The Lord's Dealings with George Müller After His Death (By Dr. A. T. Pierson) -
CHAPTER XXI
THE LORD'S DEALINGS WITH GEORGE MÜLLER AFTER HIS DEATH
BY ARTHUR T. PIERSON
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth!
Yea, sayeth THE SPIRIT:
That they may rest from their labours;
And their works do follow them"! (Rev. 14:13.)
THIS is a short poem on the death of saints, which is here put into the very mouth of the Holy Spirit. It is the one utterance of the inspired Word, subsequent to our Lord's resurrection, in which the word "die" is used of saints. He who, by His own death and resurrection, "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light," banished the word death from the new vocabulary of the gospel. "From henceforth," other expressions took its place. Stephen "fell asleep." Peter "put off this tabernacle." Death was Paul's "departure." "Absence from the body" exchanged for "Presence with the Lord." Even here death is qualified by a new phrase, "in the Lord."
But this little poem contains a finer touch of the Spirit, in the discriminating use of words, which reminds us of the exactness of the poet who has made himself master of synonyms, or the artist whose brush shows the nicest discernment as to the shades of colour, however delicate.
Those who, in the Lord, die, as in the Lord they have lived, "rest from their LABOURS, but their WORKS follow with them." Labours, (κοπῶν) are vexatious and trying toils; works, (εργα) are activities, not necessarily implying any discouraging or distressing annoyances. From all that worries in work, dying in the Lord brings absolute cessation, and from all that wearies; but from holy activity no cessation is needful or desirable. "They rest not day nor night" from such active service which is part of perfect bliss. And their works "follow with them" (ἀκολουθεῖ μετʼ αὐτῶν) accompany them—following, as a child follows a father, treading in his footsteps, holding his hand.
When George Müller died in the Lord, his active service did not cease, even upon earth. The Lord has had, and continues to have, posthumous dealings with His servant, from which we may learn many valuable lessons. The work he did for three-quarters of a century, and the monument he built on Ashley Down, to witness to a living, present, prayer-hearing God, more enduring than marble, iron or bronze, still testifies for the Lord, and, like the Light House of Pharos, sends out rays to pierce the gloom and darkness, to guide the perplexed mariners who have lost their bearings, and perhaps prevent shipwreck of faith. The Lord still pleases to use George Müller, as His worker and witness, and, if we could see as far as He sees, we might find that his work and witness are more extensive and expansive to-day than ever.
One example of this we propose to give, as found in the preparation and circulation of his Memoir, which, by a strange appointment of God, it fell to the lot of the writer of this chapter to undertake. It was, from the first, a work of faith and prayer, begun and continued, solely for the glory of the Lord, in hope of multiplying, magnifying, and perpetuating the whole testimony of Mr. Müller's singular career of godliness and usefulness.
This same purpose, of honouring God, leads to the writing of this supplementary chapter on the Lord's dealings with His servant, subsequently to his personal departure from the scenes of his earthly labour. But to trace these, it will be necessary to record also the Lord's dealings with me, in reference to the writing and distributing of this Memoir.
My first real knowledge of the details of Mr. Müller's life dates back to the reading of the Life of Trust, written by Dr. Francis Wayland, and first published in the year 1860. This brief story of the first thirty years of his life, so absorbed me that, after this, I kept track of his work, especially through his Annual Reports. Returning from my first trip to Europe, in 1866, a Unitarian minister from Boston, who was on board the Persia, gave an account to a few of his fellowpassengers, of a visit to Bristol and an interview with Mr. Müller, which, as he confessed, had made a profound impression on his mind, that he had talked with one of God's princes who, like Moses, had seen Him face to face. I then determined not to lose an opportunity of such personal contact with this man of faith, should God ever put before me an open door.
The next marked stage in my knowledge of Mr. Müller was in connection with a trip to the Pacific Coast, in 1878. On my return, at Ogden, he boarded the train, and I was his fellow-traveller to Chicago, and had frequent converse with him on the way. I also heard him several times in Chicago, while sojourning there. I besought him to visit Detroit, Michigan, my home at that time; and, in 1879, had the joy of welcoming him to my pulpit, where he gave several memorable addresses. He also graciously granted me several private interviews, instructing me in things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and as to the secrets of a life of prayer and faith. The impressions made upon me then have affected, if not revolutionized, my whole life, especially causing me heartily to embrace the truth of the Lord's premillennial Advent.
This personal acquaintance led to personal correspondence, and to frequent visits to Mr. Müller at Bristol when called to Britain, and, in 1897, I mentioned to him, in a private interview at Ashley Down, my thought and desire, which I felt were of the Lord, to write his Life, should I survive him. He placidly replied that he had already sent me the four volumes recounting the Lord's Dealings, and he seemed to think any other narrative unnecessary, and that this autobiography would suffice, though he did not say so. I explained that those four volumes were bulky, largely compiled from the Annual Reports, and necessarily containing much repetition; and that my purpose was to gather up and present in briefer and more condensed form, and by a wholly different method, the facts therein contained, in hopes to win many readers to the perusal who had neither time nor inclination to examine the more voluminous record of details. Moreover, I suggested that there are many lessons of his life that a biographer would feel more free to emphasize than the man himself.
It was said of Lord Lawrence in India, that when a new measure was suggested to him, he would look up to heaven, and then stroke his beard, and he knew what he would do. So Mr. Müller, quietly lifting his eyes for a moment heavenward, smiled a silent acquiescence in my proposal. He said no more, but left the impression that he had committed the issue to God, and left me free to follow the Lord's conscious guidance; and from that time forth, I began to make a note of whatever in his character or life-work seemed most worthy of record.
Another stage in the actual preparation of the Memoir was reached at the time of his decease. I was then at my home in Brooklyn, N.Y., where I immediately arranged for a few memorial services, at which, when desired, I gave addresses. At Northfield, while supplying the pulpit for some weeks, Mr. Moody suggested that the morning of the Lord's day should be kept as a Memorial. After speaking from Hebrews 11:1, and applying the doctrine of faith to Mr. Müller's life and work, Mr. Moody and others gave witness to his piety and devotion to the Lord's service. After that service Mr. Moody casually remarked that I "ought to write Müller's life," and I then told him that for years it had been laid upon my heart. The rumour rapidly spread, and found its way to the press, that I was already preparing such a memoir, and proposals were even made for its publication!
This seemed another confirmation that the Lord was leading, and, though at that time somewhat disabled by my first serious illness, I began, lying on my back, and in pain, to put my material into shape. Being called to preach in Brighton for some months, that summer, and the means for the voyage being provided in answer to prayer, I went, partly to consult with Mr. Wright and Mr. Bergin about the Memoir, and gather further facts for the life story. While at Brighton, giving the matter already collected a crystallized and coherent form, I sent to Messrs. James Nisbet & Co. for sheets of Mr. Müller's Narrative, from which to make copious extracts. In forwarding the sheets, they remarked that they would offer to publish the forthcoming Memoir, but for the arrangement already made with Mr. Wright, to print the "Official and Authorized Life," when he should supply the copy.
I at once wrote to Mr. Wright, that no such work would be undertaken by me, which might conflict with the plans of Mr. Müller's own son-in-law, and, enclosing the letter of Messrs. James Nisbet & Co., I offered to arrest the preparation of the Memoir, and transfer to the "official" biographer any materials already gathered by me.
Mr. Wright promptly replied that as yet no work had been begun, beyond suggesting a certain brother as compiler of the biography, and that, on prayerfully considering my letter, both he and this brother had concluded that it was the mind of the Lord that I should write the official life; Mr. Wright adding but one condition, that, before my work should be issued from the press, the manuscript should be reviewed by him, and have his approval, as the nearest related to Mr. Müller.
After completing the Memoir, and reading it to Mr. Wright, and getting the advantage of his gracious suggestions, I sailed in December, 1898, putting the entire manuscript into the hands of the publisher immediately upon my arrival at New York.
Just before leaving Bristol, I was led to purpose, so far as the Lord should, in answer to prayer, supply the means, to give a copy of the Memoir to every Missionary in the foreign field. This desire was announced to the Assembly at Bethesda, and prayer was asked for divine aid and guidance.
To this decision I had been led by all the providential steps in the preparation of my Memoir, and especially by the unexpected proposal from Mr. Wright himself that it should be the authorized Life. It had been such a blessing to write it, that it was felt that much blessing must attend the reading of it. Moreover, before the purpose of such wide and gratuitous distribution had been distinctly formed, from various sources unexpected supplies of money had come into my hands, to the amount of seventy pounds, which, though not so designated, I was free to use for such distribution; and, as soon as my purpose became known, some forty pounds more was received for the carrying out of the plan; and very soon the total sum in hand was one hundred and thirty pounds when as yet the manuscript was not submitted to the printer. After reaching New York, and up to the Lord's day, July 16th, 1899, the Lord had sent, in answer to prayer, a total sum of £284 12s. 8d. Within two months this sum reached nearly sixty pounds more. Of all this sum, no part was more precious than two guineas, the first gift, after my intention was announced, and from the beloved staff of helpers on Ashley Down!
The volume itself, published in 1899, announced this intention of wide distribution, in a footnote on page 358, as follows:—
"The author of this Memoir purposes to give a copy of it to every foreign Missionary, and to workers in the home fields, so far as means are supplied in answer to prayer. His hope is that the witness of this life may thus have still wider influence in stimulating prayer and faith. The devout reader is asked to unite his supplications with those of many others who are asking that the Lord may be pleased to furnish the means whereby this purpose may be carried out."
This desire was deepened by the conviction that no one. man of his century had more conspicuously discovered and applied the secrets of that comparatively lost art—the art of prevailing prayer—"praying in the Holy Ghost;" and that no one man had, on this simple basis of direct appeal to God, carried on so wide and varied a work of Christian philanthropy, not only caring for two thousand Orphans year by year, but founding and maintaining Christian Schools, disseminating the Bible and Christian books, and aiding Missionaries in foreign fields. Familiarity with the facts of this life story must quicken individual effort along scriptural and spiritual lines, and above all, inspire that prayer of faith without which all else is vain.
The foreign missionary force alone reaching about fifteen thousand, such gratuitous distribution of Mr. Müller's life would need large supplies of money, and could be carried out only by the Lord's gracious help. Neither the author nor Mr. Wright could of themselves supply the money needed; and if they could, it would turn our eyes away from God as the only Helper and Dependence. In order that such donations of the Memoir should not appear due to private benefaction, in the books as sent forth a printed autograph slip was inserted as follows:—
Mr. Bergin's name was subsequently added, and, in the distribution to the Church Missionary Society, that of Sir George Williams, who in this case paid all costs of posting.
It will thus appear that, both in preparing and disseminating this Memoir, we have sought to build upon the same basis of simple dependence on God, upon which the whole work of the beloved subject of the Memoir had for nearly seventy years been conducted; and as now, after over seven years have elapsed since his departure, we review the history of the Lord's leading, we are constrained to add our witness to a prayer-hearing God. Thus the work of distribution both expands the influence of Mr. Müller's life, so that "he being dead yet speaketh," and illustrates how the Lord's Dealings with His servants may go on uninterruptedly after they "die in the Lord."
Beyond the simple announcement of the desire and design of wide distribution, already referred to, no appeal, direct or indirect, for pecuniary aid, has ever been resorted to; and yet money has continued to come in, from various sources, and mostly in small sums, often from parties who knew nothing of the intention of the author. In strange ways of His own the Lord has prompted readers of the Life to give copies away, often by the score and hundred; and has provided ways and channels of distribution, prompting individuals to proffer help in wrapping and mailing copies, in paying postage, furnishing names and addresses of Missionaries, etc. Beside this, the publishers on both sides of the sea have generously supplied whole editions for gratuitous distribution at nominal cost, and in various ways promoted this end.
Of the obvious blessing of God upon our humble effort we have had several conspicuous tokens, in addition to what have been mentioned. Of these to His praise grateful mention should be made of the following:—
1. Hundreds of Letters have come to us, acknowledging the immense value of this humble narrative in quickening spiritual life, believing prayer, and childlike faith, stimulating not only godliness but faith work of a like sort in simple dependence on God.
2. A Number of Translations have been completed, as into French, Welsh, Danish, and Japanese; and others arc in progress, as into Dutch, Swedish, German, etc.
3. Many New Donations to Mr. Müller's work as carried on by Mr. Bergin and his helpers have been the fruit of reading this Memoir, and thus continued aid has come to the Institutions which he founded, through this channel of information.
It may be well to add a few extracts and testimonies from hundreds of letters:—
M. A. Boegner, Directeur Société des Missions Evangeliques, Paris, writes:—
"Every one of our Missionaries has been provided with a copy of the French translation of George Müller's Life. There is such a treasury of living experiences in the true Christian life; the unique power of the prayer when it proceeds from faith—child faith, is so apparent; it is so strongly certified that GOD IS TRUE to them who dare believe Him; and His answers are so marked, so rich; and His grace so sufficient to His servant, that I desired our students also to be put in possession of that book"—which was also done.
A Missionary of the China Inland Mission asks to have the paragraphs on pages 94, 95, relative to the prayerful study of God's Word, issued as a leaflet, for universal distribution, and was accorded glad permission.
Another very conspicuous leader in Christian work, whose name is revered everywhere, writes:—
"I have been reading the chapters as a daily portion. I believe it will do a great deal of good; the biography is dealt with in a gracious spirit, and in complete harmony with the Word of God, which Mr. Müller's life served to illustrate in so remarkable a degree; and it is written in a chastened tone, which seems quite a reflex of this patriarch of modern times."
A Missionary in India writes:—
"I am sure you will be glad to know how the Lord has used your book. It was lent to a sea captain, whose steamer runs between Calcutta and Chandbali. He was an unconverted man, who had been very dishonest and profane. It was the reading of your book that decided him to be a Christian. I know him, and his changed life shows a true change of heart. He does not now swear at his men, and has become a Bible student. He is past fifty."
One brother informs Mr. Wright that he has "bought ten copies, all of which are out on loan."
Another writes:—"I have endeavoured to circulate some copies, and all who have read them have got real blessing, thank God!"
A labourer for Christ, at San Salvador, says:—
"These books could not have come at a more opportune time, as we were passing through a financial strain, and the perusal of the Life of George Müller in his dealings with God was the means of stimulating our faith, and the cause of our taking an advanced step in the life of faith; and now we also can testify to the faithfulness of our God. He provided what we needed. Another result has been the taking the care of the Church to Him in prayer, the indifference and lack of contribution for the Church's needs; and we already see a change in favour of spirituality and liberality."
A Missionary in Harfoot writes:—
"I have eagerly read, and now shall seek to lend, this book Already some of our preachers have read it, and been greatly stirred by the teachings of that noble life. No one can fail to feel it a blessing to the soul."
A worker in Utah says:—
"I have read the book with great pleasure and profit, and been greatly strengthened in my purpose to carry on this Mission on the same principles which he so gloriously illustrated and exemplified."
One of the most conspicuous surgeons in the world writes:—
"I have already given away at least twenty copies, and my friends know that I have a standing offer to give a copy to any one who will reed it through. Many of us here, including the writer, are struggling with the flesh, in the determination not to stop short of an absolute entire self-dedication of life and all we have for His service."
A humble and poor disciple in St. Leonards writes:—
"It has strengthened my faith in God and prayer to Him, deepened my trust in the Lord, stimulated my spiritual life, and enlarged my heart, and filled it with His wondrous love and joy. As a slight token of gratitude, I enclose ten shillings towards sending a copy to Missionaries abroad."
A well-known Missionary in Florence, Italy, now dead, writes:—
"Thank you for the Life of Müller. You have laid the whole Church of the living God under everlasting obligation by this most noble service. A friend of mine, an English M.P., is sending out one hundred copies to his friends. I believe you will have a greater crown of joy out of this work than out of all your other ministry for Christ."
A prominent worker in Springfield, Mass., writes:—
"I have three copies, and shall make a loan library of them, and keep them going. They seem to meet the most vital need of Christian people at the present time. Mr. Müller aimed to give witness, and you are multiplying his testimony most effectually."
Another young man of world-wide influence writes:—
"I think of making a personal present of this book to each of the foreign secretaries of the International Committee of the Y.M.C.A., of whom there are nine."
Few letters, conveying gifts, have been so much valued as the one which follows:—
"New Orphan House,
January 21st, 1899.
[To Mr. Wright.]
Dear and honoured Sir,
"We feel it a great privilege and pleasure once again to subscribe a small sum amongst ourselves, to be given to some part of God's work.
"We have lately been told of Dr. Pierson's desire to give every Missionary a copy of the Life of Mr. Müller, so we thought this year we would like to give something toward this good object, as well as to Missionaries.
"Will you kindly forward 10s. of the enclosed to Dr. Pierson for the above purpose, with our love, and tell him how glad we were to hear of it, and feel sure that all God's servants who read the life of our dear friend, now with Jesus, will be very greatly encouraged in their service. We are asking God to help and bless him in carrying out his great desire.
"Will you also kindly accept 20s. for Missionaries.
"It is with grateful hearts that we pray God to bless you and Mr. Bergin every day.
"With love and esteem, We are, dear Sir,
"Yours respectfully,
"THE BOYS OF NO. 4."
Up to July 31st, 1905, there have been issued from the press:—
Of Messrs. James Nisbet & Co., London
26,250
Of Messrs. Baker, Taylor & Co., N.Y.
8,565
———
A Total of
34,815
Of these there have been reserved for the Author's Presentation Editions, a total of
10,000
All of these were paid for before being sent out, and have been distributed to Missionaries and other workers at home and abroad.