PREFACE (continued 10)

Aug. 4. From Plymouth 2l.—From Ilfracombe 10s.—From London 1l. 13s. 4d.

Aug. 5. From Manchester 10s.—By sale of Reports 3s. 4d.

Aug. 6. From Greenock 5l.—From Cockermouth 1l.—From Islington 1l. 1s.—From Child Okeford 2s. 6d.—From Clifton 2s. 6d. and 3s. — From Horfield Road 10s. —From Henbury 2l.

Aug. 7. From Melton Abbot 3s.—From Cheltenham Road, Bristol, 1l. 1s. — From Islington 1l. 4s.—By sale of articles 17s. 3 1/2 d.—From Fowey 5l.—Through Bethesda boxes 6s. 8d.—From St. Philip's, Bristol, 5s.—From three children 8s. 6d.—From Clifton 1l. 10s.—Through Salem boxes 1s.

Aug. 8. From Lichfield 1l. Ditto 5s.—By sale of books 4l.—From Calstock 2s. 6d.—From Freshwater 1l.

Aug. 9. Anonymously 10s.—By sale of Reports 2s.—From Yaxham 1l. — From Gravesend 1l. Through the boxes in the New Orphan-House 4l. 5s. 10d.—From Norwich 16s.—From a brother in the Lord 5l. 17s. 4d. — From Plymouth 10s.—By sale of Reports 14s. 6d.

Thus the Lord, in answer to prayer, had supplied me so bountifully, that, when I left home on August 10th, I could leave sufficient in the bank to last for a little time, and I hoped in God that, by the time that was gone, He would kindly give more. And thus He did. I have also given the income for the Orphans day by day, for the above 23 days, in order that thus the Reader may see how, in large and small sums, and from various parts of the world, the Lord is pleased to send in the supplies.

I shall now give a few more instances in which the Lord manifestly, in answer to prayer, helped us in the time of need.

Aug. 26. A Christian widow, having had left to her by a friend a few articles, among which was a diamond brooch, sent it to me for the benefit of the Orphans, and thus had the desire of her heart granted, which she had often had, to be able to send something for them. On the other hand, we receive it in answer to prayer, as there is very little in hand for the Orphans, and as I have again and again asked the Lord to lead His children to send me such articles for His own work.—There came in also from Kirriemuir 1l.—From Kingsbridge a guinea piece, also 1l. From the neighbourhood of Hyde 10s.

Aug. 27. From Douglas 1l.—From the neighbourhood of Sunderland 5s. — From Sunderland 5s.—Through Salem boxes 1s.—With James, 1, 17, 2s. 6d.—From H. T. and E. E. 2s.

Aug. 28. From Captain J. K., Royal Navy, 2l.—From Mr. C. K. 2l.— From Mr. P. 1l.—From Bury 10s.

Aug. 29. From Sunderland 1l. Ditto 1s.—From Gloucester 6s.—By sale of articles 1l. 4s.—From one engaged in the work 2l.—From the neighbourhood of Crencester 1l.

Aug. 30. From the neighbourhood of Southampton 5l.

Aug. 31. Anonymously, through the boxes at Bethesda chapel, Sunderland, 5l.—From Ilfracombe 2s. 6d.—Through the boxes at the New Orphan-House 5l. 1 1/2 d.—By sale of Reports 16s.—From one engaged in the work, as a thank-offering for journeying mercies, 10s. — From the neighbourhood of Sudbury in Derbyshire 10l. —From Grosmont 5s.—From Hayle 1l.—By sale of the above-mentioned brooch 6l. 11s.

Sept. 1. From the Isle of Wight 2s. 6d.—From Birmingham 5l.—From Bath 5l.—From a Christian lady in Bath 10l.

See, dear reader, how good the Lord is, and how ready to help in answer to prayer! I was then 300 miles from the work in which I am more especially engaged; but the Lord's assistance was to be obtained in this distant place. Day by day I sought His help while absent, and day by day I received intelligence from Bristol. And thus, my fellow-labourers in Bristol, and I at Sunderland, were seeking the help of the Lord, and He did condescend to listen to our supplications on account of His dear Son, the Lord Jesus, and to grant us our requests.

On this day, Sept. 1st, I also received a precious letter, enclosing a Post-Office Order for 2l. 14s., from a donor, who, for many years, took a lively interest in the work in which I am engaged. This letter was doubly precious, not only because of its containing 2l. 14s., which came just then so particularly in answer to prayer, as since August 2 6th, I had been especially looking to the Lord for means, there being then scarcely any thing left; but also because it so strikingly proved the power of the divine life.

* * * * Aug. 30, 1854.

"Dear Mr. Mueller,

"Having been a constant sufferer now for a year, the money I send you is (humanly speaking) consequently less; and as there is likely to be a crisis soon, in the shape of a large abscess, and I know not what the Lord is about to do with me, I send you all the money I have in hand; and if it should be the last may the Lord add a double blessing to it. The Lord does not want my poor help to do His own work; but I feel priviledged to be allowed to contribute, if it is but a nail, or a cup of milk, to His service. My peace is great—that is, His peace is with me, though tribulation, to some extent, is mine also. I desire your prayers, and remain,

"Yours in our precious Lord,

"* * * * *."

"P.S.—I expect to be able to send a box of, it may be, almost useless articles soon. Whither shall I send it?"

This Christian lady, whom I have never seen in the body, though I corresponded with her for many years, has entered into her rest. She fell asleep at the beginning of the year 1855. In looking over my account books, I meet again and again with the name of one and another who has finished his course. Soon dear Reader, your turn and mine may come. Are you prepared for eternity? Affectionately I press this question upon you. Do not put it away. Nothing is of greater moment than this point; yea, all other things, however important in their place, are of exceedingly small importance, in comparison with this matter. Do you ask, how you may be prepared for eternity, how to be saved, how to obtain the forgiveness of your sins; the answer is, believe in the Lord Jesus, trust in Him, depend upon Him alone as it regards the salvation of your soul. He was punished by God, in order that we guilty sinners, if we believe in Him, might not be punished. He fulfilled the law of God, and was obedient even unto death, in order that we disobedient, guilty sinners, if we believe in Him, might, on His account, be reckoned righteous by God. Ponder these things, dear Reader, should you have never done so before. Through faith in the Lord Jesus alone can we obtain forgiveness of our sins, and be at peace with God; but, believing in Jesus, we become, through this very faith, the children of God; have God as our Father, and may come to Him for all the temporal and spiritual blessings which we need. Thus every one of my readers may obtain answers to prayers, not only to the same extent that we obtain them, but far more abundantly. It may be that few, comparatively, of the children of God are called to serve the Lord in the way of establishing Orphan-Houses, &c.; but all of them may, yea, are called upon to trust in God, to rely upon Him, in their various positions and circumstances, and apply the word of God, faith, and prayer to their family circumstances, their earthly occupation, their afflictions and necessities of every kind, both temporally and spiritually; just as we, by God's help, in some little measure seek to apply the word of God, faith, and prayer to the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad. Make but trial of it, if you have never done so before, and you will see how happy a life it is. You may, perhaps, pity the writer, and think how he must be burdened day by day, and full of care and anxiety; and you may think that he cannot have any quietness and peace, but is worn down by the constant questionings, how the expenses for the various schools are to be met; how further money is to be obtained for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts; how the many preachers of the Gospel at Home and Abroad, who are assisted by the Institution, may once more be helped; how the 300 Orphans are to be provided with all they need; how situations for the elder female Orphans are to be found; how suitable places may be obtained for the elder male Orphans when they are ready to be apprenticed, and so on. Now here is just the true state of the case:— We are not insensible to any of these points; we do feel them. We do not put them away lightly and treat them with indifference; but we look them in the face and feel their deep importance. At the same time, while we neither treat them with indifference, nor attempt to carry them in our own strength, we do, by God's grace, cast our burdens upon Him, trust in Him; and thus are kept in peace in the midst of numberless difficulties, and almost constant trials of one kind and another. Truly I prefer by far this life of almost constant trial, if I am only able to roll all my cares upon my Heavenly Father, and thus become increasingly acquainted with Him, to a life of outward peace and quietness, without these constant proofs of His faithfulness, His wisdom, His love, His power, His over-ruling providence, &c.

Of the donations which came in between Sept. 2nd and Nov. 5th, amounting to about 600l., in 346 different sums, I mention only, for the sake of brevity, the following.

Sept. 2. From an anonymous donor through Mr. B. at Geneva, by the hands of Count G., 1l. 15s.—Sept. 6. Received from Clerkenwell 50l., to be used one half for missions, and the other half as I thought best. I took the one half for the support of the Orphans, and find the following remark in my journal respecting this donation: "What a precious answer to prayer! Since Aug. 26th we have been day by day coming to the Lord for our daily supplies. Precious, also, on account of missionary brethren, whom I seek to help, for whom there was nothing in hand when this donation was received!"—Sept. 22. From Crediton 3l. 4s. 8d., as "a thank-offering to God for the very fine harvest which in mercy He has been pleased to grant."

Nov. 5. There was now again only about 5l. in hand for the support of the Orphans, when I received 2l. 10s. for them, and 2l. 10s. for myself, from a donor in London, whom the Lord has been pleased to raise up during the last two years, and who since then has been often used as an instrument in helping the work at times of need. A brother in the Lord also gave me 5l. this morning, saying, "I have of late had the Orphans much laid on my heart."—From Clifton 1l. 10s.—From H. C. 3s. —From F. M. 5s.

Nov. 6. Further help. From the Isle of Wight 5s.—Through Bethesda boxes 2s. 6d.—Ditto 6d.—From P. 1s.—Through Salem boxes 1s. — From a Gloucestershire Farmer 20l., of which he intended 10l. for missions, and the other 10l. to be used as most needed. I took it for the support of the Orphans.

Nov. 7. By sale of Reports 4s. 10d.—Anonymously from York 5s.— Received back on paying an account 3s. 7 1/2 d.—From a relative of one of the Orphans 1s.—Having had to pay out 18l. for house-keeping expenses, and having had to meet a few little expenses besides, we had again only about 5l. left, as was the case three days ago, when I received this afternoon 5l. from a Bristol donor.—Also 1l. from London.

Nov. 15. Our means were now again gone. We had scarcely anything in hand, with very heavy expenses before us, when this morning a Christian gentleman from Yorkshire called on me, and gave me 50l. for the current expenses for the Orphans. This was a most precious encouragement to prayer! There came in further today from Manchester 9s. 6d.—By sale of Reports 11s. 6d.—Through the boxes in the New Orphan-House 2l.7s. 11d.—Returned on paying an account 3s. 1 1/4 d.—From Exeter 1l. 10s.

Nov. 22. A Brother in the Lord from Manchester came to see the New Orphan-House, and gave 10l., which came in a time of great need.

Nov. 27. 100l. was sent in the greatest need, from a considerable distance, of which I took 50l. for the Orphans, and 50l. for the other objects.

Dec. 20. As since Nov. 27 only about 200l. has come in, I found this evening that our means for the support of the Orphans were reduced to 10l. 9s. 8d, whilst our current expenses of late have been about 12l. daily, on account of the high price of provisions. This led to earnest prayer, that the Lord would be pleased to help us.

Dec. 21. The Lord has already sent a precious answer to the prayer of last evening. I received today from a noble Lady 10l.—From Devonshire 15l.—By sale of Reports 6s. 6d.—From Birmingham 2s. — By sale of a few coins, etc. 19s. 1d.—From Monmouthshire 8s.— By sale of Reports 2s. 6d.—From Worksop 10s. 6d.—Returned on paying an account 3s. 3 3/4 d.

Dec. 23. From Cheltenham 2s. 6d.—From London 10s.—From Clondegad 10s.—By sale of articles 3l. 16s. 5d. By sale of a Report 6d.— From Edinburgh 5l.

Dec. 24. Anonymously 1l.—From Barking 6s.—From Blackheath Hill 6s.

Dec. 25. From B. S. 2s.—Through Bethesda and Salem boxes 7s.— From P. 2s.

Dec. 26. From a brother in the Lord 6l.—From O. O. at Plymouth 10s.

Dec. 27. From two believers at Plymouth 10s.—From Kingsbridge 10s. — From Falmouth 1s.—From a little girl 3d.—By sale of Reports 6s.—Through the boxes in the New Orphan-House 1l. 14s. 4d.

Dec. 28. From Adelaide, Australia, 5l.

Dec. 29. From Torquay 5s.—From Exmouth 10s.—From Fulbeck 5s.— From Sherborne 2s.

Dec. 30. At the beginning of this day our money was again reduced to 19l. 2s. 1 1/2 d. for the current expenses for the Orphans, whilst I had before me the prospect of having to advance this day 30l. for house-keeping expenses, in order that we might go with ease through the work, and in order that all expenses might be met. Now see how the Lord helped us during this day. There came very early this morning, from the neighbourhood of Norwich, a box, containing the following articles. A prize medal, 2 salt cellars, 6 pencil cases, 5 thimbles, 2 fruit knives, a watch chain, 2 vinaigrettes (all of silver), a black necklace, a silver chain, 2 silver toothpicks, some pieces of silver, 2 pairs of gilt bracelets, a pincushion, 4 snaps, a pair of gold earrings, a tortoiseshell comb, a pocket comb, a reading glass, a box of paints, a bag of coral and other beads, 2 smelling bottles and 2 gilt chains. Likewise, from another donor, a silver stock buckle, 2 pairs of shoe buckles, 2 pencil cases, a piece of silver chain, 2 seals, a brooch pin, 2 small gold pins, 6 small silver coins, a metal coin, a small silver medal, a thimble, a pair of silver studs, 9 pairs ditto set with Bristol stone, and a gold earring. There was sent with these articles likewise. 1l., and from a poor woman 6d.—In the course of the day came in further: From Islington 6s.—From A. W. 2s.—From Islington 5s., with 8 chemises and 4 shirts.—Also from a great distance 100l., which being left at my disposal, I took one half for the Orphans, and the other half for the other Objects.—By sale of articles 2l.— Also 2s. 6d., and 2s. 8 1/2 d. from an Orphan-box.—Thus I was enabled to advance this evening 30l. for house-keeping as needed.

This was the last time, during this period of the Institution, that we were brought so low as to means; for the Lord sent in on Dec. 31 6l. 10s.; on Jan. 1, 1855, in twenty-eight different donations, 14l. 4s. 6d.; on Jan. 2nd 17l. 8s. 3d.; on Jan. 3rd 15l. 1s. 3d.; on Jan. 4th 34l. 11s. 8d., and so on, till the large donation was given of which, as has been stated, 900l. was taken for the current expenses for the Orphans. This, with what came in from Dec. 30th 1854, up to May 26th, 1855, for the support of the Orphans, enabled me to meet all the demands without any difficulty, during the remaining five months. Of all these donations, making, up the total of 2226l. 10s. 7 1/4 d., I refer only to the following.

Jan. 1, 1855. From a clergyman in South Africa 1l.

Jan. 4. From a Christian merchant at Clifton 30l. for the Orphans, with 10l. for myself, and 10l. for poor believers.

There have been many instances, in which, along with the donations for missions, or for the support of the Orphans, or the Building Fund, there were also presents in money sent for my own personal expenses, or those of my family. These instances I have gladly recorded, as they came in connexion with the donations referred to, because they afforded me an opportunity of speaking well of the kindness and faithfulness of the Lord in supplying my own personal or family need. It is now [i.e. in 1856] above Twenty Five years, since I have not had any regular income whatever. In the year 1830, I saw it to be the Lord's will to give up my regular income in connexion with the ministry of the Word, and to trust in Him, alone for the supply of all my temporal necessities. I have been enabled to continue in this path, and have not been allowed to regret the step which I then took. Thus it is also in my position as director of the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. I have no salary in this position; but the Lord abundantly supplies my need; yea, though there are many expenses connected with this very position, He abundantly meets all my wants, and gives me far more than I need. If with all my might I had sought to obtain a lucrative place, either as a preacher of the Gospel, or in some other way, I should not have had more, I have reason to believe, if as much, as, unsought, unasked for, so far as it regards man, I receive day by day out of the loving hand of my Heavenly Father. When I look at His kindness to me in saving my guilty soul, I am overwhelmed with the boundlessness of His love and grace towards me in Christ Jesus; and when I look at His kindness to me, even as it regards temporal things, I know not where to begin, nor where to end, in speaking well of His name. I do desire to magnify Him, and therefore declare in this public way His great goodness to me in thus so abundantly supplying my temporal necessities; and I do so also, if it may please God, by this means, to encourage the hearts of His children more and more unreservedly to trust in Him. It is now above twenty-five years since I have asked help for myself from any human being; but God has been indeed my helper. And now the very work even with which I am connected, respecting which I had every reason to believe, when I commenced it, that it would be connected with great expenses to myself, as well as be the means, looked at naturally, of decreasing my own income, God has, though unsought for on my part, used as the instrument to bring along with it many supplies for myself also, thus not only abundantly meeting my increased expenses, but giving me far more than I need for myself. How great is His goodness! Dear Christian Reader, be encouraged by this! Do but trust in God with all your heart, and you will find that you will not be confounded. Only let it be trust in God, not in man, not in circumstances, not in any of your own exertions, but real trust in God, and you will be helped, in your various necessities.—I refer to a few more of the donations.

Jan. 25. From various believers at Melbourne, Australia, 20l. for the Orphans, and 20l. for the other objects.

Feb. 23. Received a very valuable gold watch, a gold watch chain, 2 gold watch keys, a gold seal, a silver mustard pot and spoon, a silver salt stand, a scent bottle, a china basket, 3 china jugs, a china cup and saucer and mug 2 taper candlesticks, a ring stand, 2 spill cups, a card stand, a lamp, a claret jug, a pair of decanters, 6 hock glasses, 14 claret glasses, 6 finger glasses, and a set of china tea things. The donor has found true riches and peace to his soul in the Lord Jesus; and he is thus led to send these articles for the benefit of the Orphans.

April 18. 100l. from a distance, of which the donor kindly intends 20l. for myself, and 80l. for the benefit of the Orphans.

May 5. 219l. 9s. 4d. from a distance, of which the donor kindly wished me to keep 19l. 9s 4d. for myself, and to use the other as it might be required for the Lord's work. I took 100l. for the support of the Orphans, and 100l. for the other objects. This donation was especially refreshing to my spirit, because of its coming at this period, when the outgoings are very great.

May 26. Towards the close of this day it was found that the balance left in hand, for the support of the Orphans, was 110l. 17s. 8 1/2 d., as the amount with which we should have to begin the new period in providing for the necessities of the Orphans. Before leaving the Orphan-House, I had my usual daily season for prayer with my dear wife. Having praised the Lord for His goodness to us and the work, in helping us during another year, and having sought His blessing upon the various objects of the Institution, we commended ourselves again to Him, especially, with reference to means for the coming year, and entreated Him also to sustain our faith to the end of our course; for the longer I go on in this path, the more I feel my entire dependence upon the Lord and my need of being sustained by Him. When we arrived home, we found two more donations, the last of the present period, sent for the benefit of the Orphans; one being two little dresses, a piece of print, a piece of calico, and 20 pocket handkerchiefs; the other a small gold Geneva watch, quite new. We took these two last donations as the Lord's earnest that He would be with us during the coming period also, and with good courage looked forward to it, by His grace.

I add a few remarks to this part of the Narrative:—1. Should any one suppose, on account of its having been stated in the previous pages that we were repeatedly brought low as to means, that the Orphans have not had all that was needful for them; we reply, that never, since the work has been in existence, has there a meal-time come, but the Orphans have had good nourishing food in sufficient quantity: and never have they needed clothes, but I have had the means to provide them with all they required. Persons living in Bristol can easily satisfy themselves as to this, not only by seeing week after week our stores for food and clothes; but also the dress and the healthy countenances of these hundreds of children (though very many of them were received in a very weak and diseased state) will amply prove what I state. 2. Never since the Orphan work has been in existence, have I asked one single human being for any help for this work; and yet, unasked for, simply in answer to prayer, from so many parts of the world, as has been stated, the donations have come in, and that very frequently at a time of the greatest need. Were I to state what is not true, persons could easily convict me; to say nothing of the fact that God, whose name I have continually connected with this work, would disown me as an awful deceiver, and bring this work to nought; but if these things are true, as indeed they are, will not my readers own the hand of God, will they not recognize the minute particular providence of God, and the readiness of His heart to listen to the supplications of those who come to Him with their requests in the name of the Lord Jesus? I do not seek a name for myself in connexion with this work; I do not wish to draw attention to myself, and am indeed sorry when persons have had their attention directed only to me; but I do seek honour for my Heavenly Father, and I do desire that His hand may be owned in this work.

Miscellaneous points respecting the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, for Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 20, 1854, to May 26, 1855.

1. During this year four Day Schools in Bristol, with 184 children in them, were entirely supported by the funds of the Institution; and several other Day Schools in Devonshire, Cornwall, Suffolk, Ireland, and Scotland were assisted with copies of the Holy Scriptures. Further, one Sunday School in Bristol, with 158 children, was entirely supported, and seven others, in Cornwall, Devonshire, Somersetshire, and Gloucestershire, with about 400 children in them, were assisted. Lastly, one Adult School, with 183 Adults, was entirely supported during this year.—The amount expended, during this year, on these various Schools, was 338l. 2s. 5d.

In connexion with all these Schools, I would suggest the following important matter for prayer. From March, 1884, to May, 26, 1855, there were 5,956 children in the Day Schools. In the Adult School there were 2,459 persons. The number of the Sunday School children amounted to 2,817. Thus, without reckoning the Orphans, 11,232 souls were brought under habitual instruction in the things of God in these Schools; besides the many thousands in the Schools in various parts of England, Ireland, Scotland, British Guiana, the West Indies, the East Indies, &c., which were to a greater or less degree assisted. Now, what I would especially request is, that all the disciples of the Lord Jesus, who take an interest in this work, would help me and my fellow-labourers with their prayers, that not only those who are at present under our instruction may be spiritually benefited, but particularly also, that God would be pleased to work mightily in the hearts of those who were once under our care, in bringing to their remembrance the truth which was then set before them. I am the more induced to make this request, as we frequently meet with young men or young women, who many years ago were under our care and instruction, who thankfully own the benefit they received when with us, and who are now believers in the Lord Jesus, though at the time they had given us little or no hope. Thus has the Lord afterwards been pleased to cause the seed to spring up and to bear fruit to His praise. During this year also we had again and again most encouraging instances of this kind brought before us.

The total sum expended during the 21 years, from March 5, 1834, to May 26, 1855, in connexion with the Schools, which were either entirely, or in part supported by the funds of this Institution, amounted to 7,204l. 12s. 8 1/4 d.

2. Great have been the efforts, made of late years, to spread error; therefore the disciples of the Lord Jesus should be especially active in seeking to spread the truth. Fearfully great, in particular, have been the efforts to rob the Church of Christ of the Word of God; on this account, all who love our Lord Jesus in sincerity, should seek, according to their ability, to spread the Holy Scriptures. On account, therefore, of the especial attempts made, of late years, once more to deprive the Church of Christ of God's unerring Holy Word, I have had it particularly laid upon my mind, in every way to embrace opportunities for circulating it, and especially to place it in the hands of the very poorest of the poor. In this way, not only in England, Wales and Scotland, but particularly in Ireland, we have sought to circulate the Holy Scriptures. And not only there, but also in Canada, British Guiana, the East Indies, Australia and China. Every open door, which the Lord was pleased to set before us, I have endeavoured to press into; and, in this service have been helped by many servants of Christ, who have sought out the most destitute persons, desirous of possessing a copy of the Holy Scriptures. With this we have also particularly sought to combine the supplying of aged persons, who are poor, with copies printed in large type. Our efforts have not been in vain. We have had instances brought before us of direct conversion, simply through reading the Holy Scriptures. Again, during this year also, our labours were owned in this part of the work. But though we have seen some fruit, we believe that the greater part by far will be manifested in the Day of the Lord. It has been given to us, by the help of the Lord, day by day to seek His blessing upon the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and therefore we believe that our labour will not be in vain. We expect results.

The number of Bibles, New Testaments, and Portions of the Holy Scriptures, circulated from May 20, 1854, to May 26, 1855, is as follows:

693 Bibles were sold.

890 Bibles were given away.

950 New Testaments were sold.

748 New Testaments were given away.

82 copies of the Psalms were sold.

186 other small portions of the Holy Scriptures were sold.

There were circulated from March 5, 1834, to May 26, 1855, through the medium of this Institutions 13,949 Bibles, 9047 New Testaments, 188 copies of the Psalms, and 789 other small portions of the Holy Scriptures.

The total amount of the funds of this Institution, spent on the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, from March 5, 1834, to May 20, 1855, is 3389l. 10s. 1d. The amount spent during this year, 476l. 12s. 3d.

3. During this year there was spent of the funds of the Institution for missionary objects, the sum of 2081l. 3s. 2d. By this sum Fifty Seven Labourers in the word and doctrine, in various parts of the world, were to a greater or less degree assisted.

With reference to this part of the operations of the Institution, I have especially the joy of being able to communicate to the Christian reader, that the Lord was pleased, during this year, abundantly to bless the labours of many of the brethren whom I assisted. Again and again I had refreshing intelligence as to the fruit which resulted from their efforts. Many souls were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, through their labours during this year. And such heart-refreshing intelligence came to me not only from those labouring in various parts of the United Kingdom, but also from those who are serving the Lord in foreign countries. This calls for especial praise; but at the same time I would commend these dear brethren to the prayers of the saints, that they may be upheld by the Lord with reference to their bodily and mental strength, and especially that they may be sustained with patience, faith, love, perseverance, and endurance; for great and many are their difficulties. I would especially also request all, who love the Lord Jesus, to pray for more labourers in the Gospel; for I hear continually of fields which are unoccupied, and of open doors not entered into for lack of labourers.

The total amount of the funds of the Institution, spent on Missionary operations, from March 5, 1834, to May 20, 1855, was 16,115l. 0s. 5 1/2 d.

4. The fourth object of the Institution is, the circulation of such publications as may be beneficial, with the blessing of God, to benefit both believers and unbelievers. As it respects tracts for unbelievers, I seek especially to aim after the diffusion of such as contain the truths of the Gospel clearly and simply expressed; and as it respects publications for believers, I aim after the circulation of such as may be instrumental in directing their minds to those truths which in these last days are more especially needed, or which have been particularly lost sight of, and may lead believers to return to the written Word of God.

There was laid out for this object, from May 26, 1854, to May 26, 1855, the sum of 624l. 8s. 4d.; and there were circulated within this year 895,034 Tracts and Books.

The total number of all the Tracts and Books circulated from the beginning up to May 26, 1855, was 3,584,710.

The total amount of means, expended on this object, from Nov. 19, 1840, to May 26, 1855, is 2868l. 15s. 6 3/4 d.

We desire to be truly thankful to the Lord, for having intrusted us with means, and given us open doors, for the circulation of so many copies of the Holy Scriptures, and so many thousands of Tracts; and for having enabled us to assist again to such an extent preachers of the unsearchable riches of Christ; but we do not rest in this. Our trust was in the Lord for His blessing upon our efforts. Nor has He allowed us to wait upon Him in vain, during this year. We had not only very many answers to our prayers with regard to the obtaining of means, but also many answers to prayer as it respects fruit resulting from our labours. Thus also with reference to the circulation of Tracts. Again and again instances came before us in which souls were converted through the Tracts, which the Lord had allowed us to send out during the year. Among others, I would only mention, that an actor on the stage, to whom one of them was given, was brought to the knowledge of the Lord.

Tract distributors, who can afford to pay for Tracts, and who desire to procure Tracts from us, may obtain them for this purpose with a discount of one-half, or 50 per cent., from the retail price. I state this, as many be1ievers may not like to give away that which cost them nothing, and yet may, at the same time, wish to obtain as much as possible for their money. Applications for this should be made verbally or in writing to Mr. Stanley, at the Bible and Tract Warehouse, No. 34, Park-street, Bristol. To him, also, application may be made for specimen packets containing an assortment of the Tracts and small books which are kept. By sending 3s., 5s., 7s., or 10s. in postages to Mr. Stanley, No. 34, Park Street, Bristol, packets will be sent to any part of England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Jersey, Guernsey, &c., post paid, containing specimens to the amount of the postages sent.

A catalogue of the various books and tracts, sold at the above Warehouse, with their prices, may be had there, by applying either personally or by letter to Mr. Stanley.

5. The fifth object of the Institution is, to board, clothe, and Scripturally to educate destitute children who have lost both parents by death.

At the commencement of this period there were 298 Orphans in the New Orphan House on Ashley Down, Bristol. During the year there were admitted into it 39 Orphans, making 337 in all. Of these 337, two died during the year. Only two! We record this with particular gratitude. And even these two died through water on the brain. God helping us, we desire to trace His hand in everything; at the same time, the longer I am engaged in the Orphan work, and see the effects which are produced by regular habits, cleanliness, nourishing food, proper clothing, good ventilation, a healthy locality, &c., the more I am convinced, that at least one-half of the children among the poorer classes die for want of proper attention. I do not state this to find fault with them, but rather mention it in the way of pity and commiseration, to draw the attention of the public to the fact. If anywhere the mortality among children should be great, humanly speaking, it should be so among us, because we generally receive the children very young, and also, because the very fact of these children, while so young, having been bereaved of both parents by death, shows that their parents, generally speaking, were of a very sickly constitution. Indeed the greater part of the Orphans whom we have received, lost one or both parents through consumption. And yet, though such is the case, we have seen again and again, how children who came to us in a most diseased state, have, through proper attention, by the blessing of God, been brought out of that state, and are now very healthy. But we often receive children whose countenances at once show that they have not had sufficient food, or were in other respects greatly neglected. It was only as late as April 26, 1855, that the turn of 4 children came, to be received, all of the same family, from 5 to 9 years old. When these children were brought, it was evident that they were in a most deplorable state of health from the want of proper food. This was now the painful difficulty in which we found ourselves; if we received them, it was not at all unlikely, humanly speaking, that we should have great trial with them on account of their health, as they had been so long neglected; and yet, if we did not take them, they would, we had great reason to fear, very shortly sink under their position. Trust in God decided the matter. We received all four, hoping that, by God's blessing, they would be thus rescued from sinking under their circumstances. The eldest of the four, a boy of above nine years old, was for the first evening or two so weak, that he could not walk up stairs to the dormitory without stopping. This disappeared, after he had had the food of the New Orphan House for a few days; and now all the four are so greatly improved, that they do not look at all like what they were on April 26th, 1855. I have so minutely entered into this one case out of very many of the kind, which have come before me in connexion with the Orphan work during the last 20 years, in order to show how deeply important it is to care for such destitute Orphans, to rescue them, humanly speaking, from misery or premature death, to say nothing now with reference to their spiritual welfare, which is paramount with us.

Besides the two who died out of the 387, we were obliged to expel one from the establishment. This boy was admitted on Oct. 4, 1849. He was then not quite eight years old; but though so young, it was soon found out that he was old in sin, for he was a confirmed liar, thief, &c. He gloried in it among the other boys, and told them that he had belonged to a juvenile gang of thieves, before he had been admitted into the Orphan House, that he had often stolen from the ships iron, brass, &c., and sold it. We thought at first that he spoke thus merely in the way of boasting, but it proved but too true, that he was experienced in such matters; for twice he ran away from the Orphan House, carrying off things belonging to the other children. Moreover, he could pick locks, &c. We received him back twice, after having run away, hoping that, by bearing with him, admonishing him, speaking to him privately, praying with him, and using a variety of other means, he might be reclaimed; but all in vain. At last, having borne with him, and tried him for five years and four months, he was solemnly, with prayer, before the whole establishment, expelled, if by any means this last painful remedy might be blessed to him. Yet we follow even this poor young sinner with our prayers, and hope that yet the Lord may show him his evil ways, and give us even now joy concerning him, as we have had before in a similar instance. This case afresh deeply impressed upon me the importance of caring for Orphans from their earliest days; for this poor boy, when but eight years old, was already greatly practiced in stealing.

One of the children, after having been five years and one month under our care, was taken back by the relatives who had placed him with us, as they were by that time able to provide for him. One of the girls was sent out to learn a business, one as a junior teacher in a school, and 13 to take situations; and 21 boys were apprenticed. These 40 vacancies thus occasioned, left at the end of the year only 297 children in the New Orphan House. The total number of Orphans, under our care from April 1836, to May 26, 1855, was 597.

I notice further the following points respecting the New Orphan House.

1. Persons who desire to make application for the admission of Orphans, are requested to write to me, and address the letter to my house, No. 23, Paul Street, Kingsdown, Bristol.

2. I again state, as it regards the funds, that the income for the Orphans is kept distinct from that for the other objects. Donors may therefore contribute for one or the other of the objects exclusively, or have their donations equally divided among them all, just as it may appear best to themselves. If any of the donors would wish to leave the application of their donations to my discretion, as the work of God in my hands more especially may call for it at the time, they are requested, kindly to say so, when sending their donations.

3. The expenses for the Orphans, during this year, were 4304l. 4s. 7 1/2 d.

4. Without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me, the sum of 74132l. 6s. 10 3/4 d. was given to me for the Orphans, as the result of prayer to God, from the commencement of the work up to May 26, 1855, which sum includes the 15,055l 3s. 2 1/4 d. paid for the building, fitting up, and furnishing of the present New Orphan House, the 23,059l. 17s. 8 1/4 d., in hand on the 20th May, 1855, for the Building Fund, and the 116l. 17s. 8 1/2 d., the balance for the current expenses.—It may also be interesting to the reader to know that the total sum, given for the other objects, from the commencement of the work up to May 26, 1855, amounted to 25,239l. 8s. 10 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, from the commencement, amounted to 4531l. 12s. 10 3/4 d.— Besides this, also a great variety and number of articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, &c., were given for the use of the Orphans.

5. I have the joy of being able to state that we have great cause for thankfulness, that, in the midst of many difficulties, our labours among the Orphans continue to be blessed, and that, especially, again and again instances now come before us in which those, who were formerly under our care, declare themselves on the Lord's side.

6. Besides being able to meet the expenses for the Orphans and the other Objects, amounting altogether to 7832l. 7s. 0 1/2 d. during this year, I was able to add to the Building Fund 5242l. 18s. 3d. The total income during the year was 13,054l. 14s. 4d.

7. The articles given for the benefit of the Orphans, are sold by Miss Stevens, on the first floor of the Bible and Tract Warehouse of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, No. 34, Park Street, Bristol.

Matters connected with my own personal affairs, or the work of the Lord in my hands, not immediately connected with the Scriptural Know/edge Institution, from May 26, 1854, to May 26, 1855.

Dec. 31, 1854. During this year there have been received into fellowship 61.

The Lord has been pleased to give me during this year—

1. In provisions, clothes, etc., worth at least 8 14 0

2. In anonymous offerings in money, put up in paper and directed to me, and put into the boxes for the poor saints or the rent, at the chapels . . 191 1 11 1/2

3. In presents in money, from believers in Bristol, not given anonymously. . 143 12 10

4. In money, from believers not residing in Bristol . . . . . 854 2 7 1/2

—————-

L697 11 5

—————-

Some of my readers may be ready to exclaim, 697l. 11s. 5d.! What a large sum! Not one out of a hundred ministers has such a large salary, nor one out of twenty clergymen such a good living! Should you, esteemed reader, say so, my reply is: Indeed mine is a happy way for the obtaining of my temporal supplies; but if any one desires to go this way, he must—

1. Not merely say that he trusts in God, but must really do so. Often individuals profess to trust in God, but they embrace every opportunity, directly or indirectly, to expose their need, and thus seek to induce persons to help them. I do not say it is wrong to make known our wants; but I do say it ill agrees with trust in God, to expose our wants for the sake of inducing persons to help us. God will take us at our word. If we say we trust in Him, He will try whether we really do so, or only profess to do so; and if indeed we trust in Him, we are satisfied to stand with Him alone.

2. The individual who desires to go this way must be willing to be rich or poor, as the Lord pleases. He must be willing to know what it is to have an abundance or scarcely anything. He must be willing to leave this world without any possessions.

3. He must be willing to take the money in God's way, not merely in large sums but in small.—Again and again have I had a single shilling given or sent to me. To have refused such tokens of Christian love, would have been ungracious.

4. He must be willing to live as the Lord's steward.—If any one were to begin this way of living, and did not communicate out of that which the Lord gives to him, but hoard it up; or, if he would live up to his income, as it is called, then the Lord, who influences the hearts of His children, to help him with means, would soon cause those channels to be dried up. How it came that my already good income still more increased, so as to come to what it is, has been stated in the early part of this volume; it was when I determined that, by God's help, His poor and His work should more than ever partake of my means. From that time the Lord was pleased more and more to intrust me with means for my own purse. I request the reader carefully to read over once more all I have said in the first volume of this Narrative, third part, from page 575 to 604, on Matthew 6, 19-21, on Matthew 6, 33, and on "Stewardship."

Various reasons might have kept me from publishing these accounts; but I have for my object in writing, the glory of God, and therefore delight in thus showing what a loving master I serve, and how bountifully He supplies my necessities; and I write for the comfort and encouragement of my fellow believers, that they may be led to trust in God more and more, and therefore I feel it due to them to state, how, even with regard to this life, I am amply provided for, though that is not what I seek after.

Further account respecting the intended Orphan Houses for Seven Hundred Poor Children, bereaved of both parents by death, from May 26, 1855, to May 26, 1856.

On May 20, 1855, I had in hand for this object 23,059l. 17s. 8 1/4 d., as stated in the last chapter on this subject. I now relate how the Lord was pleased to supply me further with means, but must confine myself, for the sake of brevity, to some of the more remarkable donations.

June. 20. A silver medal "given to the donor for being engaged in the taking of Java; but he desires to lay down his honour at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and to have this medal used to lay a stone in the new building."

Aug. 4. From S. S. 5l., with 5l. for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, 5l. for Missions, and 5l. and the following articles for the support of the Orphans: A pair of gold mounted bracelets, a pair of jet bracelets, an iron watch guard, a pair of iron bracelets and waist buckle, a small gold seal, a ring, 2 pencil cases, a gold brooch, a purse and some mock pearls and beads.

Aug. 22. From Devonshire 100l.

Nov. 21. From Ipswich 2l., "The property of a dear child now in heaven."

Nov. 23. From London 50l., with 5l. for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, 5l. for the Schools, 10l. for Missions, 10l. for the Orphans, 10l. for Mr. Craik, and 10l. for my own expenses.

Dec. 5. This evening I had the kind offer, unsolicited, that all the glass required, for about 300 large windows in the new house, which is now being built, should be gratuitously supplied. It is worthy of notice that the glass was not contracted for, this time, as in the case of the house already built. This, no doubt, was under the ordering of our Heavenly Father, who knew beforehand that this offer would be made.

Jan. 10, 1850. From Liverpool: A ring set with a brilliant, a gold bracelet, a Maltese bracelet, a brooch, a Maltese silver clasp and belt, a garnet ring, a pair of gold ear-rings, a box of whist markers, and German cross and chain.

Feb. 19. Now at last the Lord has been pleased, in answer to many prayers, to give me today 3000l., which being left to my disposal for the work of the Lord, I took for the Building Fund 1700l., for the support of the Orphans 300l., and for Missionary objects, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, and the support of the various Schools in connection with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution 1000l. How I feel at such times cannot be described, when in answer to many prayers, the Lord is pleased to open His bountiful hands, and to prove so abundantly how willing He is to listen to the supplications of His children who put their trust in Him, though it may be needful, for their own good and that of others, that for a season He seem but little or not at all to regard their supplications.

March 18. Received 4000l., which was left at my disposal as the work of the Lord might require it. I took of this sum 3000l. for the Building Fund, and 1000l. for Missions, the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and the various schools, supported by the Institution.—This donation is the fruit of many prayers, and of much looking to the Lord for answers. His holy name be magnified for it. I am thus drawing nearer and nearer the time when I shall have obtained from the Lord everything needed for this object. I have not had, from the beginning, by God's grace, one moment's doubt, that in His own time, He would give me all that is required.

May 26. By sale of a publication in French 3l.—By sale of a publication in English 69l. 1s. 10d.—To these donations is to be added 911l. 8s. 1d., received during this year for interest.

I add a few remarks.

A. Up to May 20, 1856, the total income for the Building Fund was 29,297l. 18s. 11 1/2 d., so that only about 5700l. more will be required, as far as I am able to see, in order to accomplish to the full my purpose respecting the accommodation for 700 more Orphans.

B. The house for 400 female Orphans, commenced in August, 1855, is expected, with God's blessing to be ready by about Midsummer 1857 for the reception of 400 Orphans.

C. As soon as my path is made plain, God willing, the other house for 300 Orphans will also be commenced; but I cannot state, at present, any further particulars respecting this.

Supplies for the School—, Bible—, Missionary and Tract Fund, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1855, to May 26, 1856.

On May 26, 1855, when the accounts were closed, there was in hand 41l. 6s. 11 1/2 d. for these objects. On June 5, 1855, therefore only a few days after the commencement of the new period, when only 1l. 0s. 6d. altogether had come in for these objects, in 8 different donations, I received 211l. 9s. 5d., of which the donor kindly wished me to retain 11l. 9s. 5d. for my own expenses, and to use the 200l. for the work of the Lord, as might be needed. I took, therefore, 100l. for the support of the Orphans, and 100l. for these objects, and had thus some means, to go on with the work. This donation was a great refreshment and encouragement to me, at the commencement of this new period.

July 12. Since June 5th little only, comparatively, has come in. All the donations for these objects were under 5l. Today, however, the Lord, in answer to many prayers, has sent me 200l., to be used as needed. I took of this donation 100l. for the Orphans, and 100l. for these objects, and have thus the means of being able to send some help to brethren who labour in the Gospel.

Aug. 9. Having had heavy expenses the last ten days, in order to help foreign labourers in the Gospel, and to procure supplies of Bibles, Testaments, and Tracts, our means for these objects were now reduced to 7l. 7s. 10 1/2 d. Yet I desired far more to help brethren who labour in the Word, as the greater party of them had not yet been supplied. I therefore besought the Lord, that He would be pleased to send in means. When I came home this evening from the New Orphan House, I found the following letter, from the same believing farmer, whom the Lord has several times used in previous years, to help me when in need.

"* * * * Aug. 8, 1855.

"Dear Brother in Christ,

"I feel stirred up to help you in the work in which you are engaged, and therefore beg your acceptance of the enclosed Twenty Pounds, to be used in any way you please, trusting God will direct you.

Yours affectionately in Christ,

"* * * *"

I took the whole amount for Missionary objects and the circulation of Bibles and Tracts.

Aug. 25. The outgoings from these objects have been great, during this month, and the income comparatively small. On this account the means for these objects were reduced today to a few shillings. As the opportunities for the gratuitous circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Gospel Tracts, however, continued to be great, and as I had been only able to send out about the third part as much to labourers in the Gospel, as I could have desired, my prayer during this week had been especially for means for this object. Now the Lord has somewhat helped us. I have received today a donation of 203l. 14s., the whole of which I took for these objects, as the application of it was left with me. The Lord be magnified for this precious help! I shall be able to send at least 150l. of this sum to labourers in the Gospel.— About 3 hours, before this donation was received, I had been asking the Lord, if He would not condescend to use me as an instrument, at this time, in helping these brethren, He would kindly in some other way supply them with means.

Sept. 1. From Dublin 5l. for missions.

Sept. 11. From C. W. 20l. for foreign labourers in the Gospel. A precious help in answer to many prayers.

Sept. 20. Received 190l., of which I took 100l. for these objects, in order to be able to send some help to brethren who labour in the Word, and to have means for going on with the circulation of Bibles and Tracts; and the remaining 90l. I took for the support of the Orphans. Precious help, the fruit of many prayers!

Sept. 30. From Clerkenwell for missions 10l.

Oct. 13. 20l. from Austin Friars, London. I had been praying again and again for more means for these objects, and had sent out 100l. within the last few days to brethren who labour in the Word, but desired to send out more.

Oct. 23. From London 20l.

Nov. 6th. Since Oct. 16th I had not been able to send any further help to brethren who labour in the Word, much as I desired to do so, having only means enough to meet the necessary demands for the Schools, and the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, which amounted, from that time, to about 120l. But I prayed daily for means for missionary objects and the circulation of Bibles and Tracts. Today I received 180l., the whole of which I have taken for these objects, as the disposal of it was left to me, having great reason to believe that many labourers in the Gospel are in need of help, and having still so many openings for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts. The Lord be magnified for this precious answer to prayer!

Dec. 13. During November I was enabled to send 200l. to brethren who labour in the Gospel at Home and Abroad, and also 197l. in October; but during this month I have as yet been only able to send out 12l. My often repeated prayer has been, that the Lord would give me the joy and privilege of sending out a considerable sum during this month also. This prayer was again repeated, when I rose this morning, and saw the windows covered with ice; for I thought then of the needy brethren in this cold weather, connected with the high price of provisions. It was not long after, when I received 153l., to be used in the Lord's service, as most needed. I took of this, 100l. for brethren labouring in the Gospel at Home and Abroad, and 53l. for the support of the Orphans, and thus have the joy of being able to send at least 100l. at once, waiting upon the Lord for more.

Jan. 31, 1850. As the fruit of very many prayers, I have received today 100l., the whole of which I have put to these funds, the application of the money being left with me; as there was nothing at all left now for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and the various Schools, and as I had often asked the Lord to allow me further the joy of sending help to brethren who labour in the Word, to whom since Dec. 14th I had been able to send scarcely anything.

From this time there were no further difficulty experienced with regard to means, for these objects, as on Feb. 19th there was received the donation of 3000l., and on March 18th the donation of 4000l., of each of which, as stated before, I took 1000l. for the School—, Bible—, Missionary—and Tract objects, whereby, together with what came in besides, I was not only carried to the close of this period, but was enabled to expend more on Missionary objects, and the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Tracts, than during any previous year, since the Institution commenced in March, 1834. Let it be especially observed by the Godly reader, that not only does this work continue to exist, after more than 22 years, carried on solely through the power of prayer and faith in the Living God; but also year by year its operations have been extended. Unbelief is thus put to shame. It is plainly proved that the work of God can be carried on simply by trust in God. If our work is indeed the work of God, faith and prayer will be found efficient agents; and if they are not efficient, we may well question, whether we do indeed make use of them; or, if we do, whether the work, in which we are occupied, is truly the work of God.

Notice here also, that not only was I enabled, simply through prayer and faith, to procure means for a greater amount of operations than during any year since March 1834; but, over and above all this, I was able to add to the Building Fund during this year 6238l. 1s. 3 1/4 d., whilst the income for the support of the Orphans was 4070l. 18s. 1 1/4 d., and the income for the other objects 4279l. 6s. 6 1/4 d. The total amount, therefore, which the Lord was pleased to send in during the past year, was 14,588l. 5s. 10 3/4 d. Behold, dear Reader, how effectual this way is for the obtaining of means; for the amount is large. Behold too, how pleasant a way it is; for I have not to encounter unpleasant refusals, in applying for money. Behold how cheap a way; for it involves none of the heavy expenses, usually attendant on the collection of contributions; for all I do is, to make known the work in which we are engaged, by means of the Reports, which are for the most part sold for the benefit of the Orphans, and they actually brought in during this year, as the audited accounts show, a little more than they cost.

But, perhaps, you say, Yes, it is just these Reports, why there is nothing at all remarkable in the matter. Our reply is: We do not pretend to miracles. We have no desire even, that the work, in which we are engaged, should be considered an extraordinary one, or even a remarkable one. We are truly sorry that many persons, inconsiderately, look upon it almost as a miraculous one. The principles on which we are acting are as old as the Holy Scriptures. But they are forgotten by many; and they are not held in living faith by others; and by some they are not known at all; nay, they are denied even to be Scriptural by not a few, and are considered as wild and fanatical. It is ascribed to my being a foreigner that I succeed so well, or to the novelty of the thing, or to some secret treasure to which I have access; but when all will not account for the progress of the work, it is said, the Reports produce it all. My reply to these different objections is: My being a foreigner, looked at naturally, would be much more likely to hinder my being intrusted with such large sums, than to induce donors to give. As to the novelty procuring the money, the time is long gone by for novelty, for this is June 1856, and the work commenced in March 1834. As to the secret treasure to which I have access, there is more in this supposition than the objectors are aware of; for surely God's treasury is inexhaustible, and I have that (though that alone) to go to, and have indeed drawn out of it, simply by prayer and faith, more than 113,000l. since the beginning of the work. But now as to the last objection, that the Reports are the means by which all the money is obtained: let us consider this a little, for I do heartily desire that the Reader may not lose the blessing, which this Institution is intended to convey to his soul. My reply is: There is nothing unusual in writing Reports. This is done by public Institutions generally, but the constant complaint is, that Reports are not read. Our Reports are not extraordinary as to the power of language, or as to striking appeals to feelings. They are simple statements of facts. These Reports are not accompanied by personal application for means; but they are simply sent to the donors, or to any other individuals who wish to have or purchase them. If they produce results, which Reports generally do not, I can only ascribe it to the Lord.

I do not mean to say that God does not use the Reports as instruments in procuring us means. They are written in order that I may thus give an account of my stewardship, but particularly, in order that, by these printed accounts of the work, the chief end of this Institution may be answered, which is to raise another public testimony to an unbelieving world, that in these last days the Living God is still the Living God, listening to the prayers of His children, and helping those who put their trust in Him; and in order that believers generally may be benefited and especially be encouraged to trust in God for everything they may need, and be stirred up to deal in greater simplicity with God respecting everything connected with their own particular position and circumstances; in short, that the children of God maybe brought to the practical use of the Holy Scriptures, as the word of the Living God.— But while these are the primary reasons for publishing these Reports, we doubt not that the Lord has again and again used them as instruments in leading persons to help us with their means. For as we continually stand in need of considerable sums, and as even hundreds of pounds go but a very little way, I entreat the Lord day by day, and generally several times every day, to supply me with means, to speak to the hearts of His dear children, and to constrain them by the love of Christ to help me out of the means, with which He has intrusted them; and so it comes to pass, I doubt not, that the Lord again and again works by His Spirit in the hearts of those who have read or heard the Reports. But whether we are supplied with means through the Reports or irrespective of them; in either case it is God, who is working for us, and it is to this I wish to direct the mind of the Reader.

Means for the support of the 300 Orphans already under my care, sent in answer to Prayer, from May 26, 1855, to May 26, 1856.

When this period commenced, I had 116l. 17s. 8 1/2 d. in hand for the support of the Orphans, an amount so small, looking at it naturally, that one would be ready to say, there would be soon nothing in hand. Thus indeed it would have been, had the Lord not been pleased further to send in means; but He, in His fatherly care, never ceased to remember our need and to provide for its supply. The expenses were very heavy, month after month, not only because of the greatness of the Establishment, but in particular also on account of the high price of provisions, which prevailed during the whole of last year; yet, notwithstanding this, there was not a single year, since the Orphan work commenced, in which I went on with greater ease regarding means, than during the last period. At the close of the first month, June 26th, though the expenses had been great, there remained 192l. 9s. 11 1/2 d. in hand. At the close of the second month, July 26th, there was a balance left of 259l. 4s. At the close of the third month, Aug. 26th, there was left a balance of 291l. 19s. 2d. And in like manner the Lord was pleased to supply me with means, month after month, so that when He was pleased to give me on Feb. 19th the donation of 3000l., above referred to, I had still 160l. in hand for the support of the Orphans. It is particularly worthy of notice, that the income for the support of the Orphans was not supplied by some very large donations, previous to the one of 3000l.; for there was no period for about ten years, when I received fewer large donations for the support of the Orphans, than during the last. It was supplied by many donations of 1l., 2l., 5l., 10l., 20l. and upwards, but not exceeding 100l., except one of 117l. 10s. 0d. received on May 3rd, and the 300l. which I took for the Orphans out of the 3000l. And again it is remarkable, that while up to Feb. 19th we had always abounded, and were never brought low, but generally had had about 200l in hand; almost immediately after the reception of the 3000l., out of which I took 300l. for the support of the Orphans, the balance, before in hand, was all expended, and more money required; so that I had soon to use a part of the 300l., whereby the hand of God in that large donation was so much the more made manifest; and yet, again, this 300l., with what the Lord was pleased to send in besides between Feb. 19th and May 26th, not only met all the remaining heavy expenses, but left in hand a balance of 167l. 18s. 11 3/4 d.

Observe, dear Reader, while we were in rented houses in Wilson Street, we had our faith greatly tried, year after year, though the expenses were only about one-third as much, as during the past year. And thus also it has been again and again, since the New Orphan House was opened in 1849; but during the past year we were entirely free from trial of faith regarding means for the support of the Orphans, though not without many trials of faith and patience on other accounts. The Lord takes His own way, and therefore He allows this year to stand by itself, in this particular. On this I delight to dwell; for I desire that the hand of God may be recognised in this work, whether it be by His power being manifested in sustaining us in our poverty from day to day, or by His causing us to go on easily with regard to means for a day, or a month, or a year. You see, then, that while there was but like "a handful of flour in the barrel," at the commencement of the period, the Lord was pleased to make it last for a whole year, and yet, at the end of the year, there was more than at the beginning; and during the whole year all these hundreds had been fed, clothed, and provided with everything needful; apprentices had been placed out and premiums paid for them, and their outfit and that of the young women going out to service had been provided at the expense of the Orphan Establishment. What an answer does all this furnish to unbelief which said, when I was going to build the New Orphan House, How will you find the means for the support of these 300 Orphans? Or, when unbelief said, How will you be able to support a thousand Orphans?

I will now out of the very many donations, received during this year, single out a few, and make here and there remarks, as the subjects may call for it.

June 1, 1855. The balance left when the accounts were closed, was only enough to supply the average expenses of ten days for the support of the Orphans, and there had only been received during the last 5 days 14l. 13s. 7d. How kind therefore of the Lord, to send me today 50l. from Liverpool, 1l. from Preston, and 10s. from Milton Abbot!

June 5. 5l. from Lincolnshire "As a thank-offering to the Lord for preserving the only child of a widow from the path of the destroyer."

June 8. A gold chain, some books for sale, and 15l.

June 19. 5l. as "A thank-offering to the Lord for preservation when thrown out of a gig."

July 10. From Worcestershire 25l.

July 12. Received from a great distance 200l., of which I took 100l. for the support of the Orphans, and 100l. for the other objects. There has also come in today 20l. from Norwich, 1l. from Bath, 4s. from Chepstow, 7s. 6d. from Mallow, 1l. from Dublin, a gold seal and sixpence, and 13s. and 6s. 9d. besides. The Lord's kindness is great in this, as a fresh supply of oatmeal, flour, &c., will need to be paid for, other heavy expenses have to be met, and there is not much in hand.

July 14. An Israelitish gentleman, an entire stranger, brought to my house this morning 5l. for the support of the Orphans. See in what a variety of ways the Lord is pleased to supply us with means, and all unsolicited, simply in answer to prayer!

Aug. 17. From Messrs. * * * 7l. 10s. 0d., being a portion of the money received for showing the "British Empire" before she left Bristol. Observe again, esteemed Reader, what a variety of ways the Lord uses to supply me with means; for I had not before even heard of the name of this vessel, nor did I know her owners, even by name; yet God inclines the heart of these gentlemen to send me this 7l. 10s. 0d. towards the support of the 300 Orphans.—Anonymously from Wilton 4s., as "A thank-offering to God for His mercies on a journey."

Aug. 21. From Worcestershire 30l.

Sept. 6. From the Bombay Presidency 25l.

On Sept. 12, were sent by the donor who gave so valuable a donation of jewellery on July 26, 1854, the following articles of jewellery, etc., being the last she possessed, and which the love of Christ led her to give up: A valuable dressing case, 2 little boxes, 2 pomatum pots, a gold thimble, a large gold brooch set with a ruby and 2 brilliants, a gold star necklace set with a brilliant, a gold bracelet, a gold watchguard, a gold cross, 2 rings set with pearls, a ring set with pearls and small rubies, a ring set with 2 brilliants, a ring set with 3 rubies and 2 brilliants, a pair of gold earrings and brooch set with pearls, a large ivory brooch, a silver brooch set with pearls, a silver pencil case, a paste brooch, 5 loose crystals, and some small carved ornaments.

Sept. 26. Received a large cask containing the wearing apparel of the late Mrs. H. at J. in the county of Leicester, which this lady, by her will, had bequeathed to me for the benefit of the Orphans.

Oct. 3. Received the following letter.

"* * *, Oct. 8, 1855.

Dear Mr. Mueller,

The enclosed check for 8l. 1s. 4d. is chiefly the product of a sale for the Orphans, which we held on our sister's wedding-day, and hoping it will be acceptable,

We remain,

Your's affectionately,

* * * * *."

The Orphans on Ashley Down were to be benefited by the day of gladness in this Godly family.—The Godly principle, which brought this donation, refreshed my spirit above the money, and, I doubt not, will refresh other Godly readers.—Let me here say, by the way, to believing parents, Seek to cherish in your children early the habit of being interested about the work of God and about cases of need and distress, and use them too at suitable times, and under suitable circumstances, as your almoners, and you will reap fruit from doing so.

Oct. 10. From Surrey 5s. and a gold chain.—From a shepherd in Australia, who had read my Narrative while tending his flock, 12s.— See how the lady near London sends her gold chain, and the shepherd in Australia his 12s.—Thus the Lord, in the greatest variety of ways supplies me with means, for the greater part through entire strangers. Thus I received one hundred pounds after another, anonymously, through London bankers, until a particular circumstance made known to me the name of the kind Christian donor, whom I have seen but once years ago, and who had, at the same time, sent me considerable donations with his name, whilst his bankers, anonymously, sent his still larger donations of many hundred pounds. I dwell upon this fact, that the reader may be led to own increasingly the hand of God in this work; for I desire that He may be honoured, that His hand may be recognised, and that attention may be drawn to Him, and not to me. It gives me no joy but sorrow, if persons admire me, in connexion with this work, as if I did anything great; as if I acted in a remarkable way. What is it that I do? I simply desire, through this work, to direct the attention of those who need it to the precious truth, that God is unchangeably the same, and that those who take Him at His word, as given to us in the Holy Scriptures, will find how unspeakably blessed it is, even for this life, to do so. To bring back to the written word of God those of His children, who practically have departed from it, and to sound again and again in the ears and consciences of the unbeliever that there is verily a living God who listens to the prayers of those who put their trust in Him, is, as I have often before stated, the great end of this work.

Oct. 11. To day I received, unsolicited, a kind and useful present of flannel and calico, to the amount of 10l., from the ladies constituting the Bristol Dorcas Society.

Oct. 18. "Articles forwarded by friends at a distance," an anonymous but most valuable donation, the particulars of which I am not at liberty to state.—The kind unknown donor or donors should, however, know, that very many pounds have been realized through the sale of these articles, and that they were almost all readily sold.

I cannot help noticing here, how much help the Lord has given us, in disposing of the articles, given for the benefit of the Orphans, and what a considerable sum has come to the funds of the Institution through the fact that believers have been led to send their needless articles. There came in by the sale of articles during the past year, for the Building Fund 21l. 16s. 7d., for missionary objects 15l. 6s. 4d., and for the support of the Orphans 426l. 14s. 9d.

Oct. 27. From Devonshire 4l. "The proceeds of the sale of the Orphans pig." A young pig bought, fattened and sold for the benefit of the Orphans, and this 4l. was sent as the proceeds.

Nov. 3. From St. Leonard's-on-Sea 50l.

Nov. 4. A ring set with 5 brilliants.

Nov. 16. From Yate 10l. and also 5s.

Nov. 19. From New York 25l. From Bath 10l.

Flour is now 65s. per sack. When we began to bake in the New Orphan House, it was from 27s. to 32s. We bought at one time 20 sacks at 27s. Now it is 65s. But the Lord provides us with all we need, though other provisions are also expensive, as well as flour.

Dec. 11. From the north of Devon a brooch, set with an emerald and 10 brilliants.—I took this as a further answer to my prayers, for gifts of diamonds, etc.

Jan. 4, 1856. 42l. 4s. 6d. with these words; "This is the answer of prayers, we have of late without ceasing offered up on behalf the Orphans."—This is one of the most remarkable donations received during the whole year. A brother and sister in the Lord, who labour for Him in seeking to win souls, whilst depending upon Him for all they need, gave themselves to prayer on behalf of the Orphans, and that which the Lord gave them towards the close of the yean 1855, in answer to prayer, enabled them to send this 42l. 4s. 6d. See, dear Reader, that the saints have power with God. This brother and sister have been greatly encouraged by this work, and now, even in the way of means, though they are poor themselves, this work reaps the fruit of their prayers. Be encouraged, then, for yourself to trust in God for all you may need.

Jan.30, 1l. 5s. from Stroud, as "a thank-offering for 25 years of family mercies."

Feb. 3. From Worcestershire 30l.

Feb. 0. From George Town, Demerara, 10 dollars.—From South Town 5l and also 5s.—From Liverpool 50l.

Feb. 9. From Adelaide, Australia, 2l. and also 10s.

Feb. 15. From Hornley, Staffordshire, 20l.

April 5. Received 74l. 9s. 1d., which being left to my disposal for the Lord's work, I took the whole for the support of the Orphans.

April 9. From Worcestershire 50l.

April 19. 1l. from the Grand Duchy of Baden.

I have thus, out of more than 2000 donations, taken a few, to show in what way the Lord is pleased to supply me with means.

Miscellaneous points respecting the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, with reference to the period from May 26, 1855, to May 26, 1856.

1, During this year 4 Day Schools in Bristol, with 203 children, were entirely supported by the funds of the Institution; and nine Day Schools, in Devonshire, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Norfolk, Scotland, British Guiana and Africa, were assisted.—Further, one Sunday School in Bristol, with 158 children, was entirely supported, and eight others, in Gloucestershire, Devonshire, Middlesex, Canada and British Guiana, were assisted.—Lastly, one Adult School in Bristol, with 158 Adult scholars, was entirely supported, and two other Adult Schools, in Kent and Norfolk, were assisted. The amount spent during this year, in connexion with these schools, was 348l. 5s. 11 1/4 d.; and the sum total expended during the last 22 years in connexion with the schools, either entirely, or in part, supported by the funds of this Institution, amounts to 7552l. 18s. 7 1/2 d.—The number of children, who were under our care, merely in the Schools, entirely supported by this Institution, from March 5, 1834, to May 20, 1856, was 6104 in the Day Schools, 2911 in the Sunday Schools, and 2611 persons in the Adult School. Thus, without reckoning the Orphans, 11,626 persons have been brought under habitual instruction in the things of God in these various Schools; besides the many thousands in the Schools in various parts of England, Ireland, Scotland, British Guiana, the East Indies, etc., which have been to a greater or lesser degree assisted.

2, During this year was expended on the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, of the funds of this Institution, 496l. 10s. 0d. There were circulated during this year 2175 Bibles, 1233 New Testaments, 119 copies of the Psalms, and 155 other small portions of the Holy Scriptures.— There have been circulated since March 5, 1834, through the medium of this Institution, 16,124 Bibles, 10,280 New Testaments, 307 copies of the Psalms, and 944 other small portions of the Holy Scriptures.—The sum total spent on the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, since March 5, 1834, is 3880l. 0s.1d.

3. During this year there were spent of the Funds of the Institution for Missionary objects 2501l. 9s. 1d. By this sum, sixty one labourers in the word and doctrine, in various parts of the world, were to a greater or less degree assisted. The amount sent to each of these servants of the Lord is as follows.

To No. 1. Labouring in British Guiana (a European) 171l.

To No. 2. Ditto (Ditto) 110l.

To No. 3. Ditto (Ditto) 62l.

To No. 4. Ditto (Ditto) 58l.

To No. 5. Ditto (Ditto) 48l.

To No. 6. Ditto (Ditto) 33l.

To No. 7. Ditto (Ditto) 8l.

To No. 8 Ditto (A Native) 17l.

To No. 9 Ditto (Ditto) 14l.

To No. 10. Labouring in China (a European) 14l.

To No. 11. Labouring in the East Indies (a European) 60l.

To No. 12. Ditto (Ditto) 40l.

To No. 13. Ditto (Ditto) 25l.

To No 14. Ditto (a Native) 15l.

To No. 15 Labouring in Canada 90l.

To No. 16. Ditto 70l.

To No. 17. Labouring in Belgium 45l.

To No. 18. Labouring in Switzerland 30l.

To No. 19. Labouring in France 30l.

To No. 20. Labouring in Ireland 60l.

To No. 21. Ditto 45l.

To No. 22. Labouring in Scotland 60l.

To No. 23 Labouring in England 90l.

To No. 24. Ditto 80l.

To No. 25. Ditto 60l.

To No. 26. Ditto 60l.

To No. 27. Ditto 58l.

To No. 28. Ditto 50l.

To No. 29. Ditto 50l.

To No. 30. Ditto 50l.

To No. 31. Ditto 50l.

To No. 32. Ditto 45l.

To No. 33. Ditto 45l.

To No. 34. Ditto 45l.

To No. 35. Ditto 40l.

To No. 36. Ditto 40l.

To No. 37. Ditto 40l.

To No. 38. Ditto 35l.

To No. 39. Ditto 35l.

To No. 40. Ditto 35l.

To No. 41. Ditto 35l.

To No. 42. Ditto 30l.

To No. 43. Ditto 30l.

To No. 44. Ditto 30l.

To No. 45. Ditto 30l.

To No. 46. Ditto 25l.

To No. 47. Ditto 25l.

To No. 48. Ditto 25l.

To No. 49. Ditto 20l.

To No. 50. Ditto 20l.

To No. 51. Ditto 20l.

To No. 52. Ditto 15l.

To No. 53. Ditto 15l.

To No. 54. Ditto 15l.

To No. 55. Ditto 15l.

To No. 56. Ditto 10l.

To No. 57. Ditto 8l.

To No. 58. Ditto 8l.

To No. 59. Ditto 8l.

To No. 60. Ditto 5l.

To No. 61. Ditto 5l.

There was also expended for fitting up, or renting, lighting, cleaning, &c., some preaching rooms in spiritually dark villages in Devonshire, Gloucestershire, and Somersetshire, 38l. 9 1

Respecting this part of the work there is great cause for thanksgiving. It has pleased the Lord abundantly to bless the labours of many of these servants of Christ whom I have assisted. Very many souls have been won through them during the past year. On the labours of some in particular, both at home and abroad, an unusual blessing has rested. But whilst I say this to the praise of the Lord, I add the earnest entreaty also, to the believing reader, to supplicate for these dear brethren, that it may please God to give unto them strength of voice, mind and body for their service; but, above all, to renew them in their inward man day by day, and to make them happy in Himself, so that they may out of a happy heart, which is under the power of the truth, set forth the unsearchable riches of Christ. I also request the prayers of the believing reader for an increase of labourers, especially for foreign countries, as almost everywhere there is a great lack of them, and from time to time through death or ill health they are removed from their post of service.

Though more has been expended this year of the funds of the Institution, than during the previous year, for Missionary objects; yet I long to be permitted to do far more than this.

The sum total expended on Missionary operations, of the funds of the Institution, since March 5, 1834, is 18,616l. 9s. 6 1/2 d.

4, There was laid out for the circulation of Tracts, from May 26, 1855, to May 26, 1856, the sum of 791l. 1s. 0 1/2 d., and there were circulated 812,970 Tracts and Books.—The sum total expended on this object, since. Nov. 19, 1840, amounts to 3659l. 16s. 7 1/4 d.—The total number of all the Tracts and Books circulated since Nov. 19, 1840, is 4,397,680.

During this year, as for many years past, there has not been a single open door set before us, where we could profitably have circulated the Holy Scriptures, or given away Tracts, but the Lord has also been pleased to enable us to enter those doors. These opportunities have of late years increased more and more, but the Lord has also been pleased, along with them, to give increased means; and, we doubt not, He will yet further open His bountiful hand, and supply us with means for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures and Gospel Tracts.

I have heard again and again of instances, during the past year in which it had pleased the Lord to bless the circulation of those Tracts and little books, which He had allowed us to issue.

5, At the beginning of this period, there were 297 Orphans in the New Orphan House. During the past year, there were admitted into it 25 Orphans, making 322 in all. Of these 322, one died. Only one! She had been nine years under our care, and we had the great joy of seeing her depart this life as a decided believer in the Lord Jesus. One boy we were obliged to expel from the Institution, after we had long borne with him, but we follow him still with our prayers. 13 boys were fitted out and apprenticed at the expense of the Establishment. Seven girls were sent to service and one was apprenticed, each having been provided with an outfit, at the expense of the Establishment. Several of those who left the Orphan House, we had the joy of sending out as believers. These 23 vacancies, thus occasioned, left on May 26, 1856, only 299 Orphans under our care. This one vacancy, however, was the very next Friday filled up. The total number of Orphans, who have been under our care since April 1836, is 622.

I notice further the following points respecting the Orphan work:

1, At the beginning of this period, there were 715 Orphans waiting for admission. Since then 201 more destitute Orphans, bereaved of both parents by death, and some only a few months old, have been applied for to be admitted, making 916 in all. Of these 916, we were only able to receive 25, as has been stated, and 44 either died or were otherwise provided for, as their relatives or friends informed us; so that there are still 847 waiting for admission. Dear Reader, think of these 847 destitute Orphans, bereaved of both parents! As for myself, I have now before me the most pleasant and heart-refreshing prospect, if the Lord permit, of being able to receive 400 of them about June or July 1857, and also of being permitted to build the third house for 300 more.

2, The average expense for each of the Orphans under our care, during the past year; amounted to 12l. 6s. 8d.

3, Without any one having been personally applied to for anything by me, the sum of 84,441l. 6s. 3 1/4 d. has been given to me for the Orphans, as the result of prayer to God, since the commencement of the work. The total sum given for the other objects, since the commencement of the work, amounts to 28,904l. 11s. 3 3/4 d.; and that which has come in by the sale of Bibles and Tracts, and by the payments of the children in the Day Schools, from the commencement up to May 26, 1856, amounts to 5,145l. 17s. 0d. Besides this, also a great variety and number of articles of clothing, furniture, provisions, etc., have been given for the use of the Orphans.

4, The Lord is pleased to continue to allow us to see fruit in connexion with the Orphan work, and we hear still again and again of cases, in which those, who were formerly under our care, have been led to declare themselves openly for the Lord, besides those, in whom we saw the work of grace manifestly begun, before they left the Orphan House.

5, The total of the current expenses for the Orphans and the various other objects of the Institution, was 8166l. 8s. 5 1/4 d. during the past year.

Matters connected with my own personal affairs, from May 26, 1855, to May 26, 1856.

Dec. 31, 1855. During this year the Lord has been pleased to give me

1. By anonymous donations through the boxes . . . . . . L202 10 9 1/4

2. Through donations from believers in Bristol, not anonymously . . 149 13 9

3. Through donations from believers not residing in Bristol . . . 301 15 8

4. Through presents in clothes, provisions, etc., worth at least . . . 12 16 0

———

L726 10 2 1/4

This, dear Reader, is the writer's statement after having acted on these principles for more than 25 years. You see, not for a week, a month, or even a year, how the writer has been dealt with by the Lord, after he had set out in this way; but, in all simplicity he has related to you, how it has been with him year after year. And now, after more than 25 years, he is still acting on these principles, and is more than ever convinced of their truthfulness and their blessedness; and he is delighted in being able to prove to you, to God's honour, that even for this life he has been no loser by acting out the light which the Lord has been pleased to give to him.

May 26, 1856. Yesterday evening it was 24 years, since I came to labour in Bristol. In looking back upon this period, as it regards the Lord's goodness to my family and myself, the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, and the saints among whom I seek to serve Him, I exclaim, What has God wrought! I marvel at His kindness, and yet I do not; for such is His manner; and, if it please Him that I remain longer on earth, I expect, not fewer manifestations of His love, but more and more.

Since my beloved friend and fellow labourer and I first came to Bristol, 1586 believers have been received into fellowship, which number, with the 68 we found in communion, makes 1654. But out of that number 252 have fallen asleep, 53 have been separated from fellowship, 145 have left us, some however merely through circumstances, and in love, and 510 have left Bristol; so that there are only 694 remaining in communion.