they are at present.
Evening: Received 10s. more anonymously.
June 1. Tuesday, 8l. 9s. 0 1/2 d. more has come in since May 30th, of which, however, only 4l. 9s. 7 1/2 d. remained for house-keeping expenses, during the coming week. This was all I could leave with the matrons, hoping in God to send in more before this is gone.
June 2. This morning I received the following anonymous note from
Teignmouth, enclosing two halfsovereigns.
"My dear Brother,
I send you with much pleasure the enclosed trifle, to be disposed of as you judge to be best. Also this precious text, "Only believe," once spoken by the lips of our blessed glorified Head, now above.
Ever yours in Him."
Thus the Lord has already sent me a little help towards what may be needed tomorrow. His name be praised! How true that word: "Only believe."—Evening. This afternoon the Lord has shown afresh in my experience the truth of that word: "Only believe." I received a letter containing 40l., of which 10l. are for Brother Craik and myself, 10l. for Home and Foreign labourers, and 20l. for present use for the Orphans. Thus I am enabled to send the money required for house-keeping for this week, till Tuesday the 8th. Oh, how kind of the Lord to help us again and again!
June 8. There was only about 6l. in hand towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, as comparatively little had come in since June 2. In addition to the house-keeping, other expenses needed to be met. Under these circumstances 50l. was given to me this morning to be laid out as most needed, which I took for the support of the Orphans. Thus we are again helped for the present moment.
June 17. Only 12l.16s. 0 1/2 d. has come in during the last 9 days. After having advanced on the 15th the money for one week's house-keeping expenses, and paid also 13l. 10s. for apprentices, all our money was again expended, except that which had been put by for rent and oatmeal, which has been ordered. When we were thus once more quite poor, I received today from a Christian gentleman at Edinburgh, whom God has repeatedly used to help us in times of need, a bank-order for 35l. Of this amount 5l. had been given to him by a lady for the Orphans, 25l. were from himself for the Orphans, and 5l. he kindly intended for my own personal necessities. Oh, how precious thus continually to see the hand of God stretched out on our behalf! Will you not, dear reader, taste and see that the Lord is good, and that it is a blessed thing to put our trust in Him? Whatever your position in life, though you may not be called by the Lord to establish Orphan-Houses and Day-Schools for poor children, or to trust in Him for means for circulating Tracts and Copies of His Holy Word; yet all children of God, whatever their position in the world or in the church, ought to put their trust in God for every thing connected with their body, their soul, their business, their family, their church position, their service for God, &c. And it is impossible to do so, without enjoying the blessedness which results from it, even first that peace which keeps the heart and mind like a garrison, and secondly true liberty with regard to circumstances, times, places and persons.
June 29. Tuesday Evening. Having had nearly 50l. coming in since this day fortnight, I have had the means of meeting all the expenses of these two weeks; but now having paid out what was required for house-keeping for the coming week, all is again gone.
June 30. This morning when, as stated, there was again nothing in hand,
I received from Devonshire 20l. for the Orphans.
July 1. This morning I received still further from a Bristol donor 10l., and 5l. from M.R. These three donations of yesterday and today came in most seasonably, not only because they came when there was nothing in hand, but also because the Lord willing, I am on the point of leaving Bristol for a few weeks, and am thus able to leave some money behind.
I was absent from Bristol from July 1st to August 2nd. During this time 133l. 11s. 4 1/2 d. was received, and the sums came in so seasonably, that there was not ally difficulty at all experienced with regard to means, because there was always a sufficient amount of money in hand, to furnish the house-keeping expenses each week in advance, besides meeting all other current expenses. At the same time I might say that almost every one of the donations came in most seasonably to help us on, if not from day to day, at least from week to week; and if it were not on account of its taking up too much space, I should mention every one of the donations which form the total amount referred to, but I shall only refer to the following.
July 13. The proceeds of an Orphan-box from Stafford 4l. 7s. 6d. The friend who sent the money wished to know whether it arrived in a time of need. I have had many similar requests, to which I can reply nothing, or say at the most that the answer may be learnt from the next Report. It will be easily perceived, on reflection, that if I said, it came seasonably, that would imply we had little or nothing at all in hand, and what would that again mean but this, "As our expenses are so great, that which you have now sent will be soon gone again, and therefore send us some more, or get some friend to help us." But by this very thing the chief object of this work, "To show how blessed it is to deal with God alone, and how blessed to trust in Him in the darkest moments," would be hindered. It is also for this very reason that I do not publish the accounts very frequently, for instance quarterly, as I have been requested to do; but I am delighted to wait a year, or eighteen months, or two years, or more; and even then I do not publish them for the sake of obtaining money (though unquestionably God has used the Reports as instruments to procure us means), but for the benefit of the Church of God, to refresh, encourage, exhort, and instruct my brethren in Christ; and also because it is needful that from time to time. I should give a public account of the way in which the considerable sums, with which I have been intrusted, have been spent.
Of the donations which came in between Aug. 2nd and 14th (in amount 51l. 16s. 3 1/2 d.), I only refer to the following.—Aug. 9th. A brother, being some time ago, through a particular circumstance, in danger of losing all his property, dedicated to the Lord 50l., if He would be pleased to help him out of the difficulty. Now today I received from that brother, with his explanation of this, 10l. for the Orphans and 5l. for my own personal necessities, being a part of that 50l., as the Lord, in answer to prayer, has delivered him out of the danger.
Aug. 14. Saturday evening. This evening I found that there was only as much money in hand for present use for the Orphans (i.e. 44l.), as there were liabilities upon me for rent, &c. On this account I gave myself particularly to prayer for means for house-keeping expenses, as on Tuesday evening I shall have to give fresh supplies to the matrons. About one hour, after I had risen from my knees, two sovereigns were given to me, which a sister had brought from Ilfracombe.
Aug. 15. Today came in further, from Barnstaple. 5s., anonymously 5l., from C. C. 5s. 4d., from a sister in Bristol 1l., from Clifton 4s., and anonymously 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d.—Thus the Lord has been pleased to give me already, within twenty-four hours, after I had sought more especially His help for means, the sum of 9l. 0s. 4d. My eyes are now looking to Him for more.
Aug. 16. By sale of articles came in 1l. 10s. 10d.
Aug. 17. Tuesday evening. No more having come in, I have not been able to give to the matrons the housekeeping expenses for the whole week; I hope, however, that the Lord will send more before all is expended which I was able to give, and which will last about three or four days.
Aug. 18. This morning I received from Droitwich a half sovereign, and from Yorkshire 3l. Thus the Lord has already given 3l. 10s.—There was also left at my house this afternoon, anonymously, a pair of silver spectacles; and at the Girls' Orphan-House. No. II were left 3 rings, a brooch, and a pair of ear-rings.—There was also given 2s. 6d.
Aug. 21. Today more money was needed for housekeeping; but having receive nothing yesterday, and having sent off what had come in on the 18th, I gave myself to prayer. And now see the precious answer. By the first delivery this morning a letter came from Birmingham, signed W. R., which contained a half-sovereign, of which the anonymous donor wished 7s. 6d. to be used for the Orphans, and 2s. 6d. for Missions. I also received through two Orphan-boxes 7s. 8d. There came also to hand, three small parcels from Plymouth, one of which contained an old silver watch for the benefit of the Orphans, from a blind Orphan; the other contained two shillings and a franc piece; the third a pair of ear-rings, a brooch, a fourpenny piece, half a franc piece, and an old sixpence.— About half an hour, after I had received these three little parcels, a gentleman, who did not give his name, left at my house two sovereigns and one shilling. About half an hour after that, a lady called and wished to put some money into the box at my house. I do not know her name. But God knows her, and influenced her in answer to my supplications. May His blessing rest upon her and the unknown gentleman who left the 2l. 1s.! When the box was opened, it contained a paper with half a sovereign. Thus the Lord so kindly in this remarkable manner has helped us in this our time of need, and we have now again all we need for the present.
Evening. Still further help. About two o'clock this afternoon a lady from London, who about a year ago had read the Narrative of the Lord's dealings with me, in passing through Bristol left a sovereign at my house for the Orphans, feeling that she could not go on without doing so.—This evening also I received a letter from Scarborough with five pounds. Also 1l. came in by sale of articles this evening, and 2s. 6d. as a donation.
Aug. 22. I have received still further today from C. C. 2l. 3s. 3d., from Wolverhampton 10s., and from a brother in Bristol 1l. 1s. Thus altogether 14l. 5s. 3d. has come in during these two days.
All, who have spiritual eyes to see, cannot but observe in reading these facts—1st, the reality of dealing with God Himself directly; 2, the blessedness of trusting in Him; and 3, His most particular providence.
Aug. 23. I prayed still further for means, as I shall need to give a fresh supply to the matrons for house-keeping tomorrow evening, besides meeting other expenses. This afternoon I received from a sister in the Lord a sovereign, half of which she wished me to use for my own temporal necessities, and half for the Orphans. Likewise. 10s. as profits from the sale of ladies' baskets.
Aug. 24. Today came in by sale of articles and Reports 2l. 15s. 10 1/2 d.
Aug. 25. Wednesday. Last evening I was able to advance only a part of the week's house-keeping expenses to the matrons. Today, when I had nothing in hand, a sister in the Lord brought her Orphan-box, which contained 10s. 6 3/4 d. in donations, and likewise 9s. 4d. as the proceeds from the sale of musk plants, reared and sold by her for the benefit of the Orphans. The box contained also a Spanish silver coin. Evening. Precious and encouraging as it was to receive those little sums this afternoon, still, as they came in when no money was in hand, they were only an encouragement to look to the Lord for further supplies, but were not enough to supply our need. However the Lord, in His faithful, loving care over the work, and in His readiness to answer prayer, helped further this evening. There came in 150l., of which I took 30l. for the Orphans, and 120l. for the other objects.
Sept. 6. Since August 25th only 20l. 17s. 0 1/2 d. had come in. On this account there was only 3l. 15s. 5 3/4 d. in hand, and tomorrow evening I have again to supply the matrons with house-keeping expenses. In this need, whilst walking in my little garden, I lifted up my heart to God for means, when, in less than five minutes after, I received a letter from Jersey, containing Five Pounds for the Orphans.—This evening I received still further, from a little girl 3s., from Margate. 10d., anonymously 3s., and 3 dollars from a poor missionary brother in Demerara.
Sept. 7. Further, by sale of articles 3l. 1s. 3d. through the boxes in my house 2s. 6d., and through the boxes in the Orphan-houses, which our need led me to open, 1l. 6s. and a medal. Thus I had for the need of the coming week, at our usual prayer meeting this evening, 14l. 1s. 6 3/4 d., which I divided to the last farthing, with the firm persuasion and hope in God, that, by the time it was expended, He would give more; for it was not enough to meet all the demands of this week.
Sept. 8. the Lord has already sent in a little I received from Weymouth 2l. 10s.
Sept. 10. From a dentist in Bristol 10s.
Sept. 11. From a Christian brother, about 200 miles from Bristol, whom the Lord has repeatedly used to help us in time of need, I received 20l. What a precious help! We have now all we require for this week, and a little towards the expenses of the next.—There came in also from Droitwich 5s.
Sept. 12. Further: From C.C. 10s. 14d., from Clevedon 5s., from Clifton 5s., anonymously 2s., ditto 1s. 5 1/2 d.
Sept. 13. Monday morning. As there will be again money needed for house-keeping tomorrow evening, and as I have not enough in hand to advance for the expenses of a whole week, which I generally now seek to do, I gave myself again to prayer for means, and, while I was on my knees in prayer, there came a letter from Yorkshire, containing 5l. for the Orphans. There was received also, by sale of stockings at the Boys' Orphan-house, 7s. 7d.
Sept. 14. By sale of articles and stockings came in 3l. 10s. 0 1/2 d. From Norwich 1l., and also 2s. 6d. Evening. By these sums we have received altogether since last Tuesday evening 34l. 8s. 5 1/2 d. Thus I have been able to supply the matrons this evening with what they need for the coming week, and that which was left I put by for the rent and current expenses connected with the apprentices, and am now looking out for fresh supplies, as I have again nothing left towards the need of the following week.
My dear reader, if you are tired of going on with this account of the Lord's gracious interpositions for us week after week, or day after day, I beseech you to lay it aside for the present. Take it up at another time. This Narrative is not of an ordinary character. It does not contain anecdotes for amusement; it relates no embellished tales; it gives facts in which the hand of God is seen stretched out on our behalf, as the result of prayer and faith. Seek to admire God, dear reader, in this simple Narrative of Facts, which are related to His praise, and to allure your heart more and more for Him, and which are brought before you in all simplicity to encourage you and to stir you up, if it may please God so to use His servant, to put your whole trust in Him. I judge that it will be the more profitable way to read this account by little and little.
Sept. 15. A brother, who is staying at my house, gave me a silver table spoon and two silver dessert spoons. This is the beginning of fresh supplies from God.
Sept. 16. From the neighbourhood of Glastonbury 5s. Also 5s. worth of postages from Derby.
Sept. 17. A. Christian lady at Richmond, having received a copy of my Narrative, read aloud in the hearing of another lady the account about A. L. (page 156 to 160 of part I.) The lady who heard it read was so touched by it, that she sent 10l. for the Orphans. God moved her heart to send me this donation at a time when I had only a few shillings in hand for the use of the Orphans!—There came in still further from Clifton 10s., and from Taunton 5s.
Sept. 19. From C. C. 19s.—Sept. 21. Anonymously from Barnstaple 5s. worth of postages. This anonymous donor has many times sent his donations thus. It may be that twenty or thirty times the same amount has been forwarded in the same way.—Also by sale of articles 1l. 8s. 8d. By the boxes in my house 1l. 0s. 6d. Evening: I was able to supply the matrons only with means for house-keeping for three or four days, being fully assured, that, by the time more is needed, the Lord will send further supplies.
Sept. 24. Friday. After I had paid away on Tuesday evening to the last penny what I had in hand for present use for the Orphans, there came in a pair of ear-rings from Norwich; also 1s. 6d. besides. On Wednesday and Thursday nothing came in; but it was needful that I should send more means to the matrons today. Thus situated I received this morning from Barnstaple. 19s. 4d. and 17s. About three hours after, came in by sale of the 3 silver spoons (given on the 15th), an old silver punch ladle, and a few trinkets lately given, 6l. 14s. 7d. Thus we are once more helped, and I have been able to send all that which was yet needed for house-keeping till Tuesday evening. The Lord be praised for His seasonable help! —Observe, dear reader, we may be poor, very poor; we may have to wait upon God, even again and again we may have to make known our requests to Him; but He helps, always helps.
Sept. 25. From C. C. 1l.—Sept. 27. From a Christian lady 1l.— Sept. 28. 8s. 4d. came in, also 1l. from Scotland, and 1l. 6s. 4 1/2 d. by sale of articles. Also from Wellington an old half-crown, shilling, and sixpence. 3s. 10d. came in besides. Evening. So little having come in, I was able to give to the matrons only as much as would last for about two days for provisions.
Sept. 29. A young man called this morning at my house and gave 2s. 6d. A brother called and put 2s. 6d. into an Orphan-box in my house. Mrs. W. C: gave 1l. Also Mrs. K. 5s. These donations came in today, after I had twice given myself especially to prayer for means, as we are now in so much need.
Sept. 30. Nothing more having come in, we were in great need today. On this account the boxes in the Orphan-Houses were opened, which contained 1l. 4s. 2d. This evening sister C. gave me 18s. 9 1/2 d., being the contents of her Orphan-box. Also 15s. 11d. came in by knitting of stockings. Thus we were helped for the present.
Oct. 2, Saturday. As today more money was needed, and nothing had come in, one of the labourers supplied the present need till Monday morning, which took 3l.—Evening. This afternoon, when there was nothing at all in my hands for the work, I received from a little boy 1s. This evening a box arrived from Norwich, filled by the contributions of many believers. It contained in money 1l. 10s., and the following articles: 6 brass and copper coins, a gold pin, 5 gold brooches, 3 pairs of ear-rings, 3 pairs of silver clasps, a gold clasp, a gold locket, 2 rings, a pair of silver studs, a broken silver tooth-pick, 4 gilt bracelets, a silver mounted eye-glass, 5 braid watch-guards, a silver washed watch-guard, 4 waist buckles, a pair of gilt ear-rings, 3 mourning necklaces and a pair of ear-rings, a mourning ring set with pearls, 2 brass brooches, a mother-o'-pearl cross and clasps, a silver fruit knife, a pair of coral bracelets, 2 bead necklaces, a snuff-box, 2 little baskets, 12 worked mats, 24 ladies' bags of various kinds, 4 cephalines, 13 book-marks, 8 purses, 5 shells, 45 pin-cushions of various kinds, 17 needle cases, 9 pairs of babies' shoes, 2 babies' hoods, 3 neck ties, 2 knitted cloths, 2 netted mats, 4 pairs of watch pockets, 3 pairs of cogs, 3 little scarfs, 2 collars, a pair of socks, a nightcap, some knitted fringe, some work and lace, 2 silk winders, 3 waistbands, 5 handkerchiefs, 1/4 lb. of tea, 2 pen-wipers, some little playthings, 2 combs, some slate pencils, 3 chimney ornaments, 4 paintings, 3 books, 16 pamphlets, a fan, a little box, 13 chemises, 2 shirts, a frock and cape, a shawl border, 3 bodkin cases, 2 1/2 yards of print, a gown, and a few other little things.—Great indeed was my joy in receiving this box, for it was a fresh proof to me, in this our present great poverty, that the Lord hears our prayers and is mindful of us.
Oct. 3. Lord's day. Today I received from C. C. 10s. 10d., from a sister 3l., being the produce of a piece of work done for the Orphans, and anonymously 2s. 6d. By these donations we are supplied till Tuesday evening.
Oct. 4. From a Christian gentleman I received today 1l.; from a brother, as the first fruits of his salary, 2l., of which 1l. is for the Orphans, and 1l. for home and foreign labourers; from another brother 2s. 6d.; from a sister 5s.
Oct. 5. By sale of articles 1l. 10s. 4 1/2 d. This evening I had only means enough to give to the matrons supplies for one or two days. When I came home from our prayer meeting I found unexpectedly another demand made upon me for 5l., in connexion with the house-keeping expenses, towards which I had nothing, but which it was desirable to meet as soon as possible.
Oct. 6. This morning I received the following letter from Kennington, containing a post-office order for 5l.
* * * *, Kennington, Surrey.
"Beloved and honoured brother in our Lord,
I am permitted to be the unworthy instrument in the Lord's hand of transmitting to you the enclosed post-office order for 5l., to be applied either for the Orphans or your own use, as may be most required at this time, &c.
Your affectionate sister in our Lord,
Oct. 5, 1847. * * * *"
I am now able to send off the 5l. about the need of which I was informed late last evening, and am again thus graciously helped at this time also by Him who hears the cries of His children. Do you not discern His hand, dear reader, in this instance?
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.
May 7. The donation of 50l. for the missionary brethren, received four days ago, was very refreshing to my spirit, and most manifestly to me another answer to prayer; but it did not hinder me from continuing in prayer for more means, as I have a great desire to spend again, by God's help, considerable sums in connexion with these various objects, in the course of this month. Moreover, I was looking out for answers to prayer, and therefore expected still further means to come in on the 4th, the 5th, and yesterday; and, as I received nothing, I only prayed the more earnestly, instead of being discouraged. And thus it was that I obtained this morning a still further answer to my supplication, in a donation of 150l., of which I took half for the Orphans and half for these objects, as the disposal of the money was left to me.
My dear Christian reader, will you not try this way? Will you not know for yourself, if as yet you have not known it, the preciousness and the happiness of this way of casting all your cares and burdens and necessities upon God? This way is as open to you as to me. Every one of the children of God is not called by Him to be engaged in such a service as that to which He has condescended to call me; but every one is invited and commanded to trust in the Lord, to trust in Him with all his heart, and to cast his burden upon Him, and to call upon Him in the day of trouble. Will you not do this, my dear brethren in Christ? I long that you may do so. I desire that you may taste the sweetness of that state of heart, in which, while surrounded by difficulties and necessities, you can yet be at peace, because you know that the living God, your Father in heaven, cares for you. Should, however, any one read this, who is not reconciled to God, but is still going on in the ways of sin and carelessness, unbelief and self-righteousness, then let me say to such, that it is impossible, that you should have confidence to come boldly to God in such a state, and I therefore ask you to make confession of your sins to Him, and to put your trust for eternity entirely in the merits of the Lord Jesus, that you may obtain the forgiveness of your sins. Again, should any one read this who has believed in the Lord Jesus, but who is now again living in sin, who is again regarding iniquity in his heart, let not such a one be surprised that he has no confidence toward God, and that he does not know the blessedness of having answers to his prayers; for it is written: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: but verily God bath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer." Ps. lxvi. 18, 19. The first thing such a one has to do is, to forsake his evil course, to make confession of it, and to know afresh the power of the blood of the Lord Jesus on his conscience, by putting his trust in that precious blood, in order that he may obtain confidence toward God.
Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from
May 26, 1848, to May 26, 1850.
When the accounts were closed on May 26, 1848, I had in hand a balance of 1l. 10s. 3 3/4 d. With this amount then we began, whilst day by day above one hundred and thirty persons were to be provided for in the four Orphan-Houses in Wilson Street. Nor was there any money besides available except what had been advanced to the four matrons in the various Orphan-Houses for the week's house-keeping, which was already more than half expended; and I had on the 30th to advance again many pounds for the following week. Place yourself now, dear reader, in my position, in order that you may the more clearly see the hand of God in what follows.
On the very next day, after the accounts were closed, May 27, 1848, I received from Westmoreland five pounds, half of which sum was intended by the donor for the Orphans, and half for the other objects. This donation I took as an earnest out of the hands of the living God, that during the whole of this period also He would provide for these many Orphans, as He had done in former years.
May 28. Received anonymously 3s. 9 1/2 d., and from A. S. A. 10s. 2 1/2 d.
May 29. Today I have received 100l., which, being left to me as most needed, I took half for the Orphans, and half for the other objects. How kind of the Lord to refresh my heart thus in sending me this seasonable help at the very commencement of this period, as there was so little left in hand when the accounts were closed three days since and how especially kind, as tomorrow evening again nearly 20l. will have to be advanced for house-keeping!
June 20. 81l. 8s. 4d. had come in since May 26th. Without any difficulty I had been able to meet all the expenses as they occurred; but now all our money was gone, and this evening I had again to advance the means for a week's house-keeping, whilst there was nothing in hand. Now observe, dear reader, how the Lord helped me! Whilst I was in the very act of beseeching the Lord for fresh supplies, two sisters in the Lord called, who desired to see my dear wife for a few minutes. It was for the purpose of giving her fifteen pounds for the Orphans.—About half an hour after, a brother from Devonshire called, who, on leaving, gave me 5l. for the Orphans. This evening I received still further from Norwich 1l. 1s., together with an eye-glass and a parcel of clothes. There was received also 1s. for Reports. Also a Christian brother from Barnstaple gave me half a sovereign. Thus I was able to meet the house-keeping expenses for the coming week, and to order 2 cwt. of soap, which was needed, amounting altogether to 20l. 10s., and have 1l. 2s. left. The day began and I had nothing, and yet the Lord enabled me to meet all its demands, and I have 1l. 2s. over.
June 21. The Lord is already beginning to give fresh supplies towards the need of the coming week. This morning was sent to me from Essex a large silver mug. There has come in further today from Bath 5s., by sale of Reports 1s., by sale of a book 1s., from South Molton 2s. 6d., from a lady near Bristol 5s., and through an Orphan-box 11s. 6d. and a silver thimble.
June. 23. From Merriott 14s. 4d., from Dundry 5s., through A. S. A. 1s. 6d., from a sister 5s., by sale of Reports 3s. 4d, by sale of articles 1l. 4s. 10d., by the children's knitting 4s. 6d., and from the Isle of Wight 14s. 7d.
June 25. Anonymously from Teignmouth 5l., through Bethesda boxes 6d., ditto 2d.
June 26. From L. M. 1s. 1d., brother F.'s Orphan-box 1s. 1d., by profit from the sale of ladies' baskets 10s., anonymously 1s., ditto 6d., ditto 1d.
June 27. By sale of articles 17s. 3d., from Clifton 10s., from a sister 10s., through a box in my room 10s., from Tiverton 5s., and through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 4l. 5s. 2d.—Thus we have bad again this evening, in answer to prayer, all the means required for the housekeeping expenses of the coming week, and have a few shillings left.
July 4. Though this day week I had all the means requisite for advancing the house-keeping expenses for this week, yet, after having done so, there remained only a few shillings. I had therefore again to seek help from God respecting the means requisite for this evening, besides means for other expenses, which in the course of the week might come upon me, as the regular house-keeping expenses are not one half of the whole of the expenses for the Orphans. Now, during this week also, I have been helped by the Lord in the following manner:—
On June 28th I received from Uppingham 10s., and 10s., and 1s. Also by sale of Reports came in 6s.—On June 30th was sent from Tetbury 10s. — On July 1st a brother in the Lord gave me 10l.—On July 2nd from A. S. A. 1l., and from a sister 5s. Also anonymously 4s., ditto 10s., ditto 1s. 6d.—On July 3rd from a brother 1l.—-July 4th. By sale of articles 2l. 3s. 6 1/2 d., and by knitting and needlework 6l. 13s. 10d. — Thus I was again able to advance this evening the means for the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, and have a few shillings left.
July 6. The more the Lord is pleased to help me, the more, by His grace, I have confidence in Him. Therefore, though there were only a few shillings left the evening before last, I set myself to prayer that God would be pleased to send everything requisite for continuing this work. Accordingly, two ladies left today, anonymously, at the Infant Orphan-House, 2 old foreign gold watches, an old silver watch, a small gold chain, 6 gold mourning rings, a pair of gold earrings, and 2 necklaces. There was also given today 10s., and 2s. 2 1/2 d. came in by sale of Reports.
July 7. From Edmonton 1l. From a Christian lettercarrier 10s., from a sister 2s. 6d., and from M. R. 5l.
July 8. Through sister C. from a friend 2s., from M. 2s., from D. 1s., and from sister F. 1s. 1d.
July 9. From A. S. A. 10s. Also a brother has brought me this evening 5l.
July 10. From Street 2s., through Salem boxes 3d., and by knitting 10s. 9d.
July 11. By sale of trinkets, &c. 14l. 13s. 7d. From Gloucester 1l., from Tenby 1s. 6d., anonymously 5s., and from one of the labourers in the work 3s.—Thus I had again this evening enough to meet the ordinary housekeeping expenses for the coming week, but I am now looking out for fresh supplies to meet the expenses connected with ordering a fresh quantity of oatmeal from Scotland, &c.
July 12. The Lord has quickly given me an answer, and granted the desire of my heart. I received this morning a donation of 117l. 2s. 7d., to be used as the work of God in my hands might require. Of this sum I took 67l. 2s. 7d. for the Orphans, and 50l. for the other objects.
Aug. 1. From July 12th up to this day we were comfortably provided with means; but this evening, at our usual prayer-meeting, I had only 8l. to give to the four matrons towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, which I did give in the full assurance that the Lord would provide more by the time that this sum was expended, if not before.— Now see how God at this time also helped in His faithful love, and thereby proved that we did not call upon Him in vain. On the next day, Aug. 2, I received from London 1l., from Buttevant 1s. 6d., from "a Leamington grocer" 2s. 6d., from Bedminster 5s., and by sale of Reports 10s. 6d.—On Aug. 3rd came in by the sale of Reports 1s., from Langport 7l. 4s., from a very poor widow 2s., and 8s. besides.—On Aug. 5th was received from Mr. G. B. C. 1l. 1s., from Marbury 6d., from Brighton 10s., from Ayrshire 1l., and from Newbury 1l.—On Aug. 6, from the neighbourhood of Wotton-under Edge 7s., and by profit by the sale of ladies' baskets 10s.—On Aug. 7th from a Christian lady 1l., by sale of Reports 1s., from a sister 10s., through the Chapel-boxes 2s. 6d., and 6d., from Tockington 1l. 1s., through the Orphan-boxes in my house 13s. 6d., from Northam 2l., and from Cork 1l. On Aug. 8th by sale of articles 18s. 2 1/2 d. By sale of Reports 8s. Thus I had everything which was requisite for the expenses of the past week, and had this evening, Tuesday, even 7l. left to advance towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week. My hope and prayer is, that the Lord will be pleased to send in more means before this is gone, as it will only suffice till Friday morning.
Aug. 9. The Lord has been very kind today, and proved afresh that none who trust in Him shall be confounded. There has come in by the sale of Reports 1l. 13s. 10d., by sale of another book given for sale 9d., and from Clevedon 10s., together with a pair of gold ear-drops, a buckle, and a pencil case. This evening, while I was walking in my little garden, lifting up my heart for further supplies for the work of God in my hands, there was given to me a registered letter from Liverpool, containing 20l. for the Orphans. There came also from Lymington 5s. Thus I am able to send the remainder of the money which is needed for house-keeping expenses for this week.
Aug. 10. The Lord has sent in still further supplies in answer to prayer. From a brother I received 1l., from the Isle of Wight 5l., from Bath 5l., from Barking 2 gold seals, 2 pairs of gold ear-rings, 2 gold brooches, a gold snap, a bead necklace, and a small telescope.
Aug. 11. By sale of Reports 1l. 9s. 2d. From Bath 5l.
Aug. 12. From Norfolk 1l. 10s.
Aug. 13. Anonymously 2s. 6d., ditto 6d., ditto 1s.
Aug. 14. By profit from the sale of ladies' baskets 1l.
Aug. 15. Through a box in my house 10s., by sale of articles 15s. 2d., by sale of Reports 2l. 0s. 6d., anonymously 2s., from Keswick 1s., from one of the labourers in the work 10s., and from Chelsea with a great variety of articles 7s. 8d., 7 1/4 d., and 1s. I received also from Bath 2 mourning rings.
Aug. 16, Wednesday. This afternoon I received from a brother, who had sold the greater part of his little property, 20l., of which he wished me to take 10l. for the Building Fund and 10l. for present use for the Orphans. Thus I have received for the Orphans altogether in money, besides many articles, since yesterday week the 8th, 61l. 15s. 8 1/4 d., whereby I have been enabled to supply the means which were yet needed for house-keeping; and I had likewise sufficient to advance last evening all that is needed for house-keeping for this week, and to meet 38l. 2s. 6d. extra expenses, which have come upon me during the last eight days. How seasonable were, therefore, the various donations which the Lord was pleased to send me since the 8th, and how manifestly did they come in answer to prayer! But now I have again scarcely anything left, which, however, does not cast me down, as I shall go afresh, by God's help, to His inexhaustible treasures.
Aug. 22. Tuesday evening. The Lord has again been pleased to send me since last Wednesday morning 17l. 14s. 9d., so that, together with the little which was left last Tuesday evening, I was able to advance the money needed for house-keeping during the coming week. The Lord was pleased to provide me with means for this in the following manner. On Aug. 17th came in 9s. 10d. from Clifton. On Aug. 18th was received by sale of Reports 2l. 1s., and by a donation from Acklow 1l. Also a brother from Bath left anonymously at the Boys' Orphan-House two sovereigns. On Aug 19th a brother from the neighbourhood of Stroud sent me 5l., of which he kindly wished me to take 1l. for my own personal expenses and to use the 4l. as most needed, which I took for the Orphans. Received also 9s. by sale of Reports. On Aug. 20th I received 6s. 6d. and 6s. 10d., being the contents of two Orphan-boxes, also from the neighbourhood of Keynsham 1l., from the neighbourhood of Royston 1l. and from Batheaston 10s.—Aug. 21. Through a box in my house 1l., from Doncaster 10s., by sale of Reports 18s., and from the Isle of Wight 10s. —Aug. 22. By sale of Reports 17s. 6d, by sale of articles 12s. 3d., anonymously 1s., from Thornbury 2s. 6d., and anonymously 4d. Thus, then, I had all the means requisite, and had 11 3/4 d. left.—Think of this, dear reader! 11 3/4 d. I had left and about 130 persons were daily to be provided for, and yet we did not go into debt at that time for anything, nor do we now, nor have we from the commencement of this work. Nor did I make personal application to any one for anything, nor did I directly or indirectly speak about our need, so that persons might be influenced to give. But why not, you may say, dear reader? Simply because this work has for its first and primary end the benefit of the Church at large and of the unconverted world, to show that there is verily a God in Heaven whose ears are open to those who call upon Him in the name of the Lord Jesus, and who put their trust in Him. Cheerfully have I dedicated myself with all my physical, mental, and spiritual energies to this life of faith upon the living God, for everything that I need in connexion with my own personal and family necessities, and in connexion with the work of God in my hands, if but by any means, through it, multitudes of believers and unbelievers may be benefited. Thousands have been benefited by it already, but tens of thousands my heart longs to benefit. No trial, no difficulty, no hardships, no self-denial, will I, by God's help, count too much, if but this end may be attained.— I had then, as I said, 11 3/4 d. left. Now observe how the Lord helped me again this time in answer to the supplications which the evening before, Aug. 22nd, my fellow-labourers and myself had offered up to Him.
On Aug. 23rd, the very next day, came in early in the morning 4s. 6d. by sale of Reports, and a Christian brother from Barnstaple sent 1l. with Matt. vi. 11 ("Give us this day our daily bread"). Also from Torquay was sent a half-sovereign. From Budleigh Salterton 1l., and from Weymouth 2l. together with a gold brooch. There arrived also a parcel from Stowmarket containing the following little sums; 6d., 7s. 6d., 2s., 2s. 6d., 10s., 6s., and 5s. There came in also from Bath 18s. for Reports. Thus I received altogether that day 7l. 5s. 6d., whereby I was enabled to order 8 cwt. of rice, as I was informed the evening before that our store of rice was exhausted.
Aug. 24. By knitting of the children 2s. 3d.
Aug. 25. By sale of Reports 1s., and from F. B. B. 2s. 6d.
Aug. 26. Saturday. Next Tuesday evening again a considerable sum will be needed for house-keeping, whilst at the beginning of this day I had nothing yet towards meeting this demand. Now observe the kindness of the Lord in helping me again bountifully this day. I received from a sister at Tottenham 2l., from Norton St. Philip's 10s., from a village near Leeds 5l., from Southwell 10s., from Edinburgh 21l., of which the donor kindly wished me to take 6l. for my own personal expenses, and 15l. for the Orphans; and from Thornbury for Reports 10s. 6d., as a donation, 2 old three-penny pieces and 20 copper coins, also 5s. from another donor near Thornbury.
Aug. 27. A half-sovereign was received, but the place of the donor is not to be mentioned; from an aged Christian woman 3l. and a pair of silver shirt buttons; and by sale of Reports 10s.
Aug. 28. From a sister as the profit from the sale of ladies' bags 6s. 6d., anonymously 2s. 6d., by sale of Reports 12s., from Weymouth 2l., also 4s., 1s., and 1s. 6d., and from Ryde 1l.
Aug.29. Anonymously from Torquay 1l. There came in also by sale of articles 17s. 6d., by sale of Reports 10s. 6d., and from a sister 2s. 6d.—Thus, by the help of God, we have again received by this Tuesday evening 42l. 3s. 9d., while last Tuesday evening there was only 11 3/4 d. left. How kindly has the Lord therefore, in answer to our supplications, increased "the handful of meal in the barrel!" Thus I have been enabled to advance the needful sum requisite for the house-keeping expenses till next Tuesday evening, and to meet several extra expenses. The remainder of the money has been put by for rent, and towards meeting the current expenses connected with the apprentices; and I am now again, without anything on hand, looking to the Lord for fresh supplies.
Now observe, dear reader, how again the Lord helped at this time also, and notice in particular how, from all parts of the country, yea from great distances, and sometimes also from foreign lands, the donations are sent, and most frequently from persons whom I have never seen, whereby the hand of God is the more strikingly made manifest.—I relate now how we were helped in answer to our prayers, this time, when nothing was left.
Aug. 30. Wednesday evening. I had this evening a long season for prayer for the work in which I am engaged, and sought also especially help from God as to means for present use for the Orphans. While I was in prayer, a parcel of clothes was brought from Weymouth for the benefit of the Orphans, and shortly after another parcel. There were also sent 2s. 6d. as a donation, and 1s. 6d. for Reports. A few minutes after I had finished praying, I received an anonymous letter from Teignmouth, containing 1l. and these lines; "The Lord permits me to send you the enclosed. Dear brother, 'Only believe,' 'O how great is thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men.' Yours ever in Him."—How again has been fulfilled in my experience that word "Only believe!" I am now looking out for more, for I shall shortly again need many pounds, for the current expenses for the Orphans.
Aug. 31. Received from Hull 1l. 8s. 10d., of which 16s. 3 3/4 d. is from A. Z., who intends of this, 10s. for the Building-Fund, and the remainder as most needed, which I took for present use for the Orphans. A young man also sent through A. Z. 6s., and the remaining 6s. 6d. is for Reports. This morning also a sister in the Lord from Malvern called on me, who brought from herself and a few other sisters 4l., of which 10s. is intended by a sister for foreign missions, and the rest to be used as most needed, which I therefore took for the Orphans. I also received from Cheltenham 6s., and 10s. for Reports from Teignmouth, 10s. ditto from Street, and 1s. and 6d. as donations from Street.
Sept. 1. Received from several believers at Bowness 3l. 0s. 6d., of which they kindly intend 1l. for myself, 1l. for foreign missions, and 1l. 0s. 6d., for the Orphans.—From A. S. 5l.—By needlework of the children 6s. 1d., from Shirehampton 5s., and from a sister 2s. 6d.
Sept. 2. From Ilfracombe 1l. 10s. From Wakefield 10l. From Windsor 8l. 10s., of which 2l. 7s. is for Narratives and Reports. By sale of Reports 1l. 8s. 8d., and for needlework done by the Orphans 1l. 17s. 2d.
Sept. 4. A very poor Christian widow, having come into the possession of 10l. through the death of her mother, gave 1l. of it for the Orphans.
This sister in the Lord has since fallen asleep. Will she regret the gift now? Our time is short, very short. Let every child of God stand in the place of service in which He has set him, working while it is called today, "for the night cometh when no man can work." Again and again, while looking over my journal, I meet with names of donors, who have fallen asleep. Shortly, dear reader, your turn and mine may also come.
Sept. 5. The boxes in my house contained 1l. 6s. There came in also by sale of articles 5l. 1s. 8d., by sale of Reports 14s. 4 1/2 d., through the boxes of the Orphan-Houses 4l. 14s. 9 1/2 d., and from a sister 10s. Thus this evening, Tuesday, it was found that the Lord had sent in again since last Tuesday evening, when there was nothing in hand, nearly 50l., so that I have been able to meet all the extra expenses of the week, and to advance again this evening money for house-keeping for the coming week.
Now see how the Lord helped further for the week after this.
Sept. 6. By sale of Reports 13s. 9d. Sept. 8. From a lady 7s. 6d.
Sept. 9. By sale of a small cask of pickles, given for the purpose, 12s. — A brother and sister gave 3l., as a thank-offering to the Lord for the conversion of two brothers, in one week, in answer to prayer. From London 5l. By sale of articles 1s. 4d. From Scotland 12s. 6d. for Reports, and 3s. 6d. for the Orphans. From Crediton was sent 10s., 3s. 6d., and 11s.
Sept. 10. By sale of Reports 11s. 8d.—From a sister 2s. 6d., and through ditto 1s. 6d. Anonymously 1s.
Sept. 11. Profit from the sale of bags 10s.—From a brother in London 10s. From Scotland 3l. 18s. 7d. with 1l. for myself.
Sept. 12. Tuesday. By sale of articles 18s. 8d. By sale of Reports 3s. By a donation 1s. Thus again about 20l. has come in during the past week, and, with what remained in hand last Tuesday evening, I have had over and above what is needed for house-keeping expenses for the coming week.—When I came home this evening from our usual weekly prayer meeting for the Lord's blessing upon the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, I found that a brother from Tavistock had left at my house 2l. 2s. 6d.
Sept. 13. By sale of Reports 8s. 2d.—From a Christian lady 2 crown pieces and 2 pairs of socks.—From East Coker 1l. 10s., together with many gold articles, &c. Also 1s. 6d. with many articles and some coins. From Belper 10s. for Reports, and 10s. as three donations.
Sept. 15. From Kingstown 5s. as a donation and 10s. for Reports.— This evening 1l. was left anonymously at my house; and a brother left 2 sovereigns at the Boys' Orphan-Rouse. A little boy gave 8d., and 6s. 6d. came in by sale of Reports.
Sept. 10. From a brother at Clifton 1l. 10s.
Sept. 17. By sale of Reports 13s. A.S.A. 10s. Anonymously 10s. From a sister 2s. 6d. Through a sister 10s.
Sept. 19. Tuesday. A gentleman called on me this morning and gave me half-a-sovereign for the Orphans, but would not give his name.—By sale of articles 3l. 0s. 6d., by Reports 8s. 6d., through the box at my house 1l., by a donation 10s. 6d., and paid on behalf of two Orphans 1l. 15s. Evening. Thus again more than 20l. has come in in money during this week, besides many valuable articles. I was thus able to advance all that was needed for house-keeping, and what was left I put by for rent and material for clothes, which have been ordered, trusting in God for fresh supplies for next Tuesday.
The Lord helped us this time again, as the following shows.
Sept. 20. By sale of a Report 6d.
Sept. 21. From Barnstaple was sent 1l. 5s.—Boxes in my house 10s. 6d.—This morning a Christian from Somersetshire called at my house, and said, he only wished to put something into the Orphan-box, and then put in a sovereign.—From Leicester was sent 1l.—This afternoon a letter was left at my house, containing a five pound note and these words: "From a Believer in the efficacy of the prayer of faith, to be appropriated as Mr. Mueller may think fit." As there was only 3l. 16s. in hand for the Orphans, I took this donation for them.—This evening I had again an especial season for prayer respecting the various objects of the Institution. Almost immediately, after I had risen from my knees, I received from Sunderland 1l.
Sept. 23. From Norwich 10s. From Bath 5l. Through a sister in Bristol 5s.
Sept. 24. Anonymously from Liverpool 10s.—From Stourbridge 1l.—
From A. S. A. 6s. 8 1/2 d. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. From Cheshire 2l.
Anonymously 5s.
Sept. 25. The contents of an Orphan-box 18s. 10d.
Sept. 20. From Brighton 5s. By sale of articles 2l. 6s. 8d. By sale of Reports 1l. 6s. Through Orphan-boxes 5s. 2d. Ditto 2s. 9d. Through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 2l. 14s. 11d.—Thus the Lord has again sent in about 25l. during the week, whereby I have been enabled to meet all the extra expenses of the week, and to advance for the house-keeping expenses of the coming week.
Sept. 27. When today there was again only a few shillings in hand, I received from Sunderland 2l. 19s. 6d. for Reports. Also from a sister in Bristol 10s. from another 10s. as the profit from the sale of ladies' baskets, and from Plymouth 1l.
Sept. 28. By the sale of trinkets and old silver 9l. 10s.
—From Scarborough 2l. as a donation, and 6s. for Reports.—From
Barnstaple 2l. 0s. 9 1/2 d. By sale of Reports 10s.—From a donor in
Bristol 1l.
Sept. 30. From a Christian gentleman in Bath 1l. From Oswestry 7s. By sale of Reports 12s.
Oct. 1. By Reports 3s. 4d. From A. S. A. 11s. 10d. Anonymously 10s. From
Devonshire 6s. 6d.
Oct. 2. From Liverpool 2s. 6d. By Reports 7s. 6d. From a Brother in
Bristol 1l.
Oct. 3. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. and by sale of articles 1l. 9s. 9d. Thus by this evening, Tuesday, again about 28l. has come in, and I have been able to meet all the extra expenses of the work, and advance money for the week's house-keeping; but have now again scarcely anything left.
Oct. 4. By sale of trinkets came in 2l. 17s. 6d.
Oct. 5. From a sister 2s. 6d. From Kingsbridge 1l. 5s.
Oct. 0. By knitting 15s. 3d.
Oct. 7. Received from Sherborne 1l. 9s. 4d. Received also from the neighbourhood of Dartmouth 1l. 0s. 6d. There came in likewise through sister E. Ch. 1l. 5s. 10d.—Also 5l. 14s. 0 1/2 d., being part of the proceeds of a little publication.
Oct. 8. From A. S. A. 5l. Anonymously 1l. Ditto 6s.
Oct. 9. By sale of a Report 6d. From a sister 10s.
Oct. 10. From Cheltenham 10s. By sale of articles 4l. 0s. 1d. By sale of Reports 6s. 2d.—Thus, by this evening, Tuesday, again the sum of 26l. 2s. 8 1/2 d. had come in. I was, therefore, able to meet all the housekeeping expenses of the coming week, besides having paid away 8l. 15s. for apprentices, &c., and have 12s. 8d. left in hand. My heart is assured that the Lord will help further.
Now, dear reader, did the Lord help this time also? Yes, He did. Could it be otherwise? No; for they that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded. Let me then relate to you the way in which God helped us, going on with the extracts from my journal.
Oct. 11. At our meeting yesterday evening we made our supplication to God that He would be pleased to help us further. Immediately after the meeting I received 10s. Also when I came home I found that 6s. had been brought from Gosport for Reports, and 1s. 6d. as the proceeds of an Orphan-box at Gosport. Also 5s. was put by the bearer of the money into an Orphan-box at my house, who also brought a woollen shawl.—Today 1l. was left at one of the Orphan-Houses by "an aged person of a Bristol alms-house," who would not give her name. There came in also by sale of stockings 1l. 4s. 6d. There was likewise left anonymously at my house, an old silver watch, 2 mourning brooches, and 2 gold pins. Thus the Lord has already sent in a little.
Oct. 12. Received in an anonymous letter 1s. 8d. From the Isle of Man 2s. 6d. By sale of Reports 1l. 13s. 6d. Through a brother in Scotland 1l.—From two young gentlemen at Clifton 4s.—From Street 1s. 6d. — Through an Orphan-box 2s. 1d.
Oct. 13. From some believers near Kingsbridge 1l. By sale of articles 15s. Left at the Boys' Orphan-House 5s.
Oct. 14. From Bideford 2l. By sate of Reports 8s. By children's needlework 19s. 8 1/2 d.
Oct. 15. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. From A. S. A. 13s. 5d. From Barnstaple 1l. From Yorkshire 5l., with these words: "Please to accept the enclosed 5l., as a thank-offering to God for an answer to prayer, in the conversion of a soul. I should like half of it to go to the Orphans, the other half I leave to your discretion." The other half I put to the Building-Fund.
Oct. 10. From Horsington 10s.—Through the boxes at my house 15s. 0 1/2 d.—From a sister 5s.
Oct. 17. From Reading 1l. By sale of Reports 5s. 6d. By sale of articles 4l. 10s. 6d.—Thus by this evening, Tuesday, the Lord had sent in again 23l. 11s. 3d., whereby I had enough for advancing the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, and the remainder I put by for the rent and the current expenses for the apprentices.
Oct. 18. When now there was again nothing in hand, I received by sale of Reports 12s., by a donation 7s, from Notts 5s. 1d., in small contributions 12s. 3d., and 1s.
Oct. 19. Anonymously from Tottenham a half-sovereign. From Collumpton 8s. 6d. and 11s. 6d.
Oct. 20. By sale of Reports 4s. From Barnstaple 5s. From a sister 2s. 6d., and from Madeley 1s. From Dublin 5s.
Oct. 21. From Clevedon 1l. 10s. From Cirencester 1l. 13s. 4d. and also 3s.—By sale of Reports 1l. 2s. 6d.
Oct. 22. From A. S. A. 11s. 3 1/2 d. Anonymously 10s. Ditto 8d. From a clergyman 10s. From S. 10s. By sale of Reports 1s. 6d. From a sister 5l. Oct. 24. By sale of Reports 5s. 4d. Boxes in the Orphan-Houses 1l. 2s. By sale of articles 3l. 2s. 1d.—Thus by this evening, Tuesday, again 20l. 4s. 11 1/2 d, had been received, and as the expenses of the coming week for house-keeping, together with some extra expenses during the past week, did not amount to more than 18l. 1s. 6d., I had 2l. 3s. 5 1/2 d. left, which I put by for the rent and the current expenses for the apprentices, and am again looking to the Lord for fresh supplies, and again assured that He will help me.
Oct. 31. Since last Tuesday evening it has pleased God again to make it abundantly manifest that we do not wait on Him in vain. Besides many articles, there came in 24l. 4s. 8 3/4 d. As the money which was needed for the house-keeping expenses for the coming week, together with a few other small expenses which I had had to meet during the last week, did not amount to more than 19l. 19s. 3d., there was more than 4l. left, which I put by towards the rent and the expenses for the apprentices, and hope in God for the next week.
Nov. 1. When I came home last evening from our usual weekly prayer meeting, I found 1l. from R. L. H. Thus the Lord has already given a little.—There arrived today a box from Reading, containing the following articles from various donors:
A black feather. Also two pairs of ladies' shoes and a pair of velvet boots. Also two ladies' bags, 2 pairs of bracelets, 2 waistbands, a pair of baby's shoes, 2 neck ribands, and some white lace.—Further, a pair of worked slippers, a thimble case, 2 pin-cushions, a pair of baby's stays, a lady's bag, a pocket-book, a silver brooch, 2 gilt brooches, a gilt seal, and 12 yards of calico.—Further, a box of artificial flowers. Also an urn stand. Further, a bible and prayer book in a case. Further, a little box containing 2 gold rings, a gilt chain, a bead necklace, some mock pearls, and a gilt buckle.—Likewise a paper containing a smelling bottle, a pen knife, a waist buckle, and a card.—Further, a paper containing 2 needle-cases, a purse, 2 little books, 2 medals, a scent bag, a little smelling bottle, 3 pebbles, and 3 mourning necklaces. Another paper, containing 4 gold rings, a gold pin, 2 old silver thimbles, the handle of a silver fruit knife, a snuff-box, 2 silver mounted corks, 7 pin-cushions, a needle-book, a pair of bracelets, a bead purse, a smelling bottle, a silver brooch, a gold brooch, a bead necklace, a pair of compasses, a broken gold watch key, 1 shilling, an old silver thimble, an emery cushion, a gold ring, a cloak fastener, and a little bead bag.— Another paper, containing a silk scarf, a shawl, and some muslin for night-caps. A paper box, containing a silver-mounted smelling bottle, a toilette cushion, an amethyst brooch, a silver butter-knife, a pair of gloves, and 2 shillings for missions. Another paper, containing 8 1/2 yards of blue print.—Also 50 books and some pamphlets. —Lastly, a gauze dress, a silk dress, a collar, and 3 caps.—I have on purpose given here at full length the contents of this box, to show what a variety of articles, either for sale or for the use of the Orphans, has been sent.—There arrived also today, anonymously, a box from a considerable distance, containing more than one hundred different articles. There was also 5s. in this box, to pay for the carriage. This day also came in by sale of Reports 2s. 6d., and by needlework of the Orphans 19s. 1d.
Nov. 2. From the neighbourhood of Lutterworth a half-sovereign, from a sister in Bristol 10s., through a brother half-a-crown and 4 frocks.
Nov. 3. From S. N. 2s. 6d.
Nov. S. From A. S. A. 8s. Anonymously 2s. 6d. By sale of Reports 1s. 4d.
Nov. 6. By sale of stockings 9s. 2d. From Cumberland 5l. From Ayrshire 1l.
Nov. 7. By sale of articles 2l. 9s. 4 1/2 d., and by sale of a Report 6d. This evening, Tuesday, as only 13l. 3s. 5 1/2 d. had come in during the week, I had only 7l. to advance towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, after having met some other expenses. But I hope in God for more, before this is gone, which will only last two or three days.
Nov. 5. By sale of Reports came in 3s., and 2s. 6d. was given by a relative of one of the Orphans.
Nov. 9. Only 5s. 6d. had come in yesterday. Tomorrow more money will be needed for house-keeping. In this our poverty I received this morning One Thousand Pounds. The money being left to me for disposal as it might be most needed, I took of it 600l. for the Building Fund, 300l. for missionary purposes and the circulation of bibles and tracts, and 100l. for present use of the Orphans. I have thus the means which are yet needed for this week's house-keeping expenses, besides being able to meet other heavy expenses which are before me next week.
Feb. 20, 1849. For three months and ten days, since Nov. 9, 1848, the donations have always come in so, that we abounded during the whole period, there having been always fresh donations received, before all the money in hand was disbursed. The total amount that came in during this period was 469l. 14s. 10d. Now today there was no money in hand for advancing the amount needed for the next week's house-keeping. All the money in hand was due for rent, and therefore unavailable, as I never go in debt for anything. In this our need there was given to me this afternoon the sum of 200l., which was left to my disposal for fitting up the New Orphan-House, or for any of the objects in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution that might be in need. As, however, I have all the means for fitting up and furnishing the New Orphan-House, as far as I know, and as there is no money in hand for present use for the Orphans, I took 100l. for that object, and 100l. for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, for the Day-Schools, the Sunday-School, and the Adult-School, and for Home and Foreign labourers in the Word.
March 9. The New Orphan-House is now nearly ready. On this account we have to get in large supplies for the children's clothes. Within the last few days I have ordered thousands of yards of material for this purpose, and thousands more will need to be ordered, besides providing a stock of many other things. For this large sums are needed. Under these circumstances I received today a donation of 300l., to be used for the Building Fund, or the current expenses of the various objects, just as it might be most required. As I judge that we have all that is needed for the fitting up and furnishing of the house, and as there is more in hand than usual for the missionary objects, the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and for the various Schools, and as we have only about 60l. for present use for the Orphans, towards meeting all the heavy expenses before us, I took the whole of this donation for the Orphans, as the donor has kindly left the disposal of the money entirely to me. This donation, coming in just now, has been an exceedingly great refreshment to my spirit; for it is, at the commencement of the great increase of our expenses, in connexion with the 300 Orphans, instead of 120, like an earnest from God, that He will supply us also with means when the demands for the 300 will be more than twice as great as they are now. Through this donation I have means to meet all the expenses which will be incurred in getting in for the new establishment the stores of provisions, soap, material for clothes, haberdashery, and of the many other articles of which it would be desirable to buy our supplies on wholesale terms. The Lord be praised for His kindness!
April 10. Received this afternoon the following letter:—"Dear
Brother,
"I have the pleasure today of sowing a little more seed-corn for eternity. Employ the enclosed 50l., if you please, for the support of the Orphans. The remaining 5l. be pleased to divide between yourself and dear brother Craik.
"Yours very truly in Christ,
"* * * *"
From the same donor I had recently had two donations of 120l. and 100l.
April 11. From the brethren at Sunderland, assembling at Bethesda chapel, 10l., as a part of their annual thank-offering to the Lord for Church mercies during the last twelvemonth.
April 18. Today I received a donation of 250l., of which I took 100l. for the Orphans, and the other 150l. for the other objects. Never were the current expenses for the Orphans nearly so great as they are now, but at the same time never was the income nearly so great. Thereby the Lord, as it were, says, that, when the New Orphan-House shall have been filled with Orphans, He will likewise give what is requisite for them. Whilst yet much is in hand, He has been pleased to send this donation.
From April 19th to May 23rd, the Lord was pleased to send in still further many donations.
May 23. Today I received 360l., of which I took half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and half for the other objects. By this donation I am still further provided with means to meet all the expenses connected with the removal of the children into the New Orphan-House, the reception and fitting out of many fresh children, the filling the stores of the New Orphan-House, &c. How does the Lord by all this clearly say, that, when this house shall have been filled with children, He will provide the means for their support!
June 18. Today, as the fruit of the prayers of three years and seven months, the children began to be moved from the four Orphan-Houses in Wilson Street, Bristol, into the New Orphan-House.
June 23. Saturday Evening. This has been indeed a week of great and many and peculiar mercies. All the Orphans with their teachers and overseers have been moved into the New Orphan-House, during Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; so that there are now about 140 persons under one roof. The Lord has most signally helped.—As I had for more than three years sought the help of God concerning all matters connected with the New Orphan-House, I did expect His help in this particular also; but He has done beyond my expectations. Though only the day before yesterday the last children were moved in, there is already such a measure of order established in the house, by the help of God, as that things can be done by the minute hands of the timepieces. His name is to be praised for this, and my soul does magnify Him for His goodness!—Also with regard to temporal supplies for the dear Orphans, the Lord has been exceedingly kind. On the second day of receiving the children, there was sent 20l. On the third day, an individual, who walked with me through part of the house, said, "These children must consume a great deal of provisions," and, whilst saying it, took out of his pocket a roll of Bank of England notes, to the amount of one hundred pounds, and gave them to me for the Orphans. On the same evening there was also sent for the Orphans a very large cask of treacle, and for their teachers and overseers 6 loaves of sugar. Also a cooper made gratuitously two large new casks for treacle. On the next day I received information that about 10 cwt. of rice had been purchased for the Orphans, which should be sent. Besides this, several small donations have come in. So bountifully has the Lord been pleased to help of late, that I have not only been able to meet all the extraordinary heavy expenses connected with moving the Orphans from Wilson Street into the New Orphan-House, filling the stores of the New Orphan-House, &c.; but I have more than five hundred pounds in hand, to begin house-keeping in the New Orphan-House. How true that word that those that trust in the Lord shall not be confounded! After all the many and long-continued seasons of great trial of faith within these thirteen years and two months, during which the Orphans were in Wilson Street, the Lord dismisses us from thence in comparative abundance. His holy name be praised for it!
In order that this chapter may not be too long, I can only mention of the donations, from June 23, 1849, to May 20, 1850, those which came in under particular circumstances. The total amount received from June 23, 1849, to May 26, 1850, for the current expenses of the Orphans, was 2,102l. 13s. 4 3/4 d.
Aug. 30. Received a Fifty Pound Note with these words: "I send you herewith a Fifty Pound Note, half for the Missions, half for the Orphans, unless you are in any personal need; if so, take 5l. for yourself. This will be the last large sum I shall be able to transmit to you. Almost all the rest is already out at interest." I took half of this 50l. for the Orphans and half for Missionaries. The writer sold some time since his only earthly possession, and sent me at different times sums of 120l., of 100l., of 55l., of 50l, and of 20l. for the work of the Lord in my hands. When he says therefore "the rest is already out at interest," he means that he has given it away for the Lord, which indeed both for time and eternity is the very best way of using the means with which the Lord may be pleased to intrust us, in so far as, considering in the fear of God all our various claims and duties and relationships, we may do so. As this is written for the spiritual profit of the reader, I cannot but add to this extract from my journal under Aug. 30, 1849, that since that time I have received other donations from the same donor, and much larger still. He used for God the means with which He was pleased to intrust him, and, contrary to this brother's expectation, the above 50l. was not the last large donation; for it pleased God soon after, to intrust him with another considerable sum, which he again used for the Lord. This did not at all surprise me; for it is the Lord's order, that, in whatever way He is pleased to make us His stewards, whether as to temporal or spiritual things, if we are indeed acting as stewards and not as owners, He will make us stewards over more. But for more, on this deeply important subject, I must refer the reader to the third part of this Narrative, page 575 to 604.
Sept. 27. From friends at Othery 20l.—This donation is very refreshing to my spirit. Last evening and this morning I had especially besought the Lord, that He would be pleased to continue to send me means, as the expenses are now so great; for there are 107 Orphans in the house, and about 190 persons daily sit down to their meals, and this number is every week increasing. Now, by this donation, which comes not only from an entirely new but also most unexpected quarter, the Lord is, as it were, saying to me, that He will not fail to help me, even when there shall be about 330 persons in the house, for which number it is fitted up.
Oct. S. Yesterday again seven Orphans were received. Every week I am now taking in five, six, seven, or eight; and within the last nine weeks altogether have been received, and about 200 persons sit down daily to their meals. This has greatly increased the expenses already, and they will be still more increased, as I purpose to receive still further 120 Orphans, if God permit, to make up the number 300. Yesterday, after having received the seven children, I again gave myself to prayer for an increase of means. Now today I have received from Devonshire a set of valuable jewels, i.e. a ring set with 5 brilliants, a brooch set with 12 larger and 12 smaller brilliants and 1 large emerald, and a pair of ear-rings, both together set with 10 brilliants and 2 emeralds. The bearer brought also 1l. 10s. 4d. and 10s. 2d., being the proceeds of two Orphan-boxes, likewise 1l. 4s. 6d. At the same time I received from another brother from Devonshire. 4l.; and from a third 16s. 10d.— Truly the Lord does not allow me to wait upon Him in vain!
Nov. 1. Today I have again received seven Orphans. There are now about 220 persons daily sitting down to their meals in the Orphan-House. Before the seven fresh Orphans were brought, I received a letter from a banker in London, giving me information that a brother in the Lord, living between 200 and 300 miles from hence, had given order to pay me 40l. for the Orphans.—By the same post I received anonymously from London 5/. from the same donor, who has now for several years sent twice every year this amount, of which she kindly wishes me to use half for my own personal expenses, and half for the work of the Lord in my hands. I took the half for the Orphans.—This was not all. In the afternoon, whilst receiving the Orphans, there came in still further 69l. 3s. 8d., also 2s. and a few articles.
Nov. 16. About 260l. has been spent within these 16 days, i.e. since the first of the month, for current expenses for the Orphans alone, and about 120l. for the other objects, making in all about 380l. within half a month. Lord look upon the necessities of Thy servant, seeing that now the outgoings are so large!
Nov. 30. We have been helped through this month most comfortably, though the expenses for the Orphans have been heavier by far, than in any month all the 14 years since this work was commenced, having been 380l. 9s. 2d., and, including the expenses for the other objects, about 540l.
Dec. 4. Today was paid to me a legacy of 50l., left for the benefit of the Orphans.
Dec. 12. Anonymously a Bank Post Bill for 50l. 13s. 6d.
Jan. 9, 1850. Today was sent to me from the Committee of the Cholera
Fund in Bristol 20l., which the gentlemen constituting it had voted for
the benefit of the twenty children who had lost their parents in the
Cholera, and whom I had received into the New Orphan-House.
I had not applied either directly or indirectly for this money; indeed I was reluctant even to give information as to the number of Cholera Orphans received, lest there should be even the appearance as if after all I asked for money, instead of solely trusting in the living God. But some of the gentlemen on the Committee, knowing the fact that I had received many Orphans, made such by means of the Cholera, proposed that there should be paid to the Institution a sovereign on account of each such child received. This sum was especially remarkable to me as a fresh proof of the numberless ways, which God has at His command for providing me with means.
I also cannot help noticing the remarkable coincidence that, at the time God visited this land with the Cholera, in 1849, I had so much room for the reception of Orphans. The Lord was pleased to allow me the joy and sweet privilege of receiving altogether twenty-six children, from ten months old and upward, who lost their parents in the Cholera at that time, and many besides, since then, who were bereaved of their parents through this fearful malady.
Jan. 31. Today five more Orphans are to be received. For the last fortnight, comparatively little had come in for the Orphans, i.e. not quite 60l. In the prospect of the Orphans coming today, I said last evening to my dear wife, that the Lord would send us something for them; for I have often found, that either He has sent something with the children, or at the time that they have been received. It was but about ten minutes after I had said so, when I received 450l. (see the account of the income for the other objects), of which I took 200l. for the Orphans. This morning I received further 10l. from a pious countess in Edinburgh, and 10s. from Deptford. Thus the Lord has indeed sent something for the Orphans. It is now seven months and thirteen days since the Orphans began to be received into the New Orphan-House. The expenses for them have been since then Fifteen Hundred and Twenty Pounds; and yet we have this day more in hand, than when the New Orphan-House was opened. Unbelief and natural reason would have said, and did say, If there have often been scarcely any means in hand, while the Orphans were in the rented houses, and only about 120 in number, how will it be when there shall be 300 in the New Orphan-House? But faith's reply was, Our poverty has been only for the trial of our faith, and it will be as easy to the Lord to provide for 300 as for 120 Orphans. And thus we have proved it hitherto, and, no doubt, shall prove it, as long as the Lord shall enable us to trust in Him.
May 25, 1850. The Lord has up to the close of this period helped also for this as well as for the other parts of the work; for during this last week I have received about 62l. for the current expenses for the Orphans. With confidence in the living God I step into the new period, though our expenses are now far heavier than ever they were, being fully assured of His faithfulness. May He be pleased to uphold me during the remainder of my earthly pilgrimage in His fear and truth, and may He graciously be pleased to give me day by day the faith which my circumstances may require.
Closing account as to the way in which the means were obtained for the expenses connected with the erection, fitting up, and furnishing of the New Orphan-House, Ashley Down, Bristol.
At the time where the last chapter, referring to this subject, closes, the New Orphan-House was being built. Part of it was already roofed in, and the remainder was to be roofed not many weeks afterwards. But how much did there yet remain to be done in other respects! A building so considerable as to contain about 300 large windows, would require, even after it was finished, an immense amount of labour, to be fitted up and furnished for 330 persons. Then, after this was done, the settling in of the Orphans and their teachers and other overseers, needed still more abundant help. Further, the obtaining of suitable helpers for this part of the work, was indeed no small matter. Lastly, though the Lord had been pleased to give me already above Eleven Thousand Pounds for the New Orphan-House, yet I needed several thousand pounds more, in order to bring the whole into such a state, as might render the building fit for the reception of the Orphans. And now, in looking back, and finding that I not only was helped in all these matters, but also in every one of them far beyond my largest expectations —does it not become me to say to those who love the Lord Jesus, and into whose hands this account may fall: "0 magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!" Each one of the foregoing difficulties which still existed on the 26th of May, 1848, was so great, that if only one of them had remained, and I had not been helped, what would have been the result? But while the prospect before me would have been overwhelming had I looked at it naturally, I was never, even for once, permitted to question what would be the end. For as, from the beginning, I was sure that it was the will of God, that I should go to the work of building for Him this large Orphan-House, so also, from the beginning, I was as certain that the whole would be finished, as if the building had been already before my natural eyes, and as if the house had been already filled with three hundred destitute Orphans. I was therefore of good courage, in the midst of an overwhelming pressure of work yet to be done, and very many difficulties yet to be overcome, and thousands of pounds yet needed; and I gave myself still further to prayer, and sought still further to exercise faith on the promises of God. And now, the work is done, the difficulties are overcome, all the money that was needed has been obtained, and even more than I needed; and, as to helpers in the work, I have obtained even beyond my expectations and prayers. Nearly seven years have passed away already [1856] since the New Orphan-House was opened, and about three hundred and thirty persons sit down in it day by day to their meals.
The Godly reader will feel interested in learning now further particulars, as to how it pleased God to assist me in accomplishing my desires, with reference to the preparation of the House for the reception of the children, and I therefore relate the manner in which I received further pecuniary supplies; and, whilst doing so, will here and there make remarks concerning other points, which may throw light on the subject.
Up to May 26, 1848, I had received altogether towards meeting the expenses connected with the building of the New Orphan-House the sum of 11,062l. 4s. 11 1/2 d. I now state further, some instances, merely as specimens, as to the manner in which it pleased the Lord, to provide me further with means for fitting up and furnishing the New Orphan-House, without applying to a single individual personally for anything, but only giving myself to prayer.
June 8, 1848. I received 5l. 17s. as the "Proceeds from the sale of a
Tree for the New Orphan-House."
June 17. Received 5l., of which 4l. 1s. is the proceeds from the sale of "a second tree for the New Orphan-House," and 19s. for present use for the Orphans.—The reader is here called upon to notice that, whilst I had yet to obtain several thousand pounds for finishing the New Orphan-House, all the other current expenses of the various objects of the Institution were going on; and for none of all these pecuniary necessities had I any regular certain income whatever, nor did I seek help from any one but the living God only.
June 20. A brother and sister gave four silver table spoons, twelve silver tea spoons, and a pair of silver sugar tongs for sale.
Aug. 7. From a sister in the Lord 200l.—With 2 Cor. viii. 12, 1s.
— Anonymously from J. H. W. 5s., as "a thank-offering to the Lord for
His delivering goodness in sickness."—Anonymously 1s.
Aug. 13. From a brother 10s. This brother had worked overtime, and in prayer he told the Lord that, if his employers gave him anything for it, he would give it to the Building Fund, as he had a great desire to contribute something towards this work, from which he had been kept for want of means.
Aug. 16. A brother in the Lord having sold his little earthly property, for the sake of spending the money for the Lord, brought 20l. of the proceeds, of which he wished me to take 10l. for the Building Fund, and 10l. for the orphans.
Aug. 19. It is this day a twelvemonth since the foundation stone of the New Orphan-House was laid, and now the building is up, and almost entirely roofed in. Also part of the inside plastering is already done. How can my soul sufficiently magnify the Lord for all the help which He has been pleased to give, since this day twelvemonth!—As we are now so far advanced, I have been increasingly entreating God, that He would be pleased to give me the means which are yet requisite for fitting up and furnishing the house; for even now I am completely depending upon Him for considerable sums, to accomplish this. But while much is still needed, I have never had, by God's grace, the least misgiving, as to His willingness to give me all I need; on the contrary, I have been assured that, when I actually required the money for the fittings and the furniture, it would come. And now this day the Lord has again proved, to me, how willing Ha is to act according to my faith; for there was given to me this morning 887l. under the kind condition that I should take of it 20l. for my own personal expenses, and the rest for the Building Fund or the present need of the various objects of the Institution, as it appeared best to me. I took therefore 600l. for the Building Fund, and placed 267l. to the School—, Bible—, Tract—and Missionary Fund, with the especial intention of using the greater part of this 267l. for helping home and foreign preachers of the Gospel, who labour without any salary, in dependence upon the Lord for supplies, knowing the need of many to be very great; for cases of especial distress among them had again recently come before me. My soul does magnify the Lord for all His goodness and faithfulness!