PREFACE (continued 5)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lord has been pleased to give me during this year

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

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

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

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

———

L399 2 11

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

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

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

Keswick, Nov. 25, 1847.

"Dear Mr. Mueller,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

————

L412 18 84

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 28. I received from Calne 2l.

Oct. 30. Received from Bath 1l.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 13. Anonymously for foreign missions 1s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"—— May 1, 1850.

"Dear Brother,

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

Believe me to be, dear brother,

Yours truly in Christ,

* * * *"

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

May 7. The donation of 50l. for the missionary brethren, received four days ago, was very refreshing to my spirit, and most manifestly to me another answer to prayer; but it did not hinder me from continuing in prayer for more means, as I have a great desire to spend again, by God's help, considerable sums in connexion with these various objects, in the course of this month. Moreover, I was looking out for answers to prayer, and therefore expected still further means to come in on the 4th, the 5th, and yesterday; and, as I received nothing, I only prayed the more earnestly, instead of being discouraged. And thus it was that I obtained this morning a still further answer to my supplication, in a donation of 150l., of which I took half for the Orphans and half for these objects, as the disposal of the money was left to me.

My dear Christian reader, will you not try this way? Will you not know for yourself, if as yet you have not known it, the preciousness and the happiness of this way of casting all your cares and burdens and necessities upon God? This way is as open to you as to me. Every one of the children of God is not called by Him to be engaged in such a service as that to which He has condescended to call me; but every one is invited and commanded to trust in the Lord, to trust in Him with all his heart, and to cast his burden upon Him, and to call upon Him in the day of trouble. Will you not do this, my dear brethren in Christ? I long that you may do so. I desire that you may taste the sweetness of that state of heart, in which, while surrounded by difficulties and necessities, you can yet be at peace, because you know that the living God, your Father in heaven, cares for you. Should, however, any one read this, who is not reconciled to God, but is still going on in the ways of sin and carelessness, unbelief and self-righteousness, then let me say to such, that it is impossible, that you should have confidence to come boldly to God in such a state, and I therefore ask you to make confession of your sins to Him, and to put your trust for eternity entirely in the merits of the Lord Jesus, that you may obtain the forgiveness of your sins. Again, should any one read this who has believed in the Lord Jesus, but who is now again living in sin, who is again regarding iniquity in his heart, let not such a one be surprised that he has no confidence toward God, and that he does not know the blessedness of having answers to his prayers; for it is written: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: but verily God bath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer." Ps. lxvi. 18, 19. The first thing such a one has to do is, to forsake his evil course, to make confession of it, and to know afresh the power of the blood of the Lord Jesus on his conscience, by putting his trust in that precious blood, in order that he may obtain confidence toward God.

Supplies for the support of the Orphans, sent in answer to prayer, from May 26, 1848, to May 26, 1850.

When the accounts were closed on May 26, 1848, I had in hand a balance of 1l. 10s. 3 3/4 d. With this amount then we began, whilst day by day above one hundred and thirty persons were to be provided for in the four Orphan-Houses in Wilson Street. Nor was there any money besides available except what had been advanced to the four matrons in the various Orphan-Houses for the week's house-keeping, which was already more than half expended; and I had on the 30th to advance again many pounds for the following week. Place yourself now, dear reader, in my position, in order that you may the more clearly see the hand of God in what follows.

On the very next day, after the accounts were closed, May 27, 1848, I received from Westmoreland five pounds, half of which sum was intended by the donor for the Orphans, and half for the other objects. This donation I took as an earnest out of the hands of the living God, that during the whole of this period also He would provide for these many Orphans, as He had done in former years.

May 28. Received anonymously 3s. 9 1/2 d., and from A. S. A. 10s. 2 1/2 d.

May 29. Today I have received 100l., which, being left to me as most needed, I took half for the Orphans, and half for the other objects. How kind of the Lord to refresh my heart thus in sending me this seasonable help at the very commencement of this period, as there was so little left in hand when the accounts were closed three days since and how especially kind, as tomorrow evening again nearly 20l. will have to be advanced for house-keeping!

June 20. 81l. 8s. 4d. had come in since May 26th. Without any difficulty I had been able to meet all the expenses as they occurred; but now all our money was gone, and this evening I had again to advance the means for a week's house-keeping, whilst there was nothing in hand. Now observe, dear reader, how the Lord helped me! Whilst I was in the very act of beseeching the Lord for fresh supplies, two sisters in the Lord called, who desired to see my dear wife for a few minutes. It was for the purpose of giving her fifteen pounds for the Orphans.—About half an hour after, a brother from Devonshire called, who, on leaving, gave me 5l. for the Orphans. This evening I received still further from Norwich 1l. 1s., together with an eye-glass and a parcel of clothes. There was received also 1s. for Reports. Also a Christian brother from Barnstaple gave me half a sovereign. Thus I was able to meet the house-keeping expenses for the coming week, and to order 2 cwt. of soap, which was needed, amounting altogether to 20l. 10s., and have 1l. 2s. left. The day began and I had nothing, and yet the Lord enabled me to meet all its demands, and I have 1l. 2s. over.

June 21. The Lord is already beginning to give fresh supplies towards the need of the coming week. This morning was sent to me from Essex a large silver mug. There has come in further today from Bath 5s., by sale of Reports 1s., by sale of a book 1s., from South Molton 2s. 6d., from a lady near Bristol 5s., and through an Orphan-box 11s. 6d. and a silver thimble.

June. 23. From Merriott 14s. 4d., from Dundry 5s., through A. S. A. 1s. 6d., from a sister 5s., by sale of Reports 3s. 4d, by sale of articles 1l. 4s. 10d., by the children's knitting 4s. 6d., and from the Isle of Wight 14s. 7d.

June 25. Anonymously from Teignmouth 5l., through Bethesda boxes 6d., ditto 2d.

June 26. From L. M. 1s. 1d., brother F.'s Orphan-box 1s. 1d., by profit from the sale of ladies' baskets 10s., anonymously 1s., ditto 6d., ditto 1d.

June 27. By sale of articles 17s. 3d., from Clifton 10s., from a sister 10s., through a box in my room 10s., from Tiverton 5s., and through the boxes in the Orphan-Houses 4l. 5s. 2d.—Thus we have bad again this evening, in answer to prayer, all the means required for the housekeeping expenses of the coming week, and have a few shillings left.

July 4. Though this day week I had all the means requisite for advancing the house-keeping expenses for this week, yet, after having done so, there remained only a few shillings. I had therefore again to seek help from God respecting the means requisite for this evening, besides means for other expenses, which in the course of the week might come upon me, as the regular house-keeping expenses are not one half of the whole of the expenses for the Orphans. Now, during this week also, I have been helped by the Lord in the following manner:—

On June 28th I received from Uppingham 10s., and 10s., and 1s. Also by sale of Reports came in 6s.—On June 30th was sent from Tetbury 10s. — On July 1st a brother in the Lord gave me 10l.—On July 2nd from A. S. A. 1l., and from a sister 5s. Also anonymously 4s., ditto 10s., ditto 1s. 6d.—On July 3rd from a brother 1l.—-July 4th. By sale of articles 2l. 3s. 6 1/2 d., and by knitting and needlework 6l. 13s. 10d. — Thus I was again able to advance this evening the means for the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, and have a few shillings left.

July 6. The more the Lord is pleased to help me, the more, by His grace, I have confidence in Him. Therefore, though there were only a few shillings left the evening before last, I set myself to prayer that God would be pleased to send everything requisite for continuing this work. Accordingly, two ladies left today, anonymously, at the Infant Orphan-House, 2 old foreign gold watches, an old silver watch, a small gold chain, 6 gold mourning rings, a pair of gold earrings, and 2 necklaces. There was also given today 10s., and 2s. 2 1/2 d. came in by sale of Reports.

July 7. From Edmonton 1l. From a Christian lettercarrier 10s., from a sister 2s. 6d., and from M. R. 5l.

July 8. Through sister C. from a friend 2s., from M. 2s., from D. 1s., and from sister F. 1s. 1d.

July 9. From A. S. A. 10s. Also a brother has brought me this evening 5l.

July 10. From Street 2s., through Salem boxes 3d., and by knitting 10s. 9d.

July 11. By sale of trinkets, &c. 14l. 13s. 7d. From Gloucester 1l., from Tenby 1s. 6d., anonymously 5s., and from one of the labourers in the work 3s.—Thus I had again this evening enough to meet the ordinary housekeeping expenses for the coming week, but I am now looking out for fresh supplies to meet the expenses connected with ordering a fresh quantity of oatmeal from Scotland, &c.

July 12. The Lord has quickly given me an answer, and granted the desire of my heart. I received this morning a donation of 117l. 2s. 7d., to be used as the work of God in my hands might require. Of this sum I took 67l. 2s. 7d. for the Orphans, and 50l. for the other objects.

Aug. 1. From July 12th up to this day we were comfortably provided with means; but this evening, at our usual prayer-meeting, I had only 8l. to give to the four matrons towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, which I did give in the full assurance that the Lord would provide more by the time that this sum was expended, if not before.— Now see how God at this time also helped in His faithful love, and thereby proved that we did not call upon Him in vain. On the next day, Aug. 2, I received from London 1l., from Buttevant 1s. 6d., from "a Leamington grocer" 2s. 6d., from Bedminster 5s., and by sale of Reports 10s. 6d.—On Aug. 3rd came in by the sale of Reports 1s., from Langport 7l. 4s., from a very poor widow 2s., and 8s. besides.—On Aug. 5th was received from Mr. G. B. C. 1l. 1s., from Marbury 6d., from Brighton 10s., from Ayrshire 1l., and from Newbury 1l.—On Aug. 6, from the neighbourhood of Wotton-under Edge 7s., and by profit by the sale of ladies' baskets 10s.—On Aug. 7th from a Christian lady 1l., by sale of Reports 1s., from a sister 10s., through the Chapel-boxes 2s. 6d., and 6d., from Tockington 1l. 1s., through the Orphan-boxes in my house 13s. 6d., from Northam 2l., and from Cork 1l. On Aug. 8th by sale of articles 18s. 2 1/2 d. By sale of Reports 8s. Thus I had everything which was requisite for the expenses of the past week, and had this evening, Tuesday, even 7l. left to advance towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week. My hope and prayer is, that the Lord will be pleased to send in more means before this is gone, as it will only suffice till Friday morning.

Aug. 9. The Lord has been very kind today, and proved afresh that none who trust in Him shall be confounded. There has come in by the sale of Reports 1l. 13s. 10d., by sale of another book given for sale 9d., and from Clevedon 10s., together with a pair of gold ear-drops, a buckle, and a pencil case. This evening, while I was walking in my little garden, lifting up my heart for further supplies for the work of God in my hands, there was given to me a registered letter from Liverpool, containing 20l. for the Orphans. There came also from Lymington 5s. Thus I am able to send the remainder of the money which is needed for house-keeping expenses for this week.

Aug. 10. The Lord has sent in still further supplies in answer to prayer. From a brother I received 1l., from the Isle of Wight 5l., from Bath 5l., from Barking 2 gold seals, 2 pairs of gold ear-rings, 2 gold brooches, a gold snap, a bead necklace, and a small telescope.

Aug. 11. By sale of Reports 1l. 9s. 2d. From Bath 5l.

Aug. 12. From Norfolk 1l. 10s.

Aug. 13. Anonymously 2s. 6d., ditto 6d., ditto 1s.

Aug. 14. By profit from the sale of ladies' baskets 1l.

Aug. 15. Through a box in my house 10s., by sale of articles 15s. 2d., by sale of Reports 2l. 0s. 6d., anonymously 2s., from Keswick 1s., from one of the labourers in the work 10s., and from Chelsea with a great variety of articles 7s. 8d., 7 1/4 d., and 1s. I received also from Bath 2 mourning rings.

Aug. 16, Wednesday. This afternoon I received from a brother, who had sold the greater part of his little property, 20l., of which he wished me to take 10l. for the Building Fund and 10l. for present use for the Orphans. Thus I have received for the Orphans altogether in money, besides many articles, since yesterday week the 8th, 61l. 15s. 8 1/4 d., whereby I have been enabled to supply the means which were yet needed for house-keeping; and I had likewise sufficient to advance last evening all that is needed for house-keeping for this week, and to meet 38l. 2s. 6d. extra expenses, which have come upon me during the last eight days. How seasonable were, therefore, the various donations which the Lord was pleased to send me since the 8th, and how manifestly did they come in answer to prayer! But now I have again scarcely anything left, which, however, does not cast me down, as I shall go afresh, by God's help, to His inexhaustible treasures.

Aug. 22. Tuesday evening. The Lord has again been pleased to send me since last Wednesday morning 17l. 14s. 9d., so that, together with the little which was left last Tuesday evening, I was able to advance the money needed for house-keeping during the coming week. The Lord was pleased to provide me with means for this in the following manner. On Aug. 17th came in 9s. 10d. from Clifton. On Aug. 18th was received by sale of Reports 2l. 1s., and by a donation from Acklow 1l. Also a brother from Bath left anonymously at the Boys' Orphan-House two sovereigns. On Aug 19th a brother from the neighbourhood of Stroud sent me 5l., of which he kindly wished me to take 1l. for my own personal expenses and to use the 4l. as most needed, which I took for the Orphans. Received also 9s. by sale of Reports. On Aug. 20th I received 6s. 6d. and 6s. 10d., being the contents of two Orphan-boxes, also from the neighbourhood of Keynsham 1l., from the neighbourhood of Royston 1l. and from Batheaston 10s.—Aug. 21. Through a box in my house 1l., from Doncaster 10s., by sale of Reports 18s., and from the Isle of Wight 10s. —Aug. 22. By sale of Reports 17s. 6d, by sale of articles 12s. 3d., anonymously 1s., from Thornbury 2s. 6d., and anonymously 4d. Thus, then, I had all the means requisite, and had 11 3/4 d. left.—Think of this, dear reader! 11 3/4 d. I had left and about 130 persons were daily to be provided for, and yet we did not go into debt at that time for anything, nor do we now, nor have we from the commencement of this work. Nor did I make personal application to any one for anything, nor did I directly or indirectly speak about our need, so that persons might be influenced to give. But why not, you may say, dear reader? Simply because this work has for its first and primary end the benefit of the Church at large and of the unconverted world, to show that there is verily a God in Heaven whose ears are open to those who call upon Him in the name of the Lord Jesus, and who put their trust in Him. Cheerfully have I dedicated myself with all my physical, mental, and spiritual energies to this life of faith upon the living God, for everything that I need in connexion with my own personal and family necessities, and in connexion with the work of God in my hands, if but by any means, through it, multitudes of believers and unbelievers may be benefited. Thousands have been benefited by it already, but tens of thousands my heart longs to benefit. No trial, no difficulty, no hardships, no self-denial, will I, by God's help, count too much, if but this end may be attained.— I had then, as I said, 11 3/4 d. left. Now observe how the Lord helped me again this time in answer to the supplications which the evening before, Aug. 22nd, my fellow-labourers and myself had offered up to Him.

On Aug. 23rd, the very next day, came in early in the morning 4s. 6d. by sale of Reports, and a Christian brother from Barnstaple sent 1l. with Matt. vi. 11 ("Give us this day our daily bread"). Also from Torquay was sent a half-sovereign. From Budleigh Salterton 1l., and from Weymouth 2l. together with a gold brooch. There arrived also a parcel from Stowmarket containing the following little sums; 6d., 7s. 6d., 2s., 2s. 6d., 10s., 6s., and 5s. There came in also from Bath 18s. for Reports. Thus I received altogether that day 7l. 5s. 6d., whereby I was enabled to order 8 cwt. of rice, as I was informed the evening before that our store of rice was exhausted.

Aug. 24. By knitting of the children 2s. 3d.

Aug. 25. By sale of Reports 1s., and from F. B. B. 2s. 6d.

Aug. 26. Saturday. Next Tuesday evening again a considerable sum will be needed for house-keeping, whilst at the beginning of this day I had nothing yet towards meeting this demand. Now observe the kindness of the Lord in helping me again bountifully this day. I received from a sister at Tottenham 2l., from Norton St. Philip's 10s., from a village near Leeds 5l., from Southwell 10s., from Edinburgh 21l., of which the donor kindly wished me to take 6l. for my own personal expenses, and 15l. for the Orphans; and from Thornbury for Reports 10s. 6d., as a donation, 2 old three-penny pieces and 20 copper coins, also 5s. from another donor near Thornbury.

Aug. 27. A half-sovereign was received, but the place of the donor is not to be mentioned; from an aged Christian woman 3l. and a pair of silver shirt buttons; and by sale of Reports 10s.

Aug. 28. From a sister as the profit from the sale of ladies' bags 6s. 6d., anonymously 2s. 6d., by sale of Reports 12s., from Weymouth 2l., also 4s., 1s., and 1s. 6d., and from Ryde 1l.

Aug.29. Anonymously from Torquay 1l. There came in also by sale of articles 17s. 6d., by sale of Reports 10s. 6d., and from a sister 2s. 6d.—Thus, by the help of God, we have again received by this Tuesday evening 42l. 3s. 9d., while last Tuesday evening there was only 11 3/4 d. left. How kindly has the Lord therefore, in answer to our supplications, increased "the handful of meal in the barrel!" Thus I have been enabled to advance the needful sum requisite for the house-keeping expenses till next Tuesday evening, and to meet several extra expenses. The remainder of the money has been put by for rent, and towards meeting the current expenses connected with the apprentices; and I am now again, without anything on hand, looking to the Lord for fresh supplies.

Now observe, dear reader, how again the Lord helped at this time also, and notice in particular how, from all parts of the country, yea from great distances, and sometimes also from foreign lands, the donations are sent, and most frequently from persons whom I have never seen, whereby the hand of God is the more strikingly made manifest.—I relate now how we were helped in answer to our prayers, this time, when nothing was left.

Aug. 30. Wednesday evening. I had this evening a long season for prayer for the work in which I am engaged, and sought also especially help from God as to means for present use for the Orphans. While I was in prayer, a parcel of clothes was brought from Weymouth for the benefit of the Orphans, and shortly after another parcel. There were also sent 2s. 6d. as a donation, and 1s. 6d. for Reports. A few minutes after I had finished praying, I received an anonymous letter from Teignmouth, containing 1l. and these lines; "The Lord permits me to send you the enclosed. Dear brother, 'Only believe,' 'O how great is thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men.' Yours ever in Him."—How again has been fulfilled in my experience that word "Only believe!" I am now looking out for more, for I shall shortly again need many pounds, for the current expenses for the Orphans.

Aug. 31. Received from Hull 1l. 8s. 10d., of which 16s. 3 3/4 d. is from A. Z., who intends of this, 10s. for the Building-Fund, and the remainder as most needed, which I took for present use for the Orphans. A young man also sent through A. Z. 6s., and the remaining 6s. 6d. is for Reports. This morning also a sister in the Lord from Malvern called on me, who brought from herself and a few other sisters 4l., of which 10s. is intended by a sister for foreign missions, and the rest to be used as most needed, which I therefore took for the Orphans. I also received from Cheltenham 6s., and 10s. for Reports from Teignmouth, 10s. ditto from Street, and 1s. and 6d. as donations from Street.

Sept. 1. Received from several believers at Bowness 3l. 0s. 6d., of which they kindly intend 1l. for myself, 1l. for foreign missions, and 1l. 0s. 6d., for the Orphans.—From A. S. 5l.—By needlework of the children 6s. 1d., from Shirehampton 5s., and from a sister 2s. 6d.

Sept. 2. From Ilfracombe 1l. 10s. From Wakefield 10l. From Windsor 8l. 10s., of which 2l. 7s. is for Narratives and Reports. By sale of Reports 1l. 8s. 8d., and for needlework done by the Orphans 1l. 17s. 2d.

Sept. 4. A very poor Christian widow, having come into the possession of 10l. through the death of her mother, gave 1l. of it for the Orphans.

This sister in the Lord has since fallen asleep. Will she regret the gift now? Our time is short, very short. Let every child of God stand in the place of service in which He has set him, working while it is called today, "for the night cometh when no man can work." Again and again, while looking over my journal, I meet with names of donors, who have fallen asleep. Shortly, dear reader, your turn and mine may also come.

Sept. 5. The boxes in my house contained 1l. 6s. There came in also by sale of articles 5l. 1s. 8d., by sale of Reports 14s. 4 1/2 d., through the boxes of the Orphan-Houses 4l. 14s. 9 1/2 d., and from a sister 10s. Thus this evening, Tuesday, it was found that the Lord had sent in again since last Tuesday evening, when there was nothing in hand, nearly 50l., so that I have been able to meet all the extra expenses of the week, and to advance again this evening money for house-keeping for the coming week.

Now see how the Lord helped further for the week after this.

Sept. 6. By sale of Reports 13s. 9d. Sept. 8. From a lady 7s. 6d.

Sept. 9. By sale of a small cask of pickles, given for the purpose, 12s. — A brother and sister gave 3l., as a thank-offering to the Lord for the conversion of two brothers, in one week, in answer to prayer. From London 5l. By sale of articles 1s. 4d. From Scotland 12s. 6d. for Reports, and 3s. 6d. for the Orphans. From Crediton was sent 10s., 3s. 6d., and 11s.

Sept. 10. By sale of Reports 11s. 8d.—From a sister 2s. 6d., and through ditto 1s. 6d. Anonymously 1s.

Sept. 11. Profit from the sale of bags 10s.—From a brother in London 10s. From Scotland 3l. 18s. 7d. with 1l. for myself.

Sept. 12. Tuesday. By sale of articles 18s. 8d. By sale of Reports 3s. By a donation 1s. Thus again about 20l. has come in during the past week, and, with what remained in hand last Tuesday evening, I have had over and above what is needed for house-keeping expenses for the coming week.—When I came home this evening from our usual weekly prayer meeting for the Lord's blessing upon the various objects of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, I found that a brother from Tavistock had left at my house 2l. 2s. 6d.

Sept. 13. By sale of Reports 8s. 2d.—From a Christian lady 2 crown pieces and 2 pairs of socks.—From East Coker 1l. 10s., together with many gold articles, &c. Also 1s. 6d. with many articles and some coins. From Belper 10s. for Reports, and 10s. as three donations.

Sept. 15. From Kingstown 5s. as a donation and 10s. for Reports.— This evening 1l. was left anonymously at my house; and a brother left 2 sovereigns at the Boys' Orphan-Rouse. A little boy gave 8d., and 6s. 6d. came in by sale of Reports.

Sept. 10. From a brother at Clifton 1l. 10s.

Sept. 17. By sale of Reports 13s. A.S.A. 10s. Anonymously 10s. From a sister 2s. 6d. Through a sister 10s.

Sept. 19. Tuesday. A gentleman called on me this morning and gave me half-a-sovereign for the Orphans, but would not give his name.—By sale of articles 3l. 0s. 6d., by Reports 8s. 6d., through the box at my house 1l., by a donation 10s. 6d., and paid on behalf of two Orphans 1l. 15s. Evening. Thus again more than 20l. has come in in money during this week, besides many valuable articles. I was thus able to advance all that was needed for house-keeping, and what was left I put by for rent and material for clothes, which have been ordered, trusting in God for fresh supplies for next Tuesday.

The Lord helped us this time again, as the following shows.

Sept. 20. By sale of a Report 6d.

Sept. 21. From Barnstaple was sent 1l. 5s.—Boxes in my house 10s. 6d.—This morning a Christian from Somersetshire called at my house, and said, he only wished to put something into the Orphan-box, and then put in a sovereign.—From Leicester was sent 1l.—This afternoon a letter was left at my house, containing a five pound note and these words: "From a Believer in the efficacy of the prayer of faith, to be appropriated as Mr. Mueller may think fit." As there was only 3l. 16s. in hand for the Orphans, I took this donation for them.—This evening I had again an especial season for prayer respecting the various objects of the Institution. Almost immediately, after I had risen from my knees, I received from Sunderland 1l.

Sept. 23. From Norwich 10s. From Bath 5l. Through a sister in Bristol 5s.

Sept. 24. Anonymously from Liverpool 10s.—From Stourbridge 1l.— From A. S. A. 6s. 8 1/2 d. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. From Cheshire 2l. Anonymously 5s.

Sept. 25. The contents of an Orphan-box 18s. 10d.

Sept. 20. From Brighton 5s. By sale of articles 2l. 6s. 8d. By sale of Reports 1l. 6s. Through Orphan-boxes 5s. 2d. Ditto 2s. 9d. Through the boxes at the Orphan-Houses 2l. 14s. 11d.—Thus the Lord has again sent in about 25l. during the week, whereby I have been enabled to meet all the extra expenses of the week, and to advance for the house-keeping expenses of the coming week.

Sept. 27. When today there was again only a few shillings in hand, I received from Sunderland 2l. 19s. 6d. for Reports. Also from a sister in Bristol 10s. from another 10s. as the profit from the sale of ladies' baskets, and from Plymouth 1l.

Sept. 28. By the sale of trinkets and old silver 9l. 10s.

—From Scarborough 2l. as a donation, and 6s. for Reports.—From Barnstaple 2l. 0s. 9 1/2 d. By sale of Reports 10s.—From a donor in Bristol 1l.

Sept. 30. From a Christian gentleman in Bath 1l. From Oswestry 7s. By sale of Reports 12s.

Oct. 1. By Reports 3s. 4d. From A. S. A. 11s. 10d. Anonymously 10s. From Devonshire 6s. 6d.

Oct. 2. From Liverpool 2s. 6d. By Reports 7s. 6d. From a Brother in Bristol 1l.

Oct. 3. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. and by sale of articles 1l. 9s. 9d. Thus by this evening, Tuesday, again about 28l. has come in, and I have been able to meet all the extra expenses of the work, and advance money for the week's house-keeping; but have now again scarcely anything left.

Oct. 4. By sale of trinkets came in 2l. 17s. 6d.

Oct. 5. From a sister 2s. 6d. From Kingsbridge 1l. 5s.

Oct. 0. By knitting 15s. 3d.

Oct. 7. Received from Sherborne 1l. 9s. 4d. Received also from the neighbourhood of Dartmouth 1l. 0s. 6d. There came in likewise through sister E. Ch. 1l. 5s. 10d.—Also 5l. 14s. 0 1/2 d., being part of the proceeds of a little publication.

Oct. 8. From A. S. A. 5l. Anonymously 1l. Ditto 6s.

Oct. 9. By sale of a Report 6d. From a sister 10s.

Oct. 10. From Cheltenham 10s. By sale of articles 4l. 0s. 1d. By sale of Reports 6s. 2d.—Thus, by this evening, Tuesday, again the sum of 26l. 2s. 8 1/2 d. had come in. I was, therefore, able to meet all the housekeeping expenses of the coming week, besides having paid away 8l. 15s. for apprentices, &c., and have 12s. 8d. left in hand. My heart is assured that the Lord will help further.

Now, dear reader, did the Lord help this time also? Yes, He did. Could it be otherwise? No; for they that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded. Let me then relate to you the way in which God helped us, going on with the extracts from my journal.

Oct. 11. At our meeting yesterday evening we made our supplication to God that He would be pleased to help us further. Immediately after the meeting I received 10s. Also when I came home I found that 6s. had been brought from Gosport for Reports, and 1s. 6d. as the proceeds of an Orphan-box at Gosport. Also 5s. was put by the bearer of the money into an Orphan-box at my house, who also brought a woollen shawl.—Today 1l. was left at one of the Orphan-Houses by "an aged person of a Bristol alms-house," who would not give her name. There came in also by sale of stockings 1l. 4s. 6d. There was likewise left anonymously at my house, an old silver watch, 2 mourning brooches, and 2 gold pins. Thus the Lord has already sent in a little.

Oct. 12. Received in an anonymous letter 1s. 8d. From the Isle of Man 2s. 6d. By sale of Reports 1l. 13s. 6d. Through a brother in Scotland 1l.—From two young gentlemen at Clifton 4s.—From Street 1s. 6d. — Through an Orphan-box 2s. 1d.

Oct. 13. From some believers near Kingsbridge 1l. By sale of articles 15s. Left at the Boys' Orphan-House 5s.

Oct. 14. From Bideford 2l. By sate of Reports 8s. By children's needlework 19s. 8 1/2 d.

Oct. 15. By sale of Reports 2s. 6d. From A. S. A. 13s. 5d. From Barnstaple 1l. From Yorkshire 5l., with these words: "Please to accept the enclosed 5l., as a thank-offering to God for an answer to prayer, in the conversion of a soul. I should like half of it to go to the Orphans, the other half I leave to your discretion." The other half I put to the Building-Fund.

Oct. 10. From Horsington 10s.—Through the boxes at my house 15s. 0 1/2 d.—From a sister 5s.

Oct. 17. From Reading 1l. By sale of Reports 5s. 6d. By sale of articles 4l. 10s. 6d.—Thus by this evening, Tuesday, the Lord had sent in again 23l. 11s. 3d., whereby I had enough for advancing the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, and the remainder I put by for the rent and the current expenses for the apprentices.

Oct. 18. When now there was again nothing in hand, I received by sale of Reports 12s., by a donation 7s, from Notts 5s. 1d., in small contributions 12s. 3d., and 1s.

Oct. 19. Anonymously from Tottenham a half-sovereign. From Collumpton 8s. 6d. and 11s. 6d.

Oct. 20. By sale of Reports 4s. From Barnstaple 5s. From a sister 2s. 6d., and from Madeley 1s. From Dublin 5s.

Oct. 21. From Clevedon 1l. 10s. From Cirencester 1l. 13s. 4d. and also 3s.—By sale of Reports 1l. 2s. 6d.

Oct. 22. From A. S. A. 11s. 3 1/2 d. Anonymously 10s. Ditto 8d. From a clergyman 10s. From S. 10s. By sale of Reports 1s. 6d. From a sister 5l. Oct. 24. By sale of Reports 5s. 4d. Boxes in the Orphan-Houses 1l. 2s. By sale of articles 3l. 2s. 1d.—Thus by this evening, Tuesday, again 20l. 4s. 11 1/2 d, had been received, and as the expenses of the coming week for house-keeping, together with some extra expenses during the past week, did not amount to more than 18l. 1s. 6d., I had 2l. 3s. 5 1/2 d. left, which I put by for the rent and the current expenses for the apprentices, and am again looking to the Lord for fresh supplies, and again assured that He will help me.

Oct. 31. Since last Tuesday evening it has pleased God again to make it abundantly manifest that we do not wait on Him in vain. Besides many articles, there came in 24l. 4s. 8 3/4 d. As the money which was needed for the house-keeping expenses for the coming week, together with a few other small expenses which I had had to meet during the last week, did not amount to more than 19l. 19s. 3d., there was more than 4l. left, which I put by towards the rent and the expenses for the apprentices, and hope in God for the next week.

Nov. 1. When I came home last evening from our usual weekly prayer meeting, I found 1l. from R. L. H. Thus the Lord has already given a little.—There arrived today a box from Reading, containing the following articles from various donors:

A black feather. Also two pairs of ladies' shoes and a pair of velvet boots. Also two ladies' bags, 2 pairs of bracelets, 2 waistbands, a pair of baby's shoes, 2 neck ribands, and some white lace.—Further, a pair of worked slippers, a thimble case, 2 pin-cushions, a pair of baby's stays, a lady's bag, a pocket-book, a silver brooch, 2 gilt brooches, a gilt seal, and 12 yards of calico.—Further, a box of artificial flowers. Also an urn stand. Further, a bible and prayer book in a case. Further, a little box containing 2 gold rings, a gilt chain, a bead necklace, some mock pearls, and a gilt buckle.—Likewise a paper containing a smelling bottle, a pen knife, a waist buckle, and a card.—Further, a paper containing 2 needle-cases, a purse, 2 little books, 2 medals, a scent bag, a little smelling bottle, 3 pebbles, and 3 mourning necklaces. Another paper, containing 4 gold rings, a gold pin, 2 old silver thimbles, the handle of a silver fruit knife, a snuff-box, 2 silver mounted corks, 7 pin-cushions, a needle-book, a pair of bracelets, a bead purse, a smelling bottle, a silver brooch, a gold brooch, a bead necklace, a pair of compasses, a broken gold watch key, 1 shilling, an old silver thimble, an emery cushion, a gold ring, a cloak fastener, and a little bead bag.— Another paper, containing a silk scarf, a shawl, and some muslin for night-caps. A paper box, containing a silver-mounted smelling bottle, a toilette cushion, an amethyst brooch, a silver butter-knife, a pair of gloves, and 2 shillings for missions. Another paper, containing 8 1/2 yards of blue print.—Also 50 books and some pamphlets. —Lastly, a gauze dress, a silk dress, a collar, and 3 caps.—I have on purpose given here at full length the contents of this box, to show what a variety of articles, either for sale or for the use of the Orphans, has been sent.—There arrived also today, anonymously, a box from a considerable distance, containing more than one hundred different articles. There was also 5s. in this box, to pay for the carriage. This day also came in by sale of Reports 2s. 6d., and by needlework of the Orphans 19s. 1d.

Nov. 2. From the neighbourhood of Lutterworth a half-sovereign, from a sister in Bristol 10s., through a brother half-a-crown and 4 frocks.

Nov. 3. From S. N. 2s. 6d.

Nov. S. From A. S. A. 8s. Anonymously 2s. 6d. By sale of Reports 1s. 4d.

Nov. 6. By sale of stockings 9s. 2d. From Cumberland 5l. From Ayrshire 1l.

Nov. 7. By sale of articles 2l. 9s. 4 1/2 d., and by sale of a Report 6d. This evening, Tuesday, as only 13l. 3s. 5 1/2 d. had come in during the week, I had only 7l. to advance towards the house-keeping expenses of the coming week, after having met some other expenses. But I hope in God for more, before this is gone, which will only last two or three days.

Nov. 5. By sale of Reports came in 3s., and 2s. 6d. was given by a relative of one of the Orphans.

Nov. 9. Only 5s. 6d. had come in yesterday. Tomorrow more money will be needed for house-keeping. In this our poverty I received this morning One Thousand Pounds. The money being left to me for disposal as it might be most needed, I took of it 600l. for the Building Fund, 300l. for missionary purposes and the circulation of bibles and tracts, and 100l. for present use of the Orphans. I have thus the means which are yet needed for this week's house-keeping expenses, besides being able to meet other heavy expenses which are before me next week.

Feb. 20, 1849. For three months and ten days, since Nov. 9, 1848, the donations have always come in so, that we abounded during the whole period, there having been always fresh donations received, before all the money in hand was disbursed. The total amount that came in during this period was 469l. 14s. 10d. Now today there was no money in hand for advancing the amount needed for the next week's house-keeping. All the money in hand was due for rent, and therefore unavailable, as I never go in debt for anything. In this our need there was given to me this afternoon the sum of 200l., which was left to my disposal for fitting up the New Orphan-House, or for any of the objects in connexion with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution that might be in need. As, however, I have all the means for fitting up and furnishing the New Orphan-House, as far as I know, and as there is no money in hand for present use for the Orphans, I took 100l. for that object, and 100l. for the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, for the Day-Schools, the Sunday-School, and the Adult-School, and for Home and Foreign labourers in the Word.

March 9. The New Orphan-House is now nearly ready. On this account we have to get in large supplies for the children's clothes. Within the last few days I have ordered thousands of yards of material for this purpose, and thousands more will need to be ordered, besides providing a stock of many other things. For this large sums are needed. Under these circumstances I received today a donation of 300l., to be used for the Building Fund, or the current expenses of the various objects, just as it might be most required. As I judge that we have all that is needed for the fitting up and furnishing of the house, and as there is more in hand than usual for the missionary objects, the circulation of Bibles and Tracts, and for the various Schools, and as we have only about 60l. for present use for the Orphans, towards meeting all the heavy expenses before us, I took the whole of this donation for the Orphans, as the donor has kindly left the disposal of the money entirely to me. This donation, coming in just now, has been an exceedingly great refreshment to my spirit; for it is, at the commencement of the great increase of our expenses, in connexion with the 300 Orphans, instead of 120, like an earnest from God, that He will supply us also with means when the demands for the 300 will be more than twice as great as they are now. Through this donation I have means to meet all the expenses which will be incurred in getting in for the new establishment the stores of provisions, soap, material for clothes, haberdashery, and of the many other articles of which it would be desirable to buy our supplies on wholesale terms. The Lord be praised for His kindness!

April 10. Received this afternoon the following letter:—"Dear Brother,

"I have the pleasure today of sowing a little more seed-corn for eternity. Employ the enclosed 50l., if you please, for the support of the Orphans. The remaining 5l. be pleased to divide between yourself and dear brother Craik.

"Yours very truly in Christ,

"* * * *"

From the same donor I had recently had two donations of 120l. and 100l.

April 11. From the brethren at Sunderland, assembling at Bethesda chapel, 10l., as a part of their annual thank-offering to the Lord for Church mercies during the last twelvemonth.

April 18. Today I received a donation of 250l., of which I took 100l. for the Orphans, and the other 150l. for the other objects. Never were the current expenses for the Orphans nearly so great as they are now, but at the same time never was the income nearly so great. Thereby the Lord, as it were, says, that, when the New Orphan-House shall have been filled with Orphans, He will likewise give what is requisite for them. Whilst yet much is in hand, He has been pleased to send this donation.

From April 19th to May 23rd, the Lord was pleased to send in still further many donations.

May 23. Today I received 360l., of which I took half for the current expenses for the Orphans, and half for the other objects. By this donation I am still further provided with means to meet all the expenses connected with the removal of the children into the New Orphan-House, the reception and fitting out of many fresh children, the filling the stores of the New Orphan-House, &c. How does the Lord by all this clearly say, that, when this house shall have been filled with children, He will provide the means for their support!

June 18. Today, as the fruit of the prayers of three years and seven months, the children began to be moved from the four Orphan-Houses in Wilson Street, Bristol, into the New Orphan-House.

June 23. Saturday Evening. This has been indeed a week of great and many and peculiar mercies. All the Orphans with their teachers and overseers have been moved into the New Orphan-House, during Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; so that there are now about 140 persons under one roof. The Lord has most signally helped.—As I had for more than three years sought the help of God concerning all matters connected with the New Orphan-House, I did expect His help in this particular also; but He has done beyond my expectations. Though only the day before yesterday the last children were moved in, there is already such a measure of order established in the house, by the help of God, as that things can be done by the minute hands of the timepieces. His name is to be praised for this, and my soul does magnify Him for His goodness!—Also with regard to temporal supplies for the dear Orphans, the Lord has been exceedingly kind. On the second day of receiving the children, there was sent 20l. On the third day, an individual, who walked with me through part of the house, said, "These children must consume a great deal of provisions," and, whilst saying it, took out of his pocket a roll of Bank of England notes, to the amount of one hundred pounds, and gave them to me for the Orphans. On the same evening there was also sent for the Orphans a very large cask of treacle, and for their teachers and overseers 6 loaves of sugar. Also a cooper made gratuitously two large new casks for treacle. On the next day I received information that about 10 cwt. of rice had been purchased for the Orphans, which should be sent. Besides this, several small donations have come in. So bountifully has the Lord been pleased to help of late, that I have not only been able to meet all the extraordinary heavy expenses connected with moving the Orphans from Wilson Street into the New Orphan-House, filling the stores of the New Orphan-House, &c.; but I have more than five hundred pounds in hand, to begin house-keeping in the New Orphan-House. How true that word that those that trust in the Lord shall not be confounded! After all the many and long-continued seasons of great trial of faith within these thirteen years and two months, during which the Orphans were in Wilson Street, the Lord dismisses us from thence in comparative abundance. His holy name be praised for it!

In order that this chapter may not be too long, I can only mention of the donations, from June 23, 1849, to May 20, 1850, those which came in under particular circumstances. The total amount received from June 23, 1849, to May 26, 1850, for the current expenses of the Orphans, was 2,102l. 13s. 4 3/4 d.

Aug. 30. Received a Fifty Pound Note with these words: "I send you herewith a Fifty Pound Note, half for the Missions, half for the Orphans, unless you are in any personal need; if so, take 5l. for yourself. This will be the last large sum I shall be able to transmit to you. Almost all the rest is already out at interest." I took half of this 50l. for the Orphans and half for Missionaries. The writer sold some time since his only earthly possession, and sent me at different times sums of 120l., of 100l., of 55l., of 50l, and of 20l. for the work of the Lord in my hands. When he says therefore "the rest is already out at interest," he means that he has given it away for the Lord, which indeed both for time and eternity is the very best way of using the means with which the Lord may be pleased to intrust us, in so far as, considering in the fear of God all our various claims and duties and relationships, we may do so. As this is written for the spiritual profit of the reader, I cannot but add to this extract from my journal under Aug. 30, 1849, that since that time I have received other donations from the same donor, and much larger still. He used for God the means with which He was pleased to intrust him, and, contrary to this brother's expectation, the above 50l. was not the last large donation; for it pleased God soon after, to intrust him with another considerable sum, which he again used for the Lord. This did not at all surprise me; for it is the Lord's order, that, in whatever way He is pleased to make us His stewards, whether as to temporal or spiritual things, if we are indeed acting as stewards and not as owners, He will make us stewards over more. But for more, on this deeply important subject, I must refer the reader to the third part of this Narrative, page 575 to 604.

Sept. 27. From friends at Othery 20l.—This donation is very refreshing to my spirit. Last evening and this morning I had especially besought the Lord, that He would be pleased to continue to send me means, as the expenses are now so great; for there are 107 Orphans in the house, and about 190 persons daily sit down to their meals, and this number is every week increasing. Now, by this donation, which comes not only from an entirely new but also most unexpected quarter, the Lord is, as it were, saying to me, that He will not fail to help me, even when there shall be about 330 persons in the house, for which number it is fitted up.

Oct. S. Yesterday again seven Orphans were received. Every week I am now taking in five, six, seven, or eight; and within the last nine weeks altogether have been received, and about 200 persons sit down daily to their meals. This has greatly increased the expenses already, and they will be still more increased, as I purpose to receive still further 120 Orphans, if God permit, to make up the number 300. Yesterday, after having received the seven children, I again gave myself to prayer for an increase of means. Now today I have received from Devonshire a set of valuable jewels, i.e. a ring set with 5 brilliants, a brooch set with 12 larger and 12 smaller brilliants and 1 large emerald, and a pair of ear-rings, both together set with 10 brilliants and 2 emeralds. The bearer brought also 1l. 10s. 4d. and 10s. 2d., being the proceeds of two Orphan-boxes, likewise 1l. 4s. 6d. At the same time I received from another brother from Devonshire. 4l.; and from a third 16s. 10d.— Truly the Lord does not allow me to wait upon Him in vain!

Nov. 1. Today I have again received seven Orphans. There are now about 220 persons daily sitting down to their meals in the Orphan-House. Before the seven fresh Orphans were brought, I received a letter from a banker in London, giving me information that a brother in the Lord, living between 200 and 300 miles from hence, had given order to pay me 40l. for the Orphans.—By the same post I received anonymously from London 5/. from the same donor, who has now for several years sent twice every year this amount, of which she kindly wishes me to use half for my own personal expenses, and half for the work of the Lord in my hands. I took the half for the Orphans.—This was not all. In the afternoon, whilst receiving the Orphans, there came in still further 69l. 3s. 8d., also 2s. and a few articles.

Nov. 16. About 260l. has been spent within these 16 days, i.e. since the first of the month, for current expenses for the Orphans alone, and about 120l. for the other objects, making in all about 380l. within half a month. Lord look upon the necessities of Thy servant, seeing that now the outgoings are so large!

Nov. 30. We have been helped through this month most comfortably, though the expenses for the Orphans have been heavier by far, than in any month all the 14 years since this work was commenced, having been 380l. 9s. 2d., and, including the expenses for the other objects, about 540l.

Dec. 4. Today was paid to me a legacy of 50l., left for the benefit of the Orphans.

Dec. 12. Anonymously a Bank Post Bill for 50l. 13s. 6d.

Jan. 9, 1850. Today was sent to me from the Committee of the Cholera Fund in Bristol 20l., which the gentlemen constituting it had voted for the benefit of the twenty children who had lost their parents in the Cholera, and whom I had received into the New Orphan-House.

I had not applied either directly or indirectly for this money; indeed I was reluctant even to give information as to the number of Cholera Orphans received, lest there should be even the appearance as if after all I asked for money, instead of solely trusting in the living God. But some of the gentlemen on the Committee, knowing the fact that I had received many Orphans, made such by means of the Cholera, proposed that there should be paid to the Institution a sovereign on account of each such child received. This sum was especially remarkable to me as a fresh proof of the numberless ways, which God has at His command for providing me with means.

I also cannot help noticing the remarkable coincidence that, at the time God visited this land with the Cholera, in 1849, I had so much room for the reception of Orphans. The Lord was pleased to allow me the joy and sweet privilege of receiving altogether twenty-six children, from ten months old and upward, who lost their parents in the Cholera at that time, and many besides, since then, who were bereaved of their parents through this fearful malady.

Jan. 31. Today five more Orphans are to be received. For the last fortnight, comparatively little had come in for the Orphans, i.e. not quite 60l. In the prospect of the Orphans coming today, I said last evening to my dear wife, that the Lord would send us something for them; for I have often found, that either He has sent something with the children, or at the time that they have been received. It was but about ten minutes after I had said so, when I received 450l. (see the account of the income for the other objects), of which I took 200l. for the Orphans. This morning I received further 10l. from a pious countess in Edinburgh, and 10s. from Deptford. Thus the Lord has indeed sent something for the Orphans. It is now seven months and thirteen days since the Orphans began to be received into the New Orphan-House. The expenses for them have been since then Fifteen Hundred and Twenty Pounds; and yet we have this day more in hand, than when the New Orphan-House was opened. Unbelief and natural reason would have said, and did say, If there have often been scarcely any means in hand, while the Orphans were in the rented houses, and only about 120 in number, how will it be when there shall be 300 in the New Orphan-House? But faith's reply was, Our poverty has been only for the trial of our faith, and it will be as easy to the Lord to provide for 300 as for 120 Orphans. And thus we have proved it hitherto, and, no doubt, shall prove it, as long as the Lord shall enable us to trust in Him.

May 25, 1850. The Lord has up to the close of this period helped also for this as well as for the other parts of the work; for during this last week I have received about 62l. for the current expenses for the Orphans. With confidence in the living God I step into the new period, though our expenses are now far heavier than ever they were, being fully assured of His faithfulness. May He be pleased to uphold me during the remainder of my earthly pilgrimage in His fear and truth, and may He graciously be pleased to give me day by day the faith which my circumstances may require.

Closing account as to the way in which the means were obtained for the expenses connected with the erection, fitting up, and furnishing of the New Orphan-House, Ashley Down, Bristol.

At the time where the last chapter, referring to this subject, closes, the New Orphan-House was being built. Part of it was already roofed in, and the remainder was to be roofed not many weeks afterwards. But how much did there yet remain to be done in other respects! A building so considerable as to contain about 300 large windows, would require, even after it was finished, an immense amount of labour, to be fitted up and furnished for 330 persons. Then, after this was done, the settling in of the Orphans and their teachers and other overseers, needed still more abundant help. Further, the obtaining of suitable helpers for this part of the work, was indeed no small matter. Lastly, though the Lord had been pleased to give me already above Eleven Thousand Pounds for the New Orphan-House, yet I needed several thousand pounds more, in order to bring the whole into such a state, as might render the building fit for the reception of the Orphans. And now, in looking back, and finding that I not only was helped in all these matters, but also in every one of them far beyond my largest expectations —does it not become me to say to those who love the Lord Jesus, and into whose hands this account may fall: "0 magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!" Each one of the foregoing difficulties which still existed on the 26th of May, 1848, was so great, that if only one of them had remained, and I had not been helped, what would have been the result? But while the prospect before me would have been overwhelming had I looked at it naturally, I was never, even for once, permitted to question what would be the end. For as, from the beginning, I was sure that it was the will of God, that I should go to the work of building for Him this large Orphan-House, so also, from the beginning, I was as certain that the whole would be finished, as if the building had been already before my natural eyes, and as if the house had been already filled with three hundred destitute Orphans. I was therefore of good courage, in the midst of an overwhelming pressure of work yet to be done, and very many difficulties yet to be overcome, and thousands of pounds yet needed; and I gave myself still further to prayer, and sought still further to exercise faith on the promises of God. And now, the work is done, the difficulties are overcome, all the money that was needed has been obtained, and even more than I needed; and, as to helpers in the work, I have obtained even beyond my expectations and prayers. Nearly seven years have passed away already [1856] since the New Orphan-House was opened, and about three hundred and thirty persons sit down in it day by day to their meals.

The Godly reader will feel interested in learning now further particulars, as to how it pleased God to assist me in accomplishing my desires, with reference to the preparation of the House for the reception of the children, and I therefore relate the manner in which I received further pecuniary supplies; and, whilst doing so, will here and there make remarks concerning other points, which may throw light on the subject.

Up to May 26, 1848, I had received altogether towards meeting the expenses connected with the building of the New Orphan-House the sum of 11,062l. 4s. 11 1/2 d. I now state further, some instances, merely as specimens, as to the manner in which it pleased the Lord, to provide me further with means for fitting up and furnishing the New Orphan-House, without applying to a single individual personally for anything, but only giving myself to prayer.

June 8, 1848. I received 5l. 17s. as the "Proceeds from the sale of a Tree for the New Orphan-House."

June 17. Received 5l., of which 4l. 1s. is the proceeds from the sale of "a second tree for the New Orphan-House," and 19s. for present use for the Orphans.—The reader is here called upon to notice that, whilst I had yet to obtain several thousand pounds for finishing the New Orphan-House, all the other current expenses of the various objects of the Institution were going on; and for none of all these pecuniary necessities had I any regular certain income whatever, nor did I seek help from any one but the living God only.

June 20. A brother and sister gave four silver table spoons, twelve silver tea spoons, and a pair of silver sugar tongs for sale.

Aug. 7. From a sister in the Lord 200l.—With 2 Cor. viii. 12, 1s. — Anonymously from J. H. W. 5s., as "a thank-offering to the Lord for His delivering goodness in sickness."—Anonymously 1s.

Aug. 13. From a brother 10s. This brother had worked overtime, and in prayer he told the Lord that, if his employers gave him anything for it, he would give it to the Building Fund, as he had a great desire to contribute something towards this work, from which he had been kept for want of means.